Category Archives: News and Notes

Serve on the Grand Jury

The Ventura County Grand Jury will be holding information sessions for members of the public interested in becoming Grand Jurors. This is an opportunity to tour the Grand Jury Chambers, meet current Grand Jurors and get deeper insight into what it means to serve.

Two information sessions will take place on:

Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
at the Grand Jury Chambers located at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura.
Please RSVP for one of the above dates to Claudia D. Gomez at:
[email protected]

If you are interested in applying for the Grand Jury or want more information, please
visit the Grand Jury website at: https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/

The grand jury is a civil investigatory panel of 19 citizens created to serve as a voice of the people and a conscience of the community. Jurors are not appointed by politicians; they are volunteers who act as independent eyes and ears of Ventura County residents.

Results of online Public Health survey

The Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC), a disability services and advocacy nonprofit organization in California, is excited to announce the results of our online Public Health survey today. ILRC’s Public Health Advocate, Emily Bridges, created the anonymous questionnaire in January 2023 to discuss access issues people with disabilities and older adults encounter throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties. Participants shared their responses through the deadline of November 17, 2023. Topics addressed feelings on interactions with healthcare providers, insurance and other benefits, access to local resources, and general thoughts.

A total of 86 people participated in the online survey. When asked to rank their satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5, most respondents selected 3, 4, or 5. These choices indicate most of the people who answered feel their needs are generally being met. However, in the comments sections, feedback brought up various issues in ILRC’s service area. Such concerns include:

Being overlooked by professionals for their needs (i.e., physicians, insurance providers, resource staff). Enrolling and scheduling appointments are also complex and time-consuming processes. Unaffordable, scarce, or inaccessible services, especially in rural areas (i.e., caregiving, housing, and transportation). Also, few options extend beyond county boundaries. Services typically do not consider whole-person care and social determinants of health, like safety, education, and social support.

The above findings show a need for more awareness, training, and policies focused on improving access to healthcare and other resources. Similar instances of healthcare inequity for people with disabilities occur across the United States, which has prompted federal government agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to center more research and initiatives on addressing this widespread concern.

On a local level, different but connected improvement suggestions apply to the affected individual, providers, and policymakers. Patients could use advocacy strategies when speaking with professionals, such as highlighting the main reasons for their visit and asking clarifying questions. Service professionals could further their knowledge in disability competency and allow for more creative supports tailored to meet the needs of the person (i.e., care navigators, telehealth, and mobile/at-home support). Finally, legislators could host town halls to share updates and feedback from their constituents. The comments could serve as the blueprints for new laws and programs to improve equity and access.

The Independent Living Resource Center was founded in October 1976. We have offices serving Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties. Our mission is to promote independent living and full access for individuals with disabilities through advocacy, education, and action in our communities.

If you have any questions, ILRC staff will be happy to talk more about the survey results and how to improve access within the community. For further information, please visit www.ilrc-trico.org.

In January we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the main leaders of the American civil rights movement. A Baptist minister by training, King became a civil rights activist early in his career, leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott. His efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, raising public consciousness of the civil rights movement and establishing King as one of the greatest orators in American history.

In 1964, he became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King’s birthday, January 15.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Martin Luther King Day was established as a national holiday in the United States in 1986. In 2004, King was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.

8th Annual Women’s Rally & March

Justice For All Ventura County and Planned Parenthood Central Coast Action Fund are presenting the 8th annual Woman’s Rally & March at Plaza Park, Ventura, Saturday Jan. 20 10am-2pm.

“The state of women’s rights and reproductive rights may seem secure in California, but with national politics and politicians making decisions across the country looming, we can’t be content with the status quo. Our progressive beliefs may mean nothing without the right people in office. Please join Justice For All Ventura County to encourage activism and action towards the values we hold dear at the first large community event of 2024, getting support and a sense of community along the way”, said Shane Meserve, President of Justice for All Ventura County.

Local dignitaries will speak, live music and many organizations will be tabling at the event in an effort to help attendees learn more about how they can participate in ongoing efforts to help our community.

2024 will be a watershed year in the United States where voters will make decisions on critical issues such as which political party will lead us into the future, access to healthcare, social justice, restoring the strength of our democracy and healing the soul of our divided nation. Democracy is based on the active participation of its citizens to educate themselves on the issues and voting for representatives that work towards solutions for all.

