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United Way of Ventura County introduces New Vice President of Resource Development & Marketing

Mitchel Sloan brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and fundraising.

United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) is proud to announce it has appointed Mitchel Sloan as Vice President of Resource Development & Marketing. He brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and fundraising.

Sloan most recently served as Vice President of Development & Communications at the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter, where he successfully led a team to increase fundraising revenue and organize philanthropic events, such as the Swing to Remember Golf Tournament. In his new role, Sloan will design and lead UWVC’s fundraising campaigns and build on relationships with the community.

“Mitchel has proven time and again that he cares deeply about people and is driven to help those in need,” said Eric Harrison, CEO of United Way of Ventura County. “We’re looking forward to putting his skills toward assisting in the challenges many face in our unique community.”

Sloan earned his bachelor’s at the University of Southern California. He worked locally as the Director of Development at the California State University Channel Islands, as well as in Colorado as Senior Executive Consultant for The Kellogg Organization. Sloan resides in Oxnard and enjoys watersports, reading, grilling and hiking.

2nd Annual All-District Art Show to highlight student talent in Ventura

Marina Bretz Portrait of a Friend

Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) has announced the 2nd Annual VUSD Art Show, highlighting its incredibly talented K-12 student artists, will open on Thursday, April 18, 2019. A VUSD Artists Opening and Ventura Education Partnership (VEP) Reception will take place from 6-8 pm at the Museum of Ventura County. This event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $10.00, with all proceeds supporting VUSD’s Art programs.

“We are very proud of the long history Ventura Unified, and our community has of supporting the arts in our schools. Arts education is critical in helping all of our students be well-rounded citizens in the modern economy – one where creativity and technology interact in continually evolving ways,” stated Sabrena Rodriguez, VUSD Board President, and longtime Ventura Arts Collaborative member.

The juried show will run at the Museum from April 19-May 5, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am-5 pm. During the course of the exhibit, the museum is offering a discounted family membership to all VUSD families. May 5, 2019, will be the show’s closing day featuring “People’s Choice Awards” and entertainment. This event will be free to the public from 11 am-5 pm.

VUSD offers an incredible array of Arts education, beginning in elementary school with curriculum-aligned art instruction for all students. The caliber of these student artists is a testament to the investment our community has made into preserving and expanding Arts education.

The show is made possible through the efforts of the Ventura Arts Collaborative, a cooperative program of Ventura Unified School District, the City of Ventura, Ventura Education Partnership and the Museum of Ventura County.

“The Museum of Ventura County is proud to collaborate with and support VUSD and VEP in their ongoing efforts to elevate the arts in the lives of Ventura youth. These young artists deserve to have their work displayed for all to enjoy,” stated Denise Sindelar, Museum Programs Director.

Featured artists include:

Maria Aguilar a Senior at Buena High School where she is in her second year of art.

Marina Bretz a Senior Buena High School is a digital, watercolor, and colored pencil artist who focuses on creating playful, crisp art in a cartoonish, colorful style.

Justice McKenzie is a Sophomore Foothill Technology High School

Shea Sullivan a Junior Foothill Technology High School who since a young age, has been passionate about art and nature.

Laura Kemble a Junior Ventura High School this is her third year of art.

For more information on the 2nd Annual VUSD Student Art Show, contact Nancy Kellogg, VUSD Elementary Art Teacher at [email protected].

Ventura College Foundation seeks sponsors for student scholarship events

The Ventura College Foundation is seeking sponsors for several Ventura College student scholarship award events scheduled for April and May.

The inaugural Allied Health Scholarship Awards ceremony will be held Saturday, April 13 at Ventura College’s Wright Event Center. This new scholarship event will honor Ventura College students interested in paramedic, nursing and other medical fields.

The 20th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Awards will be held Thursday, April 18 also at Ventura College’s Wright Event Center. The Phoenix Scholarship Program was established in 1999 by VC Foundation board members to support Ventura College re-entry students. Phoenix Scholarships are designed to assist students who have minimal or no resources to pay for their education and have chosen to return to school after a break in education.  The recipients are selected based on each student’s academic goals and progress, together with their financial need.

The 32nd Annual Scholarship Awards luncheon will be held Saturday, May 4 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. All currently enrolled Ventura College students have access to just under 300 different scholarships through the VC Foundation.

“These events are a way to show our students how much the community appreciates their commitment to their education,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Our sponsors’ support makes these events truly memorable for these students who have worked so hard to succeed despite sometimes daunting odds.”

Sponsorship opportunities range from Gold Chest sponsors ($500) to presenting Black Pearl sponsor ($10,000). For more information, contact Gerry Pantoja at 805-289-6158, [email protected].

