Category Archives: Featured News

VUSD appoints new superintendent

Dr. Castro brings 25 years of educational service to his new office.

Following an internal search and selection process, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education has appointed Dr. Antonio Castro as the new VUSD Superintendent. Dr. Castro will begin his new role on August 1, 2022, as Dr. Roger Rice transitions into his previously announced retirement.

“We are so fortunate that Dr. Castro will be leading the VUSD team. His unique, well-rounded perspective provides him with the ability to see everyone and truly understand what it takes to make our District a success. He is not one to take anything for granted, especially not the people who make up our community,” stated Sabrena Rodriguez, Board President. “We are thrilled to have such a special leader who we believe will inspire our students, support our team, and work collaboratively with our families and community.”

A dedicated public servant, Dr. Castro brings 25 years of educational service with him to his new office. Dr. Castro has served in many roles throughout his career. Those roles include a general and special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of special education and student support services, associate superintendent of educational services at the Ventura County Office of Education, and most recently has been serving as the VUSD Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services since April of 2021.

During his tenure with VUSD, Dr. Castro has contributed significantly, including being responsible for implementing the Local Control Accountability Plan.

“As we progress through this next COVID stage, it is essential that we reestablish a sense of belonging. I am dedicated to cultivating and investing in practices that promote trusting relationships throughout the District. It is my goal that through a shared vision for students, families, and staff, we will become a stronger community. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this incredible District in its next phase of success,” stated Dr. Castro.

Dr. Castro leads a purpose-driven life in every aspect of his personal and professional identity. Beyond his work in education, Dr. Castro has given back extensively to the Ventura County community serving organizations such as AYSO, Moorpark City Council, Moorpark College Foundation, Ventura County United Way, and as a mentor to many inside and outside of education. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University and his Master’s and Doctorate from California Lutheran University.

“I am honored to be a part of the Ventura Unified School District and look forward to leading the VUSD’s dynamic staff with the support of our extended community. Ventura is a beautiful area with a rich history, and these deep roots serve as a strong foundation for our future growth,” stated Dr. Castro.

The Board of Trustees would like to thank District staff, students, parents/guardians, and community members for providing valuable input through surveys and interview panels that provided us with a clear understanding of the leadership characteristics and skills desired in the next Superintendent. In addition to the Board reviewing applications and conducting extensive interviews, the VUSD Board made its decision based on the input gathered from all key stakeholder groups.

Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade

Photos by Yana Khiyod, Michael Gordon and Jackie Ringhof

Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returned to the Downtown District on Monday, July 4.

This year’s event theme “2022: Red, White & Blue!” The Pushem-Pullem Parade is presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura.

Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons participated in the parade.

The street fair featured arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, a car exhibit, and family-friendly activities.

The Downtown Ventura Partners Organization presented live entertainment stages with local bands and community group performances.

Firefighters’ Ball honors and celebrates Ventura City Firefighters

Money raised will be used to support the Ventura Fire Foundation’s programming. Photos by Mary Thompson

The Ventura Fire Foundation, in partnership with the Ventura City Fire Department, celebrated the Ventura City Firefighters at the 2022 Firefighters’ Ball, presented by Flying Embers. The event was held on June 10, at the Olivas Adobe. Firefighters in their Class A uniforms, and their spouses attended an evening of recognition, camaraderie, and celebration.

The actions of five sworn personnel and one civilian employee were recognized by the Ventura Fire Department and the Ventura Fire Foundation. Additionally, thirty-six employees were promoted, and forty-seven Lifesaving Medals were distributed for excellent service to the City of Ventura.

“The City is blessed to have so many exemplary firefighters and staff who go above and beyond to serve our community. They provide all-hazards emergency response, perform life-saving actions each day, and often times provide care and compassion to people on their toughest day,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “This year’s event was extra special as it was the first time we’ve gathered to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of our team.”

