Category Archives: News and Notes

Ventura College Mural Project

$3000 PRIZE! Ventura College will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. The Ventura College Art Department is excited to announce a call for artists to design the painting of a mural for the campus. The mural will be painted by students and Muralism.org with supervisory assistance from the artist whose design is selected

Submissions must be emailed to: [email protected]. Include your full name and cell phone number for contact.

Submission Details

  • File size must be no larger than 20mb
  • Format must be either a JPEG or PDF
  • Include short description of the work presented and how it meets the Mural Details section
  • Eligibility: Artists residing in Ventura County

Mural Details

Mural must include elements celebrating:

  • Ventura College and its history
  • Ventura College’s 100th anniversary
  • Diversity and inclusivity of our students

Project Specs

  • Location: VC New Media Gallery exterior wall
  • Mural size: 16′ high x 20′ wide

Due Dates

  • Submission Deadline: Friday, August 2nd by 5:00pm
  • Date of Mural Completion: October 2024

For any questions about the project, contact: Sharla Fell at [email protected] or 805-289-6265

X Games and Visit Ventura Partner with Food Share of Ventura County to “X Out Hunger”

In an inspiring display of community collaboration, X Games and Visit Ventura have partnered with Food Share of Ventura County to donate 11,000 lbs of unused, nutritious food and fresh produce from the recent X Games Ventura Presented by SONIC. This generous donation is equivalent to providing over 9,000 meals to local residents in need.

“This partnership came about just a few weeks before the event — I am thrilled that we were able to rally together to make this happen! Not only did X Games Ventura showcase the beauty of our beach town to a national audience, but we also had the privilege of giving back to our local neighbors,” said Visit Ventura’s President & CEO Marlyss Auster.

Jennifer Caldwell, Chief Development Officer of Food Share, shared her gratitude stating, “We are incredibly appreciative to Marlyss Auster and Visit Ventura for making the connection with X Games. This donation will provide nutritious food to our local community, helping to ensure Ventura remains a vibrant place to live and work. Nearly 17% of Ventura’s population sought food assistance from Food Share last year, and this contribution comes at a crucial time.”

The nationally televised X Games Ventura not only highlighted the beautiful beach coastline and vibrant culture of Ventura but also brought attention to the pressing issue of food insecurity in the area. The 11,000 lbs of donated food will significantly aid Food Share’s mission to combat hunger and support the well-being of Ventura County residents. This partnership exemplifies the power of community and the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations come together for a common cause.

X Games also partnered with Ventura Land Trust and the Ventura Chapter of Surfrider Foundation to host two community clean ups at Willoughby Preserve and C-Street, where 81 pounds of trash was collected between C-Street and the Ventura Pier.

“X Games Sustainability has always prioritized the phrase ‘leave it better than we found it’,” said Jeremy Frees, sustainability consultant to X Games. “This year we had a unique opportunity to do just that: leave a positive, lasting impact on our host community and the surrounding environment by partnering with Visit Ventura, the City of Ventura, Ventura Land Trust, the Ventura Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, and Food Share Ventura County.”

Ventura River Parkway Trail Improvements Project 

The $5 million grant-funded Ventura River Parkway Trail improvement project is currently underway. Paving from Fix/Dubbers to Stanley has been completed, with paving from Stanley to the city limits commencing on July 2.

Visitors will benefit from upgraded wayfinding signs directing them along the trail, complemented by new signage along the city section. Efforts are underway to extend this signage to sections outside city limits not covered by the grant. Trail upgrades from the estuary to Main Street are pending levee recertification.

Friends of The River collaborated with Pacific Coast Land Design (PCLD) to design and advocate for improved, consistent signage. PCLD has engaged the county to gauge interest in extending the new signage along the entire trail.

For more information about the Ventura River Trail Project, visit: To learn more about the Ventura River Trail Project, visit: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2360/Ventura-River-Trail-Improvements.

In addition to trail repaving and new signage, the project includes installation of over 11,000 linear feet of architectural fencing and 79 solar-powered lights. It also encompasses storm water improvements, trail amenities, and upgraded connections.

Friends of the Ventura River is a coalition of community groups and individuals who recognize the need for the protection and enhancement of the Ventura River watershed to improve our quality of life and ensure our future sustainability. Visit friendsofventurariver.org to learn more.