City Council Briefs

by Richard Lieberman

During a regularly scheduled meeting of the Ventura City Council recommendations and voting, along with special presentations and announcements were conducted including the Mayor for a Moment program enabling students from local schools to sit in the Mayor’s chair and present an essay to the council and public.

This month Joey Baccerra from Junipero Serra Elementary School was honored as Mayor of the Moment by the City Council. Joey took the Mayor’s seat and read an essay he penned. An avid sportsman Joey was lauded by teachers and administrators for his excellent academic achievements and his sportsmanlike attitude in everything he has accomplished.

Another special presentation followed A Census Presentation “The Road to the 2020 Census” given by Jesse Gonzalez, Partnership Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau, Los Angeles Regional Census Center. He discussed the importance of the census in the allocation of Federal funding for cities and how important the results will be for the City of Ventura.

The meeting then moved on to consent items:

Item 8B: Lease agreement- the City of San Buenaventura and Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership, dba Verizon Wireless by Air Touch Cellular, to operate a cellular site at 350 Summit Road, Ventura, Ca. (Grant Park)

Recommendation:

Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the lease agreement

Designate the City Manager to act as the agent for the city to sign all related documents and subsequent amendments thereto to implement this agreement.

Authorize Finance and Technology to appropriate funds to the proper projects, accounts, and funds for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the city as a result of this lease agreement.

Passed by the Council

Item 8H: Sewer line replacement –Seaside wastewater Force Main Authorize the Mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Fippen Engineering, Inc. to provide construction management services, in the amount not to exceed $135,390

Passed by the Council

Item 8I: Sewer line Replacement – Seaside Wastewater Force Main- Authorization to Execute Professional services Agreement with Padre Associates, Ic. For Environmental Consulting Services.

Recommendation:

Approve and authorize the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Padre Associates in an amount not to exceed $135,390

Passed by the council

Item 8E: Amend Special Event Indemnification and Insurance Requirements

Recommendation:

Amend the insurance requirements for special events based on the three-tiered structure and eliminate the requirement for vendor insurance for most Special Events.

Direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to amend the municipal code

Passed by the council

Item 8F: Bus Stop Use Agreement with FlixBus

Recommendation:

a. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Bus Stop Use Agreement with FlixBus

b. Authorize the City Manager to delegate the signing authority for a future year contract

to Public Works Director.

Passed by City Council

Item 8C Consideration of 2019 Amgen Tour of California Cycling Race Contract with AEG and Agreement with Ventura Visitors Bureau and Agreement with Convention Bureau for Hotel and Team Meal Requirements

Approve the proposed Amgen Tour of California Cycling Race Contract

Authorize the interim Community Development Director to Execute an agreement with Ventura Visitors and Convention Burea for $82, 519 for Hotel and team meal requirements from funds already allocated by council

Passed by the Council.

12B: Museum of Ventura County Funding for Fiscal Year 2019-2020

Recommendation:

Provide direction regarding funding with the Museum of Ventura County to support general operations through June 30, 2020

Authorize the City Manager to execute a Funding and Services Agreement not to exceed $250,000.

Passed by council with one opposing vote by Councilman Jim Friedman.

The Ventura Police Department joins ‘Neighbors’ by Ring

The Ventura Police Department has announced that it is joining the Neighbors app by Ring (available via iOS/Android here: https://download.ring.com/venturapd) to provide the Ventura community with real-time, local crime and safety information. The Neighbors network already has millions of users and has been instrumental in catching package thieves, stopping burglaries, and keeping neighborhoods safe.

Residents can download the free Neighbors app, join their neighborhood, and use the app to monitor neighborhood activity; share crime and safety-related videos, photos and text-based posts; and receive real-time safety alerts from their neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team.

“The free Neighbors app by Ring will be a valuable tool in our efforts to fight crime in our city.  We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Ring and our community through this technology,” said Police Chief Ken Corney.

Jamie Siminoff, Chief Inventor and Founder of Ring said: “We’re excited to have the Ventura Police Department join Neighbors to keep their community up-to-date on local crime and safety information. Over the past few years we have learned that, when neighbors, the Ring team and law enforcement all work together, we can create safer communities.”

Download the Neighbors app on iOS and Android at https://download.ring.com/venturapd or by texting venturapd to 555888 from your smartphone.Opt-in to join your neighborhood.

Customize the geographic area you want to receive notifications for (users must verify where they are located and cannot participate in other neighborhoods).

Receive real-time alerts from your neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team that inform of crime and safety alerts as they happen.

View local crime and safety posts via a live feed or interactive map.

Share text updates, photos and videos taken on any device, including Ring’s home security devices.

