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Troop 111 has performed over 4,500 hours of service

Arroyo Verde Park’s unsung heroes.

Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships would like to thank Boy Scout Troop 111. In its three years of existence, Troop 111 has performed over 4,500 hours of service, much of it in the outdoors. The Los Padres Forest has been the recipient of most of their efforts, however, in the last year, they chose to perform similar work in their local community.

Their work in Ventura began when they assisted in the Arroyo Verde Park trail clean up after the Thomas Fire. With the exposed hillsides came the urgency to protect the park from extreme water flow. This led to their first implementation of water bars, channels that allow for the diversion of rainwater, where “canyonization” of the trails during the rains was a potential threat in the Thomas Fire burn areas.

Troop 111 has implemented or improved 49 water bars in Arroyo Verde Park. They worked with Ventura Land Trust who provided them with specialized trail tools to use during the project. For more information about Troop 111’s activities visit their website. Thank you Troop 111!

Recently appointed City Manager Alex Macintyre’s management style fits well with the city’s goals

New Ventura City Manager meets the Breeze for an interview.

by Richard Lieberman

City manager Alex Macintyre has taken over the reins at city hall. He came aboard in November 2018 and is settling into the position. Macintyre’s background and experience in city management are broad and extensive.

Macintyre has served as city manager for Menlo Park, an affluent city of 36,000 with a median income of $126,000. Menlo Park is also the home and headquarters of Facebook. He had been with the city since 2012. He also served as city manager at Lake Oswego in Oregon between 2008 and 2012. He also served as chief assistant county administrator with Marin County from 2006 to 2008. Before that, he was town manager for Tiburon and Portola Valley, both in Northern California.

Macintyre has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California at Irvine.

In addition to the Thomas Fire rebuilding effort, Macintyre is overseeing an ambitious water agenda that includes connecting to state water and working with a new council.

“I am absolutely enthusiastic and looking forward to what we can do together,” he said. “I know there is so much coming up and there is so much to do I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get going” he added.

Asked how it would be different working with a behemoth like Facebook and now working for Ventura. “When I came to Menlo Park, Facebook had just announced it plans to move onto an old Sun Microsystems campus that had been abandoned and it was a small ten-acre campus and I thought to myself it will be interesting to see how a very well branded company like Facebook does here. When they got there in 2012, they had something like 2500 employees and when I left they were up to about 15,000 employees.

When asked about how it will be working with a new council he said “I think it is going to be interesting given that we are now in the districts, how does the decision making or how might decision making be different on January 1 as compared with December 31st? How will things be different, I don’t know but I know it will be different, I just don’t know how?”

City workers have mentioned to the Breeze that previous city managers never came in to say hi and seemed to not be connected to the city workforce, do you plan to be different? He answered “I actually have been going out to the departments. Among all the other things I have in mind is to get back to the workforce and introduce myself to them. We have 609 employees and another 400 seasonal temporary employees, that is a thousand people. There is no reason I shouldn’t be saying hello and interacting with them. I want to be able to knock on an employee’s doors and speak with them face to face,” he said. Having a workforce management system like the one that Alex Macintyre is introducing to this community will only improve employee productivity in the long run.

Here at the Breeze we welcome Alex to our community and wish him the best of luck in his new position and we look forward to his ability, knowledge, and experience in helping Ventura into the future. We know his management style fits well with the city’s goals and general plan.

#CheerForParadise Fundraiser brought local rival schools together

Buena High Head Cheer Coach Lauren Lanski ( far left) and Ventura High Cheer Coach Kari Robinson ( far right) with members of the Buena and Ventura high school cheer teams.

The Ventura High and Buena High cheer and athletic teams have been accustomed to seeing each other as fierce rivals for decades. However, the two cheer teams recently decided to work together to help the cheer team in Paradise, CA after the devastation of the Camp Fire. The two local teams got together to host a huge community garage sale to raise money to support the Paradise squad—and raise money they did. The teams spent days prepping for and then hosting the sale, which was a big success, and yielded close to $3500.00. All of the money raised from the event will go towards replacing equipment, uniforms and other items lost by the cheer squad in the fire that decimated the entire town of Paradise.

