On November 6, The Ventura Family YMCA celebrated the grand opening of their 4,000 sq. ft. full-size outdoor basketball court, 1,700 sq. ft. outdoor workout space, and a 1,000 sq. ft. play area for their Children’s Corner with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Members had asked for more outdoor workout spaces and with the generosity of donors the Y was able to make this happen. Basketball competitions, giveaways, and activities for kids were just a few of the things at the celebration.
After the ribbon cutting the Mayor played a little one on one with former NBA Star Lamond Murray. She was too quick for him.
Other highlights of the new facility include high-tech synthetic flooring, open hours for all members to enjoy time outside, new high-intensity trainings, adult scrimmages, pickle ball, 3 on 3 basketball leagues, and even volleyball.
For 128-years the Ventura Y has been a leading non-profit and community resource for Ventura. The significance of the new Sportsplex is the Y’s response to the community’s need for more outdoor program and workout spaces.
Standardizing care in local skilled nursing facilities was the goal of a two-day training program in which nurses and other staff members participated.
Standardizing care in local skilled nursing facilities was the goal of a two-day training program in which Community Memorial Health System nurses and other staff members participated on Sept. 22-23.
Nurses and staff members of the following local skilled nursing facilities also participated in the program, Victoria Care Center, Coastal View Healthcare Center, Ventura Convalescent Hospital, Camarillo Healthcare Center, Ojai Continuing Care Center, Glenwood Care Center, Providence Ojai Gardens and Shoreline Care Center.
Community Memorial Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
To receive the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month periods and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures.
These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.
Community Memorial Hospital has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.
For patients, Get With The Guidelines-Stroke uses the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they learn how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital and recognize the F.A.S.T. warning signs of a stroke.
Community Memorial Health System has opened a Midtown Medical Group office in the Ventura, bringing healthcare to local residents.
The Midtown Medical Group – part of Community Memorial Health System – is a unique health center conveniently located in midtown, to serve the residents of Ventura while incorporating the training of the next generation of community physicians.
Midtown Medical Group is located at 2721 East Main Street, in Ventura. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The office offers a comprehensive referral network of doctors and specialists and access to state-of-the-art healthcare technologies at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura.
The office accepts most private and managed care insurance plans, including Seaview HMO. For an appointment, call 667-2841.
Physician and patient boundaries – Should your doctor be your friend? – will be the focus of a free Ethics in Healthcare event Community Memorial Health System is holding on Thursday Nov. 12 as part of the 2015 Speaker Series.
James Hornstein, M.D., chairman of the Bioethics Committee at Community Memorial Hospital, will moderate the panel discussion that will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, located at 100 E. Main St.
The presentations will explore some of the historical boundaries in the doctor-patient relationship that are meant to protect patient confidentiality, trust in the profession and avoid compromised clinical judgment.
Registration is free but reservations are required. Call 1-800/838-3006, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.
Jeremy McCool, Paul Hullar, Bob Grundstrom, Jonathan Koehn, and Erik Takayesu attended the sold out event.
On Oct. 14 the Chambers of Commerce Alliance of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties hosted The Future of Energy: Energy & the Environment which brought industry professionals, local leaders and community members together to explore the complex issues of energy production, renewable resources and responsible energy use in California held at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. The sold out event kicked off with a panel discussion featuring speakers representing the various sectors of energy including sun, wind, petroleum, biofuels, battery storage and electricity. The panel, moderated by Bruce Stenslie, President/CEO of the EDC-VC, was aimed to provide a balanced discussion about energy needs and energy realities as it relates to the various energy sectors.
Robert Grundstorm, Vice President of Planning and New Ventures for California Resources Corporation served as the panelist representing the petroleum industry. He addressed a variety of topics including hydraulic fracturing, stating that it is not a new process and is heavily regulated in California. Jonathan Koehn, Director of Project Development for Infinity Wind Power, provided insight into wind-produced energy and identified California as a low-feasibility state for this type of energy production. Jeremy McCool, Business Development Manager for Desert Solar Inc., said the current trends in solar are reflective of energy-storage options including battery storage for extended use. Erik Takayesu, Director of Electric System Planning for Southern California Edison, spoke about increasing capacity on the grid and developing battery storage options to increase energy resources during peak times. Paul Hullar, Founder and CEO of Brightwave Energy, asserted that fossil fuels will continue to be a vital part of the community. He also addressed the exploration of solid waste gasification, biodigesters and microturbines for electricity output. Utilising energy efficient innovations is only going to become more and more important as time goes by. This is why MOSFET semiconductors have been so greatly welcomed.
