Shawna Morris, CEO of Casa Pacifica (left) and Bree Dervishian (right)

Innovative Project Expands Housing and Therapeutic Support for At-Risk Youth in Ventura County

Casa Pacifica, the largest nonprofit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, celebrated the grand opening of its new supportive housing for transitional age youth (ages 18-25) on September 13. The new housing is one of the first in Ventura County to address the needs of young adults who are transitioning from public systems such as foster care or juvenile justice or who are at a high risk of homelessness.

The event, which drew notable government and community leaders, advocates, and supporters, was a resounding success. Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Executive Officer, emphasized the critical need for housing and mental health services for youth leaving out-of-home (foster) care. The partnership between Ventura County and Casa Pacifica has been instrumental in making this supportive housing project a reality. Through collaborative efforts, the program provides not only housing but also vital mental health and therapeutic services, ensuring that vulnerable youth have the comprehensive support they need to transition successfully into independent adulthood.

“We were honored to share this extraordinary moment in our agency’s history with our longtime supporters including our Board, volunteers, and our project and community partners,” said Shawna Morris, MPA, CEO of Casa Pacifica. “Together, we’re creating a stable foundation for these young adults as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”

Among the event’s distinguished speakers were:

Bill Kearney, former Casa Pacifica Board President and philanthropist, who commended the organization’s longstanding commitment to helping youth.

Viany Lopez, Ventura County Supervisor, District 5, who emphasized the county’s support for expanding housing solutions for at-risk youth.

Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember, 42nd District, who highlighted the role of legislation and community support in addressing housing insecurity.

Louis Buldain, Trustee of the William and JoAnne Miller Charitable Trust, whose foundation has been instrumental in supporting Casa Pacifica’s vision for the future.

Shawna Morris, MPA, CEO of Casa Pacifica, spoke to the transformative impact that the new housing will have on young adults seeking stability and independence.

Perhaps the most moving remarks came from Bree Dervishian, a Casa Pacifica success story. The 21-year-old lived on Casa Pacifica’s Camarillo campus and received supportive services through the agency’s Transitional Youth Services (TYS) program. Bree shared her journey through the foster care system, her experience with being homeless and what she hopes for her future. She recently obtained her driver’s license and hopes to one day serve as a youth advocate.

“After I became homeless, Casa Pacifica and my care team was there for me,” said Bree. “It’s really amazing how the staff here is so supportive and helpful. Casa Pacifica is like family.”

Casa Pacifica’s new supportive housing reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing the critical needs of at-risk youth in Ventura County. The new housing expands capacity from 10 to 27 beds, nearly tripling the number of young adults Casa Pacifica can support. With expanded capacity and comprehensive on-site services, including case management, education and job development and life skills training, the supportive housing offers young adults the stability and support they need to thrive as they transition into independence. The strong partnership between Casa Pacifica, the County of Ventura, and local advocates ensures that vulnerable youth will continue to receive the care and resources they deserve for years to come.

To learn more about Casa Pacifica’s supportive housing program, visit www.casapacifica.org/transitional-housing

by Patricia Schallert

A gasoline leak in Ventura’s Pierpont neighborhood prompted an emergency response from Ventura Water and the Ventura Fire Department after reports of elevated hydrocarbon vapor levels on September 19. Crews discovered an unknown substance seeping into the sewer system on Monmouth Way, later confirmed by the EPA as gasoline.

“The leak was traced to underground facilities at the Sinclair gas station on 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. While the leak was contained, authorities continue investigating its impact on the sewer system and surrounding environment.

On September 22, officials issued an evacuation order for residents on Bayshore Avenue south of Peninsula, affecting about 150 people. An evacuation warning extended to the entire Pierpont neighborhood south of Seaward Avenue, affecting over 4,000 residents. The evacuation was lifted by late afternoon after vapor levels were successfully reduced.

Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington reported ongoing sewer bypass operations to stabilize the system and venting operations to reduce vapor buildup. By September 26, the contaminated gasoline was removed from the site, and petroleum gas was pumped from the water table, ensuring no further contamination would affect the sewer system.

Efforts continue to monitor and mitigate any lasting effects of the leak on the environment and infrastructure.

