Category Archives: News and Notes

A temporary fire station is set to open in 2024

The site has been a fire department training facility since 1991.

The City Council (on a 4-3 vote) voted to clear the way for a fire station to go up at 2269 Alessandro Dr. on a 2.9-acre site owned by the city. It will be the Ventura’s seventh station.

The station could be used for up to 20 to 30 years (this is temporary)?

The council felt that costs for the temporary station are significantly lower than a permanent station. Perhaps less than $5 million compared to $20 million to $30 million.

Fire Chief David Endaya stated “I don’t know that I can come up with a solution that will completely take away the challenges? What I know we’ve been asking for, and the firefighters group has been asking for, is help.”

Councilmembers Jim Duran, Bill McReynolds and Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios voted against the project. They wanted more information and wished to continue the discussion in six months.

Councilmembers Mike Johnson, Doug Halter, Liz Campos and Mayor Joe Schroeder didn’t want to wait so approved the project.

The new station will have a full-time engine company to provide services to Ventura Keys, Pierpoint, Harbor, Marina, and surrounding areas. The fire department’s goal is to respond to fires within 5-minutes.

Council members were told that 2 mitigation fee funds of $5.5 million could cover the costs of the interim station.

Donate blood to help people in need during National Blood Donor Month

by Carol Leish, MA

Did you know that a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood? Did you know that just one donation of blood could save 3 lives?

“Blood donations are especially needed in January to help after the drop in the blood supply over the holidays,” according to, Natalie Uribe, Hospice Liasson at Assisted Home Health, and Hospice in Ventura. “One donation can help up to 3 patients. 1 in 7 patients entering the hospital will need a blood transfusion.

“Blood donors are urgently needed all month long to ensure blood is available when needed. On average, blood donors give blood less than twice a year. More people are needed to donate regularly up to six times per year for whole blood-to ensure an adequate supply is always available to help patients.”

On January 11th Assisted Home Health & Hospice will be holding a community blood drive at Aegis Living from 12:00-4:00pm. Aegis’ address is: 4020 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura. Assisted Home Health & Hospice will be partnering with Aegis and Ventura Post Acute (Skilled Nursing and Rehab. Center) and Vatalant (Blood Donation Center).

Uribe said, “We are pleased to also be involved with Trader Joes, who donates fresh floral bouquets once a month that we bring to the various senior communities in Ventura. We are also looking forward to doing another annual Valentines event with local schools, that we started doing in 2023.”

Vitalant (2223 Eastman Ave., Ste. A Ventura), said, “Because of blood donors, life does not stop. Patients are given a second chance thanks in part to blood donors. A 60-year-old man undergoing a triple coronary bypass needed two red cell units, two platelet units, and two plasma units. Acute myeloid Leukemia was the reason a 66-year-old woman needed one lifesaving red cell unit.”

“There will be a raffle for prizes for people who donate on January 11th. Those who donate will also be getting a snack and something to drink,” according to Uribe. Make a difference to help those in need of blood in the community.

To get involved on January 11th, please call Uribe at Assisted Home Health and Hospice to register at:  805-677-7400. Or, call Vitalant, in Ventura, at:  877-258-4825.

Firefighters respond to traffic collision with vehicle 100’ over the side and 5 patients

On Dec.22, fire units were dispatched to a traffic collision with extrication on Poli. Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes of dispatch to find a vehicle 100’ over the side with 5 patients. Two engines and ladder truck worked together to safely rescue all 5 patients and safely get them back up on to the pavement. The local hospital was immediately notified to ensure we did not overwhelm any trauma centers. All patients were transported rapidly with fire personnel assisting assessment and treatment en route to ER.

Soroptimist 17th Annual STOP Human Trafficking

Soroptimist International will sponsor the 17th Annual STOP Human Trafficking Community Walk and Speaker Panel on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa Street, in downtown Ventura.

The event starts with an awareness walk down Main Street and follows with a speaker panel — Dr. Anthony Walls, co-founder of Healthcare for All; Alia Azariah, Survivor/Advocate from Safe House Project; Detective Kellyn King, Simi Valley PD, Major Crimes Department; and Sandy Esparza, Survivor/Advocate from Zoe International.

Social service agencies will be on site with additional information. The Event is from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00p.m. and free to the public.

