Category Archives: Coronavirus

Humane Society of Ventura County during the Pandemic

Adoption Counselor Josephine Maxson with some wonderful dogs to adopt.

by Carol Leish

Greg Cooper, Director of Community Outreach, of the Humane Society of Ventura County, said: “I think that the most important thing that I would like to educate the community about is our shelter is Ojai is ‘OPEN’ for most of our services. However, we are closed for casual visits.”

“Out adoption rate for cats and dogs is about the same now compared to before the pandemic,” according to Cooper. “We had initially closed last March (2020), to all adoptions and intakes due to the Stay-at-Home orders, but readily initiated an appointment only system for most of our services.”

“We do want the community to have access to our services,” according to Cooper. “But we want the community to understand that we have changed the way we operate because of the pandemic. Most of our services are still available, but by appointment only. The second thing that I would like our community to know about is that we’ve had a significant downturn in donations since the beginning of the pandemic. I am sure that the reasons vary greatly, but from our point of view, we still need to offer our services. However, with fewer resources and decreased donations, things have become very challenging.”

“Not having the public on the property (during the pandemic), has certainly been strange for the animals and staff who have become accustomed to having that interaction. Raising awareness for the compassionate care of all animals is a key component of our mission,” according to Cooper. “And, without that person-to-person interaction, our opportunity to educate diminishes. We are also closed to volunteers who have traditionally helped with socializing the animals. Our kennels staff have picked up that slack so that every dog, cat, and horse on our property still receives a tremendous amount of interaction.”

Cooper said, “We adopt out dogs, cats, horses, and occasionally other domesticated animals like birds and hamsters. Before the pandemic people could come to the Shelter and browse. We have initiated an appointment-only system for adoptions. Now, we ask that people look at the photos and bios of the available animals on our website, www.hsvc.org, then request an appointment to visit. From there, the adoption process is pretty much the same. Thus, if it’s good fit, they need to fill out an application and then get screened further (such as a yard check for dogs), before proceeding with the adoption.”

“The number one way to support our efforts,” according to Cooper, “is through financial donations through our website, or by credit card over the phone, or by mailing in a check. As a nonprofit, we rely solely on the support/generosity of our community. We are often confused with national organizations, such as the HSUS (Humane Society of the U.S.), or the ASPCA (American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). We are our own nonprofit and receive no funding from either the national or local government. We also need in-kind donations, such as: towels and blankets; unopened bags of dog and cat food; and, toys for cats and dogs. A complete list of items, which is on our Amazon wish list, is updated daily. It’s at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/genericitemsPage/2LHNG8JV4F1VO?type=wishlist& encoding=UTF8.

Remember that the Humane Society of Ventura County continues to be open now. Cooper said, “We ask for patience and understanding from the public during the pandemic. We want to ensure people that the animals are very well cared for and we can still provide most of our services. Please call: (805) 646-6505, and look to our website: www.hasvc.org for the most up-to-date information if you’re interested in adopting an animal.” Yes, animals are/can become an important part of our families.

Editor: First of 3 articles about pet adoption agencies in Ventura County. Next issue will be about CARL.

Cypress Place Senior Living partners with Vons Pharmacy to administer COVID vaccines

Lily Duarte, Director of Wellness for Cypress receives a dose of the vaccine from Vi Nguyn, Pharmacy Manager.

by Richard Lieberman

Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura has partnered with Vons Pharmacy to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to residents and staff at the senior living center. The vaccine clinic took place at the center on January 26, 2021. In compliance with state regulation the center was able to offer its residents, who must be seventy-five or older in compliance with state regulations for “first tier” group. As part of the U.S Government’s Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term care communities will have access to the vaccine over the next several weeks in the first phase of distribution.

Director of Wellness at the center Lily Duarte, after receiving the vaccine said, “It felt like the beginning of a new road.” Duarte a fourteen-year veteran at the center. “This has been an amazing experience, it has been a long time coming,” added Duarte. “We are happy to be on the forefront of protecting our residents and staff members and bring our community back to a sense of normalcy.”