Work with your community to make neighborhoods safer.

Neighbors is a neighborhood watch app that provides real-time, local crime and safety information. Download the free Neighbors app (iOS/Android), join your neighborhood, and use the app to: monitor neighborhood activity; share crime and safety-related videos, photos and text-based posts; and receive real-time safety alerts from your neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team. Download Neighbors (iOS/Android) today to join your digital neighborhood watch. For more information visit www.ring.com/neighbors.

Ring’s mission is to reduce crime in neighborhoods by creating a Ring of Security around homes and communities. Ring is an Amazon company. For more information, visit www.ring.com.

7th Annual Water: Take 1 Film Festival honors local “Difference Makers”

Ventura Water announced the 2019 honorees at the 7th Annual Water: Take 1 Film Festival, a free community event held March 21 at the Buenaventura Banquet Center, in celebration of World Water Day. Ventura High School’s environmental club and Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Garden program were presented with the Community Partnership Award. Local environmental advocates, Ron and Barbara Barrett received the Community Member Award, and CLEAN International was awarded the National Organization Award. All honorees received a $500 award for their inspirational conservation efforts and commitment to elevating the value of water.

City of Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere kicked-off the film screenings of water-themed short films profiling each honoree’s inspiring story. The films can be viewed at www.watertake1.com.

The Water: Take 1 Film Festival, recognizes individuals, non-profits and organizations with exemplary efforts in water conservation, resource management, and sustainability by producing short films in honor of their commitment to making a difference.  The event is proudly sponsored by Carollo Engineers, Nossaman LLP, Hopkins Groundwater Consultants, and Kennedy Jenks Consultants.

“This year’s honorees exemplify the critical efforts of community members that inspire change through forward thinking water conscious actions and initiatives,” said Ventura Water Interim General Manager Susan Rungren.

Event sponsors Hopkins Groundwater Consultants, and Kennedy Jenks Consultants recognized Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Garden program for partnering with Ventura High School students to replace over 1,000 square feet of lawn with a new water wise garden. The new landscape was designed to save water, prevent stormwater pollution, and serve as a demonstration garden for the public.

Representatives from Nossaman LLP presented the Community Organization Award to Ron and Barbara Barrett for their leadership in protecting local watersheds and inspiring youth to care for the environment. For more than 30 years, the couple has volunteered as site leaders for the Ormond Beach annual Coastal Cleanup Day.

CLEAN International, whose mission is the eradication of waterborne illness and an end to the daily walk for water worldwide, was presented the National Foundation Award by Carollo Engineers. The Ventura-based non-profit organization advocates for clean, sustainable, and convenient water and sanitation around the world.

Ventura Libraries April events

Avenue Library

Children & Family Events

Bilingual Early Literacy Class
4/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Mondays @ 5:30-6:30pm
Join us for storytelling, nursery rhymes, flannel board fun and more!

Adult Classes & Events

Laubach Literacy English Classes in the Meeting Room
4/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Mondays @ 10:30-11:30am
4/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Tuesdays @ 9-10am & @ 10-11am
4/3, 10, 17, & 24 Wednesdays @ 11:30am -12:30pm
4/4, 11, 18, & 25 Thursdays @ 10-11am
Introductory English classes offered through Laubach Literacy. Make an appointment today, call (805) 385-9584

Pumarosa Drop-in ESL
4/3, 10, 17, & 24 Wednesdays @ 9-11am & @ 5-7pm
4/6, 13, 20, & 27 Saturdays @ 5-7pm
Drop-in ESL class for language instruction, internet, forms, and more.

E.P. Foster Library

Veterans and Families Resource Fair
4/13 Saturday @ 1-3pm
Join us to learn about resources for veterans and their families at our open house.

A California Native Plant Society Lecture
4/16 Tuesday, @ 7-9pm
Please join us for an enlightening lecture series presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter.

Children’s Events

Dance Party!
4/19 & 27 Friday & Saturday @10-11am
Enjoy non-stop music and movement for children ages 2-5 and their grownups.

Early Literacy Class
4/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Tuesdays &
4/3, 10, 17, & 24 Wednesdays @ 10:30am
Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

Teen Happenings

Virtual Reality
4/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Tuesdays @ 3:30-5:30pm
Explore the virtual world with 4 different VR platforms. ALL VR HEADSETS can only be used by those aged 13 and older, this event is for ages 13-17.

Hill Road Library

Family & Children’s Ongoing Events

Early Literacy Class
4/3, 10, 17, & 24 Wednesdays @ 10:30am
Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun! Aimed at ages 0-5.

