Category Archives: Featured News

The MERITO and Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club Combined Their Efforts

Nearly sixty 8th-grade students from DATA Middle School navigated the Hokuloa and learned about ocean stewardship. 

by Rocío Lozano-Knowlton
Executive Director, MERITO Foundation

The MERITO Foundation and the Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club amplified their impact by combining efforts, expertise, and resources. They worked together to provide meaningful experiences to close to sixty 8th-grade students from DATA Middle School about what it is like, how it feels, and how exhilarating it is to navigate the Hōkūleʻa way.

Hōkūleʻa is the traditional Polynesian style of voyaging using outrigger canoes, your physical strengths, and by working in teams. The experiences occurred at Ventura Harbor on April 10 and 11, 2024, combined with ocean research and monitoring activities for the same students at the beach focused on plankton collection and identification, and the monitoring of microplastics.

The experiences took place after months of planning, coordination, and preparation by all involved, from MERITO raising the funds to cover buses, the lifeguard on duty, the safety and other water sports gear; the teaching of relevant ocean science lesson plans drawn from MERITO Foundation’s curricula in the classroom by Ms. Jennifer Willis and Ms. Laurel Davidson; the introduction to Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club in the school classes by Ms. Yvonne Menard, Chair of the Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club, and the time volunteered by the members.

The idea behind combining a water sport traditionally underrepresented in minority youth with hands-on ocean science experiences is to ignite interest in both the water sport and ocean stewardship. The students just loved it! You could see it in their happy faces. Not one student looked bored or even remembered their phone existed, said Rocío Lozano-Knowlton, founder and director of the MERITO Foundation.

This experience was one of many provided by the ‘From the Avenue to the Channel Islands’ (ATCI) Program of the MERITO Foundation funded by an Outdoors Equity Grant, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants, and Local Services.

More information at https://www.meritofoundation.org.

Credit goes to the Outdoor Equity Grant of State Parks

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

As April marks National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Ventura Police Department is increasing its efforts to combat the dangers posed by distracted driving. In alignment with this nationwide initiative, the department will conduct enforcement operations focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ventura Tree Alliance Build a Sense of Community by Planting Trees

Barbara Brown, Christy Weir, and Nancy O’Rode are happy planting trees.

Every year, Californians celebrate Arbor Week by planting trees in their communities. This year the Ventura Tree

Alliance (VTA) is planting 15 trees at Elmhurst School and another 20 trees at Montalvo Hill Park. VTA has planted trees every year during Arbor Week since we began in 2021. Our goal is to increase awareness of the benefits of trees.

California is a place where trees are a part of our daily lives. Tree planting here is at an all-time high after significant losses statewide since 2018. Last year, in California nearly 195,000 trees were planted during Arbor Week. By the end of 2024, the Ventura Tree Alliance will have planted nearly 200 trees in Ventura.

Community, business and non-profit leaders from all fields understand that trees are important for practical and aesthetic reasons. Trees cool the air, reducing the need for air conditioning. Trees add property value to homes and businesses. Tree filled communities tend to be safer, more sociable and healthier.

Ventura loves trees, but in many communities, people are indifferent. But they shouldn’t be. Studies show urban greenery improves public health: 40 percent fewer people are overweight or obese, residents are three times as likely to be physically

active, children have reduced symptoms of attention deficit disorder, hypertension and asthma, and stress levels are lower.

If the intangible benefits to trees in our environment aren’t enough evidence, what about the dollars and cents? A study done in the Inland Valley showed that one large tree will provide over $2,700 in environmental and other benefits over its lifetime. That’s a 333-percent return on investment. For 100 large public trees, communities can save over $190,000 in 40 years.

While VTA does what we can locally, California ReLeaf is leading the statewide effort. Last year, they funded 33 projects with local organizations resulting in over 23,000 trees planted, and the creation or retention of nearly 200 jobs and job training for young people over the next two years. Because of our partnership with California ReLeaf, when you celebrate California Arbor Week locally, you’ll be celebrating with the rest of the state as well.

This California Arbor Week and in the future, we need your support. Neighbors can come together and help each other plant trees on their property. Volunteers can donate materials or their time to plant trees at parks or in schoolyards. Communities that work together to plant trees forge bonds that cannot be measured through the tons of carbon dioxide removed from the air or gallons of rainwater collected by trees. These are the relationships that lead to a greater understanding amongst neighbors and the inner peace that comes from living in a greener community.

