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Ventura College Foundation announces recipients of First Allied Health Scholarships

The 2019 Allied Health scholarship recipients were all smiles.

Ventura College students interested in careers in the medical and health fields received the first annual Allied Health Scholarship awards from the Ventura College Foundation at an April 13 ceremony at the college.

A total of $93,300 in scholarships were awarded to 42 students who are currently taking or plan on taking courses in the college’s Holistic Health Studies, Kinesiology Program, Paramedic Studies, Nursing Science, Certified Nursing Assistant or Emergency Medical Technology programs.

Now part of the Allied Health Scholarship umbrella, this is the 20th year that Paramedic Studies has been offered at Ventura College. Scholarships have been awarded to students in the program since its inception. Students who complete their course work receive a paramedic certification that meets state and national licensing requirements.

“Scholarship funds mean students don’t have to work extra shifts to pay monthly bills while in the program. This allows them to focus on their studies,” says Thomas O’Connor, Paramedic Studies Department Chair. “Having scholarships that cover the costs of the program and assist with living expenses has an immense impact on student success.”

Clarissa Swallows from Oxnard is one of this year’s scholarship winners. In fact, she received scholarships from two different donors. “The experience made me want to jump right into school and become a nurse,” says Swallow, now 38, “but I knew that I had to focus on emotional healing and building a stable life before I could manage going back to school.”

Seventy percent of California nurses receive their education at a California community college. Students who complete their Ventura College Nursing courses and become licensed enjoy a 100 percent employment rate and 86 percent of students attain a regional living wage. In existence for 55 years, Ventura College’s nursing program is the largest in the county, graduating the majority of the county’s nursing students.

Headed for a career in nursing is scholarship recipient Edward Ramirez from Santa Paula. He is currently enrolled in the Ventura College Nursing program. “In high school, I had an epiphany that what I wanted to do with my life was to help people,” says Ramirez. “I had been trying to work and go to school. These scholarships are the difference between being able to sleep at night before an exam and needing to use those late hours to study. Words can’t convey how much this means to me and how much assistance it really is.”

Vol. 12, No. 15 – Apr 24 – May 7, 2019 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi, I’m Justin an Australian Shepherd / Spaniel X who is in need of a new home.

I’m a great dog, but I bond with people and can become protective of them. I need an experienced owner who can give me the structure and consistency that I need so I can relax and enjoy life. I didn’t react at all to the stray cats at C.A.R.L.’s Pet Care Center, so I might be ok with a cat.

I’ve been in playgroups at the kennel with dogs my size and I was tolerant of dogs who came up to me. I did not show any signs of aggression. I am more of an observer. I do not initiate play or join in playing. I seem to prefer women over men.

I’m ready for Easter and my new home. Could that home be yours? Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Adolfo is not just another handsome face; he is also 50 pounds of affection, energy and goofiness.  He is 5 years old, but most folks assume is much
younger because he is so puppy like. Adolfo loves, loves people and he wants one or more of them to call his own. He knows his commands of “sit”, “down”
and “roll over”, which he usually does all at once!  He is a very smart boy and anyone who adopts him will find it easy to train him. Come meet this silly dog in kennel # 40 at VCAS. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive

Arbor Day 2019

by City Council Member Christy Weir

I grew up in a house between two huge walnut trees. Those old trees fed, shaded and entertained us. Many evenings were spent cracking walnuts, our fingers turning black. Summer days we enjoyed climbing, creating rope swings and building forts in our tall, sturdy trees. Fortunately, the developer who built our neighborhood preserved some of the existing walnut orchard when he built the homes. I have vivid memories of the thick, rough trunks, the strong branches, the perfect perches and the smell of roasting walnuts.

As Arbor Day (April 26) approaches, we are reminded of the crucial role trees play in our city and in our world—they are nature’s remarkable gift to us.

Here are 12 ways that trees keep our environment beautiful and healthy:

Trees combat the greenhouse effect

Burning fossil fuels and destroying tropical rainforests have created excess greenhouse gases. Heat from the sun, reflected back from the earth, is trapped in this thickening layer of gases, causing global temperatures to rise. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas. Trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles and can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

Trees clean the air

Trees absorb odors and air pollution and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees cool streets and cities

Average temperatures in Los Angeles have risen 6°F in the last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the number of heat-absorbing roads and buildings has increased.