Surfers’ Point Phase II

The next stage of the managed retreat project is set to commence construction after Labor Day 2024, staying on schedule.

The California Coastal Conservancy board allocated $16.2 million on June 1, 2023, toward Phase 2 of the Managed Retreat project at Surfers’ Point. This initiative addresses sea level rise by relocating existing infrastructure inland and enhancing beach dune habitat.

Phase 1, operational for over a decade, has proven effective in safeguarding our coastline and infrastructure. Phase II will align the bike path with newer sections farther from the ocean, enhancing protective dunes. Parking will be realigned accordingly.

Since 1991, the Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has championed this project as a solution to coastal erosion. It has become a national model for managed coastal retreat, showcasing Ventura’s success.

Detailed plans for Phase II, available on the city’s website, include the removal of damaged coastal structures, replacement with dunes and native plants, and the installation of a buried cobble berm to protect City and Fairgrounds infrastructure. The project will feature a new multi-use path, parking lot with attendant station, public art installations, new lighting, drainage improvements, landscaping, and electric vehicle charging stations.

For more information, visit: https://www.venturariver.org/2023/06/surfers-point-funding-okd.html

X Games Ventura Brings Opportunities for Local Businesses 

Photo by Michael Gordon

Summer Event Spurs Community Involvement and Economic Growth

Visit Ventura, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing visitor expenditures, tourism revenues, and local employment through promoting Ventura as a travel destination, has announced that this year’s X Games will celebrate Ventura even more than last year. Multiple local businesses, vendors, and contractors will participate in the world’s leading action sports competition. This year’s X Games Ventura event takes place from Friday, June 28, 2024, to Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Local businesses, including Spencer Makenzie’s, Happy Place Eatery, and Rocket Fizz, will serve as food vendors on-site, giving thousands of fans the chance to taste Ventura favorites. Over 20 local businesses with special X Games offerings will be featured in the X Games Ventura spectator guide given to every attendee.

Local integration and support in this year’s event take many forms. From contracting with Ventura-based labor crew I Am The Phoenix Labor and Production to teaming up with local PR representatives for regional marketing efforts, Ventura businesses are working behind the scenes to make X Games Ventura a success. Bike Ventura and Revolution Skateshop will again run the free, first-come, first-serve bike and skateboard check at the venue.

“A global event like the X Games brings unparalleled excitement and energy to Ventura while showcasing a strong commitment to our local community,” said Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The X Games, Visit Ventura, and our community partners recognize that our local restaurants, shops, and vendors capture the unique flavor and spirit of Ventura. Hosting such an event is a collective effort, and we are thrilled to see it come together. The infusion of this energy into our local economy allows everyone to share in its benefits.”

“Feel-good events like the Ventura Land Trust and Surfrider community clean-ups next week demonstrate that the X Games is not just an event coming to town, but a celebration of our shared values and spirit,” said Marlyss Auster, President & CEO of Visit Ventura. “I am so excited to see so many partners and community members involved. Home pride is once again beaming!”

Event Schedule:

  • Wednesday, June 26: Ventura Harbor Village Seaside Summer Kickoff — Waterfront Wednesdays at the Ventura Harbor start with a special X Games celebration. Fans and visitors can enjoy an X Games ticket giveaway, a Big Lawn Concert, and the FIRST-EVER Visit Ventura Drone Show at Ventura Harbor.
  • Wednesday, June 26: EXtreme Boogie Night — Get moving for X Games Ventura with a special Boogie Nights 5k run along the beautiful Ventura Promenade.
  • Wednesday, June 26: Ventura Roller Disco — Tap into nostalgia under a dazzling disco ball at Ventura’s FIRST-EVER Roller Disco, presented by Ventura Coast Brewing Company. Bring your skates or rent on-site for an introduction to skates workshop, a guided dance lesson, live DJ sets, skate community vendors, and more.
  • Thursday, June 27: Ventura Skate Jam — Downtown Ventura and the City of Ventura present the second annual, all-ages free Ventura Skate Jam to kick off X Games Ventura. Local skate shop BlackHole Skate Shop will host and bring the setup for both young and old to show their skills on the ramps. Young skaters can join in on the fun at Skate & Create, taking place during the Skate Jam, where they can skate a mini park, make their own t-shirts, and more.
  • Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: Visit Ventura Drone Show — Visit Ventura is proud to announce the return of the Visit Ventura Drone Show, an eco-friendly display of 500 drones to celebrate X Games Ventura. Two shows have been added this year, making a total of five shows to dazzle and delight.

