Category Archives: News and Notes

Big boats, little boats, fat boats, skinny boats, row boats, sail boats, pleasure boats and fishing boats

Ventura has become a hub for squid fishing.

by Patricia Schallert

There are boats, and then there are the fishing boats in the Ventura Harbor that can’t be missed when strolling along the promenade in the Harbor Village. Ventura as a coastal town has a bustling squid industry that has long been a cornerstone of the Ventura economic and cultural community.

With its prime location along the central coast of California, Ventura has become a hub for squid fishing. The harbor continues to be the premier landing port for the California squid market.

An interesting fact is that there are a total of 64 Squid Seiner Permits issued for all of California. Ventura Harbor Marina can accommodate 54 Squid Seiner Vessels at any given time. (“Seiner fishing is a method of fishing that uses a surrounding net, that hangs vertically in the water with its bottom edge held down with weights and top edge buoyed by floats.”) It has also been called “dragnet fishing”.

In 2022, the squid catch in Ventura was roughly 36,164,420 pounds or 19582.21 short tons. “680 tons of squid were brought into the Ventura Harbor during the last three weeks.” Captain Vic from Pillar Bay stated.

There is no other single marina on the west coast south of Alaska that can accommodate as many seiners fishing boats at one time as Ventura Harbor. It is currently a permanent home to 44 squid seiners with a total of 103 wet slips and 88 dry storage spaces.

Fishermen are attracted to the Ventura coast from as far away as Alaska and Nova Scotia in pursuit of the squid delicacy. These fishermen are equipped with specialized boats and fishing gear as they venture into the water searching for the elusive squid. (Scientific name: cephalopod).

Using powerful lights to attract squid to the surface, the fisherman carefully lower their nets and with precise movements, they haul in their catch, being careful not to damage the delicate squid.

Their expertise in handling these creatures ensures that the squid are brought aboard unharmed and of the highest quality. Once the squid are safely on board, the boats return to the harbor, where the hustle of the squid industry comes to life.

The industry has become a way of life, woven into the fabric of Ventura’s identity with residents, restauranteurs, and our many visitors.

In California, the Fish and Game Commission works with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to actively manage the fishing guidelines and to ensure there is not overfishing or environmental impacts to the ocean.

There are seasonal catch limits, and programs that are designed to evaluate the impact of the fishing on ocean resources. Time and season closure, including weekend closure provides period of uninterrupted spawning, along with limitations on using lights to attract squid around several of the Channel Islands to protect nesting seabirds.

In 2022, commercial landings of market squid totaled 147 million pounds and were valued at $88 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries.

2022 36,164,420 lbs. 18,082 tons 28% of CA total catch

CA catch roughly spread across: Northern CA/Monterey, Ventura, Port Hueneme, San Pedro.

Packaging plants located in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Wilmington, near the Long Beach harbor play a crucial role in the squid industry. These plants ensure that the squid is processed and packaged efficiently for distribution to consumers worldwide. Cleaned squid is sorted based on weight and size before being cooked or frozen, depending on market demands. Quick freezing techniques are used to maintain freshness during transportation.

These packing plants also contribute significantly towards sustainability efforts by minimizing waste through responsible disposal practices.

After being packaged, squid products have various destination depending on the market. One common route are the overseas markets where the packaged squid is exported to different countries around the world. Both Japan and China high demands for California squid, caught along the Ventura coast is significant as they import large quantities of squid due to their domestic consumption needs.

The cost of packaged squid being returned to the United States can vary depending on quality, weight, distance traveled, shipping methods and applicable fees or taxes. Furthermore, there may be import duties or custom fees imposed by the US authorities. The proximity of the West coast of the United States to these Asian markets makes it convenient to export and import California squid also known as “Calamari”.

Food Share’s 12th Annual CAN-tree Food Drive

Food Share’s 12th Annual CAN-tree Food Drive returned to transform Figueroa Plaza in the heart of Downtown Ventura. Over 300 magnificent trees, contributed by a diverse array of 100 businesses and groups, adorn the plaza.

