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Food Share elevates Kristy Pollard to Chief Strategy Officer Role

Pollard has held a number of roles that have helped propel Food Share’s expansion.

Food Share of Ventura County has announced the promotion of Kristy Pollard to the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). The appointment recognizes Pollard’s pivotal contributions over nearly two decades of dedicated service and underscores the organization’s commitment to thoughtful growth as it tackles increasing levels of food insecurity. Food Share fed 267,000 individuals during the last fiscal year, more than 1 in 4 county residents.

Pollard has held a number of roles, most notably as grants director, securing crucial funding and resources that have helped propel Food Share’s expansion to become Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization. She also plays a key role in implementing grant funded programs, and has been a driving force behind initiatives targeting improved food accessibility for marginalized groups including farm workers, seniors, and children. Additionally, Pollard’s championing of expansion projects like CalRecycle has solidified her status as an integral part of the Food Share team.

Reporting directly to Monica White, Food Share’s President & CEO and collaborating closely with all department heads, the newly created CSO position will be instrumental in shaping and implementing Food Share’s long-term strategies, fostering innovative solutions, and ensuring the organization’s sustained growth and impactful efforts in combating hunger and food insecurity in Ventura County.

Speaking about the appointment, Monica White said, “Kristy’s proven leadership skills foster an environment of motivation and mentorship that has earned the trust and admiration of colleagues and partners alike. In her new role, she will be instrumental in cross-functional strategic initiatives that will help optimize our continued efforts to meet the needs of escalating food insecurity in Ventura County.”

Vol. 17, No. 03 – Nov 1 – Nov 14, 2023 – As I See It

Oxnard College is joining Ventura and Moorpark community colleges to add bachelor’s degree programs. The community college received provisional approval on Oct. 13 from the California Community College Chancellor’s office to offer its first bachelor’s program in dental hygiene.

Ventura College got approval from the state community college board in May to offer a bachelor’s degree in automotive career education starting in Fall 2025.

I think this is a great idea to offer degrees in specific limited subjects that lead to a business career. Attending universities with 20,000 plus students is overwhelming for many high school students, and very expensive.

So much nonsense taking several weeks to select a Speaker of the House. The Speaker is the presiding officer of the House and the leader of its majority party. He/she keeps order and chairs most sessions. No member can speak without being recognized by the Speaker. He/she interprets and applies rules and procedures, refers bills to committees and puts motions to a vote. Third in line to be president.

The new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said that all his information basically comes from the bible, so we have nothing to worry about.

At least 18 people are dead in multiple shootings in Lewiston, Maine. The shooting was the country’s 36th mass killing this year. At least 190 people have died in those killings, which are defined as incidents in which four or more people have died within a 24-hour period, not including the killer. So, if you only kill 3, nobody cares.

A study of mass-shooting incidents found that about 30% of the perpetrators had experienced psychotic symptoms. Most were suicidal and had expressed an interest in previous shootings. Almost all showed signs of crisis before they acted – some even revealing their plans in advance on social media.

This tendency is one reason policymakers have gravitated toward “red-flag” laws in recent years.

“Even ardent Second Amendment defenders should agree that the Robert Cards of the world have no business accessing firearms. Red-flag laws pose no risk to sane and lawful gun owners. They’re accompanied by substantial due-process provisions in every state. They’re also supported by more than three-quarters of Americans, including most gun owners and most Republicans. In landmark legislation last year, Congress even doled out $750 million to help states put them in place.”

There should be no excuses for failing to pass such laws. Why would there be any opposition?

The nation’s largest drugstore chains, Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens, will close more than 1,500 stores, leaving millions of Americans without access to pharmacies. They join a slew of major chains that are closing many stores or declaring bankruptcy due to crime, changes in buying behaviors and economic challenges. Not good for our society on many levels. It has become also so easy to stay home and order things online. In fact, if doctors made home visits there would never be a reason to leave home.

All of the defendants in the burglary and theft of more than $572,000 from the Ventura County Fairgrounds on the night of August 10, 2022, have been sentenced including the person that prosecutors say was the “inside man”. 56-year-old Rafael Morales of La Puente and 55-year-old Jesus Rios of El Monte, were sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison each after earlier pleading guilty to Misappropriation of Public Money, Commercial Burglary, Grand Theft, and Conspiracy. I still wonder why it was so easy for them to steal such a large amount money.

Ventura’s La Quinta Inn will become a homeless housing facility with a $32 million grant from the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the grant as part of the state’s Project Homekey program to expand housing opportunities for homeless people.

The funds will turn the 142-room hotel, located at 5818 Valentine Road, into 134 permanent supportive housing apartments for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This is so very needed.

A move by Governor Newsom to switch to winter-blended fuel earlier than usual could see some reduction in the price of gas, which has gone down a bit recently (what a game they play). Wouldn’t that be nice?

