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Channel Islands National Park Celebrates 37th Anniversary

Channel Islands National Park invites the public to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the park’s establishment at an event on March 5, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the visitor center in Ventura Harbor. This free event will feature film showings, family-friendly activities, ranger-led talks, dock tours, and a special junior ranger program.

Throughout the day, segments from the 2016 documentary, West of the West: Tales from California’s Channel Islands, will be shown. Produced by Sam Tyler and written and directed by Peter Seaman and Brent Sumner, the documentary provides an in-depth look into intriguing stories of island inhabitants and history.

The short film, Offshore, created by Compass Coalition Films and featuring professional surfer Mary Osborne, will also be shown throughout the day, highlighting the many recreational opportunities available within the park.

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, which features species found in the prolific waters that surround the Channel Islands.

Dock tours will be available for the public to have an up-close look at the National Park Service (NPS) vessels. Biologists with the park’s kelp forest monitoring team will demonstrate the long-term monitoring techniques they use to better understand the health of the marine environment.

During the event, biologists and rangers will provide opportunities for children to learn about different careers in the NPS. Children’s activities will be available throughout the day, including a button-maker station and fox origami. A junior ranger station will allow children to complete activity booklets and a NPS career scavenger hunt, and earn a special junior ranger prize.

About Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park, America’s 40th national park, was established by Congress on March 5, 1980. The park is made up of five islands — Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara — and the  waters within one nautical mile of each island. The park bridges two major biogeographical provinces within 250,000 acres of land and sea, protecting a rich array of natural and cultural resources. The park offers the public with unparalleled opportunities for solitude, tranquility, wildlife viewing, outdoor recreation, and education.

Speaking of Ventura County presents “California vs. the Nation: Gov. Brown’s Democratic California Competes with President Trump’s Republican Federal Government”

by Cal Lutheran professor Herbert E. Gooch III, Ph.D.

On Wednesday, March 8, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, the Museum presents a thought-provoking and powerful talk that outlines the inevitable ideology clash between the largest state in the union, known for its progressive politics, and a rapidly-acting national chief executive whose orders run afoul of local laws and philosophies.  It’s “Goliath vs. Goliath” once each side asserts their power.  This talk is part of the museum’s “Speaking of Ventura County” speaker series, which brings current events and historical topics to its audience.  Admission is free for members, $7 per person for non-members.

In this talk, Dr. Gooch explains the current struggles between California and the nation. defining the differences in political composition and public policy issues as Gov. Brown’s Democrat California contends with President Trump’s Republican Federal government – speculating on the potential impact specifically on Ventura County.

Dr. Herbert Gooch is Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University. He formerly served as Director of the Masters in Public Policy and Administration program and Assistant Provost for Graduate Studies at Cal Lutheran. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley in History, he holds a M.B.A in Management and both masters and doctoral degrees in Political Science from U.C.L.A. He has written extensively and is a frequent commentator on political affairs locally and statewide. He has been at Cal Lutheran since 1987 and lives in Newbury Park with his wife and son who attends Cal Lutheran. His interests include politics, film and travel.

January 2017 storm preparedness: free sand and sandbags available for city of Ventura residents

Three separate storms with gusty winds, high surf and the potential for coastal flooding are expected to impact Ventura County late Wednesday, January 18 through Monday, January 23. City of Ventura residents may pick up free sand and sandbags (while supplies last) at the following City locations (residents are asked to bring their own shovel):

• City of Ventura, Sanjon Maintenance Yard: 336 Sanjon Road (public parking lot)
• Ventura City Fire Station #1: 717 N. Ventura Avenue
• Ventura City Fire Station #6: 10797 Darling Road (near Wells Road, across from the Saticoy Golf Course)

The National Weather Service anticipates high surf (10’ to 15’) beginning Friday through Saturday morning. If necessary, the historic Ventura Pier will be closed as a public safety precaution. Residents should be alert to the increased potential for flooding, especially in coastal areas and near flood channels. The public is advised to avoid entering the ocean during dangerous high surf conditions.

