Category Archives: News and Notes

Historic E.P. Foster Library Secures $13 Million for Major Upgrades

The City of Ventura and Ventura County Libraries are excited to announce a $13 million renovation project for the historic E.P. Foster Library in Downtown Ventura. These funds will transform the library into a modern, accessible space for the community, offering services year-round and serving as a cooling center during extreme heat events. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and be completed by 2027.

“The E.P. Foster Library has been a cornerstone of our community for over a century, and this renovation marks a significant step towards ensuring it remains a vital resource for generations to come,” said County Supervisor Matt LaVere. “These improvements will not only enhance the library’s services, but also provide a safe and welcoming space during extreme heat, reflecting our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all residents.”

The renovation project is backed by a collaborative funding effort, with significant contributions from state, federal, and local grants. In 2023, the library received an $8.7 million Building Forward Grant from the California State Library, focused on improving library facilities across the state. This grant requires a 50 percent match, with the City of Ventura and Ventura County splitting the cost to support this vital community resource. Congressman Salud Carbajal secured an additional $750,000 through Community Project Funding to help fund a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the library.

In past years, E.P. Foster has struggled to remain operational during heat waves due to the lack of air conditioning, leaving vulnerable populations—such as older adults and people without housing—without a safe refuge. Recently, on September 6, the library had to close for the day per the California Heat Illness Prevention Standard when temperatures reached over 80 degrees Fahrenheit inside the building.

The installation of an HVAC system and other critical upgrades will not only allow the library to stay open and operating during excessive heat but also serve as a crucial community cooling center. Additional upgrades to the E.P. Foster Library include a new elevator to improve accessibility, new windows, roof replacement, and restroom renovations to enhance the visitor experience.

“We have received tremendous support from our community partners in securing these funds,” said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram. “These renovations will ensure that that historic building remains a safe, accessible, and welcoming resource for all community members.”

Improvements will modernize the facility and address critical building and safety code requirements. Built in 1921, with additions in 1959, the E.P. Foster Library is a historic landmark that once served as Ventura’s original City Hall and library. While the planned upgrades will modernize its infrastructure, they will also preserve the building’s historic character. The renovations focus primarily on interior updates, ensuring the architectural integrity and aesthetic of the library remain intact.

“Our public libraries provide a safe and comfortable space for people to read, learn, access computers, pursue career development, and find community,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The City is proud to be a part of the collaborative effort to maintain and revitalize this important community resource.”

Annually, 339,434 people utilize the E.P. Foster Library. By investing in the infrastructure and accessibility of this historic building, the project aims to create a safe, sustainable, and functional space that meets the modern-day needs of the community while preserving its historic legacy.

Find updates on the project in the coming months at www.vencolibrary.org. For questions regarding the project, please contact Director of the Ventura County Library System Nancy Schram at [email protected].

Ojai Women’s Fund Awards Over $90,000 in 2024 Grants

Six of the seven winning grantee representatives are pictured left to right: Dan Parziale, Co-founder and Executive Director of Mesa; Ali Sadreameli, Director of Development for Livingston Memorial; Esther Anaya, Executive Director of The Arc of Ventura County; Grace Bueti Mallory, Co-Director of Poco Farms; Susan Kapadia, Executive Director of OjaiCARES, and Vince Serrano of The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura.

The Annual Grantee Awards Celebration from the Ojai Women’s Fund(OWF) was announced on November 7 at a memorable evening filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude. The historic Ojai Woman’s Club was brimming with OWF members, this year’s grant recipients, and new friends, enjoying the delicious food and wine presented by the talented Events Committee co-chairs Gayle Whitaker and Jenny Taft. As everyone mingled, the air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and heartfelt connections.

This year, OWF awarded a remarkable $91,155 to seven nonprofits, each dedicated to uplifting the community. The awards were accepted by nonprofit executives and included:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura – $15,000
  • Interface Children & Family Services – $11,995
  • Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association – $10,000
  • Mesa – $14,160
  • OjaiCARES – $10,000
  • Poco Farm – $15,000
  • The Arc of Ventura County – $15,000

A heartwarming moment unfolded during the final acceptance speech. Esther Anaya, Executive Director of The Arc of Ventura County, shared a story that illustrated the incredible, often unseen impact of OWF’s support. At the Grantee Presentations in September, she described how three nonprofits with no prior connections collaborated after learning of each other’s missions.

