On Sept.17, at 4:07pm Ventura City Fire personnel responded to a reported vehicle rollover with victims trapped inside on NB101 JSO San Jon Rd exit . The first arriving units found a mini-van that had rolled off the freeway and come to rest on its side on an adjacent frontage road. One adult male victim and one large canine service animal were trapped inside, with fuel leaking underneath the vehicle onto the road from a ruptured fuel tank. Protection hose lines were immediately deployed, absorbent applied to the fuel, and the vehicle stabilized to prevent further movement. Hydraulic rescue tools were utilized to cut away portions of the vehicle, making access to the interior. The male victim and his service animal were successfully extricated and transported to a local trauma hospital by ambulance. The male victim reportedly sustained moderate injuries, and the service animal was apparently unharmed.
Category Archives: Featured News
Ventura Buccaneers and the Ventura Packers play for the first time in history
History was made! This is the first time since the inception of the Ventura Buccaneers, 8 years ago, that these two Ventura teams have meet in competition at the senior division level. On August 23rd, the Ventura Buccaneers, coached by Jim Duran and The Ventura Packers, coached by Dave Winter, faced off in a competitive game of youth football. After the scrimmage, the boys from both teams went out for pizza.
Chumash dwelling constructed in the new Children’s Garden in the County Museum
Enjoying Devin’s success was grandmother Lucille Kress, mom Ana Baker, grandmother Carmen Iraola and of course Devin himself .
On August 30 a ribbon cutting-celebration was held at The Museum of Ventura County for the opening of the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden, the Museum’s new experiential learning environment for children of all ages.
The highlight of the new garden is the Chumash dwelling constructed by Devin Kress with help from scout members, friends and family. The garden also contains Myrtle the Turtle sculpture, a stone gathering circle and beautiful murals.
Devin’s Eagle Scout project was to build a Chumash Ap (dwelling) for the new Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden.
In accepting the recognition that he received at the opening he told the gathered crowd “Hi, my name is Devin Kress and I’m a student at Ventura High School and a Boy Scout with Troop 119. I am also a lifelong resident of Ventura. Over the last two months and with the help of family, friends, Scouts from Troop 119 and many other new people I met along the way, I was able to construct the Chumash ap here at the museum for my Eagle Scout project.”
“Let me just start by saying I had no idea what I’d be getting into. This was a great experience for me because I was able to build something that will help kids for many years to come. Along with the museum docents and staff, I took a trip to the Chumash Indian Museum where we learned a lot about the Chumash people and saw some cool artifacts. I could not have done this project without the help of Gray Wolf and the staff at the Chumash Indian Museum. “
“Over 350 hours went into this project and there’s a long list of people that made this project possible. Including fellow Scouts and parents for also helping me gather materials that I needed from the riverbed. “
“I want to give a special thanks to Megan Gately, Museum Director of Education & Outreach for giving me the opportunity to do this project. Back in April, Megan asked me to work on the project. We put in many hours planning, discussing and working on it. She gave me a huge level of trust and responsibility.”
“I am very proud that my project will help to give kids and adults a new learning experience about Chumash culture here at the museum for years to come and I am glad to have done it for the museum.”
Devin’s mom Ana had this to say regarding Devin’s project “ This was a very challenging project but the fact that so many people came together to help was heartwarming. This project will live on and be able to give a little piece of history to all. I am a very proud mom. Devin has a few more badges to earn before becoming an Eagle Scout (like his older brother Diego) but this project was the biggest part.”
On hand was Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann who presented Devin with a proclamation from the City Council and stated “ The round Chumash-style dwelling Devin created for the Children’s Garden as his Eagle Scout project is amazing and a wonderful addition to the space. “
The Children’s Garden is a wonderful addition to the Museum. It will serve as a teaching opportunity and will draw even more families to the museum. Made possible by the generosity of Howard Boroughs and Barbara Meister, it is a gift to the city and especially the children.”
For more photos go to www.venturabreeze.com
Leadership Ventura 2015
Leadership Ventura 2015 – Team 1 chose The City Center Transitional Living (on Thompson)for their community project. The Leadership Ventura team whose members Rick Jeffery, Deborah Lofthouse, and Terry McBreen worked with the Chamber’s Marketing Director Charleen Morla who designed, created, and sketched out a mural where the young residents of TCC can paint on the wall. Twice a year, the children of TCC will be able to use their artistic ability to paint artwork on the wall.
Ventura the 23rd best city to live in – Livability.com
Ventura the 23rd best city to live in – Livability.com
With a few corrections by the Breeze
With near-perfect weather, ocean and mountain views, a thriving arts community, and endless recreation, dining, and entertainment options, there really isn’t much not to like about Ventura, California.
Nestled on the Pacific coast about 30 miles from Santa Barbara and about 60 miles from Los Angeles, Ventura, originally named Buenaventura (actually San Buenaventura and still our name)) , was founded in 1782 with the San Buenaventura Mission. While many southern California natives have been priced out of their hometowns, Ventura has retained its close-knit community and a more reasonable cost of living compared to its neighbors. The median home price in Ventura is $485,000 according to real estate website Trulia. (For comparison, the median home price in nearby Santa Barbara is $920,000. Los Angeles is $589,000.)