For all Ventura County is a local non-profit dedicated to is to motivate, educate, connect, and mobilize people to actively engage in their government and future in support of social justice. www.JusticeForAllVC.org

Planned Parenthood Central Coast Action Fund is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood California Central Coast. Our mission is to expand access to quality reproductive health care for all, including safe and legal abortion, through community education, public policy initiatives, and support for candidates committed to this work. https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/

Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) launches “Ventura County WORKS”

The WDBVC has rebranded its existing workforce development program to “Ventura County WORKS.” The program helps job seekers in the county upgrade their skills and receive training in a variety of career fields at no cost. By visiting VenturaCountyWORKS.net or calling 805-648-WORK, interested community members will learn more about available career services and training that can grow their skillsets for careers including (but not limited to):

Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology (IT), Healthcare, Customer Service

“We’re incredibly excited to offer this program to Ventura County community members and help all of our job seekers unleash their career potential,” said Rebecca Evans, Workforce Development Board Ventura County Executive Director. “We also can provide resume assistance, interview preparation, career exploration, and so much more, all at no cost. We are thrilled to have locations throughout the county, including Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura, Ojai, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. Whether you need a fresh start or help with the next steps, WDBVC is here to help.”

Interested parties should visit VenturaCountyWORKS.net or call 805-648-WORK to learn more about locations, eligibility requirements, and how to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County administers federal funds to support America’s Job Center of California locations and other free job seekers, youth, and employer programs and services in Ventura County. The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is a proud partner of America’s Job Center of California network. Equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you have limitations in hearing or speaking, dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). For more information, call 805-477-5306 or visit http://workforceventuracounty.org.

For Federal Funding Disclosure visit https://workforceventuracounty.org/about-us/funding/

Carbajal-Bice bill calls for military aid to combat Fentanyl crisis

Erik Nasarenko, James Fryhoff, Salud Carabajal, Dr. Sevet Johnson, John Savrnoch and Bill Brown addressed the Fentanyl epidemic. Photos by Richard Lieberman

by Richard Lieberman

Headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed the Carabajal-Bice bill part of defense policy legislation contains a measure affirming illicit drug trafficking as a national security threat which will increase federal attention on this deadly opioid. Passage of this bill will provide more resources and aid to help in fighting this out-of-control epidemic.

Eric Nasarenko, Ventura County District Attorney and Santa Barbara District Attorney John Savrnoch, along with Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown, and Ventura County CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson joined forces to address the epidemic and slow down the flow of fentanyl from Mexico to the U.S. The bill is currently awaiting signature from President Joe Biden and is titled the “Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act” the legislation leverages the tools of the Department of Defense and involves Mexico as an active partner in disrupting drug cartel and trafficking activities.

Top law enforcement officials of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties emphasized the impact that fentanyl has had on the central coast. “This fentanyl scourge that we are facing requires a full court press,” said Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff. The bipartisan measure, co authored by Congressman Salud Carbajai D-Santa Barbara is part of a $886 billion defense policy plan that has been approved by the House and Senate and is waiting to be signed by President Joe Biden. The bill emphasizes the fentanyl crisis as a national security threat and calls on the U.S Department of Defense to produce strategies to target and disrupt trafficking of synthetic opioids. “The details of the plan are not formulated, and there will be limits,” Carbajal said. The first draft of the bill concentrated on surveillance and efforts to interrupt the flow of fentanyl from Mexico to the U.S. The bill in its final form calls for more coordination and cooperation between the U.S. military and Mexico in disrupting criminal organizations involved in the illicit import of the opioid into the United States.

“The Central Coast of California has been devastated by the scourge of Fentanyl on our streets, with some areas seeing a 700% spike in overdose deaths in recent years”. Said Carbajal. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans Aged 18-45 and an estimated 196 Americans are dying every day due to the opioid. This new act will strengthen efforts by law enforcement to combat the problem. Specifically, the act will declare fentanyl trafficking a national security threat stemming from cartels and smugglers, directing the pentagon to develop a fentanyl specific counter-drug strategy, requiring the secretary of defense to increase security cooperation with the Mexican military and address coordination efforts between the military and federal law enforcement agencies.