Gina Salman and Chai Nguien Manager and Pharmacist at Vons’s.

Executive Director, Gina Salman was thrilled at being able to offer to long term residents the first round of vaccinations. “Today represents hope for my staff and residents. We had planned this for weeks and giving the vaccinations and finishing it is a representation of hope and, we have talked about a reflection of gratitude, this experience has been difficult, but it really made us think about what we are grateful for and how much we really have. The Director and staff members and residents have voiced feelings of happiness and relief. Staff and residents have been extremely patient which I am grateful for.”

“Thank goodness we have been so incredibly fortunate and appreciative of the support we have gotten from the Vons’s pharmacy; they support our flu clinic every year and they have pulled through for us and we are eternally grateful.” Said Gina Salman.

Chai Nguien is a pharmacist for Vons and helps in coordinating vaccine events and she works closely with the department of health of Ventura County in setting up these types of events. “We currently have the Moderna vaccine, sometimes we even have extra doses” she said. “I think we are all doing our best right now and I think we are doing a good job, this is new for everybody from the county, state and federal level.” She added.

Access to the COVID-19 vaccine adds another preventive measure bolstering the center’s commitment to the safety and well being of residents and employees. Cypress remains open offering its services to seniors who may need their services.

The senior community also continues to provide informative seminars to the public at large, all done virtually due to Covid-19.  The next seminar, titled  “Moving Made Easy – Dealing With Downsizing” will he held on February 18, 2021 at 1:00pm.   

Vol. 14, No. 10 – Feb 10 – Feb 23, 2021 – Ojai News & Events

2021 is a new beginning for the Ojai Studio Artists

by Veronica Johnson

2020 was a challenging time for the Ojai Studio Artists. The annual tour was cancelled for the first time since 1984. Planned exhibitions of many individual artists, art fairs, artist talks, and individual endeavors were cancelled as well. However, 2021 may be a new beginning as the Ojai Studio Artists venture into unknown territory.

Second Saturday tours will resume this coming spring. All of the artists who participate will adhere to strict COVID-19 guidelines, making it a safe experience for all. Planning is underway for the October Studio Artists tour, from October 9th to the 11th. Should issues with COVID change the Ojai Studio Artists plans, they will let the public know.

The Ojai Studio Artists have also been working on a Panel Project fundraiser. Their artists have created various types of work on an 8×10 panel. This project has been a source of support for their scholarship fund. To see which panels are still available, visit their website at ojaistudioartists.org.

Hi Everybody, greetings from the Ojai Storytelling Festival. Hope this finds you healthy and strong. Maybe like me, you find yourself starving for stories. I have the perfect antidote to provide a positive jolt in these challenging times–An online concert with Bill Harley, Grammy winning musician and storyteller and one of my favorite tellers. Not only will you have a highly entertaining experience, but Bill has graciously offered to donate 20% of the ticket sales to the Ojai Storytelling Festival. A definite win-win for you and for us. Here are the details:

You can purchase tickets for the the whole series (4 concerts) or as many as you wish. The next show is Feb. 12 and it is geared for adults. The other 3 are designed for famlies. You can view any of the ones you purchase until April 12 so if you are unable to view one on the specific date of the show, you can catch the missed episode at your convenience.

Current Ventura Unified School District situation due to the Pandemic

“With the global pandemic, this past year has been a real struggle for all of our employees.”

by Carol Leish

Ventura Unified School District’s Superintendent, Dr. Richard Rice, who was appointed in January, 2019, and started working in March, 2019, said, “I love the community of Ventura and am extremely proud to serve its residents.”