Ventura High Cheer Coach Kari Robinson and Buena High Head Cheer Coach Lauren Lanski decided that they wanted to do something special for the Paradise High Cheer team after the loss suffered in their town. “Our cheerleaders worked hard on publicizing, gathering donated items, setting up the sale, and working on the day of the sale,” said Robinson.  “I am so proud of the girls and the love they have shown to others. I want to thank the Ventura community for supporting the #CheerForParadise fundraiser—we could not have been successful without all of your love and support!”

Paradise Coach Cat McMurray shared that at least 36 of her 42 cheerleaders lost their homes and everything in them in the Camp Fire. Coach McMurray reported that she has since spoken with and seen most of the girls on the team, and they are all safe and in good spirits.  “In an instant we were all separated and displaced,” said McMurray. “In the presence of tragedy and total despair we have all seen numerous blessings unfold and we are all truly blessed to be a Paradise Strong survivor. We truly thank the Ventura community for thinking of us and helping us to see the light.

Coach Lanski, whose husband is a firefighter, lost her home in the Thomas Fire, as did a number of cheerleaders on both the Ventura and Buena teams, so this cause was especially close to their collective hearts. “After losing my home, I understand the significance of having people reach out and show support. The support my family was shown by our community is truly what made a devastating experience into one that taught me how to receive, feel gratitude and reinforced why my husband and I made Ventura our home 23 years ago,” said Lanski.  “I know how hard cheerleaders work showing support to others and I believe the garage sale was the perfect opportunity to let Paradise high school cheerleaders know that we care.”

The Channel Cities Jazz Club moving to Ventura

Jimmy McConnell’s Super Big Band will be the opening act. Photo by Michael Gordon

The Channel Cities Jazz Club is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to supporting live jazz music performance. For over 30 years, it has presented monthly meetings which featured bands presenting their repertoire of traditional, swing, and other jazz forms, all available for dancing.

The primary purpose of Channel Cities Jazz Club (CCJC) is to promote the art and music of American Jazz. To bring together those peoples who love to listen, dance, and play American Jazz. To encourage talented musicians to perform and hone their skills before a live audience, and to bring into the public arena high school music departments and their jazz bands(Ventura High School Band has played there). To provide a forum for persons of all ages to come together to perform and enjoy jazz with an emphasis on building bonds between generations from youths through seniors.

They have been performing at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club in Oxnard for several years but an increase in rent has moved them to the Pierpoint Inn in Ventura. Over the years, the Channel Cities Jazz Club has performed at different locations throughout Ventura County.

The first performance will be at 1 p.m. on Jan. 27. It will have an open jazz session with local musicians (jammers), a local high school band and music by headliner Jimmy McConnell’s Super Big Band.

From their website:

You May be a Jammer if —

You coulda’ been a pro musician

You think you shoulda’ been a pro musician instead.

You regret having taken that day job.

You have a melody trapped inside your body that must get out.

Shows at the Pierpont Inn will take place on the third Sunday of every month except for big holidays or large events.

Join them for an afternoon of dancing and listening to great swing and jazz music.

For further information http://www.channelcitiesjazzclub.com/

Pierpont Inn, 550 Sanjon Road, Ventura.

The teen and Foster VC Kids are sharing her story

Keanna and Jaci Johnson from Foster VC Kids love the organization.

Keanna, age 18, is sharing the story of her life-long foster experience with the hope of encouraging caring adults to welcome a youth into their home as well as inspiring other foster children. She tells prospective foster/resource parents about the positive impact they could make, “even if the stay is temporary, your relationship could last a lifetime.” Keanna is a youth Ambassador with Foster VC Kids, a program of Ventura County’s Children and Family Services, which connects teens and children with caring resource families who can provide a safe, stable environment for youth in care.

Keanna knows about foster homes; since she was born, she has lived in 36 different foster homes and two group (congregate care) homes. She says that every birthday and Christmas, she “wished for a family.” On her 36th foster placement, her wish came true. “I wanted a home and family… I finally found one.” Despite the challenges she’s endured, Keanna offers words of hope to other foster teens that “it does get better. Don’t give up on yourself.”

