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Recipients of the 2018 Fainer/Tauber, MD Awards announced

Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 Fainer/Tauber, MD Awards on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the Lloyd- Butler Estate in Oxnard, the title sponsor of this year’s celebration.

In 1956, Dr. Leo Tauber, along with two other physicians founded VCMRF, whose mission is “To improve, in partnership with others, access to needed health care for the most vulnerable and underserved residents of Ventura County.” Since that time, the Foundation has been a leader in recognizing the achievements and dedication of the county’s doctors and health care professionals, through the David Fainer, MD and Leo Tauber, MD awards. By acknowledging the work of the health care professionals county-wide, VCMRF brings awareness of the exemplary work taking place every day in the health care community to help drive innovation in patient care and access to care for all residents, especially the county’s underserved population.

The 2018 honorees include:

  • Physician Beverly Valles Torres, MD, MPH
  • Nurse Rashidah Khan, RN
  • Community Service Award Michael Boyko
  • Oral Health Specialist Catherine Chien, DDS
  • Vision Care Specialist William Shaffer, OD Behavioral/Mental Health Professional Richard Deamer, MD
  • Allied Health Professional Kristine Supple, PA-C, MPH
  • Trailblazer Award Michael L. White, LMFT

The $225- plate event ($195 for past award winners) includes a champagne reception, entertainment by Allegato (jazz) Music, dessert, live and silent auctions, formal dinner and the awards ceremony. Funds from the event will benefit oral health and vision care services for low- income children and seniors, homeless outreach for those less fortunate, and survivorship wellness retreats for low-income women undergoing cancer treatment at local hospitals through the InnCourage program.

For more information please contact Victoria Chandler at the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (805) 641-9800, email at [email protected], or visit website at vcmrf.org.

Child Hope Services and Foster VC Kids invite all to an inspirational and informative Summit

Community members are invited to attend the Foster Care Summit, designed to encourage and equip individuals who have a heart for foster care and adoption.

Child Hope Services and Foster VC Kids will host the Summit, August 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Oxnard, 1925 Eastman Avenue, Oxnard. The Foster Care Summit is free and community members are invited to learn about opportunities to support children and youth in care — either by becoming a resource, foster or adoptive family, or by supporting those who do.

Currently, Ventura County has approximately 800 children and youth in need of support, guidance and hope to help them thrive while separated from their families of origin. Ana Navarro, Caregiver Support Specialist/Placement Stabilization for Foster VC Kids says, “If you are inspired by the thought of helping local children and youth feel safe, cared for and supported, this Foster Care Summit is for you. “

Based on their own personal experiences with the foster care and adoption process, Heather and Daniel Fowler founded Child Hope Services in 2014 to support other families who are bringing children into their lives. Daniel says, “People are humanitarians at heart. There is a role, and opportunity, for everyone in the community to have a positive impact on the life of a child or young adult. You can be a world-changer.”

The Foster Care Summit will include presentations from:

Special guest Jason Johnson, a foster and adoptive father, writer and renowned speaker on orphan-related issues. He is the Director of The National Church Ministry Initiative with Christian Alliance for Orphans and author of All in Orphan Care.

Guest speaker Chelsea Cameron, a child of adoption herself will reflect on her choice to choose adoption. She will also share topics on loving well, building bonds and connections with children that are not her own.

Foster VC Kids about the training and support available to those interested in becoming a resource family who nurtures the safety, permanency and well-being of Ventura County’s youth and families.

Child Hope Services regarding the organization’s mission to support and cover foster families and foster youths with the practical resources needed in the critical first moments of foster care placement, along with supporting their long-term practical and relational needs.

For more information go to www.fostercaresummit.org.

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton

On July 24th, during another heat wave, I asked 6 Venturans –
“What do you like to do when the weather warms up in Ventura?”

Lisa Hawk
age 54
works at Salon Panache
“I like to go to work where it’s air-conditioned and hope for a little ocean breeze when I’m at home!”

 

Dale Fitzpatrick
age 62
retired clerical worker
“I like to go for a walk near the ocean or go see a movie where it’s air-conditioned, actually, I like to do as little as possible!”

 

Brian Fitzpatrick
age 65
retired lawyer
“Yes, we go to air-conditioned places, but it never gets that bad in Ventura. If we really want to bake, we could just drive 15 minutes to Ojai!”

