As you may know, Ventura is moving to district-based elections. This means that residents in each district will elect a City Council Member to represent their district. Districts 1, 4, 5 and 6 are up for election in November of this year. The Ventura Chamber Political Action Committee is actively seeking candidates who support the free enterprise system, fiscally responsible government, and whose views represent the interests of both the private and public sectors of the economy. If this sounds like you or someone you know, they want to hear from you! Please contact the Chamber if interested at 643-7222 or email [email protected]
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Happenings at CMH
Evaluating and managing recurrent urinary tract infections in women will be the focus of a free seminar being held on Wednesday, May 9, in Ventura.
Anyone at any age can have a urinary tract infection, but they are most commonly diagnosed in women. It’s estimated that half of all women will have a UTI in their lifetime and one in five women will experience recurrent UTIs. The causes for a UTI vary, but if left untreated, recurrent UTIs can lead to kidney damage and sepsis, a life-threatening illness caused by the body’s response to an infection.
At this free seminar, Dr. Michelle Takase-Sanchez will discuss medication, natural remedies and lifestyle changes as ways to treat recurrent UTIs. Dr. Takase-Sanchez specializes in urogynecology. She completed an OB/GYN residency at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at Indiana University.
The seminar begins at 6 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital. Registration is free but reservations are required. For reservations, visit Community Memorial Health System or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.
For nearly a decade, a diverse group of women from around Ventura County have been gathering at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura to comfort and support patients in a unique and memorable way.
Once a month, the hospital’s eighth floor auditorium is transformed from a meeting space into a whir of activity as the “Quilting Angels” arrive and unpack their sewing machines, fabric, rulers, scissors and pin cushions. Brightly colored quilts at various stages of completion fill the room, as does a contagious and uplifting laughter.
The Quilting Angels have taken on the task of creating a special “Moving Day” quilt for every patient who makes the move from the existing hospital into the new building. A distinct patch commemorating the occasion will be sewn into the corner of each of these special quilts.
Each patient faces unique challenges during a hospital stay, and it’s often the little things such as visits from friends and family, cards and flowers, or familiar items from home that make the biggest difference in the recovery process.
“When a patient receives a quilt, it’s indescribable,” said Reverend Curtis Hotchkiss, Director of Spiritual Services at Community Memorial Health System. Reverend Curtis and the Spiritual Care Services team are the stewards of the completed quilts, handing them out to patients whenever a little extra reassurance or support is needed.
Since forming, the Quilting Angels have completed nearly 1,400 unique quilts – all with donated fabric and supplies the members share. They also share tips, tricks, and new techniques and the more seasoned quilters enjoy teaching newer members along the way.
Vol. 11, No. 15 – Apr 25 – May 8, 2018 – Cartoons
Shoe
Beetle Bailey
Crock
Moose and Molly
Baby Blues
Hagar the Horrible
DACA: Then and Now.
by Manuel Reynoso
With nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants receiving DACA since its inception in 2012, many of which live right here in Ventura and Ventura County, there still exists a lot of misinformation and confusion as to what DACA is. With the current political climate, it’s important to understand it’s history, what it has accomplished, and where DACA stands as of now.
Announced by President Barack Obama on June 15, 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals was created due to congress’ inability to pass the DREAM Act, which would have created a pathway to citizenship for those brought to the U.S. illegally as a child. To qualify for DACA one had to be:
- At least 15 years old when applying but under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
- Under the age 16 when entering the United States.
- Living in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007.
- Present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of applying.
- Not convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor or three or more other misdemeanors.
- In school or have graduated or completed high school, or have been honorably discharged from the military.
Once granted DACA, recipients would not find themselves faced with the threat of deportation, so long as they did not receive a felony or significant misdemeanor.
While DACA did not provide a path for citizenship, many recipients found themselves much more capable at participating in society. As immigration attorney Vanessa Frank stressed, “It just allowed people to be comfortable in their own skin. They could ask the questions needed to be real participants in the community.” Recipients would now be able to lawfully work, pay their taxes, and actively pursue higher education. Simply put, it allowed recipients to engage and excel in this country.