 

 

 

The Ventura Breeze was there putting up their tree. Mary Thompson and Janie Tran led the group and publisher Sheldon was there, providing emotional help only.

Kaiser Permanente donates $10,000 To SEEAG’s Ag-Education Programs

SEEAG’s Mary Maranville and Seth Wilmoth, and Mary Jarvis and Dr. Liz Diaz Querol of Kaiser Permanente.

Kaiser Permanente presented Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) a $10,000 community health grant during SEEAG’s annual Ventura County Farm Day on November 4. The donation will help fund SEEAG’s Ventura County Youth Wellness Initiative.

SEEAG’s Youth Wellness Initiative addresses the nutrition knowledge gaps and food insecurity among a diverse socioeconomic demographic of students in Ventura County, with a focus on Title 1 elementary schools. SEEAG’s program is designed to inspire and empower students to increase the amount of locally-grown fruits and vegetables they eat while improving overall healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity. Since the program began in 2020, SEEAG has reached 15,500 third graders who participated in hands-on nutrition education during in-class learning and monthly Farm Fresh Wellness Fairs.

Each participating student receives a Wellness Swag Bag filled with nutrition information, a jump rope and fruit and vegetable samples that they can share with their families.

“Nearly 20 percent of children are obese in America,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “It’s critical that we teach kids at a young age about the importance of healthy eating and exercise so they can apply this knowledge throughout their lives. SEEAG’s Youth Wellness Initiative is possible with the generous support from organizations such as Kaiser Permanente.”

To learn more about SEEAG, go to www.SEEAG.org or contact Maranville at [email protected], 805-892-8155.

Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this and other SEEAG programs, over 100,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at [email protected].

 

Celebrating the delisting of two island plant species on the Channel Islands

Partners celebrated at the Channel Islands National Park visitor center.

Partners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, The Nature Conservancy, California, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and Naval Base Ventura County came together to celebrate the delisting of two island plant species on the Channel Islands due to committed, collaborative conservation efforts of many.

At a celebration at the Channel Islands National Park visitor center in Ventura, Kaylee Allen, senior advisor for resources with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Region said, “Today’s celebration is the culmination of decades of work to restore the health of the Channel Islands natural landscape. The delisting of the Santa Cruz Island dudleya and Island bedstraw, two plants known only to exist on Santa Cruz Island and San Miguel Islands, comes as we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. This landmark legislation has helped prevent the extinction of 99 percent of the species under its protection and has provided the mechanism for agencies, organizations and individuals to forge a path towards recovery of more than 100 species so far. The accomplishment being recognized here today is the culmination of everyone’s collective passion, partnership and problem-solving skills, and I am very proud of what has been achieved.”

Island bedstraw (Galium buxifolium) is a long-lived woody shrub with small flowers that lives on coastal bluffs, steep rocky slopes, sea-cliffs, and occasionally pine forests, of Santa Cruz and San Miguel Islands. At the time of listing, population estimates were in the hundreds. Helicopter surveys from 2017 estimate more than 15,000 individual plants now occur on the islands. San Miguel Island is owned by the U.S. Navy and managed by the National Park Service.

The Santa Cruz Island Dudleya (Dudleya nesiotica) is a flowering succulent perennial that lives on the marine terraces of Santa Cruz Island. Scientists say after its initial recovery the population has remained relatively stable over the last 25 years, with current estimates around 120,000 individuals.

Santa Cruz Island is collaboratively managed by The Nature Conservancy and Channel Islands National Park as a single biological unit.

Established in 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Ventura field office works to conserve and protect threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plants across the southern and central California coast, collaborating with communities and conservation partners to build a future that supports both people and our unique and diverse natural landscapes. To stay up-to-date on the conservation work of our staff like us on Facebook.

River Haven is now gone forever

Before.

The City of Ventura and Turning Point Foundation decided to close the River Haven Transitional Housing Program on Oct 1, 2023. Turning Point Foundation managed this transitional housing program for over 17 years.