Trees can cool cities by up to 10°F, by shading homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Trees save water

Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty yards. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week.

Trees help prevent water pollution

Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall, allowing water to flow down the trunk into the earth below the tree, and absorbing water through leaves. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean and replenishes underground aquifers.

Trees help prevent soil erosion

On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.

Trees shield children from ultra-violet rays

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds – where children spend hours outdoors.

Trees provide food

Fruit trees can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on most urban lots. Aside from fruit for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.

Trees heal

Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature.

Trees provide screening

Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways. Trees absorb dust, block wind and reduce glare.

Trees increase property values

The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.

Trees increase business traffic

Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will slow traffic, so drivers have time to look at the storefronts.

The City of Ventura has been designated a Tree City USA, and we continually strive to improve the health of our urban forest—35,000 city trees in parks and along public streets. Last year, we planted 106 new street trees, and trimmed 7630 trees. You may have noticed one of our most recent additions, slow-release watering bags on newly-planted street trees. This gives thirsty young trees the water they need and saves time for our busy urban forestry staff. We are using recycled water, trucked from the city’s wastewater treatment plant. We are also requiring that the landscaping in parking lots include plenty of canopy trees, for purposes of shade, aesthetics and water and air quality.

The City will be observing Arbor Day this year by planting six trees in Arroyo Verde Park, to replace trees destroyed in the Thomas Fire. You can help us celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree in your yard. Recommended species for Ventura are listed on our website, www.cityofventura.net, under Urban Forestry.

Jim Friedman’s new perspective on serving the Ventura people

“I like seeing results and I like to make people happy whenever possible.“

by Maryssa Rillo

Jim Friedman served as a member of the Ventura City Council from 1995-2002. He also served as mayor in 1998 and 1999. Now, 15 years later, Friedman is back and was reelected in 2018 to represent District 5.

According to Friedman, money is a bigger issue today than it was the first time he served. The break he had from serving on the Ventura City Council gave him the opportunity to gain a new perspective of the city and see what was going on from the outside in. Friedman said that with this new perspective he has been given the “opportunity to hit the ground coming.” I spoke with Friedman about his reelection and how he plans to execute the goals he has in place to serve the Ventura people.

Q: What are your major goals while serving District 5?

A: I ran on enhancing our basic core services which is: public safety (police and fire), fixing our streets, sidewalks and trimming our trees and/or replacing them. I spoke to hundreds of people, so I feel like I have a pretty good pulse at what the community, at least in District 5 want and they want what I was running on: enhanced essential core services.

My other goal is to help streamline our economic development process. Whether that means new businesses coming into town or businesses wanting to expand. I think there are way too many bureaucracies in our city and the city is at times too involved. There are simpler ways of doing things that the council can initiate if there is a will of the council to do that.

Q: Why do you think it is an important issue to help businesses in Ventura?

A: My biggest concern is that Ventura is becoming a retirement community that ultimately will not be able to afford itself. There are many young people who are born and raised here that will not be able to live here because there aren’t houses in a price range for them to afford.

How do you solve this issue? It’s simple, more money. We won’t be able to tax and fee ourselves into prosperity. The way I see it, it’s only going to come from economic development. That’s why I hope we have at least four members of the city council that believe that way, so we can start doing things to make it easier for people who are trying to do business in our city. We will all ultimately benefit from this through the increased revenues that we will get from them.

Q: How do you plan on making it easier for new businesses and current businesses wanting to expand in Ventura?

A: Businesses don’t know what the city’s expectations are of them. It seems like a never ending cycle and I know for a fact Ventura has gained a reputation of a city you want to stay away from because they’ll drive you crazy with these additional requirements, opposed from having a system set up where you know what you need to do from the very beginning and that can be changed. That will be the will of the council saying ‘city manager we need this streamlined. We have to change our reputation in the regent. We need to be known as being business friendly opposed to at times being very difficult to deal with.’

Q: What are your plans on executing your goal of enhanced public safety?