Discover Science
4/9 Tuesday @ 4pm
Join us for this monthly exploration of science concepts through hands-on experiments with Rachel Chang. Ages 8+

Adult Events

Medicare 101
4/18 Thursday @ 2:30pm
Join us for this workshop about the basics of Medicare. Learn how to sign up and file claims. Ask expert all your questions! For adults.

Book Club: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
4/30 Tuesday @ 6pm
Join us for a lively discussion of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Ask a staff member at Hill Road Library for a reserved copy. All are welcome who have read the book!

Saticoy Library

Children & Family Events

Early Literacy Class
4/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Tuesdays @ 10am
Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft & fun!

Paws for Reading
4/27 Saturday @ 12pm
Read aloud to registered therapy dogs. A reading program designed to help improve a child’s reading skills. To schedule an appointment, call 805-671-5148.

Adult Classes & Events

English Classes
4/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Mondays &
4/3, 10, 17, & 24 Wednesdays @ 3- 5pm
One on one instruction in English hosted by Laubach Literacy of Ventura County

Volunteer caregiving marks 35 years helping frail, homebound seniors

Giving rides to seniors is just one of the functions of CAREGIVERS.

Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, one of 25 original pilot programs launched in 1984, now joins hundreds of volunteer caregiving organizations across the nation in celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Volunteer Caregiving starting in April with National Volunteer Month. (https://nvcnetwork.org/wp/index.php/program-map/)

“It’s comforting to know that there is an entire month dedicated to celebrating and recognizing volunteers,” said Jay Friedman, treasurer for the National Volunteer Caregiving Network. “I chose to give my time to help seniors through Volunteer Caregiving, which is a total contrast to my ‘day-job.’ That’s one of the reasons I enjoy being a volunteer.”

Every week, thousands of volunteer caregivers across the country are lending helping hands to seniors by picking up groceries, providing a ride to the doctor or helping change a light bulb–all at no cost. “Here in Ventura County, we have hundreds of volunteers serving our current enrollment of 500 seniors,” said CAREGIVERS Executive Director Tammy Glenn. “We’re so grateful to the donors who allow us to offer these services at no cost to one of our most vulnerable populations.”

In fact, 10,000 people are turning 65 every day for the next 12 years in the United States, making support for our aging Americans one of the most critical needs of our time. “Opportunities to volunteer with seniors are abundant, and among the most rewarding of all volunteer experiences,” said Inez Russell, president of the Board of Trustees for the National Volunteer Caregiving Network. “I can’t think of a better way to ‘pay it forward’! Plus, we’re all headed in that direction, so now is the time to fuel a culture of care and compassion.”

To that end, Ventura County’s own CAREGIVERS serves seniors over the age of 60 who need a helping hand to remain living independently as they age. The hallmark of Volunteer Caregiving is a one-on-one match, but there are lots of ways to give a couple hours per week and make a difference.

Volunteer Caregiving is a national movement that was launched 35 years ago in 1984 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Faith in Action program. Transportation to medical appointments is one of the most requested needs that helps seniors continue to live independently, with dignity through end-of-life.

For more information, call (805) 658-8530 or visit www.vccaregivers.org to volunteer, donate or refer a senior.

Applications Available for Ventura County Junior Lifeguard Program

Enrollment applications are now available to youth interested in participating in the Ventura County 2019 Junior Lifeguard Program.

The Junior Lifeguard Program, sponsored by the Ventura County Harbor Department, offers youth 8 to 15 years of age the opportunity to receive instruction in lifeguard rescue techniques, emergency medical first-aid, ocean sports activity, physical conditioning, marine ecology, and public service. Participants must be 8 years of age by June 17 – the first day of instruction. Enrollment for the program is first come, first served. Due to the popularity of the program, enrollment is expected to fill to capacity quickly.

There will be two sessions (each limited to 120 participants) to the program. Session One is scheduled from June 17 to July 12 and Session Two is scheduled from July 15 to August 9. Each session will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday at Silver Strand Beach. Applications can be picked up at the Ventura County Harbor Department at 3900 Pelican Way Oxnard, CA 93035 or online at http://www.channelislandsharbor.org/listing/junior-lifeguard-program/

First time participants are required to tryout and qualify before being accepted in the program. In order to qualify, new participants must be able to swim 150 yards within four minutes, float or tread water for two minutes, and be able to dive underwater to a depth of 7 feet. No exceptions.

Tryouts are being held from 10 a.m. to noon on May 18, June 8, June 29 at the Hueneme High School, located at 500 Bard Road, Oxnard, CA 93033. A parent/guardian must be present during the tryout.

There is a fee to enroll in the program. For more information, please call the Ventura County Harbor Patrol at (805) 973-5959.