Category Archives: News and Notes

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

As April marks National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Ventura Police Department is increasing its efforts to combat the dangers posed by distracted driving. In alignment with this nationwide initiative, the department will conduct enforcement operations focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ventura Tree Alliance Build a Sense of Community by Planting Trees

Barbara Brown, Christy Weir, and Nancy O’Rode are happy planting trees.

Every year, Californians celebrate Arbor Week by planting trees in their communities. This year the Ventura Tree

Alliance (VTA) is planting 15 trees at Elmhurst School and another 20 trees at Montalvo Hill Park. VTA has planted trees every year during Arbor Week since we began in 2021. Our goal is to increase awareness of the benefits of trees.

California is a place where trees are a part of our daily lives. Tree planting here is at an all-time high after significant losses statewide since 2018. Last year, in California nearly 195,000 trees were planted during Arbor Week. By the end of 2024, the Ventura Tree Alliance will have planted nearly 200 trees in Ventura.

Community, business and non-profit leaders from all fields understand that trees are important for practical and aesthetic reasons. Trees cool the air, reducing the need for air conditioning. Trees add property value to homes and businesses. Tree filled communities tend to be safer, more sociable and healthier.

Ventura loves trees, but in many communities, people are indifferent. But they shouldn’t be. Studies show urban greenery improves public health: 40 percent fewer people are overweight or obese, residents are three times as likely to be physically

active, children have reduced symptoms of attention deficit disorder, hypertension and asthma, and stress levels are lower.

If the intangible benefits to trees in our environment aren’t enough evidence, what about the dollars and cents? A study done in the Inland Valley showed that one large tree will provide over $2,700 in environmental and other benefits over its lifetime. That’s a 333-percent return on investment. For 100 large public trees, communities can save over $190,000 in 40 years.

While VTA does what we can locally, California ReLeaf is leading the statewide effort. Last year, they funded 33 projects with local organizations resulting in over 23,000 trees planted, and the creation or retention of nearly 200 jobs and job training for young people over the next two years. Because of our partnership with California ReLeaf, when you celebrate California Arbor Week locally, you’ll be celebrating with the rest of the state as well.

This California Arbor Week and in the future, we need your support. Neighbors can come together and help each other plant trees on their property. Volunteers can donate materials or their time to plant trees at parks or in schoolyards. Communities that work together to plant trees forge bonds that cannot be measured through the tons of carbon dioxide removed from the air or gallons of rainwater collected by trees. These are the relationships that lead to a greater understanding amongst neighbors and the inner peace that comes from living in a greener community.

Join Us!

Volunteers are needed to help plant trees on Thursday, April 25, 10am at Montalvo Hill Park. Bring a shovel or rake (with your name on it), a sun hat, sunscreen and water… and have a great day outdoors making a difference in Ventura.

Second Annual Mental Health Wellness Festival

by Carol Leish, MA

The Ventura County Mental Wellness Festival returns to Ventura Harbor. The organizer is local non-profit, Turning Point Foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for adults experiencing serious mental illness, addiction, lack of housing and inadequate physical health care. The festival’s objective is to raise awareness about mental health and share mental wellness pathways that support, maintain and/or improve peoples’ mental health. This annual event celebrates the completion of National Mental Health Awareness Month (May).

Folks can visit Ventura Harbor Village (lawn area) at 1583 Spinnaker Dr. The event will be from 10:30am – 4:30pm on Saturday, June 1st 2024. Come relax with yoga and sound meditation, hosted by Meditation Mount. Enjoy live music from the Orchard Bluegrass Band. This band has been entertaining audiences of all ages throughout Southern California for many years. Two of the venues they have performed at include the Reagan Library and Ventura County Fair.

View the Mental Health Art Exhibit, which displays a variety of artwork submitted by Turning Point’s wellness program clients. Also, shop a variety of native plants and talk to horticulture experts at the Growing Works Garden Exhibit. Growing Works is an innovative wholesale plant nursery that serves as one of Turning Point’s mental wellness programs. It provides job training, employment, volunteer opportunities, recovery services and hands-on horticulture work experience to people experiencing mental health challenges.

Participate in an arts and crafts activity by Ronald McDonald House Charities (SoCal) Camp Good Times! RMHC’s Camp Good Times provides a cost-free multi-day sleep over experience for kids battling cancer and their families. Ronald McDonald House-Charities of Southern California’s mission is to create a positive, long-lasting impact on children with cancer and their families by providing fun-filled medically supervised cost-free year-round programs in tandem with seven houses spread through Southern California. This includes the newest “Family Room” at Ventura County Medical Center.

Event exhibitor and activity sponsors include: Ventura County Behavioral Health; Meditation Mount; Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times; Tinyplants; Growing Works; Oxnard Wellness Center; 1Health Right 360; Autism Society-Ventura County; California Lutheran University; Ventura Breeze; New Talk 1590-KVTA; VC Reporter; Nate’s Places Wellness & Recovery Center and Rotary Ventura South.

