Category Archives: News and Notes

Ventura College Foundation receives $25,000 contribution

Alan Shattuck, photography student; Dr. Greg Gillespie, Ventura College president; Amy Fonzo, California Resources Corporation; Patty Mazuca, veterans certifying official; Perry B. Martin Jr., Veterans Resource Center liaison and Anthony Castillo, president of the VC Veteran’s Club receiving large contribution.

California Resources Corporation celebrated Veteran’s Day and the one-year anniversary of the Ventura College Veterans Resource Center with an award of $25,000 to launch an endowment for annual scholarships to the college’s students who are veterans.

“Creating a scholarship endowment specifically for veterans demonstrates the crucial role that Ventura College and all community colleges play in supporting our veteran population,” said John Woolley, Ed.D., chair of the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors. “This is an important step toward creating a strong vision for how the college can best serve our veteran students’ educational needs and help them in preparing for their future.”

In its first year, the Center helped more than 320 self-declared veterans and their families, and many more who have not disclosed their veteran status, define and achieve their educational goals.

Plans call for the endowment to award a $1,000 scholarship each year in perpetuity, with the goal of increasing the number of designated scholarships over time.

“California Resources Corporation is committed to keeping veterans a priority in the communities in which we work and live,” said Amy Fonzo, CRC’s manager of external communications. “This was the perfect opportunity for CRC to establish an endowment so that veteran students can continue to achieve their educational aspirations while transitioning back into civilian life. Our goal has always been to engage proactively with our neighbors and serve as a supportive community partner.”

Los Angeles-based CRC has an office in Santa Paula, and earlier donated a great deal of office furniture for the staff and students to use.

In 2014, Ventura College Foundation awarded 15 scholarships to veteran students under its existing scholarship programs. With CRC’s endowment, the foundation hopes to establish a broader base of scholarships so they can help more veterans pursue their chosen area of study.

For more information about scholarship funds and other giving opportunities, contact the Ventura College Foundation at www.venturacollege.edu/foundation.

Celebration held to dedicate Gary Channer’s new memorial site

Patti Channer, Joe Cahill, Executive Director/VBG speaking, Leah Filonuk, Kathi Filonuk (Gary’s sister), Patti’s sister Kathleen Morris, niece Stacia Nadelman and cousin Marilyn Hefferen attended the very special occasion.

On May 17, 2013 Dr. Gary Channer passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife, Patti at the young age of 66. Gary, the middle child of Alverna and Charles Channer, was born on September 23, 1947 in Rockville Center, New York.

In 1977, Gary and Patti moved to Ventura where he associated with Dr. David Ashrow, the first Pediatric Dentist in Ventura.  After Dr. Ashrow retired, Gary opened his new office on Victoria Avenue.  After a wonderful 27 years, he retired in 2004.  Gary and Patti were married for 41 years.

stuff gary insetOn Friday, Nov. 20 a dedication celebration was held in Grant Park to dedicate Gary Channer’s new site located at  the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

Hundreds of friends and city dignitaries were there to help Patti celebrate the memory of  her late husband Gary.

At the dedication Patti told the well-wishers that “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. This dedication today honoring my wonderful guy for me…… is all about living in gratitude.

“Gratitude for all the years Gary and I shared, today would have been our 44th Wedding Anniversary.”

“Gratitude for all we created together and for our shared love of family.”

“Heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to Gary’s legacy of “livin’ the dream”. Starting with those who had the vision and commitment to create this “Jewel of the Central Coast”- The Ventura Botanical Gardens.”

“I am honored and eternally grateful to Paul Lindhard, Founder of Art City Studios and dear friend who chose each stone and designed Gary’s site with his Art City support team of earth movers and stone artists.”

stuff gary inset2“This location was chosen to represent the first trail of Gary’s life crossing over the road and starting his 2nd journey. I also know that Gary is happy with the knowledge that he has gifted our community with this site for all to enjoy.”

“Profoundly saddened by the loss of “my wonderful guy” my heart lifts in gratitude for the richness “Gary the Golfing Gardener” has brought to our lives.

“I want you to know that I am ever so grateful for you, my community and thank you for being here today and walking this path with me.”

Commemorative golf balls inscribed “Gary the Golfing Gardener” were passed out to those in attendance.

Ventura Hillsides Conservancy names Derek Poultney as Executive Director

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Derek Poultney joined VHC in 2010.

The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) has named Derek Poultney as its new executive director. Poultney, who has served as VHC’s conservation manager for the past six years, has a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from CSU-Fullerton and brings more than a decade of land trust experience to the 12 year-old nonprofit conservancy organization.