Engineer Eric Craddock received the Firefighter of the Year award for his dedication to fire and rescue training, leading the oversight at the Fire Training grounds, and embodying the highest standards of the fire service.

The Greg Andrews Safety Award, recognizing a continued commitment to ensuring a safer workplace for all, was presented to Firefighter-Paramedic James Kenney.

Kenney devoted hundreds of hours on developing maps for crew responses to several of Ventura’s large complexes. Without these critical maps and level of detail required to design them, lifesaving minutes navigating buildings would be lost.

The Nancy Merman Paramedic of the Year honor was awarded to Engineer Kyle Tong. “Kyle has worked tirelessly on grant opportunities for the department, including a grant where we were able to purchase LUCAS CPR devices for each apparatus,” said Emergency Medical Services Coordinator Heather Ellis. “He has trained every firefighter on this device. His is a true asset to our agency.”

Captain Mark Nielsen and Firefighter-Paramedic William Nackers were both honored for exceptional duty for their ingenuity in providing life-saving service, going above and beyond the call of duty, and upholding the department’s core values.

Finally, Danielle Motherspaw was recognized as the Fire Prevention Employee of the Year. Danielle provides exceptional service with a smile, can be called upon at any time to assist a coworker, and demonstrates pride in producing quality work.

Health and safety restrictions and a shift in priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the annual ceremonies honoring excellent service and the promotions of employees since 2019.

“We are incredibly excited to celebrate Ventura City firefighters, and join the City in honoring their achievements,” said Joe Booth, executive director of the Ventura Fire Foundation. “The past two years have been especially difficult for first responders and their families, so we are eager to have a night of fun.”

For more information about the Ventura Fire Department, visit www.VenturaCityFire.com.

The project will provide a safe affordable place to call home

Ventura Springs will provide housing for homeless veterans. Photos by Patricia Schallert

Ventura Springs, located on 10 acres of land previously owned by the City of Ventura located at 10900 Telephone Rd. in Ventura will be a new community made up of 122 apartments for formerly homeless veterans as well as for low-income veterans and their families. The 11 buildings that make up Ventura Springs will be primarily two-story walk-ups with two three-story buildings, and will be surrounded by vibrant courtyards with a variety of uses and activities. The $62 million project will provide Ventura veterans safe, affordable place to call home and the resources and community needed to build stable futures.

California Secretary of Business, Consumer Services & Housing Lourdes Castro Ramirez, Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava and other city council members and Supervisor Matt La Vere joined A Community of Friends (ACOF) and U.S.VETS to celebrate the groundbreaking of Ventura Springs.

As the first supportive housing development for veterans in the City of Ventura, Ventura Springs will provide residents with service-enriched housing, and comprehensive onsite supportive services including case management, mental health counseling, career development and life skills training. The project, built in a campus-like setting, will encourage healthy living, resident engagement and a sense of belonging through outdoor gathering spaces, recreational areas, community garden, fitness center, computer lab and more.

The goal of Ventura Springs is to create a community that will enrich the lives of local veterans and their families that may have a disability, and or experienced homelessness or economic challenges which have made it difficult to afford quality housing.

More than 50,000 veterans are estimated to live in Ventura County. From 2018 to 2019, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness in Ventura County increased by 68 percent, with more than 90 percent over the age of 45, and more than 50 percent reporting a chronic health condition, a physical disability or both.

Financing for Ventura Springs was provided by Bank of America, California Department of Housing and Community Development, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, City of Ventura, Community Housing Capital, Home Depot Foundation, Housing Authority of the City of Ventura, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, LISC, Nonprofit Finance Fund and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In December, the Ventura City Council unanimously voted to give the project $74,100 from the city’s Successor Housing Agency Fund to get the project going. In May 2021, the council approved another $545,000. In total the city will give $3.2 million using funds and deferred fees. The project should be completed by the end of 2023 with a grand opening in early 2024.

A Community of Friends has been the leading nonprofit permanent supportive housing developer in Southern California since 1988. U.S. VETS is the largest nonprofit organization with boots on the ground to combat America’s veteran crisis head-on.

