Category Archives: Featured News

Ethan McKinley selected as Channel Islands National Park Superintendent

McKinley has more than 12 years’ experience with the National Park Service.

The National Park Service has selected Ethan McKinley to serve as the next superintendent of Channel Islands National Park. McKinley has been serving as the park’s acting superintendent since July, following the June retirement of Superintendent Russell Galipeau.

“Ethan is one of the few National Park Service superintendents who has experience building a new national park from the ground up,” said Stan Austin, regional director for the National Park Service’s Pacific West Region. “With this unique perspective and his passion for building strong relationships with community stakeholders, I am confident he is the right fit for Channel Islands.”

McKinley has more than 12 years’ experience with the National Park Service. He comes to Channel Islands National Park from First State National Historical Park in Delaware, where he has been the superintendent since 2015.

“I am fascinated by the rich diversity of wildlife and human history represented within Channel Islands National Park,” said McKinley. “The Islands and their surrounding waters constitute a world class resource just off the coast of southern California, cared for by a tireless and dedicated staff. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue the significant work started by my predecessors, and to contribute to the continued stewardship and public enjoyment of this spectacular park.”

Prior to First State National Historical Park, McKinley served as the National Park Service Northeast Region’s Chief of Commercial Services. He has also worked at Mount Rainier National Park, Yosemite National Park, Glacier National Park in Montana and Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. He got his start with the agency as a Student Conservation Association intern in 2006.

Ethan McKinley grew up in Littleton, Colorado and has a bachelor’s degree in international business and French from the University of Denver. Ethan is married to Zoe McKinley and has a bulldog named Blue. He is an Eagle Scout and takes any opportunity to play in the great outdoors (hiking, camping, mountain and road biking, climbing, and mountaineering), frequently exploring national parks in his free time. He is a self-professed history buff and enjoys photography.

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was. For information about the park visit: https://www.nps.gov/ChannelIslands.

Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals and Irish Belle announced

Kaylie Pendleton, this year’s Irish Belle for the County Ventura St. Patrick’s with Councilmember Erik Nasarenko.

Grand marshals of yesteryear will return to lead the 31st annual County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade, on Saturday, March 16, in downtown Ventura. The parade theme is “Memories of the Past.”

The contingent of grand marshals will be led by parade founder and former Ventura Mayor and Councilman Jim Monahan, who was previously grand marshal in 2008.

The whole county will turn out green for the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at the San Buenaventura Mission on Main Street. The parades includes floats sponsored by civic groups, nonprofits and local businesses; high school marching bands and other local bands; car clubs; horses; clowns; and the Biggest Green Pig in the World, which will again be out in its full glory. There also will be dance groups, youth groups, fun-loving adult groups and other teams entered in the parade.

While this is a fun event for parade entrants, they’re also out there competing for the prized trophies that are presented at the end of the route, on the stage at Main and Chestnut. About 20 trophies, including the historic Arnold Hubbard Best in Parade Trophy, are presented to the winners.

High school senior Kaylie Pendleton of Ventura has been selected to serve as this year’s Irish Belle for the Parade.

The parade’s eighth Irish Belle, Pendleton will attend promotional activities supporting the event. Accompanying her in a separate convertible will be her court: Carly Hansen from Buena High and Annika Kinnaman from Foothill High.

A senior at El Camino High, Pendleton will graduate with not only her high school diploma but her associate degree from Ventura Community College. She is “a very strong student,” El Camino Principal Cheryl Burns said of Pendleton, who has been on the El Camino principal’s honor roll every semester of high school.

Pendleton is active in her community and believes in the power of giving to others. Among the many community art projects in which she’s been involved is the “Havana to Ventura” mural in downtown Ventura, which she helped paint alongside Cuban artist Pedro Pulido and local artist and art teacher MB Hanrahan. In 2016, Pendleton won the Ventura Mayor’s Arts Award for Student Artist of the Year. She has also traveled to Romania to help with children’s literacy and assisted with an outdoor adventure camp for children. She will attend Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon; with her two-year degree already in hand, she plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in two years.

Parade entrants begin to line up at 8 a.m. in the Museum of Ventura County parking lot; the community is welcome to meander down there before the parade. The blessing of the parade by Father Tom Elewaut from the San Buenaventura Mission will begin the parade at 10 a.m.

The County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade is presented by the Ventura Elks Lodge No. 1430. For more information about the parade, visit www.venturastpatricksdayparade.com, email Jim Monahan at [email protected] or email Nan Drake at [email protected] parade is presented by Elks Lodge No. 1430. Parade entries will be accepted until March 7; to register, visit venturastpatricksdayparade.com. For more information, contact Jim Monahan at [email protected] or 805-643-4275; or Tim O’Neil at [email protected] or 805-320-3181.

Ventura Music Festival announces 2019 Honorees

Betsy Chess is honored by Music Festival for outstanding contributions to arts and community.

The Board of the Ventura Music Festival is very pleased to announce its 2019 Honorees for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts and Community. The new honorees are a prominent citizen and a prominent company, respectively: Elizabeth (Betsy) Blanchard Chess, for outstanding individual contribution, and Limoneira, for corporate contribution.

“Betsy has a unique talent for combining service and leadership,” said Susan Scott, Executive Director of the Ventura Music Festival. “She has demonstrated it time and again and the list of cultural beneficiaries alone includes the New West Symphony, the Museum of Ventura County, the San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts and the Ventura Music Festival. She gives a lot of both time and treasure to Rotary, Church and many other good things.”

“As to Limoneira,” continued Scott, “this 125-year-old Santa Paula-based company has contributed over $2.5 million in the past ten years alone to a wide range of community groups for projects in education, health, human services, arts, culture and other areas – all with the goal of enhancing community and quality of life. Founded in 1893, Limoneira today is a global agribusiness and real estate investor and a local employer of unique importance.”

The 2019 VMF Honorees will be honored with a video, dinner and live music performance at the annual VMF Honoree Awards and Cabaret Fundraiser on Thursday, April 11th at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

Ventura Unified School District appoints new superintendent

Dr. Rice has a proven track record of working with and for all students.

The Board of Education is pleased to announce their unanimous vote to appoint Dr Roger Rice as the new Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Dr Rice, who currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Student Services for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), comes to the district with a wealth of knowledge and skills he will use to further VUSD’s commitment “For the Future of Every Student.”

The community was very clear in their request that the new Superintendent be someone who will advocate for all students, who has experience working with at-risk and marginalized youth, and who will effectively communicate with our students, staff and community. When considering whether to spend several months and thousands of dollars conducting its third search in four years, the Board agreed to look first at local candidates with a proven track record of working with and for all students. Dr Rice immediately came to mind — having been a highly regarded finalist in the previous Superintendent search.

Dr Roger Rice, who has a distinguished career of more than 20 years of service to Ventura County youth, has worked to develop and support innovative programs for Alternative Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Special Education, and other programs to meet the needs of At-Risk Youth. Dr Rice served as the Chair of the State of California’s Student Services Group. In addition, he was selected as the County Education Leader of the Year for 2018 by the Ventura County Leadership Academy. Dr Rice has worked as a Classroom Teacher, Dean, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Oxnard Union High School District and Deputy Superintendent of VCOE. He holds a BA in English from Colorado State University, Masters in Education from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California.

Dr Rice brings experience and a passion for helping students with both their academic and social/emo- tional needs. He has demonstrated himself to be a conscientious, collaborative leader who has invested in his own professional training on issues that directly impact students — cultural proficiency, equity and access, IDEA training, creating professional learning communities, restorative practices and more.

Dr Rice’s first day with Ventura Unified will be Friday, March 1st. Dr Jeff Baarstad, retired Superinten- dent of Conejo Valley Unified School District, has agreed to serve as Interim Superintendent until that time. Dr Baarstad will work closely with Executive Cabinet, the District Leadership Team, Dr Rice and the Board to ensure that all students and staff have the support they need to be successful during the transition. Our sincere goal is to regain the stability of our District and to remain focused on supporting our students and staff moving forward.

The Board would like to acknowledge and thank Dr Jeff Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Re- sources, who has admirably served as Interim Superintendent since December 22nd, and will remain in that role until Monday, January 14th. Dr Davis is a highly valued member of our Executive Cabinet. He worked with staff during the Winter Break to ensure consistent services to our schools, and reassured the community that Ventura Unified remains committed to the needs of all our students.

Dr Rice looks forward to working with staff, students and the community to build a bright future for every student in Ventura Unified.

CONTACTS:

Dr Roger Rice, Superintendent (Appointed) : [email protected]

Dr Jeff Davis, Interim Superintendent : [email protected]

Ms Sabrena Rodriguez, Board President: [email protected]

There’s a new street in Ventura: James Monahan Way

Friends, councilmembers and city staff joined Jim to celebrate his new street.

Former Ventura Mayor and City Councilman Jim Monahan may no longer serve on the City Council, but his legacy will now live on forever.

A newly named street, James Monahan Way is at Poli Street and the City Hall parking lot as well as the gateway to the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

Monahan was honored with this street designation at his retirement council meeting in December. In his unprecedented run, Monahan served on the City Council from 1977 to 2018. He stepped down in December, having chosen to not seek reelection.

The street designation caps a year of honors for Monahan, who also recently accepted the 2018 Citizen of the Year Award from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.

Among the countless ways that Monahan has touched the community is in his enthusiastic leadership and as founder of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. American flags fly everywhere on patriotic holidays because of his work to organize volunteers to hang them. He’s also known citywide for his work advocating for the people of Ventura Avenue, where his father started American Welding in 1928 and where he still maintains an office.

An early advocate for a Veterans Home in Ventura County, Monahan got to see that happen, and he continues to serve on the Gold Coast Veterans Home Foundation. He has retired from elected office but certainly not from community service.

“Spread Peace and Love” mural by VCS students on display

Students had the opportunity to chat with Ventura’s Mayor Matt LaVere (he’s the bigger one). Photo by VCS parent Manjula Perera

On Thursday, February 21st, 50 third graders from Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education (VCS) walked two miles to Ventura City Hall for a highly anticipated field trip. This journey was a celebration of the unveiling of their “Spread Peace and Love” mural on display in City Hall. The spirit of this peaceful mural is to be a traveling art peace around the city. When third-grade VCS teachers Emily Noel and Kim “Flow” Hansmeier reached out to Ventura City Hall to be the first hosts of the art piece, City Hall was instantly supportive and excited.

Kathryn Dippong Lawson, Ventura City Hall’s Cultural Arts, Education & Historic Supervisor, helped coordinate this special event. The day involved a glance at Ventura’s historical art pieces within City Hall on a guided tour from Tobie Roach, the City of Ventura’s Public Art Specialist. Students had many opportunities to learn about famous, local artists and to connect with art through reflection, observations, and questions.

The field trip concluded with a “Mayor Meet Up” as students had the unique opportunity to chat with Ventura’s Mayor Matt LaVere. Mayor LaVere then concluded the incredible experience by unveiling the student’s art piece of peace. Many high fives, cheers, and peace signs were given and joyful pictures were taken with the Mayor.

Quotes from VCS third grade artists reflecting on their big day at Ventura City Hall:

“At City Hall, we met awesome people! Kathryn and Tobie seemed very passionate about the City Hall art and they wanted to share it with us. City Hall inspired us to do more. The Mayor was much different than I thought he’d be. I thought he’d be really old. He was so fun and cool! We learned that the Mayor’s job is important. The Mayor makes Ventura a better community. He’s a kind person. Meeting him was an exciting opportunity. Maybe I can be the Mayor one day. The Mayor said that every day he walks into City Hall and the first thing he sees is our mural saying, ‘Spread Peace and Love’ and it reminds him to do that. He said the best Mayors spread peace and love.”

“This mural was about kindness, spreading peace, and love to others. We went to be representatives of kindness. We went to show ourselves being a part of the community. Spreading peace, love, and kindness is all that we want to do and are going to do; all that we are. We want our community to be peaceful and kind. We are all pieces of the mural. There are 50 parts/bones of the mural.”

“Our mural is a chance to express ourselves and the work we’ve done. Our peaceful family is open for others to join. We can all be one and bring others together. When you’re kind to yourself, it makes being kind to others easier. The mural is a reminder you can be peaceful and you can set the example; it’s something we don’t want people to forget.”

City of Ventura releases Thomas Fire after action review

Ventura is learning important lessons from the Thomas Fire.

The City of Ventura has released its after action review of the Thomas Fire that analyzes the City’s immediate response and initial recovery operations for the unprecedented disaster. The goal of the 23-page report is to evaluate what was done, examine lessons learned, and identify areas for future implementation, many of which have already been underway over the past year. The review is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/thomasfire.

The emergency management company, Terra Firma Enterprises, created the review with participation from the City of Ventura department directors and emergency operations center (EOC) staff.  Several after action review sessions were held to analyze the City’s actions during the fire and post-fire recovery.

The largest fire recorded in California at the time, the Thomas Fire required an enormous response from the City, the region, and beyond. Fighting the fire necessitated a vast effort, including one of the largest deployment of firefighters in state history—more than 8,500. In Ventura, firefighters and public safety personnel initiated extensive evacuation procedures and an immediate aggressive attack on the fire. Due to the swift and well-coordinated response, the City of Ventura experienced no loss of life as a direct result of the fire.

The after action review highlights a number of the City’s strengths in performance related to the fire such as the instant action by first responders to evacuate the hillsides to save lives, early implementation of communication and outreach efforts, and prioritization of critical City services.

Ventura and the entire State of California are learning important lessons from recent wildfires, including the Thomas Fire. The City is using these lessons to increase its disaster resiliency. For example, as part of this effort, the City is moving forward with a request to create a permanent Emergency Manager. The new position will coordinate ongoing efforts, maintain compliance and provide day-to-day tactical emergency management. Although no urban water system is designed to operate under or protect against a massive, unstoppable wildfire, further investments also include obtaining and positioning additional generators to ensure that all water facilities have sufficient backup power during a prolonged, citywide power shutoff, and programs that increase water supply reliability to respond to natural and man-made hazards. Since the Thomas Fire, Ventura has also added supplemental fire resources, which includes an additional roaming fire engine that provides 40 hours a week more of service to the City.

“We continue to share our heartfelt sympathy for those who were impacted by the fire,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “We are committed to learning from this disaster and preparing for the future. This includes requests for new positions, like an Emergency Manager, that can further support and help lead our disaster response efforts. Wildfires are an unfortunate, but likely reality in California.  The most resilient cities are those that listen, learn, and adapt – Ventura will do just that.”

After action reviews are critical in helping communities examine and learn from disasters like the Thomas Fire. Through this experience Ventura is driving forward with new actions, measures, and programs to better prepare for the years to come.

Project Understanding: Serving People in Need in Ventura County-Part 2

A group of volunteers is sorting Thanksgiving baskets

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)

Project Understanding, founded with the support of the community and many faith-based congregations has been serving Ventura County for over 40 years. Their goal of moving clients out of homelessness providing support, food, housing, and educational programs, has been instrumental in fostering hope and transforming lives of thousands of individuals.

How Project Understanding serves people in need in Ventura County

First Step Center

Individuals needing assistance provide information on their special circumstance at The First Step Center. Intake forms can be found online at projectunderstanding.org or by visiting Project Understanding, 2734 Johnson Drive, Suite E, Ventura, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, (805) 652-1326. Afterward, clients are evaluated and contacted by an Intake Specialist who puts together a game plan for the client including objectives, resources, and referrals which might include DMV reduced fee vouchers, utility payment assistance through Community Action, and rental assistance through H2H.

Food Pantry

Project Understanding’s Food Pantry provides groceries on a weekly basis to families and individuals in need. A majority of the food on their shelves is donated or purchased from Food Share. For help with food, clients are invited to come to the Pantry, 2734 Johnson Drive, Suite E, Ventura, 93003, (805) 652-1326, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday. A picture ID is required.

Housing

Homeless to Home (H2H)

For homeless requiring help to find housing, the H2H office is open weekdays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The requirements for the intake portion of the application include:

• Proof of Income (last 2 check stubs, SSI/SSA/Disability award letter or bank statement if direct deposit, food stamps, and/or unemployment stubs).

• Proof of Address – rental agreement; if renting a room or a letter from the landlord

• Proof of Dependents/Custody – rental agreement (if listed on it), legal paperwork and awarding custody,

• If homeless, an ID and mailing address are required.

For homeless looking to find housing, contact H2H at (805) 231-2299, weekdays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Hank Koozehkanani is Program Manager.

Shore at the WAV

Shore at the WAV provides Case Management of previously homeless families and individuals obtaining them permanent, supportive housing subsidized by Section 8 funds. The office is open weekdays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Appointments are required by calling (805) 628-3332. Kristie King is the Case Manager. Requirements for consideration are the same H2H.

Intake forms for both H2H and Shore at the WAV can be found at projectunderstanding.org.

Tender Life Maternity Home

Located at 871 E. Thompson Boulevard in Ventura, Tender Life Maternity Home provides homeless pregnant women with safe housing and various support services promoting self-sufficiency. Program requirements include that a client be homeless and pregnant (with no other children), a phone and in-person interview, at least 30 days of sobriety (proof if available), no felonies preferred (decided on a case by case basis), proof of legal status, proof of income (or Cal Works). Severe mental health clients are not able to be housed. Domestic violence clients must have completed a 30-day domestic violence shelter before being considered. Intake forms are found at projectunderstanding.org.