Ventura’s population of 108,000 includes a mix of young and old, from life-long farmers to hip artists. Compared to picture-perfect resort town Santa Barbara, Ventura is “much more laid back, and more eclectic,” Mayor Cheryl Heitmann says. “We are a community of friendly, accessible, welcoming people.”
Although Ventura sees its share of tourists, the city takes very good care of its residents. Ventura offers quality K-12 education. One K-5 program teaches kids English, Spanish and Mandarin. “We have a strong school board and superintendent,” Heitmann says of Ventura Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga. (ex superintendent)“She has brought the district to a whole new level.”
Ventura also offers three community colleges (really what are the other two?), with two four-year Universities nearby: California State University Channel Islands and UC Santa Barbara.
When kids and adults clock out from work or close the books, they have more than enough options for play. Miles of well-kept beaches provide soft ground for sunset strolls, while the more adventurous can bike around the harbor or wade, boogie board or surf in the water. Ventura Harbor also features an arcade and carousel, as well as many boutiques and restaurants.
The Los Padres National Forest, with more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails, is a short drive away. One of the city’s main attractions, the Channel Islands, offers stunning scenery and earns Ventura the nickname “Galapagos of Southern California.” The historic park offers diving, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and camping and includes more than 2,000 different kinds of plants and animals. The visitor’s center, located at Ventura Harbor, features a museum, tide pool, and a tower with telescopes.
Ventura’s vibrant arts scene sets it apart from many central coast towns. Artists have gravitated to Ventura for years, and the city benefits with dozens of galleries, performing arts events, live music performances, and more. The city (and others) reciprocated with the WAV -Working Artists Ventura(at a cost of $65,000,000), a live/work space for artists and cultural businesses (only one business and it’s not cultural). The WAV hosts an open studios the first Friday of every month as well as special exhibits year-round.
Although some people perceive Ventura as a commuter town, nearly half of the population also works in the city, according to Heitmann. Community Memorial Hospital, one of the city’s two major hospitals, employs about 2,000; Wal-Mart, Patagonia, and Ticla employ hundreds of workers; and Allied Beverage Company will bring more jobs with its new 123,000 square foot distribution center (too much too correct).
With so much to offer, there’s good reason to stay close to home in Ventura. “You want to make the city better? We love you. You’re in,” Heitmann says of the residents’ welcoming nature. “If you’re committed to the community, the community is committed to you.”
Lexington Assisted Living hosts special luncheon for first responders
On September 10 The Lexington Assisted Living hosted a special luncheon for first responders to salute those who serve our community. The event was open to the public and included a wonderful lunch. Attending were Sheriff Deputy J Olmos and Sheriff Deputy G Heiberger Ventura City Firefighters Josh Betha, David Mendoza and Chris Deitz 
Lexington is at 5440 Ralston, 644-6710.
Photos by John Ferritto
Youth & Government runs from September through February and includes weekly meetings
Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government teens in front of the California State Capitol building where they had the opportunity to practice their legislative skills.
The Ventura Family YMCA is paving the way for the leaders of tomorrow through its Youth & Government program. Since 1948 this nationwide initiative has been the top youth leadership and development program for 9th through 12th grade high school students. Through hands on experience, each participant is enlightened on how the U.S. government is run. They review the passing of government bills, practice public speaking and case work, and they even travel to Sacramento to put all of their skills into practice at the California State Capitol Building.
This program is unique because of the impact from the Y’s leadership staff and the knowledge each participant gains. There is also fundraising in place to provide scholarships (while they last) for students who may not be able to afford the program otherwise, giving those students an educational advantage like no other.
“We want to make sure that everyone in our community has the equal opportunity to better themselves, and one example of us helping is through our Youth & Government leadership program or by raising money to provide scholarships so that those who would not be able to attend because of the cost, may do so,” says Alicia Cattoni, the Y’s Marketing and Communications Director.
The Y’s Youth Programs Coordinator, Sherry Gutsch, speaks about the importance of nurturing our youth to become future leaders.
Youth & Government runs from September through February and includes weekly meetings, two training weekends in Fresno and a 5-day trip to Sacramento. Current Ventura Y members may join for a discounted rate of $198/month, while Program Members may join for $210/month. Scholarships are available, while the funds last. Spots are filling up fast so make sure to register as soon as possible.
To learn more about Youth & Government, logon to ciymca.org/ventura, visit the Ventura Family YMCA at 3760 Telegraph Road, or contact Sherry Gutsch by email at Sherry. [email protected], or call 642.2131 ext. 16.