“With the global pandemic, this past year has been a real struggle for all of our employees,” according to Dr. Rice. “We have lost more than 500 students, and our progress on many of the compelling programs we had beginning in the pipeline have been slowed down. This said, I am optimistic that things are getting better and I am very hopeful that soon, we will be shifting our focus more and more away from handling the ever-changing COVID-19 situation and the operational impacts COVID-19 has had on our District and return to building the great programs that we have planned.”

As far as how Zoom is working for both students and teachers, Dr. Rice said, “Like any other non-traditional approach, it is working better for some than for others. On the whole, I am extremely pleased with our teachers growth in offering distance learning and I think in the future, this will serve us well. I also think there will be many students who prefer this model of learning. We are planning to expand upon our distance learning options for next year.”

As far as students and teachers being able to adapt to Zoom, Dr. Rice said, “I think that students and teachers both have adjusted well to the technical pieces of working in/with Zoom and other distance learning platforms. That said, there is no substitution for a teacher’s direct in-person presence in the instruction of students. We look forward to returning to more in-person learning as soon as possible. Currently, our plan is to resume to a hybrid in-person instruction at the elementary school level on February 1st. And, at the secondary level, on April 12th”

“Obviously, every school and district are dealing with some degree of learning loss,” according to Dr. Rice. “The challenge is/will be accurately measuring how much, and in what areas. My understanding is that this year’s state standardized testing will be truncated and therefore likely now serve as the best indicator of this. This is troubling since we need to know where the learning loss is occurring in order to address it. Thankfully, our instructional staff is well versed in formative assessment and I am looking forward to hearing more from them over the remainder of the year as to exactly where they see learning loss has been occurring, and working with them to address those needs.”

Dr. Rice said that there is not an easy answer to the questions: ‘Who determines where schools can open?’ “Ultimately, the degree in which a school district can open its schools is up to the local School Board and Superintendent. It is also true that the requirements laid out by the California Department of Public Health, the Ventura County Department of Public Health, and now the Governor, have seriously limited the circumstances under which schools can reopen, including putting strict limits on how they operate once they are open.”

Even though Dr. Rice says, “I applaud the Governor’s intent to incentivize and reward returning to in-person learning models, I have several areas of concern regarding it. Chief among those concerns is the change to the current testing program that he is proposing, and how that will be impacting schools and districts. We have been told that funding may be an average of $425 per student, along with a discounted rate of $35 per test, which both have been mentioned. However, the best information that we have been able to find in Ventura County is that the cost per test will likely be more in the $50 range. If we are required to test teachers and students as proposed (every two weeks), that money, from the grant, will be gone in a matter of a couple of months, and will not address any of the other impacts of COVID-19 that we are experiencing. I am also concerned about local testing and lab result processing capacity. Obviously, when you add many people to the testing pool, the capacity is going to be pushed. Testing is of a limited value if the results are not promptly provided.”

According to Dr. Rice, “The parameters to reopen also include what color tier we’re in, which is based on the case rate per 1,000, and also the positivity rate of testing. We are currently in the deep purple tier with a positivity rate of 15.4%. We need to be below 8%, which we’re not even close to.”

Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine, Dr Rice said, “Now, since mid-January, some of our staff our eligible for the vaccine. This includes our school nurses, health techs, school psychologists, and the occupational therapists. Educators and staff probably will be eligible very soon. I don’t think their will be a problem for the educators/staff to want to be vaccinated since they are keenly aware of wanting to keep the kids safe. Thus, they will be getting vaccinated on their own without needed our encouragement to do so. Kids will be needing parental permission before they get vaccinated.”

Girl Scouts has kicked off the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season

The Girl Scout Cookie Program has long taught girls how to run a business.