A: As far as I am concerned the number one priority is public safety. If you don’t feel safe in your community then you don’t have quality of life in your community. The only way we can deal with that is prioritizing the budget so that there are resources available to keep the community safe. We won’t be able to generate any real income by raising fees. That’s why I think economic development is going to be the absolute key to getting just about anything done in our city that we want to get done.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving Ventura City?

A: To be in a position to really be able to make a difference to the community. Whether that be a resident in District 5 or a resident/business owner anywhere throughout the city.

My task is to help solve a problem for a constituent or a resident and I really enjoy doing that. I like seeing results and I like to make people happy whenever possible.

Note: The Breeze also asked new council members Sofia Rubalcava and Lorrie Brown to also have and article in the Breeze but have not heard back from them. Hopefully we will.

18th Annual Festival of Talent showcases Ventura students, teachers and staff

Madhu Bajaj and Dr. Rice enjoyed the talents of Serena Ropersmith, Kelsa Ropersmith and Kamille Kada.

by Amy Brown

Talent is one of the Ventura Unified School District’s natural resources, as evidenced by this year’s much anticipated Festival of Talent event, “We Got The Beat”, on March 23rd. The show featured a range of dynamic performances, from a big production opening act featuring Ventura Unified School District faculty and staff, along with singing, dancing and specialty acts, to daring aerial trapeze performances. The event held at the Ventura High School auditorium and directed by Beverly and Kirby Ward, is the largest fundraising event for the Ventura Education Partnership (VEP), with 100% of proceeds donated to grants for individual teachers to enhance their curricula.

The audience was large and enthusiastic, and included many friends and families, and members of the school board, as well as the new VUSD Superintendent, Dr. Roger Rice. Each of the 22 performances, some of which included combinations of performances from students, teachers, and school district staff, had to pass a rigorous audition process to be selected for the show. “This year’s Festival of Talent was my first and I was blown away. The talent on stage was incredible and the production flawless,” said Dr. Rice. “The best part of the evening though was how strongly the community supported a program run by the Ventura Education Partnership to fund innovative units developed by teachers that will make education a more compelling experience for stunts.  I can’t wait for next year!”

Ventura Education Partnership is an all-volunteer nonprofit with a mission of connecting community resources to support and sustain innovation in education to benefit VUSD students. It has been providing grants since its inception in 1988, and in the past 10 years alone has provided more than $1.3 million in small grants to VUSD teachers. “VEPGrants provide teachers with amazing ideas a bit of funding needed to bring innovation to their classrooms. These innovations deeply engage students in their learning, promote collaboration and facilitate forward thinking. By supporting VEP, the community is investing directly in enriching the classroom experience for teachers and students,” said Madhu Bajaj, President, Ventura Education Partnership.

Some recent examples of VEPGrants include math and music students collaborating, exploring the intersection of STEAM employing skills in Science (Scientific Method), Technology (CAD software), Engineering (Design Process), Art (Music), and Mathematics (data, scale, symmetry, and ratio) at Anacapa Middle School. At Ventura High, a grant project featured the establishment of a course offered as an introduction to a career pathway in health and patient care careers, teaching biology standards using an emphasis in healthcare. A grant awarded at Lincoln Elementary School provided students with an opportunity to receive sensory input and movement as needed to increase focus, concentration, balance and performance in elementary school.

“Through the innovative projects students learn in an environment that places them at the center of their own learning. The classroom becomes a place for exploring new ideas collaboratively with their peers that stresses authentic learning in real world situations.  This type of teaching allows students to not just find the right answers but to find a variety of solutions that are relevant to the curriculum being presented,” shared Kathy Asher, Co-Vice President of Grants.

 

 

 

 

 

VPD helping children battling cancer

Ventura Police officers and K-9’s brought smiles to the young children.

The Ventura Police Department partnered with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and community members for an Easter Basket Drive for children battling cancer. More than 150 baskets were donated! 

Baskets were delivered to children and their siblings at the Ventura County Medical Center and also delivered to the homes of very sick children in Ventura. 

