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Updated Dashboard provides clearer picture of school performance

A redesigned and expanded California School Dashboard is now available to the public at www.caschooldashboard.org. The Dashboard, which debuted in 2017, has a new look that makes it easier to see how individual schools and districts are performing in six statewide measures of student success. For the first time, the Dashboard is providing data on chronic absenteeism and college and career readiness along with the four other state measures that were reported previously. The six measures are:

  • Academic Performance
  • Chronic Absenteeism (new for 2018)
  • College/Career Readiness (new for 2018)
  • English Learner Progress
  • High School Graduation Rate
  • Suspension Rate

The Dashboard also shows how particular student groups are performing in each of the six measures. In addition to racial and ethnic categories, the Dashboard reports results for these groups:

  • English Learners
  • Foster Youth
  • Homeless
  • Socioeconomically Disadvantaged
  • Students with Disabilities

“The Dashboard is part of a larger state effort to continuously improve public education and is a visual representation of student performance across multiple indicators. As a County Office of Education, we benefit from data being presented in a manner that assists us in understanding strengths and areas for growth among our districts and schools,” says Dr. Antonio Castro, Associate Superintendent for Educational Services at the Ventura County Office of Education.

The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org.

Vol. 12, No. 6 – Dec 19, 2018 – Jan 2, 2019 – Ojai News & Events

Ojai author Elizabeth Rose will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019, to deliver a presentation of her new book From The Fire which reflects on the Thomas Fire, co-authored with Deva Temple.

From The Fire is a book about hope and connection and the coming together of the Ojai community as well as a book about the devastation and trauma of the Thomas Fire. This book is a collection of photographs, writings, art, and reflection—entirely from members of the Ojai Community—that document the fire experience from the flames into the ashes to the regrowth on our land as well as within the community.

Elizabeth Rose will discuss the making of this book—from the interviews with over 45 community members to the process of culling through over 900 photograph submissions to sharing her experience meeting with so many Ojai community members.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Ojai Women’s Fund (OWF) proudly names the 13 organizations selected to receive $105,000 in 2018 community grant awards, which honor and support Ojai Valley nonprofits that serve local arts, education, environment, health, and social service projects. All funds were raised this year through OWF member donations and a Wilson Family Fund grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF).

The Ojai Women’s Fund will honor its 2018 grant recipients and celebrate good works in Ojai at a Grantee Gala Celebration, Thursday, January 17, 2019, 6:00 p.m., at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, 441 E. Ojai Ave. All are welcome; please check OWF’s website at www.ojaiwomensfund.org for further information.

Now in a third year of local philanthropy, the Ojai Women’s Fund has already created substantial community impact by raising and awarding $229,000 to Ojai Valley nonprofits. OWF warmly welcomes all women of the Valley share the joy of local giving through OWF membership. Visit www.ojaiwomensfund.org to learn much more.

December 21 is Third Friday in Ojai. Every month the Ojai Valley Museum, galleries, and shops plan something special. Third Fridays in Ojai is an opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy the village during special early evening hours. Every month provides you with a little different experience. Standout experiences in December include an exhibition opening reception, live music, and lots of sales.

7-Day river cruise to raise funds to support those affected by disaster

Hathaway Dream Vacations in Carpinteria has partnered with The Local Love Project and Chocolats du CaliBressan in Santa Barbara to host the Local Love Project River Cruise, which will raise funds to support those affected by disaster or in time of need. The unique fundraising cruise aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaCello departs Lyon, France on September 5, 2019, for a 7-day river cruise.

Don Hathaway, Dream Vacations franchise owner said “We are privileged to have the opportunity to collaborate with two community leaders in hosting this fundraising cruise for the Local Love Project.”

The Local Love Project River Cruise will visit Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Avignon and Arles.

The Local Love Project activates and organizes members of the community to help in providing items necessary to neighbors impacted by the Thomas Fire and mudslides as they work to restore their lives.

Kat Merrick CEO said, “Totally Local VC’s Local Love Project is honored to be partnering with AMA Waterways, Hathaway Dream Vacations and Chocolats du CaliBressan to help raise much needed long-term recovery funds for Thomas Fire survivors. This will be a once in a lifetime experience that truly gives back to our community. ”

Fares start at $3,749 and are based on double occupancy, space is limited. For more information on the Local Love Project, or to book your trip with Dream Vacations, please call 805-978-5870 or visit http://dhathaway.dreamvacationsgroups.com/TheLocalLoveProject.

New report spotlights education in Ventura County

For the first time, Ventura County’s major educational institutions have combined their resources to create a report that encompasses educational programs and achievements from elementary school to graduate school. The 2018 Ventura County Education Report to the Community is now available to view and download.