So where are we now? With President Trump rescinding of DACA, recipients would be unable to renew their DACA status past March 5, 2018. However, On behalf of DACA recipients, the University of Southern California issued a lawsuit challenging Presidents Trump’s action to terminate DACA, and on January 9th a federal judge in San Francisco temporarily blocked the repeal of DACA until a decision is made in court. Currently, while it’s certain to reach the Supreme Court, there is little evidence to suggest one outcome over another. Till a decision is made, current recipients of DACA can continue to renew their deferred status for the time being.
DACA has been nothing but a boon for recipients living here in Ventura. DACA recipients have been able to participate in society and give back to the communities they have grown up in. It has safe-guarded many people from being deported to a country they simply don’t know. I would like a special thanks to Immigration Attorney Vanessa Frank for educating me on DACA and its effects.
Vol. 11, No. 15 – Apr 25 – May 8, 2018 – Ojai News & Events
“Fire Walk With Us” will be a fire ecology workshop with Richard Halsey and Lanny Kaufer , on Saturday, May 5, in Ojai. Identify and discuss chaparral plants and their responses to the recent fire. Tickets are $55 for adults, $45 for seniors 62-up, and $35 for OVLC members, students 13-18, and fire survivors (those who lost property in the Thomas and Koenigstein Fires). Admission to the afternoon lecture only is $25 for the general public or $15 for OVLC members. Register at HerbWalks.com or call 646-6281.
Join Ojai native plant guide Lanny Kaufer and special guest Professor James Adams of USC School of Pharmacy on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a Spring Medicinal Plant Workshop based on his ground-breaking pharmacological studies on local native plants.
The plant identification session will take place on the pathways at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s Cluff Vista Park and the Ojai Valley Museum’s Chumash Garden. An afternoon hands-on preparation session will be held at a community kitchen nearby.
The cost of the workshop is $75 which includes all materials. For more information or to register, visit HerbWalks.com, email [email protected] or call 646-6281.
The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai is pleased to present a performance by Stephen Inglis, featuring selections from his recent release “Cut the Dead Some Slack”. An accomplished guitarist, Stephen Inglis pushes the slack key guitar into delightful new territory crossing genres and redefining the genre.The event is on Friday, May 11th at 7 pm, and is being presented by Cord International Media Group,
Chamber On The Mountain presents the Zorá String Quartet, an exquisite ensemble of young musicians, on Sunday, May 6, at 3:00 pm. Performance will take place at Logan House in Upper Ojai. Audience members are invited to stay and meet the artists at a reception following the performance.
The Zorá String Quartet leapt to national attention in 2015, after capturing the Grand Prize and Gold Medal of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition,.
For more information visit www.ChamberOnTheMountain.com.
On Memorial Day, May 28, at 843 East Ojai Avenue, American Legion will host a Free Breakfast for Vets. Tickets are $4.00 for all others and the event will be from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Libbey Bowl will also feature patriotic music by the British Brass at 11:30. There will be patriotic singers at 12:30 and speakers from 12:35 to 1:00 honoring the fallen.
Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie on Saturday, April 28, for a morning retreat devoted to “Self-Mastery: Finding Your Own Inner Power.” The gathering will include inner reflection, quiet walks, wisdom talks, sharing and sacred songs, and take place at The Ojai Retreat, 160 Besant Road. People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend. Randee Vasilakos, RScP, will assist in anchoring a consciousness of peace and love.
The retreat is by donation; $20 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.
New York jazz trio the Daniel Bennett Group will visit the Ojai Library at 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2to deliver a special noontime jazz concert. Saxophonist Daniel Bennett has been hailed as one of the most original and unpredictable musical voices of his generation. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at 218-9146.
Double Trouble: A Warning
by Kevin O’Connor
Remember Anacapa! To rid Anacapa of Rattus rattus(rats), officials had a helicopter shower one-square-mile of the island with poisonous green pellets. A 25-ppm brodifacoum bait was aerially applied to East Anacapa in December 2001, and to Middle and West Anacapa Island in November 2002. No rats have been detected anywhere on Anacapa since the application.
Remember, rats almost destroyed all the native species, but rodenticides saved the indigenous species and the endangered island’s red fox. Lest we forget our history, if not kept in check by pest control professionals, rats would eventually cause another Black Plague.
