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Meet Ventura’s future city leaders

Mayor for a Moment, season 4, is in full swing. The student recognition program is a collaboration with the City of Ventura, the Ventura Unified School District and CAPS Media. Each month an outstanding 5th grader is selected by the individual elementary schools. The “young mayor” is invited to gavel the start of a City Council meeting and present an essay on a leadership topic to the council and community. CAPS Media produces an onsite profile on each young mayor that is shown at the City council meeting and at the VUSD board meeting. Worthy honorees thus far this school year are Tyleigh Matheson (Loma Vista), Jazzmn Viot-Preciado (ATLAS), Alexa Swanson (E.P. Foster), Ammar Atiah (Elmhurst), and Darby Mussehl (Blanche Reynolds).

An addition screening of The Perfect Firestorm – The Thomas Fire Story will be held at the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula on Saturday, March 9th at 1pm and 3pm. This is a free event, open to the public, no reservations are required. Go to our website for information. The Perfect Firestorm is a tribute to our entire community of heroes who, in the face of an overwhelming crisis, responded with astonishing calm and then opened their hearts, hands and homes to rescue neighbors and strangers and together rebuild their lives. The film is also airing on CAPS Media, go to capsmedia.org/schedule to find days and time. And, in response to requests from the community, the film is open for viewing on the CAPS Media website homepage – capsmedia.org.

Explore the possibilities at CAPS Media. Have you ever wondered what’s inside the CAPS Media Center – that red, black and glass building on Day Road, across from Foothill High school? There’s a lot more inside than you can imagine including limitless creative opportunities waiting for you. To find out more come to orientation on the first Thursday of every month and learn how to become a member of CAPS and join our community of enthusiastic engaged member/producers. A CAPS Media staff member directs a tour of the television studio and radio station, displays and explains the equipment and resources that are available to Member/Producers, and answer questions about the benefits of becoming a CAPS Media member.

Member classes include a Production/Storytelling class on the 1st Thursday of the month, a HD videography/camera class held on the 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing class on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) two-part classes on the 4th week. In every training session Member/Producers receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production and more. All classes begin at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road. Once trained and certified, member/producers may check out CAPS Media’s video cameras, tripods, audio gear and other production equipment to record their project and then book postproduction editing suites to craft the story they want to tell. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 805-658-0500.

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media.

Wilderness course now in its eleventh year

WBC students resting at Sheep Camp monument in the snow. Photo by Michael Kuredjian

The local Sierra Club’s annual Wilderness Basics Course begins Feb 6, gathering local outdoor experts to teach and share tips on how to be safe and comfortable outdoors, enhancing day hikes to backpacking adventures.

Considering the number of people that do things like read this site and look for any help they can improving their wilderness skills, the Los Padres Chapter’s popular course is in its 11th year and typically sells out. It caters to all physical levels and ages from teen to seniors so would be great to learn more about surviving in your local area.

WBC includes evening hands-on classes and day and overnight adventures, including car camp. Camaraderie always comes along.

WBC has close ties with the Search and Rescue teams in both counties; in fact, some surplus funds from class fees are donated to them. Other “after-cost” funds have been donated for trail maintenance to the Los Padres Forest Assn. and the chapter for use in its free Outings, wildlife protection and trail access.

Volunteer leaders teach people the skills to enjoy the wilderness in 8 classroom sessions and guide the students on 4 exciting outings, sponsored by the Los Padres Chapter, Sierra Club.

Evening classes are held at Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura Feb. 6 to March 27. Day, overnight and car camps are held in both counties. The course serves people of all levels from beginners to seasoned hikers, teens to seniors and outings are student’s choice, ranked from easy, moderate or strenuous. Various discounts apply, and a few scholarships are available.

To register: http://bit.ly/LPWBC19
For information call (805) 524-7170 or [email protected].
www.facebook.com/lospadreswbc.

School on Wheels awarded grants by the Ojai Women’s Fund

On Thursday, January 17th, School on Wheels along with 12 other local nonprofits were awarded grants totaling $105,000 by the Ojai Women’s Fund.

School on Wheels is a local nonprofit that celebrated its 25th Anniversary last year providing educational assistance to children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Sinead Chilton, Director of Development and Marketing for School on Wheels, Anna Wagner OWF Co-Chair and Peggy Russell from OWF Steering Committee at the awards ceremony.

Their $10,000.00 grant from the Ojai Women’s Fund (OWF) is to continue and expand their program in the Ojai Valley by recruiting, training and matching volunteer tutors with students living in shelters, motels, cars, on the street and in group foster homes.  This funding will specifically support their program to a group foster home for sexually trafficked youth (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) ages 12-18.

