Stephanie Caldwell, Chamber President & CEO, Kiernan Rickard, Nan Drake, Citizen of the Year and David Creswell, VUSD Superintendent celebrating Kiernan’s award. Photo by Richard Lieberman.
by Amber Hansen
The 20th Annual Poinsettia Awards Luncheon, presented by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, was held on January 19th of this year at the Ventura Beach Marriott. Kiernan Rickard was this year’s recipient of the Ventura Unified School District’s Male Student of the Year award. Kiernan is a senior at Ventura High School with a history of academic dedication and an impressive repertoire of achievements. His packed schedule includes running for Ventura High’s cross-country team and acting as a senior officer in the music department.
Having discovered an aptitude for computer programming at a young age, Kiernan is a leader on the Ventura High robotics team- an accomplishment that earned his nomination for the first Robotics Dean’s List. He plans on pursuing a career in computer programming and hopes to enroll in Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science.
When asked how he felt about receiving the award, Kiernan said he was surprised because he’s surrounded by intelligent peers. He expressed immense gratitude and acknowledged that he could not have done it without the support he’s had from family and teachers.
“After reading the 1,700 pages of the new tax code we may still need to call Trump.”
AARP Tax Aide, in conjunction with the IRS, will provide free income tax preparation assistance and e-filing for seniors and low-to-moderate income adults of any age from February 5 through April 12, 2018. AARP membership is not required. Assistance will be available at the following Ventura and Ojai locations:
In Ventura, the service is at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 North Ventura Ave, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and at the Area Agency on Aging, 646 County Square Drive, on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. Appointments are not required at either site.
In Ojai, tax assistance is available starting February 1 by appointment only at Little House of Ojai, 111 West Santa Ana Street, on Thursdays from noon to 3:15 p.m. Call (805) 646-5122.
Taxpayers must bring Social Security cards for themselves, spouses and any dependents, picture ID, copy of 2016 tax return, and 2017 documents showing income from all sources, including wages, Social Security, interest, dividends, investments, self-employment, and pensions. If the taxpayer itemizes deductions, they should bring total figures for each category of deduction, including medical, charitable contributions, property tax, mortgage interest, etc. Please also bring ACA (Obamacare) year-end statements as well.
There has been an overwhelming response to raise funds for the Thomas Fire Victims. Organizations and individuals alike have come forward to help Ventura recover and although most have good intent, they are not the same. Much about these fundraisers is unclear … where do the proceeds go? and how are they distributed?
Here’s what you need to know, for a fundraiser to offer a tax deduction for your tickets or that big fat check you wrote, they must be a legitimate nonprofit organization with a 501c3 letter from the IRS.
“You’re not legally allowed to say you’re a nonprofit unless you have the paperwork in hand and this takes at least a year”, Kat Merrick tells me. Kat of course, has her very own “Totally Local VC”, a nonprofit organization established before the Thomas Fires and although she lost her beloved Wicked Wire Ranch to the heartless flames, her heart remains focused on helping others with her now “Local Love Project”. This is dedicated to those victims of the Thomas Fires that need the most help, they can email their information to [email protected] to be added to the list and from there, clothing and items requested are donated specifically for them and gift cards are given based on the size of the family; Kat and her volunteers do the distribution themselves.
Once a nonprofit has been established, the individual or organization can choose where the money will go from their event. Kat did a “Cheers for Charity “event on January 19th and she chose FOOD Share, The Totally Local VC Local Love Project and Catholic Charities to disburse the funds.
Here’s what a lot of potential recipients don’t seem to know – these charities don’t know who you are, you need to sign up with each individual charity to be included!
There are also those that do not have a nonprofit in place but may partner with one to put together a fundraiser, and although they appear to have good intent, accountability for money brought in can be questionable.
Mark Hartley, along with Downtown Ventura, the California Beer Festival, Surf Rodeo (many pulled together for this one) have coordinated the Thomas Fire Benefit Festival to take place on February 3rd at Plaza Park. Mark tells me a group helping to plan this event spent a tremendous amount of time determining where the money would go and that 100% of the ticket revenue will be spread out to include, the Ventura Unified School District to replace student’s textbooks and musical instruments that were lost in the fires and to help several low-income families that are still seeking permanent shelter. Money will also go to our neighboring Ojai and to the World Central Kitchen.
Kevin Clerici, the executive director of Downtown Ventura Partners and a voluntary staff member for the Downtown Ventura Organization (DVO) a 501c3, tells me the DVO is the fiscal sponsor for this event and fire victims can REGISTER for a one-time monetary gift at thomasfirebenefit.com, registrations must occur online by February 17th. According to Kevin, Pacific Western Bank has generously agreed to waive the cost to produce cashier’s checks for those who register, this means even more money will go directly to the victims.
