Category Archives: Featured News

Oceana Expedition – Part 2

Scientific diver Geoff Shester films red gorgonian corals and California golden gorgonian coral off Santa Cruz Island. Photo from Oceana, courtesy Jason Heaton.

Oceana and Blancpain Successfully Complete First of Three Ocean Expeditions in California’s Channel Islands

Research Supports Need for Additional Protections of Ocean Biodiversity

Oceana successfully completed its first of three ocean research expeditions in partnership with prestigious Swiss watchmaker Blancpain around the Channel Islands. From April 29 through May 3, aboard the 62-foot diving vessel, “Peace”, the expedition team explored and documented the biodiversity that makes these waters globally important. The expedition is in furtherance of Oceana’s campaigns to restore ocean abundance by addressing set gillnet fishing gear that is harmful to a suite of ocean life, and Blancpain’s commitment to ocean exploration and conservation.

“Our expedition showcases the incredible diversity of marine life surrounding the Channel Islands, bolstering the area’s reputation as the “Galapagos of North America,” said expedition leader Dr. Geoff Shester, Oceana’s California campaign director and senior scientist. “The beautiful habitats and special places we documented deserve additional protections from harmful gillnets — an indiscriminate fishing method which is still allowed in state waters around these amazing islands.”

Blancpain and Oceana first began their partnership in 2020 ahead of Project Alacranes, an expedition initiated to explore the depths of two areas in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in research that served as the basis for the Mexican government to enact the largest Natural Protected Area in the region. The success of this expedition led to the natural decision to continue the partnership between Oceana and Blancpain, as preparations to explore the Channel Islands were underway.

Over the five-day expedition, the team successfully accomplished the following:

  • Conducted visual scuba diving surveys to quantify and identify fish and invertebrate species and habitats — including gorgonian corals and kelp forests — at nine locations providing a glimpse into the biodiversity at risk. Oceana divers counted 830 fish, 1,837 mobile invertebrates (e.g., crabs, sea stars, lobsters), 1,156 large seaweeds (e.g. giant kelp), and 136 large gorgonian corals on 14 transects.
  • Collected water samples at 18 sites (nine shallow water samples collected via scuba and nine deep water samples collected via a Niskin bottle) for environmental (e)DNA analysis. The samples will be analyzed in a lab for DNA sequencing, which will allow us to identify virtually all ocean life (all plants, animals, and fungi) inhabiting and traversing these waters. By analyzing the DNA “footprint” left behind in the water column, they will get a comprehensive view of the area’s biodiversity at a range of depths.
  • Used state-of-the-art low-light cameras to capture high-resolution images and videos of unique, rare, and unusual species and habitats in need of protection.
  • Demonstrated the use of a compact Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Geneinno to document cold water corals at 100 feet depth off Santa Barbara Island.
  • Captured 360-degree video footage at all nine scuba diving locations to provide an interactive, immersive experience of being in the middle of a giant kelp forest. Some examples of the 360-degree footage can be viewed here. [Tips: on a desktop PC, use the mouse to pan and look around. On a mobile device, either use your finger to pan and look around or directly point the device to where you want to look. For a full 360 immersive experience, use VR goggles or download the Google Cardboard app from the Apple Store or Android Play Store or use Google carboard glasses to navigate as if immersed in the water seeing the environment firsthand].
  • Collected water samples at mid-water depths (from 60 meters/196 feet to over 100 meters/328 feet) to detect and quantify potential microplastics in the water column.
  • Piloted and successfully demonstrated that a hybrid underwater vehicle FUSION — an underwater robot manufactured by Strategic Robotic Systems used to support Department of Defense missions globally — can produce high resolution side-scan sonar maps of rocky reefs and identify precise GPS locations of lost fishing gear. The expedition demonstrated the promise of this technology to provide meaningful intelligence for ocean conservation.

The groups plan to utilize the imagery and scientific information gathered in support of protecting ocean biodiversity by reducing entanglement of ocean animals—including whales, sea lions, sharks, and other fish — in set gillnet fishing gear. These fishing nets used to target California halibut and white seabass can be 20 football fields long and are known for their high bycatch rates and adverse wildlife impacts. Despite action by California voters more than 30 years ago, set gillnets are still allowed in federal waters (3-200 miles from shore) off Southern California’s mainland, offshore banks, and in state waters around California’s Channel Islands. Oceana is urging the California Fish and Game Commission and the state legislature to continue working to reduce bycatch in the set gillnet fishery.