Love VC, Inc. and Title Sponsor Greg Abrams of American Pacific Mortgage proudly presents the third annual “Love Ventura – City Wide Day of Service”. The 2024 day of service kicks off October 5th with over 20 different opportunities for the community to rally together to better and beautify our city. The event starts off with a morning kickoff at Plaza Park, in downtown Ventura. volunteers will get ready for their volunteer project as they gather their Love Ventura t-shirt, breakfast sponsored by Chick-fil-A, Kalorama coffee and Earth Kandee and energized by photo opportunities, music by DJ Jon D, can visit vendor row and collect some swag for the day, and be entered to win one of several gifts provided by local businesses. This is an exciting way to see the magnitude of volunteerism provided to show our city some love – all in one day!

The day is focused on connecting, giving and serving with collaboration at the core. The city of Ventura has a wide array of non-profits, individuals and organizations that provide services to the community, that it only makes sense to highlight, promote and partner with them! Volunteers can find all opportunities at www.loveventura.org Love VC, Inc. is proud to bring Love Ventura to the city as an annual day of service, providing projects that range in both difficulty and function, making it possible for all ages, abilities and desires to participate – from manual labor and beautification projects, to painting and cleaning, and encouragement projects that work directly with people.

• Additional details include: Love Ventura is held on October 5, 2024
• Morning kickoff at Plaza Park (Thompson Blvd/Fir St) from 8:00-9:45am
• Service Projects run from 10am to 1pm
• Volunteers are asked to pre-register for their desired project at www.loveventura.org
• Project Partners – Bike Ventura, CalVet Home of Ventura, Downtown Ventura Partners, Kids and Families Together, Lemon Grove School, Pier into the Future, Pierpont Elementary, Restore Ventura, Ronald McDonald Family Room, Surfrider Foundation, Tenderlife Maternity Home, The City Center, The River Community, Ventura Family YMCA, Ventura Forward, Ventura Grand Chateau, Ventura Land Trust
• Title Sponsor – Greg Abrams of American Pacific Mortgage
• Platinum Sponsors – Brightview Landscape, KB Home
• Premier Sponsors – Downtown Ventura Partners, Elite Window Tint, And Rotary Club Of Ventura
• Supporter Sponsors – Aera Energy, Downtown Ventura Partners, Lucy Oliveira Realtor®, Rotary Club East Ventura, VCCU And Ventura Police Community Foundation
• Friend Sponsor – Zara Wells – Speech Therepy
• Project Supporter – Barrelhouse 101, Target On Main
• Water Sponsor – Seaside Realty
• Kickoff Sponsors – Amigo Rentals, Chick-Fil-A Of Ventura, Earth Kandee, Kalorama Coffee
• Marketing Sponsor – Ventura Auto Center

To Learn More About Event Host Love VC, Inc. – Visit www.Lovevc.Net

Love Vc, Inc. Has The Sole Focus Of Inspiring Our Community To Love Each Other Through Connecting, Giving And Serving. Contact Information: Sarah Abrams Co-Founder [email protected] Find Us On FB And IG Love Vc, Inc @Loveventuracounty Love Ventura @Love.Vta

VCF Acting Captain Will Nackers, Climb organizer.

by Patricia Schallert

The 9/11 Stair Climb event at the Crowne Plaza Ventura stood as a powerful tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and memory of the first responders and victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Held on September 7th, this year’s memorial coincided with Ventura’s hottest day of the year, adding another layer of challenge for participants honoring the fallen.

Firefighters from across Ventura County, along with SWAT teams, police officers, and family members, came together to climb 121 flights of stairs—equivalent to 11 laps—at the Crowne Plaza. Each firefighter, fully suited in their gear, mirrored the heroic efforts of the first responders who climbed the Twin Towers that fateful day.

This deeply meaningful event brought the Ventura community together in unity and remembrance, while also raising awareness for local charities that support first responders and their families. Participants shared personal stories from that tragic day, ensuring that the bravery and sacrifices of those who perished remain alive in the collective memory. The Stair Climb continues to serve as a tribute to the courage, resilience, and enduring spirit of those who lost their lives.

Joe Booth, Executive Director of the Firefighter Association, highlighted the involvement of 100 volunteers in the stair climb and led a moment of silence in honor of firefighter Dustin Roberto, who tragically passed away from cancer—a concern that deeply affects the firefighting community. The Ventura Fire Foundation remains committed to supporting firefighters and their families, providing vital assistance during times of need.

The event was proudly hosted by the Crowne Plaza Ventura, the Ventura City Honor Guard, and the Ventura Fire Foundation. It was presented by Edison International, which generously donated $5,000 to the Ventura Fire Foundation, along with a contribution from the Gene Haas Foundation. These donations were made to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters and 60 police officers who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

All funds raised from the event will benefit the Ventura Fire Foundation’s programs supporting local fire families. For more information, visit www.venturafirefoundation.org

As the 2024 election season approaches, CAPS Media is taking an active role in informing voters through a series of projects. On Thursday, September 12, CAPS crews recorded the candidate forum for Ventura City Council and Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) representatives. The event, hosted by David Maron and organized by the Ventura County League of Women Voters, was held at Cabrillo Middle School.

The forum featured candidates running for City Council in Districts 2, 3, and 7, as well as VUSD board members for Area 2. The candidates for District 2 include Doug Halter and Naz Madaen. For District 3, candidates are Heather Mae Ellinger, Clint Garman, Maricela Reyes, William Cornell, and Ryyn Schumacher. In District 7, the candidates are Erik Eiser, Mario “Alex” Mangone, and Brennan. VUSD board member candidates for Area 2 include James Markas, Sabrena Rodriguez, and David Norrdin.

The complete forum program will be aired on CAPS Media Channel 6 on the following dates:

• Thursday, Sept 19 @ 6pm
• Friday, Sept 20 @ 8pm
• Saturday, Sept 21 @ 10am
• Sunday, Sept 22 @ 8pm
• Monday, Sept 23 @ 11am
• Tuesday, Sept 24 @ 9am
• Wednesday, Sept 25 @ 7pm
• Thursday, Sept 26 @ 5pm
• Friday, Sept 27 @ 9pm
• Saturday, Sept 28 @ 10am

In addition to recording the forum, CAPS will also produce individual candidate statements for both Ventura City Council and VUSD board candidates. These statements, recorded at the CAPS studio, will air on CAPS Channel 6 leading up to the election on November 5 and will also be available for candidates to use in their own campaigns.

On Thursday, September 19, CAPS Crews will record and live stream Mayor Joe Schroeder’s final “State of the City” address. With his term concluding later this year, the mayor will provide updates on Ventura’s progress and future outlook. This presentation will be broadcast on CAPS Channel 6 and available for streaming on capsmedia.org throughout the month. For specific air dates and times, visit the CAPS website and use the search function to locate the program.

As election day approaches, ballots are scheduled to be mailed to registered voters starting October 7. Voters can drop off their ballots at numerous drop boxes throughout Ventura County, including one located at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road. For more election information, visit the Ventura County Clerk’s website.

For those interested in learning more about CAPS Media and CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.1 FM, monthly orientations are held on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. The one-hour overview includes a tour of the CAPS production studio and radio station, plus information on membership benefits. Residents of Ventura County or members of nonprofits are encouraged to join the CAPS Creative Community and explore the opportunities available.

For more information, visit capsmedia.org.

Gross solid removal device installed by Caltrans, treating stormwater captured by two Ventura County Public Works catch basins in Saticoy. Photo by Hayley Luna

by David Goldstein, Ventura County PWA

This year, volunteers participating in Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 21, might encounter less litter along the shores than in previous years. Mechanical devices designed to capture trash from stormwater systems are preventing debris from flowing through storm drains and into waterways, helping keep beaches cleaner.

In a collaborative effort, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and the Ventura County Public Works Agency recently installed a “gross solid removal device” to treat runoff from 41 acres in Saticoy, according to Hayley Luna, a manager with the Ventura County Public Works Agency. Similar systems have been installed by Ventura County Public Works in 136 catch basins across sites like Medea Creek, Lindero Creek, Revolon Slough/Beardsley Wash, and the Ventura River Estuary.

Local cities are also stepping up by complying with the California Statewide Trash Amendment, regulations adopted in 2015 by the State Water Resources Control Board to reduce trash in state waters. These rules require cities and counties to prevent trash from entering stormwater systems that drain into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. “All of the Stormwater Permittees within the County are installing trash capture devices within catch basins,” said David Laak, a Ventura County Public Works manager overseeing the Countywide Stormwater Program. The deadline for full capture device installation in all applicable catch basins is 2030.