“The Visit Ventura Drone Show will be a fantastic kickoff to the summer season here at Ventura Harbor,” said Brian Pendleton, the Port District’s general manager. “It will draw visitors to Ventura Harbor midweek in support of our local merchants, including restaurants, retail, entertainment, and boating, and will also showcase Ventura Harbor Village as the vibrant seaside shopping destination it is.”

For more information about community events for X GAmes Ventura, check out the Visit Ventura Blog at www.VisitVentura.com.

Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura Grand Opening of next phase of Westview Village

Pictured left to right: Jim Duran, Councilmember; Sandy Sanchez, Senior Developer; Mike Johnson, Councilmember; Jim White, Vice Chair; Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer; Joe Schroeder, Mayor, Salud Carbajal, Congressman; John Polanskey, Board Chair; Sierra Atilano, Executive Vice President of Development, Bridge Housing; Katherine Simonson, Commissioner; Marcia Vega, HUD Regional Public Housing Director Region 9 & 10; Barbara Keller, Commissioner, Diana Sparagna, Commissioner. Courtesy of Jessie Carmody

Housing Complex is largest in the City of Ventura and Furthers the Vision for the Entire Westview Village Development

Westview Village, 11, a 50-unit affordable rental development. Courtesy of Patricia Schallert

The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) and nonprofit BRIDGE Housing hosted the Grand Opening of Westview Village II, a 50-unit affordable rental development which broke ground in the spring of 2022. 

The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and BRIDGE Housing partnered to redevelop Westview Village, the HACSB’s oldest public housing development, over four phases of development. All residents pay 30% of their income as rent. 

“The timing of this next phase of Westview Village is significant as it is our 75th Anniversary year and this was our first public housing project,” said Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, HACSB.  “The success of this particular project is emblematic of our successful housing programs across the City and we are very proud of it,” said Lambert.

Interior of a Westview Village II resident’s unit. Courtesy of Jessie Carmody

Westview Village Phase II replaced 10 public housing units with 50 modern one- and two-bedroom apartments. The property is located on a 2-acre site on the Westside of Ventura. The development includes 44 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments. Five of the units will be reserved for persons who are experiencing homelessness. 

Westview Village II will also include a state-of-the-art community center, a commercial kitchen, two early childhood development classrooms, multipurpose rooms, a rooftop community garden, and a public park. This will complete the third phase of the vision for the Westview Village redevelopment. There will be 286 new affordable rentals and this phase of development will be the hub for this new housing campus. 50% of the Westview II units are fully accessible (mobility accessibility features), and 2 units have audio/visual features for blind/deaf/hard of hearing tenants.

Westview Village I, completed in 2019, was the initial phase of the redevelopment which includes 131 apartments with one to four bedrooms, management offices, a community room, and a public park. Phase I is all electric and 50% net zero. It provides for greywater reuse in landscaping. All residents pay 30% of their income as rent. All residents were temporarily relocated during construction and had the right to return. As part of Phase I, a new street, Village Way, was designed and built to connect all phases of the redevelopment.

Westview Village III construction started in September 2020 and was completed in December 2022. Phase III includes 105 apartments with one to four bedrooms, a community room, and public park. Phase III is all electric and 100% net zero and makes a major contribution to addressing climate change including by reducing vehicle miles traveled. The project’s storm drain system allows for the capture and infiltration of storm water. Twenty-one apartments are set aside for families who are experiencing homelessness. 

Historical Significance As the oldest public housing development, housing units at this location were developed in two phases (100 units and 80 units), ten years apart in the 1952-1960s. This original development housed residents displaced from “Tortilla Flats,” a neighborhood that consisted of working-class families who were displaced when the 101 Freeway expanded north from Los Angeles through Oxnard and Ventura. The original 180 units are being replaced with 320 units by the time Phase IV is completed.