To learn more about ocean biodiversity at risk from set gillnets visit www.oceana.org/KeepCAOceansThriving

Sand dollars off Santa Cruz Island. Photo from Oceana/Danny Ocampo.

The Ventura Raceway hosts the Progressive American Flat Track Association

First place winner, Briar Bauman (#3 battles it out with 3rd Place Finisher, Jared Mees).  Photo by Joseph Seemeyer

by Joe Seemeyer

On Saturday, May 11th, the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, founded and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), continued with the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California.

For those not familiar with the Ventura Raceway, the Raceway is a 1/5-mile, clay oval racetrack located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. On a weekly basis the track is home to many types of dirt track racecars including motorcycles, wingless sprint cars, midgets, dwarf cars, stock cars, modifieds, sport compacts, and karts. The track is owned and operated by Jim Naylor.

Second place finisher Dallas Daniels (#32). Photo by Joseph Seemeyer

The Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. Progressive American Flat Track is televised on FOX Sports and streams live via FloRacing.

The Progressive American Flat Track season continued with the contenders from the Mission AFT SuperTwins and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championships. The Mission AFT SuperTwins is the pinnacle of dirt track motorcycle racing globally and the professional ranks were formalized in 1954. Riders in this class represents elite teams and skilled athletes who compete at every round of the competition. Each will race on custom-built, twin-cylinder motorcycles generating 90+horsepower race bar-to-bar at speeds in excess of 140 mph.

Starting off the nail-biting excitement of the Mission AFT SuperTwins race, a red flag flew due to a terrifying incident that saw Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) carom off the wall and crash back into the pack. Also included in this incident were Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke), Declan Bender (No. 70 GOMR/BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Big Red Super Twins/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Transalp), who completed a full forward flip in the air after contacting the downed Lewis and his machine. Fortunately, all four returned to their feet with Lowe managing to return for the restart (AFT).

Just as quickly as the first red flag was a second flag because of a spill by Ventura, CA hometown hero Kayl Kolkman (No. 98 Yamaha MT-07), who would return for the subsequent restart.

Finally, a third red flag was narrowly avoided when Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) bounced back up from a crash and immediately remounted, allowing the race to continue and at last (AFT).

Fox interviewing Jared Mees (#1). Finishing on the podium in third place was reigning Mission SuperTwins king Jared Mees. Phoro by Joseph Seemeyer

In the end, Twenty-nine-year-old Californian and two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke), who was never challenged on his way to a 4.613-second margin of victory who claimed his first Mission AFT SuperTwins win of the year and his first podium of any kind.

Following Briar Bauman in second was title hopeful and Estenson Racing Yamaha superstar, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) who had pushed his way up from fifth place.

Finishing on the podium in third place was reigning Mission SuperTwins king Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750), from Sebastian, FL.

Completing the Mission AFT SuperTwins top five was Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750) in fourth and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) in fifth (AFT).

“The Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class is geared for cultivating young dirt track talent as riders hone their skills enroute to the AFT Twins ranks. Up-and-coming athletes make their mark aboard production-based 450cc single-cylinder motorcycles offering upwards of 60 horsepower. Racing at speeds faster than 115 mph, the stars of tomorrow battle it out on motorcycles produced by Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Yamaha and Zaeta.”

The Parts Unlimited AFT Singles podium consisted of Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) in first, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) in second, followed by Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) in third (AFT).

The next Flat Track Motorcycle event at the Ventura Speedway is on September 7th. Motorcycle riders and non-riders are encouraged to attend the event. The Progressive American Flat Track race is a phenomenal event for all age groups.

For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, visit www.americanflattrack.com, or on Facebook, X and check them out on Instagram (AFT).

Main Street Moves – Keep Downtown Streets Open or Closed

by Patricia Shallert

During the Ventura City Council meeting on May 21, 2024, the City Council and community members discussed the future of Main Street Moves (MSM), an initiative that involved closing portions of Main Street and California Street to vehicular traffic. The Temporary Business Expansion Special Event Permit, which allowed for the closure, is set to expire soon, so the City Council introduced an agenda item to extend the closure by seven months. This would provide enough time for staff to conduct a thorough study of long-term options and present their recommendations to the Council. The Council acknowledged the importance of considering community feedback and have been carefully evaluating the potential impacts before making a decision.