Dan Parziale, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Mesa, mentioned a young man seeking work. Esther stepped in to help, and after completing the necessary requirements, he joined Arc’s Ojai office, now contributing meaningfully to the Ojai community. Dan recalled, “He thought he’d end up as a cashier at Chevron, but he found a fulfilling role helping others, thanks to the connections fostered by OWF.”

Poco Farms also reached out to Esther at the September event, seeking assistance to secure an off-road wheelchair so individuals with physical limitations could fully participate at the farm. With Arc’s help, they achieved this goal.

Reflecting on these connections, Esther remarked, “None of this would have happened had we not been invited to speak at that September OWF meeting. We had never met, and our paths likely wouldn’t have crossed otherwise. OWF made it possible for us to collaborate and extend our missions. I can’t express how grateful we are.”

Entering its tenth year, the Ojai Women’s Fund has given almost $800,000 in grants to nonprofits serving the Ojai Valley. Anyone interested in joining this giving circle of over 360 women can learn more at OjaiWomensFund.org.

The Kemper Foundation’s Read Conmigo Program Awards Fall 2024 Bilingual Educator Grants

Two Ventura teachers awarded

The Kemper Foundation, the philanthropic partner of Kemper Corporation, announced awarded grants to advance bilingual literacy to schoolteachers in the greater Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami areas. This is the fifth round of grants awarded through the Foundation’s Read Conmigo program since the program launched in 2022, bringing the program’s award total to nearly $750,000.

Bernice Aguilar

Read Conmigo grants are focused on strengthening bilingual literacy skills and improving learning opportunities for elementary Latino and Hispanic students. The Kemper Foundation annually awards up to 100 grants of $3,000 each to public and charter schoolteachers of Spanish-English bilingual classrooms. The grants can be used for classroom resources, tools and materials, and professional development.

Recipients were selected by a panel of Kemper Foundation principals and partners, including the Bilingual/ESL Education Association of the Metroplex (Dallas), the Florida Association for Bilingual Education, the California Association for Bilingual Education, and GPSN.

Krysol Kountz

“We are incredibly proud to support this dedicated group of educators who are making a lasting impact on their bilingual students,” said Barbara Ciesemier, President of The Kemper Foundation. “By equipping

teachers with the resources and professional development they need, we’re not only helping them create enriched learning environments but also contributing to meaningful academic growth. It’s inspiring to see how the Read Conmigo grants are enhancing students’ bilingual abilities and overall classroom engagement.”

The two vebtura teachers who won grants this cycle from Ventura are Bernice Aguilar, 1st grade, and Krysol Kountz, Kindergarten, both from Montalvo Elementary School.

www.thekemperfoundation.org/read-conmigo/

Give the Gift of Joy: Spark of Love Toy Drive Returns

The Fire Departments of Ventura County and ABC7 are once again teaming up to bring holiday cheer to at-need children and teens through the Spark of Love Toy Drive – the nation’s largest community toy drive.

This beloved annual event relies on the generosity of thousands across Ventura County to make the holidays brighter for local youth. New toys, sports equipment, and non-perishable food items can be donated at participating businesses and organizations throughout the region.

Join the effort to spread joy and hope this holiday season. For a list of donation drop-off locations, visit vcfd.org/spark-of-love-toy-drive.

Livingston Offers Grief Support During the Holidays

It’s that time of year when the expectations we place on ourselves can be unrealistic, especially when faced with the absence of a loved one. Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program offers multiple support groups that focus on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again.

All support groups are free for the community.