FALL PREVENTION COALITION TO PRESENT PUBLIC FORUM
National Fall Prevention Awareness Week, September 23rd – 29th this year, will be recognized by the Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition (EFPC) of Ventura County by hosting its third annual public forum. On Friday, September 18th, 2015, at the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park Community Center Auditorium, 1605 East Burnley Street, Camarillo, from 10 am – 3 pm, the forum will include an introduction by 2nd District Supervisor Kathy Long, exciting presentations on fall prevention measures, demonstrations on evidence-based programs, hydration techniques, Zumba, home assessment measures, and individual assessments, including, but not limited to: equilibrium/balance, bone density, vision, blood pressure. The public, especially those who are caregivers, will enjoy this no-cost forum.
Thirty percent of adults over the age of 65 fall each year. The cost of falls to the US Health system was $28 billion in 2010, and projected to rise to $60 billion by 2020. Muscle strengthening, aerobic and balance exercises all aid in the prevention of falls. “It is a known fact that every 29 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. Every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury,” says Dr. Thomas Duncan, Trauma Medical Co- Director for Ventura County Medical Center and Medical Co-Director of Anacapa Surgical Associates. “Falls are the #1 cause of injury deaths, unintentional injuries and hospital admissions in the elderly.” Now, with the assistance of medical alert systems with fall detection, hopefully the numbers of elderly falls will reduce.
The EFPC has been in existence for over three years. The coalition’s goals are to prevent repeated falls in the elderly population by including them in evidence-based programs. Under the auspices of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, a pilot program was launched in west Ventura County, in July 2014. The coalition is a collaborative effort including, but not limited to: Ventura County Medical Center, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, the Camarillo Health Care District, Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Hospital, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), all Ventura County ambulance providers,
Ventura and Oxnard fire departments, Livingston Memorial, Scan Health, Kaiser, HealthWise Home Care Solutions, Oxnard Family Circle Adult Health Care Center, Equilibrium Balance Performance Center, and Habitat for Humanity.
The County’s Area Agency on Aging was recently awarded the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging – n4A – Achievement Award for Fall Prevention during the n4A Annual Conference and Tradeshow held in July 2015, in Philadelphia. Winning such a prestigious national award validates the hard work of the staff, the Advisory Council, the Fall Prevention Coalition and volunteers, and demonstrates VCAAA’s commitment to being an Agency that is innovative and responsive to the changing needs of the seniors in Ventura County,” said Area Agency on Aging Director Victoria Jump.
“National awards like these also substantiate the forward-thinking of the Board of Supervisors and Mike Powers, CEO, in supporting this agency wholeheartedly in our efforts in the HomeShare and Fall Prevention programs. Dr. Thomas Duncan, Trauma Medical Co-Director of the Ventura County Medical Center, whose vision of the creation of the Fall Prevention Coalition and Fall Prevention Program was the catalyst for those efforts, deserves special recognition.”
The EFPC has developed a unique program that involves instituting fall prevention measures at the initial point of contact, when EMS personnel respond to a 911 call after a fall. A series of events occur that will enable EMS to leave educational material in homes and conduct a rapid fall assessment. Victims transported to emergency rooms will undergo further evidence-based testing to assess their fall risk. Prior to discharge from the hospital, it will be determined whether a fall victim requires close follow-up for health issues, versus the need for home safety improvement. Recently, other evidence-based programs (Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, Stepping On, Walk with Ease, A Matter of Balance) have been incorporated into our program, to prevent primary falls.
Ventura City Fire Department invites the public to commemorate 9/11
On Friday, September 11, beginning at 6:45am, community members are invited to visit any of the six Ventura City Fire Stations for a special remembrance ceremony of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Join us in honoring the 2,977 people who lost their lives 14 years ago including Firefighters, Police Officers, Military Personnel and civilians. Let us remember their sacrifices and acts of heroism.
6:45 a.m. – Fire apparatus will roll out of the stations and be positioned on the station ramps.
6:55 a.m. – Firefighters will stand at attention and raise the U.S. flag to half-staff. Silence will be maintained.
6:59 a.m. – A special tone will be broadcast over the fire radio followed by four sets of five bells. The bells are traditionally used by the fire service to commemorate firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. One minute of complete silence will be maintained. Following the silence, Fire Captains will give a brief tribute.
Ventura City Fire Station locations:
Station 1: 717 N. Ventura Avenue
Station 2: 41 S. Seaward Avenue
Station 3: 5838 Telegraph Road
Station 4: 8303 Telephone Road
Station 5: 4225 E. Main Street
Station 6 10797 Darling Road
Ventura City Fire personnel responded to a reported structure fire
On Sept. 6, at 11pm Ventura City Fire personnel responded to a reported structure fire in the 6900 Block of Heron St. The first arriving engine company found an exterior mattress fire extending through eve vents into the attic of a single story, single family dwelling, with bystanders attempting to extinguish the fire by use of garden hoses.
The fire was quickly knocked down using hand lines, but the fire and smoke extension that occurred into the attic required mechanical ventilation and extensive overhaul. Salvage measures were employed to protect personal belongings within the residence while personnel used hand and power tools to remove wall, ceiling, and roof coverings in order to ensure complete extinguishment.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.