Tutoring

The Tutoring Centers at Project Understanding

Students grades K-5, recommended by their instructors, are assigned to volunteer tutors who provide one-to-one assistance with school work. Currently, Project Understanding has 11 tutoring centers throughout Ventura County, in El Rio, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Saticoy, and Ventura. For more information, contact Tutoring Manager Carolyn Pillado, (805) 652-1326 x303.

Project Understanding “Giving a hand up, not a handout.” Find out more at projectunderstanding.org

Ventura County Fair announces 10th annual poster contest for county youth

James Lockwood Fair Public Relations and Marketing Director congratulating the 2018 winners.

The 2019 Ventura County Fair has announced the Call for Entries for the 10th annual poster contest.  The contest is open to young artists in grades 5 – 12 who reside in Ventura County.

The theme of the 2019 Fair is “A Country Fair with Ocean Air” and will serve as the familiar guideline to the imagery.

Artwork may be created in any medium but may not include the use of glitter, metallic paint, or 3 dimensional objects attached to the artwork.

Poster designs will be judged on theme, originality, composition and skill.  Entries will be accepted until the entry deadline, Friday, April 5. Entries can be brought to the Fairgrounds administration office at 10 W. Harbor Blvd. in Ventura. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8AM until 5PM. Please note Fairgrounds offices are closed daily from 12-1PM for the lunch hour.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries, First prize: $500, Second Prize: $250, Third Prize: $100. All contestants will receive 2 admission tickets for the 2019 Ventura County Fair.

The winning design will be featured on posters, souvenirs, advertisements, social media and other Fair promotions. Second and third place winners will also be used in various applications. All contest entries will be displayed in the Youth Expo at the Ventura County Fair.

The Ventura County Fair will begin its annual 12-day run Wednesday, July 31 and continue until Sunday, August 11.

Rules, deadlines and other information can be found on the Fair website, www.venturacountyfair.org.  For more information about the contest call 648-3376  or send an email to [email protected]. (Please put “Poster Contest” in the subject line)

Mental Health Technician paired up with Ventura Police Officers

Mental Health Technician Diana Gasmi, Officer Rebecca Kofman and Officer Derek Donswyk meet with a lady in need.

The Ventura Police Department now has a full-time mental health technician embedded within the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force. The technician will be responsible for case management and outreach for the homeless population suffering from mental health issues. The effort is a partnership with Ventura County Behavioral Health and is funded through a Triage Grant.

“We are not going to arrest our way out of homelessness. Instead, we must find more innovative ways to identify and address the individual needs of our homeless residents. This new partnership between VPD and Ventura County Behavioral Health is exactly the type of innovative approach we need to address the mental health issues prevalent in our homeless population. Not only will it lead to more effective policing, it will also provide critical services and support to help our homeless get off the streets,” said Mayor Matt LaVere.

Diana Gasmi has been selected to fulfill the technician position. She is a bilingual Community Services Coordinator for Ventura County Behavioral Health, where she has been employed for the past 12 years in providing outreach and engagement to individuals with psychiatric disabilities in different regions throughout Ventura County. She has experience in psychiatric assessment, diagnostic and evaluation needs as well as the ability to provide advocacy, case management, and linkage to public benefits and appropriate community referrals.

“Partnering with Behavioral Health is a positive step in addressing the mental health of our homeless population,” said Ventura Police Commander Rick Murray.

The Patrol Task Force is engaged in what’s called restorative policing, or street outreach. This means that officers are working with chronic vagrancy offenders or displaced individuals, by uniting them with family or friends if they desire or getting them appropriate medical attention, they need to get off the streets. The mental health technician will come along side officers to assist in evaluating individuals and connecting them to resources for long term solutions.

The effort is part of the Safe and Clean Initiative which was adopted by Ventura City Council in 2011. The initiative redirects limited City resources and utilizes partnerships so that public places remain safe and clean for everyone to enjoy. The approach to Safe and Clean public places has five core elements that strive to align municipal, private philanthropy, business and non-profit resources. By mobilizing local entities, sharing data and involving key stakeholders across sectors the City of Ventura aims to retain secure public places.