The Ventura County Leadership Academy is accepting nominations for the 2018 Journey To Leadership Awards.
The award categories and nomination criteria are as follows:
Alumni of the Year- must be a graduate of VCLA and be recognized as a leader or emerging leader in the Ventura County community
Business of the Year- models a culture of community support through economic development and charitable work utilizing creativity and innovation as a business leader
Non-Profit Leader of the Year- recognizes outstanding and sustained accomplishments that advances its public benefit mission, engages the community and has a reputation of excellence
Educational Leader of the Year- guides and prepares talents and energies through educational leadership that demonstrates and promotes equality, diversity and academic excellence
Public Sector Leader of the Year- recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and reputation of excellence in providing services to communities regardless of their income, physical ability or mental acuity
Those interested in submitting a nomination may submit a letter of nomination to VCLA by mail P.O. Box 537, Ventura, CA 93002 or email [email protected].
Seabird species settles on the Channel Islands. Photo by Andrew Yamagiwa
Recently seabird biologists discovered Brown Boobies actively nesting on Santa Barbara Island, within Channel Islands National Park. This first record of Brown Boobies nesting in the park signifies a significant northward expansion of their breeding range.
During a survey on November 3, 2017, biologists observed four nests and 102 individual birds on Sutil Island off the southwest end of Santa Barbara Island, the smallest island in the park. The adult birds appeared to be incubating eggs or possibly tending to small young on the four nests.
“This discovery, once again, demonstrates the importance of the Channel Islands as critical seabird habitat,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Russell Galipeau.
Brown Boobies, generally considered a tropical or subtropical bird, appear to have been extending their range northward since the 1990s when they first migrated to the Coronado Islands of Baja California from the Gulf of California and Pacific coast of Mexico.
An impressive seabird species they are known for making spectacular plunge dives from heights of up to 50 feet to feed on surface fish. They nest on islands, laying their eggs on the bare ground, and making nests with sticks, rocks, bones, and vegetation to protect them. They winter far out to sea.
Eleven of Community Memorial Health System’s Centers for Family Health have earned special “Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition” status from a national non-profit health care organization for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long‐term relationships between clinicians and patients.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) announced the new recognition in late December 2017 for the 11 Centers for Family Health. The Centers for Family Health provide a wide range of health care services, from Urgent Care to Women’s Health and many more services.
“The CMHS Centers for Family Health are proud to have received the Patient Centered Medical Home recognition again in 2017,” said Dr. Anthony Russell, Chief Administrative Officer of Ambulatory Medicine for CMHS.
The NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality and accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. The NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home is a model of primary care that combines teamwork and information technology to improve care, improve patients’ experience of care, and reduce costs.
To earn the recognition, which is valid for three years, these Centers for Family Health and Midtown Medical Group Ojai demonstrated the ability to meet the program’s key elements, embodying characteristics of the medical home. NCQA standards aligned with the joint principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home established with the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Association.
“NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition raises the bar in defining high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information technology and coordinated care focused on patients. Recognition shows that the Centers for Family Health have the tools, systems and resources to provide their patients with the right care, at the right time,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane.
Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.
Briglio has served as an SBDC consultant for EDC-VC since 2016.
The Economic Development Collaborative –Ventura County (EDC-VC) has announced the addition of Clare Briglio as a full-time staff member dedicated to outreach and coordination of the fire relief efforts being delivered by EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Briglio and a team of about 30 other consultants provide a variety of services to local businesses including no-cost business advising, access to capital for short- and long-term loans for disaster relief and assistance regarding insurance, unemployment, loans and tax relief.
Bruce Stenslie, EDC-VC CEO stated “We are excited to have Clare join our team as a dedicated point person to help these businesses get immediate support and assistance.”
Briglio has served as an SBDC consultant for EDC-VC since 2016, advising clients in the areas of startup strategies, new product development and sourcing, organizational development, process improvement and strategic planning.
As the owner and founder of Kings & Priests, a wholesale jewelry design and consulting company, Briglio is experienced in understanding corporate structure and developing key strategies that enable small businesses to reach their full potential. Her skill set includes creating branding strategies that increase exposure and product strength.
She has over 10 years’ experience working in art and design, as well as human resources, corporate branding and fund development. Briglio has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Sonoma State University.
The SBDC is funded by the SBA and provides professional business assistance at no cost to businesses. Participating businesses are required to follow a well-defined scope of work and report their economic successes. These SBA milestones are defined as job creation, increase in sales, capital investment, jobs retained and business started.