Ventura police officers carry the torch for the Special Olympics

Photos by Michael Gordon

Over 30 Ventura Police officers and staff participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run on Tuesday, June 7, from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. as the “Flame of Hope” made its way through Ventura. The run started at the steps of the Ventura City Hall.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest awareness and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. In Southern California, it consists of nine different legs, ranging from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Legs are completed in conjunction with Special Olympics athletes and various members of law enforcement agencies from throughout the region.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Corporal Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison with the Ventura Police Department. “I run each year for inclusion, awareness, fundraising, and camaraderie. “It’s just icing on the cake when community members come out to cheer us on.”

Community members interested in supporting the cause can support financially by making a donation to “Team Ventura PD” at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/LETR.

Ventura County Fair launches 2022 Fair Season

VC Fair Rides Again! That’s the tagline for this year’s Ventura County Fair, coming to your favorite seaside fairgrounds Wednesday, August 3 through Sunday, August 14.

The wheels are in motion, preparations are being made and the highly anticipated time has come to invite VC Fair Lovers to start planning for their 2022 Fair experience.

Exhibits are the heart of the Fair and the VC Fair offers the chance to show off your creativity in a variety of competitive exhibits from baking, wine making, photography, art and more! You can win the bragging rights and cash prizes by entering your masterpiece in one of our many competitive departments including Agriculture, Amateur Art, Floriculture, Gems & Minerals, Hobbies & Collections, Home Arts, Horse Shows, Large Livestock, Photography, Pro Arts, Small Livestock, Uncle Leo’s Barn and Youth Expo.

In Ventura County, our competitive spirit is a big part of who we are – and in few places is it more evident than at the VC Fair. Each year, thousands of participants cater to their competitive side by entering in competitions spanning a full range of categories including culinary, fine arts, photography, livestock and more. From delicious desserts to champion cattle, the Fair hosts competitions for nearly every interest and age group. Whether it’s a premium cash prize, a coveted blue ribbon, or just good old-fashioned bragging rights at stake, we wish you the best of luck!

“If you think competition is fun… then you’re in the right place,” said Barbara Quaid, VC Fairgrounds CEO, adding “The VC Fair is the epicenter of spirited competition. Call it a throwback to simpler times if you like. What we know for sure is this: Fairgoers flock to see the entries year after year. And that feels good for everyone involved.”

All of the entry information is available on the brand-new Fair website: www.venturacountyfair.org where you will also find ways to participate including how to volunteer, contest entries for kids and more. Important Fair information such as directions, hours, admission, and schedules of events, including contests and entertainment, that are being planned for the Fair will be found on the new colorful, fun and easy-to-use website.

 

Community volunteer event hosted by Ventura Land Trust to mitigate invasive plant species

by Richard Lieberman

On Saturday, May 21, Ventura Land Trust in conjunction with Safeport Cannabis Dispensary and Topa Topa Brewing Company held a community volunteer activity to help clear invasive plant species from the Harmon Canyon Preserve trails. Invasive plant species like black mustard and milk thistle have begun to choke Harmon Canyon Preserve trails that had been recently restored with native plants.

Two dozen volunteers showed up ready to work at the preserve to remove by hand as many of the invasive species as possible. Black mustard an invasive plant species originates from Europe and Asia. The species can grow up to six feet tall, and when the plants die the plant remains becomes fuel for wildfires as it dries. The species is so pervasive that it has taken over substantial portions of the preserves and the only effective way to remove it is to uproot one-by-one individual plants. The plants produce black seeds and if the volunteers do not uproot and remove them before they dry out and spread seed, they will continue to choke the trails and remain a problem for the long-term health of native species and the canyons trails will be overrun. As these plants die and dry out, they become a fire hazard.