  • General Bereavement Support Group Mondays 3 to 4:30 pm (Oxnard in-person).
  • General Bereavement Support Group Tuesdays 10:30 am to 12 pm (Ojai in-person).
  • General Bereavement Support Group Wednesdays 6:30 to 8 pm (Ventura in-person).
  • General Bereavement Support Group Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 pm (via Zoom).
  • Loss of a Spouse or Partner Tuesdays 6 to 7:30 pm (Camarillo in-person).
  • Loss of a Spouse or Partner (60+) Wednesdays 1 to 2:30 pm (Camarillo in-person).
  • Survivors of a Suicide Loss 1stand 3rd Wednesday of every month 6:30 to 8 pm (Camarillo in-person).
  • Bereaved Parents 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:30 to 8 pm (Camarillo in-person).
  • Living Life Widowed 1st Thursday of every month 2 to 3:30 pm (Camarillo in-person).
  • Spanish General Bereavement Thursdays 6:30 to 8 pm (Ventura in-person).

For reservations and locations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief.

Paid Parking Coming to Harbor Cove Beach and Ventura Harbor Lots

Starting in spring, visitors to Harbor Cove Beach and other Ventura Harbor parking lots may soon have to pay for parking. A new plan, currently under review by the California Coastal Commission, proposes paid parking across all Harbor Village lots, three North Harbor lots, and the Surfers Knoll beach lot. In May, the city of Ventura approved a coastal development permit for paid parking, which is expected to be approved by the commission.

The proposed fees are $1 per hour or $10 for a full-day parking pass (for stays longer than four hours). Payment will be required from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays, with payment options available through walk-up kiosks or mobile apps.

Free parking will still be available in some areas, including:

  • Spinnaker Drive street parking (approximately 211 spaces)
  • Dolphin Lot at Ventura Isle Marina (152 spaces)

The paid lots will include:

  • Harbor Village (1,056 spaces)
  • Harbor Cove Beach (239 spaces)
  • Surfers Knoll Beach (35 spaces)

Channel Islands National Park visitors can receive parking validation for their time at the Harbor Cove Beach lot. The proposed plan aims to reduce parking congestion and increase public access to beaches and the harbor, with a goal of maintaining an 85% occupancy rate. A 2021 parking study found that Ventura Harbor’s beach lots were at nearly full capacity on weekends and holidays.

Volunteer for the 2025 Homeless Point in Time Count and Support Local Shelters

The Ventura County Continuum of Care is looking for volunteers to assist with the 2025 Homeless Point In Time Count on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This count is required for our state and federal grants that fund local homeless shelters, permanent supportive housing, rental assistance programs, street outreach and more! The survey is anonymous and we need to make sure everyone gets counted. Volunteers can register online here: https://ventura25.pointintime.info

In preparation for the Count, we are also collecting donations to provide our hardworking volunteers with essential supplies to hand out to the community during the morning of the Count. We will be accepting donations from November 19th – January 6th at all Ventura County library locations. Please see the attached flyer for more details and help spread the word. www.venturacoc.org.

Animal Rescues Thank Volunteers, Donors for Mountain Fire Response

VCAS staff and volunteers at the VCAS Camarillo shelter see smoke from the Mountain Fire.

The Mountain Fire started on November 6, 2024, near Balcom Canyon Road in Somis. By November 11, it had burned approximately 20,630 acres and destroyed 174 structures. Over 6,000 structures were threatened during the blaze, and evacuation orders were issued for several areas​. Teams of volunteers from local rescue organizations pulled together to transport, accommodate, feed and comfort animals impacted by the wildfire. From pet hamsters, rabbits, dogs and cats to horses, llamas, pigs, parrots, and assorted livestock, local rescue staff and volunteers went above and beyond to ensure the safety and comfort of animals in need of shelter or evacuation to the Ventura County Fairgrounds and other locations beyond the path of the wildfire.

Horses sheltering at Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) recently recognized the incredible work of its shelter staff, volunteers, and Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (EVRT) during the Mountain Fire. A total of 446 animals were taken to VCAS for safety, either by their families or by members of the EVRT, 38 of whom worked tirelessly to rescue and transport animals from the fire’s path, often through hazardous conditions. Shelter staff worked 12-hour shifts, caring for animals at both the Camarillo Shelter and the Ventura County Fairgrounds. They managed intake, provided safe shelter for animals, and gave comfort to families affected by the fire. In all, 121 VCAS volunteers collectively worked 416 hours at the Camarillo Shelter, managing donations, cleaning kennels, and comforting animals whose families had been evacuated.