There have been concerns raised by property and business owners about the possibility of a permanent closure for Main Street Moves. To address these concerns, the MSM staff plans to hold discussions with property owner representatives and conduct a survey to gather current opinions. The results of the survey will be presented to the City Council in a timely manner, ensuring that the perspectives of property and business owners are taken into account during the decision-making process.

To provide some background, in April 2022, the City Council instructed the staff to explore long-term options for Main Street Moves. To facilitate this process, a Temporary Business Expansion Special Event Permit was granted, allowing for the closure of six blocks of Main Street and one block of South California Street. Significant progress has been made since then, and the staff has regularly updated the Council on the advancements in the MSM initiative. Notably, the City Council unanimously approved Citywide Sidewalk Design Guidelines and Standards, highlighting the ongoing progress.

Since the existing permit expires at the end of June, the City Council needs to take action to extend the closure before then if they wish to maintain the current status quo. The staff believes there is sufficient evidence to support the closure, considering the street has been closed for four years already. The proposed temporary closure would continue the existing situation.

In the previous MSM Ad Hoc Committee meeting on May 6, 2024, the importance of understanding the long-term commitment of property owners to the closure was emphasized. Previous attempts to gather feedback through surveys showed limited responses from them. However, business owners showed a higher response rate, with a clear majority advocating for a full closure. To achieve a higher overall response rate, the staff, in collaboration with Downtown Ventura Partners, will develop a survey for property and business owners. The individual responses will be kept confidential to protect participants and ensure the validity of the results. The staff intends to consult with property owner representatives and promptly present the survey findings to the City Council.

If the Council decides to extend the closure until the end of 2024, the staff will facilitate a smooth transition from the Downtown Ventura Organization permit to the City for all business expansion participants. This transition will involve a review of sidewalks to ensure compliance with the requirements of the business expansion area and readiness for the summer season. The requirements will largely remain the same, with only two differences: the addition of a Workers Compensation Waiver of Subrogation for insurance and the discontinuation of the $250 fee collected by the Downtown Ventura Organization. Regarding the California Environment Quality Act process, (CEQA) the staff plans to issue a Notice of Preparation in early June, followed by the release of the Draft Environment Impact Report (EIR) in the fall and the Final EIR before the end of the year.

A lawsuit was filed on March 11 by a group called Open Main Street alleging city leaders violated California’s Pedestrian Mall Law which governs permanent street closures. The lawsuit also claims the city’s actions have caused economic damage to the property owners. The plaintiffs are seeking the immediate reopening of Main and California streets according to the lawsuit.

More information about MainStreet moves can be found on the city site https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2165/Main-Street-Moves

Oceana and Blancpain Launch Ocean Expedition to Explore and Document Ocean Biodiversity

California Aglaja (Navanax inermis) – a predatory sea slug we found in Santa Barbara Island State Marine Reserve. Photo by Oceana/Blancpain.

Beginning April 29, Oceana – in partnership with prestigious Swiss watchmaker, Blancpain – embarked on a five-day ocean expedition around the Northern Channel Islands off California to explore and document biodiversity that makes ocean waters off the state globally important. The expedition will further Oceana’s campaigns to restore ocean abundance and Blancpain’s commitment to ocean exploration and conservation.

Oceana diver conducting research.
Photo by Oceana/Blancpain.

Southern California boasts undersea geology unlike any other off the U.S. West Coast, marked by a series of faults, banks, and underwater mountains (seamounts). This geology, combined with cold nutrient-rich waters that upwell from the deep make this region a global biological hotspot supporting diverse ocean life and habitats. These ocean waters include migratory routes for large whales – including endangered humpback whales – nurseries for great white shark pups, breeding and foraging habitat for California sea lions and giant seabass, gardens for colorful deep sea corals, and canopies of giant kelp forests to name a few.