“Community support is needed to help with removal of the dense stands of black mustard and milk thistle” said Leslie Velez, Outreach Director of Ventura Land Trust. She also added “areas of the preserve that had been recently replanted with native plant species are being choked by these invasive plants.”

“We need more volunteers, this is a massive job, but with perseverance we can make this happen,” said Velez. She also added that the event produced two full dumpster loads of the invasive plants.

Continuous improvements are being made at the Trail

Ventura is a bronze-rated bicycle friendly community. Photos by Michael Gordon

Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava, local officials, the City of Ventura, and Caltrans held a community bike ride on Saturday, May 21, at 9:00 a.m. at Westpark Community Center, located at 450 W. Harrison Ave. The bike ride celebrated the $5 million Clean California Grant awarded for the Ventura River Trail.

“May is National Bike Month and this is an opportunity to celebrate the many supportive efforts to renovate and reinvigorate the Ventura River Trail,” shared Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “We hope everyone can join us in celebrating this important win for our beloved Ventura River Trail.”

“For many years this trail has provided community members access to their local schools, places of work, and recreation facilities,” said Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “It also serves the community as a circulation corridor to our beautiful Ventura beaches, and up into the hills of Ojai.”

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Ventura celebrated a nearly $5 million Clean California grant during the community bike ride along the Ventura River Trail. The money will be used to transform a two-mile portion of the trail and is made possible through Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs and engage communities to transform public spaces.

Continuous improvements of the Ventura River Trail include repaving the bike trail, adding solar lighting, and removing and replacing trail fencing. Targeted improvements include accessibility improvements to access the trail, public art, trail monuments, environmental and ‘no litter’ signage, native and drought-tolerant shrub and tree planting, wayfinding to the trail, and other various trail user amenities.

Other improvements will repave two miles of the bike trail, replace fencing, add drought-tolerant landscaping, a water-refill station and a bike repair station. The project will also include art murals on the trail floodwalls that highlight the cultural significance of Ventura’s westside and the greater community. In addition to the trail improvements and public art, the project will include new trash cans and “no littering” signs to reduce trash and debris along the trail.

“All Californians deserve access to clean, beautiful and safe pathways,” said Caltrans Acting Director Steven Keck. “The Ventura River Trail is an invaluable part of California’s transportation network, and Caltrans is proud to fund this project that will beautify this trail and ensure that the trail serves Ventura’s community and visitors for decades to come.”

The Ventura River Trail was built in 1989 and extends approximately six miles along State Route 33. The path connects to the Ojai Valley Trail to the north and the Omer Rains Trail to the south. Together, these three trails comprise the greater Ventura River Parkway.

Through trail infrastructure upgrades, the Ventura River Trail Improvements project is expected to extend the life of the trail by 15 to 30 years. In addition, the project aims to reduce the amount of waste and debris on the trail, beautifying the space for public enjoyment and providing a more equitable space of recreation for the community.

With more than 60 miles of bike lanes, 35 miles of bike routes and paths, and over 400 bicycle lockers for riders to use, the City of Ventura is designated by the League of American Bicyclists as a bronze-rated bicycle friendly community.

Vol. 15, No. 18 – June 1– June 14, 2022 – Opinion/Editorial

∙The attempt by Breezy Gledhill to rid her body of cancer is not going very well. Four months of chemo (time spent, sick days, loss of hair) has produced no results to reduce the size of the cancer so that it can be surgically removed.

She now needs to try different medical solutions that will not be covered (or very little) by her insurance company. As she sighed, “The insurance company is going to decide if I live or die!” A new medication called Keytruda – that might help – has just been rejected by her insurance company.

Breezy needs our help.

Those who love this wonderful lady don’t want it left in the hands of the insurance company whether to determine if she lives or dies. We are asking for financial help for her through a “gofundme” account that has been set up. We are asking for financial donations in any amount. This will assist her with getting the medicine she needs, and with managing through this difficult time.

