Category Archives: Home Page Links

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

The Ventura Friends of the Library had a sale at the Dudley House.

by Jill Forman

Thanks for a successful book sale!

On July 31 and August 1, the Ventura Friends of the Library had a sale at the Dudley House. The weather was perfect, the local plant society was there with plants for sale, and the Lions had a barbecue. There were free tours of the Dudley House. Hundreds of Ventura folks came out to socialize, browse books and plants, eat hot dogs, and take a tour.

So many people to thank. First of all to the volunteers of the Friends of the Library, organized and directed by our Fearless Leader Sandy Greenberg, who worked for four days to transport, set up and take down, and sell our gently-used books. Special shout-out to Clyde Hofflund who was there every day with his trusty truck and strong back! Then to the Dudley House people, especially Lynn Weitzel and Jan Hunter, who helped coordinate as well as working with the Friends. And Charley “the plant man,” whose good cheer and efforts for both the plant sale and the Dudley House made it fun. The Ventura Downtown Lions contributed delicious barbecue aromas and hot dog lunches. Boy Scout Troop 179 helped with unloading and moving boxes of books. Ventura East Rotary transported and also moved boxes.

And most of all, to the people of Ventura who came out and supported us. We made over $1200, plus memberships. Every dollar goes to the libraries, for books and equipment and programs. And as one board member said, “The joy of seeing someone excited about their purchase, talking to buyers about books we love, is why we do this work.”

Hill Road donation bin
Reminder to please only drop off one bag of donated books at a time. The bin (and the volunteers’ backs!) are overwhelmed. If you have a large donation, please take it out to the warehouse. Information on hours and location can be found at the Friends of the Library web page, venturafriendsofthelibrary.org.

Volunteers wanted
If you saw how much we enjoyed the book sale, if you’re a booklover with some spare time, if you want to give back to the community, we would love to have you join us! We have jobs in the bookstore, in the warehouse, behind the scenes at the bookstore, during our sales, whatever you prefer. Contact us at [email protected].

Ventura County Library announces a new mobile app, MyVCLibrary (from press release)
The MyVCLibrary app helps library customers continue to access Ventura County Library collections and services in a user-friendly way. Users may access a digital library card, search for materials, place or cancel holds, manage their account, renew items, and even self-check, all from their mobile device…. “We’re really excited that our new and improved app brings the library to life in the hands of our users. We’re happy to be able to extend our reach into the community and provide customers convenient access to our collections and services, wherever they are, whenever they’d like,” says Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library Director.

Program helps COVID-impacted veterans become employed in high-demand industries

Veterans experiencing unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic are among the country’s hardest-hit populations. To help veterans who have been impacted, Ventura College’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is now offering the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP). Eligible veterans will receive up to one year of U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs-paid training for high-demand occupations and a monthly housing allowance.

To qualify for the Veteran Affairs (VA) program, veterans need to be between the ages of 22 and 66, unemployed due to COVID, not totally disabled and have no other VA benefits remaining.

The VRC will assist eligible veterans in applying for VRRAP and then getting enrolled at Ventura College for the fall 2021 semester with classes starting Aug. 16. Ventura College also offers classes beginning January 2022 to accommodate students’ schedules.

The college’s VRRAP students will have a choice of 23 certificate of achievement programs, including accounting, automotive technician, construction management and the new veterinary assistant program.

VRRAP veteran students and all military-connected students—including active duty and dependents of veterans—are supported by the VRC. The Center helps students navigate the college’s enrollment process, links them with educational benefits, and connects students with academic counselors and financial aid specialists. As an advocate for military students, the VRC provides information, holds special events and offers a location for students to work, study and mingle.

“It’s rare that the VA introduces new educational funding programs. Having Ventura College be a VRRAP provider is important because it specifically addresses the needs of our veterans who have been so greatly impacted,” said Jordana Ybarra-Telias, VRC program coordinator. “I hope to see more VA programs like VRRAP that provide a housing allowance to make it easier for veteran students to focus on school without worrying about how they will pay rent as they invest in their futures.”