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has kicked off the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season nationally, during a challenging time when many Girl Scouts are selling in creative, socially distant, and contact-free ways to keep themselves and their customers safe. Even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, girls are adapting their sales methods to share the joy of Girl Scout Cookies through the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program—including taking contact-free pickup and delivery orders through a new national collaboration with Grubhub. Additionally, GSUSA is making online cookie ordering available nationwide on February 1 so consumers who don’t know a Girl Scout can still purchase cookies from a local troop for direct shipment to their homes or donation to local organizations.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program has long taught girls how to run a business via in-person booths, door-to-door activity, and the Digital Cookie® platform online, which GSUSA launched in 2014. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the middle of the 2020 season and girls were faced with the same challenges as other small businesses, girls in the Central Coast quickly pivoted their sales methods. From marketing their cookie businesses online to facilitating orders that ship directly to customers’ door, girls as young as five years old are continuing to embrace their entrepreneurial spirits, stay connected to their communities, and have fun by participating in the cookie program. And, the proceeds from each and every purchase stay local with the troop and its council to power Girl Scouts’ essential leadership programming.

For all locations and their corresponding business hours, visit www.girlscoutsccc.org for more information. As always, the proceeds benefit the troop and council while providing another innovative way to safely run the cookie program virtually. GSUSA is grateful to Grubhub for waiving all fees for the organization to make this new delivery option feasible for sales without reducing troops’ and councils’ proceeds.

This year, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast will offer the new Toast-Yay!™ cookie, a French toast–inspired cookie dipped in delicious icing and full of flavor in every bite. Toast-Yay! gives consumers a new way to celebrate moments of joy alongside other favorites, like Thin Mints® and Caramel deLites®. And though social distancing measures may keep families and friends apart, cookie customers can share joy and stay connected this season through a gift-box option that ships directly to others via the Digital Cookie platform.

Girl Scout Cookie season is recognized in the Central Coast through March 14, 2021. Consumers can support Girl Scouts by purchasing Thin Mints®, Peanut Butter Patties®, Shortbread ®, and more in a few different ways:

If you don’t know a Girl Scout, visit www.girlscoutcookies.org, text COOKIES to 59618 (message and data rates may apply. Text STOPGS for STOP, HELPGS for help), or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app for free on iOS or Android devices to find cookies in your area.

VCAAA Voice: COVID-19 Continuum of Person-Centered Service

Maria hugged the robotic dog and kissed its nose.

by Jannette Jauregui

The smile on Maria’s face said it all.

The Santa Paula woman is among the more than 200,000 older adults currently living in Ventura County. Like many of her peers, Maria has been isolating at home for nearly a year now as part of an effort to remain safe and healthy as the County’s number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

Her smile that day came from a robotic companion pet delivered to her by Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) social worker, Ana Lett. As Maria hugged the dog and kissed its nose it became clear that, in that moment, the fear and loneliness associated with the pandemic were no more.

“It was an honor to have been able to make this delivery happen because seeing Maria’s reaction to her pet was what I needed,” Lett said. “The joy it brought was everything.”

The comfort brought to Maria that day meant the goal of the VCAAA’s Robotic Companion Pet Program was a success. It meant that the isolation Maria has faced might be a bit more manageable.

With a person-centered focus, the VCAAA continues to work to expand existing services that address the needs of individuals navigating the twists and turns of COVID-19. The implementation of a Robotic Companion Pet Program for the Agency’s case management clients is just one of the innovative methods used to combat isolation, loneliness, and depression.

Prior to COVID-19, VCAAA social workers conducted home visits throughout Ventura County to assess the specific needs of individual clients. The visits often served as the only social interaction clients received in a day or even in a week.

When home visits became prohibited due to an increased risk of exposure to the coronavirus, the VCAAA team pivoted and began offering porch visits in which the social worker wears a mask and maintains a safe, social distance while also having the opportunity to assess and address individual needs. The porch visits serve as a lifeline for many reeling from the negative effects of isolation.

In addition to robotic companion pets and porch visits, the VCAAA offers COVID-19 Care Kits for people sheltering at home that include gloves, masks, sanitizer, soap, and other critical resources to help individuals stay safe should they need to leave their home. Other program expansions include increased access to meal and food resources as part of the Agency’s Senior Nutrition Program, and a virtual line-up of classes designed to educate people 60 and older with tips to eat healthy on a budget.