 

Shane Winton
age 28
fisherman, carpenter, tree trimmer
“Surf! I’ve been surfing my whole life, I grew up on Pierpont. And on the side, me and my dad build custom slabs (boards). My favorite place to surf is the Dredge at Marina Park, no wait – make that Mondos!”

 

Justin Shelton
age 46
works at Lowe’s
“I like to take my 4-year old son, Vincent to the mall where it’s air-conditioned. We walk around, and I let him play in the little play area there and hopefully he falls asleep on the way home. I try to time it to where it’s nap time!”

 

Dalia Padilla
age 25
works with life insurance company
“I like to go to the beach right by the Pier, it’s my 4-year old daughter Natalie’s favorite beach because it’s got a playground there. We try to go twice a week if possible, but not so much lately, I could go into labor any minute! I’m overdue, my due date was July 16th … “

Writer’s note: By the time the next issue of the Ventura Breeze comes out on August 1st, we wish Dalia and her family all the best as Natalie’s baby sister has surely arrived by then!

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – Mailbox

General Plan Update

The 2025 General Plan update must include robust public participation now that we know more about urban planning than we did in 2005. Pretty pictures sold us on plans that have had a major impact on some areas of the community, especially the Avenue. The Avenue also taught us a lesson on the importance of park space.

We also learned that the transect model can be manipulated in unexpected ways to allow urban density in rural areas. Soon we will see the impact of dense development along our rural edge on Wells Rd in Saticoy. We cannot ignore the impacts of these decisions.

We have existing parcels to develop without expansion, yet we still approved an annexation in Saticoy for a development for which we may not have sufficient water. This is not “infill.” This land should have provided needed park space in Saticoy.

I hope all community councils submit their ideas to Council and staff to outline the changes they would like to see in their area. Let’s substitute top down experimentation with bottom up experimentation. The College Area started this exercise by submitting ideas for Telegraph Road parcels based upon the needs in our district. I urge other councils to submit their vision for the open parcels in their area including traffic, schools & services issues.

Let’s review our 2005 General plan assumptions, definitions & land use designations to remove the erroneous ones and vet new ones for the 2025 update. The refinement took a stab at this issue, but now we have the opportunity to begin anew to correct past and recent errors. Let’s embrace this opportunity.

Let’s also immediately correct obvious discrepancies in our land use & zoning identified by the refinement effort.

I urge residents to get involved and take an active part in shaping your community.

Kathy Bremer Ventura

(Note: I am writing as an individual not representing the city or any organization).

The Breeze:

Realtor Dolly Bovee went above and beyond what is required of a Realtor and ensured that our business dealings went smoothly. She used much of her personal time and natural ease with people to cause timely response from all involved.

In our opinion Ms. Bovee is professional, honest, thorough and effective. We have learned, as seniors there appears to be a different attitude in how our business is both conceived and handled.

Sincerely,

Rafe and Yvonne Hernandez

Editor:

I have been intending to write, since I read the Letter to the editor, most recent edition, from Jared Verhoeven, critical of a small rate increase by E J Harrison and Sons and touting a huge trash company, not locally owned. EJ Harrison has a long record of excellent service over many many years to our community. They are constantly looking for better ways to operate and a leader in innovation.

Furthermore, they have been incredibly generous to so many not for profits ranging from Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Community Memorial Hospital to name just a few. I am a firm believer in local owners that live in our community and are fully invested in delivering great service at a very reasonable rate. It deeply hurts me to hear them being accused of gouging in their rates. You would not get this from a huge company like Waste Management. The Recycling market is commodity based and ever changing. We can each do our part to help keep rates down by following recycling guidelines.

Best regards,

Mike Merewether

Editor:

I want to acknowledge and thank both Ventura Police Department and California State Parks for their posting of Illegal Vagrant Camps on the Beach South of Surfers Knoll yesterday. This area was previously the site of two moderate-sized brush fires.

One of the illegal camps posted contained a non-ambulatory female who would not be able to flee on her own should another fire occur. This action taken by both agencies will lessen the chances of future fires and ensure Public Safety.