Catherine Meek, Executive Director of School on Wheels is a resident of Ojai and also one of the newest members of the OWF.  In 2018 they provided one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to over 3,500 children.  Sinead Chilton, Director of Development and Marketing, accepted the award on their behalf and stated “Our hope with the funds you have given us is that we can recruit, train and match volunteers in Ojai that are willing to work with older students and be positive role models for kids that have experienced trauma that most of us cannot even begin to comprehend. “

To find out more about School on Wheels and to apply to be a volunteer tutor visit their website at www.schoolonwheels.org.

Ventura Fairgrounds board approves plan for Surfers Point Managed Retreat project

The Ventura County Fairgrounds board has approved, by 7-0 vote, the conceptual design for the second phase of the Surfers Point Managed Retreat project.

Barbara Quaid, Ventura County Fairgrounds CEO stated “I am grateful that the Fairgrounds and the City of Ventura are working together on keeping our beautiful bike path and shoreline a jewel for everyone to enjoy. ​”

The project is a joint effort by the city of Ventura and a joint powers authority of six coastal communities and the counties of Ventura and Santa Barbara. It aims to finish a project whose The first phase of the project was completed in 2011.

The conceptual design provides for the removal of the parking lot that runs adjacent to the bike path and just north of the restrooms. The bike path will come forward and the lot will move. The beach will widen to where the lot and bike path are now located.

When completed there will be 423 parking spaces, an increase over the 203 that are located there now.

Ventura Police Community Academy

The Ventura Police Department’s Community Academy is coming! Have you ever wanted to know more about police operations? Not the ‘TV’ version, but the facts? Here’s your chance! The Community Academy will take you on a ride-along with a patrol officer, show you what a SWAT team does, let you experience a simulated firearms training course, give you a look at issues officers face in our community and much more.

The Community Academy is scheduled to begin April 10 and will be held on 10 consecutive Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Each night features a new topic, with speakers, demonstrations, and discussions. Select nights include a visit to the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center, Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar and the Ventura County Jail. We’ll answer your questions and give you an in-depth behind the scenes look at police operations.

Community Academy participants are selected by the Ventura Police Department through the application process. Applications are available at the Ventura Police Department or online. Applications accepted until March 13, 2019.

Potential candidates must meet the following criteria: minimum age of 18 years, live or work in the City of Ventura, no felony convictions, no misdemeanor convictions within two years of application.

The Community Academy aims to educate residents on the capacity and operations of the Ventura Police Department so that police officers and community members can work together to make Ventura a better and safer place.

For more information, please contact Community Outreach Specialist Ashley Bautista 805-339-4317 or [email protected].

Location at the Ventura Police Department, 1425 Dowell Dr. with some classes off site.

Become a reading tutor for adults

“Kids this is a foreign language called cursive. Maybe you need tutoring.”

Ventura County Library Adult Literacy READ Program is now recruiting Adult volunteer tutors who would like to help other adults improve their reading and writing skills. No teaching experience is required and the training is free. The next five-week tutor training series will be starting in February.

The READ program trains adult volunteers to provide free one-to-one reading instruction for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. Ventura County Library is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program.

After completion of the five-week training, tutors will meet with their adult learners at locations throughout the county. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market.

For more information about how you can support literacy and make a difference in someone’s life, call (805) 677-7160.

VCAAA award-winning Fall Prevention Program opens course registration in Ventura

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s award-winning Fall Prevention Program has opened registration for A Matter of Balance, a series of evidence-based classes that focus on increased mobility and balance. Registration is now open for a class at the E.P. Foster Library in Ventura. The class is free and open to all individuals 60 and older.

A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to manage and prevent falls. Participants will learn to view falls as controllable; set goals for increasing activity; make changes to reduce fall risks at home; and exercise to increase balance and strength.

Nationally recognized research shows that one in four adults over the age of 65, and half of the population over the age of 75, fall each year. Of those individuals, half will die within a year from complications and injuries sustained from the fall.

A Matter of Balance welcomes all individuals concerned about falls, as well as those who are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength. Individuals who have recently experienced a fall, or who have restricted activity due to the fear of falling, are encouraged to participate.

The course at EP Foster Library is slated to begin on February 5, and will be held in the Library’s Topping Room on Tuesdays through March 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EP Foster Library is located at 651 E. Main Street in Ventura.

To learn more about the program, or to register for this or any upcoming class, please contact the VCAAA Fall Prevention Coordinator, Dina Ontiveras, at (805) 477-7343.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, an agency of the County of Ventura, is the principal agency in Ventura County charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

First Annual Charity Kickball Tournament

The Barracks Project West Coast is 100% volunteer run non-profit 501c3 supporting our honorably discharged veterans create stable living environments through service projects, financial assistance for housing, and coordination with career assistance.

They are hosting their First Annual Charity Kickball Tournament March 16 at Camino Real Park in Ventura. It’s set to be their largest fundraiser to date and will go a long way towards helping veterans locally.

There are a number of ways to get involved with the tournament. First, there are still openings for teams to register or if individuals are interested they can place them on a team. Second, they are looking for sponsors and are offering several different packages with varying price points that are designed to provide a solid marketing platform. Last, they will need volunteers throughout the day of the event.