“The Board of Trustees is pleased that Derek has taken on the mantle of Executive Director,” said David Comden, VHC board president. “He has worked tirelessly for the organization and has the knowledge, vision and skills necessary to take VHC to the next level.”

Poultney joined VHC in 2010, after working for five years as the project manager and conservation director at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) and spending five prior years performing environmental consulting and field biology work.  Poultney lives with his wife and two young children in Ojai.

“I am excited to build on VHC’s recent momentum and preserve and improve more wildlife habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Derek Poultney.

Olivas Links receives award from CGCOA

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General Manager Carl Van Vallier and Anna Atwell, Director of Sales & Marketing accepting the award on behalf of the golf course.

Olivas Links has been awarded the 2015 Community Environmental Award at the annual meeting of the CGCOA (California Golf Course Owner’s Association).

The highlights for Olivas Links receiving the award included:

●  The renovation of the 12.5 acre driving range with the use of artificial turn and decomposed granite which greatly reduced water usage and need for fertilizers and pesticides
●  Use of reclaimed water for irrigation
●  Expansive native areas
●  Paspalum turf which is very salt tolerant thus requiring less water that would normally be needed to flush out naturally occurring salts in the soil
●  Recycling all consumer beverage containers as well as golf course green waste and maintenance equipment oil
●  On site natural habitat home to many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and recognized by the Audubon Society

In addition to the award, Olivas Links was also recently named by golfadvisor.com to a list of the most water-conscious golf courses.  A link to that article can be found at http://www.golfadvisor.com/articles/golf-course-water-conservation-15533.htm

70 year old woman rescued after falling through living room floor into basement

Just before noon on Saturday, Dec.5 , in the 2000 Block of Hyland Ave a 70 year old woman was walking from her living room through a hallway when she accidentally fell through an opening to the basement that was 8 feet deep. The vertical fall resulted in multiple injuries and possible fractures of the arm, hip, and leg. The home was estimated to be built in the mid 1900’s and the basement served as a utility room for a floor heater and water heater. The only access to the space was a straight vertical ladder.

TechRescue1“The major difficulty was access– the room was compartmentalized with concrete supports, and we could only get one paramedic down inside the vertical shaft to provide for treatment and to place the patient in a rescue harness”, stated Fire Captain Thom Hoffmann. “There was only one way in and one way out, and the only option of getting her out safely, was to construct a hoist system in the narrow hallway system to lift the patient out.”

Firefighter paramedics splinted extremities and placed the patient in complete cervical spine immobilization in the cramped space. Advanced life support was delivered in addition to pain medications prior to moving the patient. A rescue system was assembled in the cramped hallway to create a high point in which a rope and pulley assembly could gently lift the patient vertically through the opening. It took rescuers 71 minutes to get the patient safely out of the shaft and onto the gurney.

Techrescue3During the fall, numerous pipes and ducting systems were compromised and it was suspected that the victim and rescuers were potentially exposed to asbestos. Firefighters provided for rapid decontamination of the patient prior to being received at the local trauma center. The patient was transported in serious but stable condition.

Due to HIPAA we are prevented from disclosing an individual’s protected health information (PHI). We may not release information regarding patient’s names, DOB, address, SS# or medical status.

Ventura and Gold Coast Recycling celebrate 25th anniversary

Photos by John Ferritto

Gold Coast Recycling and Transfer Station, established in 1990 to help local cities, including Ventura, and the County of Ventura meet state mandates to cut the amount of trash they send to landfills in half, held a 25th anniversary celebration on Nov. 19.

Gold Coast Recycling and business partner Harrison Industries honored the cities they serve – also including Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ojai, Fillmore and Carpinteria – as well the County of Ventura with Certificates of Appreciation during the event at the 75,000-square-foot facility in Ventura.

stuff gold coast insetGeorge Harrison, general manager of Gold Coast Recycling, presented certificates of appreciation to representatives of the cities, chambers and communities Harrison serves for helping the communities exceed the trash diversion goals of California Assembly Bill 939, passed in 1989.

“We couldn’t have reached these state goals without the extraordinary commitment of the citizens, businesses and institutions of all of the jurisdictions, and for that we thank them also,” Harrison said.

Working in conjunction with Harrison Industries, GCR established a three-barrel curbside program for trash, recycling and green waste for residents and a white recycling bin program for businesses as well as roll-off and Construction & Demolition programs for both businesses and residents, GCR processes over 90,000 tons of recyclable materials each year.

Government officials presenting GCR with certificates of congratulations included State Senator Hannah Beth Jackson, Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann and Ventura City Councilman Jim Monahan. Representatives of the offices of Congresswoman Julia Brownley, State Senator Fran Pavley and Assemblyman Das Williams also presented certificates of congratulations.

