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Three common ways your Social Security payment can grow after retirement

by Jackie Zaragoza Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sierra West Area

You made the choice and now you are happily retired. You filed online for your social security benefits. They arrive each month in the correct amount exactly as expected. But, did you ever wonder if your Social Security check could increase?

Once you begin receiving benefits, there are three common ways benefit checks can increase: a cost of living adjustment (COLA); additional work; or an adjustment at full retirement age if you received reduced benefits and exceeded the earnings limit.

The COLA is the most commonly known increase for Social Security payments. We annually announce a COLA, and there’s usually an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount people receive each month. By law, federal benefit rates increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). More than 66 million Americans saw a 2.0 percent increase in their Social Security and SSI benefits in 2018. For more information on the 2018 COLA, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.

Social Security uses your highest thirty-five years of earnings to figure your benefit amount when you sign up for benefits. If you work after you begin receiving benefits, your additional earnings may increase your payment. If you had fewer than 35 years of earnings when we figured your benefit, you will replace a zero earnings year with new earnings. If you had 35 years or more, we will check to see if your new year of earnings is higher than the lowest of the 35 years (after considering indexing). We check additional earnings each year you work while receiving Social Security. If an increase is due, we send a notice and pay a one-time check for the increase and your continuing payment will be higher.

Maybe you chose to receive reduced Social Security retirement benefits while continuing to work. You made the choice to take benefits early, but at a reduced rate. If you exceeded the allowable earnings limit and had some of your benefits withheld, we will adjust your benefit once you reach full retirement age. We will refigure your payment to credit you for any months you did not receive payments. Your monthly benefit will increase based on the crediting months you receive. You can find additional information about working and your benefit at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10077.pdf.

Retirement just got more interesting since you learned about potential increases to monthly payments. Social Security has been securing your today and tomorrow for more than 80 years with information and tools to help you achieve a successful retirement.

Ventura Operation Splash

As the school year ends, another group of elementary school children has once again completed free swim lessons at the Kimball Aquatic Center in Ventura, thanks to an annual grant that funds Kaiser Permanente’s regional Operation Splash program.

Kaiser Permanente’s Operation Splash program’s mission is to support aquatic facilities and swim programs that help increase physical activity in low-income areas, diminish the risk of chronic disease, and build strong bodies. The program encourages all participants to become water-safe in a fun and healthy environment.

Operation Splash is run as an after-school program serving children from the Ventura Unified School District who are part of the PEAK program, a partnership between the School District and the City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department.

The mission of the PEAK program is to provide low-income, underserved and at-risk children attending seven local elementary schools in some of Ventura’s most impoverished neighborhoods a safe environment after school and provide recreational, cultural and academic enrichment.

Each year the program serves around 400 children ranging in age from 8 to 13, with most in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, who are transported to the Aquatic Center by bus for 30-minute swimming lessons twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After their lesson they are transported back to their PEAK after school center in time for parent pick up.

“They are so excited when they get to board that bus going to the Aquatic Center,” said Judy Devine, Community Recreation Manager for the City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department. “It is like they are heading to Disneyland.”

Devine points out that the obvious benefit of the program is that children who would likely never have access to swimming lessons get the chance to become water safe and learn to swim.

“Many of these kids live just miles from the beach and go often with their families, but are at high risk if not able to be safe in the water,” she added. But there are other less apparent benefits, Devine points out, such as the confidence they build as they learn to swim. “Kaiser Permanente should feel very proud to know that this investment in the children of Ventura literally changes their lives.”

Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of Kaiser Permanente’s Operation Splash program in Ventura and since its inception it has helped thousands of local children learn to swim. Many of the children who started in the program during the early years have gone on to become excellent swimmers, participate in competitive swimming and water polo and become junior lifeguards. Some of them have even become employees of the Aquatic Center.

Here’s how to stay cool this summer

“Are you sure wearing this hat will keep me cool?”

