Category Archives: Home Page Links

Build a home fire escape plan

The Ventura Fire Department urges residents to build a home fire escape plan and start conversations about fire prevention with loved ones.

“Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape!” was the theme for the 100th anniversary of National Fire Prevention Week. This theme serves to help residents understand the simple, but important actions they can take to keep themselves safe from home fires.

“You may have as little as two minutes to safely escape a home fire. Your ability to get out fast depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. “During Fire Prevention Week, please check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly, practice your home escape plan, and make sure your loved ones know how to quickly respond if an alarm sounds.”

In celebration of Fire Prevention Week the public is invited to download a home fire escape plan activity at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/FirePreventionWeek, complete the activity with their household, and submit it for a chance to win an emergency go-kit and a visit with Ventura firefighters. Submit your completed home fire escape plan via email at [email protected].

The Ventura Fire Department shares the following home fire escape plan tips:

Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Visit www.VenturaCityFire.com to download the Ready Ventura County Emergency Preparedness Guide.

Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.

Establish an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home.

Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and once at night.

To learn more about the fire prevention and Ventura Fire’s educational resources, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/FirePrevention. For more general information about the National Fire Prevention Week, visit www.FPW.org.

Field truck purchase advances Ventura Land Trust’s Land conservation efforts

“This truck replaces a field truck that was 20 years old.”

Ventura Land Trust purchased a 2019 Toyota Tacoma to replace a field truck lost last year in a traffic collision, bringing the number in the organization’s fleet of field trucks to two. The truck was purchased with support from community donations, corporate support, and a lead gift from Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas).

The four-wheel drive field truck is used daily to transport Ventura Land Trust staff, tools, water tanks, and other gear necessary for conservation work and preserve management. The truck is also used to haul thousands of pounds of trash from the Ventura River.

“This truck replaces a field truck that was 20 years old,” says Ventura Land Trust Executive Director Melissa Baffa. “It feels good to have a vehicle that can safely carry our staff and partners, and that is capable of meeting the demands of land stewardship.”

“We know that people will see this truck driving around town with the water tank we use to care for young plants, or piled high with trash bags from a clean-up. It’s really a moving symbol of the work we do every day to protect and preserve local open spaces. We’re pleased to have the support of the community and partners like SoCalGas, who understood the urgent need to add to our field truck fleet and came through with the support we needed to do so.”

The field truck is used in land management in Harmon Canyon Preserve, Big Rock Preserve, and Willoughby Preserve, which are open daily to public for free, as well as other properties that Ventura Land Trust owns and manages. It will be instrumental in preparing Ventura Land Trust’s newest conserved property, Mariano Rancho Preserve, to open to the public in the next two to three years.

The exterior of the truck is outfitted with an acknowledgement to SoCalGas, as well as a QR code to information about Ventura Land Trust membership. Learn more about Ventura Land Trust at www.venturalandtrust.org.

10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day

Hear the stories about our local farms.

On Saturday, November 5, more than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will invite the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. This year’s theme is “Meet All The Hands That Feed You.” 

Visitors can map out their day by selecting locations from the Farm Day Trail Map at https://venturacountyfarmday.com/map. Each site offers tours and produce and other giveaways. Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some locations require reservations. 

“Agriculture is Ventura County’s largest industry. Farm Day is the opportunity to see how fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and then shipped to stores for sale,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year. “You’ll come away with an appreciation of the hard work that goes into growing each piece of produce.” 

Participating in Farm Day include Reiter Affiliated Companies (berries), Driscoll’s (strawberries), Duda Farm Fresh Foods (row crops), Alpacas At Windy Hills (Alpaca fleece), Good Farms (strawberries), Oxnard Historic Farm Park (antique farm equipment, vegetable crops, talks about the agricultural heritage of the Oxnard Plains), Prancer’s Farm (strawberries, tomatoes, avocados), Agromin (organic compost, mulch), The Abundant Table (nonprofit farm), Sow A Heart Farm (regenerative agriculture), McGrath Family Farm (organic farming), SEEAG’s Farm Lab (hands-on farm-related kids activities) and Petty Ranch (also the Farm Day hub). The Ventura County Farm Day Trail Map list of participating locations is updated daily. 

 Ventura County Farm Day sponsors include The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Driscoll’s, Gene Haas Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Bobalu Berry Farms, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner, The Port of Hueneme and Reiter Affiliated Companies. 

SEEAG’s mission is to help children understand the farm origins of their food through classroom agricultural and nutrition education and free farm field trips. Through this and other SEEAG programs, over 60,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey since SEEAG’s founding in 2008. 

For more information about Ventura County Farm Day, visit www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-901-0213.

Theatre season opens with Carmen Jones

Christopher James Hester, Desmond Newson, Fredericka Meek, Constance Jewell Lopez and Nataley Carter star in Carmen Jones.

by Sheli Ellsworth

The musical Carmen Jones, Oscar Hammerstein’s take on Bizet’s 1875 opera, opened on October 8 and will run through October 23 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara. A talented, all-African American cast detonates the operatic spirit into the launching of Ensemble Theatre Company’s 44th season.

Carmen Jones is set in an American, 1940s WWII parachute factory and chronicles a love triangle between: factory worker Carmen (Fredericka Meek) who plays the seductress; Corporal Joe (Chauncey Packer) a handsome young soldier who guards the plant; and his small-town girlfriend, the ever-true Cindy Lou (Zelda Carmen).

The ambitious Carmen is an adept social climber. She flaunts her sexuality with the shamelessness of a modern-day pop diva. After she finally convinces Joe that they belong together, he turns his back on Cindy Lou and his dying mother to be with Carmen. Joe, whose ambition is to become an airplane pilot, leaves the army and goes AWOL to be with Carmen in Chicago.

Once in Chicago, Carmen finds the champion boxer, Husky Miller (Troy D. Wallace), to be a higher rung on the social ladder and dumps Joe for the fighter. Joe’s life is destroyed against the backdrop of Miller’s success. The popular song “Stan’ Up and Fight” brings back visions of a great united country determined in its war effort to “fight like hell.”

The live musical accompaniment to this adaptation of Carmen Jones was flawless. Positioned above the stage, theatre goers were impressed not only with the talent of the musicians but their visibility during the performance. The baby grand piano appears to almost float in the air along with the music and the mellifluous arias.

Fortunately, we go to operas for the music. But Carmen Jones is more than an opera. It is part of America’s heritage and in many ways the performers made being an American feel noble again. However, every time one of the performers were positioned on the tiny stage tables, the audience teetered with them. And when the Sergeant called Corporal Joe, “boy,” I hoped that Oscar Hammerstein’s language hadn’t offended anyone. Then when the scenes of domestic violence became a theme, there were audible sighs in the audience. Should we keep these archetypal opera plots or find fresh ones? If you have ever been to the opera, you already know how it ends.

Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. There will be no performance on Saturday, October 22 at 8:00 p.m. or Sunday October 23 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets prices range from $40-$84. Visit www.etcsb.org or call 805.965.5400.

Ventura Firefighters don pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Limited-edition t-shirts are available for purchase.

For the 12th consecutive year, the Ventura Fire Department has partnered with the Ventura City Firefighters Association and various Downtown Ventura businesses to support and promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month by selling pink, embossed department t-shirts.

“We are supporting breast cancer awareness and prevention so no breast cancer patient or family goes without life-saving treatment and support,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “We have donated over $15,000 to date, and only hope to continue this effort for years to come.”

Limited-edition t-shirts are available for purchase during the month of October, while supplies last. Additionally, Ventura firefighters will wear pink t-shirts from October 1-15, to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment in the battle against breast cancer.

This year, funds raised through t-shirt sales will be donated to Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, a local non-profit and independent grassroots organization that helps women and families affected by breast cancer by providing education, advocacy, and emotional and social support.

Residents can purchase pink shirts or donate to the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation at the following participating local businesses:

  • Anacapa Brewing Company, 472 E. Main Street
  • Snapper Jack’s Taco Shack, 533 E, Main Street
  • Tiki Girl, 434 E. Main Street
  • Ventura Visitors Center, 100 S. California Street
  • Very Ventura Gift Shop and Gallery, 540 E. Main Street

T-shirts will not be available for sale at any Ventura Fire stations

To learn more about the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, please visit www.RibbonsVentura.org.

Homelessness takes center stage at the Ventura City Council Candidates Forum

Foto: Homelessness is a confusing issue with many layers.

by Ross Williams

On September 28th the Ventura City Council candidates for district 1, 4 and 6 met at the Church of the Foothills to discuss the homeless population in Ventura. Our unhoused population in the city currently sits at 713 people. Providing shelter, necessary services and assistance is a major concern for the city council members once elected.

City council members are elected to represent their districts and work together with the city manager in order to legislate and set the policies of the city. Ventura, along with many other areas of our state has seen an increase in the homeless population over the years. As the homeless population has grown, so has concern for the safety of our residents including the unhoused.

There are several issues at hand when it comes to our homeless population. There’s the difference between mental health issues, financial issues and drug issues. Fears of separation from family or pets, confusing and overwhelming red tape as well as the want and need for personal space and privacy. Not to mention the overarching housing affordability problem that may make an individual or family that falls on hard times homeless. These issues all require a different set of tools and tact.

Homelessness is a confusing issue with many layers. At its surface are the obvious issues of sanitation and safety. But when dealing with these issues we must think beyond the baseline and understand that these are people. People who may have fallen on hard times, people that may have mental issues and people that may be struggling with addiction. Being able to provide the necessary services to these people needs to be a part of the city’s structure and ensure that residents and tourists alike feel safe here in our city and those in need of help are in fact getting it.

These are the candidates that spoke:

District 1
Helen Eloyan, Marco Cuevas, Liz Campos

District 5
Bill McReynolds, Marie Larkin

District 6
Lorrie Brown, Danny Carillo, Jim Duran

The candidates touched on many valuable points when discussing these issues during the two-and-a-half-hour forum.

  1. Due to the jail being located in Ventura, up to 27% of unsheltered individuals in the city were once living elsewhere in the county, but once released stayed here in Ventura as there is no program in place to send these individuals back to where they came from, or find them the necessary assistance needed to start the recovery process.
  2. Of the 713 unhoused people, 331 are currently sheltered in various programs throughout the city such as the ARCH Shelter and River Haven.
  3. Private and public services are robust, but wrap around services are needed to guide people from one program to the other.
  4. The city of Ventura has 40% of the shelter beds in the county. Other cities should be working to step up their programs.
  5. Education and understanding is key. Criminal vagrancy and homelessness are two completely different things and ⅓ of 911 calls at any given time are in regards to vagrancy. This puts a large strain on our police and fire department.

Each council member candidate present at the forum was thoughtful in regards to the issues at hand and seemed to truly understand how important the topic of homelessness is to our city and the impact that they can have. The election for District Council Candidates is being held on November 8th.

At Ventura’s Board of Education meeting passion and intensity took center stage

The voices were loud and at times raucous throughout the passion filled meeting.

Part 2 of 2 .Continued from September 21 issue
by Ross Williams

The beauty of small learning communities such as DTech and Bioscience Academies is that we can truly connect with students, bond with them, guide them, provide them with sustained and deep memorable experiences over three years (not just a one-time speaker or a one-time field trip). Our small cohorts are intimate. We know our kids. We know when they need to be pushed, when we need to hold back… we know what to say when they are hurt, when they are struggling. We know how to build them up and know when they need tough love. We guide them with precision. Bioscience Academy is my legacy, MY gift to this community. All I ask is for the time needed to make the magic happen for my students.” Mika Anderson

VESPA (Ventura Education Support Professionals Association) and VUEA (Ventura Unified Education Association) were there to show their frustration and anger over the compensation plan that had been proposed by VUSD. VUSD had proposed a 1% increase in total salary compensation with a 4% one-time bonus. While the district had received an ongoing raise in funding of approximately 12.84%. Meetings were in no way final, but the offer felt like a slap in the face of teachers who one after the other went up to the podium to declare that they could not live off of current wages due to inflation, health care cost increases and other costs of living increases.

Over and over again each speaker reiterated that they are committed, love the community, the students and that they don’t want to go anywhere. But other districts in neighboring cities offer more compensation and at some point tough decisions will need to be made.

“The students and families of Ventura deserve the best we can give them. A 1% on going salary increase isn’t enough. It doesn’t keep up with inflation, it doesn’t close our gap with neighboring districts, and it is demoralizing for our educators. Ventura Unified received much more than 1% in new funds this year but they choose to not to compensate the employees fairly. Other districts in our area, Santa Paula and Las Virgenes, have settled for 7.9% and 8% respectively. VUSD can do better because the families of Ventura deserve better. We can’t keep excellent teachers with bottom-barrel salaries.” stated VUEA President Dan Nelson. With sentiments repeated by VESPA President Carol Peak.

The voices were loud and at times raucous throughout the passion filled meeting with the occasional clang of a tambourine, toot of the jug and cheering heard throughout the room and parking lot.

What is understood is that this meeting was all about the voice of community. Teachers, students and parents alike all standing together to make sure that they were heard and supported. On the backs of many of those present read a quote by Nelson Madela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And everyone there was ready to fight for what was best for our students and their education.

Ventura Unified opens organic farm

A one-of-a-kind facility in Ventura County.

Mayor Sofia Rubalcava and the VUSD Board of Education joined VUSD staff for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, August 29, 2022, to officially mark the opening of Sa’aliyas Ranch to Ventura Unified School District students. This certified organic farm facility will prepare high school students for agricultural science, business, and technology career opportunities and engage Kindergarten through 8th-grade students in STEM-related projects and activities as they learn about Ventura County’s agriculture industry.

Dr. Rebecca Chandler, VUSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, shared, “Sa’aliyas Ranch (Chumash for “on the path”) has five acres of avocados, lemons, row crops, a state-of-the-art greenhouse with an aquaponics system, and indoor and outdoor learning spaces developed for K-12 students. Designed to be self-sustaining and teach students about agriculture, science, business, and technology in one of the largest industries in Ventura County, the ranch allows students to see science in action. We are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity.”

Local industry and community partners were invited to the ceremony to recognize their time and input throughout the planning and development process. Students will be involved in the marketing and selling of produce to local businesses, and their partnership is essential.

Mike Etchart, Sa’aliyas Ranch Farm Manager and CTE Agriculture & Natural Resources teacher, explained, “The agriculture industry is one of the biggest employers in our county, with many different career opportunities that pay living wages in our region. This facility will not only provide students with an opportunity to learn about the science of agriculture but also gain valuable job skills in high school that would lead to careers with any number of local employers in the sector.”

We look forward to introducing the community to this immersive learning space; watch for public farm visit opportunities coming later this fall! For more information, visit our website at www.saaliyasranch.com.

The elementary school transformed into a K-8 based on community needs

Stephanie Caldwell, Calvin Peterson, Amy Callahan,Dr. Antonio Castro, Jeannette Sanchez- Palacios, Brooklynn Hall, Ms. Anna Winslow, Dr. Jerry Dannenberg and Sabrena Rodriguez at the ribbon cutting event.

Ventura City Council Member Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education joined VUSD staff and families for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, to officially mark the opening of VUSD’s newest K-8 school. The Academy of Technology & Leadership at Saticoy (ATLAS) joins two other schools in the district, serving students in a K-8 environment.

Before COVID, families in the Ventura Unified School District requested that VUSD look into transitioning some of its elementary school sites into K-8 options, allowing for a smaller learning community compared to more traditional middle school options. The Board and VUSD staff conducted research, received feedback from staff, students, and families, and decided to transition two of its elementary schools into K-8 options. These schools joined Sunset K-8 School, located in Oak View, which has been in place for many years. Lemon Grove School transitioned to a K-8 last August 2021. ATLAS will begin with a 6th-grade class this year, add a 7th-grade class for the 2023-24 school year, and complete its transition in 2024-25 by graduating its first 8th-grade class.

“This District has a long history of providing as many options as possible for families because we understand every student is different and what they need is unique. We try very hard to offer a wide array of opportunities to really see what your child is interested in and meet them there,” stated Board President Sabrena Rodriguez.

ATLAS is a Leader in Me school. The Leader in Me program is an evidence-based, comprehensive model that builds leadership and life skills in students, creates a high-trust school culture, and lays the foundation for sustained academic achievement.

“We became a Leader in Me school in 2013. We then became a Leader in Me Lighthouse School in 2017. Being a Lighthouse School means we are in the top 10% of all Leader in Me schools in the world. There is over 5,000 Leader in Me schools in all 50 states and over 50 countries,” stated ATLAS 6th-grade student Brooklynn Hall. “I am so excited to be in 6th grade; this is a whole new start. We at ATLAS have come so far. If you think about it, we might not be standing here if Ms. Winslow weren’t our principal; we are so lucky to have her, this school, and all of the people that support us.”

Volunteers needed to train as instructors for senior exercise programs

Trained instructors make a difference in the lives of those enrolled in classes.

Volunteer leaders are needed to teach with RSVP’s two popular senior exercise programs. No experience is necessary to become an instructor for RSVP Bone Builders and Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance. The first training step is to attend a class and observe. Interested volunteers then attend a free training session to learn the program and prepare for teaching.

Trained instructors make a difference in the lives of those enrolled in classes, as well as contribute to their own well-being by engaging in a regular exercise program. Both RSVP exercise programs are free and open to the public. Classes operate in RSVP’s four-city service area of Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme. Call 805-385-8019 for more information about trainings.

Training Schedule

RSVP Bone Builders This is an osteoporosis exercise and education program in

which participants use light weights to build bones while also improving their balance and making new friends. There are currently 21 classes scheduled in RSVP’s four-city area, but several have lengthy wait lists. By training more instructors we will be able to add more classes and accommodate the community’s interest in this program. Volunteer instructor trainings are scheduled for:

Tuesday, September 27 Tuesday, November 15 Tuesday, February 14 Tuesday, May 16

Volunteers attend one day of training before being paired with an experienced instructor to practice and ready for leading their own class. All trainings run from 9:00am to 3:00pm in Oxnard. Lunch is provided.

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance (TCMBB)

TCMBB is an evidence-based program. This simplified tai chi for seniors helps reduce repeat falls by 55% among participants and teaches proper body alignment and balance. Training is scheduled for:

Saturday, October 1, 9am-3pm (lunch is provided) Monday, October 3, 1pm-4pm

Monday, October 10, 1pm-4pm Monday, October 17, 1pm-4pm

One must complete all four training days and document 30 hours of practice before being considered for certification as an instructor. All training sessions will be held in Oxnard.

RSVP is a volunteer engagement program, helping people age 55 and older find volunteer positions that match their interests, talent, and available time. It both recruits and places volunteers with nonprofit partner agencies as well as overseeing the two distinct exercise programs designed for seniors. Volunteer positions are available in RSVP’s four-city service area of Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme.

Oxnard RSVP has about 350 members and is locally sponsored by the City of Oxnard with grant funding from the federal AmeriCorps. To learn more about the benefits of being an RSVP member, for help finding a volunteer position or more information about the trainings, call 805-385-8019.