Foster children and teens come into care when they have been exposed to abuse or neglect that impacts their safety. Foster VC Kids works to strengthen families by providing support and resources to reunify children with their parents whenever it is safe to do so. And when reunification is not possible, Foster VC Kids ensures the youth are placed with loving resource parents (foster or relative caregivers) who have the support to provide safety, permanency and quality care.

Last June, Keanna graduated from high school with good grades and is now is transitioning to adulthood. She credits her foster mom Miranda with teaching her life skills like how to write a resume, fill out a job application, and obtain a driver’s license. At Miranda’s home, Keanna says for the first time in her life “we ate dinner together like a real family.

Now that Keanna is 18, she has elected to participate in extended foster care – legislation enacted with the California Fostering Connections to Success Act (AB12) to support older youth as they transition from foster care into adulthood and independent living.

For community members who have a desire to help youth in need, welcoming a teen is an opportunity to change a life by providing a loving, safe and nurturing environment during a critical time in a young life.

Recognized as a best practice leader statewide in the family recruitment and support component of child welfare, Foster VC Kids provides resource families with ongoing support services, trauma-informed training, and mentorship to enhance the safety, permanency and well-being of Ventura County’s youth and families. Learn how Foster VC Kids is making a difference throughout Ventura County, www.fostervckids.org

Eighth grade students work with NASA  

Students to launch experiment to learn about laws of science in space.

by Dylan McHenry, Malia Sanchez, and Sara Milesi

The eighth grade students at Ventura Missionary School are partnering with NASA and Quest for Space in conducting an experiment hoping to learn more about laws of science in space. “This is a great opportunity for the students to be a part of real life science and engineering while conducting an experiment where the results will be helpful for NASA and their exploration to Mars” says science teacher Mrs. Woods.

They will launch an experiment to the International Space Station (ISS) in February, 2019 to see if the properties of heat transfer change in space. The experiment will help the students learn, and will also provide information for NASA. NASA has been experimenting with combustion, and found there were some surprising results. It turns out that heat transfer is different in microgravity, and this experiment will help to further this research. In the experiment, the class is working together and conducting those experiments on Earth first.  The same experiment will then be performed in space and they will compare the results.  In the experiment, they will use the same heat source, conductor, and method of recording in each experiment.  The difference will be limited amount of gravity and oxygen that is found on the ISS.  In order to learn how to build the experiment, the students first built and programmed robots using the Lego EV3.

This experiment is helping NASA know a little bit more about how heat transfers in space. In future Extravehicular activities (EVAs), space walks,  they can know what to expect with the transfer of heat in the space around the astronaut, in the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU),space suit, and even stars and large bodies in space, such as planets. This exciting experiment is due to launch in February, so keep an eye out for the ISS. There were three experiments that the class could choose from.

“ We all voted on doing the third experiment where we put a ceramic resistor between two heat and humidity sensors with a fan to move the air and see which sensor heats up and cools down faster,” explained VMS student Isabella Rodriguez.  This experiment is not only fun for the students, but  it also provides an opportunity for the workers at NASA and Quest to see students getting involved and engaged in the world around them. Along with VMS, 13 other schools across the nation will be partnering with NASA and Quest. “I think it’s awesome that I get to be part of such a great experiment and I’ve learned so much.”  said Alivia Baker, VMS student.  The eighth grade class is very excited to launch the experiment, and eager to find out the results. So wish them luck and a fun learning  experience!

Ventura Missionary School
805-644-9515 www.venturamissionaryschool.com

The California Senior Legislature announces top legislative priorities for 2019

“Listing the purpose for which the medication is prescribed is very helpful.”

The California Senior Legislature (CSL) adjourned its 38th Annual Legislative Session and announced the Top Ten State Legislative Proposals and Top Federal proposals earlier this week. Members will advocate diligently during the 2019 legislative session to have state lawmakers carry and support these priorities.

The following were listed as the top ten State Legislative proposals:

AP-18: Labeling of Prescription Drugs
This measure would require physicians and surgeons to include the purpose for which the medication is prescribed on all prescriptions, unless the patient requests that this information be omitted.