The Fall Prevention Program now offers socially distanced classes in a safe, outdoor setting with a focus on keeping participants active and engaged while also strengthening balance and mobility. The ElderHelp program continues to offer access to transportation via bus tickets, Uber, and Medi-Rides. Included in this service are rides to COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination sites (once the vaccination becomes more readily available). ElderHelp also provides services for home modifications such as grab bars.

The VCAAA’s Information and Assistance team received nearly three times the number of requests for service in 2020 than in previous years, solidifying what most already know – that the COVID-19 crisis has changed the landscape of needs and how those needs are fulfilled. But as the landscape shifts, the VCAAA’s dedication and commitment to continue person-centered service remains steadfast.

For more information on VCAAA services, please visit www.vcaaa.org or call (805) 477-7300.

Ventura College Foundation provides record support in 2019-20 despite pandemic challenges

The Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial support to Ventura College students and to school programs, distributed $824,548 in financial support during the 2019-2020 academic year–$699,971 in scholarships, $84,577 in VC Promise tuition assistance and $40,000 in textbook support. The annual scholarship distribution was the largest in the foundation’s history and was distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic in April. 

A total of 427 scholarships (including 17 new scholarship) were awarded to 247 applicants. Over 3,100 students took advantage of the foundation’s textbook lending library. All told 5,330 students (41 percent of the student population) received support from the foundation through tuition support, scholarships or textbook lending. 

In addition, another $919,792 of foundation facilitated support went to assist 44 programs in 15 Ventura College departments and divisions. 

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VC Foundation had to cut staff, cancel our annual scholarship awarding events, and rework our fundraising strategies. Our on-campus Weekend Marketplace, which generates revenue to run the foundation’s day-to-day operations, was closed for over two months,” says Anne Paul King, the Ventura College Foundation’s executive director. “It reopened with only one third of the vendors and lower gate capacity. It then had to temporarily relocate because of campus construction. Through it all, we have been fortunate to be able to continue our mission to foster and enhance the education of Ventura College students. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and community members who have made this possible.” 

For more information on the Ventura College Foundation’s financial impact on student education in 2019-2020,  https://venturacollegefoundation.org/foundation-impact. 

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates financially independent from Ventura College. It transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative and vital resources and financial support. The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential, civic engagement, careers and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college, local workforce, and our community. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or [email protected] or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.

From everyone at Diversity Collective Ventura County – Thank you!

It’s almost trite to use the word “unprecedented” at this point, but that was 2020. We have all been hit by the pandemic in some way. But with your support, DCVC has prevailed and we are looking forward to a bright and healthy 2021.

In 2020, we were challenged early on and without warning to have to cancel our AIDS Walk event, asking participants to create something personal to continue the event on their own. You stepped up and a virtual event was formed. It wasn’t easy, but we did it. Together.

We then had to look to our Community Resource Center – a safe and healthy space for our community to gather. It was shuttered to further reduce the spread of COVID19, as well as comply with state mandates. We created our “Stay Safe Drive Through” events where anyone could come and get information, safe sex kits, masks, and hand sanitizer while maintaining social distance.

Virtual PRIDE was incredibly successful, and the amazing team that pulled it together included volunteers, staff, and board members. We reached viewership outside of Ventura County: San Francisco, New York City, and of course Los Angeles, all brought in viewers to enjoy a drag show, a contest, and lighthearted conversations from allies and friends.

With the experience we gained from the two former virtual events, it was a somber pleasure to bring Transgender Day of Remembrance to you. As we remembered those who went before us, we also took pride in where we stand as a community and look forward to the long road ahead.

You may have noticed that the Gala, usually in autumn, was non-existent. The Board of Directors felt that this is one event that really warrants a live audience, and we have postponed it for now. There are so many incredible people and organizations that have helped us along the way, we wish to honor them the way they deserve: in front of their peers and community.