Join Us!

Volunteers are needed to help plant trees on Thursday, April 25, 10am at Montalvo Hill Park. Bring a shovel or rake (with your name on it), a sun hat, sunscreen and water… and have a great day outdoors making a difference in Ventura.

Celebrating Excellence: Boys and Girls Club Winners Shine

As each winner took the stage, they shared their personal journeys.

by Ross Williams

In a heartwarming ceremony that captured the essence of community spirit, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura honored their winners of the 2024 Youth of the Year. The event, held at the Bill LeFevre Center on Johnson Dr, served as a platform for our local youth to showcase their remarkable talents, achievements, and aspirations, igniting hope and inspiration among the attendees. The banquet and award ceremony, brought together families, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of these young individuals.

It all starts with the youths being recognized by Staff at their local Boys and Girls Club as “Kid of the Week.” They are chosen for good behavior, character and service to either the Club or the community.

From there, every month each of our four clubhouses selects an elementary, middle school and high school youth to be honored as their “Youth of the Month.” At the end of the year, from this pool of winners, each clubhouse elects one of these top winners in each age group to be honored with their clubhouse’s “Youth of the Year” award.

As each winner took the stage, they shared their personal journeys, highlighting the obstacles they overcame and the triumphs they have so far achieved. Their stories resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting the diversity and strength of Ventura’s youth population.

Among the honorees was Charlotte Summers, whose life experiences have ignited a passion for medicine as she now wants to become a nurse at a Children’s hospital when she grows up. Another remarkable individual, Aurora Phillips, showcased the club’s exceptional leadership and the experiences that the Club has provided. “I am happiest here. The Boys and Girls Club made my childhood better.” Kristin Brown discussed the confidence that the Club had instilled in her and the friendships that she was able to cultivate and Jaylene Aguirre discussed her passion for tennis and all of the programs that have become available to her because of the Boys and Girls Club.

In addition to recognizing individual achievements, the event underscored the collective effort invested in nurturing the next generation of leaders. Parents, mentors, and volunteers were acknowledged for their unwavering support and guidance, underscoring the importance of community involvement in youth development.

The future of Ventura shines bright with promise, fueled by the passion and potential of its youth. The Boys and Girls Club winners of the 2024 Youth of the Year embody the resilience, compassion, and determination needed to overcome challenges and build a better tomorrow.

Their stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, education, friendship and community support. As Ventura continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world, these young trailblazers stand as beacons of hope, leading the way towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Elmhurst Elementary gets ReLeaf

It took a group effort to plant the trees at Elmhurst Elementary School. Photos by Audrey Bancroft

by Shirley Lorraine

A gathering of local dignitaries, school personnel and others took place on March 28 at Elmhurst Elementary School. They were there to celebrate, with the students, the planting of 15 trees in the school yard. Grants from several sources such as CalFire, the Coalition for Clean Air, Southern California Edison and ReLeaf have made this possible.

The Ventura Tree Alliance has been busy advocating for the reforestation of Ventura’s tree canopy only since 2021. Already they have been proven to effect great change in the community. Their goal statement reads “The Ventura Tree Alliance works to enhance Ventura’s urban canopy, to beautify Ventura and contribute to counteracting climate change. Our goals are to inspire, engage and support Venturans in planting and caring for trees through education, advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising.”

Elmhurst Elementary has quite a large uncovered grassy area. By planting trees at strategic spots around the grounds, as they grow, the trees will supply much needed shade and a healthier environment for the students.

At this celebration, 15 trees were planted. Individual classes adopted trees, named them and helped plant them. Many classes painted rocks for placement around the base of the trees. The students were excited to get their hands in the dirt, artfully place their rocks and proudly display signs sporting the names chosen for their trees.

One tree in particular, a stately magnolia, was named Zephyr- in honor of a student who passed away recently.

Former Mayor and Alliance co-founder Christy Weir, along with co-founder Barbara Brown, Ventura County Board of Supervisors Matt Lavere, school board member Sabrena Rodriguez, and volunteers from the Tree Alliance lifted their shovels for the cause.