In a press briefing with Carbajal on Wednesday December 20th law enforcement leaders from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties conveyed hope for the plan to slow down the flow of the drug from China and Mexico into the central coast.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko stated, “More than three individuals die each and every week in Ventura County.” He added Fentanyl crime has exploded too with 676 filings by prosecutors this year.” He also noted that in 2019 there were eighteen incidents involving fentanyl.”

The press briefing also stressed that dosage levels vary dramatically from pill to pill in the same supply becoming a lethal dose quickly. Other drugs are frequently spiked with fentanyl, and drug users often are unaware that their drug of choice has been spiked with fentanyl and could be lethal.

“The days when people could convince themselves that a recreational drug is safe are long gone,” said Fryhoff. Anything can contain fentanyl, he added “One pill can kill.”

Ventura Police spread holiday cheer with”Shop with a Cop” event

At the end of the event, each child left with every item gift-wrapped for them.

The Ventura Police Department partnered with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation to host its annual Shop with a Cop event on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Walmart in Ventura. Thirty local children from low-income families and those fighting childhood cancer connected with Ventura Police officers and received $150.00 to shop for gifts for their families.

“Shop with a Cop is not just about shopping; it’s about making an impact, building connections, and creating positive memories between our officers and the youngest members of our community,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “It’s heartening to see the smiles on the faces of officers and children as they share this special experience and leave with gifts they might not have received otherwise.”

Thanks to donations from the Ventura Police Community Foundation, Walmart, Ventura Downtown Lions Club, Ventura Police Officers’ Association, Starbucks, and Costco, the Ventura Police Department was also able to provide each child with a pizza dinner, hot cocoa, festive desserts, an event t-shirt, custom tree ornament, and a $50 grocery store gift card.

At the end of the event, each child left with every item gift-wrapped for them to enjoy opening with their families.

“The holiday season can be a trying time for many families, and the need for assistance is greater than ever,” said Maria Martinez, Community Services Manager for the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura. “We are so thankful for our strong partnership with Ventura PD and the opportunity for the families we serve to maintain autonomy and choose specific items they may need or want, which means a lot to them.”

To learn more about Shop with a Cop or the Ventura Police Department’s outreach efforts, please contact Ventura Police Communications Specialist Emily Ayala at [email protected].

Historic Ventura Pier receives a $40,000 donation

Ventura Pier is a cherished symbol of our community’s rich history. Photo by Richard Lieberman

Pier Into the Future, a local nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of our historic coastal landmark, has generously awarded a $40,000 donation to the City to support some of the much-needed repairs during the City Council Meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023.

“Once the longest wooden pier in California, the Historic Ventura Pier is a cherished symbol of our community’s rich history. Despite recent challenges, we’re committed to ensuring its enjoyment for generations,” Mayor Joe Schroeder remarked. “This donation will help address infrastructure needs, enhance safety, and preserve its historical significance.”

Since its closure to the public in January 2023 due to safety concerns, ongoing maintenance, and emergency repairs have been in progress. These include planned critical corrosion repairs to the steel framing and structure of the pier, with an anticipated reopening in spring 2024.

Water rescue in the Ventura River Bottom

On Dec 21, fire units were dispatched to a person yelling for help in the Ventura River Bottom off of Main Street. Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes of dispatch to find a person trapped on an island with water rising rapidly on both sides. Firefighters rapidly deployed the aerial ladder truck to perform a rescue of the victim with rising water on both sides. A swift water team was deployed down river for potential of the victim being swept away prior to rescue. The victim was safely rescued with the 100’ aerial ladder truck and denied any injuries or further medical assessment.

Firefighters respond to single story/single family home fire

On Dec.22, fire units were dispatched to a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived within 3 mins of dispatch and found a single story/single family home in the 200 block of Ramona St. with heavy fire and smoke showing. Firefighters were challenged with live powerlines down to the rear of the structure. Firefighters made entry to make an aggressive attack through a long back alley to extinguish the fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire with a coordinated effort of vertical and horizontal ventilation to keep the fire from spreading throughout the structure and nearby structures. The fire was controlled 10 minutes after units arrived on scene.

Sidebar