Senior News Line
by Matilda Charles

Summer doesn’t officially start until June 20, but there are locations in the country where the temperature is reaching 100 degrees. Much of the Sunbelt already is seeing highs in the 90s. All of those numbers are going to rise in the coming weeks. It’s the time of year for seniors to beware the heat. Here are some tips:

Consider sun-blocking drapes for windows on the south and west side of the house. Keep them closed during the heat of the day.

Join afternoon activities at the library and senior center. That way you’ll be in air conditioning when the heat is at its worst. If you can get to the mall, go there. Sit in the food court and read a book(or the Ventura Breeze), or walk some laps for exercise.

Plan your errands for early or late in the day.

Call your doctor’s office and ask about your water intake. Be sure to tell them all of your medications; some drugs can make it too easy to become dehydrated, especially if you take diuretics. Remember that sugary drinks don’t count as liquid intake.

If you go out, use a wide-brim woven hat. Check the weather and keep an eye on the heat index. Wear loose cotton clothing.

Remember: We seniors don’t always know when we’re getting overheated. Heat exhaustion or heatstroke can creep up on us because our circulatory system doesn’t work like it used to. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion: weakness, headaches, dizziness and muscle cramps. The more serious heatstroke can follow only 10-15 minutes later.

Community members were there to cheer on the runners!

This is an international public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

On Thursday, June 7, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) participated in the annual Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) benefiting Ventura County Special Olympics. This will be the twenty-ninth year the Ventura Police Department has supported this effort. Over 40 runners participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run carrying the Flame of Hope from City Hall to Oxnard handing off the torch to the Oxnard Police Department!

This is an international public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics and is comprised of the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, and other fundraising events. For over two decades, Ventura County Law Enforcement agencies have been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics of Ventura County.

The effort helps Ventura County Special Olympics to offer free, year-round, sports training and competition to over 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities ages eight years and up, who participate in seventeen sports at forty-five training sites throughout Ventura County.

Ventura Police Officers and Civilian Personnel, City of Ventura Employees, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents, Mile 26 Sports Ventura Running Club and Special Olympics Athletes, met at the steps of Ventura City Hall and carried the Special Olympics’ Torch, also known as the Flame of Hope, through the streets of Ventura.

The Special Olympics Southern California LETR is comprised of nine different “legs” ranging from San Luis Obispo to the California-Mexico border. Legs are run in conjunction with various members of law enforcement agencies from throughout the region and Special Olympic Athletes. All legs ultimately met at the California State University at Long Beach (CSULB) as the Flame of Hope entered the stadium and the cauldron is lit to mark the opening ceremonies on Saturday, June 9th.

The LETR is an international fundraising and public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics and is comprised of the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, and other fundraising events. For over twenty-five years, Ventura County law enforcement agencies have been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics of Ventura County. The money helps Ventura County Special Olympics to offer free, year-round, sports training and competition to over 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities ages eight years and up, who participate in seventeen sports at forty-five training sites throughout Ventura County.

Local surgeon shares secrets

Because he is 91 Dr. Woodburn usually only works 2 days per week. Photo by Michael Gordon

by Sheli Ellsworth

Like so many Ventureans, Dr. James Woodburn II fled the Thomas fire. He evacuated in the middle of the night after receiving panicked phones calls from his daughter and daughter-in-law. He left with the clothes on his back while his home of 45 years was destroyed. “I knew I was in trouble when my auto insurance company wanted a police report for the loss of my car. They even asked if I could turn it in for salvage.” The home had collapsed onto the garage. There was nothing to turn over.

Woodburn moved to Ventura in 1972 and started a private practice. “I can’t think of a nicer place to live,” says Woodburn. “The medical community here is good. Very good.”

Woodburn says his father, who was also a doctor, was his greatest mentor. “He died of a coronary while he was on a house call at the age of 76.” Two of Woodburn’s sons and one of his grand-daughters also practice medicine. The family has 105 years of combined service at Community Memorial Hospital. Dr. Woodburn continued to assist his sons in surgery while he was homeless. Why? “Because after my family, medicine is my first love.”