Despite these efforts, past Coastal Cleanup events have not shown a significant decrease in the volume of collected litter. This could be because much of the trash gathered—like cigarette butts, food wrappers, and plastic utensils—originates from beachgoers. The amount of litter collected may be more influenced by the number and enthusiasm of volunteers than by upstream collection devices.

Volunteers can participate in this year’s Coastal Cleanup Day by visiting the websites of the Ocean Conservancy or the California Coastal Commission, where they can select a site, read specific instructions, and pre-register for some locations. A waiver of liability is also available online, which volunteers must present at official cleanup sites.

While official sites offer perks like t-shirts, stickers, snacks, and water, volunteers are also encouraged to participate independently by using the Clean Swell app to log the types of litter they collect. Many experienced participants bring their own reusable gloves and buckets to reduce the need for disposable supplies.

This year, the Ventura County Resource Conservation District (RCD) has taken the lead in organizing Ventura County’s cleanup efforts. “We at the RCD felt that it aligned with our core values of conserving natural resources, and our goal to inspire stewardship in current and future generations of Ventura County residents,” explained Heidi Ortloff, the district’s Conservation Education and Outreach Coordinator. The RCD also coordinates two county watershed planning groups, the Ventura River Watershed Council and the Santa Clara River Watershed Committee. For more information on how to participate, visit www.vccoastcleanup.org.

David Goldstein is an Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency. He can be reached at (805) 658-4312 or [email protected].

Channel Islands Wildlife Dying in Set Gillnets and Research Expedition to Protect Biodiversity

Stronger action is needed to clean up one of California’s dirtiest fisheries

by Oceana

The California Fish and Game Commission failed to address the high rate of discarded ocean animals — like sea lions, seabirds, sharks, and other fish — in the state’s set gillnet fishery. In a 3-2 vote, the Commission went against its Marine Resources Committee members and adopted weak fishery regulations that will continue to put California’s ocean biodiversity at risk.

The regulatory package the Commission voted on during its August 14 meeting included three management measures: setting maximum soak times for nets; setting net height; and requiring gear marking. In particular, changing the maximum soak time could have reduced the number of animals killed by this fishery.  Soak time, or service interval, is the amount of time set gillnets are fishing just off the ocean floor. The longer these set gillnets, stretching up to 20 football fields in length (or 6,000 feet) are passively fishing on the ocean floor, the more animals that die.  A 24-hour service interval would have reduced the mortality of incidentally entangled wildlife by 22-33%. Instead of taking the opportunity to reduce wildlife mortality caused by the nets — with minimal impacts to the fishing fleet — by reducing soak times to 24-36 hours, the Commission enshrined the status quo in regulation, allowing set gillnets to remain in the water for 48 hours. The soak time adopted by the Commission runs counter to the recommendation from the Commission’s own Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) for a soak time of less than 48 hours to reduce mortality of dozens of species of ocean animals. Similarly, the Commission voted to maintain the current net height.

Additionally, the Commission adopted insufficient gear marking for the nets, creating a harmful precedent that may perpetuate the issue of unknown gillnet entanglements. Often when whales are entangled, the origin of the gear remains unknown because very little gear is uniquely marked. Whale entanglement sightings have increased across fisheries along the West Coast over the last several years, and robust fishing gear marking is an important part of reducing these incidences. If fishery managers know exactly which gear is entangling whales, they can adjust fisheries to reduce interactions. In this case the Commission voted to mark the gear with a simple tracer-line, or streamer, every 120 feet on the top line of the gillnet, leaving most of the gear unmarked and not able to be uniquely identified.

In 2018, the Department and independent scientists determined that the set gillnet fishery poses the highest risk to ocean ecosystems of all state managed fisheries. The Commission’s actions follow years of work by the Commission’s Marine Resource Committee, Department, Oceana and other environmental groups, wildlife rescue centers, and sport fishermen to instate management that could have resulted in tangible protections for wildlife in one of California’s dirtiest fisheries.

“The California Fish and Game Commission missed the mark by failing to implement reasonable measures to reduce injury and death to ocean wildlife in one of California’s most harmful gear-types,” said Caitlynn Birch, Oceana’s Pacific Marine Scientist. “Set gillnets pose threats to the recovery of protected and previously overexploited species such as great white sharks, depleted giant seabass, and tope sharks. Californians have already established they don’t want these nets off our coast and this fishery is among the only California fisheries now on Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Red List. Yet, the Commission voted not to select a commonsense measure that could have reduced the injury and mortality of countless animals in these nets. Our fisheries must be managed with a precautionary approach, true to the sustainability standards of the state’s guiding fishery management law that protects biodiversity and supports healthy and resilient ecosystems.”