Oceana and Blancpain intend to undertake a variety of research elements that include:

  • Partnering with a San Diego-based company that uses a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for military purposes, that for the first time will be used for ocean conservation. We will be using the ROVs side-scan sonar technology to map the seafloor and explore how this technology may be able to help detect the presence of deep-sea corals in addition to seafloor substrate data, and lost fishing gear.
  • Collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) water samples that will be later analyzed in a lab to detect what ocean animals inhabit and traverse these waters by the DNA “footprint” they leave behind in the water column.
  • Conducting scuba dive surveys documenting the diversity of ocean fish and their habitats to provide a comprehensive glimpse into the biodiversity at risk.
  • Identifying individual giant seabass and their aggregation sites – a fish that can weigh more than 500 pounds and once reigned over California’s kelp forests until it was overfished in the 1900’s. Individual fish are identified by their unique spots – like a fingerprint – and documenting them can provide new insights into their movements and conservation. We are partnering with the scientists at UCSB to advance their “Spotting Giant Seabass” research project.

The groups plan to utilize the imagery and scientific information gathered at sea in support of protecting ocean biodiversity by reducing entanglement of ocean animals – including whales, sea lions, sharks, and other fish – in set gillnet fishing gear. These fishing nets used to catch California halibut and white seabass can be 20 football fields long. Despite action by California voters more than 30 years ago, set gillnets are still allowed in federal waters (3-200 miles from shore) off Southern California’s mainland, offshore banks, and in state waters around California’s Channel Islands. Oceana is urging the California Fish and Game Commission and the state legislature to reduce bycatch in the set gillnet fishery.

This scientific expedition is the first of three voyages Oceana and Blancpain have planned in partnership to explore ocean biodiversity off California through 2025.

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.

Founded in 1735 in the Swiss Jura, Blancpain is known as the world’s oldest watch brand. Loyal to its tradition of innovation and confirmed by countless horological complications invented over the years, the Manufacture is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking to take this art to places where it has never been before.

Exploration and preservation of the world’s oceans is at the core to Blancpain. With its legacy of the Fifty Fathoms – the first true diver’s watch – extending over 70 years, Blancpain has become close to the explorers, photographers, scientists and environmentalists who treasure the precious underwater resource. With that affinity has come a determination to support important activities and initiatives dedicated to the oceans.

To date, Blancpain has co-financed dozens of major scientific expeditions, celebrated its role in significantly extending the surface area of marine protected areas around the world, and presented several award-winning documentary films, underwater photography exhibitions and publications. This dedication to supporting ocean exploration and preservation is called Blancpain Ocean Commitment.

For more information about the expedition visit Southern California Expedition 2024 – Oceana USA. To learn more about ocean biodiversity at risk from set gillnets visit www.oceana.org/KeepCAOceansThriving

Red gorgonian coral and black rockfish, Santa Cruz Island. Photo by Oceana/Blancpain.

 

 

Empowering Ventura County Youth: Workforce Development Board Launches Revitalized Youth Program

Ventura County NextGen, The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County’s new youth-focused program, is helping local youth and young adults overcome barriers to employment and embark on successful careers.

The most recently available numbers show that only 88.1% of Ventura County high school seniors graduated in 2022; while this is slightly higher than California’s average graduation rate, it still leaves nearly 12% of Ventura County youth exiting school without their high school diploma. Those with lower household incomes have significantly lower graduation rates than those with higher incomes. This demographic already deals with the difficulties of entering the workforce at a young age. However, their participation in the workforce is down nearly 3% nationally when comparing February 2024 to February 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Recognizing this critical need in Ventura County, the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) is seeking to pave the way for youth and young adults as they mitigate their unemployment or lack of career pathways; WDBVC has unveiled “Ventura County NextGen,” a revitalized youth program aimed at preparing Ventura County’s future workforce with essential skills and readiness.

Ventura County NextGen is a no-cost education and career development program specifically created for youth and young adults ages 14-24. Developed with input from local youth and young adults, the program offers a unique and relatable approach to career exploration and growth while helping them overcome employment barriers. Their supportive services include:

GED completion or assistance in obtaining a High School diploma

One-on-one career coaching and mentorship, with personalized guidance to help participants identify their strengths and set career goals

Resume writing and editing

Interview coaching, job search advice, and overall preparation for the hiring process

Internship and apprenticeship opportunities in relevant work fields

Credential or degree attainment

and so much more!

Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties is the current contracted service provider for the WDBVC’s youth program, which goes beyond employment assistance. Alongside aiding in employment-specific areas, Goodwill also provides vital support for youth navigating unstable living situations, housing insecurity, teenage pregnancy, justice-involved pasts, language barriers, and transportation challenges. These comprehensive services are expertly managed through Goodwill, ensuring holistic support for all participants.