Contact: [email protected] to become a sponsor and/or vendor!

Special thanks to Ventura Harbor Village as the venue! Join us at the grass lawn. Also, explore the wonderful array of shops, restaurants, boat rides and more.

Event Website: mentalwellnessfest.com

Get a 10% off at participating Ventura Harbor restaurants & shops by going to: https://mentalwellnessfest.com/venturaharborvillagefestivaldiscount.html

Spring into action: Give blood with the Red Cross

Make an appointment now to help save lives during National Volunteer Month

During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help protect the blood supply by making and keeping blood donation appointments in the weeks ahead. Donors of all blood types – especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care this spring.

The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer blood donors to collect about 12,000 blood donations every single day. With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential in transfusion care. Blood drives and donation centers also depend on the generosity and valuable time of those who make it possible for the Red Cross to help people in need

Spring into action – book a time to give lifesaving blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give April 8-28, 2024, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered to win a $7,000 gift card. There will be two lucky winners. See RedCrossBlood.org/Spring for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 8-28

Ventura- 4/23/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report

Ocean water quality results for samples collected this week indicate ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling locations failed to meet State standards for bacteria:

  • Rincon Beach at Creek
  • Faria County Park Beach
  • Surfer’s Point at Seaside

Warning signs are currently posted and contact with ocean water should be avoided for a minimum of 50 yards on either side of each posted sign. Warning signs will remain posted until ocean water quality meets State standards. Any items that may have come in contact with ocean water should be avoided. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

As a result of current storm and predicted rainfall the public is advised to avoid body contact with all storm water runoff and ocean water at all Ventura County beaches.

Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County. In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.

There is a potential for storm water runoff to carry disease causing bacteria to the beaches and into the ocean water. In addition, storm water runoff can transport physical hazards such as partially submerged tree limbs and logs into the ocean that could result in serious physical injury. Contact with this runoff water will result in an increased risk to human health and should be avoided for at least 72 hours after all rainfall activity has ended.This advisory will remain in effect for 72 hours (3 days) after all rainfall has ended.

Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program staff will continue with weekly bacteriological sampling of Ventura County beaches. Bacteriological sample results for specific beaches are also available on the Environmental Health Division hotline (recorded information), 805/662-6555, and on the Division’s Web page at:

www.vcrma.org/ocean–water–quality–monitoring–program

 

 

Ventura County Fairgrounds Names Deputy Manager

Ortiz has an extensive history with the Fairgrounds.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center is excited to name Heidi Ortiz to the position of Deputy Manager. Ortiz has an extensive history with the Fairgrounds, having worked as an Executive Assistant to the CEO for 14 years. She also served as a Junior Fair Board advisor for five years.

“I enjoy working with the team, my Fair family, to put on events for the community’s enjoyment,” said Ortiz. “I love seeing the excitement, joy, and smiles on everyone’s face, making the hard work worth it!”

Ortiz has played a pivotal role in her work and in the community, having forged important relationships between the Fairgrounds, local businesses, organizations, and fairgoers. As Deputy Manager, Ortiz will continue to strengthen the bond between the community and the Fairgrounds, while also taking on an extended leadership role, overseeing staff and projects.

“Heidi is often referred to as the glue that keeps us all together,” said Ventura County Fairgrounds CEO Jen McGuire. “We are all so proud to have her as our Deputy Manager. Heidi has put her heart and soul into our Fairgrounds and it shows. Her continued commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to us all.”

Ortiz is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she earned her Bachelors in Animal Science. She excelled in academics and athletics, having played four years of collegiate soccer; a two-year team captain. When she’s not at the Fairgrounds, Heidi enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

The Ventura County Fair is celebrating 150 years in 2024! The fun starts now, with monthly events and contests leading up to the annual Fair this July 31 through August 11, 2024. This year’s Ventura County Fair will include new celebrations and pay homage to past traditions.

Ventura Charter School hosts 13th annual EcoFest

In 2023 more than 2500 attendees enjoyed the Earth Day festivities.

Join us for good green fun celebrating Earth Day Ventura Charter School is excited to once again present Ventura EcoFest, an Earth Day celebration of our planet for the community of Ventura. This family-friendly free event welcomes the community to enjoy good green fun in the form of live performances, a silent auction, a raffle, local vendors and nonprofits, food trucks, eco arts and crafts and educational games on Sunday, April 28th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ventura Charter School campus, 2060 Cameron Street, Ventura.