Community members are encouraged to stay informed about advisories and emergencies by:

• Registering to receive emergency notifications from VC ALERT (www.vcalert.org).
• Checking www.vcemergency.com for incident information, closures and evacuations.
• Learning about emergency preparedness and flood information, including Weather Service links and other helpful tips, atwww.ReadyVenturaCounty.org.
• Visiting the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov/losangeles.

This release can be found on the City of Ventura’s website at www.cityofventura.net. ###

Teen Voice to collect essential items for homeless families

During the month of January the Teen Voice Leadership Club through its “Project Humankindness” is seeking community support to collect essential items for homeless adults and families.

Such winter accessories as new socks, scarves, gloves and beanies; such grooming items as nail clippers, disposable razors, combs and hair brushes; and such hygiene items as bars of soap, tooth brushes and unused travel sizes of hand sanitizer, lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant may be donated at these locations:

  • Buena High School – Mrs. McGavren in Room 61
  • Cabrillo Middle School – Mrs. Knowles in the Counseling Office
  • Foothill Tech High School – Mr. Weldele in Room H-104
  • Ventura High School – Ms. Frias in the Guidance Center
  • Ventura City Hall – Mario Robinson, Room 226

The deadline for donations is January 30. A few days later the items collected will be delivered to two agencies: Catholic Charities in Ventura and the West County Winter Warming Shelter (serving Oxnard and Ventura families.)

“We welcome contributions by all our students, residents, city employees and businesses and thank them in advance for their support in helping Teen Voice meet its goal of helping Ventura’s homeless people,” said City of Ventura Youth Programs Supervisor Mario Robinson who is Teen Voice Advisor.

For more information contact: Mario Robinson, City of Ventura Youth Programs Supervisor, at 654-7807 or [email protected].

Four vehicle collision near Ventura College

On Dec.12 a four vehicle collision was reported just before 8am adjacent to Ventura College at the intersection of Telegraph and Day Road. A four wheel drive truck struck the passenger side of a large 4 door suburban, resulting in the entrapment of a young woman. Two additional vehicles collided resulting in a minor collision.

The suburban sustained heavy damage to the passenger side of the vehicle. Fire crews used the jaws-of-life to pry apart the wreckage and cut the doors away, freeing the patient in 9 minutes. She was transported to VCMC with moderate injuries. A total of 2 additional patients were assessed by fire paramedics but were not transported.

Ventura Police and Ventura Campus Police closed the roadway of traffic and investigated the accident. It is expected that the busy intersection will be fully open by 11am.

25 Holiday Safety Tips

by Joel Justice, VCCCD Chief of Police

As the Chief of Police for the Ventura County Community College District, I would like to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. I also want to share some safety tips, since crime generally increases during the holiday season. It is a time when people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. People are often in a rush buying gifts, decorating their homes, visiting friends or traveling. There is a big increase in the amount of people that are out shopping at the malls and grocery stores, packing the parking lots and waiting in lines at ATM machines.

With many stores extending hours late into the night, people head to the stores after work. At closing time, you see them walking around not paying attention to their surroundings. All of the holiday hurrying, stressing and shopping, tends to cause people to let their guards down. Inattention during the holidays gives thieves the opportunity to become less visible, making it easier for them to move through big crowds of rushed and distracted people without being noticed. Shoplifting, pickpocketing, robbery and theft from cars all increase during this time of year.

Thieves know that the police are overloaded during the holiday season and they take full advantage of it. They thrive on the fact that the police and stores’ loss prevention staffs have their hands full with amateur thieves who they arrest for shoplifting. Professional thieves are busy breaking into cars in the parking lots to steal gifts, mobile phones and electronics or robbing people or burglarizing their homes.

How to Reduce the Chances of becoming a Victim
The following tips can help you reduce your chances of being victimized this holiday season.

  • If you’re outside and feel you’re in danger, head right back into the store and call for help.
  • Try to shop during the day; if you do shop at night, do not do it alone.
  • If you are alone, ask a security guard to walk you to your car.
  • Park in a well-lit area rather than a dark desolate part of the parking lot.
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Consider bringing a security travel pouch instead. If you must carry a purse, do not swing it on your arm; clutch it and keep it close to your body.
  • Always carry your driver’s license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
  • Recognize when you are rushed, distracted and stressed out, and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Pay for purchases with a credit card when possible.
  • Keep cash in your front pocket.
  • If you discover that a credit card is missing, notify the credit card company as soon as possible.
  • Don’t assume that you misplaced it and will find it later.
  • Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
  • Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas.
  • Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion if you are approached.
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you, including working in teams, with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
  • Remember to lock your car. Keep all valuables at home, but if you have any in your car, keep them out of view.
  • If you put packages in your car and intend on going back to the mall, move your car to a different parking lot. Thieves will watch you and when you lock your car and leave, they will break in or steal your car.
  • Leave lights on in your house.
  • If you have an alarm, use it.
  • Never leave burning candles unattended and blow them out when you go to sleep.
  • Keep candles out of reach of children and away from your Christmas tree.
  • Check and clean your fireplace at least once a year.
  • Watch for drunk drivers; DUI collisions also increase this time of year.

Lastly, be aware of who is on the road this time of year. Drunk driving increases tremendously with all the holiday parties. Being struck by a driver under the influence can forever change  you and your families holiday season. If you see someone driving impaired, call 9-1- 1 immediately. Always remember, “See something, Say something.”

I hope you find these tips helpful and remember to remain extra diligent during the holiday season. Have a healthy, safe and memorable time.

CMHS to host ‘TEDMED Live’ Simulcast Dec. 1 

Community Memorial Health System is sponsoring a free live simulcast of “TEDMED Live 2016,” an annual conference focusing on health and medicine originating from Palm Springs, on Thursday, Dec. 1.

TEDMED Live’s theme is, “What If?” and will be held in four sessions, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St. The intent of the conference has been described as “a gathering of geniuses” that brings together some of the most innovative, thoughtful pioneers of healthcare technology, media and entertainment to learn from one another and mix people from different disciplines and industries to solve big problems in healthcare.

Sessions are:

8 to 10 a.m.: “Fringe” asks if the outer edges of human experience could provide solutions to everyday challenges.

10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: “Audacious” explores the question of what if visionaries ruled the world. In a rapid-fire series of creative, short-form talks, dozens of inspiring health entrepreneurs will share how their ideas and innovations are affecting change in every area of health and medicine.

2 to 3:45 p.m.: “Invisible Threats” explores whether science could expose and confront invisible threats to health.

6 to 8 p.m.: “End Game?” asks, what if people possessed the knowledge to be the architects of their aging and eventual deaths. Science has made significant strides in understanding what happens to our bodies as people age.

Light refreshments will be given and SeaView IPA will provide free blood pressure screenings.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. To register or to learn more information about each session, visit www.cmhshealth.org/tedmed or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800/838-3006.

 

Ventura City Fire Department responds to detached shed structure fire at El Dorado and San Diego Avenue

On Nov.18, at 2:37pm the Ventura City Fire Department responded to a structure fire in a detached shed in the area of El Dorado and San Diego Avenue.  The first arriving fire crew reported smoke and flames and extension into the garage of the adjacent residential home.  Firefighters successfully knocked down the main body of the fire while checking for fire extension in the adjacent home. Although there was some damage to the eves of the adjacent home the fire did not spread any further.

City of Ventura election results:

2016-dcpc-election-resultsCity Council winners:
Matt LaVere-most votes 16,607
Christy Weir -12,816
Cheryl Heitmann – 11,469

School Board winners:
Sabrina Rodriquez- 14,121
Jackie Moran- 9,734

MEASURE “N” – The selection of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor occur in even-number years following regular City Council elections, and eliminate the Ventura Unified School District’s election process from the City Charter, thus making them subject to state law, be approved?    Passed 58.79%

MEASURE “O” – Establish a ½ cent sales tax for 25 years, providing approximately $10,800,000 annually, require independent audits, citizens oversight, and all funds used locally? Passed 57.23%

MEASURE “P” -Extending open-space, agriculture, and hillside land use changes by voter approval to 2050 be approved?    Passed 71.99%

MEASURE “Q” – Term-limits for City Councilmembers to require that after serving three full four-year terms, a City Councilmember is not eligible to run for the City Council or to be appointed to a vacancy unless a period of four years has elapsed since their last service on the City Council, be approved? Passed 81.88%