“My daughter-in-law’s mother lives in the Ventura Townhouses. She knew of a double unit that was being remodeled. I jumped on it, but I still couldn’t move in until the work was finished.” In the meantime, Woodburn got pneumonia and was in the hospital’s ICU for three weeks. What sort of patient was he? “I was the worst kind! Being sick was worse than WWII.” He finally recovered and moved in to the renovated townhouse the end of February and says the facility’s gym is a good follow-up to the two puzzles he does every day. “I have been working out since 1986 and I do the New York and the LA Times crossword puzzles every day.”

Woodburn stays busy. He goes into his office at least two days a week, still assists in surgery and keeps in close communication with his nine grandchildren. “I always say that my favorite one is the one I’m with.” What has kept Woodburn going? “I grew up in the Midwest. We had different values. I’m a curmudgeon.” Woodburn says he thinks that people retire too early. “You have to have something to get up for every day.” Dr. Woodburn is 91 years young.

Ventura Outrigger Challenge 2018

Ventura Outrigger Challenge 2018 was held at the Harbor Cove Beach on June 9.
This year has been challenging for Ventura and the surrounding area. “The Thomas Fire, the subsequent mudslides in Montecito and their collective effects deeply affected our ohana and aina, our land. In the sky, we have hokuloa, the north star, as our guide. The Hawaiian word for strong “Ikaika” reminds us of what we’ve overcome this year. When paddlers join hope they can appreciate not only the beauty of our area but also the aloha we have for each other and the land.”

Photo by Murray Robertson

Mosquito season is here

With warmer summer weather, longer days, and increased outdoor activities, a higher risk of exposure to mosquitoes is to be expected. Since mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV), St. Louis Encephalitis Virus or Western Equine Encephalitis Virus, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) is advising the public to take precautions to protect against mosquito bites and assist with the effort to control mosquitoes.

To minimize exposure to mosquitoes, eliminate standing water from your property – no matter how small. This includes ensuring that gutters are clear and are moving rainwater away from the home. If gutters are blocked, rainwater can get stuck in the gutters, providing a suitable environment for mosquitos. If your gutters are blocked, be sure to contact a company like Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning to minimize the chance of mosquitos nesting in your gutters. Of course, you also need to make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes; when outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply an EPA approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. If water is stored in rain barrels or other containers for longer than a week, mosquito-proof containers by covering all openings with tight-fitting lids or 1/16-inch fine mesh screen.

The Division monitors and controls mosquitoes at approximately 2400 mosquito breeding sources throughout Ventura County. However, the Division is asking the public to assist with the mosquito control effort by reporting mosquito activity or potential mosquito breeding sites. Mosquito complaints can be reported to the complaint HOTLINE at 805/658-4310.

Mosquito-eating fish are available to the public for use in ornamental ponds and water features. To request mosquito-eating fish call 805/662-6582. To report dead birds for WNV testing contact the California Department of Public Health for West Nile virus testing, call 877/WNV-Bird (877/968-2473) or visit westnile.ca.gov.

The Division also advises the public to be alert for two invasive (non-native) mosquito species that have recently been found in several areas of California. They are Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) that have been known to carry several viruses including Zika. These are small, aggressive daytime biting mosquitoes with white stripes on their back and legs. Their eggs can survive being dry for months in small artificial or natural containers and can hatch in a teaspoon of water, so eliminating potential breeding sources is critical.

