Mohammed A. Hasan, a longtime business and environmental leader in Ventura County has been re-elected to United Water Conservation District board.

The District boundary encompasses Lake Piru to Ventura harbor along the Santa Clara River valley, and the Oxnard coastal plain. The cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, Oxnard and Port Hueneme and the eastern part of the city of Ventura are part of the district. This public agency was formed 75 years ago, currently offices in North Oxnard. The district diverts surface water from the Santa Clara River, manages and serves groundwater to farmers and cities. More information is available at unitedwater.org.

Hasan has a long history of being involved in the community. Since 1974, he has been serving in various nonprofit organizations in the county. He is a tireless volunteer/leader in the community in the areas of environment, health, art and youth. Hasan is the founder and instructor of free community classes in Longevity, conversational Spanish, and financial independence. He currently serves as the vice president on the board of El Concilio FS, which serves the underserved community of farm workers and those in need of assistance for immigration and citizenship services. All the local newspapers have published an article or two about his passion for contribution to the community.

Hasan is the owner of a civil and environmental firm in Ventura. He was an engineer with the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, and the utilities superintendent of the City of Oxnard. He earned advanced degrees from the University of Iowa. He is fellow two national professional societies, and the Rotary International. Hasan taught water resource science classes at the Ventura and Santa Barbara community colleges. He wrote a book on solving drought problems in California. The simple book can serve as a primer for citizens wanting to get involved in water.

Hasan is a co-founder of OceanForesters. This Ventura start-up helps economically challenged coastal communities build and manage their own flexible floating fishing reefs. The complete ecosystem on the reefs restores ocean bounty and biodiversity. Hasan also served as the chief engineer and general manager of the bio-energy startup company, PODenergy. Here he helped develop theories for the reduction of global carbon dioxide via ocean afforestation.

Hasan is a 48-year resident of Ventura; married and has two adult daughters.

The trustees of the Harriet H. Samuelsson Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $670,000 to 12 local non-profit organizations providing services to youth and adolescents in Ventura County. Grants ranged from $15,000 to $130,000, and were allocated as follows:

$39,000 to Assistance League of Ventura County for the purchase of clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, and books for disadvantaged students

$100,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura for health and wellness programs; academic support; resiliency training to avoid peer pressure and substance abuse; mentoring; and physical fitness training

$130,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark and Simi Valley for after-school and summer programming including: character and leadership development; workforce readiness; health and wellness; education; sports, fitness, and recreation; and the arts

$100,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley to enhance their STEM (Science, Technology, Math, and English) programs utilizing new software aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards; additional iPads and laptops; robotic competitions; guest visits from local artists; and field trips to museums and ranches

$75,000 to City of Hope for continued research in the area of pediatric brain cancer and potential therapies

$15,000 to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association for youth grief counseling sessions

$25,000 to Many Mansions for a seven-week summer camp, homework assistance, and ongoing activities in art, science, and leadership development for children experiencing homelessness or poverty

$25,000 to the Museum of Ventura County to provide interactive live and virtual education programs and field trips covering Common Core Standards in math, science, history, heritage, and nutrition

$25,000 to Ride on L.A. for 1,750 scholarship lessons, and full or partial scholarships for 50 local students

$96,000 to St. John’s Healthcare Foundation for the purchase of four General Electric maternal/fetal monitoring systems, two portable carts, and one infant warmer

$20,000 to United Way of Ventura County, Inc., to provide oral health education, dental assessments, fluoride varnish applications, and oral health care kits to over 1,500 students

$20,000 to the Ventura Police Community Foundation for school, art, fitness, and wellness supplies for their after-school program

Grants are awarded in the spring and fall of each year. The deadline for letters of interest for Spring 2023 grants is September 30, 2022. For more information about the Harriet H. Samuelsson Foundation, including instructions on how to apply for a grant, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.samuelssonfoundation.org.

The Harriet H. Samuelsson Foundation was established in 2005 upon the death of Harriet H. Samuelsson, an Oxnard philanthropist, at age 96.  The Foundation awards over $1 million in grants each year to organizations providing services for the health, education, guidance, or welfare of children under the age of 18 residing in Ventura County, or to organizations conducting cancer research.

Dignity Health – St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo (SJHC) have been nationally recognized with an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for Fall 2022.

This national distinction recognizes SJRMC and SJHC among the top in the nation in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors in the hospital.

“Achieving an ‘A’ Grade is a direct result of the hard work, dedication and passion for excellence that the St. John’s team demonstrates every day,” said Barry Wolfman, president and CEO of St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo. “It is an honor to work with a team who places so much importance on quality and safety.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital rating program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

Dignity Health-St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo in Camarillo comprise the largest non-profit acute care provider in Ventura County. Founded 110 years ago, St. John’s Hospitals are nationally recognized for quality care, safety and service. Both hospitals are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to support new programs and services, as well as to advance the community’s access to health care. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional or DignityHealth.org/StJohnsHospitalCamarillo.

The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors has added five new members.

Joining the board are Debe Bylo, Mark Dufresne, Liz Kraus, Jessica Flores Esquibel and Dr. Jill Muraoka Lim. All have a strong connection with Ventura College.  As the current president of the Associated Students of Ventura College (ASVC), Jessica Flores Esquibel will also serve on the board during her term.

Now retired, Debe Bylo was a middle school teacher for 23 years with the Ventura Unified School District. She took classes at Ventura College to satisfy her teaching credential requirements.