The four Ventura County Soroptimist International clubs—SI Oxnard, SI Ventura, SI Camarillo, and SI Channel Islands continue a “Dream Big” community awareness campaign with digital signage on the 101 Freeway for January: National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. The goal is to raise a new and/or renewed awareness about the heinous crime of sex and labor trafficking that happens throughout Ventura County.

For more information go to www.stoptraffickingventuracounty.org

Ventura Police urge responsible holiday celebrations and safe driving

This holiday season, the Ventura Police Department encourages the public to celebrate responsibly and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs that can impair the ability to drive safely.

Through New Year’s Day, the Ventura Police Department will deploy additional officers on patrol to actively identify and apprehend drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This heightened enforcement effort aligns with the national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put everyone on the road at risk.

“Prioritizing traffic safety during the holiday season is a collective responsibility that cannot be overstated,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “It’s about safeguarding lives and preventing DUI-related collisions on our roads. We all play a vital role in keeping our roads safe; please take your role seriously.”

Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow usage instructions and take note of any warnings related to driving or operating heavy machinery, which includes operating a vehicle. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is not. Marijuana can be impairing, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, which can also result in a DUI.

If you see someone driving impaired, always call 9-1-1.

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

Ventura Chamber of Commerce hosts Poinsettia Awards

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce hosted the Poinsettia Awards on Thursday, December 14, at the Marriot hotel.

This exciting event comes together to celebrate the best in our community, the best in business, the best in education, the best in public service, and the best community leaders. The Poinsettia Awards provides the Chamber with the opportunity to recognize the hard work and contributions that make Ventura a truly special place to live and work.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County awarded $5 million

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) as part of the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) 2.0 Lasting Affordability program. The funding will support the creation of the Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Revolving LongTerm Loan Program for Infill Affordable Housing Developments Project. This project will establish a long-term loan program and will increase the lending capacities of Housing Trust Fund VC. In addition, this grant will provide resources to Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC) to create policies and procedures which will advance Housing Land Trust VC to attract additional capital and land donations. The anticipated outcomes from the new fund include 656 affordable housing units in Ventura County by 2031.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Revolving Long-Term Loan Program for Infill Affordable Housing Developments Project is a new effort by Housing Trust Fund VC to specifically target infill properties in Ventura County on which affordable housing would be developed. Targeted infill properties will be in urban and transit supportive areas and consist of unused and underutilized land with accessibility to daily services, ideally suited to foster new and growing communities. A portion of the grant will support Housing Land Trust VC in establishing policies and procedures which will create a framework for growth, community outreach, and evaluation of land donation.

“The impact of an award like this is immediate and lasting. We are honored to be considered among programs that will bring affordable living and lasting change to Southern California, including our wonderful Ventura County,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund VC and Housing Land Trust VC. “Affordable housing is a community effort and SCAG reminds us just how important our community truly is.”

This award is one of fourteen allocated by SCAG in support of innovative housing finance projects across Southern California. Selected awardees are set to receive a combined $45 million from the Lasting Affordability program. The Lasting Affordability program is funded by the Programs to Accelerate Transformative Housing (PATH) Program under REAP 2.0 and is meant to accelerate progress toward housing goals and climate commitments by strengthening the partnership between the state, its regions, and local entities with support for program-level investments in housing trust funds and community land trusts.

“We congratulate these 14 awardees for the innovative approaches they’re taking in addressing Southern California’s housing crisis and look forward to the positive impact they will have on their communities and the region,” said SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise.

Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2011, Housing Trust Fund VC is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. As of December 2023, Housing Trust Fund VC has committed to investing $27.8 million through its Revolving Loan Fund, creating 1,177 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.

 

 

Popular holiday bus will be dashing through the streets all season long

Gold Coast Transit District’s popular holiday bus returns with a cheerful new design.

Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce the eighth annual appearance of its popular holiday bus, which will be dashing through the streets all season long until January 7, 2024. All rides on board this special bus are free.

This year’s “Sea-Sun Greetings” holiday bus from Gold Coast Transit is a festive tribute to the beautiful coastline of Ventura County. The bus’s exterior is covered in colorful images of palm trees, waves, and adorable creatures, creating a cheerful atmosphere perfect for the holiday season. The bus’s interior is adorned with lights and ornaments, adding to the festive ambiance. The Sea-sun Greetings bus not only provides a fun and cheerful way to travel but also serves as a reminder of the natural beauty of Ventura County’s coastline.

