Scholarship recipients come from all different backgrounds with different education and career goals.

The Ventura College Foundation presented 439 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year totaling $670,406 during its 34th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 18, at the Ventura College Athletic Center. 

Of the 235 scholarship recipients, many received multiple scholarships with an average amount of $2,417 for continuing students and $3,557 for students transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. At minimum, each student received a $1,000 scholarship. 

Scholarship recipients come from all different backgrounds with different education and career goals. 

Three-scholarship recipient Mea Ann Alanes, 26, was born in the Philippines. A first-generation college student, she will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara this year pursuing a double major in Sociology and Anthropology. A single mother and former foster youth, she has overcome her share of challenges including food and housing insecurity. 

“My mission and passion are to improve the health of our low-income families, single mothers, and financially insecure students,” says Alanes. ”These scholarships will provide me with the breathing room and stress-free environment that I need to focus on my academics.” 

“Scholarships are critical for students in their ability to continue their education,” says Nicole Kreutz, incoming chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors.  “Scholarship funds help offset tuition, books costs and other expenses. Every amount helps.” 

For Richard Clark, 36, his college journey began after seven years in the U.S. Army and then as a personal trainer. He enrolled at Ventura College thinking he might study physical therapy. “I needed to add credits so I took a criminal justice course and loved it,” says Clark. “That changed everything.” Clark will transfer this year to CLU majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Cyber Security. He hopes to intern with the FBI. 

The GI Bill will pay a portion of Clark’s tuition costs and his two scholarships (including a Ventura College Foundation Veterans Scholarship) will cover other expenses. “After being away in the Army for so long, I thought it was too late to go back to school,” says Clark. “Ventura College is amazing, especially the Veterans Resource Center. Staff helped me select which classes to take and showed me all the available financial support.” 

Jimmy Flores, 23, grew up in a tight-knit Latino community in Santa Paula. He attended Santa Paula High School. “Soccer is a big deal in town and I was fortunate to be on the school’s team,” says Flores. “After graduation, I didn’t want to disconnect right away so I began volunteering as an assistant coach. I found that I enjoy teaching and encouraging teenagers. It’s very rewarding.” 

Flores plans to become a physical education high school teacher and coach. He will be attending Cal State Northridge in the Fall, majoring in Kinesiology with a Physical Education emphasis. He is the first in his family to attend a four-year university.  “My volunteer coaching takes away from the number of hours I can work. The scholarship will allow me to focus on my education and coaching goals.” 

“The drive to succeed shown by our scholarship recipients is truly inspiring,” says Kreutz. “We know they will make a positive impact in their fields.” 

The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include Edison International, Miracle Mile Advisors, Searle Creative, Bank of the Sierra, Ohana Pet Hospital, Trinity Wheeler Photography, HZ Main Events Design & Consulting, DJ’s Catering, LetzChat, and L&T Catering. 

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.

Housing Trust Fund VC CEO Linda Braunschweiger speaking to the packed house.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (www.housingtrustfundvc.org) set another fundraising record at its 4^th Annual Compassion Campaign. With a strong showing of community leaders in attendance, the organization exceeded last year’s record setting fundraising high. Supported in part by Keystone Sponsors City National Bank and HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), the Museum of Ventura County provided the perfect back drop for this year’s theme, HOME MADE: Fund It + Build It + Live It, which featured three museum-quality exhibits that immersed guests into a learning experience, which highlighted through sight and sound what it takes to fund, build, and live in safe, equitable, and affordable homes in Ventura County.

An evening highlight was an intimate conversation on a living room styled stage hosted by Housing Trust Fund VC CEO Linda Braunschweiger. She spoke with Elenore Vaughn, Executive Director of the City of Santa Paula’s Housing Authority, Jennifer Harkey from the County of Ventura’s Continuum of Care, and John, a U.S. veteran and resident of Oakwood Court senior affordable apartments – the second ever funded development by Housing Trust Fund VC in 2016. “It’s inspirational to see the recognition of two Santa Paula Housing Authority residents at this event who still reside in the first two developments funded by Housing Trust Fund VC. It validates the work we all do to help low-income families obtain housing that truly changes lives for the long-term,” commented Vaughn.

The evening was emceed by David Kohlmeier, President & Chair of the Board of RAIN Communities, who shared his powerful story of finding himself and his then five-year-old son homeless, even as he had a paying job. Now a proud homeowner, Kohlmeier credits organizations like RAIN and Housing Trust Fund VC for giving people like him and John a supportive hand up so that they can contribute to the collective prosperity of our community.

“I’m energized by the growing support for affordable housing in Ventura County,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger. “As we know from the recent Homeless Point in Time count, the need continues to solve housing insecurity and we hope that providing educational guest experiences like our signature Compassion Campaign can shed light on what we all can do – it can be as simple as earmarking donations to Housing Trust Fund Ventura County.”

The event’s immersive exhibits were sponsored by Community West Bank, McCarthy Construction Companies, and the City of Ventura. Additional Compassion Campaign 2023 sponsors include Ventura Investment Company, Bank of the Sierra, CBC Federal Credit Union, First Citizens Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, Amcal Somis Ranch, Blois Construction, County of Ventura, Cannon Constructors, Landscape Development, Limoneira Company, Port of Hueneme, Premier America, Staples Construction, VC Community Foundation, and Ventura County Credit Union.

To support funding more affordable housing across Ventura County, please visit: www.housingtrustfundvc.org/donate-now.

On May 15, at 12:36pm, the Ventura County Fire Communication Center received multiple calls regarding a traffic collision at Telephone and Portola. 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 extensive extrication was deployed to remove the victim and transport the victim to the Emergency Room with Fire personnel 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.

Valerie, Tinette, Patty and Adam prepared the great meals.

During Volunteer Appreciation Week members of the Community Memorial Health Services Auxiliary were treated to a delicious lunch in the 8th floor auditorium of the Mountain Tower of the hospital. Hospital staff served the beautifully displayed entrees, salads, and desserts that tempted auxiliary members as they entered the room. The food did not disappoint!

The many hours of service performed by Auxiliary volunteers allow hospital staff to provide the quality care for which CMH is known. Almost every day volunteers may be seen in various parts of the hospital in their distinctive navy blue and white uniforms. From the front desk to the emergency room, gift shop, pharmacy, and most other departments, they continue to assist nurses and staff in providing patient care. The luncheon is one way the hospital staff show their appreciation for all the time that is contributed.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer with the CMH Auxiliary, applications are available at the front desk of the hospital, or you may ask any of the volunteers and they can obtain information for you. In addition, you may call the Auxiliary office at (805)948-4299 and leave a message with your contact information. You will be appreciated!

On May 8, at 6am, the Ventura County Fire Communication Center received multiple calls regarding a possible structure fire in the Original Pizza Chief located at 1612 Main St. Fire personnel arrived on scene within minutes of the initial call and found smoke coming from the building. The fire was knocked down within 8 minutes of the initial 911 dispatch. The Ventura City Fire Department would like to remind all business owners to ensure that they have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in addition to having an effective evacuation plan.