For businesses in need of EDC-VC support services for disaster recovery, details of business disaster services can be found online at http://edc-vc.com/disaster-recoveryservices/ or on the “Business Recovery” link on the home page of http://venturacountyrecovers.org/.
EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, manufacturing outreach and international trade program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 384-1800 ext. 24 or [email protected]. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.
The Ventura Police Department is partnering with the Midtown Community Council and Pacific View Mall for Food Truck Friday on January 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Pacific View Mall parking lot nearest to Trader Joes. The event features nearly 20 food, dessert and coffee trucks. Live music, face painting, a patrol car and Ventura Police K9s will be featured at this family friendly event.
Community members are invited to stop by the Ventura Police booth to visit with Ventura Police Officers and K9s. Important safety information will be available and fingerprint kits for local youth will be offered while supplies last.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Ventura County United Way Thomas Fire Victims Fund. First responders will also be recognized.
Food Truck Friday has helped support the Adopt-A-School Program which has provided beautification projects through event profits and community partnerships since the Food Truck event began in October 2012.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about their neighborhood Community Council. Ventura has seven neighborhood councils and any resident; business owner or property owner can join their area group. They offer an opportunity to connect with neighbors, learn what’s happening in the area, get updates and information from city staff and participate in projects that make a difference in the community. Ventura Police crime and safety updates are provided at each of the monthly community council meetings offering an opportunity for residents to get to know their local patrol officers. For more information please call 339-4317.
Ventura County residents have an opportunity to provide a valuable community service while learning about local government by serving on the Ventura County Grand Jury. Applications are now available for the 2018/2019 Grand Jury at: www.ventura.org/grand-jury.
The Grand Jury is a civil, investigative panel of 19 volunteers. The watchdog group investigates issues and citizen complaints and then makes recommendations to improve the operation of local government.
The Grand Jury may examine all aspects of Ventura County government, its 10 city governments as well as special districts and other agencies funded by tax dollars.
To become a Grand Juror, you must be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen and a Ventura County resident for at least a year. A complete list of requirements and other information about Grand Jury service can be found at: http://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/become-a-grand-juror.
All eligible residents of Ventura County are encouraged to apply. Applications can be found and completed online at the Grand Jury website: www.ventura.org/grand-jury and then returned by mail. Applications may also be requested by telephone at (805) 477-1600. Applications will be accepted until April 6, 2018.
McGrath State Beach temporarily closed on January 5, until further notice due to the recent increased flooding caused by the Santa Clara River Estuary. The beach will close for the security, safeguarding, and preservation of resources.
The flooding is caused when the waters backs up behind the naturally occurring sand bar blocking the mouth of the estuary until the estuary breaches with regular rainfall. Seasonally, McGrath State Beach enjoys cool summers and mild, wet winters.
Ventura Sector Superintendent, Tyson Butzke, said, “The park will remain closed until the floodwaters recede and cleanup and repairs to the entry road and campsites have been made.”
“It’s a classic irony,” said Tyson he’s used to the strange looks he gets when he tells people the worst flooding typically comes during the driest years. That happens because a sandbar builds up between the ocean and the mouth of the Santa Clara River, trapping water in the estuary.
The city of Ventura has a permit to discharge treated wastewater into the estuary and has done so for decades. As the water rises, it spills into the campground.
Most years, winter rain forces enough water down the river to break through the sandy berm, letting the water drain into the ocean. The campground then reopens in the spring.
But with little rainfall during dry years(up until a few weeks ago), the berm and flooding stuck around longer. Before opening this past Labor Day weekend, McGrath was closed for nearly three years.
The berm had breached that winter, and staff and volunteer groups repaired flood damage and cleared away dead trees and brush. In all, Butzke said they were able to open 47 of the 170 campsites.
According to Danette Delgado -Marketing and Public Relations Specialist for the Channel Coast District, California State Parks “Our mission is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. With over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites and 4,500 miles of trails, the State Park System provides wonderful recreational, educational, and inspirational opportunities for over 67 million visitors a year.”
“McGrath State Beach is one of the best bird-watching areas in California, with the lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and sand dunes along the shore. This is why we always try to re-open McGrath, for the pleasure it brings to those camping there.”
For the current conditions and status of McGrath please call 968-1033 or 5851850.
Two additional informational meetings have been scheduled in Ventura for residents in the city of Ventura and the unincorporated areas of the county affected by the Thomas Fire who are seeking debris removal services from CalRecycle for severely damaged or destroyed property. The information to be presented in these meetings is identical, so residents can attend the most convenient meeting for them.
