At the end of the event, each child left with every item gift-wrapped for them.

The Ventura Police Department partnered with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation to host its annual Shop with a Cop event on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Walmart in Ventura. Thirty local children from low-income families and those fighting childhood cancer connected with Ventura Police officers and received $150.00 to shop for gifts for their families.

“Shop with a Cop is not just about shopping; it’s about making an impact, building connections, and creating positive memories between our officers and the youngest members of our community,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “It’s heartening to see the smiles on the faces of officers and children as they share this special experience and leave with gifts they might not have received otherwise.”

Thanks to donations from the Ventura Police Community Foundation, Walmart, Ventura Downtown Lions Club, Ventura Police Officers’ Association, Starbucks, and Costco, the Ventura Police Department was also able to provide each child with a pizza dinner, hot cocoa, festive desserts, an event t-shirt, custom tree ornament, and a $50 grocery store gift card.

At the end of the event, each child left with every item gift-wrapped for them to enjoy opening with their families.

“The holiday season can be a trying time for many families, and the need for assistance is greater than ever,” said Maria Martinez, Community Services Manager for the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura. “We are so thankful for our strong partnership with Ventura PD and the opportunity for the families we serve to maintain autonomy and choose specific items they may need or want, which means a lot to them.”

To learn more about Shop with a Cop or the Ventura Police Department’s outreach efforts, please contact Ventura Police Communications Specialist Emily Ayala at [email protected].

Ventura has become a hub for squid fishing.

by Patricia Schallert

There are boats, and then there are the fishing boats in the Ventura Harbor that can’t be missed when strolling along the promenade in the Harbor Village. Ventura as a coastal town has a bustling squid industry that has long been a cornerstone of the Ventura economic and cultural community.

With its prime location along the central coast of California, Ventura has become a hub for squid fishing. The harbor continues to be the premier landing port for the California squid market.

An interesting fact is that there are a total of 64 Squid Seiner Permits issued for all of California. Ventura Harbor Marina can accommodate 54 Squid Seiner Vessels at any given time. (“Seiner fishing is a method of fishing that uses a surrounding net, that hangs vertically in the water with its bottom edge held down with weights and top edge buoyed by floats.”) It has also been called “dragnet fishing”.

In 2022, the squid catch in Ventura was roughly 36,164,420 pounds or 19582.21 short tons. “680 tons of squid were brought into the Ventura Harbor during the last three weeks.” Captain Vic from Pillar Bay stated.

There is no other single marina on the west coast south of Alaska that can accommodate as many seiners fishing boats at one time as Ventura Harbor. It is currently a permanent home to 44 squid seiners with a total of 103 wet slips and 88 dry storage spaces.

Fishermen are attracted to the Ventura coast from as far away as Alaska and Nova Scotia in pursuit of the squid delicacy. These fishermen are equipped with specialized boats and fishing gear as they venture into the water searching for the elusive squid. (Scientific name: cephalopod).

Using powerful lights to attract squid to the surface, the fisherman carefully lower their nets and with precise movements, they haul in their catch, being careful not to damage the delicate squid.

Their expertise in handling these creatures ensures that the squid are brought aboard unharmed and of the highest quality. Once the squid are safely on board, the boats return to the harbor, where the hustle of the squid industry comes to life.

The industry has become a way of life, woven into the fabric of Ventura’s identity with residents, restauranteurs, and our many visitors.

In California, the Fish and Game Commission works with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to actively manage the fishing guidelines and to ensure there is not overfishing or environmental impacts to the ocean.

There are seasonal catch limits, and programs that are designed to evaluate the impact of the fishing on ocean resources. Time and season closure, including weekend closure provides period of uninterrupted spawning, along with limitations on using lights to attract squid around several of the Channel Islands to protect nesting seabirds.

In 2022, commercial landings of market squid totaled 147 million pounds and were valued at $88 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries.

2022 36,164,420 lbs. 18,082 tons 28% of CA total catch

CA catch roughly spread across: Northern CA/Monterey, Ventura, Port Hueneme, San Pedro.

Packaging plants located in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Wilmington, near the Long Beach harbor play a crucial role in the squid industry. These plants ensure that the squid is processed and packaged efficiently for distribution to consumers worldwide. Cleaned squid is sorted based on weight and size before being cooked or frozen, depending on market demands. Quick freezing techniques are used to maintain freshness during transportation.

These packing plants also contribute significantly towards sustainability efforts by minimizing waste through responsible disposal practices.