For additional information, visit: https://vcrma.org/vector-control-program Media Contact: Ron Ventura, (805) 654-2816

Vol. 11, No. 19 – June 20 – July 3, 2018 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Art City Gallery and Studios
197 Dubbers Street
Fri 6/22: Sukia
Sat 6/23: Paul Abramson, Kevin Dippold

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Mondays: Milo
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesday: Mark David McKinnis
Thursdays: Bluegrass Jam
Fri 6/22: Teresa Russell
Sat 6/23: Beach City Sound Club
Sun 6/24: Unkle Monkey
Fri 6/29: Blue Motel Room
Sat 6/30: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Sun 7/1: The Catterwailers

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Friday and Saturdays: DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 6/20: Donna Butler
Thurs 6/21: Coso Live
Fri 6/22: Young Dempsey
Sat 6/23: Soul Infusion
Tues 6/26: Fabulous Hangovers
Wed 6/27: Big Adventure
Thurs 6/28: Edgar Thatcher Trio
Fri 6/29: David Prince Band
Sat 6/30: Soul Infusion
Sun 7/1: Jangala Roots
Tues 7/3: Jazz Expressions

Cask Alehouse
5952 Telegraph Road
Sat 6/23: Cap Quirk
Sun 6/24: GLAM
Sat 6/30: Jesse Davis
Sun 7/1: Milo Sledge

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Mondays: Bill Macpherson
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Fri 6/22: Martinez Brothers
Sat 6/23: Havana Cinco
Sun 6/24: Brandon Ragan
Fri 6/29: Native Vibe
Sat 6/30: Havana Cinco

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 6/21: Mighty Diamonds
Fri 6/22: One More From the Road
Sat 6/23: Steel Pulse
Sun 6/24: The Hubcap Steelers
Fri 6/29: Katchafire
Sat 6/30: Katchafire

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: Xoco Moraza & Friends (5-7 pm)
Saturdays: DJs

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Avenue #109
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 6/22: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Fri 6/29: Inna Rude Mood

Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Thurs 6/21: Perdicion, Dante HH, The Kruegers, Malice Thoughts
Fri 6/22: Max Fite
Fri 6/29: Covered in Scars, Pink Mist, False Confession, Animals Revenge

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic
Sat 6/23: Out Run the Sun Festival
Tues 6/26: 10th Annual Maximum Bob’s Memorial Open Mic

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wed 6 pm; Thurs 7 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm
Sat 6/30: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 7/1: The Tossers

Harbor Cove Café
1867 Spinnaker Drive
Music 4-8 pm
Thurs 6/21: Rock Cats Rock

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Wednesdays: Open Mic w/ the Beers Brothers
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 6/22: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Billy Watson
Sat 6/23: Brian Faith Band
Fri 6/29: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Billy Versa and the Beaters

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues, Wed and Sun: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 6/22: What the Funk
Sat 6/23: Old School Band
Fri 6/29: DJ Aaron Van Gundy
Sat 6/30: Red Rhythm

Knights of Columbus
36 Figueroa Street
Sun 7/1: Old Time Country Bluegrass

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: Galactic Jazz
Wed 6/20: Patrick Gallagher
Thurs 6/21: John Bardi & Flashman Rene
Fri 6/22: Natalie Wattre
Sun 6/24: The Swillys
Fri 6/29: Jason Ho

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 6 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun 3 pm
Wed 6/20: Shay Moulder
Thurs 6/21: Tom & Milo
Sat 6/23: Will Breman
Sun 6/24: The Rose Valley Thorns
Thurs 6/28: Alec Ledbetter
Sat 6/30: Shay Moulder
Sun 7/1: Bad Leaf

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Fri 6/29: The White Buffalo
Sat 6/30: Loud & Queer event

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri and Sat 6 pm; Sun 4 pm
Mondays: Bobby Campbell
Tuesdays: Dave Rea
Wednesdays: Karen Eden
Thursdays: Keith & Friends Open Jam
Fri 6/22: Jan Michael & the Vincents
Sat 6/23: Crosscut 805
Sun 6/24: Misunderstood
Fri 6/29: The Tossers
Sat 6/30: Reggae 805
Sun 7/1: Right Amount of Wrong

Namba
47 S. Oak Street
Fri 6/22: OK Service

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wed: Karaoke
Fri 6/22: Live Band Karaoke
Fri 6/29: Seaside Band

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Pizza Chief
7770 Telegraph Road
Sun 7/1: Medicine Hat (Noon)

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Sat 6/30: Paws for the Cause w/ Alex Nester, Mark Masson, Coso Live