Nutria rodent (Myocastor coypus) is a large, fur-bearing, aquatic rodent, light to dark brown. Though common in freshwater, nutria also inhabit brackish coastal water areas.
Nutria are distinguished from beavers and muskrats by their long, white whiskers and rounded tails; beavers and muskrats have black whiskers and flattened tails. Nutria breed year-round, producing up to 3 litters per year, with 2-13 young per litter. This destructive aquatic rodent has invaded California.
They can consume up to 25% of their body weight in above- and below-ground vegetation each day, but they waste and destroy up to 10 times as much, causing extensive damage to the native plant community and soil structure, as well as significant losses to nearby agricultural crops.
Nutria also serve as hosts for tuberculosis and septicemia, which are threats to humans, livestock, and pets. Additionally, nutria carry tapeworms, a nematode that causes a rash known as “nutria itch”, and blood and liver flukes, which can contaminate swimming areas and drinking water supplies.
Double trouble lurks everywhere when rodents are on the roam. If you suspect nutria invasion or are having trouble with rats and other rodents, call the professionals. Do not attempt to handle disease-bearing rodents on your own. O’Connor Pest Control 1-800-284-7985, www.oconnorpest.com.
Di Rodio killer sentenced to 11 years
by Sheli Ellsworth
Wendy Di Rodio was stabbed to death in her sleep by an intruder on June 3, 2009. The killer then went on to stab her dog, Mimi, in the throat. On March 29, 2018, the murderer, Gina Drake was sentenced to 11 years behind bars.
Di Rodio owned and taught at the Wendy Jo Silver Dance Studio on Main street for years in the mid ‘80s. She was an animal lover, author and therapist. Di Rodio wasn’t a criminal, she wasn’t a drug dealer, she wasn’t having an illicit affair. So why did Drake kill her in cold blood and spawn enough interest to attract the likes of Dateline and every newspaper in Ventura County? And why was Drake only sentenced to 11 years?
To start with, the killer was Di Rodio’s niece. And there are more twists and turns. Drake’s ex, Aaron Drake, was a Ventura police officer who attempted suicide in the police department’s locker room in August 2017. Drake’s attorney, Mark Pachowicz, formerly with the district attorney’s office, was able to delay Drake’s fate for 8 years, 9 months and 26 days while Drake was out on bond. Drake’s daughter, Hannah Drake pleaded with the sentencing judge for the maximum and to finally put her mother behind bars. How does something like this happen?
In a victim impact statement titled, “The Nurturing of a Murderer” from Drake’s sister, Suzanne Prescott, she describes her sister like this: What you see before you is the creation and nurturing of a murderer. This is what happens when a child is never told no. When a child is never taught to work for what they want. When a child is always saved from feeling any pain in the world. Prescott had hoped to read her statement to the judge but was denied. Prescott describes her sister as having, “violent mood swings and irrational, reckless outbursts and was an obvious danger to herself and others.”
Prescott says her sister’s over-eight years of freedom was funded by their mother and grandmother. “Saving Gina from any problems or inconveniences was how my family dealt with her behavior.” Prescott thinks that her sister was enraged by their Aunt Wendy’s pending home purchase. “She could never stand for anyone to have more than she did and she was concerned that our grandmother was helping Wendy buy a house.”
But why only 11 years? Drake was initially charged with murder. She confessed to bringing the knife she used along with clean pajamas to change into. The murder, punishable by 25 years to life according to the California Penal code, occurred the night before Di Rodio was supposed to close escrow on the home she was purchasing. However, wrangling by the district attorney’s office and Pachowicz reduced the charges to voluntary manslaughter, usually reserved for crimes committed in the heat of passion.
What can be learned from this tragedy and gross miscarriage of justice? Prescott says, “Please discipline your child. Let them fail. Let them suffer. Let them make mistakes and then please, I implore you… let them suffer the consequences.”
Vol. 11, No. 15 – Apr 25 – May 8, 2018 – Events
Events by Ana Baker
Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 415-8842 for more information.
There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.
Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play. Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun. There is a game every day of the week. Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org
The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. This regular congenial social event, besides a healthy, satisfying meal, supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke, hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics. Hear more from Steve at 642-1359
Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.
The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd. Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening.
Contact: Bill Garner / 320-1601 or [email protected]
Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.
Contact Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.
Are you a stamp collector? The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd. Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening. They are a fun group. Contact Bill Garner 320-1601 or [email protected].
First Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum. Now exhibiting Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10-4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gemre.com or 229- 74294 for more information
Cross Town Hikers, Join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/
Apr. 25: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Ashley Bautista, from the Ventura Police Department, will address the issue of home burglary prevention. The CACC will continue to discuss a potential boundary change. A representative from Ventura College will be there to discuss neighborhood issues. Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. CACC represents citizens between Mills and Victoria bordered by Foothill and Hwy. 126. Call 644-8695 for more information.
Apr.26: The Ventura Soroptimist Club welcomes Ms. Rabiah Rahman, a lawyer specializing in employment practices and labor law. She will discuss what constitutes harassment, what steps you can take to stop it and your legal recourse if it continues. Thursday, at 6:30 p.m. at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3290 Loma Vista Road. Ninety percent of workplace harassment is never officially reported. More information about this event or about the Soroptimist Club please call Vega Sankur at 746-2358.
Apr. 28: TLC Preschool Yard Sale and Pancake Breakfast 196 N. Ashwood Avenue. Saturday, 8 – 12p.m.
Free Entry. $5 pancake breakfast. Yard Sale features, furnishings, household Items, children’s items, clothing and outdoor Items. All proceeds are benefitting Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool.
May 6: The Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, Dr. KuanFen Liu, artistic director celebrates its 15th Season with Reconciliation, Choral Spectacular on Sunday, at 3 p.m. at First Methodist Church 1338 E. Santa Clara St. The concerts will highlight the Channel Islands Choral Association and CSUCI Chorus with soloists Melanie Henley Heyn, Soprano and Michael Shasberger, Baritone and the Pleasant Valley School District Chorus. Donations of $20 are appreciated. Youth 18 and under are free. For more information call 484-8000 or visit website www.CHICOVC.org.
May 6: In addition to docent-led tours of the Dudley Historic House Museum, there will also be a Timeline Photo Display of Ventura’s History beginning in 1866 and featuring over 100 period photographs. Both events are from 1 – 4 p.m. and admission is free. The museum, built in 1891, is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood. For information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.
May 6: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Meeting – Sun., 2:30-4:30 at new location… Knights Of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa ,Ventura
Free admission, stage music and jamming, free parking in the rear, Open to Public. For more information 517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA.
May 7: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is excited to welcome Select Workforce Specialists as the returning Title Sponsor for its annual Golf Classic. The organization’s top-performing event, which will be held at the Saticoy Country Club. The tournament delivers the funds necessary to support 1,500 youth who are facing adversity in Ventura County. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helping youth in Ventura County and neighboring communities realize their potential for over 45 years. To donate, become a mentor, or learn more about BBSVC, please call 484-2282 or visit www.bbsvc.org
May 9: The Ventura County Camera Club meeting on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. The first part of the meeting will be an instructional workshop followed by a showing of member images. A local professional photographer will critique member’s images and discuss potential improvement opportunities. Anyone with an interest in photography and desire to learn is welcome. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com
May 9: The Ventura Parkinson’s disease Support Group to host, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research from 1- 3 p.m. at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street. For full details, see the article in Senior Living.
May 9: Sharing the Streets and Roads for all Users 7p.m., at the Museum of Ventura County. Derek Towers of Ventura’s Public Works/Transportation division will discuss the ways in which road projects are prioritized, planned, and eventually built as well what cyclists can do to become more involved throughout the process. Derek has been instrumental in Ventura being awarded a “Bicycle Friendly Community” in 2017 by the League of American Bicyclists. His is responsible for planning and executing bike paths, bike routes, bike parking, and bike events for the city.
Longtime resident and nonprofit president Marie Lakin running for City Council
Marie Lakin, an active community volunteer and 32-year resident of east Ventura, is seeking a seat in Ventura’s new District 5 this fall.