Please consider sharing your love and concerns for Breezy by donating. Thank you.

https://gofund.me/16976479 or gofundme – Breezy Gledhill

∙This is the last issue (for now?) that Jill Forman will be writing for the Breeze. As stated in her last Bookmark article in this issue, “Your intrepid reporter is taking a break.” Her contributions to the paper have been very important so she will be missed. I will still continue to bug her to write an occasional article for us.

∙As you all certainly know, there have been two mass shootings recently by 18-year-olds. In the recent one 19 students and 2 teachers were killed and 17 others were wounded. Earlier that day, the shooter Salvador Ramos severely wounded his grandmother, shooting her in the forehead.

Ramos had legally purchased two AR-15 high-powered assault rifles and 375 rounds of ammunition as soon as he was allowed to purchase these in Texas when he was 18.

It’s impossible to even imagine how a first responder felt upon entering a classroom full of dead kids. It’s hard for me to stop imagining it, and I wasn’t even there. It will haunt those who saw it (and some of those who didn’t) for the rest of their lives.

I don’t understand why gun owners can be opposed to a 30-day waiting period to try to verify whether an individual should own a firearm gun. Certainly an 18-year-old could wait a month before buying 2 high powered rifles. And I still question why anyone (other then law enforcement) needs to own an AR-15 high-powered rifle to begin with.

A check of his background would have shown:

  • He quit high school
  • Quit his job
  • Parents kicked him out
  • A loner
  • Students were afraid of him
  • Posted scary stuff on social media

Perhaps, after 30-days, maybe he would have settled down or obtained some help with his troubled life.

The AR-15, like its military version, is designed to kill people quickly and in large numbers, hence the term assault-style rifle. In my opinion, they have no valid recreational use, and civilians should not be allowed to own them.

A quote from a Republican politician who, as always, never deals with the realty of our gun culture stated, “Two days ago, as you know, a mentally ill teenager called Salvador Ramos murdered 19 children and teachers in an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.” Is this 18-year-old (like the previous 18-year-old) truly mentally ill, or is this just a way to deflect and not change gun laws, pushing this on to mental illness.

They may not be mentally ill at all, but more likely in a mental crisis. This is quite different from being mentally ill. Politicians should not use mental illness as an excuse for our gun crisis. This “excuse” is harmful and not supported by any scientific evidence or studies. This is a complex problem without easy solutions, but blaming mental illness is not the answer. It just inflicts damaging stigma on those who suffer from clinical defined mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and persistent depressive disorder.

I do agree that there is a great need for many more mental health facilities (and living spaces) for the mentally ill, but this would not stop this country’s mass shootings. The mentally ill are much more apt to be the victim of crimes than the perpetrators.

Joel Dvoskin, a clinical and forensic psychologist who served on the American Psychological Association’s Task Force on Reducing Gun Violence told ABC News,

“Absent specific evidence, careful consideration should be given to social and contextual factors that might interact with any mental health issue before concluding that an active shooting was ’caused’ by mental illness. In short, declarations that all active shooters must simply be mentally ill are misleading and unhelpful.”

We do need to increase the mental health treatment centers but that wouldn’t mean that kids in crisis would even attend them.

Perhaps visiting our outdated gun laws and requiring wait times, and background checks, is the answer. I don’t know, but I do know more gun ownership (especially of high-powered rifles) is not the solution.

Research in California, conducted over a 12-year period, shows that having a handgun for personal protection does not make you safer. The research showed those who lived with an owner of a handgun were two times as likely to die by homicide as those living without guns. Those who live with a gun owner were almost three times more likely to be killed with a firearm then those with no gun present. Those that were killed in their homes were likely to die at the hands of their spouse or other intimate partners. And the risk is mostly to women – 85% of the victims living with handgun owners were women. The study was published in the journal of Annals of Internal Medicine.

It is true that “people kill people,” but it is a hell of a lot easier with an AR-15 then it is with a six-shooter. Perhaps the writers of the constitution would have considered this?

Note: I certainly hope to hear from readers regarding this. [email protected]