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Wild Winter Worries

by Kevin O’Connor

Meteorologists say much of this strange weather moving south was the result of a polar vortex.  Despite the many negative impacts typically associated with this recent polar vortex, the record-breaking cold may have killed some harmful, invasive species, according to a press release by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

“While most insects will be equipped to survive a short period of very cold weather, like the recent polar vortex, it’s likely some will die from this extreme weather event,” said Dr. Brittany Campbell, entomologist with the NPMA.

According to a Virginia Tech research experiment, the polar vortex may have killed as many as 95 percent of the stink bugs that hadn’t found warm shelter this winter.  Pests in regions of the country that typically do not experience extremely low temperatures will most likely be impacted the most, Dr. Campbell said.

Pests in these areas are least equipped with physiological and behavioral adaptations to survive the cold. Diapause, a period of inactivity for insects, may have come early in regions of the country that commonly experience winter temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

During diapause, insects that are adapted to regions with typical cold winters undergo physiological changes that allow them to withstand low temperatures. The insects may also have sought shelter, insulating them from cold air.  Perhaps these bugs decided to find shelter in your house!  Not good.

According to Campbell, some insects are able to withstand temperatures even below zero F, with the limit for many insects that can “super freeze” being typically around minus 30 F.  “That said, we won’t be entirely certain of the impacts until spring occurs,” Campbell admitted.

Despite some bugs’ ability to survive short periods of cold weather, sustained frigid conditions, like those brought about from the most recent polar vortex, could be effective at killing off even some well-prepared pests.

The entomologist with the NPMA explained further that, “in addition to the effect of extremely cold weather on pests themselves, damage to plants and other animals can also disrupt food supplies for insects in the spring and summer, driving them indoors.”  As I said above, “indoors” could mean into your abode.

“Ah,” said Mr. Stinkbug, “this is a nice cozy warm house.  I think my family will enjoy wintering it out here during the polar vortex.  I wonder if these humans have a jacuzzi?”

Our expert technicians at O’Connor Pest Control are reliable and well experienced to ensure your home’s safety from pest of all kinds. Call us and we will keep the bugs away from your family!

Call 1-800-284-7985   www.oconnorpest.com

Ethan McKinley selected as Channel Islands National Park Superintendent

McKinley has more than 12 years’ experience with the National Park Service.

The National Park Service has selected Ethan McKinley to serve as the next superintendent of Channel Islands National Park. McKinley has been serving as the park’s acting superintendent since July, following the June retirement of Superintendent Russell Galipeau.

“Ethan is one of the few National Park Service superintendents who has experience building a new national park from the ground up,” said Stan Austin, regional director for the National Park Service’s Pacific West Region. “With this unique perspective and his passion for building strong relationships with community stakeholders, I am confident he is the right fit for Channel Islands.”

McKinley has more than 12 years’ experience with the National Park Service. He comes to Channel Islands National Park from First State National Historical Park in Delaware, where he has been the superintendent since 2015.

“I am fascinated by the rich diversity of wildlife and human history represented within Channel Islands National Park,” said McKinley. “The Islands and their surrounding waters constitute a world class resource just off the coast of southern California, cared for by a tireless and dedicated staff. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue the significant work started by my predecessors, and to contribute to the continued stewardship and public enjoyment of this spectacular park.”

Prior to First State National Historical Park, McKinley served as the National Park Service Northeast Region’s Chief of Commercial Services. He has also worked at Mount Rainier National Park, Yosemite National Park, Glacier National Park in Montana and Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. He got his start with the agency as a Student Conservation Association intern in 2006.

Ethan McKinley grew up in Littleton, Colorado and has a bachelor’s degree in international business and French from the University of Denver. Ethan is married to Zoe McKinley and has a bulldog named Blue. He is an Eagle Scout and takes any opportunity to play in the great outdoors (hiking, camping, mountain and road biking, climbing, and mountaineering), frequently exploring national parks in his free time. He is a self-professed history buff and enjoys photography.

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was. For information about the park visit: https://www.nps.gov/ChannelIslands.

Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals and Irish Belle announced

Kaylie Pendleton, this year’s Irish Belle for the County Ventura St. Patrick’s with Councilmember Erik Nasarenko.

Grand marshals of yesteryear will return to lead the 31st annual County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade, on Saturday, March 16, in downtown Ventura. The parade theme is “Memories of the Past.”

The contingent of grand marshals will be led by parade founder and former Ventura Mayor and Councilman Jim Monahan, who was previously grand marshal in 2008.