Alex Epstein, New York Times best-selling author of “The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels,” was the keynote speaker. He energetically addressed the audience, donning an “I Love Fossil Fuels” T-Shirt and defining two typical views of fossil fuels: They’re either a necessary evil that we need to stop using or it will take years to get off fossil fuels all together. Epstein’s assertion, however, was that fossil fuels are not evil and should be used more. Epstein suggested fossil fuels are in fact anti-pollution and pro-development. His moral philosophy suggests people look at the big picture and develop a clear standard for examining use. Epstein noted that people see fossil fuels as “dirty.” He argued that they can only be identified as dirty because they come from fossilized plants that have been in the ground and that they truly are a renewable resource. He called them original green energy. His thought-provoking presentation left attendees with much to think about regarding the subject of fossil fuels.
Epstein emphasized that human ingenuity makes all resources valuable and that we are running out of the ability to seek new forms of energy. Ultimately, he said, it is up to us to maximize human-wellbeing while minimizing impact.
Brook’s student Alex Kay is getting access to publishing opportunities and exposure through the VVCB.
The Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) is committed to engaging community partners in order to develop meaningful relationships that benefit the community.
Over the past year, VVCB has focused its efforts to actively seek out opportunities to strengthen its relationships with Brooks Institute. Last year, Brooks Institute invited VVCB Executive Director, Marlyss Auster, to give a graduation commencement speech, kick-starting growth in our relationship. Since then, VVCB has partnered with Brooks Institute to offer a photography internship funded by a federal grant program. VVCB is honored and proud to offer real-life experience opportunities to students in Ventura and is excited to continue this win-win partnership through which the VVCB gains access to fantastic photography, and learning photographers get access to publishing opportunities and exposure. In fact, VVCB’s new Inspiration Guide for Ventura features many images captured by VVCB’s photography interns that will be seen all over California and across the USA.
VVCB has also begun participating in Brooks Institute’s student orientations to welcome them to Ventura and ensure they have the information they need. VVCB’s newest undertaking in partnership with Brooks Institute is a semesterly photo contest for students and alumni. Prizes include a trip for two to the Channel Islands National Park courtesy of Island Packers and the VVCB. Going forward, VVCB hopes to keep this relationship growing by developing graphic design and film internships, as well as partnering on community projects to enhance Brooks Institute involvement and maximize benefits for the community.
BRAVO is the annual awards luncheon of the Ventura County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-VC). To be held on Friday, April 1st, 2016 NAWBO shines the spotlight on outstanding business women of Ventura County, honoring them for their vision and perseverance, which is creating a brighter future for women business owners and women-led business ventures in our community.
NAWBO-VC is currently seeking nominations for nine local, outstanding women in the following categories:
Woman Business Owner of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award (new in 2016)
Innovator of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
Community Advocate of the Year
Education Advocate of the Year
Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
NAWBO-VC Member of the Year
Corporate Leader/Partner of the Year (new in 2016)
“We’ve had some truly stellar women business owners and leaders nominated over the years,” stated Dr. Janis Shinkawa, President, NAWBO Ventura County and 2014 Bravo Rising Star of the Year. “We encourage nominations from throughout the county, whether the outstanding woman you know is a NAWBO member or not.”
To nominate an extraordinary woman, simply go to www.NAWBOVC.org and click on the 17th Annual Bravo Awards found under Events. Online, fax and email submissions are being accepted through Tuesday, November 24. Nominees need not be NAWBO members.
On Oct.30, at 9:36am the Ventura City Fire Department received a report of a fire burning in the Ventura River bottom between the 101 freeway and a railroad trestle. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a 100’ x 200’ fire burning in the aforementioned location. Access to the fire was hampered by heavy Arundel and brush. California Department of Forestry hand crews were requested to cut fire lines into and around the fire.
Firefighters extinguished and overhauled the fire with hand tools and water achieving full containment 4 hours after the initial report. The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, several homeless encampments were noted in and around the origin of the fire. No firefighters were injured as a result of this incident.
Get ready for 3 on 3 when Sportsplex is ready for play after grand opening
The Ventura Family YMCA is inviting the entire community to the grand opening of their outdoor Sportsplex and Children’s Corner area on Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. The celebration kick-off begins with a ribbon cutting by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann. Other highlights include giveaways and activities for kids. There will be introductory adult group trainings, the opportunity to meet with the Y’s instructors, and basketball competitions. New members may also enjoy the Y for free from November 6th through November 13th!