In the future Harrison Industries and GCR will be adding green and food waste recycling bins for its business customers, in compliance with California Assembly Bill 1826, which takes effect in 2016. AB 1826 is designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and create a source of green energy.

Anacapa Middle School teacher recognized

The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation (VCEF) named Danna Lomax, language arts teacher at Anacapa Middle School in Ventura, as November’s Teacher of the Month. VCEF board member, Pattie Braga, along with elected representatives and members of the business community, presented Lomax with a plaque to commemorate the award .

Lomax was acknowledged for her commitment to creating engaging learning experiences, her high level of involvement in on-campus and district committees, and her expertise in bilingual education. Her recognition-worthy efforts include presenting at numerous county and district workshops on bilingualism as well as bringing a salsa dance instructor into her classroom to supplement a cross-curriculum course on bilingualism and biculturalism.

“Danna is extremely dedicated to Anacapa’s students, both in her classroom instruction and outside of class time,” said Anacapa’s principal, Barbara Boggio. “Her doors are always open to interested students, whether or not they are in her classes, and she is constantly seeking ways to develop new and exciting learning opportunities.”

In her 18-year teaching career, Lomax has received multiple Impact II awards, including the Ed Lyon Award for Excellence in Education in 2013. Her efforts have also earned the school several Ventura Education Partnership (VEP) grants.

Teacher of the Month nominees must be credentialed teachers and display certain qualities, such as outstanding commitment to students, service to school or district committees, involvement in projects on their own time and/or participation in youth-focused activities in the community. All principals and parent-teacher organizations from schools within the Ventura Unified School District are eligible to submit nominations. For more information about the Teacher of the Month program, please contact Pattie Braga, chair of the Teacher Appreciation Committee with the VCEF, at [email protected] or (805) 477-4052.

 

The greatest threat facing humanity

Ahead of the historic United Nations conference in Paris on climate change, join the Ventura Sierra Club in a call to immediate action on the greatest threat facing humanity, climate change. November 29, at 1pm, community leaders and local politicians will gather on the steps of Ventura City Hall to demand the transition to 100% clean energy in Ventura County. A colorful brigade of sunflowers will lead the climate march to the E.P. Foster Library Topping Room for a presentation by Dr Nancy Merrick of Ventura, former student of Dr. Jane Goodall on climate change and its impact on Chimpanzees in West Africa.

General Magnaplate faces potential federal lawsuit for illegal storm water discharges

The Environmental Defense Center (“EDC”) and Keller Rohrback L.L.P. has notified Ventura global coating company General Magnaplate of EDC’s intent to sue the company for allegedly operating its electroplating facility in violation of the federal Clean Water Act.

The notice letter alleges that the facility is illegally discharging storm water containing pollutants, including zinc and aluminum, into the Santa Clara River, less than two miles from where the River flows into the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Clara River, southern California’s last naturally free-flowing major river, is critical to the communities’ health and recreation, and is home to numerous endangered species.

EDC and Keller Rohrback’s investigation has revealed that, over the past five years, General Magnaplate has apparently continuously violated California’s General Industrial Storm Water Permit (“General Permit”) by discharging iron, zinc, aluminum, and other pollutants in concentrations that are magnitudes above lawful limits.

“General Magnaplate’s ongoing pollution in violation of the Clean Water Act threatens our communities, beach-goers, and the numerous species that rely on this important watershed,” stated Maggie Hall, Staff Attorney at the Environmental Defense Center. “By notifying General Magnaplate of our intent to sue, we hope to force them to clean up their operations and protect the Santa Clara River from polluted runoff.”

The General Permit is intended to protect our state’s waterways from pollution caused by storm water runoff from industrial facilities. Storm water is among the nation’s top sources of water contamination. Electroplating facilities like General Magnaplate are required to collect and analyze storm water samples for iron, zinc, aluminum, and other pollutants.

The Santa Clara River was listed in 2005 as the 10th most endangered U.S. waterway. It also provides crucial aquatic ecosystem functions in the region, including groundwater recharge and riparian habitat. The River is home to as many as 17 species listed as threatened or endangered, and includes critical habitat for many species, including the Santa Ana Sucker, Tidewater Goby, Unarmored Threespine Stickleback, California Red Legged Frog, Arroyo Toad, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Least Bell’s Vireo, and the Southern California Steelhead.

General Magnaplate has been in operation since 1980, and has global corporate headquarters in New Jersey.

Under the Clean Water Act, potential litigants must send a 60-day notice of intent to sue before lawsuits can be filed alleging that a facility is in violation of the Act. While EDC and Keller Rohrback are committed to pursuing legal remedies if necessary, their hope is that submission of the notice will prompt General Magnaplate to comply with its mandatory permit requirements, thereby protecting water quality, without court intervention.