159 Trees have already been planted in Ventura because of the Alliance’s efforts, with many more planned. Bike trails, city parks and schools have and will receive new plantings to maintain the landscape we enjoy. To learn more, volunteer or support the Alliance, visit their website at www.VenturaTreeAlliance.com. They would love to have you take part.

Ventura County Fairgrounds Names Deputy Manager

Ortiz has an extensive history with the Fairgrounds.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center is excited to name Heidi Ortiz to the position of Deputy Manager. Ortiz has an extensive history with the Fairgrounds, having worked as an Executive Assistant to the CEO for 14 years. She also served as a Junior Fair Board advisor for five years.

“I enjoy working with the team, my Fair family, to put on events for the community’s enjoyment,” said Ortiz. “I love seeing the excitement, joy, and smiles on everyone’s face, making the hard work worth it!”

Ortiz has played a pivotal role in her work and in the community, having forged important relationships between the Fairgrounds, local businesses, organizations, and fairgoers. As Deputy Manager, Ortiz will continue to strengthen the bond between the community and the Fairgrounds, while also taking on an extended leadership role, overseeing staff and projects.

“Heidi is often referred to as the glue that keeps us all together,” said Ventura County Fairgrounds CEO Jen McGuire. “We are all so proud to have her as our Deputy Manager. Heidi has put her heart and soul into our Fairgrounds and it shows. Her continued commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to us all.”

Ortiz is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she earned her Bachelors in Animal Science. She excelled in academics and athletics, having played four years of collegiate soccer; a two-year team captain. When she’s not at the Fairgrounds, Heidi enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

The Ventura County Fair is celebrating 150 years in 2024! The fun starts now, with monthly events and contests leading up to the annual Fair this July 31 through August 11, 2024. This year’s Ventura County Fair will include new celebrations and pay homage to past traditions.

Foothill Technology High School wins three prestigious journalism awards

Everyone in the publication puts in an equal amount of work.

Foothill Technology High School (FTHS), part of the Ventura Unified School District, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning three major national high school journalism awards. The FTHS journalism program stands out as the sole High School program in California to accomplish this achievement this year, possibly since the inception of the of all three awards in 2016. The FTHS Dragons were honored with the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Crown Award, the SNO Distinguished Sites Award and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Pacemaker Finalist Award for 2024 recognizing the excellence of The Foothill Dragon Press.

The NSPA Pacemaker Finalist Award is bestowed upon the cream of the crop in high school journalism programs across the United States, with only 24 high schools earning this prestigious recognition this year. The CSPA Crown Award acknowledges overall excellence in either print or digital student publications. “I am constantly amazed at my student journalists and how they operate in a professional manner, but also their togetherness and family vibes in the classroom is what sets them apart from other programs. Journalism here is student run and their success is student earned; my hope is that they have learned that we are better as a society when we work together, when we learn together, and when we strive to understand each other,” stated Journalism Adviser, Yiu Hung Li. Established in 2009, the Foothill Dragon Press is an online-only publication committed to providing the Foothill community with accurate, responsible, thought provoking, and timely journalism. “Clear communication and collaboration played a major role in our publication’s success this year.

Everyone in the publication puts in an equal amount of work: the staffers always come up with stories to portray, the editors oversee and send those stories to the editors-in-chief, and the editors-in-chief publish the stories for everyone to see. If our journalism program did not function in this process, our journalism program would not have achieved such recognition,” stated Isheeta Pal, Student Writing Section Assignment Editor. “To all aspiring journalism students, let your voice be heard! Whether through art, photography, writing, or even videography, journalism is a platform to express yourself and make an impact on thousands of people around the world,” stated Co-Editor-In Chief, Olivia Mowad.

Ventura Charter School hosts 13th annual EcoFest

In 2023 more than 2500 attendees enjoyed the Earth Day festivities.

Join us for good green fun celebrating Earth Day Ventura Charter School is excited to once again present Ventura EcoFest, an Earth Day celebration of our planet for the community of Ventura. This family-friendly free event welcomes the community to enjoy good green fun in the form of live performances, a silent auction, a raffle, local vendors and nonprofits, food trucks, eco arts and crafts and educational games on Sunday, April 28th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ventura Charter School campus, 2060 Cameron Street, Ventura.