All of this information and how to register for any of the above can be found at  www.tinyurl.com/tbpwckickball.

2018 by Venturans for Efficient & Responsible Government (VERG)

Last year was a most transformational year in Ventura’s history. Every aspect of life in Ventura was affected. The city was in the national spotlight, twice. Leadership changed but at a high price. Old ways of doing business didn’t change, though. Overall, it was a year to remember.

December 2017-To understand 2018, you must appreciate December 2017 and the Thomas Fire. The fire destroyed 535 houses in Ventura. The city was the epicenter of the national news.

Thirteen months later, Ventura had the opportunity for the most significant economic stimulus since the oil boom but failed to capitalize on it. Rebuilding the homes will stimulate the local economy by $350 million. The only thing standing in the way of that economic windfall is the city. What are the lessons we learned from the Thomas Fire? Good question. Thirteen months later we still don’t know that answer. The city has yet to produce a report on its findings.

January 2018-The Montecito mudslides closed off transportation into and out of Santa Barbara along the 101. Many Venturans that work in Santa Barbara were unable to commute.

March 2018-The City Council waffles on second-story height restrictions for rebuilding Thomas Fire victims’ homes, delaying the rebuilding process and adding costs for many.

April 2018-Jamal Jackson slays Anthony Mele, Jr. on Ventura’s promenade. Once again, the city was thrust into the national news.

Ventura Police increased patrols along the promenade. The City Council approved funds to continue the patrols. Arrests increased after the incident.

Post-incident, the Police department reviewed its procedures. There have been changes to the security camera monitoring as a result. The review also concluded the call was not improperly prioritized when it came in two and a half hours before the murder.

Since May, the community has returned to business as usual.

June 2018-Ventura Police officers sign a new contract with a 5% pay increase. The timing of the announcement was questionable, but the contract was a fair one.

July 2018-The City Council instructs Ventura Water to focus on connecting to State Water over Direct Potable Reuse (DPR). DPR takes recycled wastewater and injects it back into the drinking supply.

The City Council approves a $600,000 per year “roving” fire engine and three paramedics over the objections of Interim City Manager Dan Paranick. Ventura Fire hired two of the three paramedics before the Council approved the funding.

September 2018-Ventura Water hires eight new positions. The City Council approved the department’s budget that included these positions. Ventura Water based that budget on Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) projects being the city’s top priority. When the Council realigned Ventura Water’s priorities in July, the department didn’t adjust its manpower requirements.

October 2018-Ventura Water begins installing new digital water meters. It is a $9 million project that will take three years to complete. The new meters allow more precise leak protection. The new meters also measure water usage more precisely. You can expect your water bill to be more accurate, too.

November 2018-Ventura held its first City Council elections by voting district. Lorrie Brown (District 6), Jim Friedman (District 5), Erik Nasarenko (District 4) and Sofia Rubalcava (District 1) won. The candidates raised a record amount of money, despite campaigning in districts instead of citywide. The cost-per-vote skyrocketed to win a seat from $2.75 per vote in the last election with an open position to a record-high $26.42.

December 2018-Alex McIntyre starts as City Manager. He replaces Mark Watkins who resigned in November 2017. The city had operated with an interim-City Manager since January 2018. McIntyre comes to Ventura from Menlo Park where he was City Manager for six years.

Ventura’s new City Councilmembers are sworn in. The Council has four female members: Lorrie Brown (District 6), Cheryl Heitmann (District 7), Sofia Rubalcava (District 1) and Christy Weir (District 2). Ventura has its first female-majority City Council in history. It’s also the most diverse set of Councilmembers the city has ever had.

Ventura Audubon Society February events

February 2, 2019 8:00 a.m. Work Day Hedrick Ranch Nature Area
Leader: Sandy Hedrick 805-340-0478
Arrive at 8:00 for self-guided birding which usually yields some interesting birds. Work from 9am – noon. Long pants and boots or closed shoes are required. Bring water, gloves & sun protection.

February 9, 2019 8:30 a.m. Arroyo Verde Park
Leader: Raeann Koerner 805-701-1919
Arroyo Verde Park. Enjoy birding the oak woodland, grassy areas, and chaparral in this long, broad canyon. Early spring migrants may include Western Tanager, Rufous Hummingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Phainopepla.

February 17, 2019 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Ventura Settling Ponds
Leader: Corine Barksdale 805-535-5173
Enjoy a morning of mostly waterfowl birding. Spotting scopes are always welcome.

February 24, 2019 8:30 a.m. Ojai Meadows
Leader: Tevin Schmitt 661-904-1563
This beautiful preserve is a birding hotspot and includes a restored wetland and native plantings. Target birds will include: Western Bluebirds, Sora, Belted Kingfisher, Western Meadowlark, Merlin, Cedar Waxwing, Lark Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrows.