Category Archives: Featured News

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Dispatcher Megann Williams as the Dispatcher of the Year.

The week of April 14-20, 2019 is recognized as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” bringing recognition to public safety dispatchers who are a vital part of the public safety team. These very special people are the voices that assure rapid response during emergencies. They play a critical role in coordinating first responders and lifesaving efforts.

During this week the Ventura Police Department formally acknowledge the dispatchers for their dedicated service. In 2018, public safety dispatchers and supervisors at the Ventura Police Department responded to more than 210,000 calls including 53,180 9-1-1 calls and every year that number grows. Public safety dispatchers are the lifeline that ensures the continued protection of police officers and the community members we serve. Day in, and day out, people depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the dispatchers who work in public safety communications.

Dispatchers respond quickly and professionally, they play a crucial role in providing an invaluable connection between emergency services and the people who need them. We are very thankful for our team of Ventura Police Public Safety Dispatchers. These essential personnel play a crucial role in our ability to assist community members in times of crisis.

“The Ventura Police Department celebrates the valuable contributions that our public safety dispatchers make in serving Ventura. We are fortunate to have such talented and dedicated professionals who work so hard to support our community during times of crisis,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “This year we recognize Dispatcher Megann Williams as our Dispatcher of the Year. Her positive attitude and ability to adapt easily to change exemplifies the many skills and values worthy of this special award. She shows compassion and professionalism to callers during very difficult calls.”

Public safety dispatchers undergo a rigorous testing and background process before being hired. Once hired, dispatchers attend a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Dispatcher Course. Their training then includes 6-12 months of on the job training. Even then, approximately 50 % of the dispatchers hired are not able to successfully complete the training program due to the unique demands and stress of the job. The ones that make it through the training program are unique in their ability to multi-task under stressful conditions.

Telecommunicators Week began in California in 1981 at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and quickly grew to become a national week of recognition. In 1991, Congress officially designated the second week of April as a time to recognize the critical role that dispatchers play in keeping our communities safe.

Jim Friedman’s new perspective on serving the Ventura people

“I like seeing results and I like to make people happy whenever possible.“

by Maryssa Rillo

Jim Friedman served as a member of the Ventura City Council from 1995-2002. He also served as mayor in 1998 and 1999. Now, 15 years later, Friedman is back and was reelected in 2018 to represent District 5.

According to Friedman, money is a bigger issue today than it was the first time he served. The break he had from serving on the Ventura City Council gave him the opportunity to gain a new perspective of the city and see what was going on from the outside in. Friedman said that with this new perspective he has been given the “opportunity to hit the ground coming.” I spoke with Friedman about his reelection and how he plans to execute the goals he has in place to serve the Ventura people.

Q: What are your major goals while serving District 5?

A: I ran on enhancing our basic core services which is: public safety (police and fire), fixing our streets, sidewalks and trimming our trees and/or replacing them. I spoke to hundreds of people, so I feel like I have a pretty good pulse at what the community, at least in District 5 want and they want what I was running on: enhanced essential core services.

My other goal is to help streamline our economic development process. Whether that means new businesses coming into town or businesses wanting to expand. I think there are way too many bureaucracies in our city and the city is at times too involved. There are simpler ways of doing things that the council can initiate if there is a will of the council to do that.

Q: Why do you think it is an important issue to help businesses in Ventura?

A: My biggest concern is that Ventura is becoming a retirement community that ultimately will not be able to afford itself. There are many young people who are born and raised here that will not be able to live here because there aren’t houses in a price range for them to afford.

How do you solve this issue? It’s simple, more money. We won’t be able to tax and fee ourselves into prosperity. The way I see it, it’s only going to come from economic development. That’s why I hope we have at least four members of the city council that believe that way, so we can start doing things to make it easier for people who are trying to do business in our city. We will all ultimately benefit from this through the increased revenues that we will get from them.

Q: How do you plan on making it easier for new businesses and current businesses wanting to expand in Ventura?

A: Businesses don’t know what the city’s expectations are of them. It seems like a never ending cycle and I know for a fact Ventura has gained a reputation of a city you want to stay away from because they’ll drive you crazy with these additional requirements, opposed from having a system set up where you know what you need to do from the very beginning and that can be changed. That will be the will of the council saying ‘city manager we need this streamlined. We have to change our reputation in the regent. We need to be known as being business friendly opposed to at times being very difficult to deal with.’

Q: What are your plans on executing your goal of enhanced public safety?

A: As far as I am concerned the number one priority is public safety. If you don’t feel safe in your community then you don’t have quality of life in your community. The only way we can deal with that is prioritizing the budget so that there are resources available to keep the community safe. We won’t be able to generate any real income by raising fees. That’s why I think economic development is going to be the absolute key to getting just about anything done in our city that we want to get done.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving Ventura City?

A: To be in a position to really be able to make a difference to the community. Whether that be a resident in District 5 or a resident/business owner anywhere throughout the city.

My task is to help solve a problem for a constituent or a resident and I really enjoy doing that. I like seeing results and I like to make people happy whenever possible.

Note: The Breeze also asked new council members Sofia Rubalcava and Lorrie Brown to also have and article in the Breeze but have not heard back from them. Hopefully we will.

18th Annual Festival of Talent showcases Ventura students, teachers and staff

Madhu Bajaj and Dr. Rice enjoyed the talents of Serena Ropersmith, Kelsa Ropersmith and Kamille Kada.

by Amy Brown

Talent is one of the Ventura Unified School District’s natural resources, as evidenced by this year’s much anticipated Festival of Talent event, “We Got The Beat”, on March 23rd. The show featured a range of dynamic performances, from a big production opening act featuring Ventura Unified School District faculty and staff, along with singing, dancing and specialty acts, to daring aerial trapeze performances. The event held at the Ventura High School auditorium and directed by Beverly and Kirby Ward, is the largest fundraising event for the Ventura Education Partnership (VEP), with 100% of proceeds donated to grants for individual teachers to enhance their curricula.

The audience was large and enthusiastic, and included many friends and families, and members of the school board, as well as the new VUSD Superintendent, Dr. Roger Rice. Each of the 22 performances, some of which included combinations of performances from students, teachers, and school district staff, had to pass a rigorous audition process to be selected for the show. “This year’s Festival of Talent was my first and I was blown away. The talent on stage was incredible and the production flawless,” said Dr. Rice. “The best part of the evening though was how strongly the community supported a program run by the Ventura Education Partnership to fund innovative units developed by teachers that will make education a more compelling experience for stunts.  I can’t wait for next year!”

Ventura Education Partnership is an all-volunteer nonprofit with a mission of connecting community resources to support and sustain innovation in education to benefit VUSD students. It has been providing grants since its inception in 1988, and in the past 10 years alone has provided more than $1.3 million in small grants to VUSD teachers. “VEPGrants provide teachers with amazing ideas a bit of funding needed to bring innovation to their classrooms. These innovations deeply engage students in their learning, promote collaboration and facilitate forward thinking. By supporting VEP, the community is investing directly in enriching the classroom experience for teachers and students,” said Madhu Bajaj, President, Ventura Education Partnership.

Some recent examples of VEPGrants include math and music students collaborating, exploring the intersection of STEAM employing skills in Science (Scientific Method), Technology (CAD software), Engineering (Design Process), Art (Music), and Mathematics (data, scale, symmetry, and ratio) at Anacapa Middle School. At Ventura High, a grant project featured the establishment of a course offered as an introduction to a career pathway in health and patient care careers, teaching biology standards using an emphasis in healthcare. A grant awarded at Lincoln Elementary School provided students with an opportunity to receive sensory input and movement as needed to increase focus, concentration, balance and performance in elementary school.

“Through the innovative projects students learn in an environment that places them at the center of their own learning. The classroom becomes a place for exploring new ideas collaboratively with their peers that stresses authentic learning in real world situations.  This type of teaching allows students to not just find the right answers but to find a variety of solutions that are relevant to the curriculum being presented,” shared Kathy Asher, Co-Vice President of Grants.

 

 

 

 

 

VPD helping children battling cancer

Ventura Police officers and K-9’s brought smiles to the young children.

The Ventura Police Department partnered with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and community members for an Easter Basket Drive for children battling cancer. More than 150 baskets were donated! 

Baskets were delivered to children and their siblings at the Ventura County Medical Center and also delivered to the homes of very sick children in Ventura. 

“This is the first year we have asked for community support of this effort. It was so incredible to have so much generosity from Ventura residents and businesses. Our goal was 40 baskets and we exceeded that number! The remaining baskets have been delivered to children at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” said Ventura Police Community Outreach Specialist Ashley Bautista. “These children are fighting for their lives and these baskets have brought them joy during such a trying time. I am so grateful that our community partnered with the police department to make these sweet kids feel so special.”

The Ventura Police Department collects toys throughout the year to keep the toy box filled for children being treated at the Ventura County Medical Center. Community members can call Ashley Bautista at 805-339-4317 or email [email protected] for more information. 

Local Venturan awarded third highest DOD Medal

Dennis Cam Kelsch received medal for gallantry against an armed enemy.

Ventura native, and 2008 graduate of Ventura High School was presented a Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Pooler, Georgia on April 9.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dennis Cam Kelsch, a Special Tactics operator assigned to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, was awarded the nation’s third highest medal for gallantry against an armed enemy of the U.S. in combat.

In addition to the SSM presentation, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Vincent Becklund, deputy commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, also awarded Kelsch with a Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Kelsch was honored for his role in securing the safety of his joint and partner force members during an operation against a high value target while serving as a joint terminal attack controller deployed with a U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment battalion during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in support of the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

While receiving accurate fires from the enemy and with no regard for his own personal safety, Kelsch exposed himself to danger in order to control airstrikes from an AC-130 gunship within 35 meters of his team’s position. He also coordinated an attack with precision guided 500lb bombs from two F-16’s and 105mm munitions from an AC-130.

Additionally, Kelsch willingly exposed himself to effective enemy fire to save the life of a wounded American teammate by dragging him to safety. While recovering his teammate, Kelsch was hit by hostile fire. Kelsch continued to control danger close strikes to neutralize all remaining threats to the assault force.

Special Tactics is the Air Force’s ground special operations force that leads personnel recovery, global access, precision strike missions and battlefield surgical operations.

Since 9/11, Special Tactics Airmen have received one Medal of Honor, nine Air Force Crosses and 44 Silver Star Medals. Tech. Sgt. Kelsch is the first Air Force TACP operator to be awarded the Silver Star for actions in combat during the last 10 years.

Coffee with a Cop

Photo by Michael Gordon

The community came together with Ventura Police Officers in a friendly, informal environment to discuss community issues, build relationships and enjoy a good cup of coffee for Coffee with a Cop which was held at the new Starbucks located at 4722 Telephone Road, on March 14.

 

YMCA Summer Camp is more than just child care

Leadership abilities that last a lifetime.

The Ventura Family YMCA is gearing up for another summer filled with adventure, laughter, and enriching the lives of the Y campers, parents and staff.

Summer Camp is more than just child care, Y camp creates a world of good where children find a sense of belonging, and parents are assured their child is safe and making new discoveries every day.

Y Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which recognizes that the YMCA facilitates summer camp programs that are committed to building a safe, nurturing environment for their children.

The memories, friendships, and skills from summer camp stay with a child long after back-to-school. While a child is free to play and explore at camp, they are also developing cognitive and social-emotional abilities.

“I was a bridesmaid in a wedding of a friend I met at Y Camp. We were campers, then camp staff together. I led her entire wedding party in a repeat-after-me song we learned while at Y Camp. It was a full circle moment.” Shianne Motter, former Y camper.

Play time with new friends is not time wasted. Summer Camp at the Y is structured with adventure, songs, sports, and crafts, which serve as powerful forms of self-discovery, and teachable moments.

The enrollment & registration process can be completed online for the first time this year, and camp is filling up at record speed. Make sure your camper does not miss out on the best summer ever at the Y. To register, visit: www.ciymca.org/camp

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA visit www.ciymca.org/venutra

Surfrider volunteers: Making a wave of difference in our community

Surfrider volunteers cleaning up Ormand Beach. Photo by Vince Kinsch.

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer

The Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, organizes activities, champions for policy change, and fights legal battles for our coasts.

Tuesday, April 2, Surfrider’s Ventura County Chapter will be holding its annual Core Volunteer Orientation and Chapter Meeting and Social from 6:30-8: 00 pm at Patagonia, 235 W. Santa Clara Street.  The event will feature food, drinks, and prizes for attendees.

“The purpose of this meeting is to get everyone psyched up for our busiest time of year – Earth Month and summer,” said Sadie L. Iverson, Vice-Chair Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter.  “The meeting will be interactive, and attendees will learn all about Surfrider’s mission as well as get the information and skills they need to take their volunteering to the next level.”

Volunteers of all ages and walks of life are welcomed into the Surfrider fold, the only requirements being an interest, or a passion for contributing to and helping to find solutions for the issues that impact our oceans, waves, and beaches.

“Our monthly chapter meetings usually feature a guest speaker, but for this meeting, we’ll be reviewing what it means to be a Surfrider volunteer,” said Iverson. “Chapter leaders will also share their stories and photos from previous events and talk about upcoming activities and projects.”

A few of the activities one can expect as a volunteer include beach cleanups and building and planting Ocean Friendly Gardens.

“We also have jobs that can be done from home, such as data entry,” continued Iverson.  “For those individuals on a schedule, we also have jobs like tabling and outreach at events. For those with more flexibility, we have activities like “Hold On To Your Butt,” ashcan patrol which involves assisting with the monitoring of the chapter’s ever-expanding network of ashcans (for cigarette butt disposal). We also need support in the areas of accounting, technology, HR, and fundraising efforts for the cause.”

If a community member has a volunteer idea that fits in with the Surfrider mission (found at surfrider.org), the organization will entertain that possibility..

“Our volunteers spend approximately three to twenty hours a month with us,” continued Iverson.  “Since all our chapters are local and grassroots-based, when someone volunteers with us, they’ll be working on issues facing us right here in Ventura County.”

In addition to helping the mission, volunteers also experience camaraderie with like-minded individuals and enjoy being part of a community of people that are working to make a difference in the sustainability of our community.

Upcoming Volunteer Events

OFG Installations – Projects to be determined shortly

Beach Cleanups – Monthly beach cleanups from California Street to Surfer’s Point are the fourth Saturday of every month except September (when the Chapter participates in the annual Coastal Cleanup Day). In addition to Ventura beaches, the chapter will be coordinating Oxnard beach cleanups.

The Ocean Friendly Restaurant Committee — Volunteers are needed to help visit Ventura County restaurants to speak with and encourage restaurant owners to become a part of this network of restaurants which foster community sustainability through environmentally-friendly practices.

The Blue Water Task Force — Volunteers are needed to be a part of a rapid response team which requires taking water samples after big storm events. There are also opportunities to assist with Surfrider Ventura County’s partnership with Foothill Technology High School. The high school program runs from November through March (weekly water testing) and volunteers would assist with tasks such as collecting water samples, teaching students to test the water samples, and reading results.

To volunteer with Surfrider Ventura County, contact [email protected].

If you have a sustainable story tip or event, message Maryann on Facebook.com/SustainabilityNowNews

New Social Services for Veterans added to Salvation Army Transitional Housing Facility

Senior Case Manager Jimmy Pete helps determine the eligibility of candidates for services at the facility.

by Amy Brown

The Salvation Army Family Service Center on Oak Street in Ventura has received a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and now has a new five bed section for transitional housing specifically for homeless veterans. The section now makes a total of 17 beds, in addition to the existing eight for men, and four for women in the large facility. The 24/7 center provides housing, three meals a day, case management, and healthcare benefits, all geared towards helping individuals make the transition from homelessness to a range of housing options in the area. The new veteran’s section was added in January of this year, and has been full ever since, according to Salvation Army Program Director Sandra Troxell. “It’s a great time to be a veteran—we’ve seen the most services ever offered during this time,” says Troxell. “Our organization is well connected with providers both in and out of the county, and we are accepting veteran candidates not just locally, but from all over the country.”

According to Troxell, most clients stay at the facility for an average of 90 days, although some emergency cases may only stay for 30. With the current area housing crisis, average local Ventura County rents are extremely high, availability is low, and many veterans have fixed incomes of only about $900 per month. Approximately 50 candidates for the transitional housing services come to the Oak Street facility per month to seek help. “Some are referrals, some just come and knock on the gate, and either way I sit down right down with them to see if they are eligible” says Jimmy Pete, Salvation Army Senior Case Manager. “Veteran candidates are provided with even more coordinated and streamlined efforts, including working with County Behavioral Health. Each vet gets six different types of workers on his or her case from both Los Angeles and Ventura.”

The facility’s team provides up to six months of case management after placements, to provide home visits, make sure that each client is doing well, and has no problems with landlords or neighbors. The center is also planning to recruit for a Housing Navigator position, to further interface and advocate for veterans after they are connected with landlords. Pete shares that those transitioning from homelessness to housing opportunities need coaching and retraining assistance. “We provide help with some things that many of us might take for granted, including hygiene and even how to use a day planner,” he says. “These are clients that might have at one point graduated from college, but now they are just beaten down from being homeless and need the support.”

Another new offering from the Family Service Center on Oak Street is for the community as a whole. The facility has a professional eye clinic, which is funded and partially staffed by volunteers from the Rotary Club and the Lion’s Club. The new weekly clinic hours are Tuesdays from 9am-11am and are open to the public, no questions asked, with a local optometrist providing free eye exams, glasses and other services. The public is encouraged to arrive early, as it is first come, first served and limited to the first six of seven cases each week.

“That is what I love about the Salvation Army,” shares Troxell. “It’s ever changing; the organization is able to see what the community needs, and has a great ability to adapt, ask what does the community need, and adjust to fill that gap.”

Ventura to host 1st Annual Walk For Kids

Hundreds of supporters are anticipated to come together in support of critically ill children and their families to help raise funds and awareness at the first-ever Ventura Walk for Kids. The fun, family-friendly 5k event aims to raise $125,000 for programs supporting families who are caring for a child with a serious injury or illness. All of the funds raised at Walk for Kids in Ventura will support the future Ronald McDonald Family Room at Ventura County Medical Center (scheduled to open in 2020).

To learn more about Walk for Kids, donate directly or register by starting or joining a team for $25, visit www.walkforkids.org/ventura. Registration Fee: Adults (18+), $25; Children are free.

Sunday, April 7, 7:00 a.m. Registration and Activities
8:15 a.m. Opening Ceremony
9:00 a.m. Walk for Kids Begins
San Buenaventura State Beach 901 San Pedro Street