In 2023 more than 2500 attendees enjoyed the Earth Day festivities, with more expected for this year’s event. In support of Earth-friendly practices Ventura Charter School’s EcoFest welcomes the community to head to the campus utilizing a variety of transportation options. Bicycle to event and receive bike valet services sponsored by Bike Ventura County. Through Gold Coast Transit District’s Youth Ride Free Program, students and children 18 and under ride free with no identification required. There will be a variety of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including a kid zone, an EV car exhibit, live music and dance and plenty more. Guests can bid in a silent auction, benefiting Ventura Charter School’s many diverse and inclusive academic programs. Among the items available for in-person bidding are outdoor gear, tickets for local entertainment, yoga class passes, whale watching passes, local restaurant gift cards and much more.

In addition to the silent auction, the event will feature a raffle. Pre-sale raffle tickets can be purchased from families of Ventura Charter School students or at the event. All tickets are $1. The grand prize is $1,000 in Disney Cash. The raffle will be pulled each hour, with the grand prize drawing at 4:00 p.m. Winners need not be present. Sponsors include Kirby Auto Group of Ventura, UNPaste, Bamieh & De Smeth, Amigos Party Rental, Brooklyn Charm, Bodhi Salt Yoga, Bella Luna Gardens, Edible Ojai and Ventura County, and Mission Bank.

“We are excited to continue this important annual tradition for our community, and our students,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School, “Our students look forward to this event for the fun but it’s also an important reminder for them and for us that we are stewards for our planet and change starts with our own choices.” Proceeds from this event benefit Ventura Charter School, a tuition-free nonprofit school that serves 450 students from kindergarten to eighth grade. During school hours, Ventura EcoFest encourages students to take a closer look at their personal habits to see how they affect the planet and make changes, such as a student-led campaign to reduce disposable utensils on campus.

Along with the EcoFest celebration, students experience an involved project-based curriculum centered upon empowerment through critical thinking, empathy, research, and action to benefit the spaces they occupy throughout their lives with inclusion and equity. To learn more about Ventura EcoFest or enrollment at Ventura Charter School, please visit, https://earthdayventura.org. Ventura Charter School – Starting as Open Classroom in the 1970’s, Ventura Charter School of Global Arts & Education launched in 2006 as a tuition-free public charter school within the Ventura County Office of Education.

The school currently serves over 400 K-8 th grade students on its campus located within the larger DATA middle school property. Ventura Charter School is an expeditionary learning school in partnership with EL Education. It is guided by 10 founding principles and its mission to, “engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences to grow resilient, educated, and socially intelligent human beings.”

City of Ventura appoints Charles “Charlie” Ebeling as new Public Works Director

Ebeling has over 15 years of experience as a public works director.

The City of Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles “Charlie” Ebeling as its new Public Works Director, effective April 1, 2024, following an extensive selection process. Mr. Ebeling brings a wealth of experience and expertise in roadway and bridge design, traffic engineering, and transportation planning to his new role.

With over 15 years of experience as a public works director and nearly 27 years of engineering experience in both the private and public sectors, Mr. Ebeling’s leadership has been instrumental in delivering significant transportation projects in his previous roles at the City of Goleta and the City of Carpinteria.

“We are thrilled to welcome Charlie Ebeling to our City’s leadership team,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “With the City of Ventura’s rich history spanning over 150 years, our aging infrastructure presents unique challenges. Charlie’s extensive experience and innovative approaches will be invaluable as we address these issues and continue to enhance and maintain our public infrastructure for the benefit of our community.”

A native of Santa Barbara, Mr. Ebeling received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California State University Chico. He holds credentials as a Professional Engineer and Traffic Engineer and is a Certified Master Technician through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

“I am honored to join the City of Ventura as its new Public Works Director,” said Charlie Ebeling. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here and working closely with the community to address our infrastructure needs and enhance the quality of life for residents.”

The City of Ventura’s Public Works Department is accredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA) and is responsible for overseeing the City’s capital improvement program, floodplain management, engineering survey, environmental sustainability, fleet and facilities, and transportation engineering.

As Public Works Director, Mr. Ebeling will earn a base salary of $246,973.00 annually.