The whole county will turn out green for the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at the San Buenaventura Mission on Main Street. The parades includes floats sponsored by civic groups, nonprofits and local businesses; high school marching bands and other local bands; car clubs; horses; clowns; and the Biggest Green Pig in the World, which will again be out in its full glory. There also will be dance groups, youth groups, fun-loving adult groups and other teams entered in the parade.

While this is a fun event for parade entrants, they’re also out there competing for the prized trophies that are presented at the end of the route, on the stage at Main and Chestnut. About 20 trophies, including the historic Arnold Hubbard Best in Parade Trophy, are presented to the winners.

High school senior Kaylie Pendleton of Ventura has been selected to serve as this year’s Irish Belle for the Parade.

The parade’s eighth Irish Belle, Pendleton will attend promotional activities supporting the event. Accompanying her in a separate convertible will be her court: Carly Hansen from Buena High and Annika Kinnaman from Foothill High.

A senior at El Camino High, Pendleton will graduate with not only her high school diploma but her associate degree from Ventura Community College. She is “a very strong student,” El Camino Principal Cheryl Burns said of Pendleton, who has been on the El Camino principal’s honor roll every semester of high school.

Pendleton is active in her community and believes in the power of giving to others. Among the many community art projects in which she’s been involved is the “Havana to Ventura” mural in downtown Ventura, which she helped paint alongside Cuban artist Pedro Pulido and local artist and art teacher MB Hanrahan. In 2016, Pendleton won the Ventura Mayor’s Arts Award for Student Artist of the Year. She has also traveled to Romania to help with children’s literacy and assisted with an outdoor adventure camp for children. She will attend Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon; with her two-year degree already in hand, she plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in two years.

Parade entrants begin to line up at 8 a.m. in the Museum of Ventura County parking lot; the community is welcome to meander down there before the parade. The blessing of the parade by Father Tom Elewaut from the San Buenaventura Mission will begin the parade at 10 a.m.

The County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade is presented by the Ventura Elks Lodge No. 1430. For more information about the parade, visit www.venturastpatricksdayparade.com, email Jim Monahan at [email protected] or email Nan Drake at [email protected] parade is presented by Elks Lodge No. 1430. Parade entries will be accepted until March 7; to register, visit venturastpatricksdayparade.com. For more information, contact Jim Monahan at [email protected] or 805-643-4275; or Tim O’Neil at [email protected] or 805-320-3181.

Ventura Music Festival announces 2019 Honorees

Betsy Chess is honored by Music Festival for outstanding contributions to arts and community.

The Board of the Ventura Music Festival is very pleased to announce its 2019 Honorees for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts and Community. The new honorees are a prominent citizen and a prominent company, respectively: Elizabeth (Betsy) Blanchard Chess, for outstanding individual contribution, and Limoneira, for corporate contribution.

“Betsy has a unique talent for combining service and leadership,” said Susan Scott, Executive Director of the Ventura Music Festival. “She has demonstrated it time and again and the list of cultural beneficiaries alone includes the New West Symphony, the Museum of Ventura County, the San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts and the Ventura Music Festival. She gives a lot of both time and treasure to Rotary, Church and many other good things.”

“As to Limoneira,” continued Scott, “this 125-year-old Santa Paula-based company has contributed over $2.5 million in the past ten years alone to a wide range of community groups for projects in education, health, human services, arts, culture and other areas – all with the goal of enhancing community and quality of life. Founded in 1893, Limoneira today is a global agribusiness and real estate investor and a local employer of unique importance.”

The 2019 VMF Honorees will be honored with a video, dinner and live music performance at the annual VMF Honoree Awards and Cabaret Fundraiser on Thursday, April 11th at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

Ventura Unified School District appoints new superintendent

Dr. Rice has a proven track record of working with and for all students.

The Board of Education is pleased to announce their unanimous vote to appoint Dr Roger Rice as the new Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Dr Rice, who currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Student Services for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), comes to the district with a wealth of knowledge and skills he will use to further VUSD’s commitment “For the Future of Every Student.”

The community was very clear in their request that the new Superintendent be someone who will advocate for all students, who has experience working with at-risk and marginalized youth, and who will effectively communicate with our students, staff and community. When considering whether to spend several months and thousands of dollars conducting its third search in four years, the Board agreed to look first at local candidates with a proven track record of working with and for all students. Dr Rice immediately came to mind — having been a highly regarded finalist in the previous Superintendent search.