AP-2 Transportation: Seniors’ & Disabled Individuals’ Access to Transportation to Medical Services
This measure would authorize the use of moneys in the electric program investment charge to fund grant programs in counties to provide transportation to nonemergency medical services for the senior and disabled populations located in rural, desert, and mountain areas through the use of energy renewable vehicles.

SP-10 Financial Elder Abuse: Mandated Reporting
This measure would amend the definition of “Mandated Reporters of Suspected Financial Abuse of an Elder or Dependent Adult” to include the officers and employees of businesses licensed under the Money Transmission Act for making wire or money transfers and that would increase penalties, including providing for full reimbursement of losses.

SP-7 Veterans Housing: Affordable Rental Housing
This measure would establish a rental housing assistance program and would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to coordinate access to affordable housing with existing State and Federal Veterans services.

AP-7 Fall Safe Housing
This measure would amend the Building Homes and Jobs Act to ensure that specific falls prevention structural features designed to prevent falls and facilitate aging in place are built into new housing using funds generated by the Act.

AP-8 Affordable Housing for the Elderly
This measure would, for the purpose of meeting housing element goals under the Planning and Zoning Law, classify housing units participating in a home-sharing arrangement in which at least one of the occupants is an elderly person who qualifies as a person of low or moderate income, as defined, as very low income households.

SP-4 Dental Insurance
This measure would memorialize the Legislature and the Governor to enact legislation that would require the Department of Insurance to commission a study to determine whether requiring Medi-Cal and private dental insurance plans to provide increased dental coverage at low cost for seniors would result in lower overall costs to the state for emergency room visits and inpatient hospital treatment.

AP-17 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
This measure would require any facility that provides electric vehicle charging stations for public use or common use to provide at least one van accessible station regardless of when the electric vehicle charging stations were added to the facility.

AP-15 Homelessness: Seniors & Persons with Disabilities
This measure would propose that a count of the number of homeless individuals include the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities that are homeless.

AP-3 Travel Safety
This measure would require all hotels, motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts to install grab bars in the tub and shower areas and nonskid surfaces on the tub and shower floors in all rooms available for public accommodation.
The following were identified as the Top Federal Legislative proposals:

AFP-2 Medicare Durable Medical Equipment: Grab Bars
This measure would memorialize the Federal Government to adopt appropriate regulations for the Medicare Program, or to enact appropriate legislation, that would add grab bars to the list of covered durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program, upon an evaluation by the Medicare Program to demonstrate that grab bars meet the requirements of durable medical equipment.

SFP-2 Medicare: Penalties
This measure would memorialize the Congress and the President to adopt appropriate regulations for the Medicare Program, or to enact appropriate legislation, that would prohibit Medicare late enrollment penalties related to the enrollment for Medicare parts A, B, and D.

-END-

MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
For more information contact Janice Bailey, CSL Staff Services Manager, at (916) 552- 8056 or [email protected].

Holidays at the Plaza

More than 100 elaborately decorated trees are on display for “Holidays at the Plaza” at Plaza Park running through Jan. 2. Families, businesses and nonprofits decorated the trees in their own unique way. The purpose of the Holidays at the Plaza is to bring holiday cheer to the community.

Holidays at the Plaza also had some ticketed events. Many of the events were free, and any funds raised will be used to make downtown Ventura cleaner and safer. The last remaining paid event Silent Night Disco, will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 22. Admission is $20, and food trucks will be on site throughout the evening. People wear headphones and can listen to different channels of music … so you’re dancing and singing but it’s quiet to everyone looking in because you have your headphones on.

For more information about Holidays at the Plaza, visit holidaysat theplaza.com or call 805-641-1090.

NAVFAC has announced its selection for the 2019 Civilian Engineer of the Year Award

“It is an honor and a privilege to be named NAVFAC EXWC’s Civilian Engineer of the Year.”

Tami Relph, a Ventura resident and environmental sustainability lead at NAVFAC EXWC, was selected as Civilian Engineer of the Year for her leadership capabilities and dedication to the U.S. Navy’s Environmental Security Program and the NAVFAC enterprise.