“We understand the challenges youth and young adults face in today’s job market, especially those experiencing barriers to employment,” said Andrea Sanchez, Senior Manager, Workforce Development Board of Ventura County. “Ventura County NextGen extends beyond conventional job training. This wrap-around system prioritizes personalized coaching, assists participants in overcoming barriers to education and employment, and facilitates connections with opportunities that align closely with their aspirations.”

This critical program is available to all local youth and young adults ages 14-24 and functions in conjunction with Ventura County WORKS, a similar program for adults – especially those with disabilities, justice-involved pasts, or housing insecurity. WDBVC hopes that its commitment and dedication to combatting employment barriers through various supportive services and programs will help the most in-need in Ventura County in this post-pandemic economy.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this incredible no-cost program, visit VCNextGen.org or call 805-648-WORK to learn more and get started today.

Additionally, if you are a business in Ventura County seeking an eager employee, apprentice, or intern, you can reach out to WDBVC at https://workforceventuracounty.org/employers/business-solutions/, and they will help connect you with a worker who fits your business needs. Along with easily accessible help from real-life people, a multitude of resources are at your disposal, including a virtual hiring board that will help you find your next great employee.

Ventura River Trail Earmarked for $5 Million of Improvements

Pictured left to right: Amisha DeYoung-Dominguez, Michelle Sevilla, Liz Campos, Vathana Chy, Joe Schroder, Bill Ayub, Angelica Cisneros, Charlie Ebeling)

by Tracy Marcynzsyn

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder, Councilmembers, key stakeholders, and agency representatives gathered at the Westpark Community Center on Thursday, May 2, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project.

The first groundbreaking event in several years, the project is made possible by a $5 million grant from Caltrans as part of the Clean California program.

“Cal Trans is a proud partner with the City of Ventura by providing nearly $5 million through the Clean California local grant program in an effort to enhance the community to improve space for walking and recreation,” noted Caltrans Senior Landscape Architect Vathana Chy, adding that “Two of my favorite things to do are biking and hiking, so this is a great place!

“The Ventura River Trail Improvement Project is one of the many Clean California local grant programs and safety-related projects intended to clean up and bring beauty to underserved communities. The goal is to transform our public space into areas that we can be proud of and have a sense of place,” noted Chy, who commended the audience for embracing the Clean California spirit and sharing a vision for an improved active transportation network in the city.

“We look forward to partnering on projects here in the future,” he added.

Improvements to the Ventura River Trail, which travels along state route 33, connecting the westside of Ventura to Ojai and the ocean, include repaving the city’s 1.8-mile stretch of the bike trail, adding solar lighting, and installing trash cans, bike maintenance stations, landscaping, art installations, and various trail user amenities.

“We are dedicated to sustainable recreation and fostering connection within our community,” said Mayor Schroeder, expressing appreciation and thanks to all involved with the project.

“It’s a real pleasure to do the groundbreaking on a project first starting out,” said Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling, just one month into his new position.

“The trail’s an important part of the city’s active transportation program. It provides facilities that connect communities in a healthier, more sustainable way,” said Ebeling, noting that the Ventura River Trail was originally constructed as a Rails to Trails project in the late 1990s.

With an anticipated completion date this fall, the project promotes recreation by improving access and enhancing trail amenities.

“About 200 trees, 180 solar lights, a rest station, drinking fountains—all of these amenities are really going to help this trail and bring people out of their cars, riding their bikes, whether it’s for recreation, for health, or to get back and forth to work,” said Project Manager Jeff Hereford, Principal Civil Engineer in the Public Works Department. “We are excited about this project! Thanks to all involved!”

Learn more about the Ventura River Trail Improvement Project at cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaRiverTrail.

CSFM Rope Rescue Technician course

The class consisted of an exceptional group of students and instructors.

by Patricia Schallert

From April 15 – 19, the Ventura City Fire Department put 17 students through the CSFM Rope Rescue Technician course at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. This course, which is the second in a series, builds upon the students’ existing skills and focuses on the art of rope-based rescue. Throughout the training, the students and instructors were immersed in intricate scenarios, and were challenged with advanced techniques in order to execute successful rescues.