VCAS also expressed gratitude for the generosity of those who donated during the crisis. Operation Blankets of Love (obl.info) delivered a van full of pet supplies; Blue Ribbon Hay and Grain, located in the San Fernando Valley, delivered 260 bales of hay to feed the animals at the VC Fairgrounds; SpoofDawg to the Rescue (spoofdawgrescue.org), delivered a truckload of food and supplies; and NENN Equine (nennequine.com) was available to treat injured horses.

Dogs sheltering at the VCAS Camarillo shelter.

“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding work our team of staff and volunteers did during the Mountain Fire,” said Randy Friedman, VCAS Public Information Officer. “We safely transported and cared for 446 animals coming from evacuation areas. Our VCAS Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (EVRT) played an especially crucial role in this effort. These dedicated disaster service workers were deployed to areas throughout Camarillo and used their own personal vehicles and trailers to transport animals out of harm’s way. Those interested in becoming a member of EVRT can sign up at www.vcas.us/EVRT. If you would like to support our shelter, please consider donating during our Giving Tuesday fundraiser, at www.vcas.us/GivingTuesday.”

The Mountain Fire forced the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (CARL), a no-kill dog rescue and adoption organization, to evacuate its kennel in Santa Paula. They relocated over 70 dogs by loading them up in dog crates and transporting them to a parking lot in Fillmore for two days. “The outpouring of support and the immediate response received was truly amazing,” said Marsha Moreland, a CARL representative. “We cannot thank everyone enough. Our community is so supportive, our staff and volunteers are incredibly dedicated – including those with All for Love Animal Rescue, who have been helping every step of the way. Thank you to ARL General Engineering for stopping by our evacuation site and bringing ice, water, Gatorade and supplies! They told us the owner of the company is a dog lover and heard we were temporarily displaced so wanted to help. Huge shout out to Faith Community Church in Fillmore who let us stay on their grounds for two nights and were so kind and generous. Our dogs are now safely back at our kennel in Santa Paula, and all are doing well adjusting to their environment. It truly takes a community at work to help us during this stressful time for the dogs, the staff and the volunteers who all came together and made this possible.”

Go to CARLDogs.org to donate or visit the volunteer page to complete an application to join CARL’s amazing team of volunteers! You can also fill out an application to foster one of the CARL dogs – four of them are featured in this issue of the Ventura Breeze!

Bowl of Thanks Raises $16,575 for Food Share Ventura

How valuable is a humble, handmade pottery bowl for $25? Multiply it by 663 donated bowls and you get $16,575 that was donated to Food Share Ventura. Another way to calculate its value is the 50,000 meals that they will provide for local, food insecure folks. Wow. A lot of thanks to go around for the Bowl of Thanks held November 9 and 10 at the Ventura Harbor Pottery Gallery. The Ventura County Potters’ Guild hosted the event, bringing together a community of generous artisans and supporters. Bowls were donated by Guild members, as well as by potters at local schools and colleges and other ceramic organizations. A special thanks goes to the Harbor restaurants who participated in giving food samples to the first 450 people who purchased bowls. And the biggest thanks go to the hundreds of customers who purchased the bowls.

The second part of the event was a Pottery Market where 16 Guild members set up booths to sell their wares. That too was a success and many of our customers got a jump on Holiday shopping.

The Ventura County Potters’ Guild, a non-profit founded in 1957, continues its mission of promoting ceramic arts through the Gallery, workshops, and monthly meetings. Meetings are open to the public and feature ceramic demonstrations or presentations. More information can be found at www.vcpg.org.  Online Store – www.venturapotteryonline.com.

Ventura Pottery Gallery is located at 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105 in Ventura Harbor. The gallery is open seven days a week from 11-6.

Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Warns Residents about Scammers Posing as the County of Ventura

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents about a recent phishing scam targeting community members via fake text messages. These messages falsely claim to be from the County of Ventura, demanding payment for overdue bills and directing recipients to a fraudulent debt collection webpage. These are phishing scams!

The Treasurer-Tax Collector NEVER contacts residents via text or uses private debt collectors.

Questions? Call the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office at 805-654-3744