Respectfully,

John Higgins Harbormaster – Harbor Patrol Ventura Harbor

Art does not reproduce what we see. It makes us see.
~ Paul Klee

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Residential Burglary and Possession for Sales Arrest

On July 13, at approximately 10am, officers responded to a call regarding a suspicious subject knocking on multiple residences’ doors in the area of the 100 block of Gay Drive. When officers arrived, 23 year old Ventura resident Allen Minot was seen walking away from a residence. The investigation revealed he entered the house, removed property from the residence and hid it nearby. He was also found to be in possession of a large quantity of prescription drugs (Xanax). Minot’s vehicle was parked nearby, and the second suspect, 27 year old Moorpark resident Kevin McNicol, was seated in the vehicle. He was found to be in possession of heroin.

At the conclusion of the investigation, McNicol was arrested for the misdemeanor charge possession of heroin and booked into Ventura County Jail. Minot was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for residential burglary and possession for sales of Xanax. Officers recovered the stolen property and returned it to the victim.

Arson Arrest

On July 18, at approximately 10:23am, a passerby on Brannan St. in East Ventura notified the Fire Command Center that black smoke was pouring from a window of a single story single family residence and it was unknown if anyone was inside. Fire personnel arrived on scene and forced open the door to the residence and commenced a fire attack. The fire was located in a bathroom off the master bedroom. The fire engulfed items within the bathroom and blew out the window. Firefighters knocked down the fire in approximately 12 minutes. A search of the home was made and a dog and cat were located trapped inside a room and were brought to safety. No one was home at the time of the fire.

Robbery

On July 19, at approximately 10:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream parlor reporting a robbery that just occurred.

The suspect, 35 year old Ventura vagrant Scott Russell, entered the business and demanded money from the clerk while claiming to be armed with a gun. The clerk gave Russell the money from behind the register. Russell then fled on foot from the business. Officers arrived on scene a few moments later and located the Russell a short distance away. After a short foot pursuit where Russell was dropping money taken from the business, he was taken into custody without incident.

Residential Burglary and Prowling Arrest

On July 20, at approximately 12:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from an alarm company reporting a residential alarm at a residence in the 2200 block of Vista Del Mar Rd. Shortly after receiving the first call from the alarm company, several neighbors of the residence called 911 reporting a subject was found breaking into the same location and was being detained in the backyard. Officers responded to the scene and detained the subject, later identified as the suspect 25 year old vagrant Santos Velasquez.

During the investigation, officers learned that Velasquez had entered the garage of an additional residence in the 2200 block of Vista Del Mar Rd. and used a tool in an attempt to force his way inside. When he was unsuccessful, Velasquez forced his way into a window of the second residence and activated the alarm. Nearby neighbors heard the alarm sounding and saw Velasquez inside. He was detained by the neighbors as he tried leaving with stolen property.

Velasquez was seen prowling on the property of other residences in the area prior to the burglary.

Foot Pursuit Concealed Weapon Arrest

On July 21, at approximately 8:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call reporting that a wanted subject, 27 year old Ventura resident Oscar Espino, was seen walking on the Promenade going towards the Pier from Surfers Point parking lot. As the first officer arrived on scene he spotted Espino on the pier. Espino knowing that he had been seen by the officer actively tried to evade the officer.

As more officers arrived, a lengthy foot pursuit ensued that lead officers from the pier to the Harbor Blvd parking structure. During the foot pursuit Espino refused to comply with orders from the officers to stop. Espino eventually made it to the intersection of Harbor and California where he was cornered by both VPD officers and a State Parks Ranger. Again, Espino refused to comply with verbal commands and he was forced to the ground and taken into custody. A search of Espino after the arrest, officers discovered that he was carrying a concealed machete hidden inside his pants.

Espino was arrested for felony possession of the dirk or dagger and misdemeanor resisting or delaying an officer as well as his warrants.

“Houdini” radio broadcast wins national awards

Adding to recent international awards, the radio drama broadcast “Houdini’s Secret Life” has now picked up national awards. Every Now and Then Theatre and Conejo Players Theatre’s joint presentation, celebrity hosted by actor-producer-writer Joe Mantegna, aired over Halloween 2017 on Ventura County’s NewsTalk 1590 KVTA. “Houdini” dramatized lesser known aspects of America’s first super hero, including WWI spy, fraud buster, humanitarian, government witness, and possible murder victim.

Recently the broadcast won the International M– USE Gold Creative Award and the International COMMUNICATOR Silver Award of Distinction.