After

River Haven allowed clients to stay for 24 months while working on a transition to permanent housing, River Haven was located on Harbor Blvd. near Spinnaker Dr. A curved dirt road led to the site which made passage very difficult after heavy rains.

The community was funded partly by the city of Ventura and Turning Point Foundation’s donors.

The city provided Turning Point with financial support to hire and retain a case manager and operating costs using federal Community Development Block Grant funding and Measure O dollars.

Ventura provided $25,000-$30,000 in grants and $40,000-$60,000 from Measure O to River Haven.. Measure O, passed by voters in 2016, authorized a half-cent tax sales to help pay for infrastructure repairs and city services.

River Haven residents paid about $300 a month.

There is, or will be soon , other permanent supportive housing as a former hotel is being converted into housing for the homeless.

River Haven started during the El Nino in 2006. Clients/residents of River Haven received case management services that followed up with service plan goals and their well-being to promote and create action plans for clients that helped them to become more successful and to maintain service connections obtained.

Through support and housing both Turning Point Foundation and River Haven have given people the opportunity and the tools to start truly living happier and healthier lives.

All of River Haven residents were provided with mental health services, physical health services, addiction services, career assistance, income assistance, and medical assistance. Important life skills such as opening bank accounts, learning about budgeting, and learning how to live as part of a community to the River Haven residents.

Turning Point will continue its commitment to providing quality housing, mental health, and wellness services to this population in the City of Ventura and countywide through their variety of other program.

To learn more about the programs and services Turning Point offers please visit turningpointfoundation.org.

Emergency crews respond to passenger trapped in vehicle

On December 1, the Ventura County Fire Communication Center received multiple calls regarding a traffic collision. Ventura Police units quickly arrived on scene and determined a person was trapped in the vehicle. Fire personnel arrived within minutes of the initial call and found a single passenger trapped in a vehicle with major damage. The vehicle was stabilized, and extrication was deployed to remove the victim and transport the victim to the Emergency Room via ambulance. The cause of the incident remains under investigation and the Ventura City Fire Department would like to remind the public that seatbelts save lives.

Fire Units Dispatched to Reported Explosion

On November 30, at 10:49am, fire units were dispatched to a reported explosion inside of a residence at Ventura Avenue and Dakota Dr. Firefighters arrived within 7 minutes of dispatch and found a 2 story/multi-family home that had sustained an explosion with resulting damage to the kitchen area and multiple windows. Firefighters investigated the involved unit to ensure there was no remaining fire by using thermal imaging cameras, then confirmed utilities were shut off to the residence. An adult was inside the home at the time of the explosion, but thankfully was not hurt. The cause of the explosion was found to be pest control foggers in use, too close to a water heater. Ventura Building and Safety was requested to ensure the safety of the surrounding units and residents.

The Ventura Fire Department would like to make all citizens aware of the flammable and explosive nature of these pest control foggers and remind them to remain diligent when they are in use.

Emergency crews respond to brush fire turned structure fire

On December 3, fire units were dispatched to a reported brush fire that was quickly determined to be a structure fire in the 2000 block of Cayuse Lane. Firefighters arrived within 8 minutes of dispatch and found a single story/single family home with fire and smoke showing from the attic. Firefighters extinguished the fire with a coordinated effort of vertical and horizontal ventilation to keep the fire from spreading throughout the structure.

The aerial device proved crucial to stop the spread of the fire throughout the attic. Salvage efforts were immediately deployed to reduce the damage from a working attic fire. The fire was controlled 20 minutes after units arrived on scene and the house was confirmed to have no victims inside but, a cat was rescued inside the home. Ventura City Fire units were assisted by Ventura County Fire Department, Oxnard Fire Department, as well as Ventura Police Department

Salvation Army recently celebrated its 2023-24 Red Kettle Kick Off.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko delivered the keynote address.

by Sheli Ellsworth

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Who is the largest non-governmental provider of social services in the world? Goodwill? United Way? UNICEF? Nope. It is The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army recently celebrated its 2023-24 Red Kettle Kick Off. Since 1891, red kettles have been collecting donations that make the world a better place. “Bell ringing is our biggest fundraiser. One hundred percent of these funds go directly to services,” according to Captain Patricia Torres.