If there are concerns with where your contributions are going, and you want to ensure they stay local, be sure to check out who you’re giving to.
Ventura Police Officer Judson Welfringer shares the latest crime statistics on VPDTV.
The Ventura Police Department is partnering with CAPS Media to produce the Ventura Police Department’s weekly crime and safety update. Tune in every week to TV Channels 6 & 15, on CAPS Radio at 104.1fm and on social media to get some helpful hints on how to stay safe and keep abreast of the latest property crime statistics.
After the holidays, the Pacific High School students returned to the CAPS Media Center for more production and storytelling. They are extremely enthusiastic and talented students. Along with the El Camino High School producers, the Pacific High students and a band of very talented Girl Scouts, the CAPS studio has been brewing with young talent.
CAPS Media broadcast several of the meetings held by the city of Ventura regarding post fire clean-up with strong attendance. Our coverage of these meetings and city council meetings help the public navigate the policies and regulations through this difficult time. There is also time to honor and support the community with announcements of the various city events to raise money for the victims of the Thomas Fire. The Ventura Unified School district is back in session with coverage board meetings, welcoming the district’s new superintendent, David Creswell, and addressing the intellectual, safety and wellbeing of the students in Ventura. Welcome back students.
Our Thomas Fire Stories project is moving forward in collaboration with the Museum of Ventura County, the San Buenaventura Conservancy, ECTV, other agencies and most importantly the public. Everyone in the community is encouraged to join us by sharing their personal stories at the CAPS Media Center utilizing our professional expertise, equipment, studio facilities with distribution on television, radio and the internet. Learn to share your own story by joining the Thomas Fire Story Project. There are hundreds of individual and extraordinary Thomas Fire Stories to share, remember and celebrate. We invite everyone to help us remember and document our common experience.
CAPS Media has set up an easy process for the public to share Thomas Fire Stories and media for the historic project. Simply go to the CAPS Media website homepage at www.capsmedia.org. Find the Thomas Fires Stories image, click on the Read More arrow in the lower right corner. The page presents more details on the project and step-by-step instructions on how to contribute photos, video and other media.
If you have a story to tell or a tribute or thank you to share, send an email to [email protected] or call the CAPS Media Center at 805.658.0500.
CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. Come to orientation on the first Thursday of every month to learn how to become an engaged and informed member of CAPS. Member classes include HD videography/camera class held on the 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing class on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) two-part classes on the 4th week. In every training session Member/Producers receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production and more. All classes begin at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road. Once trained, member/producers may check out CAPS Media’s video cameras, tripods, audio gear and other production equipment to record their story and then book postproduction editing suites to craft the story they want to tell. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 805-658-0500.
Every day Debra holds the hands of patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer.
Community Memorial Health System is proud to announce that Registered Nurse Debra Lawry is the health system’s most recent DAISY Award winner.
Created in 1999, the DAISY Award is a special recognition that honors extraordinary nurses internationally who demonstrate clinical expertise, provide skillful, compassionate care, and go above and beyond for patients and family members. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease. During his eight-week hospitalization, Barnes’ family was awestruck by the care and compassion his nurses provided to Barnes and his family. The family created a foundation in Barnes’ memory to recognize extraordinary nurses everywhere who make a difference. Today, over 2,700 healthcare facilities in all 50 states and 18 countries give DAISY awards.
Every day, Debra Lawry holds the hands (literally and figuratively) of patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer. In her role as Cancer Patient Nurse Navigator at the Community Memorial Health System Cancer Resource Center, she guides patients through the diagnosis, treatment and cancer recovery processes, serving as a vital source of education, support and friendship along the way. Lawry goes above and beyond for her patients, often attending appointments with them and spending extra time ensuring they feel truly supported on their cancer treatment journey.
Many patients have called Lawry their “angel,” and have said they aren’t sure how they would have gotten through treatment without her. Lawry is always willing to provide her co-workers with education or moral support as well, and she works hard to broaden her knowledge so she can provide the latest and most accurate information to patients and coworkers.
To nominate an extraordinary nurse from Community Memorial Health System for a DAISY Award, go to http://www.cmhshealth.org/daisy/. Learn more at www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Seven local young women were introduced at the 61st Annual Las Patronas Tea. The Tea was held at the home of Mrs. Stephen Resnik in Camarillo.The girls were presented to the members of Las Patronas, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Ventura County and their guests.
