Category Archives: News and Notes

Ventura-based environmental organization garners international awards

Local nonprofit organization Paso Pacifico is quickly making a name as a global leader in wildlife conservation. Paso Pacifico works with local communities, landowners, and partner organizations to restore and protect the habitats that form building blocks for wildlife corridors. Headquartered in Ventura, they also have a team in Nicaragua, where much of their conservation work takes place. One of their most noteworthy projects in recent years was the creation of a device called the InvestEGGator, which could help restore populations of endangered sea turtles.

The InvestEGGator decoy egg – an innovative solution for tracking international trade routes of turtle egg poachers in Central America with the help of GPS trackers – has been making headlines, but Paso Pacifico’s impact extends far beyond fighting turtle poachers. Some of their other initiatives include helping Nicaraguan women learn the business, management, and technical skills needed to farm sustainable wild oysters, working with communities in Central American to protect the recently-endangered population of Yellow-naped Amazon parrots, studying and increasing the population of black-handed spider monkeys, and inspiring Nicaragua’s youth to become the next generation of environmental stewards.

Since creating the groundbreaking InvestEGGator decoy sea turtle eggs, the team at Paso Pacifico has been hard at work perfecting this tool that could be a gamechanger in the fight to protect sea turtles. Their efforts are not going unnoticed.

Paso Pacifico was named a Prize Winner in USAID’s Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge in January of 2016. After showing encouraging signs of progress developing and implementing the InvestEGGator decoy eggs, USAID then awarded the Ventura-based nonprofit organization an Acceleration Prize in September of last year to continue improving the production and distribution process for their wildlife crime solution.

It was also announced in December of 2017 that Paso Pacifico was one of 111 organizations across 34 countries selected to receive a grant from the National Geographic Society.

In addition to their recent accolades, Paso Pacifico has also been attracting major media attention from some internationally-recognized companies and personalities.

In January, wildlife conservationist and biologist Jeff Corwin joined the Paso Pacifico team as they monitored the activity of hawksbill turtles in Nicaragua. Corwin’s crew filmed the excursion for a future episode of his nature show Ocean Treks.

“It is critical that we spread the word about our mission and our conservation programs, both internationally and here on the Central Coast,” said Pacifico Founder and Executive Director, and Ashoka Fellow, Sarah Otterstrom. “Our goal is to build on this momentum to create a strong support network that will enable us to continue finding new and innovative ways to protect and restore our environment.”

Have you ever wanted to know more about police operations?

The Ventura Police Department’s Community Academy is coming! Have you ever wanted to know more about police operations? Not the ‘TV’ version, but the facts? Here’s your chance! The Community Academy will take you on a ride-along with a patrol officer, show you what a SWAT team does, let you experience a simulated firearms training course, give you a look at issues officers face in our community and much more.

The Community Academy is scheduled to begin April 18 and will be held on 10 consecutive Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Each night features a new topic, with speakers, demonstrations, and discussions. Select nights include a visit to the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center, Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar and the Ventura County Jail. Will answer your questions and give you an in-depth behind the scenes look at police operations.

Community Academy participants are selected by the Ventura Police Department through the application process. Applications are available at the Ventura Police Department or online. Applications accepted until March 28, 2018.

Potential candidates must meet the following criteria: minimum age of 18 years, live or work in the City of Ventura, no felony convictions, no misdemeanor convictions within two years of application.

The Community Academy aims to educate residents on the capacity and operations of the Ventura Police Department so that police officers and community members can work together to make Ventura a better and safer place.

For more information, please contact Community Outreach Specialist Ashley Bautista 339-4317 or [email protected].

“We recently attended the Ventura Police Department’s Community Academy Class, It was eight evenings consisting of different aspects police work, including the 911 command center, investigations/crime analysis, major crimes, the criminal justice system, crisis intervention, patrol operations, SWAT team, a tour of the Criminal Justice Training Center, a ride-along, K-9 demonstration and more. Chief Ken Corney, the officers and staff gave excellent presentations and demonstrations. We quickly learned a police officer has to be so much more than an officer who writes traffic tickets. He or she needs to be a person of integrity, professional, compassionate, fair, courteous, a quick decision-maker and a counselor. We here in Ventura are fortunate to have an outstanding VPD as protectors of our community. We highly recommend to other citizens that they apply to attend when the academy is offered again.” Dan & Vicki Stowell

Were you affected by Thomas Fire or the flood?

The Ventura and Santa Barbara County Lions Clubs have a onetime offer for Thomas Fire and flood survivors.

They have grant money to assist in your loss. If you need a one-time grant for assistance with rent, clothing, and vehicle or food expenses they want to help you.

Please email [email protected] and he will reply back with a grant request form.

All grant request forms must be received by April 1st, 2018. All our funds must be distributed by April 30th, 2018.