“Ventura College is honored to support our veterans, and this new program will help them gain knowledge and skills to increase their employability,” added Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans. “Veterans and their families have made great sacrifices for our country, and this is one way for us to demonstrate our gratitude.”

In March, the VA enacted VRRAP as part of the American Rescue Plan of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package designed to help individuals and businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic.

“As a member of the California Community Colleges Veterans Caucus, I appreciate how VRRAP will not only help Ventura College students, it will also help our community’s economic recovery,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie.

Ventura College offers several VA programs and other educational funding resources from federal, state and local entities. Students can access the college’s Zero Textbook Cost program and other resources to help with educational expenses.

For more information about VRRAP at Ventura College, contact Ybarra-Telias at (805) 289-6060 or [email protected], or visit venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/veterans-resource-center

 

5th annual ArtWalk at the Shores

Dave Gardner will be one of the featured artists.

The public is invited to visit with local artists showing their original works in the 5th annual ArtWalk at the Shores. This one-day event will be held on Saturday August 21st

11am-4pm in Mandalay Shores.

There will be over 25 local artists showing sea glass art, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, photography, watercolors, oil paintings, mixed media, printmaking and much more.

Come and be surprised.

The ArtWalk begins at the corner of Wooley and Harbor Blvd. Maps will be available online at https://artwalkoxnardshores.com and at each artist’s location.

The ArtWalk began as a volunteer collaboration to promote a strong sense of community through art awareness and inclusivity. As a result the event has continued to grow each year. Neighbors, friends, summertime visitors, art collectors or first-time buyers are all encouraged to take a stroll or bike through the beautiful beach side neighborhood of Mandalay Shores in Oxnard.

Come meet the artists and shop the unique treasures. Look for the colorful ArtWalk flags!

Visit us at https://artwalkoxnardshores.com
Or at https://www.facebook.com/artwalktheshores
https://www.instagram.com/artwalkattheshores/

Ventura County Library announces a new mobile app, MyVCLibrary, allowing users access to print and digital collections

Saticoy Library is one of four Ventura libraries.

The MyVCLibrary app helps library customers continue to access Ventura County Library collections and services in a user-friendly way. Users may access a digital library card, search for materials, place or cancel holds, manage their account, renew items, and even self-check, all from their mobile device. Other features include an ISBN search to see if the library has a specific book and the ability to manage several accounts on one device.

“We’re really excited that our new and improved app brings the library to life in the hands of our users. We’re happy to be able to extend our reach into the community and provide customers convenient access to our collections and services, wherever they are, whenever they’d like,” says Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library Director.

The app allows users to explore the library without entering a building. While in a library building, our app allows users to easily pull up their digital library card on their device and check out.

Download this new Ventura County Library app by going to the Android or Apple app Store and searching for “MyVCLibrary” on your smart device today.

For additional information, contact Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library Director at (805) 256-8535.

See our hours of service at https://www.vencolibrary.org/locations

El Rio Branch:

  • Albert H. Soliz Library, 2820 Jourdan Street, Oxnard, CA 93036

Heritage Valley branches:

  • Fillmore Library, 502 2nd Street, Fillmore, CA 93015
  • Piru Library, 3811 Center Street, Piru, CA 93040

Mobile Library https://www.vencolibrary.org/locations/mobile-library

Oak Park branch:

  • Oak Park Library, 899 North Kanan Road, Oak Park, CA 91377

Ojai Valley region branches:

  • Meiners Oaks Library, at Meiners Oaks Elementary, Fall 2021
  • Oak View Library, 555 Mahoney Avenue, Oak View, CA 93022
  • Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023

Port Hueneme branch:

  • Ray D. Prueter Library, 510 Park Avenue, Port Hueneme, CA 93041

Ventura region branches:

  • Avenue Library, 606 North Ventura Avenue, Ventura, CA 93001
  • E.P. Foster Library, 651 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001
  • Hill Road Library, 1070 S. Hill Road, Ventura, CA 93003
  • Saticoy Library, 1292 Los Angeles Avenue, Ventura, CA 93004

 

Where happiness comes in waves at the Ventura Harbor

Celebrate seaside entertainment all summer long.