Ventura Chamber ribbon cutting for St. Bonaventure High School Black Box Theatre

Photo by Michael Gordon

The Ventura Chamber held a ribbon cutting for St. Bonaventure High School Black Box Theatre.

The versatility of the Black Box Theatre gives actors, directors and designers absolute artistic freedom. With flexible seating arrangements, each production can have a customized actor-audience relationship. Combined with a full complement of theatrical lighting, sound and video technologies, this performance space offers unlimited possibilities.

Learn about the Ventura County Grand Jury

Jurors Available for Speaking Events

The Ventura County Grand Jury seeks opportunities to speak to community organizations,
non-profit organizations, and similar groups as part of its education outreach program.
The Grand Jury investigates matters affecting aspects of government in Ventura County.
The Jury comprises 19 citizens who are impaneled by the Presiding Judge of the Superior
Court and serve as a “voice and conscience” of Ventura County residents concerning their
local governments.

The impaneled Grand Jury does not pursue criminal cases or hear evidence in
courtrooms. It serves as an independent investigatory panel on behalf of the citizens of
Ventura County. It investigates complaints from the public, writes reports, and makes
recommendations to local governments and agencies such as city councils, school
districts, hospitals, harbors, and water districts. Investigative areas include alleged
government violations of city and county codes, disaster preparedness, contracting
procedures, and health and safety matters among others.
Reports and governmental responses from investigated departments and agencies can be
found on the Grand Jury website https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/.

To learn more about the Grand Jury and how it serves the community, how to become a
juror, or request speakers to meet with your group or class, you may contact the Grand
Jury at (805) 477-1600 or complete a speaker request form available on the Grand Jury
website at https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/forms/.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura awarded $5,000,000.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) program by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This is a result of the nonprofit’s ability to raise $5M in local funding to receive this 100% match from the California State Prop 1 matching grant program. This brings Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Prop 1 award total to just over $14M, which, through the development of safe and affordable housing, will positively impact the lives of farmworkers, veterans, low-income seniors, cognitively impaired individuals, people experiencing homelessness, transitional age foster youth, and extremely-low and low-income individuals and families.

The Housing Programs and Veterans’ Loans Bond, also known as California’s Proposition 1, includes the 1:1 fund matching Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) program, providing funding to Housing Trust Funds for the development of rental housing with a focus on low to extremely low-income housing units. This program affords the opportunity for applicant agencies to apply for up to $5 million per year for five years totaling a potential of $25 million. Housing Trust Fund Ventura County has now received $14,019,387 from this program which began in 2020.

“Prop 1 continues to be an invaluable resource to provide the affordable housing Ventura County residents need,” commented Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “We’re committed to making housing affordable for more residents and we worked hard to earn the Prop 1 match as part of that commitment.” The award is eligible for use within Camarillo, Moorpark, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, and unincorporated areas of Ventura County only.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County successfully raised this round’s $5 million local match through support of sponsors, donors, grants, loan repayments and its record-setting Compassion Campaign fundraising event. The nonprofit’s successful investment vehicle – Everyone Deserves a Home Community Impact Note, has also attracted investors from both the public and private sectors.

“Affordable housing is an ongoing fight, but we are very proud of the work we do each year,” commented Housing Trust Fund Ventura County Board Chair Tracy McAulay. “These funds will be used to build apartments and houses throughout the county, giving many of our neighbors the new, safe, quality homes they deserve.” This year Housing Trust Fund Ventura County was eligible for a match in the full amount of $5 million. The organization is now looking to 2024 to ensure that the $5 million Prop 1 funds are fully matched through the program’s sunset next year.

In anticipation of the program’s end and with the continued need for affordable housing, Linda Braunschweiger has coordinated with other local housing trust funds in California to advocate for extending Prop. 1 programs, including the Local Housing Trust Fund Match program, through Assembly Bill 1657. To contribute your own support for our community of essential farmworkers, veterans, low-income seniors and more with affordable housing in Ventura County go to, www.housingtrustfundvc.org/donate-now.

Developers interested in receiving a loan may visit www.housingtrustfundvc.org/funding-programs and review the Program and Loan Underwriting Guidelines. A list of projects that have received first phase approval are also available on the website at www.housingtrustfundvc.org/housing

 

Vol. 17, No. 03 – Nov 1 – Nov 14, 2023 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Milli Vanilli – Paramount+

4 out of 4 palm trees

In the late 1980s, Robert Pilatus and Fabrice Movan of Milli Vanilli exploded into the pop music scene with an album that sold over 8 million records, was number one on charts worldwide, won three American Music Awards and a Grammy. Rob and Fab were megastars living the high life, though that success would be short lived when it was discovered the neither of them actually sang on the record. The truth was that other recording artists had performed on the original, and that Rob and Fab were just dancers that had lip-synced through every moment of the music career.

Fabrice grew up in Paris. When he was 18 he moved to Munich, Germany, ran out of money and became homeless. He was able to get some jobs teaching dancing, which was what he studied in Paris and Rob was a local break-dancer. Rob was 20 and the two were the only blacks in the popular Germany dance scene. Rob and Fabrice met in 1986 at a party, moved in together and started throwing large parties, eventually doing shows in a local club singing and dancing. They got their first break in Munich as backup dancers on a popular TV music show.

They also began modeling and set themselves apart by creating their signature dreads looks. It was then that Rob connected them with Frank Farain, producer of another well-known group at the time Boney-M. Frank’s assistant Ingrid Segieth said they had a project that they thought Rob and Fabrice would be good for if they were interested. With an offer of 1500 Deutsch Marks advance each, Rob and Fabrice excitedly signed the contract with little review of the details.

Several months went by and finally Ingrid called asking them to come to the studio. After playing the music from “Girl You Know It’s True” Frank explained he did not want Rob and Fab to sing on the record, only to dance and be lip-syncing performers. Rob and Fab decided that they would just do this one song and get out. Frank solicited the singing talent of several other artists: popular American singer Brad Howell as lead singer, lead rapper Charles Shaw was given $12K to agree to the project and keep quiet about the details, and backup singers twins Linda and Jodie Rocco.

Frank released “Girl You Know It’s True”, which quickly reached number one on the German Billboard charts, did great in Europe, and then exploded in the US reaching number two on the US charts and was a top five hit in 23 countries around the world. After the US success, Rob and Fab signed with Arista Records and president Clive Davis hired songwriter Diane Warren, who wrote “Blame It On the Rain”. Arista released the album and it went 6x Platinum selling 8 million albums with three number one hits singles, winning three American Music Awards and a Grammy.

Stardom made Rob and Fab crazy and they threatened Frank, saying that if he didn’t pay them $150K they would reveal the truth. Frank decided to take control by holding a press conference in NY and revealed to the Associated Press that Rob and Fab were not the singers on the album. In worldwide news Milli Vanilli became known as “Phony Bologna” and they were required to return their Grammy. Frank had little fallout from his admission and Clive lied about knowing the truth, letting Fab and Rob take the full fall, with Rob falling the hardest.

Rob was arrested numerous times for drugs and related crimes, and unsuccessfully tried rehab. He went to a rehab in Germany and felt after three months he had conquered his addictions and upon leaving went to visit Ingrid. Rob was found dead the next morning by Ingrid in a Frankfurt hotel room having consumed alcohol and pills. Fab was devastated but recovered and found love, got married, had several children and continues performing live singing the music of Milli Vanilli.

Runtime: 1h 46m

Westside Fiesta held at Kellogg Park

Sarah Abramsf: Love Ventura. Photos by Patricia Schallert

Ivone Quintero-Cagnacci and Helen Eloyan Westside community council

On September 16, a Westside Fiesta was held at Kellogg Park located at Ventura Ave. & Kellogg St. The free family event and raffle was a fundraiser for the Westside Community of Ventura. It included food, music by Musica DJ Charlie and fun for all.

 

Ariana Rabago: Environmental Sustainability Division – Erring Navarro, Monica Noeng and Susan Birch: Ventura Water

 

 

 

 

 

Ventura Firefighters join the fight during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Ventura firefighters wore pink themed t-shirts.

The Ventura Fire Department is proud to partner with the Ventura City Firefighters Association and various local Ventura businesses for the 13th consecutive year to champion Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This October, Ventura firefighters are uniting in support of this cause by selling limited-edition pink, embossed department t-shirts.

Ventura firefighters wore pink themed t-shirts from October 1-15, to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment in the battle against breast cancer.

“We stand as champions for breast cancer awareness and prevention, and we raise funds to ensure that breast cancer patients and their loved ones receive the lifesaving care and support they deserve,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “With over $16,000 already contributed, our resolve to sustain this mission burns brighter than ever.”

All funds raised from t-shirt sales will be directed towards the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, a remarkable local non-profit and grassroots organization dedicated to empowering women and families affected by breast cancer. They achieve this through education, advocacy, and providing essential emotional and social support.

Residents can purchase (if still available) the pink-lettered shirts or donate to the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation at the following participating local businesses:

  • MadeWest Brewing Company, 1744 Donlon Street
  • Snapper Jack’s Taco Shack, 533 E, Main Street
  • Ventura Visitors Center, 100 S. California Street
  • Very Ventura Gift Shop and Gallery, 540 E. Main Street

T-shirts will not be available for sale at any Ventura Fire stations.

To learn more about the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation and their impactful work, please visit RibbonsVentura.org.