California Lutheran University, CSU Channel Islands, the Ventura Community College District and the Ventura County Office of Education jointly produced the 20-page publication. The report highlights the innovative ways Ventura County’s K-12 schools, community colleges and universities are expanding educational opportunity and achievement. The report also takes a look at the growing effort by educators to prepare students for the working world by providing the knowledge and skills sought after by local employers.

The report is being released by the Ventura County P-20 Council, which is a group of local education, business, government and nonprofit leaders who collaborate on educational issues.

The report is available to view as a digital magazine or download as a PDF document at www.vcp20.org/report. Printed copies are available at the Ventura County Office of education at 5100 Adolfo Rd. in Camarillo.

The gift of giving

by Karen Leslie, writer with heart

A winter wonderland in Ventura you ask? Yes indeed! On December 9th, 2018 Santa Claus arrived, HO HO HO-ING to the 2nd annual open house Fundraiser Benefit for The Ventura County Ombudsman Program.

Visitors journeyed back in time to the 1950’s at Christmastime, to the small Minnesota town of Anoka , also known as the Halloween capital of the world. The lighted 1500-piece community Snow Village was collected and assembled with passionate devotion over a 22 year span by board member Elbie Daw. From fine wines, handmade baskets to collectible cars, guests enjoyed the ultimate wonderland experience!

“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone”

The Ventura County Ombudsman Program began when Bee Ellisman’s mother was in a nursing home and witnessed firsthand the need for advocates for elderly residents. In 1989 founders, Ellisman and Shirley Radding along with one staff member and two volunteers began monitoring 12 Ventura County nursing facilities, advocating for decent care and quality of life for 1,482 elderly residents.

In 1988, the founders incorporated Long-Term Care Services of Ventura County Inc, a non-profit charitable corporation. In 1991 the program was named a model by the state of California for its outstanding efforts on behalf of the elderly.

Ambudsman is a Swedish word meaning advocate. Executive director, Sylvia Taylor-Stein shares, “Sixty percent of those who live in nursing homes have no family or friends to watch out or visit them and are too fearful, vulnerable or frail to represent themselves. No other agency or program exists solely for the elderly. Each year The Ombudsman Program provides long-term care elders, their families and the community at large over 20,000 hours of free service. The non-profits greatest asset provides a value of $160,000 of in-kind services to seniors and the disabled. The program is federally mandated and does not receive financial support from federal or state government. As a result the program depends on funds from sources that include private foundations, community development, block grant funding, individual and public contributions.”

Jaw dropping U.S. numbers for the Ombudsman Program in 2016; There are 53 State Ombudsmen -1,300 full-time equivalent staff -7,331 volunteers trained to investigate and resolve complaints – information regarding long term care to 378,526 individuals – visited 28,473 long-term care facilities – provided information and assistance to 115,708 LTC facility and staff – attended 1,974 training sessions and worked to resolve 199,494 complaints.

In 2017, the state of California alone; investigated 41,834 complaints, responded to 26,392 calls, visited 4,105 facilities and provided 68,948 individual consultations.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes and assisted living facilities. As mediators, LTCOP’s addresses a variety of complaints; violation of resident’s rights and dignity – physical, verbal or mental abuse – deprivation of services necessary to maintain residents physical and mental health – unreasonable confinement – poor quality of care including personal hygiene, slow response to requests for assistance, improper transfer or discharge of patient and inappropriate use of chemical or physical restraint. Other rights include; citizenship, privacy, freedom, information, residency and expression.

Retired Army Colonel and 20+year Ambudsman member, Leo Molitor shares, “It only takes a compliment or touch on the shoulder to electrify a resident”

Sylvia shares, “The program’s goal is to continue to bring strong effective advocacy and support services that help ensure a higher quality of life for this neglected population, a group whose numbers are expected to double in the next 10 years.”

Santa’s Christmas wish, “Peace for the world.”

Annual memorial service for our homeless neighbors

Contribute to the Homeless Prevention Fund at www.vhpf.net. Photo by Michael Gordon

On Saturday, Dec. 15, at Plaza Park a memorial was held to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person. All were remembered by the names of the men and women who have died homeless, in Ventura, this year.

Consider these facts:

  • On average, being homeless takes 20 years off a person’s lifespan.
  • Those suffering from mental illness and/or addiction need supportive services.
  • We still have no year-round homeless shelter in Ventura County.
  • Homeless individuals need permanent housing with ongoing supportive services.

This is the answer. It is compassionate, it saves money and is the right thing to do. Act today:

  • Contact your City Council members and County Board of Supervisors and tell them you support government playing an active role in ending homelessness.
  • Contribute to this year’s shelter at www.downtownventura.org/shelter
  • Contribute to the Homeless Prevention Fund at: www.vhpf.net

Sponsored by Lift Up Your Voice to End Homelessness, Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura www.liftupyourvoice.org. For more information, call the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura at (805) 644-3898.