The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is to provide and develop quality affordable housing for eligible low-income residents of Ventura County and to establish strong partnerships necessary for HACSB customers to achieve personal goals related to, literacy and education, health and wellness, and job training and employment leading to personal growth and economic self-sufficiency.

Community Memorial Hospital Awards Scholarships to Student Volunteers

Left to Right: Marilyn Beal, junior coordinator, Linda Petit, Auxiliary president, Peter Nguyen, Leo Pankratz, Olivia Mowad, and Mick Zdeblick, CEO of CMH)

Three outstanding high school graduates were the 2024 recipients of scholarship awards given by the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Each of the students had contributed more than 160 volunteer hours in the Critical Care Unit of the hospital and will continue their education in the medical field.

The Maria Cavallo Scholarship was awarded to both Peter Nguyen and Leo Pankratz. Peter Nguyen graduated from Buena High School where he maintained a 4.55 weighted GPA. High school activities included CSF, Buena Science League, Key Club treasurer, tennis team, and Navy League Cadet Corps. He was named an AP Scholar, Buena’s Platinum Renaissance, and was a Stanford University School of Medicine summer intern, and Port Hueneme’s Naval Base Pre-Engineering intern. Peter will attend U.C. Berkeley in the fall, majoring in Bioengineering with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist.

Leo Pankratz attended Foothill Technology High School and earned a 4.23 weighted GPA. He volunteered in the school’s Wellness Center and in the medical tent for the Mountain 2 Beach Marathon, played baseball for 3 years, and was a memeber of HOSA, and president of NAMI. He was named a CSF-SS Scholar 2021-2023, and received the Ruby Award for more than 200 hours of community service. He worked for two summers at Loma Vista Endocrinology, Inc. He will attend the University of Nevada at Reno majoring in Neuroscience and hopes to become a doctor.

The Norma MacGregor Scholarship was awarded to Olivia Mowad of Foothill Technology High School. She achieved a weighted GPA of 4.75 while participating in the Blue Water Task Force, was a member and lab manager for the Bioscience program, a HOSA member, Editor-in-Chief of the Dragon Press, and played varsity basketball. She was a member of CSF, won the Pacemaker Journalism award, obtained certification in Basic Life Support, and was MVP and first team All-County and All-League in basketball. She will entering the School of Nursing at the University of Gonzaga in the fall and hopes to become a nurse anesthetist.

The Auxiliary members as well as hospital staff offer their congratulations and best wishes for continued success to these deserving students.

Ventura College Foundation Distributes Over $636,000 In Scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation presented 421 scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year totaling $636,017 during its 35th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 16, at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field. 

Of the 230 scholarship recipients, many received multiple scholarships. Of the amount awarded, $583,884 went to general scholarships, $29,110 was awarded to students focusing on agriculture, advanced manufacturing, diesel mechanics or veterinary tech careers and $23,023 went to students in paramedic studies. 

Continuing students received an average of $2,417 in scholarships while students transferring to four-year universities received an average of $3,557. At a minimum, each student received a $1,000 scholarship. 

Each year, the Ventura College Foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee evaluates scholarship applications and scores them following a specific scoring scale. Those who meet all the application requirements and have the highest scores receive scholarships. 

A recipient of three Phoenix scholarships Daniel Mendez of Fillmore, is a returning student, having first attended Ventura College almost 10 years ago. He plans to receive his associate degree in Drafting this Fall. “I became interested in drafting because of the many different drafting opportunities that can help change the world we live in,” says Mendez. “Ventura College offers tuition help, scholarships and online classes. These are super important to me. I would be forced to take out loans to pay for school. Plus, I have an 11-year-old son who I coach in baseball and football and a one-year-old daughter who needs every bit of attention I can give.”

Mendez hopes to secure a planner position with Southern California Edison after graduation. “My education at Ventura College has given me the power to get the training and experience that I need to go out and get a career that feeds my family.” 

“With rising college costs, scholarships can mean the difference between students being able to continue with their education or having to drop out,” says Nicole Kreutz, chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors.  “Scholarship funds help offset tuition, books and other expenses. They can be a game changer.” 