“This award recognizes a talented and dedicated engineer who has provided significant contributions to the environmental security program through professional excellence and dedication to service,” said Capt. Michael Saum, EXWC commanding officer.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be named NAVFAC EXWC’s Civilian Engineer of the Year,” said Relph. “The Navy has provided countless opportunities that have enabled the development of my professional skillset, which has largely attributed to my success.”

Over the past five years, Relph has provided managerial direction to several high-profile environmental security issues, such as measuring the impact of water conservation on wastewater collection systems and drinking water distribution systems; demonstrating technology to recycle water from hydrant flushing operations; optimizing energy usage at wastewater treatment facilities; and developing a water security decision tool for Department of Defense (DOD) installations.

Relph has spent the past two years providing training on water resources and infrastructure sustainability topics for the Navy’s Pacific Fleet Pacific Partnership Subject Matter Expert Engagement in Sri Lanka.

Relph also serves as an Environmental Security Technology Certification Program Energy-Water Committee member and project technical advisor. She recently completed the DOD’s premier Executive Leadership Development Program intended to foster senior civilian leadership by teaching program members numerous facets of interagency cooperation.

Relph’s commitment to refine her professional skillset brands her an experiential leader and defines her as a trailblazer of sustainability initiatives within the DOD. Relph has an outstanding record of performance, which has resulted in the sustainment of client relations and business opportunities within the command.

In addition to her professional obligations, Relph volunteers with Engineers Without Borders—a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit humanitarian organization that partners with engineers and developing countries—where she evaluates environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects that support community-driven, small-scale infrastructure needs in developing countries.

NAVFAC EXWC is a command of more than 1,300 dedicated federal employees, contractors, and military personnel who provide specialized facilities engineering, technology solutions, and life-cycle management of expeditionary equipment to the Navy, Marine Corps, federal agencies, and other Department of Defense supported commands.

REMEMBERING ~ Thomas Fire took their home but not their spirit

It was important that Elmer, Gracie Mae and Bandito accompany them. 

REMEMBERING ~ Thomas Fire took their home but not their spirit

by James F. Gray 

Thomas Fire victims, Christopher Means (52) and his wife, Gail (54) lost their Ondulando home, but are planning to rebuild. Their first priority after the fire was to find a rental that would allow their three large rescues, all Dobermans from the Dobie and Little Paws Rescue in Filmore (also greatly affected by the fire). It took two months of commuting from their mother’s in Palm Springs to finally land at their current location in Oxnard with Elmer, Gracie Mae and Bandito accompanying them. 

However, there are many bright spots, such as the support of family, neighbors and friends, old and new, and the potential to build their dream house.

The Means hired architect and structural engineer, Mark Baker, who lives two streets away, for their reconstruction. They had met his wife and dog previously on walks around the neighborhood. The delay in getting back to the area meant a significant delay in getting started as Mr. Baker was well booked up by that time, but they couldn’t be happier with the choice.

The lot was unique, with an odd shape and many feet of fill over most of it. The city of Ventura, so far, has been fantastic, with every visit, request and even onsite consultations.

Their insurance has been wonderful, too—no issues there—they would highly recommend State Farm Insurance to anyone.

Although they have not broken ground yet, they are excited yet apprehensive about rebuilding costs, which may add an extra several hundred thousand dollars due to caissons, extra construction fees and building code changes. A new mortgage means delayed retirement, and the value of what it costs to build, plus the value of the lot could far exceed the value when complete. Being close to retirement, they are considering all options.

Still, the thought of the new home, spectacular location with amazing views, great neighbors and neighborhood, fills them with hope and excitement about the future. 

Whatever happens, they plan to retire in the Ventura area, on a nice private area with their dogs and the ocean close.       

Recently, Gail was caught in the evacuation from the Woolsey fire, having to drive through with fire on the hills. Coming up on the year anniversary of the loss has been difficult emotionally for them, as they remember the past and feel empathy for those recently whose lives have been touched with the same disaster just over the hill.