Catch the “ELF on the GO” Holiday Bus

The Gold Coast Board of Directors are catching the elf.

Catch the “ELF on the GO” Holiday Bus at a stop near you. Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce the third annual appearance of its popular “Elf on the GO” holiday bus.

This year’s “Elf on the GO” is merry and bright with its colorful red design. With a highly visible full bus wrap, onlookers will be thrilled to see elves happily making toys, wrapping presents and hanging lights. Some elves are even playfully peeking through the windows inviting folks to hop on board where they will find festive decorations and holiday music.

GCTD’s 40-foot holiday bus will appear throughout GCTD’s service area through January 4th. Surprise visits from “elves” bringing cheer, bearing candy canes and posing for “sELFies” will occur randomly throughout the season. Passengers are encouraged to take pictures, tag #ElfontheGO and post to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for a chance to win goodies and prizes.

“We are thrilled to once again do our part to spread holiday cheer throughout the communities we serve”, said GCTD General Manager, Steven P. Brown. “It’s something we look forward to each year as it brings joy to the passengers who board and smiles to passersby who see it”.

Sightings of the “Elf on the GO” bus can be tracked by searching #ElfontheGO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or by visiting www.GoldCoastTransit.org.

REMEMBERING ~ Thomas Fire took their home but not their spirit

It was important that Elmer, Gracie Mae and Bandito accompany them. 

REMEMBERING ~ Thomas Fire took their home but not their spirit

by James F. Gray 

Thomas Fire victims, Christopher Means (52) and his wife, Gail (54) lost their Ondulando home, but are planning to rebuild. Their first priority after the fire was to find a rental that would allow their three large rescues, all Dobermans from the Dobie and Little Paws Rescue in Filmore (also greatly affected by the fire). It took two months of commuting from their mother’s in Palm Springs to finally land at their current location in Oxnard with Elmer, Gracie Mae and Bandito accompanying them. 

However, there are many bright spots, such as the support of family, neighbors and friends, old and new, and the potential to build their dream house.

The Means hired architect and structural engineer, Mark Baker, who lives two streets away, for their reconstruction. They had met his wife and dog previously on walks around the neighborhood. The delay in getting back to the area meant a significant delay in getting started as Mr. Baker was well booked up by that time, but they couldn’t be happier with the choice.

The lot was unique, with an odd shape and many feet of fill over most of it. The city of Ventura, so far, has been fantastic, with every visit, request and even onsite consultations.

Their insurance has been wonderful, too—no issues there—they would highly recommend State Farm Insurance to anyone.

Although they have not broken ground yet, they are excited yet apprehensive about rebuilding costs, which may add an extra several hundred thousand dollars due to caissons, extra construction fees and building code changes. A new mortgage means delayed retirement, and the value of what it costs to build, plus the value of the lot could far exceed the value when complete. Being close to retirement, they are considering all options.

Still, the thought of the new home, spectacular location with amazing views, great neighbors and neighborhood, fills them with hope and excitement about the future. 

Whatever happens, they plan to retire in the Ventura area, on a nice private area with their dogs and the ocean close.       

Recently, Gail was caught in the evacuation from the Woolsey fire, having to drive through with fire on the hills. Coming up on the year anniversary of the loss has been difficult emotionally for them, as they remember the past and feel empathy for those recently whose lives have been touched with the same disaster just over the hill.

 

Ventura Land Trust replaces hawk nest felled during Thomas Fire

VLT rented a crane and lifted Dan into a tree. Photo by Adrienne Stephens

REMEMBERING ~ Ventura Land Trust replaces hawk nest felled during Thomas Fire

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) recently replaced a Red-tailed Hawk nest that was knocked out of a eucalyptus tree after the Thomas Fire. Knowing that Red-tailed Hawks have nested in the same tree for decades, VLT Stewardship staff rented a crane and lifted it into a tree close to the one that had been damaged. The goal was to offer the local hawks a new place to nest before breeding season kicks into full swing.

“Red-tailed Hawks generally mate for life and return year after year to the same nest or area to lay their eggs and raise their young,” said Kate Furlong, VLT Stewardship Director. “VLT is committed to wildlife habitat preservation and the goal of this project is to protect a wild place where the hawks can breed, hunt, and thrive year-round.”

The Ventura Land Trust, a nonprofit land trust operating in the Ventura region since 2003, currently manages 90 acres of permanently protected open space in the Ventura River watershed, and is in the process of purchasing another 2,100 acres of prime hillside property in Ventura. The mission of VLT is to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife, and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations.