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Emergency Veterinary Care opens in Ventura

Dr. Sarah Gray and Dr. Nancy Scott have opened a newly established small animal emergency hospital in Ventura.

Board certified emergency and critical care specialists Dr. Sarah Gray and Dr. Nancy Scott have opened Emergency Veterinary Care, a newly established small animal emergency hospital in Ventura. The practice provides urgent care and veterinary emergency services seven days a week until midnight, with overnight patients receiving 24-hour care.

Emergency Veterinary Care is temporarily operating out of Ohana Pet Hospital at 4547 Telephone Road i while they develop the perfect location to care for the urgent care needs of local pets. They can be reached at 701-7664.

Drs. Gray and Scott are well-respected criticalists in Ventura County and have worked together locally saving pets’ lives for more than a decade. They bring a combined 20+ years of specialty veterinary experience to Emergency Veterinary Care.

Dr. Sarah Gray received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis before attending Iowa State University to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Dr. Gray has completed several emergency and critical care internships, both locally and in Pennsylvania and completed her residency in Emergency and Critical Care medicine at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Gray has lived and worked in Ventura County for over 10 years and is particularly well versed in the areas of toxicology, fluid resuscitation, respiratory diseases and trauma. In her spare time, Dr. Gray is a veterinary consultant for a nationwide animal poison control center.

Dr. Nancy Scott received her Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University and her Masters of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UC Davis. Dr. Scott completed a rotating internship at the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital before returning to UC Davis to complete her residency in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care. After completing her residency in 2005, Dr. Scott moved to Ventura where she joined a local veterinary specialty hospital and established a renowned emergency and critical care department. She is particularly knowledgeable in critical patient anesthesia, post-operative patient management, poly-trauma and management of severe electrolyte disturbances.

When asked about their new practice, Dr. Gray expressed, “Dealing with a beloved pet in crisis can be extremely stressful; Dr. Scott and I are strongly committed to addressing the cat and dog emergency needs of our community.” Dr. Scott added, “Yes, we truly want to ensure that we take care of the pets AND their families when it comes to managing family pet emergencies.”

Learn more about Emergency Veterinary Care at www.EmergencyVetVC.com.

Fall Prevention Coalition named Health Champ

Health champions for 2016.

by Lori Harasta

The Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition of Ventura County earned the “Health Champion Award” for 2016.

Annually, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors presents “Health Champion” awards to local community organizations on behalf the Partnership for a Healthy Ventura County.  Recipients are recognized for their efforts toward achieving the vision of the Partnership: that Ventura County will be recognized as the healthiest county in California.

Clearly, falls impact health. One-third of adults over the age of 65 and one-half of adults over the age of 80 will fall each year. More than 40% of seniors recovering from fractured hips are unable to ever return home.  Ventura County has more seniors over the age of 80 than any other county in California.

Recognizing these facts and observing patients’ pain and suffering far too often, Dr. Thomas Duncan, Chief of Staff and Co-Director of Trauma at Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) formed the Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition (EFPC) of Ventura County in 2013, partnering with other agencies serving Ventura County.  A primary partner is the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), headed by Director Victoria Jump.

People that have fallen are referred by emergency medical services or hospital staff to a Fall Prevention Coordinator who interviews and refers patients to appropriate programs and services.  There is a 90% overall acceptance rate of services offered and participation has significantly reduced secondary falls compared to non-participants.

One of EFPC’s goals is to educate the community and facilitate changes in behavior to prevent initial falls of elderly residents.  The education committee plans and presents two fall prevention forums per year.  A forum in Spanish (translated to English) is planned for Saturday, April 29th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Santa Paula Senior Center.  For more information, call 477-7300.

In addition, four evidence-based exercise programs are now serving seniors in Ventura County.

A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults.

Stepping On offers people information, strategies, and exercises to reduce falls and increase self-confidence in situations where they are at risk of falling.

Walk with Ease is proven to reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis; increase balance, strength and walking pace; build confidence in one’s ability to be physically active; and improve overall health.

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance is a research-based balance training regimen designed for older adults and people with balance disorders.

 

To find out more about the evidence-based fall prevention exercise programs listed above, call Dina at VCAAA 477-7300.

 

Channel Islands Park Junior Ranger Day April 15

Junior rangers can also view the remains of a pygmy mammoth.

Channel Islands National Park invites the public to celebrate the annual Junior Ranger Day at an event on April 15, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the park visitor center in the Ventura Harbor. This free event will feature family-friendly activities, ranger-led talks, and the park’s junior ranger programs.

Children will have the opportunity to participate in three different junior ranger programs at the event, allowing them to earn badges as a Channel Islands National Park Junior Ranger, an Underwater Explorer, or a Junior Paleontologist.

The event will also feature family-friendly activities that children of all ages can participate in, including fish prints, buttons, dolphin masks, and more. At 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, a park ranger will discuss marine adaptations and ocean stewardship at the center’s marine life exhibit. At 1:00 pm, there will be an interactive children’s program about adaptations of seals and sea lions and at 2:00 pm, a ranger will lead a children’s program on bird beak adaptations.

Information about the national initiative, Every Kid in a Park, which invites all fourth graders to visit their public lands and waters for free, will also be available for parents and children.

The Every Kid in a Park program was created so that fourth graders and their families could discover our nation’s wildlife, resources, and history, for free. All fourth graders can get their pass online, at Every Kid in a Park, after they complete a fun, educational activity. They can trade the paper pass for a more durable pass at participating federal sites nationwide.

This past year 342,209 people visited Channel Islands National Park. Additional day visitors and overnight campers to Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands increased island visitation by about 10 percent.

There was a 20 percent increase in visitation to the mainland visitor center in the Ventura Harbor, due in part to the many fourth grade students that participated in the Every Kid in a Park program. The park had a corresponding 75 percent increase in the Junior Ranger program, with over 4,000 kids participating.

“We are particularly excited about the increase in visitation from fourth grade students to the park. This year we expect over 5,000 fourth graders will visit, thanks to the Every Kid in a Park grants we received from the National Park Foundation, National Park Trust, and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Russell Galipeau.

 

New research assesses human impacts on our ocean

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Assistant Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology Douglas McCauley will discuss new research on how human activities may be impacting the resilience of our oceans, during the April From Shore to Sea lecture.

McCauley and his colleagues have compiled an unprecedented collection of data, including global comparisons of marine and terrestrial animal extinctions, as part of a study to better identify sources of harm to marine ecosystems, as well as best practices to protect them.

To date, scientific research into animal extinctions has largely been concentrated on terrestrial species, while studies of animal loss in the oceans have often been overlooked. McCauley has found that current marine extinction rates are surprisingly similar to the rates of land-based extinctions prior to the Industrial Revolution. After this period, terrestrial animal loss increased by a large margin.

McCauley is concerned that a similar pattern of increased animal loss may occur in the ocean as a result of changing patterns of use and increased industry. His work is focused on discovering proactive methods to protect the health and resilience of marine species, including responsible fisheries management, the creation of marine protected areas, and the development of marine spatial management plans.

The talk will be held on Thursday, April 13. The From Shore to Sea lecture series is sponsored by Channel Islands National Park to further the understanding of current research on the Channel Islands and surrounding marine waters. The 2017 lecture series takes place at 7:00 pm on the second Thursday of each month, January through December, at the Channel Islands National Park Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura Harbor. The programs are free and open to the public.

This lecture can also be viewed live online, at: Shore to Sea lecture series.

Grand opening at the M J Block Historical Library

Not quite as big as this but well worth the visit.

Lexington resident, Merle Block has created his own Historical Library commemorating the children of the greatest generation. His vision is to restore the past through books, videos, photos, music, movies and memorabilia.  M J Block Historical Library will have it’s grand opening on Thursday, April 13th from 9 -11 AM and 1-3 PM in room #236.

The library is open to the public by appointment during visiting hours – 9 AM to 3 PM Tuesday through Saturday. The Lexington is located at 5440 Ralston St. in Ventura.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Solana Heights

“Shouldn’t we be using a Bobcat?” Photo by Allison Bird

On March 22 a ground breaking was held for Solana Heights, the master-planned community developed by CalAtlantic Homes that will bring 147 new homes to Ventura’s housing market including 116 single-family homes as well as 31 townhomes. Several of the homes will have coastal views.

Solana Heights’ family-friendly amenities will also feature three new neighborhood parks totaling 1.5 acres of outdoor gathering spaces with play equipment, picnic tables and barbeques, and a gated dog park.

For more information visit  www.calatlantichomes.com.

Vol. 10, No. 13 – March 29 – April 11, 2017 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

DBSA Ventura, the local chapter of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) hosts two regular, confidential, peer-led, self-help support groups in the County. Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church at 6950 Ralston. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 253-3289 for more information. 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the New Visions Center on the first and third Saturdays of the month. At 1065 E. Main.

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   Life is Better with Bridge.

April 1: You are invited to a Lenten Evensong on Saturday at 5 p.m.  Haydn’s glorious Harmnonie-messe, will be presented. Helen Farson conducts our chamber ensemble and chorus from the keyboard.  Admission is always free.  Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church.  6300 Telephone Rd. Please call 641-9646 if more information is desired.

April 1: Ventura Improv Company at NAMBA!8pm NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 South Oak St.Tickets: $10 | Available at venue the night of the show. Shows are a fast-paced mix of scenes, improv games and music. If you like Whose Line Is It, Anyway?, you’ll love improv! Shows last approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes. They welcome the whole family, but generally recommended for 12 and over.

April 2: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association presents free music concert on the first Sunday of every month at the Poinsettia Pavilion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Next concert session features the ever popular “Old Grass Band”.  Call 517-1131 for more information.

April 2: Dudley Historic House Museum. Timeline Photo Display of Ventura’s History Beginning in 1866, featuring over 100 period photographs assembled by Dudley docents in celebration of the City’s 150th anniversary last year.  The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood.  For further information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at www/dudleyhouse.org.

April 4:  Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant.
Group meets the first Tuesday each month at the Community Memorial Hospital – 8th floor, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They have excellent speakers, leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians, etc. from our area who give excellent information. Contact: Richard Hatcher 644-2733

April 5: The Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Club, (BCNN ) is a group of active women of all ages who live in Ventura, Oxnard, or Port Hueneme. Please come to our monthly meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meeting will be held at the Knights of Columbus.  Enter the parking lot from Santa Clara Street.   No charge for meeting and no reservation is required.  April is Poetry Month and our BCNN Poetry Group will present their Annual Reading to the membership. For additional information, please visit our Website at: bcnnwomensclub.org or call 988-0795.

April 6: The Ladies Luncheon  same great menu and fantastic view at new location the Poinsettia Pavilion. Sit-down Luncheon Buffet (Limited Seating) 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. $27 Pre-register, $30 at the door. Table space available for vendor products only.

Vendor tables are $5 for 3′ of space and $10 for 6′ of space and available for selling products only. Register at www.TheLadiesLuncheon.com.

April 8: San Buenaventura Women’s Club will hold the 6th Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser at Poinsettia Pavilion on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Come for a chance to win a Door Prize, or bid on Opportunity Baskets, Silent Auction and Wine Pull.  Fashions will be provided by The Dress barn.  Help support local charities in Ventura County.  Tickets are $35 paid in advance.  Contact [email protected] for more details.

April 8: The Ventura Beginning PC Users Group will meet at Cypress Place, 1220 Cypress Point Lane,  on Saturday, April 8 at 9:15-12:00 for “Spring Cleaning the Computer” and “Reliable Medical Web Sites”.  All beginning and intermediate computer users are welcome.  Phone 648-1368 for more information.

April 10: “Relive the Passover Exodus” with Rabbi Yakov & Sarah Latowicz. Few Jewish holidays evoke the same warm sentiments as Passover. Bringing the warmth and tradition of this festival to the Ventura Community, Chabad of Ventura is inviting all residents to participate in community Seders to be held on Monday night at 7:30 pm, at the Pierpont Racquet Club. 500 Sanjon Rd.

All are welcome to join the community Seder, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Suggested donations are $54 per adult and $26 per child. No one will be turned away for lack of finances. For reservations or to sponsor someone in need at the Seder please visit www.ChabadVentura.com

April 12: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Each month a special topic is chosen which features some interesting aspect of photography. This month’s topic is “Abstracts” and Bill Hendricks will judge. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. For more information about the club visit www.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

April 13:  The Ventura County Professional Women’s Network (VCPWN) monthly dinner meeting. A wonderful way to network with local business owners. Register for dinner online at www.vcpwn.org.  Guest speaker Kim Pagano, host of the Kim Pagano Show on 1590 KVTA radio. Founded in 1982, VCPWN has enjoyed a long tenure of promoting the professional and personal growth of Ventura County women through education, mutual support and sharing of resources.  For more information about the event www.vcpwn.org.

April 14: Good Friday Service,  7 pm First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara Ave. Easter Cantata, with full choir and chamber music ensemble.

 

Ventura City Fire responds to vehicle in structure

On March 17, at 1pm  Ventura City Fire was dispatched to a reported vehicle into a structure at Walker and Moon Dr. Upon arrival firefighters discovered a full size pickup truck in inside a two story commercial building well involved in fire.  Firefighters treated one adult male who was in the vehicle at the time of the collision; he was transported to a local trauma center for treatment of his injuries.  Additional firefighters extinguished the fire which had traveled from the first floor all the way to the roof.  The driver was apparently late for an appointment.

Vol. 10, No. 13 – March 29 – April 11, 2017 – Mailbox

Breeze

Tourism is the best thing that can happen to Ventura! It creates jobs, gives us all more fun restaurants and places to visit, and helps fuel progress. Rather than complain about it (overcrowding, homeless) , the most productive thing to do is get involved, show up to City Council and public planning meetings, and ensure it is good, well thought out growth that benefits everyone.

Thanks

Eric Rosenberg from Old Town

“Let’s keep this parade moving.”

Dear Editor,

Yesterday, Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Main Street was lined with parade watchers, and the parade entries were lined up as far as the eye could see.  The parade progressed on a very slow procession toward the Judges Reviewing Stand; most of the time the parade was at a standstill while the entertaining entries stopped at Chestnut Street to perform for the Judges.

When the Judges Reviewing Stand was located at California Street the entertaining entries could perform while crossing California Street.  California Street seems to be much more level and wider; thereby allowing the entertainers to slow, but continue up Main Street.

The officials who approve the parade route, timing, and location of reviewing stands should take all this into consideration during the approval process, and offer solutions to avert avoidable delays.  Keep the parades moving in an orderly fashion.

Michael Gordon

PS Google Earth shows the following widths:
California St.  85 feet wide.
Chestnut St.    68 feet wide.

Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.
~ Leonardo Da Vinci