Donations funded by:

  • Camarillo / Somis PV Lions Club
  • Ventura Downtown Lions
  • Orcutt Lions Club
  • Camarillo High School Leos Lions Club
  • Santa Paula Lions Club, El Cajon Lions Club
  • Pismo Beach Lions Club, Nipomo Lions Club
  • Lincoln Lions Club, Saratoga Lions Club
  • Santa Maria Sunrisers Lions Club
  • Pismo Beach Lions Club
  • Templeton Lions Club
  • Lions of Multiple District C6 (Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties)
  • Carpinteria Lions Club
  • Goleta Lions Club.

A few days left to register for disaster assistance

Southern California residents recovering from the December wildfires and January mudslides and flooding have until March 16 to register for federal disaster assistance .

Individuals and families who were living in Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties and suffered damage or losses from the fires and mudslides are encouraged to register for assistance.

After applying for disaster assistance with FEMA, they may also be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Survivors are encouraged to submit their application for a low-interest disaster loan, if contacted by the SBA to do so.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Businesses and private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury.

So far, 629 individuals and households have been deemed eligible for FEMA individual assistance and more than $3.7 million has been approved in grants. The SBA has approved 287 disaster loans for businesses, homeowners and renters for more than $30 million.

Survivors are encouraged to register even if they have insurance. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance or other benefits but may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured losses.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance by going online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA app on a smart phone or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time, seven days a week.

The Salvation Army focuses on long term recovery

Volunteers that came from our community to help receive and sort donations for the fire victims.(That’s Silvia all the way on the right end)

Although fully contained the Thomas Fire will have an effect on Ventura County for years to come. In addition to burning more than 300,000 acres, the blaze destroyed over 1,000 structures, including many homes. The Salvation Army has been serving the greatest needs of Ventura County residents affected by the fire since the initial evacuation, and the long term recovery continues today with assessments and financial assistance.

After the emergency shelters scaled down, The Salvation Army began initial recovery support operations in December through a Local Assistance Center. The Salvation Army distributed financial assistance with a total value of $128,490 to 513 households. Since January 8, The Salvation Army has shifted recovery efforts with an eye toward long-term support, including those in Santa Barbara County. As of February 13, eighty-four households have been given financial assistance valued at $68,342. These funds are the result of an assessment provided by The Salvation Army Ventura Corps and Santa Barbara Corps stationed at the Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery Center, set up at the Lake View Terrace Recreation Center.

In addition to this, The Salvation Army has supported clean-up service projects in Montecito, with more than 100 lunches served on February 10 and 11.

Salvation Army Lieutenant Silvia Simoes stated “It was a blessing to see the support from our community during such a difficult time. I had the opportunity to share love and care with so many people in so many ways and we continue to be able to provide help to individuals each day.”
The Salvation Army is asking the public for financial donations, which can be used to meet immediate challenges and specific needs. To donate, go to socal.salvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and donate to fire relief today.

 

Warning regarding virtual kidnapping scams

by the Ventura Police Department

The Ventura Police Department has seen an increase in “virtual kidnapping” extortion calls in the City of Ventura. There have been multiple reported incidents targeting Spanish speakers. These extortion schemes are particularly alarming in nature because a scammer contacts the victim via telephone and demands payment for the return of a “kidnapped” family member or loved one. While no actual kidnapping has taken place, the callers often use co-conspirators to convince their victims of the legitimacy of the threat. For example, a caller might attempt to convince a victim that his daughter was kidnapped by having a young female scream for help in the background during the call.

Scammers sometimes represent themselves as members of a drug cartel from Mexico targeting victims with family in Mexico. They will typically provide the victim with specific instructions to ensure the safe “return” of the alleged kidnapped individual. These instructions usually involve demands of a ransom payment and instructions usually require the ransom payment to be made immediately and most often by wire transfer or prepaid cards. These schemes involve varying amounts of ransom demands. In one case an amount was paid by the victim and the scammer later called again demanding a higher payment.

Most schemes use various techniques to instill a sense of fear, panic and urgency in an effort to rush the victim into making a very haste decision. The criminal’s success depends on this general urgency and fear. They know they only have a short time to exact a ransom payment before the victim and their families determine it is a scam or authorities become involved.

Criminals often use social media to gather information and track their potential victims. The Ventura Police Department would like to remind the community to be cautious of the amount of personal information posted on social media.

To avoid becoming a victim, look for these possible scam indicators:

  • Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line. Calls do not come from the victim’s phone.
  • Callers try to prevent you from contacting the “kidnapped” victim. Multiple excessive phone calls.
    Incoming calls made from an outside area code.
  • Demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer, not in person.

Due to an increased frequency of phone scams, if you receive a phone call from someone demanding a ransom for an alleged kidnap victim and you suspect it is a scam, the following course of action should be considered:

  • Hang up the phone.
  • Immediately contact family members. Notify the Ventura Police Department.
  • Report to the FBI Los Angeles Office at 310-477-6565 or submit an anonymous tip at online.

Property tax relief is on the way for Thomas Fire victims

Ventura County Assessor Dan Goodwin, Auditor Controller Jeff Burgh, and Treasurer-Tax Collector Steven Hintz have announced that reduced property tax bills or refunds will begin being mailed to fire victims. Staff from all three departments have been attending post-fire community meetings to answer questions, and appraisers have already inspected more than 3,000 properties.

The reduced bills or refunds of taxes previously paid are for Ventura County taxpayers whose Calamity Claims for property tax relief for property losses resulting from the Thomas Fire have been approved. The first batch of revised bills is scheduled to be mailed on this week. The bills will be mailed to the address submitted on the Calamity Claim form. Refunds will be made to the person who actually made the original payment.

“This is another example of how County agencies are working collaboratively to assist city and county residents who were affected by the Thomas Fire,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Dan, Jeff and Steven promised taxpayers relief from this disaster on December 7, just three days after the fire started. And now, that relief is already arriving. This is an extraordinary effort and a thoughtful demonstration of how local government can respond to the urgent needs of its constituents.”

For more information, contact:

Steven Hintz, Treasurer-Tax Collector, 654-3744
http://www.ventura.org/ttc

Dan Goodwin, Assessor, 654-2181
htpp://assessor.countyofventura.org

Jeff Burgh, Auditor-Controller, 654-3152
http://www.ventura.org/auditor-controller

American Red Cross of Ventura County

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.

Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.

The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.

Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood donation in Ventura March 3 8:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Ventura High School, 2 North Catalina.

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

The American Red Cross of Ventura County announces the kickoff of its third annual Operation: Ride for the Red cycling event. The ride will take place on Saturday, May 19, and all proceeds will support the organization, which helps members of the military, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.

There will be three rides going through Ventura County. Each registered rider will receive a rider bag with several free items. All active and retired veterans will ride for free.

Event participants are also encouraged to reach out to friends, family and supporters to help raise additional funds for the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program.

The Red Cross is able to help local military families thanks to the generosity of donors who support the SAF program. This year’s Operation: Ride for Red sponsors include California Resources Corporation (CRC), Wells Fargo, Premier America Credit Union, and Capital Insurance Group (CIG), in addition to many generous in-kind donors.

Operation: Ride for the Red was created by passionate, local volunteers eager to share the story and history of the Red Cross SAF program. Since 9/11, the Red Cross has served more than one million military families, and it is the only military service organization that supports military families from the day they enlist through their time as a veteran.

Register to ride, make a donation, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities at http://www.redcross.org/local/california/central-california/ride-for-the-red.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers $200 vouchers

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Oxnard is offering vouchers valued at $200 to households that lost their home in recent wildfires. The ReStore is a discount home improvement store selling furniture, building supplies and appliances with all proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission to build homes, communities and hope.

To claim your voucher, please visit the Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County office at 1850 Eastman Ave., Oxnard. Families must be registered at http://venturacountyrecovers.org/ before they receive their voucher.

This support is made possible from a $5,000 grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation thanks to the generosity of local philanthropists.

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is a locally-run and locally-funded affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Over the past 33 years, 65 new home builds have provided homeownership opportunities for families in need and hundreds of homes have been repaired, providing a safe, decent living environment for low income homeowners. The Preserve a Home program partners with low-income homeowners to improve their living conditions through home repairs. At Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone, everywhere deserves a decent place to live. For Habitat’s new home program, low income families are selected based on their need for housing, ability to repay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. We offer a “hand up,” empowering families who are willing to work hard to achieve their dream of homeownership. Each Habitat for Humanity homeowner invests hundreds of hours to help build their home, and then purchases it with an affordable mortgage. Habitat currently has enough donated properties to build 30 decent homes for families in Ventura County. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, visit http://www.habitatventura.org or call 485-6065, x 101.

First responders to serve as Grand Marshal of St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Ventura County’s 30th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will honor the men and women who heroically battled the devastating Thomas Fire, and those who assisted the fire victims.

First responders will serve as grand marshal of the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 17, in front of Mission San Buenaventura on East Main Street in Ventura. The theme is “Ventura Strong.”

“We are proud to have as our grand marshal those brave men and women who were the first responders,” said Jim Monahan, co-chair of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. “We hope the whole county will come out on St. Patrick’s Day to say thanks by lining Main Street with thank-you signs.”

“This was a truly devastating event, to our entire community and beyond,” said Monahan. “In addition to the two deaths, so many residents of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties lost everything they own. In Ventura alone, more than 500 structures were destroyed. And yet we know, it could have been much worse. We can’t give enough thanks to those who fought back this crushing fire.”

The parade will honor the multi-agency response from, among others, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Ventura County Fire Department, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Ventura Fire Department and the Ventura Police Department.

Last year’s parade drew over 90 entries, including floats sponsored by civic groups, nonprofits and local businesses and restaurants; marching bands; car clubs; horses; and clowns.

The Ventura County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which ends at Ash Street, is presented by the Ventura Elks Lodge No. 1430. The event’s committee is accepting entries for this year’s parade. For entry forms or more information, visit www.venturastpatricksdayparade.com, contact Jim Monahan at [email protected] or 643-4275, or email Nan Drake at [email protected].