The sights and sounds of Summer continue weekly at Ventura Harbor Village through Labor Day with a stellar line up of live seaside entertainment and an array of after dark experiences.

Set sail into the weekend with harborside entertainment at Ventura Harbor Village where a menagerie of summer seaside vibes is in the air on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Revel in genres that include Blues, Pop, Rock Soul, Caribbean, and Reggae.

A roster of top-notch local DJs set the stage and take turns showcasing an ongoing musical variety (made possible by Party Proper!) as part of NEW Friday Nite Seaside DJ Set from 4-7 pm every Friday through Labor Day weekend. Stroll the Seaside Promenade Stage and embrace some evening bliss as the sun goes down and sound turns up. Enjoy the sea-inspired soundtrack while meandering the waterfront and sipping cool cocktails on the patio of a nearby restaurant.

Amid a toe tapping upbeat tropical vibe, visitors celebrate the return of the destination’s popular live Steel Drum Performances with Steel Drum Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. at the seaside Promenade Stage which showcases breathtaking views of both the harbor and mountains. Arrive early to shop, dine and relax at one of the Village’s scenic restaurants and savor fresh seafood, a variety of cuisine choices, and toast to summer with refreshing hand-crafted cocktails

Showcasing a variety of duos and trios with a musical line-up that includes pop to soul and rock to a blend of Caribbean and reggae, Ventura Harbor’s live Summer Sundays live musical performances, from 1-4 p.m. on the oceanfront Promenade Stage, are the perfect way to spend the afternoon. With an array of options to sit back, relax and listen to music on the scenic Promenade patios, on the water aboard a kayak, SUP, electric boat, or on a paddle boat, all offer ways to get the best floating seats in the harbor.

 

Combatting teen vaping is focus of new website

Nearly a third of Ventura County eleventh graders say they have tried vaping.

The Ventura County Office of Education has launched a new website called The Triple Threat to Teen Health that’s aimed at combatting the serious problem of teen vaping. The website is available in English and Spanish at vaping.vcoe.org. “While many may think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, the most popular vaping products all contain nicotine and have a high potential for addiction,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “This new website gives parents, guardians, students and educators an important tool to learn about the real risks that vaping poses to our students,” he said.

Nearly a third of Ventura County eleventh graders say they have tried vaping. Many young people are attracted to the thousands of sweet flavor options and slick new device designs used by the vaping industry. In addition to vaping nicotine products, students are using e-cigarettes to consume concentrated cannabis (marijuana). Both nicotine and cannabis use can permanently affect adolescent brain development.

Just before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was investigating cases of severe lung injuries caused by the vaping of these unregulated cannabis products. A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study showed a strong link between youth vaping and an increased risk of lung injury related to COVID-19 infection. Additional research by the University of California and Stanford University has found a concerning connection between nicotine, cannabis, and electronic vaping products.

In an effort to address this risk, the Ventura County Office of Education’s Comprehensive Health and Prevention Programs department has created a new website called The Triple Threat to Teen Health. The site is intended for use by parents, guardians, families, and school staff. It provides an initial introduction to these three intersecting issues that pose a significant health risk to today’s young people. It also offers local resources for those who would like to learn more or to get help with addiction.

While the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) shows that Ventura County students’ use of conventional cigarettes has been on a downward trend for the last two decades, vaping devices are being used at dramatically higher rates at every measured grade level. Only recently has the initial data from the most recent CHKS suggested that student vaping behaviors have dropped slightly. In addition, students’ “perception of harm” caused by vaping devices has increased dramatically – across all grade levels and in nearly every demographic. While additional analyses are pending, this suggests that public messaging and education on the risks of vaping are having an impact on teens.

The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org.