The training provided to the students was far from restrictive, preparing them for a diverse range of rescue scenarios. Engineer Eric Caddock, from Ventura Fire Station 5C, expressed his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized that “the expertise of the Ventura Fire Department extends beyond the confines of a single environment.”

Eric added, “Training covers a wide array of settings, from challenging industrial landscapes featuring cranes and towers, to the natural hillsides, deep valleys, and barrancas. “Our firefighters are equipped with the necessary skills to rescue individuals who find themselves stranded on steep slopes in hiking parks”. Additionally, we devote our efforts to aiding those whose vehicles have encountered mishaps down embankments, necessitating the use of a robust rope system to safely retrieve them.” It’s quite incredible to note that VFD has even conducted rescues from the heights of a crane ride at the Ventura County Fair!

The class consisted of an exceptional group of students and instructors belonging to the esteemed California Regional Task Force 7. Comprised of the courageous firefighters of Ventura City Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, and Oxnard Fire Department, this task force tackles the most challenging urban search and rescue missions across the state of California.

With the generous support of federal grant funding and the cooperation of agencies within Regional Task Force 7, VFD is able to provide this valuable training. While  firefighters already train extensively every day to handle a variety of emergency situations, this specific course spanned a duration of 5 days.  The skills acquired by the students during this intensive program will continue to be honed and utilized throughout their entire careers.

Under the guidance of the remarkable Firefighter Miguel Martinez, students learned the crucial role of guiding and tending to the basket. Miguel’s expertise ensured that the basket remained free from any obstacles and the safety of the victim was prioritized at all times.

These words from Eric Caddock, Engineer from Ventura Fire Station Fire Station “The extensive training and capabilities of the Ventura Fire Department. With their unwavering commitment to excellence, they consistently rise to the occasion, providing invaluable aid and support in a variety of challenging situations.”

Celebrate spring at the Pollinator Palooza

The community is invited to attend the second annual Pollinator Palooza event on Saturday, May 18, 2024, between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston Street. Free arts and crafts activities and educational programs will be available for participants of all ages to learn about the significance of pollinators!

“We’re thrilled to welcome new and returning community members to this fun family-friendly gathering,” said Recreation Manager Emily Fox. “We’ve built upon last year’s success and have partnered with incredible community groups to showcase the vital role of pollinators in everyday life.”

Get ready to buzz with excitement as participants explore the fascinating world of pollinators through a wide range of engaging and informative activities, including:

Creating bee wax candles
Learning about beekeeping while painting bee boxes
Constructing a seed ball to help our vital pollinators thrive
See native plants and register for a Milkweed plant giveaway
Attending pollinator story time and puppet theatre
Making sun prints, butterfly crafts, and chalk art
Meeting real-life pollinators
Making a mini bee house
Learning from a UC Master Gardens expert
Touring the City’s Cornucopia Community Garden
Participate in our community bike ride at 1:00 p.m.

This event is hosted by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, with support from the Ventura Water Department, and Environmental Sustainability Division.

Community partners include Bike VC, Channel Islands Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, East Ventura Community Council, MiniNature Reserve, University of California Master Gardeners, Rincon-Vitova Insectaries Inc., Santa Monica Mountain Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Bee Rescue, and the Ventura Land Trust.

Find event details and more at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Events.

Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign kicking-off

Ventura Conty District Attorney Eric Nasarenko reading to Take5 and Read to Kids children.

The eighth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 3rd at preschools and various locations throughout Ventura County. More than 50 local celebrity readers will be reading to young children. First 5 Ventura County hosts the free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 years and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing/

This year’s impressive lineup of readers includes Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Jacqui Irwin, Supervisors Jeff Gorell, Matt LaVere, Kelly Long, and Janice Parvin, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, and many more.

Members of the public with children age 5 and younger are invited to attend Take 5 and Read to Kids! storytimes with a celebrity reader at select First 5 Ventura County Neighborhoods for Learning (NfL) sites as well as local libraries during their regularly scheduled storytimes:

Ventura locations:

  • Sheridan Way Elementary (NfL classroom), 573 Sheridan Way, Ventura, May 3rd at 9:30 a.m.
  • E.P. Foster Library on Monday, May 6th at 10:30 a.m.
  • Hill Road Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.