“We are thrilled to bring back our popular holiday bus for another year,” said Vanessa Rauschenberger, General Manager of Gold Coast Transit District. “The holiday bus is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer throughout Ventura County, and we hope our passengers enjoy the festive atmosphere as they travel. We encourage everyone to take a selfie with the bus and share it on social media for a chance to win a 15-ride Bus Pass. Happy holidays from Gold Coast Transit!”

The bus made its first major appearance at the Oxnard Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2nd and was welcomed by crowd cheers, smiles, and photos. GCTD’s parade entry also included its six-foot “Minibus” and a GO ACCESS van adorned with decorative wreaths and ornaments.

Passengers are again encouraged to take selfies with the holiday bus and post them on social media. Sightings of this year’s holiday bus can be tracked by tagging GCTD on Facebook and Instagram. There will also be a contest to win a 15-Ride Bus Pass by sharing a photo of the Holiday Bus and tagging GCTD on social media with the hashtag #SeaSunGreetings.

About the District: Gold Coast Transit District provides safe, responsive, convenient, efficient, and environmentally responsible fixed-route bus and paratransit public transportation that serves the diverse needs of the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Ventura, and in the unincorporated County areas between the cities. Utilizing a fleet of 61 clean natural gas-fueled buses, and 26 paratransit buses and vans, GCTD carries 3 million passengers annually on its 20 bus routes. GCTD is the largest provider of public transit in Ventura County and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of an elected official from each member jurisdiction.  For more information or to plan your trip, visit www.gctd.org.

Applications now open for 2024 Bank of America Student Leader Program

Last year’s student leaders.

Community-minded high school juniors and seniors looking for summer internships are encouraged now to prepare and submit their applications for the 2024 Student Leaders program offered by Bank of America. The deadline to apply for this prestigious community-oriented leadership program is Jan. 17, 2024.

The program provides work experience and training through an 8-week paid internship with local nonprofits. Last year’s students worked with the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast.

The program also includes an all-expense-paid Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. from July 22-27, 2024. Every year, about 300 community-minded students are selected for the Student Leader Program.

Since 2004, Student Leaders® has been part of our ongoing commitment to youth employment and economic mobility. We’re helping prepare a diverse pipeline of community-minded young students to be successful in the workforce through leadership training and work experience.

By driving responsible growth, we deliver for clients and address pressing societal issues, including advancing employment opportunities for youth and young adults. Through our Student Leaders® program, we annually connect more than 300 community-minded high school juniors and seniors from over 100 communities to employment, skills development and service.

The students hail from many diverse backgrounds, but are united by their drive and commitment. Through paid internships with local nonprofits and participation in a national leadership summit, they gain practical work and life experience.

Students in good standing at their school and interested in the program can apply at: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/student-leaders.

Fundraising efforts underway to ensure a festive holiday meal for VUSD students in need

Ventura Cheers for Children, a venerable non-profit organization is dedicated to assisting Ventura Unified families facing adversity is in the final stretch of its annual holiday meal campaign, a tradition spanning over 70 years. This heartwarming initiative not only brightens the festive season for those in need but also provides ongoing support to families grappling with challenges throughout the year, offering assistance with medical bills, supplemental food, and more.

With an ambitious goal of $25,000 for this year’s fundraiser the community has already rallied, contributing a remarkable $14,000. Dr. Antonio Castro, a dedicated Board Member of Ventura Cheers for Children, expressed gratitude stating, “Our families deeply appreciate this assistance during the holidays. It exemplifies the caring, supportive, and nurturing spirit of our Ventura Unified community. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone contributing to this crucial cause this year.”

The Ventura Cheers for Children initiative began in 1952 when compassionate educators identified a student and family in need of a holiday meal. Over the decades the campaign has evolved, but its core mission remains unchanged: ensuring that all students experience the warmth of a holiday meal. The generosity of donors has enabled Ventura Cheers for Children to expand its support, reaching beyond the holiday season to aid VUSD families in crisis throughout the year.

If you wish to contribute, electronic donations can be made through Venmo @VenturaCheersForChildren (The last 4 digits of the phone number for confirmation is “6371”). Checks are also accepted and should be made out to Ventura Cheers for Children and mailed directly to VUSD c/o Ventura Cheers for Children. A thank you note including our tax ID # will be promptly sent to all contributors.

For inquiries about this year’s Ventura Cheers for Children campaign, please contact Rose Ramirez at 641-5000 x 1009 or Amy Dahm at x 1014, or e-mail [email protected]