Rainbow Umbrella is thriving and our youth are finding that virtual interaction is enlightening and fun. We have so many awesome things planned for 2021 – stay tuned. Speaking of youth, one of the good things to come out of this year is our new program, Little Unicorns, for LGBTQ, questioning, and ally kids ages 9-12. We commenced this program in October, and we already have a following of kids enjoying a place of inclusion and acceptance.

All these things happened because you cared enough to support our cause. THANK YOU!

To begin the new year, we are proud to announce that Tess Allen will be stepping into the role of Executive Director. Tess has worked in Development and Fundraising for many years, and we look forward to her leadership.

Just visit our website and click on the donation button. While you are there, please consider becoming a sustaining GEM (Give Every Month) member to receive more perks and information as we travel the year ahead!

Escape for a whale watch trip or island excursion to the Channel Island National park soon!

Because of the spike in Covid-19 cases in Ventura County, Island Packers, boat concessionaire to Channel Islands National Park, public boat transportation has been closed since December 21st. For the sake of all those affected by the pandemic they hope the numbers soon drop significantly. Once hospital capacities exceed 15%, they expect to be given the green light by the County to resume safe operations for transportation to the National Park and Marine Sanctuary.

All trips will continue to run at just 50% capacity with pandemic protocols still in place. (Visit islandpackers.com for a detailed description.) The staff are well trained in the protocols and they have a good track record in keeping passengers safe and comfortable.

The office and gift shop are currently open daily (except Wednesdays) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for information and reservations. Once open boat trips will fill quickly as we are entering the high season.

Please consider reserving your trip well in advance by telephone or by booking online. If there are extended closures due to continued high case numbers, we will contact you to either reschedule, remain on hold, or receive a refund.

Gray Whales will continue to migrate through the region until mid-April, and we have also had sporadic sightings of Humpbacks and Orca. The island trails will be greening up soon. Come on out to whale watch, hike, kayak, camp, explore, and adventure.

Island Packers staff and management thank you for all your support. Because of you, we will get through this challenging time.

Workforce Development Board secures programs to address barriers to employment and the COVID-19 Pandemic’s impact

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) was awarded a $315,000 grant by the State of California Employment Development Department to implement a National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the Ventura County workforce.

The funding will aid Ventura County’s response to COVID-19 by providing opportunities for employment and training services to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the pandemic and who are unlikely to return to work in their previous occupations.  Services include training and job placement in in-demand careers, especially those where there is an increased need due to the impact of COVID-19.

The funding will also enable the WDB to provide applicant referrals to local employers, job placement assistance in high-demand sectors, job readiness workshops to build soft skills, and help with career planning through individual employment plans and online career workshops.

The WDB of Ventura County is a partner of America’s Job Center of California network.  Individuals interested in receiving employment assistance should register with America’s Job Center of California by calling 805-204-5186 or emailing [email protected].  For those with limited hearing or speaking, dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). America’s Job Center of California offers no-fee employment services and training resources and will guide applicants through the registration process.

Additionally, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit earlier this year, the WDB of Ventura County applied for workplace grants as soon as they became available.  In April, the WDB was awarded a $450,000 grant through the Employment Development Department’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 25% Dislocated Worker Funds. Funds went to support services that helped individuals impacted by COVID-19. These included providing equipment necessary to telework and assistance with housing, utilities, childcare, and transportation.

In June, the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) awarded $462,506 to Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, with Ventura WDB as the lead support of the SB1 High Road Construction Careers initiative. The initiative’s purpose is to advance careers in the building and construction trades as a reliable career pathway for disadvantaged Californians.

WDB coordinates its response to COVID 19 with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), local business organizations, counties, cities, and chambers. For up-to-date business recovery and closure/opening information, go to the EDC website:  https://edcollaborative.com/covid19. For more on the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, go to http://workforceventuracounty.org.