First 5 Ventura County encourages parents, caregivers, and community members to become champions of early literacy by taking at least five minutes each day to read with a young child. “Talking throughout the day with your young child, reading together, telling stories, and singing all help develop pathways in the brain that will later be used to recognize letters, read, and think critically,” Supervisor and First 5 Commissioner Matt LaVere added.

“We know that the first five years of life lay the foundation for success in school and life. For young children, early exposure to books is beneficial for long-term academic achievements,” said Health Care Agency Director and First 5 Commission Chair Barry Zimmerman. Studies have proven that when you talk, read, and sing to children starting at birth, you promote and support early language and literacy development.

Brain research shows that the prenatal period and first five years of a child’s life are critical for developing lifelong social, emotional and learning skills. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 (a tobacco tax) in 1998 which established First 5 county commissions throughout the state to improve health and education programs for children prenatal to 5 years.

For more than 25 years, First 5 Ventura County’s investment, expertise and leadership have made a significant, positive impact on early childhood in our community. F5VC’s early education and childhood development programs – Neighborhoods for Learning and Help Me Grow – strengthen families and help ensure Ventura County’s 55,000 children age 5 and younger reach their full potential. About First 5 Ventura County, www.first5ventura.org

CAPS digital storytelling summer program 2024

ECTV Students in Control room.

The CAPS Digital Storytelling summer program returns this year with week-long sessions July 15-19 and July 29-August 2 for students ages 10-14. Guided by experienced videographers and storytellers, the summer camp crews collaborate in teams of four or five to create their own video productions. The fast paced and engaging creative program features hands-on, experiential learning in all aspects of media storytelling including story development, scripting, casting, staging, directing, camera training with HD camcorders and smartphones, video composition, lighting, remote and in-studio production, graphic design, editing and more.

Each weeklong session runs Monday – Friday, from 8:30am to 1:00pm with class sizes limited to 10-12 students. The Digital Storytelling program is held at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road in Ventura, between Loma Vista and Telegraph, on the eastside of Ventura College. The weekly fee is $250 for the week and includes five 4-hour sessions, a one-year family membership at CAPS, a CAPS Crew Member shirt, graduation certificate and a special Friday night film festival for friends and family. The registration deadline is June 1. Go to capsmedia.org/digitalstorytelling to sign up.

Prior to the summer program CAPS crews will be busy with multiple productions including recording and live streaming ceremonies for Ventura College graduates and all of the VUSD High Schools graduates. The Ventura College graduation is on May 17 at 10am. The VUSD graduations are June 11 – 13. On Tuesday, June 11 ceremonies begin at 10am with El Camino High School, Pacific High School at 12:30pm, Foothill High School at 2:30pm and VACE at 5:30pm at Ventura College. Wednesday, June 12 is Buena High School’s ceremony beginning at 4pm at Buena. The Ventura High School graduation is to be held on Thursday, June 13 at 3pm at Ventura High. All graduations will be live streamed by CAPS on the day of the ceremonies and recorded for broadcast on CAPS channel 15 in the days and weeks that follow.

Recently CAPS launched ReCAPS, the special weekly series featuring storytellers throughout Ventura County. Every Monday night at 7pm a new edition of ReCAPS premieres on CAPS Channel 6 and streams online, with stories and histories by local storytellers sharing their personal journeys. Recent ReCAPS storytellers include Moses Mora, Adam Hart, Jake and Jenny Dilbeck, and Carlos Ortega. In the coming weeks ReCAPS will feature Luis Sanchez, Lucas Zucker, Regina Hatcher-Crawford, Jim and John Proctor, David Endaya, Dustin Gardner and many more.

Congratulations to Phil Taggart, one of CAPS Media’s many artists in residence, who, along with his Arts In Exile crew won a 2024 WAVE Award for excellence in community programming from the Alliance for Community Media’s Western region.

Everyone in the community is invited to visit the CAPS Media Center on the first Monday of each month at 6pm for informal introductions. The evening includes a tour of the CAPS studio, information on CAPS membership benefits, and a creative overview of media production from concept development through production. Everyone is encouraged to drop by and discover what CAPS has to offer.

CAPS Media manages and programs cable channels 6 (Public) and 15 (Education and Government), and CAPS Radio KPPQ in Ventura, and manages the CAPS Media Center, at 65 Day Road, which is open Tuesday – Thursday, 12p– 8pm. CAPS provides unlimited creative resources and expertise to everyone in Ventura.