At the meetings, residents will hear information from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) about the second phase of the debris removal. After the presentation, representatives from CalRecycle and CalOES will be available for breakout sessions with residents to answer individual questions. Spanish translators and sign language interpreters will be available at both meetings.
CalRecycle teams are already out in neighborhoods visiting residents who have signed up for the program and submitted their Right-of-Entry forms. The actual removal of debris from those properties will begin very soon. And, CalRecycle will continue to add debris removal teams as the number of program participants increases.
There is no cost to the property owner for this phase of the work, however residents will need to provide right-of-entry (ROE) forms, insurance information and other important paperwork to allow the clean up their property. It is strongly suggested that residents sign up for this service as soon as possible and submit the proper paperwork to facilitate the safe removal of the debris and ash by CalRecycle.
The final deadline to submit the paperwork is January 22, 2018. Copies of the ROE and other forms are available at www.venturacountyrecovers.org and the informational meetings. CalRecycle has opened an Operations Center at 290 Maple Court, Suite 120 in Ventura. Forms and information will be available there as well as the Hall of Administration at the County Government Center and Ventura City Hall.
Informational meetings have been set for residents affected by the Thomas Fire who are seeking debris removal services from CalRecycle for severely damaged/ or destroyed property. Two meetings will be held in Ventura. Meetings will also be held in Ojai and Santa Paula. Fire victims are invited to attend whichever meeting is the most convenient as the information presented will be identical at each meeting.
The first meeting in Ventura will be held on Thursday, January 4 at 6pm, and the second Ventura meeting will be held on Saturday, January 6, at 11am. The meetings will take place at Ventura Baptist Church, 5415 Ralston Street,Ventura. Times, dates and locations for the other meetings will be released as soon as possible.
During the meetings, residents will hear information from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) about the second phase of the debris removal. After the presentation, representatives from CalRecycle and CalOES will be available for breakout sessions with residents to answer individual questions.
Participation in the Phase II clean-up process has been approved by both the Ventura City Council and the County Board of Supervisors. During Phase II, teams from CalRecycle will remove the remaining debris (including building foundations) from properties with destroyed residential structures.
There is no cost to the property owner for this phase of the work, however residents will need to provide right-of-entry (ROE) forms, insurance information and other important paperwork to allow the clean up their property.
It is strongly suggested that residents sign up for this service as soon as possible and submit the property paperwork to facilitate the safe removal of the debris and ash by CalRecycle. The final deadline to submit the paperwork is January 22, 2018. Copies of the ROE and other forms are available at www.venturacountyrecovers.org and the informational meetings. CalRecycle anticipates opening an Operations Center at 290 Maple Court, Suite 120 in Ventura on Tuesday, January 9. Forms and information will be available there as well as the Hall of Administration at the County Government Center and Ventura City Hall.
Wonderful volunteers from Ventura County Environmental Health Division are Hannah Edmondson, PHN , Eva Reeder, PHN Manager for Public Health TB and CD departments, Judith Ahara, LVN, Luisandra Salazar, MOA III, Sandra Gipson, Clerical Supervisor I and Beatriz Castillo CHW. Photos by Michael Gordon
The 2017-2018 West Ventura Winter Warming Shelter opened on Thursday December 21 at the Ventura National Guard Armory located at 1270 Arundell Ave. The Winter Warming Shelter provides a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, and shower facilities for homeless persons seeking refuge during the winter months. Homeless persons can enter the Armory at 6:00p.m. every evening and may remain in the Armory up until 6:00a.m.
Ventura County Environmental Health Division was at the shelter providing TB clearance, flu shots and Hep A vaccinations to the clients. They are required to have a TB clearance within 3 days of shelter opening in order to stay. They provided to them the first few days for their convenience. Many have a difficult time getting in to a medical clinic to be seen.
The Oxnard Housing Department and the City of Ventura Community Development Department, together with the office of the Ventura County CEO, are once again partnering with the non-profit Downtown Ventura Organization (DVO), which acts as the shelter’s fiscal agent. The DVO has retained Advanced Tactical Training Institute to operate, manage, and provide security at the shelter.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to contribute $120,000 to the shelter this year and the cities of Ventura and Oxnard $100,000 each.
Monetary donations to assist the shelter can be made on the DVO website (downtownventura.org) or by calling 641-1090.
The shelter was originally scheduled to open December 15, 2017. Due to the Thomas Fire, the opening was delayed when the armory facility became a staging center for military personnel days after the fire began.