“Our all-volunteer Every Now and Then Theatre is in our 28th year, now with 47 total awards,” said the troupe’s National Representative Maria Laing. “Locally, our productions help benefit children by providing broadcast copies to cast in exchange for their donations to KVTA radio’s drive for Children’s Services Auxiliary of Ventura County. And now nationally, were helping children by offering a selection of previous broadcasts for Christmas and Halloween, including ‘Houdini,’ to radio stations nationwide in exchange for their donations to the Conejo Valley Kiwanis Foundation.

These donations benefit both the local effort and the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund programs including backpacks with school supplies, holiday gifts, college scholarships, the Bumblebee Foundation, Kiwanis International Project to Eliminate Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, as well as the Children’s Services Auxiliary of Ventura County.

“Houdini” Celebrity Host and cast member Joe Mantegna is perhaps best recognized by TV viewers as David Rossi in the hit series, “Criminal Minds.”

Among “Houdini” participating radio drama actors are members and graduates of Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle. At the breaks, Merlin Pharmacy’s Paul Dwork challenges listeners with mind reading. Magic Castle member and Houdini enthusiast Bob Lynn served on the script review committee and provided magic spinner coins for the cast. Lynn donated his broadcast copy to the Magic Castle library. Musician Michael Masley provided atmospheric cymbalom music for the séance sequences. Every Now and Then Theatre selects top local actors countywide and mixes them with promising beginners. The troupe can be found by name on Facebook and on the web at www.everynowandthentheatre.com.

Tuff Sheds replace domes at River Haven

Jason Meek, Turning Point Executive Director cutting the ribbon at Tuff Shed celebration. Photos by Michael Gordon

Twelve years ago, Turning Point Foundation took a group of people living along in the river bottom in tents and started them on the path to hope and the promise of better things to come: A new beginning at River Haven where they have been living in cleverly-designed Geodesic domes that have surpassed their lifespan of five years by many years.

On July 27, a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the new small houses made by Tuff Sheds as a replacement for the domes. Tuff Sheds have a 30-year guarantee with their sheds for sale, however these are meant to help the homeless population. These could help to provide not only a place to live but give them the help they need to find their feet. With companies similar to Tuffs this begins with shed foundations which builds into a new home.
Funded by the community and Turning Point Foundation, River Haven has been helping homeless people turn their lives since 2006. Turning Point’s case managers help residents with securing a source of income, job training, medical attention, drug, alcohol and mental health services. In 2017 River Haven served 29 residents, and Turning Point’s case manager helped nine people to find permanent housing.

There are no obvious indications that such a community exists right near the entrance to the Ventura Harbor. The City of Ventura owns the over two-acre land while Turning Point Foundation, a non-profit mental health agency, runs the community.

At the cutting Nicholas Deitch,R.A. (Mainstreet Architects and Planners, Inc.) Turning Point Board of Director stated “River Haven is a great example of how we as a community can take collective action together, to help offer people a way out of homelessness. Look at all of the partners who have come together to help make this happen. Public, private, corporate and faith-based, all working together. We don’t need to feel powerless. We can work together to cause real changes in people’s lives.”

Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann said of the new backyard sheds “With many of the domes at River Haven failing, the city purchased a Tuff Shed to replace one of the domes and the community has stepped up to replace almost all the rest. One replacement was a cabin constructed by girls attending a summer camp hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (reported in last Breeze). Many of these girls knew nothing about construction but found out they could develop new skills and construct a 120 square foot tiny home soon to be used by one of the residents at River Haven. One young woman told me she was now considering a career in construction.”

“ River Haven has proven to be a successful transitional living space for homeless individuals who need a safe place to start a path to more permanent housing. The city is committed to its success and is so appreciative of the partnership with many organizations and individuals in Ventura to help it continue with the new structures; providing its residents with a safer and more durable place to live.”

Ventura County Fair Poster Contest winners announced

James Lockwood Fair Public Relations and Marketing Director congratulating the winners.

Ventura County children in grades 5-12 competed in the ninth Ventura County Fair Poster Contest with entries that illustrated the Fair’s 2018 Theme: “A Country Fair with Ocean Air.” Of 59 entries, three were chosen by a panel of judges as the winners of the 2018 Ventura County Fair Poster Contest.

First Prize went to Carys Garvey (15). Carys attends El Camino High School in Ventura, where she will be entering 10th grade in the fall. Carys has varied interests, including photography, music, running, science and math. Carys is also a founding member of STEMbassdors, a Ventura nonprofit company dedicated to teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills in K-12 education. She enjoys having the opportunity to learn STEM skills such as CAD and engineering. Carys has been doing art since she was very young. Although she plans to pursue a science degree in college, she hopes she can continue integrating art and creativity into her future career. Carys is honored to have her artwork used for the 2018 Ventura County Fair poster.