Ventura’s Kick Off luncheon was organized by Maya Zumaya who brought community leaders and volunteers together for food, inspiration and a chuckle or two. Moderated by Food Share’s witty Chief Development Officer, Jennifer Caldwell, the crowd heard inspirational stories by those who have received help from the Salvation Army and those who have witnessed that assistance in action. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko delivered the keynote address.

Nasarenko’s collaboration with the Family Justice Center and the Salvation Army sponsors victims (7-17 years old) of abuse and other crimes to summer camp at The Salvation Army’s Camp Daly in Malibu. The weeklong session called Camp Hope offers counseling, mentoring, cognitive behavior therapy and–like any summer camp for kids–fun for all. “How many of us here can remember that summer camp experience that was so transformative that it illuminated the rest of our lives.” The Salvation Army sends up to 60 children from Ventura County to summer camp every year.

Nasarenko was quick to acknowledge the dedication of Ventura’s outstanding local Salvation Army Captains Juan and Patricia Torres for their dedication and willingness to sponsor local youth to Camp Hope.

Photography artwork on canvas donated by Darlene Roker.

Eighteen years ago, the Torreses were living in LA. Patricia Torres worked as an administrative assistant and Juan was in the travel industry. “God called me to do something bigger than myself,” Patricia Torres says. “The next thing you know, we were in San Luis Obispo working for the Salvation Army.

Fundraising at the luncheon included a raffle organized and sponsored by Cathy and Tim Mayeda and photography artwork on canvas donated by Darlene Roker.

The Salvation Army assists 25 million Americans every year and does not discriminate. Ventureans may be familiar with the Salvation Army’s local Hope Center on Oak Street dedicated to finding housing, healthcare and employment. This shelter run by Denise Adams is open to all men, women and veterans in need of food, shelter and clothing. The Center holds 20 residents preparing for independent living. During the pandemic, the local Salvation Army in Ventura launched pop-up food pantries and fed 350 families four times a week. The food pantry is now open every Wednesday and Friday.

Editor’s note: Dolly Parton pledges $1 million to boost Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign amidst declining donations.

 

Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams’ Star Receiver, leads Food Share’s Thanksgiving Turkey distribution

Monica White, Food Share’s President & CEO; Cooper Kupp, Anna Kupp and Jenn Caldwell, Food Share’s Chief Development Officer at Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution

In a heartwarming display of community commitment, Cooper Kupp, the celebrated wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, took center stage at Food Share’s Thanksgiving Turkey n’ Trimmings giveaway in College Park, Oxnard, on Tuesday, November 21. The event saw 1,800 families receive packages containing turkeys, seasonal fresh produce, and Thanksgiving trimmings, along with essential shelf-stable food items.

Kupp was joined by an impressive cohort of 45 student volunteers from Simi Valley’s Royal High School football team. Kupp has been actively mentoring these young athletes as part of the Rams’ partnership with the school.

Passionate about combating food insecurity, Kupp has championed various initiatives in Southern California, alongside fellow Rams players and staff. His commitment also reaches beyond state lines, as he has supported food banks in the Yakima and Richland areas in his home state of Washington.

Reflecting on the dire issue of food insecurity, Kupp commented, “My family and I are passionate about helping to address food insecurity in the region. Too many people are struggling to feed their families, including a staggering 1 in 4 people here in Ventura County. Knowing that the families here today will be able to sit down to a Thanksgiving meal is something we can all be grateful for.”

Monica White, Food Share’s President and CEO added, “The Rams’ ongoing participation in this food distribution highlights the impactful role sports figures can play in making a meaningful difference within their communities. We truly appreciate how Cooper is leveraging his influence beyond the football field to address the critical issue of food insecurity that affects so many individuals. And well done to all the student-athletes from Royal High School who worked so hard!”