“Impacts to ocean life from the set gillnet fishery in Southern California’s waters have been out-of-sight, out-of-mind for far too long,” said Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura). “Current practices are simply not sustainable.  It’s time to broaden the protections in place for ocean life from the impacts of set gillnets. The Channel Islands are ecologically and culturally significant.  We benefit from its biodiversity and beauty, and it is under threat. California must continue to lead on sustainable fishing practices for all who enjoy and make a living from our ocean.”

Background

Set gillnets are used to catch California halibut and white seabass and have the highest bycatch rates of any California fishery by number of animals, catching more than 100 different species such as vulnerable sharks and marine mammals. California set gillnets were originally banned in Northern California waters back in 1915 due to bycatch concerns. California voters passed Proposition 132 in 1990 due to continued bycatch concerns, which prohibited the use of set gillnets within state waters off the Southern California mainland (0-3 nautical miles) and within one mile of offshore islands. In the late 1990s, scientists discovered set gillnets were also killing an alarming number of federally protected marine mammals and seabirds. In response, the California Fish and Game Commission banned the use of these nets off the Central California Coast in 2002. Due to the complexities of these various actions, most Californians are unaware that while set gillnets are banned in state waters off the Southern California mainland (0-3 nautical miles), they are still being used in federal waters, offshore banks, and in state waters from 1-3 nautical miles around California’s Channel Islands, with continued high rates of bycatch.

Set gillnets are the only fishery allowed to incidentally catch and sell great white sharks and giant seabass. These nets also entangle gray whales and endangered humpback whales migrating along the California coast. Last month, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program downgraded the California white seabass set gillnet fishery to its Red List due to bycatch and management concerns, urging businesses and consumers to avoid white seabass or yellowtail caught with set gillnets. More selective hook and line fishing methods are already well-established for catching California halibut and white seabass that have significantly less bycatch and yield higher prices for fish considered better quality seafood than gillnet caught fish.

For more information visit www.oceana.org/keepCAoceansthriving

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) has announced the launch of a community-driven campaign to rename its newest preserve, currently known as Mariano Rancho Preserve. The 1,645-acre property, located in the hillsides behind the City of Ventura, holds significant importance to the organization, as it was the acquisition of this land in early 2020 that inspired the founding of VLT.

Since acquiring Mariano Rancho, VLT has focused on raising funds to pay off the acquisition loan and preparing the preserve for its public opening in 2025. A major milestone was achieved in 2022 when Assemblymember Steve Bennett secured $7.2 million in state funding to support these efforts.

In anticipation of its public debut, the preserve is undergoing extensive evaluation and improvement. Biological studies are being conducted across the property to guide decisions on public access and ecological restoration, including the placement of trails, trailheads, restoration projects, and parking facilities.

“As a science-based organization, we are committed to making informed decisions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the preserve,” said VLT Executive Director Melissa Baffa. “We plan to manage this land in perpetuity, and the choices we make now must be scientifically sound to protect the preserve and the land trust’s mission for generations to come.”

With the future in mind, the naming of the preserve has become a focal point of the organization’s efforts.

“We believe the preserve’s name should reflect cultural and historical relevance, inclusivity, and be worthy of its place in perpetuity,” Baffa explained. “While ‘Mariano’ may indeed be the right name, we want to give our community the opportunity to contribute to this decision, as the chosen name will resonate throughout Ventura forever.”

The renaming campaign will unfold in phases. The first phase, now open, invites community members to submit up to three name suggestions per person. Nominations will be accepted through the end of October. VLT’s Board of Trustees will then review the submissions and select the top names for a final round of voting in December. The new name will be revealed in February, aligning with Ventura Land Trust’s anniversary.

To participate in the nomination process, visit the Ventura Land Trust website. Each individual may submit one nomination form with up to three name suggestions. Forms with incorrect contact information or exceeding the one-form-per-person limit will be excluded from consideration. The final decision rests with the Ventura Land Trust Board of Trustees.

For more information, visit: www.venturalandtrust.org/marianoranchopreserve/renaminge.