Lakin recently retired from the State Legislature where she worked for Assemblymember Pedro Nava and State Senators Fran Pavley and Henry Stern. She has been involved with important statewide public policy, as well as with cities in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties on community issues. Previously, as a long-time associate in a Ventura public relations firm, Lakin worked with many local businesses. She has endorsements from more than 50 local leaders.
An 11-year member of the city’s Cultural Affairs Commission and past chair and co-chair, Lakin has served on many local boards, including the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Ventura Education Partnership, Serra Cross Conservancy, and San Buenaventura Heritage (Dudley House). She worked on city initiatives including ArtWalk, the city’s 150th celebration, the library study committee and was one of the group who worked with Union Pacific Railroad to finally paint the graffiti-covered trestle over the 101 Downtown in 2012.
She by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce for her civic volunteerism and Outstanding Citizen in 2010 by the California Teachers Association for her volunteer work in the schools.
Since leaving the legislature, she founded a non-profit, ArtsVentura, which does private fundraising for local cultural projects, including ArtWalk. Her most recent project was putting together the final funding for muralist MB Hanrahan’s vibrant SOHO Kites project on Ventura Avenue.
“I believe it is very important now that we have district elections that we have people who are not only vested in their own areas, but who also understand citywide issues,” Lakin said. “I want to bring public service back into fashion. Too often politics at all levels has been about winning and not about serving the needs of the people who we are entrusted to represent.”
East Ventura has not had a representative on the City Council in almost 20 years. “District elections have facilitated the opportunity for new voices to be heard,” Lakin said. “It is time to have an advocate for the east end.”
Lakin has built a comprehensive website with city news and a blog with commentary on local issues, www.marielakin.org. “If elected, I plan to put up another site for District 5 and frequently update it with news. Government needs to be transparent and information easy to find,” she said.
Lakin is married and the mother of two children.
Vol. 11, No. 15 – Apr 25 – May 8, 2018 – Harbor Patrol Blotter
| 4-4 | 4:04pm, received report of an individual walking three dogs that are harassing an elephant seal near South Jetty. Officers responded with CI marine mammal wildlife institute and found the seal but the perpetrator was gone. The seal was cordoned off with wood stakes and caution tape, to keep the public away. |
| 4-5 | 12:29pm, received report of a 5.4 earthquake just off Santa Rosa Island. Minutes later the pacific tsunami center called and advised there was no tsunami threat. Officers fielded phone calls throughout the day for the incident. |
| 4-6 | 5:34pm, received a report of a sailboard with a torn sail just outside the harbor having difficultly returning. Officers responded found the distressed person and took the sailboard and the sailor onboard the patrol boat. The sailor and board were transported and safely released at the Launch Ramp. |
| 4-7 | 10:57pm, received a dispatch to a wellness check on a male in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VPD, VFD and AMR to the call. Unfortunately the patient was found deceased at the scene. |
| 4-8 | 2:10pm, received a report of an injured sea bird in the barranca. Officers responded with CI wildlife to rescue the bird. Officers utilized a ladder to gain access to the bird in the barranca. Rescue took the bird for rehabilitation. |
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1:40pm, received a dispatch to a stabbing victim at the Holiday Inn. Officers responded and staged until PD deemed the scene was safe.9:20am, while towing a small skiff that was adrift in the Harbor, officers observed a sea otter frolicking in the South Basin of the Harbor. Officers took videos of the otter and sent the information to Fish and Wildlife officers in charge of tracking sea otters for the State.
7:00am, received a dispatch to a medical alarm at Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded, gained entrance and found the patient on the floor. A lift assist was performed and the patient was released at the scene. 8:20am, received a report of a disabled vessel in the South Basin of the harbor. Officers responded, took the sail vessel en tow and safely released it at VIM. 2:03pm, received a dispatch to an investigation at Harbor/Schooner. Officers responded and assisted VFD with a strong odor in the area. After an investigation, nothing was found out-of-the ordinary. 6:53pm, received multiple reports of a sailboat having difficulty navigating near Faria beach in 40 knots of wind. After a few hours of monitoring the sailboats progress, darkness hindered patrols observations of the sailing vessel. Somehow without a motor and destroyed sails, the vessel arrived at our dock. |