Second place was won by Madison J. Lonis (18) a two-year AP artist at Buena High School. She enjoys painting her depiction of the world around her, and taking any artistic opportunities that come her way. She has been doing art for most of her life, and continually pushes herself further with every piece. In her future she wishes share more of her art with others and become a high school art teacher.

Third place was awarded to Katherine Curtis (13) of Simi Valley. She just completed 8th grade at Hillside Middle School, where she was a member of an award winning Mock Trial team and enjoyed the art classes offered there. These classes covered a variety of art mediums including drawing, painting, ceramics, and digital illustration. Her favorite mediums are pen and ink and her drawing tablet.

Katherine really enjoys spending her time drawing from life and coming up with her own (usually fantasy inspired) characters. In addition to drawing, she likes to spend her time reading and watching movies. She also has an interest in law, which she hopes to pursue along with art through future classes when she begins her Freshman year attending Santa Susana High School.

“Congratulations to the talented winners of this year’s contest,” said Barbara Quaid, Fair CEO, adding, “Every artist who entered can be very proud of your uniquely crafted contributions to our community. You have told us many personal Fair stories, each in your own talented way. We thank every child who participated and encourage all children to continue creating and making art to share with us at the annual Ventura County Fair.”

Cash prizes were awarded to the 3 winners by James Lockwood and their artwork will be used to promote the 2018 Ventura County Fair. All contest entries will be displayed in the Youth Expo at the Ventura County Fair,

For more information about the Ventura County Fair, and to see the winning designs, please visit www.venturacountyfair.org.

$26,250 donation set a Stonefire record

Monica White, FOODShare President & CEO accepting a large check from Stonefire Grill.

On June 12 Stonefire Grill Ventura presented a check for $26,250 to FOODShare. A record amount from all of their opening donations.

Stonefire Grill collects money for all of their new restaurants partnering with a local non-profit whose values and core mission align with theirs. At other locations they have partnered with the Pediatric Therapy Network, United Way Habitat for Humanity and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The amount is determined based upon all beer and wine sales(good thing Venturan’s like to drink) along with all gratuities collected which are matched by Stonefire. For their Ventura pre-opening events, beer, wine and gratuities totaled $13,125, so they matched that amount for a total donation contribution of $26,250 to FOOD Share.

Stonefire stated “We believe that being of service to the greater community, not only through food, but through our daily action, is simply the right thing to do. It’s at the core of who we are and it demonstrates to our own team how important it is to be a small but meaningful part of something much greater than one’s self. We are happy to serve.”

Monica White, FOODShare President & CEO told the Breeze “Stonefire Grill in Ventura, in partnership with FOOD Share recently invited friends and family to an invite only, pre-opening celebration weekend. Guests were treated to a complimentary meal at the new location in Ventura. While not required, guests were encouraged to tip generously. All tips and beverage proceeds were generously matched by Stonefire Grill and donated to FOOD Share of Ventura County.

“An appreciative group of board members, staff and volunteers for FOOD Share attended the check presentation on July 12 and were thrilled to receive a check in the amount of $26,,250. We cannot thank our new friends at Stonefire Grill enough. When they asked us to invite our friends and family, I think they were surprised, yet pleased, at the number of FOOD Share supporters that showed up” said Monica White.

Jennifer Caldwell, Director of Marketing did the calculations as the group posed for a photo in front of the restaurant. “With this donation, FOOD Share can provide 78,750 meals!”

As Ventura County’s food bank, FOOD Share serves nearly 75,000 people each month through their 200 partner pantries and agencies. Celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, the FOOD Share team was grateful and appreciative of the donation from Stonefire Grill.

More information at https://foodshare.com/.

Contest from June 20 Issue

In our June 20 issue we had a contest that we thought would be difficult but our readers are too smart (of course). This minor league baseball team played at Seaside Park (the fairgrounds).

Pro baseball in Ventura lasted from 1947 to 1955. The New York Yankees were the first sponsoring the Ventura Yankees from 1947 to 1949. The Braves from 1950 to 1952. The Ventura Oilers played as an unaffiliated club in the California League in 1953.