After being packaged, squid products have various destination depending on the market. One common route are the overseas markets where the packaged squid is exported to different countries around the world. Both Japan and China high demands for California squid, caught along the Ventura coast is significant as they import large quantities of squid due to their domestic consumption needs.

The cost of packaged squid being returned to the United States can vary depending on quality, weight, distance traveled, shipping methods and applicable fees or taxes. Furthermore, there may be import duties or custom fees imposed by the US authorities. The proximity of the West coast of the United States to these Asian markets makes it convenient to export and import California squid also known as “Calamari”.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko delivered the keynote address.

by Sheli Ellsworth

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Who is the largest non-governmental provider of social services in the world? Goodwill? United Way? UNICEF? Nope. It is The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army recently celebrated its 2023-24 Red Kettle Kick Off. Since 1891, red kettles have been collecting donations that make the world a better place. “Bell ringing is our biggest fundraiser. One hundred percent of these funds go directly to services,” according to Captain Patricia Torres.

Ventura’s Kick Off luncheon was organized by Maya Zumaya who brought community leaders and volunteers together for food, inspiration and a chuckle or two. Moderated by Food Share’s witty Chief Development Officer, Jennifer Caldwell, the crowd heard inspirational stories by those who have received help from the Salvation Army and those who have witnessed that assistance in action. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko delivered the keynote address.

Nasarenko’s collaboration with the Family Justice Center and the Salvation Army sponsors victims (7-17 years old) of abuse and other crimes to summer camp at The Salvation Army’s Camp Daly in Malibu. The weeklong session called Camp Hope offers counseling, mentoring, cognitive behavior therapy and–like any summer camp for kids–fun for all. “How many of us here can remember that summer camp experience that was so transformative that it illuminated the rest of our lives.” The Salvation Army sends up to 60 children from Ventura County to summer camp every year.

Nasarenko was quick to acknowledge the dedication of Ventura’s outstanding local Salvation Army Captains Juan and Patricia Torres for their dedication and willingness to sponsor local youth to Camp Hope.

Eighteen years ago, the Torreses were living in LA. Patricia Torres worked as an administrative assistant and Juan was in the travel industry. “God called me to do something bigger than myself,” Patricia Torres says. “The next thing you know, we were in San Luis Obispo working for the Salvation Army.

Fundraising at the luncheon included a raffle organized and sponsored by Cathy and Tim Mayeda and photography artwork on canvas donated by Darlene Roker.

The Salvation Army assists 25 million Americans every year and does not discriminate. Ventureans may be familiar with the Salvation Army’s local Hope Center on Oak Street dedicated to finding housing, healthcare and employment. This shelter run by Denise Adams is open to all men, women and veterans in need of food, shelter and clothing. The Center holds 20 residents preparing for independent living. During the pandemic, the local Salvation Army in Ventura launched pop-up food pantries and fed 350 families four times a week. The food pantry is now open every Wednesday and Friday.

Editor’s note: Dolly Parton pledges $1 million to boost Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign amidst declining donations.

Monica White, Food Share’s President & CEO; Cooper Kupp, Anna Kupp and Jenn Caldwell, Food Share’s Chief Development Officer at Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution

In a heartwarming display of community commitment, Cooper Kupp, the celebrated wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, took center stage at Food Share’s Thanksgiving Turkey n’ Trimmings giveaway in College Park, Oxnard, on Tuesday, November 21. The event saw 1,800 families receive packages containing turkeys, seasonal fresh produce, and Thanksgiving trimmings, along with essential shelf-stable food items.

Kupp was joined by an impressive cohort of 45 student volunteers from Simi Valley’s Royal High School football team. Kupp has been actively mentoring these young athletes as part of the Rams’ partnership with the school.

Passionate about combating food insecurity, Kupp has championed various initiatives in Southern California, alongside fellow Rams players and staff. His commitment also reaches beyond state lines, as he has supported food banks in the Yakima and Richland areas in his home state of Washington.

Reflecting on the dire issue of food insecurity, Kupp commented, “My family and I are passionate about helping to address food insecurity in the region. Too many people are struggling to feed their families, including a staggering 1 in 4 people here in Ventura County. Knowing that the families here today will be able to sit down to a Thanksgiving meal is something we can all be grateful for.”

Monica White, Food Share’s President and CEO added, “The Rams’ ongoing participation in this food distribution highlights the impactful role sports figures can play in making a meaningful difference within their communities. We truly appreciate how Cooper is leveraging his influence beyond the football field to address the critical issue of food insecurity that affects so many individuals. And well done to all the student-athletes from Royal High School who worked so hard!”