Gabrielle MacNeill of Simi Valley, a member of the Ventura College water polo and swim teams, is transferring to Cal State Northridge in the Fall. She received multiple scholarships including the Miriam and Henry Schwab Memorial Aquatics Scholarship given to students involved in aquatics. A swim instructor, she teaches kids with physical and cognitive disabilities. MacNeill will major in psychology and possibly obtain a master’s degree in occupational therapy to continue her work helping kids. 

Her experience at Ventura College has been positive. “I always feel very welcomed whenever I walk on the Ventura College campus,” says Gabrielle. “The professors really care about their students. They take the time to know each of us. Moving on to the next chapter of my education, these scholarships will reduce the financial stress and enable me to pay for tuition and housing expenses.” 

Multi-scholarship recipient Frank Smith has set his sights on owning his own business. A family emergency caused him to relocate to Florida after he had enrolled in Cal State, Channel Islands out of high school. He later returned to California and entered Ventura College. He will finish his studies in the Fall and transfer to the University of West Florida where he will major in Business Management. An avid swimmer, he works as a lifeguard with the Surf Rescue/Beach Safety Division of the Navarre Beach Fire Department. He would love to parlay his love of being an athlete to starting a company in the pain management field. 

“I’ve had excellent professors and Ventura College,” says Smith. “I owe my educational success to Ventura College and the opportunities it offers. I didn’t have a college fund. Through these scholarships, I can go to school without taking loans. The financial resources are out there. You just have to find them.” 

“The drive and dedication our students show is truly amazing,” says Kreutz. “They are an inspiration to all of us.” 

The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include Edison International, Searle Creative, Bank of the Sierra, L&T Catering, Miracle Mile Advisors, Ohana Pet Hospital, LetzChat, Trinity Wheeler Photography and Luners Production Services. 

Scholarship applications will be accepted for the next academic year beginning in the Fall. For more about the Ventura College Foundation and donation opportunities, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org. 

Ventura College Foundation 

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative and vital resources and financial support.  The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential, civic engagement, careers, and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college, local workforce, and our community. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or [email protected] or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.

Idling gets you nowhere, but grants can get you going

by David Goldstein

Ventura Unified School District will replace two diesel buses with two electric ones and purchase two charging stations, using a grant from the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District. This was one of two awards, totaling $1.56 million; the other went to the Ocean View School District in Oxnard, which will replace one diesel bus with an electric one and purchase one charging station. Grants cover the cost of charging equipment and 87% of the price of the buses. The three new buses will significantly reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, according to Karin Grennan, Public Information Officer with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District.

Unfortunately, idling of cars is also common near schools during drop-off and pick-up of children. Although it may not be as comfortable to turn off the air conditioner and roll down windows instead of running the engine, there are good reasons for parents to do so.

Most people waste one to two tanks of gas every year by idling, according to Grennan. She cites studies concluding that idling for 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine of modern cars with fuel injection, and frequent restarting has little impact on the battery and starter, whereas excessive idling can damage important engine components.

There are also health reasons to avoid idling. “Pollution from exhaust contributes to lung infections, pneumonia, influenza and asthma, and children are sensitive to lower levels of air pollution than the general public,” according to Grennan.

For heavy-duty vehicles in California, with some exceptions, idling more than five minutes is illegal. School bus idling near schools is allowed “only when necessary for safety or operational concerns,” according to IdleFreeCalifornia.org.

The Air Pollution Control district has funded eight school buses since 2019. In fall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency received nearly $1 billion to help school districts replace buses with lower-emitting versions. This month, California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission began accepting applications for $500 million in Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure Grants.

Another program targets high-emission vehicles. The Air Pollution Control District’s Old Car Buy Back Program pays people $1,000 to retire 1997 or older cars. Vehicles must be operational and registered in Ventura County. In seven years, this program has taken more than 300 highly polluting vehicles off Ventura County’s roads.

A more generally targeted grant program, sponsored by the non-profit Coalition for Clean Air, offers up to $1,000 for projects planned for the week before California Clean Air Day, October 2, 2024. Eligible projects include campaigns against idling, conducted by local governments, health care organizations, or business or community organizations.

Motor vehicles produce more than half of the air pollution in the county, according to Grennan, so programs like these help clean our air.

More information: http://www.oldcarbuyback.com/ventura.php or call 800-717-7624

David Goldstein, an Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, can be reached at (805) 658-4312 or [email protected]