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night
Sun 7/1: Jane Doe & Co. (3 pm)

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Saloon BBQ Co.
456 E. Main Street
Music 10 – Midnight
Fri 6/29: Mellow Grass
Sat 6/30: Lady Freaq (DJ set)

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 6/23: Addison Street Trio
Sun 6/24: Maggie’s Drawers
Sat 6/30: Indakut Productions Live

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 6/22: The New Mexican, The Hell Toupees, Illy and the Spells, The Robot Uprising
Sat 6/23: Stevie Char
Fri 6/29: Dead of Night Reunion
Sat 6/30: Johnny Hellhole

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Sunday music 3 -6 pm
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 6/22: Power Syndicate
Sat 6/23: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 6/24: The Question
Fri 6/29: Red Rhythm
Sat 6/30: Los Dudes
Tues 7/3: CRV w/ Ruben Duarte

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Wed 6/20: Skald, Hessian Wolf Children
Tues 6/26: Lume, Sheere, Mossbreaker
Wed 6/27: Keep Fighting, Trash, iDecline, Civilian
Fri 6/29: Rockout Cancer w/ Mayowa & Da’ Klan

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
(805) 640-1190
Sat 6/23: Danny McGaw Band (5 pm)
Sun 6/24: Teresa Russell (4 pm)
Sat 6/30: Diane Miller Band (5 pm)

Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd
Sun 6/24: Vans Warped Tour

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Sundays music at 3 pm
Thurs 6/21: Don Stewart
Fri 6/22: Frank Barajas & the Corsican Bros.
Sat 6/23: Jodi Farrell & Jim Rankin
Sun 6/24: Déjà vu Too
Thurs 6/28: Déjà vu Too
Fri 6/29: Rich Sheldon
Sat 6/30: Paul Mars Black
Sun 7/1: Déjà vu Too

Winchester’s
632 E. Main Street
(805) 653-7446
Music at 8:30 pm; Sundays at 2:30 pm
Fri 6/22: Preston Smith
Sat 6/23: Karyn 805
Sun 6/24: Déjà vu Too
Fri 6/29: Corsican Bros
Sat 6/30: CRV (acoustic)
Sun 7/1: Hot Cuppa Three

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun with Kenny Devoe
Fridays 5-7: Sing-a-long with Kenny Devoe
Sat 6/23: Frank Barajas (7 pm)
Fri 6/29: Troy

County to hold public meetings for Thomas Fire designers and contractors

Designers and contractors planning to work on projects for the reconstruction of buildings damaged or destroyed by the Thomas Fire are invited to attend a public outreach presentation to learn about the building permit process, including the County’s expedited process for fire victims.

Representatives from the California State Licensing Board, Ventura County Building and Safety Department, and other County agencies will be present and available to explain, answer questions, and share information about the permitting process and how to avoid time-wasting pitfalls.

The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 27, In the Hall of Administration at the County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave. The meeting will be in in the Lower Plaza Assembly Room, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP at (805) 654-2795 or to [email protected].

Separate outreach meetings are being scheduled in Ojai and Upper Ojai for affected property owners to receive information on obtaining a building permit for re-building their homes. The meeting dates and locations will be announced soon, and all are welcome to attend the Ventura meeting.

Ventura Harbor Pirate Days

Mermaids, pirates and a lady with wings with cute little girl all enjoyed Ventura Harbor Pirate Days by reading the Ventura Breeze. Several of the mermaids took the Breeze back in the water with them when the sun went down and couldn’t understand why it fell apart. We are working on waterproof issues for next year’s Pirate Days, we don’t want mermaids to be mad at us.

Pirate Days is one of Ventura’s most popular public festivals that attracts “pirates” of all ages for buccaneering and other piratey pursuits. Pirates Day 2018 offered guests an unforgettable voyage around the Ventura Harbor with pirate characters, entertainment, activities, and photo opportunities around every corner. Folks dressed up to win prizes! All the action took place in various courtyards near the Village’s shops and restaurants.

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