The Tea is a first in a series of events that will culminate in the Las Patronas Debutante Ball on March 10, 2018 at the Ventura Beach Marriott.
Proceeds from the Ball are used to benefit Assistance League philanthropies, including Assistance League School, Girls Club/Teen Club, B.U.F.F.Y. Bear Program and Operation School Bell®.
All of the young women are high school seniors, the debutantes represent seven high schools in Ventura County. In their high school careers, they have distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, leadership, the arts, and philanthropic service.
The following are the Ventura 2018 Debutantes:
Miss Jacqueline King, daughter of Mr. and and Mrs. Joseph King. She attends Buena High School.
Miss Sadie McCormick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack McCormick. She attends St. Bonaventure High School.
Miss Lauren Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Powell. She attends Ventura High School.
Michael White has been a long-term member of the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team.
Going Forward
by Jennifer Tipton
Filling in as the acting Disaster Services Coordinator for Ventura County Behavioral Health for just several months, Michael White had already been a lead in Behavioral Health’s Disaster Response Team for several years and a long-term member of the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team.
In the event of a disaster, Michael and his staff respond to the individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, such as the recent Thomas Fires. Michael states, “the orientation that we take is psychological first aid (P.F.A.), it’s not therapy or trauma counseling, it’s a first aid response that entails listening, validation and normalizing their reaction to the event. We provide education and resources to help them establish a plan.” The teams also provide debriefing to the responders.
Michael is overcome with how rapidly his team acted, “the staff came together with administration even though some were directly affected by the fire themselves.” Teams were mobilized immediately after their initial meeting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5th and over the course, a total of 478 staff have filled 121 assignments with over 3,000 hours response time collectively.
“From a mental health perspective, I’ve learned a lot about the sheer generosity and resilience of this community, many people had a strong support group already in place and the need for mental health services was minimal”, Michael said.
Although the immediate crisis has subsided, Michael states the next phase will be slower, but his team will still be responding to community needs. “It’s going to shift, people that have held it together during the initial crisis may struggle in the coming weeks”, he said and he wants us all to be aware that just because someone appeared to be doing well initially, the overwhelming support we saw at first has now subsided and some individuals are left very much alone. He warns, in the next couple months, we’ll see who needs additional support, so we still need to keep an eye out for our neighbors and added one last thought,
“whenever there’s tragedy, there’s always an opportunity for hope and positive change.”
If you or someone you know has a mental health emergency or seeking services, please don’t hesitate to call the 24 hour crisis assessment referral line: (866) 998-2243.
Alexander and Olivia and Valentino and Teddy will return to Ventura.
by Jennifer Tipton
That’s what 10 ½ year old Alexander said. He and his twin sister Olivia were baking holiday cookies with their mom on the evening of December 4th at their home in Ondulando when “we heard the fire was coming”, said Alexander.
Alexander and Olivia are 5th graders at Poinsettia Elementary School where Alexander is the president of the student council and Olivia was just presented with the key to the City of Ventura after being recognized as the student demonstrating the greatest empathy.
The twins’ parents didn’t wait for the mandatory evacuation once the ash became thick and they saw the hammock in the pool swaying from the violent winds. “It was pretty scary seeing the smoke behind our house, it looked really far away but for safety and health issues, my dad said we should go to a hotel “, Olivia said. “I asked if we could bring our Christmas presents, but my dad said no because we’d just be gone a couple days”, she added. “We really didn’t think anything of it”, said their mom.
They did grab a few clothes, their 3-year-old Maltese poodle and 1-year-old Bichon poodle leaving all else behind including mom’s car in the driveway. When they did receive notice of the mandatory evacuation, “we didn’t want to turn back”, the kids reported. A neighbor later sent the family a picture via text message, “it looked completely different, our home was gone.”
Celebrating Christmas in Chicago with family and friends, as is tradition, the twins return with their parents January 3rd. Mom said, “we are definitely returning to Ventura, it is our home, we are part of the community and we love Ventura!” The family has found a place to rent in Oxnard for now so the kids can return to their own school. “It’s pretty sad about the things I left behind in my room, but I want to go back to school and see my friends”, Olivia told me. She added they have “like thirteen friends” that also lost their homes…
The family had just purchased their home on Via Ondulando last February and moved in April, 2017.
Homeowners interested in participating must have one or more vacant bedrooms or a full home available to rent.
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s award-winning Fall Prevention Program will welcome the New Year by offering several classes that focus on increased mobility and balance. All classes are free and open to the public.
Classes offered include Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, Walk with Ease, Stepping On, and A Matter of Balance. Each class emphasizes practical strategies to manage and prevent falls. Participants will learn methods to enhance and increase activity levels and mobility, making the changes necessary to reduce fall risks.
Individuals concerned about falls or those who have recently experienced a fall, as well as those who are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength, are encouraged to participate.
To learn more about the Fall Prevention Program or classes offered, or to sign-up for a class, please contact the VCAAA Fall Prevention Coordinator, Dina Ontiveras, at 477-7343 or visit www.vcaaa.org.
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Homeshare program is continuing efforts to match local homeowners who are interested in assisting families with individuals displaced by the Thomas Fire. Homeowners in the Ventura County area who have vacant bedrooms or homes to rent under short-term agreements are encouraged to apply, as are individuals or families still looking for temporary or permanent housing. Individuals of all ages qualify. The VCAAA and Homeshare are an entity of the County of Ventura.
Many of the families affected by the fire are seeking short-term housing options as they work through the process of rebuilding or finding permanent housing.
Homeshare, which traditionally works to match homeowners wishing to rent rooms with home-seekers looking for affordable housing, has temporarily shifted its focus to assist those displaced by the Thomas Fire, and is asking for special consideration for full families who may also have pets.
Homeowners and those seeking residence will be asked to comply with program requirements, which include an application process and background check, however the process will be fast-tracked in an effort to secure short-term housing options for those most affected by the fires.
Homeowners interested in participating in the program must have one or more vacant bedrooms available to rent, or a full home available to rent. For more information, or to apply please call 477-7324. Applications are also available online at www.vcaaa.org. Please also follow the VCAAA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for regular updates related to Homeshare and other VCAAA programs.
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 and their caregivers 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.
16 year old son Corey, 14 year old daughter Page and dad Danny Castro at toy drive. Photos by Bernie Goldstein
by Karen Leslie writer with heart
In unison, the voices of children were lifted up in a giddy melody sweet and true on December 20th at the 8th annual Castro Family and Ventura Police Community Foundation Toy Drive. In an atmosphere of togetherness, heartstrings were plucked during this holiday time celebration of spirit and giving held by the Castro’s.
From the moment this magical evening began, Dad Danny, son Corey and daughter Paige, knitted a warm blanket of love for friends and families of children in treatment for cancer. With the heartwarming common thread of family, they shared how the fabric of their lives changed in this inspiring story of how the foundation began.
At a young age Corey was diagnosed with a rare bone disease. As a patient in the hospital, he saw the toy box of presents at Christmas time was fairly empty. Corey and his sister Paige had the idea for a Christmas party for patients and their families. Corey asked to fill the toy box at the treatment center 9 years ago when he was 7. Even though everyday is a battle with pain and continued treatments, he pursues his personal passion with endurance and determination to see that the toy box in the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disease at VCMC (Ventura County Medical Center)is filled to overflowing. Corey’s legacy and dream of providing wrapped gifts so the patients are able to take a toy after their treatments, chemo, blood transfusions, IV meds, scans and birthdays still rings true today.
Corey shares, “We make dreams come true as a family”, Paige also shared, “It’s all about providing toys for the brothers and sisters of patients, also, after the fires, the toy box was empty and one week later it was filled.”
With the support of Corey’s devoted dad and sister, working side by side with many of the grace givers and community outreacher’s…like Ventura Police Department Civic Engagement specialist and beacon of light Ashley Bautista – energetic and heart-centered social worker Robyn Howard Anderson of the pediatric oncology clinic along with many individuals and families, gifts and stuffed animals were piled up to the rafters!
The happiness factor bubbled up as young elves piled up presents in the wide eyed little arms of each and every child while live music with Luis Villegas and trio filled everyone with Christmas cheer.
Sitting by the beautifully lit tree, listening to the wishes and dreams of children in their loving laps, dedicated 7 year volunteers , Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus watched each child’s eyes dance in delight and glow in wonder and awe. They share, “A most rewarding experience.”
Contributor for eight years police officer Alyse Quiroz said, “These children are in the battle of their lives and are happy to play a small role. They look forward to this every year.”
Leticia Nevares, mother of five, three of her children with Von Willebrand’s disease, “Appreciates the spirit of giving.”
Hector Garcia, father of Angel Garcia going on 10 years in treatment says, “He is happy being a part of something bigger than himself.”
Maria and Sergio Pulido hold their children closely.
Maria and Sergio Pulido, mother and father of two holds their children close with their son Ivan, age two, recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Sergio and Maria touchingly stated, “Even though our life is on a roller coaster ride, we pray for the best and hope that families with healthy kids enjoy them every moment.”
There were no tears tonight, only a hush of hope and gratitude that touched the child inside us all…the ultimate gift of love!