Adopt a bright and caring and personable teenage boy from Kidsave Summer Miracles Program

Weston is a smart and caring 14-year-old foster child from Columbia.

by Carol Leish

Sueanne Chadbourne is a lawyer who does personal injury, governmental defense and social services work. Her husband, Stephen, does operations/distributions for a medical device company. William (Weston) is staying with their family here in Ventura. They also have their own 16-year-old son.

Sueanne said, “Recently my family welcomed a smart and caring 14-year-old foster child from Columbia. Weston, who doesn’t have a family of his own, will be with us in our home for five weeks. As an older kid, his chances of finding an adoptive family in Columbia are slim to none. We are hoping that this visit with us will give him the opportunity to meet parents who will love and care for him. He is staying with us and he is hoping to meet prospective parents here who will nurture and support him. He traveled here with Kidsave, a nonprofit organization that helps older kids who need families find their forever homes.”

“Kidsave’s Summer Miracles Programs gives older orphans from oversees the chance for a family.” Their website: www.kidsave.org, also says, “Kids travel to the United States for a memorable 5 week stay. While the kids are here, they learn about the U.S. culture, attend summer camp, and experience life with an American family.”

“With your support, our innovative programs both here and abroad give older kids in foster care a voice and a choice in who they get to know and who will ultimately become their forever family. And, with an estimated 8 million children living in institutional care worldwide, and more than 440,000 in foster care here in the U.S., the need has never been greater.”

Sueanne Chadbourne emphasized that, “Weston has a great temperament. He is looking for a new start. He is great with little kids and great with pets, too. He is sweet and well-behaved. He is definitely mature for his age of only being 14 years old.”

“He is polite, loving, and and a funny young man that loves being outside. He is a great bike rider and loves soccer and basketball. He hopes to become a lawyer when he grows up. He has so much to offer and is a joy to be around. He’s a special kid who deserves to be in a loving family that can support his every step of life.”

Those interested in giving Weston a chance to grow in a supportive home, please contact either, Lauren Reicher Gordon (Sr. VP and Director Family Visit Program), at (310) 642-7201; or, Madeline Thrachtenberg (Summer Miracles Assistant Program Manager), at (310) 241-3083. Or email either of them at: [email protected]. By becoming an adoptive family, you will be giving Weston the chance to thrive in a loving and supportive home.

VCAAA wins national awards for Senior Nutrition Garden, COVID-19 Response

A volunteer helping plant at the Senior Nutrition Garden.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is the recipient of three National Mature Media Awards and an Innovations Award from the National Association of Area Agencies of Aging (n4a). Projects that received acknowledgement include the Senior Nutrition Garden, LIVEWell, and the Robotic Pet Companion and Walk with Ease video productions, both of which are being recognized among the nation’s best marketing, communications, and educational materials produced for older adults.

The VCAAA’s Senior Nutrition Garden, which won an Innovations Award, was honored for expansion efforts designed to increase harvests and provide even more fresh, organic produce to older adults living in Ventura County.  The 2021 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American Aging Programs that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.

LIVEWell, which won a Bronze Award from the National Mature Media Awards, is the premier resource guide for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Ventura County. LIVEWell is published annually with content available in English and Spanish.

The VCAAA Robotic Pet Companions video production received a Bronze Award from the National Mature Media Awards, while the Walk with Ease video production received a merit award. Both were produced as part of the VCAAA’s COVID-19 Response.

“The VCAAA is honored to receive this recognition and is proud of the impact our marketing and communication efforts have made on the community, particularly through the COVID-19 crisis,” said Victoria Jump, Director of the VCAAA. “We take pride in the work we produce and strive to find new ways to strengthen our methods of communication so that we can continue to empower Ventura County residents to remain healthy and engaged in the community.”

For more information, visit www.vcaaa.org or call (805) 477-7300.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, an agency of the County of Ventura, is the principal agency in Ventura County charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

 

July is Parks and Recreation Month

The beautiful view from Grant Park. Photo by Michael Gordon

The City of Ventura is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and inviting the community to share experiences, memories, and stories about what parks and recreation programs mean to them.

