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Vol. 11, No. 26 – Sept 26 – Oct 9, 2018 – Forever Homes Wanted

Meet Theodore who is not just any beautiful Angora cat. Theodore has been learning kitty agility. That’s right, just watch his video at Ventura County Animal Services web site. He is a beautiful one year old black-smoke, medium hair kitty who can be found in our fun Kitty Cottage. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive

Theodore A672818

Hi; I’m Bentley, a gentle, very friendly, 12 year-young senior boy who has been a C.A.R.L. resident for three years.  I’m a happy, mellow, mild-mannered guy who just wants to chill beside his human pals.  I have arthritis and don’t need or require a lot of activity – short walks or meandering around the backyard.  I’m becoming kennel stressed and need a foster home or even better my forever home!  I would love to be curled up on your couch, being loved and cherished as the very special pup that I am…won’t you consider making me yours?

Meds, mobility and magic!

by Patty Jenkins

Come to the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on Wednesday, October 10th, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at The Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston St, Ventura to find out about the latest and greatest medications and devices for treating Parkinson’s and also the latest and greatest mobility aids to help you navigate your world! And if that isn’t enough to peak your interest, how about a little bit of a magic show also? This special meeting will be both informative and entertaining!

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is pleased to welcome several Pharmaceutical Representatives who will give us a brief introduction and handout materials about the Parkinson’s medication and other medical devices they represent.

We are also very pleased to have Paul Dwork, of Merlin Medical Supply in Camarillo, as our special guest. Paul is not only a pharmacist, but also an inventor and magician. Paul will be speaking to us about specialty products for Parkinson’s, as well as entertaining us with some of his magical skills!

Paul is an inventor of many products that help improve quality of life, which includes the GeeWhiz Condom Catheter for male incontinence.

Merlin Medical Supply is a great source for durable medical goods, specialty equipment for the physically challenged, which would include Parkinson’s, diabetic, incontinence and wound management supplies and other medical aids.

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group welcomes the public, our members and their care-partners, and new friends who find themselves navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. We are an independent and volunteer-organized group, not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group. For more information, call Patty at 805-766-6070.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lexington Assisted Living, our meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month. There is a drop-off/loading and unloading driveway in the front of the Lexington Assisted entrance. Extra parking is graciously available across the street in the Baptist Church parking lot. Reservations are not required. Attendees are invited to check in at the front desk for directions to the 3rd floor and sign-in at the meeting so we can keep in touch with you.

The Lexington Assisted Living was honored to host its 5th Annual First Responder BBQ luncheon.

Several participants from the Ventura Police Department, Ventura City Fire Department and Ambulance Services enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch in The Lexington courtyard. Including Ventura Chief of Police Ken Courney.

“This is a time we can show our appreciation towards the great men and women that serve our community, our residents, staff and families are all very grateful for their sacrifices”. Said, Ronald Agulto, Marketing Director.

The Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street , Ventura

(805) 644-6710 [email protected]

Photos by Bernie Goldstein

Artist AB Clawson

On Saturday, September 15, Art City hosts an opening entitled “Impractical!” an event featuring artists best known for their sculptural explorations as they present their hidden talents in their “other,” more fluid medium, paint.  The event takes place from 6-9pm and is free.

Art City Gallery and Studios, established in 1983, founded by Paul Lindhard, artist, sculptor and patron of the arts for 50 years.

An historic community resource, Art City is well known for supporting collaboration, empowerment and no-holds barred exploration and implementation of ideas; from traditional gallery exhibits, to poetry readings, performances, lectures, talks, and cinema.

197 Dubbers St, Ventura 805-648-1690

View from Two Trees

Hikers enjoying the view at the hilltop of Two Trees. Many volunteers hike with you at different intervals for safety. The hike is difficult but you can take as much time as you need. It’s a fun way to be involved in our wonderful community, get exercise and have fun!  If you’re interested in hiking up to Two Trees you can sign up for a hike by visiting the Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust at VenturaConservation.com or give them a call at (805)814-2503. 

Ventura Rebuilds

The City streamlined the rebuilding process.

by City staff

Signs of rebuilding are popping up in the neighborhoods impacted by the Thomas Fire. As of September 4th, 32 Thomas Fire building permits have been issued with another wave coming as 131 homes are currently in plan check review awaiting approval.

In addition to the building permits, 311 repair permits have been issued as well as 199 temporary water permits. “We are spending quality time with residents and architects to quickly work through issues and ensure that their homes are approved with no extra time or costs,” said Community Development Director Jeffrey Lambert.

Individual meetings are vital to promoting clear communication between the City, the resident and the architect. In fact, the Planning Division has held more than 250 appointments with Thomas Fire rebuild applicants and continues to provide personalized assistance throughout the process.

Given the large-scale devastation created by the Thomas Fire, the City streamlined the rebuilding process by adopting an ordinance intended to facilitate expedited redesign, repair, and replacement of structures within the proposed Thomas Fire Rebuild Overlay Zone that were damaged or demolished by the Thomas Fire.

In February, the Ventura City Council adopted an Emergency Ordinance to expedite the review and first plan check of Thomas Fire building permit applications within fourteen business days (the turn-around time is currently taking ten business days). The City Council also approved more than $1M in contract services to retain architects, civil engineers and other professionals to provide this important service.

Helping those affected with the rebuilding process is a top priority for the City of Ventura. The Community Development Department is working diligently with parcel owners to build as safely, and quickly as possible. Property owners, with their design team, are encouraged to call (805) 677-3901 to make a Plan Check Submittal Pre-screen appointment with officials in the Building and Safety Division. For more information visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/thomasfirerebuild.