For 128-years the Ventura Y has been a leading non-profit and community resource for Ventura. The significance of the new Sportsplex is the Y’s response to the community’s need for more outdoor program and workout spaces. The year and a half process will unveil a full-size basketball court, 4,000 sq. ft. in size, a workout area with Hampton Fitness equipment 1,700 sq. ft., and the Children’s Corner space expanding by 1,000 sq. ft. for kids to play outside. Other highlights include high-tech synthetic flooring, open hours for all members to enjoy time outside, new high-intensity trainings, adult scrimmages, pickle ball, 3 on 3 basketball leagues, and even volleyball.
Numerous local companies have played a key role in making this project come to life. One person who knows this process better than anyone else is the Ventura Y’s Facilities Director, Mike Evans, who has been leading this project since the beginning.
The Ventura Family YMCA is inviting all ghouls, goblins, princesses, and superheroes to join them for their annual Halloween Party at the Pacific View Mall! The event is in the Center Court on October 31, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. where children and their families will have fun trick-or-treating, participating in games, Minute to Win It competitions, crafts, face painting, raffle drawings, and a costume cat walk! Registrations are not a requirement and children of all ages are welcome to participate whether or not they have a costume.
The Ventura Family YMCA’s Halloween Party is at the Pacific View Mall’s Center. For more information about the Y visit ciymca.org/ventura or in person at 3760 Telegraph. If you have you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please email Sherry Gutsch at [email protected] or call her at 642.2131 ext. 16.
On Sat., November 14th, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host a community tree planting party at the Big Rock Preserve near Foster Park to help kick-off the City of Ventura’s 150th birthday. VHC invites volunteers and community leaders to join them from 9 a.m. – 12 noon along the Ventura River Parkway to help plant 150 oak trees on property owned and managed by VHC.
VHC, a non-profit local land trust organization, was awarded grant funding by the County of Ventura’s Resource Management Agency for the purchase and planting of nearly 500 trees. Over the next several months, they plan to host several planting parties where they will remove non-native plants and replace them with trees that are native to Ventura County.
“Planting trees adds additional aesthetic and wildlife value to the Big Rock preserve,” said Derek Poultney, VHC conservation manager. “Trees are not only beautiful; they also produce oxygen, provide homes for animals and prevent erosion.”
The 17- acre Big Rock Preserve is a collection of five properties owned by VHC. The name Big Rock comes from a once-popular swimming hole on the property that was home to a large boulder before floods swept it away. Though the boulder is gone, the water remains.
Due to the unique geology of the area, the Big Rock preserve is one of the only places between the Ventura River estuary and Matilija Canyon that has year-round water. The area is home to endangered steelhead trout, as well as western pond turtles, herons, deer, red-legged frogs and bobcats.
To RSVP for tree planting day, visit www.venturahillsides.org and click on the Events tab. For more information, call VHC 643-8044.
CAPS has the great opportunity to work with students from El Camino High School in an internship program. The students are producing their own television news show. They have learned the fine art of studio production. It is great to see them focused on building the set, checking the lighting and researching and interviewing guests. The El Camino News Channel will be airing soon on CAPS. Check out our website or on Facebook where we keep you up to date on programming.
Our Assets program is wrapping up at Ventura High School. The group of 12 students have written and storyboarded their videos. After learning the use of our pro gear they took to the task of filming their stories influenced by Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.” They are furiously editing, composing music and effects. The reveal is near. All this in seven 2 hour sessions after school. Of course, they are clamouring for more so we hope to see them at our next program at Ventura High. You’ll get to see their films on CAPS very soon. More and more to come.
The staff at CAPS devotes their energy and time to the Every 15 Minutes productions that are held every other year. The dozen students, who we train to produce the program, have learned to film, have gone on location to the Ventura County court house and Ventura Police Department and have returned to edit their scenes in preparation for the big event in late November culminating in an extensive four camera production live at the school. These students know very little about video production. This collaboration with Foothill High School, City and County Emergency Services and CAPS provides powerful education of the issues of drunk and distracted driving.
Our October studio class was packed and we hope to see those trained back producing shows. Our members have taken to Final Cut X like fish to water. Our new upgraded systems are in use by members, students and staff. We are inviting bands to play at CAPS which is a lot of fun. Rumors of a radio station in the works are true. Keep your ears open for more information.
CAPS Media is the non-profit membership organization that is here to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25 and includes training, equipment, use of our studio and edit suites. Share our history with over 20,000 Ventura residents on channel 6 and 15. For more information go to our website, www.CAPSTV.org or stop by CAPS Media Center on 65 Day Road and schedule a tour.