Dr Roger Rice, who has a distinguished career of more than 20 years of service to Ventura County youth, has worked to develop and support innovative programs for Alternative Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Special Education, and other programs to meet the needs of At-Risk Youth. Dr Rice served as the Chair of the State of California’s Student Services Group. In addition, he was selected as the County Education Leader of the Year for 2018 by the Ventura County Leadership Academy. Dr Rice has worked as a Classroom Teacher, Dean, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Oxnard Union High School District and Deputy Superintendent of VCOE. He holds a BA in English from Colorado State University, Masters in Education from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California.

Dr Rice brings experience and a passion for helping students with both their academic and social/emo- tional needs. He has demonstrated himself to be a conscientious, collaborative leader who has invested in his own professional training on issues that directly impact students — cultural proficiency, equity and access, IDEA training, creating professional learning communities, restorative practices and more.

Dr Rice’s first day with Ventura Unified will be Friday, March 1st. Dr Jeff Baarstad, retired Superinten- dent of Conejo Valley Unified School District, has agreed to serve as Interim Superintendent until that time. Dr Baarstad will work closely with Executive Cabinet, the District Leadership Team, Dr Rice and the Board to ensure that all students and staff have the support they need to be successful during the transition. Our sincere goal is to regain the stability of our District and to remain focused on supporting our students and staff moving forward.

The Board would like to acknowledge and thank Dr Jeff Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Re- sources, who has admirably served as Interim Superintendent since December 22nd, and will remain in that role until Monday, January 14th. Dr Davis is a highly valued member of our Executive Cabinet. He worked with staff during the Winter Break to ensure consistent services to our schools, and reassured the community that Ventura Unified remains committed to the needs of all our students.

Dr Rice looks forward to working with staff, students and the community to build a bright future for every student in Ventura Unified.

CONTACTS:

Dr Roger Rice, Superintendent (Appointed) : [email protected]

Dr Jeff Davis, Interim Superintendent : [email protected]

Ms Sabrena Rodriguez, Board President: [email protected]

The addition to the Emergency Department at the county hospital has opened.

Cutting the ribbon were all members of Seaside Emergency Associates, staff and friends. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

After 1 1/2 years of renovation, and 1 1/2 years after the opening of the North Tower at Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), the new addition to the Emergency Department at the county hospital has opened. Celebrated on Thursday, February 28th, with a ribbon cutting hosted by Seaside Emergency Associates — which oversees both VCMC’s emergency department and Santa Paula Hospital’s — the enthusiastic attendees didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits. Almost 100 invited guests gathered under a tent to hear from VCMC CEO Kim Milstien, Dr. Marty Ehrlich, and County Executive Officer Mike Powers, on how the updated ED will better serve the community it’s been serving for 100 years.

Twelve new patient exam rooms were added, making the total room count 34. That count includes seven triage bays, four observation rooms and one eye exam room. Also included in the renovation is a waiting room triple the size of the previous waiting room, lab space for dedicated point of care testing, dedicated rapid care space, a patient quiet room for families, new department nurse manager’s office and a staff conference room. In all, the new space added an additional 12,000 square feet.

Seaside Emergency Associates, members of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, had their assistance in bringing the ribbon cutting ceremony to fruition. Cutting the ribbon were all members of Seaside Emergency Associates: Drs. Jeffrey Robinson, Marty Ehrlich, Scott Speier, Ted Mandryk, Rick Rutherford and Rich Cegelski, County Executive Officer Mike Powers, VCMC CEO Kim Milstien, County Supervisors Kelly Long, Linda Parks, John Zaragoza and Robert O. Huber, Health Care Agency leadership, including Director Bill Foley, Deputy Director Matt Sandova,Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere, hospital medical staff, including trauma surgeons and nurses.

Ventura County Medical Center was awarded the designation as the west county’s Level II Trauma Center in 2011, and is dedicated to providing the most effective, efficient trauma care to the critically injured patient in Ventura County.

Red Cross: Severe shortage of type O blood

The American Red Cross has a severe shortage of type O blood and urges type O donors – as well as eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types – to give now to ensure lifesaving patient care isn’t impacted this winter.

Type O blood is the most in-demand blood type, helping patients facing life-threatening conditions and emergencies every day. Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is what emergency room personnel reach for when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Type O positive blood is also especially needed because it is the most transfused blood type and can be given to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

Having a readily available blood supply is critical for patients like Luna Giles, who at the age of 1 1/2 has already underwent two heart surgeries and required over a dozen transfusions.

Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types, and blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Recent snowstorms and severe weather in many parts of the country have forced hundreds of blood drive cancellations, causing more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

Individuals of all blood types – especially type O – are asked to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 25-March 31

  • 3/14/2019: 8:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Ventura High School, 2 North Catalina
  • 3/18/2019: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road
  • 3/18/2019: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road
  • 3/19/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

How to donate blood:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

City of Ventura 2018 Employee and Supervisor of the Year announced

On February 19, the City of Ventura held an awards ceremony at City Hall to recognize fifteen employees nominated for the 2018 Employee and Supervisor of the Year. These awards recognize city employees who are role models for public service and exemplify the city’s commitment to excellence.

The eleven nominees for Employee of the Year were:

  • Lauren Armistead – Ventura Water
  • Ashley Bautista – Police Department
  • Cheryl Bucklin – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships
  • Silvia Medrano – Public Works
  • Donald Nielsen – Community Development
  • Eric Padilla – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships
  • Daniel Ramos – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships
  • Elizabeth Richardson – Community Development
  • Jared Rosengren – Community Development
  • Vince Tovey – Community Development
  • Jo Gerke-Yutuc – Finance & Technology

The four nominees for Supervisor of the Year

  • Yesania Anderson – Finance & Technology
  • Greg Morley – Finance & Technology
  • Kenny Welch– Police Department
  • John Willis– Ventura Water

Cheryl Bucklin, Recreation and Community Partnerships Coordinator, was selected as the 2018 Employee of the Year.

`John Willis, Wastewater Plant Supervisor, was selected as the 2018 Supervisor of the Year.

City Manager Alexander McIntyre said, “The City of Ventura has a history of the workforce acknowledging and recognizing their exceptional peers. It’s an honor and a pleasure to work with this caliber of employees!”

Blast off and fly deep into space with Robotics!

Students from a previous competition in heated battle. Photo by Richard Lieberman

Get your game on this spring at Ventura College for the FIRST Robotics Competition. Watch 42 high school teams as they form alliances and do battle in order to secure a place at the National Competition in Texas.

In its fifth year, this regional competition has truly become a must-see event. Teams from all over the state are on board to test their skills with some of the finest robotics teams Southern California has to offer. Bring the whole family to this free event on March 29th and 30th from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Parking is also free and the enthusiasm is contagious! Cheer on your favorite team, including six new teams from Oxnard Unified School District, Filmore, Santa Paula and more. Don’t miss it!

Questions? Email: Velma Lomax: [email protected] or Anne Campbell: [email protected]

To see the event website Visit: http://www.frcventuraregional.com/

To see this year’s game visit: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/game-and-season

To Volunteer Visit: https://my.firstinspires.org/FIRSTPortal/Login/VIMS_Login.aspx

New research on Chumash settlement of Santa Rosa Island

In one of the first studies of settlement of the vast interior region of Santa Rosa Island, Christopher Jazwa, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), has found a pattern of the Chumash moving seasonally to use resources beyond the island coastline.

Jazwa has been surveying for archaeological sites in the western region of Santa Rosa Island since 2012. His team has recorded over 111 sites, many of which contain dense shell middens, sites with accumulations of debris from the processing of shellfish, and other items. These middens suggest people lived and used these sites for a sustained period of time.

Prior to teaching at UNR, Jazwa earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from Pennsylvania State University. His research primarily focuses on how people have interacted with their environments through time. In addition to working on the Channel Islands, Jazwa actively leads similar fieldwork projects in northwestern Morocco and southern Baja California, Mexico.

Jaswa’s talk will be held on Thursday, March 14, at 7:00 pm at the Channel Islands National Park Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, 1901 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura Harbor. The program is free and open to the public. The talk, part of the From Shore to Sea lecture series, is sponsored by Channel Islands National Park to further the understanding of current research on the Channel Islands and surrounding waters. The 2019 lecture series will take place at 7:00 pm on the second Thursday of the month, March through May and September through November,

Archaeological resources at Channel Islands National Park represent an important aspect of the scientific and cultural significance of the park. National Park Service policy guides the park to protect scientifically significant resources by on-site protection and stabilization, or collection. Park visitors are encouraged to see and experience these amazing resources but must leave them in place undisturbed. Collecting, possessing, trafficking in, removing, destroying, injuring, defacing, or disturbing archeological resources is prohibited by federal law and agency regulations.

This lecture can also be viewed live online, at: Shore to Sea lecture series.

Lectures are recorded and posted at: http://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/photosmultimedia/from-shore-to-sea-lecture-videos.htm