In 2023 more than 2500 attendees enjoyed the Earth Day festivities, with more expected for this year’s event. In support of Earth-friendly practices Ventura Charter School’s EcoFest welcomes the community to head to the campus utilizing a variety of transportation options. Bicycle to event and receive bike valet services sponsored by Bike Ventura County. Through Gold Coast Transit District’s Youth Ride Free Program, students and children 18 and under ride free with no identification required. There will be a variety of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including a kid zone, an EV car exhibit, live music and dance and plenty more. Guests can bid in a silent auction, benefiting Ventura Charter School’s many diverse and inclusive academic programs. Among the items available for in-person bidding are outdoor gear, tickets for local entertainment, yoga class passes, whale watching passes, local restaurant gift cards and much more.

In addition to the silent auction, the event will feature a raffle. Pre-sale raffle tickets can be purchased from families of Ventura Charter School students or at the event. All tickets are $1. The grand prize is $1,000 in Disney Cash. The raffle will be pulled each hour, with the grand prize drawing at 4:00 p.m. Winners need not be present. Sponsors include Kirby Auto Group of Ventura, UNPaste, Bamieh & De Smeth, Amigos Party Rental, Brooklyn Charm, Bodhi Salt Yoga, Bella Luna Gardens, Edible Ojai and Ventura County, and Mission Bank.

“We are excited to continue this important annual tradition for our community, and our students,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School, “Our students look forward to this event for the fun but it’s also an important reminder for them and for us that we are stewards for our planet and change starts with our own choices.” Proceeds from this event benefit Ventura Charter School, a tuition-free nonprofit school that serves 450 students from kindergarten to eighth grade. During school hours, Ventura EcoFest encourages students to take a closer look at their personal habits to see how they affect the planet and make changes, such as a student-led campaign to reduce disposable utensils on campus.

Along with the EcoFest celebration, students experience an involved project-based curriculum centered upon empowerment through critical thinking, empathy, research, and action to benefit the spaces they occupy throughout their lives with inclusion and equity. To learn more about Ventura EcoFest or enrollment at Ventura Charter School, please visit, https://earthdayventura.org. Ventura Charter School – Starting as Open Classroom in the 1970’s, Ventura Charter School of Global Arts & Education launched in 2006 as a tuition-free public charter school within the Ventura County Office of Education.

The school currently serves over 400 K-8 th grade students on its campus located within the larger DATA middle school property. Ventura Charter School is an expeditionary learning school in partnership with EL Education. It is guided by 10 founding principles and its mission to, “engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences to grow resilient, educated, and socially intelligent human beings.”

Ventura Harbor celebrates $8.4M in dredging

Dredging of Ventura Harbor. Photos by Patrcia Schallert

The Ventura Port District proudly announces the commencement of the annual dredging for Ventura Harbor’s entrance channel, an annual program that is critical to the harbor community and made possible through the dedicated efforts of Congressman Salud Carbajal, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and their contractor, Manson Construction.

This significant undertaking underscores the recognition of Ventura Harbor’s importance as California’s largest commercial fishing harbor most years. The annual dredging of the federal navigation channel is an essential action that ensures the harbor remains navigable, safe, and prosperous for the industries and boaters that rely on our harbor’s working waterfront.

“The annual dredging project not only facilitates safer maritime navigation in the Ventura Harbor but is essential to maintain the economic vitality of commercial fishing, recreational boating, tourism, and all of our waterfront business partners,” shares Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager.

Congressman Carbajal‘s efforts on the Fiscal Year 2024 budget have secured $8,471,000 for the Corps to perform Ventura Harbor’s dredging program which will commence in the next few weeks. Further, his advocacy has seen the President’s Budget request include $8,796,000 for Ventura Harbor in Fiscal Year 2025, which puts Ventura in a very strong position for next year’s dredging as well.

“The Central Coast’s harbors and ports are central to our community’s livelihood and lifestyle. Whether it’s the family enjoying a Saturday sail or a fisherman collecting their daily catch, having safe and operational channels and waterfronts are crucial to our region,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m proud to have secured these important funds for the Central Coast in the negotiations over this year’s budget agreement, and I will continue to work with our local officials to ensure their needs are met as we face more extreme weather patterns and other abnormal threats to the Central Coast’s harbors and ports.”

Michael Blumenberg, Chair of the Ventura Port District’s Board of Port Commissioners, said “Congressman Salud Carbajal continues to play a vital role in securing the federal funding necessary for our Harbor dredging project each year. His efforts have been crucial in ensuring federal recognition and support for the harbor’s economic and public benefit to the region”.

The collaboration, between the Ventura Port District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and their contractor, Manson Construction, continues to demonstrate the best in federal and local partnerships. Along with keeping the harbor navigable, the dredge efforts provide high-quality sand used to nourish the public beaches in the Ventura Harbor for beach goers.

“As we recognize the importance of this dredging project, we extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Salud Carbajal for his unwavering support and dedication. His advocacy continues to contribute to the success and dependability of our working waterfront,” Blumenberg said.

The Ventura Port District invites the community to come and see the renourished beaches at the conclusion of the project. In the meantime, the public is asked to be mindful of the construction activities in the water and on the beach and to respect the presence of protected species including the Western Snowy Plover, Least Terns, and California Grunion and their essential habitat, which benefits from the responsibly managed sand placement of this project.

For any questions regarding the project, please contact Ventura Harbor Harbormaster John Higgins at [email protected] (navigation), Sr. Business Operations Manager Todd Mitchell at [email protected] (dredging), or for emergencies, contact Harbor Patrol through 9-1-1 dispatch services or on marine radio channel 16. For information on Ventura Harbor and Ventura Port District programs, beaches, and boater amenities visit VenturaHarbor.com.

Local Partnering Organizations Launch Free Mobile Vision Clinic

The Ventura Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting on March 20. Photo by Rich Ramos

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at expanding access to vision care for local underserved populations, leading community organizations Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, SEE International, Westminster Free Clinic, and The Salvation Army, announced the launch of a mobile vision clinic.

This innovative service made its debut with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 20, 2024, at 11:30 AM, located at 650 S Petit Ave, Ventura, where lunch was served to attendees. The event featured keynote speaker Matt Levere, County Supervisor, as well as words from different organizational representatives, such as Sandra Adelante, Optician Technician and Sabriana Marrufo, from the Spirit of Santa Paula along with some patient testimonies. Local KVTA radio personality Tom Spence was The Master of Ceremonies.

The need for mobile services became apparent following the organizations’ opening of three free vision clinics across the community. After opening the first clinic in Ventura in 2018, services were expanded through two more clinics, one opening in Oxnard in 2021, and another in Thousand Oaks in 2023. Despite these expansions, it was clear that transportation issues and other barriers prevented many community members from accessing the much-needed vision care services offered at these clinics. This led to the idea of a mobile clinic, capable of reaching patients directly in their areas.

Thanks to many generous donations and the support of the partnering organizations, a van was purchased and converted to accommodate medical equipment.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the mobile clinic began operations.

The mobile unit will replace the traditional brick-and-mortar setup at the Ventura walk-in and will be stationed outside the Salvation Army every Tuesday. It will also periodically offer services at the Swap Meet Justice in Oxnard, the Santa Paula Westminster Free Clinic, and many other local events throughout the Central Coast.

Together in partnership, Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, SEE International, Westminster Free Clinic, and The Salvation Army, are committed to providing vision care to underserved communities throughout the Central Coast. To make DONATIONS and/or to learn more about the mobile clinic, please visit https://ccfreevision.org/.

Hypercat Cycleworks Launches Bicycle Tube and Tire Recycling Program

by Shirley Lorraine

In an effort to promote environmental sustainability and support the local cycling community, Hypercat Cycleworks, located at 4160 Market Street, STE 13, proudly announces the launch of its bicycle tube and tire recycling program.

As fervent believers in the preservation of our planet, Hypercat Cycleworks has partnered with Tannus, a leading bicycle tube and tire recycling manufacturer, to initiate this eco-friendly endeavor. Now, members of the bicycling riding public in Ventura are warmly welcomed to bring their bicycle tires and tubes (butyl only) for recycling. This initiative aims to address the staggering number of tubes dumped into landfills annually, an amount sufficient to tower over the Eiffel Tower at least seven times over!

To facilitate this green initiative, Hypercat Cycleworks has convenient collection boxes at the store. When these boxes reach capacity, they are promptly shipped back to Tannus for recycling, ensuring that every tube and tire contributes towards a cleaner, greener future.

“Our commitment to environmental sustainability is deeply ingrained in our ethos,” says Rachel Sears Casanta, C0-owner of Hypercat Cycleworks. “By offering this recycling program, we hope to encourage our customers to join us in our efforts to reduce waste and protect our planet.”

Hypercat Cycleworks takes pride in being a certified California Green business, a testament to its dedication towards eco-friendly practices. In addition to providing renowned bike fitting services, custom builds, upgrades and repairs, the shop actively seeks ways to minimize its environmental footprint.

Customers eager to participate in this initiative can drop off their used tubes and tires during Hypercat Cycleworks’ regular retail business hours, from Tuesday to Friday, 12-5, and Saturdays from 12-4. To sustain the program and cover materials and shipping costs, a nominal fee will be applied for the items recycled.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, Hypercat Cycleworks welcomes you to be part of this movement towards sustainability. Together, let’s pedal towards a greener Ventura, one tube and tire at a time!

For more information about Hypercat Cycleworks and its bicycle tube and tire recycling program, visit the shop at 4160 Market Street, STE 13, Ventura, CA, online at www.hypercat.com or call at 805-477-0353.