“This is the first year we have asked for community support of this effort. It was so incredible to have so much generosity from Ventura residents and businesses. Our goal was 40 baskets and we exceeded that number! The remaining baskets have been delivered to children at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” said Ventura Police Community Outreach Specialist Ashley Bautista. “These children are fighting for their lives and these baskets have brought them joy during such a trying time. I am so grateful that our community partnered with the police department to make these sweet kids feel so special.”

The Ventura Police Department collects toys throughout the year to keep the toy box filled for children being treated at the Ventura County Medical Center. Community members can call Ashley Bautista at 805-339-4317 or email [email protected] for more information. 

Local Venturan awarded third highest DOD Medal

Dennis Cam Kelsch received medal for gallantry against an armed enemy.

Ventura native, and 2008 graduate of Ventura High School was presented a Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Pooler, Georgia on April 9.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dennis Cam Kelsch, a Special Tactics operator assigned to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, was awarded the nation’s third highest medal for gallantry against an armed enemy of the U.S. in combat.

In addition to the SSM presentation, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Vincent Becklund, deputy commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, also awarded Kelsch with a Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Kelsch was honored for his role in securing the safety of his joint and partner force members during an operation against a high value target while serving as a joint terminal attack controller deployed with a U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment battalion during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in support of the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

While receiving accurate fires from the enemy and with no regard for his own personal safety, Kelsch exposed himself to danger in order to control airstrikes from an AC-130 gunship within 35 meters of his team’s position. He also coordinated an attack with precision guided 500lb bombs from two F-16’s and 105mm munitions from an AC-130.

Additionally, Kelsch willingly exposed himself to effective enemy fire to save the life of a wounded American teammate by dragging him to safety. While recovering his teammate, Kelsch was hit by hostile fire. Kelsch continued to control danger close strikes to neutralize all remaining threats to the assault force.

Special Tactics is the Air Force’s ground special operations force that leads personnel recovery, global access, precision strike missions and battlefield surgical operations.

Since 9/11, Special Tactics Airmen have received one Medal of Honor, nine Air Force Crosses and 44 Silver Star Medals. Tech. Sgt. Kelsch is the first Air Force TACP operator to be awarded the Silver Star for actions in combat during the last 10 years.

CAPS Media producer caucus held

CAPS Media is hitting the streets.

The CAPS Media Crew captured the annual Ventura Unified School District Festival of Talent extravaganza at Ventura High School. The entertaining evening featured more than twenty acts including two hold-your-breath aerial acrobats suspended from the ceiling. The core of the CAPS crew are student interns in the CAPS/El Camino High School media program (ECTV.) Proceeds from the Festival of Talent support innovative classroom grants through the VEP Grants program.

Recently Producers of television and radio programs gathered at the CAPS Media Center to share ideas, resources and interests at the first in a series of producer caucus meetings. In addition to interacting with like-minded media producers, the lively and productive discussion included an open exchange of best practices, tips on production and ideas to inform the direction of CAPS Media for 2019.

CAPS Media is hitting the streets with the Ventura Police Department to produce a series of community awareness and information projects including a series of traffic safety videos. The series, hosted by Dave Curtis, a motor officer with Ventura PD, was recorded in the CAPS studio and on Ventura Avenue, Loma Vista and a residential neighborhood to provide drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists with valuable “rules of the road.”

Recently CAPS Media recorded a very special evening of Songs and Stories by legendary local musician Chris Hillman at the Museum of Ventura County. The intimate concert was in conjunction with the museum’s exhibit of Hillman’s fascinating memorabilia: Time Between. Hillman is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and one of the creative forces behind The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and other seminal groups. The Hillman concert is airing on CAPS Media channel 6 on Wednesday, April 10 at 9:00 PM, Thursday, April 11 at 4:00 PM, Friday April 12, at 8:00 PM, and Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 3:00 PM. The recording is part of an on-going series of collaborations between the museum and CAPS Media.

Are you a leader or a member of a faith-based organization in Ventura? If so, consider having your weekly services air on CAPS Media. It’s easy to do. To learn more send a note to [email protected] or give us a call at 805.658.0500.

If you have a story to tell or a message or information you want to share, you can join the growing CAPS Media community of producers. Drop by the CAPS Media Center on the first Thursday of the month and learn how to become a producer and be part of our community of enthusiastic and engaged talent. The informal orientation class on the first Thursday will provide all the information you need. You’ll discover that for a low annual membership fee you will receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production (additional fee required) and more. You will have access to CAPS Media’s state-of-the-art facilities including video cameras, editing systems, the fully equipped television and radio studios. Don’t miss out. All the information is online at capsmedia.org where you can register for the orientation or classes. Or you can call 805-658-0500 to get complete information.

Golf to support afterschool programs for local youth

A pretty place even if you don’t golf.

The Ventura Police Community Foundation and Aera Energy, LLC proudly present the 22nd Annual PAL Golf Tournament, June 7, at 8:00 am at Olivas Links Golf Course located at 3750 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura. Proceeds raised at the tournament help to support afterschool programs for local youth. The $145 donation per player includes: green fees and cart, gift bag, awards ceremony and lunch.

PAL was founded back in 1997 with a primary goal to provide at-risk youth with meaningful recreation, educational, and cultural programs designed to keep youth away from the influence of gangs, drugs, violence and delinquent behaviors. Today, PAL now operating as the Ventura Police Community Foundation, plays an important role in Ventura’s Program Enrichment for After-school Kids (PEAK) and After-School Enrichment and Safety (ASES) Programs. These programs are a partnership between PAL, Ventura’s Parks, Recreation and Community Partnership Department and the Ventura Unified School District. The programs proudly serve over 630 youth each day in a safe and supportive environment.

“It is the support of the sponsors, contributors, golfers, and volunteers who help to make this tournament and the Ventura Police Community Foundation a success. While we have many long-time sponsors, I want to mention the long-standing support of our Title Sponsor – Aera Energy, LLC. Aera has been a major sup­porter of PAL and the annual golf tournament since 1997,” said Police Chief Ken Corney. “Over the years, Aera’s support has included the offset of startup costs for the program and much needed equipment. Aera donated funds to purchase a van to provide transportation for area children and donated funds to build and equip a fitness area at the Westpark Community Center so that our local youth can be active in a safe environment.”

The mission of the Ventura Police Community Foundation is to foster and support programs and initiatives that strengthen a safe community and enhance the quality of life in Ventura. The Foundation supports public safety improvements, community partnerships and youth programs. The goal is to strengthen partnerships between citizens of our community, including youth and schools, business members and police in the City of Ventura.

The Renaissance of Railroading

Mark your calendars for one of the biggest events in Ventura County.

On April 27th -28th prepare to be entertained and amazed by what can only be imagined as the “Renaissance of Railroading.”  Experience Steam Railfest 2019.  Free admission and only 30 minutes from Ventura!  This festival is a celebration of steam power, railroading, antique tractors, vehicles & engines, vintage wares & oddities, unique performances, early transportation and culture mixed with a bit of Steampunk fun.  There will be live steam locomotive train rides, Orchard Bluegrass Band, a Fillmore Citrus Packing House Tour & Caboose Ride Adventure, Dr. Solar’s Gypsy Wagon Medicine Man Show, antique carousel rides, car show, creative vendors and artisans, unique exhibits, model train displays, movie props, live entertainment, food, wine tasting and more!  There is no other family festival quite like this one.  So mark your calendars for one of the biggest events in Ventura County’s little historic town of Fillmore.

On April 26th, enjoy Fillmore & Western’s Steam Railfest pre-party aboard the “Beer, Wine & Blues” train.  Offering beer tasting from Wolf Creek Brewery and wine + hard cider tasting from Reyes Winery.  Appetizers are available for pairing and can be purchased while onboard.  Passengers also have the opportunity to dance and mingle in vintage Pullman dining cars & outdoor flat cars (if weather permits) while a live band performs into the night.

There are weekend scenic, murder mystery, holiday and special event train adventures to choose from all year long.  It’s a step back in time riding on vintage passenger and dining cars through the scenic Santa Clara River Valley (aka Heritage Valley).  Not more then 30 – 40 minutes from Ventura off Hwy 126.”

Visit fwry.com for tickets ands information or call 805-524-2546

Groups of 25 or more can get 10% off most excursions.