Mary Joyce Ivers has been involved in public works for over 27 years.
On August 31, City of Ventura officials joined Deputy Public Works Director Mary Joyce Ivers in a virtual ceremony as she was sworn in as the President of the American Public Works Association (APWA). Affirmed by APWA’s more than 30,000 members, President Ivers will lead the organization for the 2020-2021 term.
“We are thrilled to have a President with one of the most impressive resumes in the industry,” said APWA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott Grayson, CAE. “As a key figure in APWA’s leadership, we will benefit from her vision, influence and creativity to successfully connect with and support our membership and communicate APWA’s Public Policy Priorities to Capitol Hill.”
Mary Joyce Ivers has been involved in public works for over 27 years. In 2019, she was promoted to Deputy Director overseeing operational activities for the City’s Public Works Department, which oversees a $100 million budget with a team of 91 employees. Prior to her current role, she spent 17 years as the City’s Fleet and Facilities Manager, where she was inducted into the 2018 Public Fleet Hall of Fame and recognized as the 2017 National Government Fleet Manager of the Year.
“Mary Joyce is a longtime Ventura resident who cares deeply for our community and has a career-long history of service excellence, innovation, and integrity,” said Ventura City Manager Alex D. McIntyre. “We are thrilled to have an enthusiastic, forward-thinking leader like Mary Joyce not only serve our City but represent Ventura on a national level. She will lead APWA to new levels of distinction.”
The City’s Public Works mission is to provide innovative solutions for Ventura’s infrastructure and environment. The City’s 2020-2026 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan contains 140 capital improvement projects totaling $700 million. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the department continues to deliver $57 million worth of projects this fiscal year.
To learn more about the City of Ventura’s award-winning Public Works Department, visit our website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/PublicWorks.
Familiar face to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.
After a months-long competitive search, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education has voted, 5-0, to hire VUSD’s current Chief Innovations Officer, Rebecca Chandler, as its new Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Ms. Chandler replaces Ms. Betsy George, who resigned from her position in June 2020. Ms. Chandler will begin as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services on October 1, 2020. In this new role, she will oversee various departments, including Budget & Finance, Facilities, Food and Nutrition Services, Payroll, Risk Management, and Transportation. Ms. Donna Rose, who has been serving as the Interim Assistant Superintendent, will continue to work to ensure a smooth transition occurs.
Since joining the VUSD team in 2019, Ms. Chandler has been highly effective in her current position, working to upgrade systems and structures at the District office and bringing in more than $5 million in support of Career Technical Education in VUSD. Ms. Chandler has accomplished all this while cultivating strong working relationships with District and site staff and community, local businesses, and industry leaders.
“In addition to her strong skill set and experience, Ms. Chandler is an innovative leader with a deep knowledge of teaching and learning. It will be a luxury to have someone guiding the allocation of resources who understands the programs they are meant to support. This has already paid huge dividends as she worked to support our transition to distance learning through her leadership of our implementation of Canvas, the District’s learning management platform,” stated Superintendent Dr. Roger Rice.
Ms. Chandler previously served in Oxnard Union High School District, VC Innovates at the Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura Community College, Simi Valley Unified School District, and in the private sector. In her various roles, she was instrumental in developing countywide standards-based curriculum, served as a leading expert in the realm of Career Technical Education, implemented numerous software platforms to streamline processes, managed budgets that included state and federal funding and monitoring, oversaw several extensive facilities upgrades and new construction projects and mitigated risk with every project.
“Ms. Chandler brings a great deal of knowledge in fiscal and purchasing management, teaching, facilities, risk management, and technology. She is a strong leader with a passion for doing what is best for students. She will make an excellent addition to our Executive Cabinet,” stated Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Dr. Jeff Davis.
The Ventura Breeze mourns the loss of one of our family. “Izzy” was the daughter of Ana Baker and stepdaughter of Jaimie Baker both part of our wonderful staff. The following was written by her parents.
It is with the greatest sorrow that we announce the passing of Isabella Mercedes Kress, our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend to so many. She is survived by her loving family: her parents Ana, Don, and Jamie; her siblings, Diego, Devin, Jack and Scarlett; grandmothers Carmen and Lucille; as well as many aunts and uncles and an extended family of her dear friends. She was known and loved by so many people from so many different walks of life including sports, music, dance, education, hospitality and her beloved culinary arts. Izzy loved life and lived it to the fullest in her short 22 years here on Earth. She was a truly special person― bright, passionate, fierce, funny, loving, and giving. She was all that a parent, sibling, or friend could ever ask for and more.
She left an indelible mark on the world through her love, loyalty, selflessness, intelligence, honesty, toughness, and incredible work ethic. She strived and succeeded in being among the best at everything she attempted. In grade school she distinguished herself early on as a star student, her talent shining through to high school where she was included in the Ventura High School Wall of Fame― a recognition given to only two or three students per year.
She loved to sing and perform at an early age and in high school she found a home in Company, the Ventura School District’s student show choir, ultimately becoming a prominent leader of the ensemble. She also distinguished herself as a member of the Track and Field team. Through her hard-work, loyalty and supportiveness of her teammates, she inspired coaches and teammates alike. Accordingly, she was voted captain of the track and field team during her senior year season.
Leaving home at the age of 18, she began her new life as an adult and absolutely thrived. She attended Cerritos Community College where she was recruited for the track and field throwing team. There, she mastered the shot put, hammer throw, and javelin and was a member of the 2017 CCCAA State Champion Falcon team. At the same time, she began to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a chef and teacher. She enrolled in the Culinary Arts Department, training in classical French cuisine. She graduated in 2019, earning her Associate in Arts Degree with Honors, along with a culinary certificate in professional cooking as well as professional baking and pastry.
Through tremendous hard work and determination, she maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, along with earning numerous academic and athletic awards. Transferring to California State University Long Beach as an English major, she continued her academic excellence, again maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She even went on to publish two books of poetry during her busy days of studying. As always, she impressed her instructors― so much so that she was recommended for and hired as an instructor for the Bellflower School District as a teacher of culinary arts in an after-school program. Combining her deep love of cooking and teaching, she spent her first year with one class, and was about to begin teaching two classes for her second year. Her path almost certainly would have led her back to the Cerritos College of Culinary Arts as a full-time instructor, her “dream job”.
Throughout high school and college she also worked, sometimes holding down two part-time jobs in addition to being a full-time student. Like everything else, she took great pride in her work. Quoting one of her many choir solos, she loved to say, “I give good service but I’m not servile.”
She loved all kinds of music and dance, especially salsa dancing. She loved sunflowers and Sinatra, eating, running and traveling. She loved boba and pizza, but could just as easily cook a multi-course Thanksgiving feast for 20. She loved tiny food, and tiny animals. She loved baking and trying and perfecting new recipes. She loved creating cookies and beautiful cakes and cupcakes for friends. She loved the world and the world loved her back. More than anything, she loved the people in her life; her mentors, co-workers, classmates, students, friends and family, each with a huge heart full of caring, empathy, and generosity.
Although she has been taken from this Earthly confine, her spirit now knows no boundaries. She is a child of the universe and will live on in our hearts, forever inspiring us, making us smile and lifting us to higher, better places. Her family takes comfort in the outpouring of love towards her.
In lieu of flowers and to continue her legacy of giving and teaching and to promote academic and creative excellence, a memorial scholarship in Izzy’s name is currently being established in Izzy’s name and in conjunction with Ventura High School. Please contact Heidi House at [email protected].
Memorial services were held on Saturday, September 5 for Izzy at Ventura Harbor Cove Beach, located at the end of Spinnaker Drive. Attendees received a sunflower to place in the water and accompany her as she departs to her final rest at sea.
“The Ventura Police Department is committed to the sanctity of life for all persons.”
Our Department has received questions from community members looking for information about the safety of our neighborhoods, our Department’s training procedures and protocols, and our response to the events taking place across our country.
“The Ventura Police Department is committed to the sanctity of life for all persons. Protecting life is also about standing for those whose voices have been silenced. Throughout history, protesting has helped advocate for change. The Ventura Police will ensure the safety of all, but we also ask that those who choose to protest, do so safely, peacefully, and in a lawful manner. Ventura Police Officers will be out over the next few days ensuring protests are safe while also protecting businesses, property, and residents from violence and those promoting destruction. The safety of our community is our top priority.”
Chief Darin Schindler is pleased to present the Ventura Police Department’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan. VPD is rooted in community policing with community partnerships and collaborative problem solving central to our efforts. Policing strategies that worked in the past are not always effective today. Innovation, technological advancements, and fostering a culture of open dialogue with our community is vital to our success moving forward.
“As your Police Chief, I am proud to lead and serve alongside our courageous and compassionate Ventura Police team,” said Chief Schindler. “Comprised of sworn officers, professional staff, and volunteers, there are more than 225 members of our team committed to serving you with the highest standards of performance, utilizing the best policing practices.
“The Ventura Police Department and its employees, professional staff and sworn alike, are committed to being responsive to community concerns, reducing crime, and maintaining safe neighborhoods for all residents,” said Chief Schindler. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing relationships with our Ventura residents, business owners, and local students while working with our community to problem solve and enhance the quality of life in our city.”
Read our complete Strategic Plan in English and Spanish here: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1053/Performance-Measures
If you’d like to reach out directly, please email [email protected]. As a community we are stronger when we stand together.
The Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS), formerly the Ventura Council on Aging, formed in 1975, is designated by the Ventura City Council as the representative organization of all seniors (50 and over) in the City of Ventura. The VCS board is comprised of senior volunteers who reside in the city, along with a non-voting City liaison appointed by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Partnerships Department. This group meets quarterly to consider and gather input on local issues important to seniors. The VCS is responsible for making recommendations on these issues to the Ventura City Council.
Meetings
You are invited to participate in the Ventura Council for Seniors board meetings during the member/public communications segment of our agenda. Your concerns are our agenda!
Next Meeting: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings have been postponed until further notice.
Contact us at: 805-648-3035
Or visit: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/vcs
Or write to:
Ventura Council for Seniors
c/o City of Ventura
501 Poli St. Room 226
Ventura, CA 93001
Each year, California Coastal Cleanup Day welcomes more than 70,000 volunteers who pick up hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash and recyclables from beaches, lakes, and waterways. The 3rd Saturday of September has been California Coastal Cleanup Day since 1985! The event brings awareness to the marine litter problem and provides a way for community members to become directly involved in caring for their local environment and natural resources.
This marks the 35th annual event, however, due to health and safety orders, the state event organizers, the California Coastal Commission, and local organizers, the Ventura County Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways, have made some adjustments. Instead of a organizing a volunteer event, these groups are encouraging the Ventura County community to get out and clean up their local “happy places” every Saturday in September in celebration of the annual event.
This means beach cleanups start at our own front doors. Trash can travel through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become beach pollution. Consider joining every Saturday in September to help clean the beach by cleaning up in our own neighborhoods and local natural areas. Follow the Ventura County Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways on social media for safety tips and ways to win prizes for photo contest submissions and more!
Learn more at www.vccoastcleanup.org. Or follow on Facebook @Ventura County Annual Coastal Cleanup Day and Instagram @VCCoastCleanupDay.
Ready To Go Solar? Solarize is Back.
Many of us are spending more time at home lately, so it’s no surprise that home improvement projects are booming. If you’ve considered adding home solar or battery systems in the past, now may be the perfect time to take the leap.
CEC’s Solarize Ventura County is a program that makes it easier and more affordable for local homeowners to go solar. We use a group purchasing model and pass the savings on so that homeowners can install solar electricity and battery storage systems at a discounted price through a streamlined and hassle-free process. Previous Solarize Ventura County programs have already helped 225 homeowners go solar.
Please join CEC and Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance in celebrating Clean Air Day at our Solarize Webinar on October 7th to learn more.
A day cooling off at the Ventura beach 1906 style.
MERITO Foundation’s students learn about wetland habitat restoration at the Kalorama Wetland.
We now know the risk of contracting coronavirus diminishes when masked gatherings occur outside (The New York Times). We also know children learn more science, care more for their environment, and are happier when learning outdoors. We are launching the Marine Science After School Beach Camps to increase the opportunities for local youth to participate in meaningful learning outdoor experiences that won’t be available to them through distance learning.
The MERITO Foundation has instructed over 18,000 students during the last five years in our region’s coastal environments, such as local watersheds, beaches, and estuaries. Our bilingual and knowledgeable staff will provide your child with a fun and memorable experience while they explore our coast.
The Marine Science After School Beach Camp is a weeklong program for 9 to 12 years olds. Your child will be engaged in hands-on science and stewardship activities while allowing for social distance. They will learn about habitat restoration, wetland ecology, ocean science, animal classification, and have fun with ocean-themed games and art. Children will explore the coast through field-based activities such as habitat restoration, scientific monitoring of sand crabs, shorebirds, beach topography, and stewardship activities such as beach cleanups. The program will run Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, starting on August 31, 2020. Please check meritofoundation.org/afterschoolbeachcamp for available dates and to enroll online.
This is a fully outdoor program that will take place at Buenaventura State Beach by the Kalorama Wetland, south of the Ventura pier. Registration costs $190 per week per child, and parents get 10% discount when they enroll siblings. A limited number of scholarships are available based on economic needs. Each instructor will work with a maximum of 8 students, and children will stay in the same groups throughout the week to reduce the chance of virus transmission.
All our Beach Camps have strict COVID-19 prevention rules and protocols in place to keep youth and instructors safe. You can find out more about our COVID-19 prevention measures on the program’s webpage.
The MERITO Foundation is also launching a full-day Marine Science Fall Beach Camp that will take place during the week of October 26 – 30, 2020. Registrations are now open for both programs.
This program could result in a myriad of academic, social, and health benefits for participants, especially during distance learning. Environmental education programs in informal settings increase knowledge and understanding of how human actions contribute to environmental issues. Youth also demonstrate better attention and longer retention of skills when learning takes place in outdoor environments. Exposure to nature through these programs enhances learners’ cognitive functioning, self-discipline, and character development. In addition, there are numerous physical and mental health benefits from spending time in the outdoors. Learn more and enroll your child at www.meritofoundation.org/afterschoolbeachcamp
This program was organized in partnership with California State Parks- Channel Coast District and California Coastal Conservancy.
Brandishing homemade signs they asked passers-by to honk their horns in support. Photo by Richard Lieberman
by Richard Lieberman
Relatives of unsolved murder cases in Ventura held a demonstration and vigil on the lawn of Ventura Government Center. Among the demonstrators unsolved cases one dates to 1974. Brandishing homemade signs asking passers-by to honk their horns in support. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children of murder victims tried to raise public awareness of the plight of their loved ones.
Sheila Kamara the spokesperson for the group said “We are protesting to get unsolved murders solved. We are trying to get the city to hire more detectives who can focus on unsolved murders.” Her son Arnold Kamara was murdered March 16, 2016 by unknown assailants, Arnold was at home on that fateful Sunday evening and there was an argument and he was shot, they shot him in the leg and the bullet hit an artery and killed him , there has been little progress in the case. Kamara also added “They know who it did, but they need more information, so they need to get those resources out here to work on these cases.”
Asked about the support of other organizations on the plight of parents of murdered children, she said “Parents of Murdered Children group, I attend those meetings and I guess that is what gives me support and they support us and that is what gives me hope.”
She sees the hiring of additional detectives as imperative to the solving of these yet unsolved cases. She thinks new detectives will bring more light to the cases, “They are going to take information and they are all going to go about in their own way, and I think they could solve all of them if they just worked on them and got out onto the streets and make people kind of talk, “she said. “The police are doing okay, they just don’t have the resources to focus on these cases,” she added.
Kamara does call the police from time to time to get progress reports on her son’s case, but police sources have consistently denied her requests for information. “I don’t call much anymore because they can’t give me the information, so it just kind of brings me down,” Kamara added. “I just feel like I don’t want to bother them right now because of the Corona Virus,” added kamala
Asked about what she thought the police should do to make more progress on the cases, she replied “I think the police are doing a great job, they just need help, and more resources. Maybe they could get retired cops and district attorneys to come in and help with this.”
Kamara did present her son’s case to the city council, but no action has been contemplated or taken. She still writes and emails council members in hopes of getting some response.
“I want them to get out there (the police) and do undercover work, because these murderers are still walking around,” she added. “I also am offering a $25,000 reward for information on the killing,” she said.
Three weeks ago, the group demonstrated in front of Ventura City Hall and intends to do so again, they also intend to demonstrate at government center again.
Estelle Collinge of Ventura, will appear in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, September 12, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square Video presentation. The featured photographs highlight children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome, reminding the world in a very big way about the contributions and milestones of people with Down syndrome. These collective images promote the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
“This video is a terrific way to showcase some of the incredible individuals with Down syndrome living in our communities across the country,” says NDSS President & CEO Kandi Pickard. “It is something the community looks forward to every year.”
The Times Square Video presentation kicks off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The video presentation will be followed by the New York City Buddy Walk, which will take place virtually due to COVID-19. Buddy Walk events will be held virtually in more than 150 cities across the country, as well as select international locations, this fall with over 325,000 people participating around the globe. For information about the NDSS Buddy Walk Program, visit www.buddywalk.org or call 800-221-4602.
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS programming includes the National Advocacy & Policy Center, which seeks to create systemic change through engaged advocacy; the National Buddy Walk® Program, which honors and celebrates individuals with Down syndrome in local communities across the world, and other programs that provide support, informational resources and community engagement opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who love and support for them. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS programs and resources.
“Sustainability is a major initiative at Ventura Harbor.”
Five new electric vehicle charging stations support EV drivers
The Ventura Port District has installed five new SemaConnect charging stations for Ventura Harbor visitors. The new Series 6 charging stations replace a pair of charging stations previously installed at Island Packers and are open to all plug-in EV drivers that visit the harbor.
The five new SemaConnect stations are installed at Ventura Harbor Village and Harbor Cove Beach parking, 1691 Spinnaker Dr. and 1860 Spinnaker Dr. respectively. The durable Series 6 charging stations are designed for the outdoors and replace old equipment previously installed outside Island Packers. With interactive LED lights, smart card authentication, and network connectivity, the new ENERGY STAR-certified stations help reduce emissions in Ventura. Using the SemaConnect Network, station administrators can view station usage, energy consumption, and carbon-offset reports – perfect for the Port District’s year-end sustainability reporting.
“Sustainability is a major initiative at Ventura Harbor,” said Brian Pendleton, general manager at Ventura Harbor. “We’ve seen an increase in visitors with electric vehicles in the last few years, and we’re excited about the addition of our new SemaConnect stations. We wanted to make sure that our new equipment could withstand sea air and charge all present and future EVs that visit the harbor. We’ve already seen some EV drivers charging at our new charging stations, and we look forward to welcoming Californians back to Ventura Harbor.”
“SemaConnect is honored to be the Ventura Port District’s choice for electric vehicle charging stations,” said Georgette Cardona, national sales director at SemaConnect. “With fewer people driving this summer, many commercial properties and public agencies nationwide are updating their infrastructure and installing new smart EV charging stations. The Ventura Port District is setting an example for other marinas, retailers, and harbors with their new SemaConnect smart stations. We look forward to supporting EV drivers at Ventura Harbor.”
At Ventura Harbor’s new SemaConnect charging stations, drivers have the most options for starting a charge. In addition to a smart card, drivers can start a charge using the SemaConnect app, online portal, 1-800 automated phone system, or Pay With Plugshare. The stations have a $1 plug-in fee plus a $0.17 per kWh energy fee. After four hours, drivers are charged an additional $1 per hour. Live station status, locations, and pricing details can be found on the SemaConnect or PlugShare mobile applications.