“Parks and Recreation Month provides a great opportunity to highlight the beauty of Ventura’s open spaces and parks, the importance of recreation facilities, and the positive impact they have on our wellness and quality of life,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, parks and recreation centers have been essential in contributing to Ventura’s strength, vibrancy, and resiliency.”

The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department maintains 31 traditional parks, 34 linear parks, three community centers, and offers an average of 2,058 recreation programs annually.

In celebration of this national tradition, the City has planned various activities for residents of all ages and abilities, including weekly challenges to inspire and entertain community members. Weekly prize drawings will be given to people who share photos or short videos of their adventures.

“Parks and recreation programs are at the center of many life experiences and memories. Local parks are places to gather with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life’s special moments, sites that connect us with essential community services, and so much more,” said Ventura Parks and Recreation Director Nancy O’Connor. “I am proud to lead a team of amazing people who work hard to keep providing essential recreation programs and maintain Ventura’s beautiful trees, open spaces, and facilities.”

According to NRPA, 93% of adults in the U.S. say their mental health is improved by services offered by local park and recreation professionals and agencies.

For details, visit  www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ParksRec, or follow the Ventura Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

For information about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.

Expansion of Hillmont Psychiatric Unit alleviates waits for patients in crisis

The unit has the capacity for 43-beds.

by Carol Leish

“The Hillmont Psychiatric Unit was built in 1995 and licensed for 43 beds,” according to Ashley Bautista, Public Information Officer for Ventura County. “It replaced a 28-bed unit that had been licensed since 1978.

“The unit has the capacity for 43-beds, and is currently staffed for 36 patients. The average length of stay is for 11 days. This increased to 14 days during the COVID-19 crisis. If Hillmont is full, patients are sent to Vista del Mar, here in Ventura, or out of the county to Northridge, Glendale, or Southern California Hospital in Van Nuys.
“With the $2 million proposal, part of Ventura County’s $2.5 billion budget, which was recently approved,” according to Bautista, “an additional 7 staffed beds will be bringing the total capacity of Hillmont up to 43 beds.

“Yes, we agree that the County needs more beds/chairs/placement sites, and we are looking at the full continuum from the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit to Crisis Stabilization Unit /Crisis Residential Treatment to residential treatment and board and care to incrementally enhance the eco-system at all levels,” according to Bautista. “Since the county has a need for it with its population of 840, 000, future expansion plans include: adding Crisis Stabilization Units (6 chairs), which will be coming this fall to St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard; Crisis Residential Treatment (16 beds), which will be coming to Santa Paula this fall; and, a Locked Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility (80-120 beds), which we are looking to bring to Ventura County in the near future.”

“Concerning the Advisory panel urging an option for longer hospitalizations of those who are severely mentally ill in Ventura County,” according to Bautista, “I’ll refer to us (Ventura County), adopting the provisions of Welfare and Institutions Code #270.10 et seq. (Article 4.7 of Chapter 2 of the Lanterman-Petris-Short [LPS] Act) (hereinafter WIC & 5270) which discusses the possible provision for people requiring acute psychiatric treatment longer than that currently afforded under the Welfare and Institutions Code & 5250, in order to avoid the costly and unnecessary filings of Temporary Conservatorship petitions. Thus, if adopted, a WIC & 5270 hold would allow an individual with serious mental illness to be held for up to an additional 30 days. But, if the person in question is stabilized, the hospital can discharge that person earlier without approval from the court or a conservator.

“The above recommendations are supported by both Ventura County Behavioral Heath and Ventura County Medica Center. When it is determined that an individual is gravely disabled and has not stabilized in 17 days, the hospital either discharges and subsequently re-admits (if they missed the window to file for temporary conservatorship), or files for temporary conservatorship which is more restrictive than an additional 30 days. Rights are protected by affording the individual a probable cause hearing.”

Dr. Fankhauser, CEO of both Ventura County Medical Center & Santa Paula Hospital, states: “We are committed to providing high quality, compassionate care to this population (those with mental illness), here in Ventura County.”