Bark Out Loud to support our K9 officers with laughter and dinner

The Ventura Police Department has five K9 teams assigned to patrol.

The Ventura Police K9 Unit announces the 7th Annual Bark Out Loud Comedy Night. This adult only event will be held on Sept. 29, at 7pm at the historic Olivas Adobe located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive.

The fundraiser is expected to attract nearly 300 people and will feature several well-known standup comics, live music, dinner, a silent auction, raffle, demonstrations and K9s!

Tickets for the event are $65 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/bark-out-loud-comedy-night-tickets-45914969911.

The Ventura Police Department has five K9 teams assigned to patrol. The teams are available for deployment 7 days a week, providing protection to our community around the clock. The K9s help locate and track missing persons, find narcotics and drugs and capture violent and fleeing suspects.

The proceeds from the event support the K9s! The K9 Unit relies on the generous donations of local businesses and community members to help pay for the cost of the K9s, training, equipment, food and veterinary expenses. The donations help keep K9s Bolt, Miles, Yoschi, Jag and Rover on our streets serving and protecting Ventura.

Community Memorial Hospital moves into new hospital 

CEO Gary K. Wilde has received the keys to the new CMH.

Community Memorial Health System (CMHS) moved a significant step closer on Wednesday, Aug. 29, to opening the new Community Memorial Hospital when President and CEO Gary K. Wilde received the keys to the new Ocean Tower at Loma Vista Road and Brent Street.

Now that CMHS has taken official possession of the newly constructed six-story building, CMHS can now begin the move-in process. It’s anticipated that the new Ocean Tower will open to patients and the public in about four months.

Until then, and during the next four months, CMHS will install the final pieces of technology and equipment, provide safety training and new process/procedure training to all staff, train physicians on the new technology, stock the building with supplies, like PPE Equipment, pharmaceutical supplies and so much more as well as install over 500 pieces of original artwork from local and regional artists.

Features of the Ocean Tower include 250 private rooms and expanded space in all critical healthcare areas such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Department (which will offer 37 private rooms compared to 17 curtained bays in the old CMH), and the Intensive Care/Coronary Care Unit.

The surgical capacity increases as the new facility will feature 10 operating suites, as well as five new heart catheterization laboratories. And, for moms, babies and children, an entire floor will be devoted to their well-being.

The new eight-acre CMHS campus also includes a public community park; a Healing Garden for patients and their families; and a Respite Garden for staff and visitors. Other new features include an outside dining terrace and additional parking spaces in a new parking structure for the hospital and the public.

For more information on the new hospital please go to www.ournewcmh.org.

Free eye exams (and glasses) brought to you by Rotary, Lions and The Salvation Army

Jim Deardorff OD, Rotary; Chris Brashears, Rotary, Salvation Army Advisory Board; Steve Shaw, President Downtown Lions Club; Laura Hernandez, Salvation Army; Hardeep Kataria, optometrist and Lieutenant Fabio Simoes, Salvation Army, Rotary at the eye clinic.

The Ventura Rotary Club, Ventura Downtown Lions Club and the Salvation Army of Ventura have partnered to bring the community a free Eye Clinic. Their goal and vision is to provide free eye glasses for those in need (no questions asked). Any Salvation Army case manager can make a client appointment where the patient will receive an eye exam and a free pair of glasses. Patients are seen each Thursday from 7:30- 9:30 except holidays. Walk-Ins are welcomed as well, just arrive early and ring the bell!

The clinic was finally launched on July 12 many months after it was planned because of the Thomas Fire. Retired optometrist Jim Deardorff donated his equipment and optometrist Hardeep Kataria volunteers her time to give the exams.

Rotarian Chris Brashears stated “I was looking for more to do helping people locally. In our Rotary Club we have three optometrist so it occurred to me that if we had a space we could open up a clinic to provide free eye exams and glasses to those in need. I went to Fabio and asked him to help me find a space. Fabio and Silvia, our Salvation Army Lieutenants have a hard time saying no donated the space.”

“Another Rotarian Indy Batra and I were driving to Vegas for business one day when I told him of my need to find an optometrist. He suggested his daughter in-laws sister Hardeep. She was the missing piece and without her we would not be in business, she donates her time always with a big smile. The Lions Club told me that they wanted to be involved and to just let them know when and where.”

“We have been funded to date by the Ventura Rotary Club and by the Downtown Lions Club. We have enough funds for this year and are looking for a free source to make the lens (our only expense). We have a lot of donated frames.”

“To date we have served approximately 30 patients with free glasses. The enjoyment comes from seeing them with their new glasses and the smile it brings to their face to be able to see clearly again.”

Silvia Benetti Simoes, Lieutenant Ventura Corps Officer stated “It has been a privilege to be part of this great organization where we can provide services that are needed for the community. The eye clinic is a new opportunity to show what the Salvation Army is all about, giving back.”

Lion Steve Shaw went on to say “Lions have long been associated with blindness prevention and sight restoration. The American author and activist Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf, personally challenged Lions to “hasten the day when there would be no preventable blindness”. In her 1925 address to the Lions Club Foundation Convention in Cedar Point Ohio she asked Lions to constitute to become “Knights of the Blind” in her crusade against darkness. Since then more then 10 million children have been screened for eye disease and vision problems, 7.6 million have regained their sight through cataract surgery and 400,000 people each year receive recycled eyeglasses because of the Lions.”

Free Eye Exams Salvation Army Eye Clinic
Salvation Army Hope Center, 155 S Oak St, Ventura.
7:30am-9:30am Thursday.

Venturarotaryeye.com or 805-648-4977 for more information.

To donate eye glasses visit Venturalions.org for a list of donation sites