Mark Dufresne was a standout tight end for the Ventura College Pirates which then led to a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska where he played for the legendary coach Tom Osborne. Dufresne is one of nine siblings. All went to Ventura College. He’s now a banker at Wells Fargo in Westlake Village.

Liz Kraus is an adjunct professor of English, Emirita at Ventura College. After a 20-year career, she recently retired from her teaching position and just published a humorous, non-fiction travel book, “3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries”.

Dr. Jill Muraoka Lim is a cofounder of Ohana Pet Hospital, a veterinary hospital with locations in Ventura and Santa Paula. Lim joined Ventura College’s faculty in 2020 to assist in launching a new associate’s degree program in Veterinary Technology at the college’s East Campus in Santa Paula.

ASVC President Jessica Flores Esquibel attended college in Mexico where she received her degree as a dental surgeon. The Piru resident is currently studying early childhood education but wants to also get minors in psychology and sociology.

The Community Memorial Health System Board of Trustees is proud to announce that it has selected Mick Zdeblick to succeed Gary K. Wilde as President & CEO of the health system. Zdeblick, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, OR, will step into the role of President & CEO effective January 9, 2023.

“Mick is a proven leader who possesses both the experience and vision to lead Community Memorial Health System into the future,” said Board of Trustees Chair Richard R. Rush. “His diverse background and extensive record of success will be an asset to our health system and our community. We look forward to welcoming him in his new role as President & CEO of our health system.”

Zdeblick has served as CEO of Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (ARRMC), the flagship hospital for Asante Health System, since 2017. In addition to overseeing the performance of ARRMC and driving overall health system profitability amidst COVID-19 financial challenges, Zdeblick has led Asante’s $500 million facility renovation and expansion master plan. His career has also included roles as Chief Operating Officer at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, CA, Vice President of Campus Transformation and Vice President of Hospital Operations at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and a Master of Management degree from the Northwestern University J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

“I am honored to have been selected for the role of President & CEO of Community Memorial Health System,” said Zdeblick. “The unique culture of the organization, as well as its unrivaled commitment to its mission, make it an invaluable asset to the community. I look forward to joining and leading the organization as we endeavor to ensure the availability of exceptional healthcare in Ventura County.”

Following Wilde’s retirement announcement in April, the Community Memorial Health System Board of Trustees, in partnership with nationally-recognized recruiting firm, Witt Kieffer, launched a nationwide search for qualified candidates and evaluated a number of healthcare executives, including Zdeblick, for the role. The board’s goal throughout the selection process was to ensure the longevity of the health system and safeguard it as a community treasure for years to come.

Wilde has served as Community Memorial Health System’s President & CEO since 2004. During his tenure, he oversaw the merger of Community Memorial Hospital and Ojai Valley Community Hospital to form Community Memorial Health System in 2005. Since then, Wilde successfully oversaw the planning, funding and construction of the new 250-bed Community Memorial Hospital which opened in December 2018, as well as the Continuing Care Center – a 75-bed, state-of-the-art skilled nursing facility located on the campus of Ojai Valley Community Hospital that opened in July 2020.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce will recognize outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals who make a difference in our community at the Poinsettia Awards Luncheon. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of this local tradition honoring excellence in business, public service and education.

Presented by the Ventura Chamber, the categories to be recognized are:

· Large Business of the Year- Gold Coast Transit

· Mid-Size Business of the Year- Andria’s Seafood

· Small-Size Business of the Year- JR Bookkeeping

· Innovation Award – CBF Productions

· Non-Profit of the Year- Women’s Economic Ventures

· Young Professional of the Year- Gerry Pantoja

· Ambassador of the Year- Rick Jeffery

· Volunteer of the Year – Oscar Hernandez

· Shining Star Award – Gary Wilde

· Jewel Key Award – Ventura Harbor

· Citizen of the Year – Sandy Smith

Additional awards will be presented by the City of Ventura for excellence in public service and the Ventura Unified School District for excellence in education.

Sponsors for this event include:

The Ventura Auto Center, SoCalGas, Montecito Bank & Trust, Four Points by Sheraton-Ventura Harbor, AMR, EJ Harrison & Sons, Inc, Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Edison, Ventura County Credit Union, Aera, Mustang Marketing, Ventura College, AT&T, Community Memorial Health System, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Shea Homes, Tolman & Wiker- An Assured Partner Agency, CAPS Media, Cumulus Media, Gold Coast Broadcasting, Luners Production Services, Pacific Coast Business Times, Ventura Adult & Continuing Education (VACE) and the Ventura Breeze

These awards acknowledge the best that Ventura has to offer. The Poinsettia Awards Luncheon happens on Thursday, December 8, 11:30am-1:30pm at the Marriott Ventura Beach. The cost to attend is $60 for Chamber members and $80 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased online at venturachamber.com or by calling (805) 643-7222.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization that advocates on behalf of the business community. With 700 members, representing more than 25,000 employees locally, the Chamber engages on a variety of issues that help to drive a strong local economy as The Voice of Business.

To the crowd of over 220 individuals, Rosales credited WEV with providing her a network of resources and funding that has allowed her business on Main Street in Downtown Ventura to survive and thrive. Rosales shared that, “WEV rallied their financial network, educated us on grants and government programs… they were the first ones offering a low interest bridge loan before many of us business owners even had access to the PPP program.”  Like many local businesses, Rosales’ shop was directly impacted by the Thomas Fire as well as the pandemic shutdown. “If it weren’t for WEV stepping in just at the right time with access to capital, I’m not sure I’d be here today.”

Bicycle shop owner Casanta echoed a sentiment of gratitude when she shared her personal and professional story of resilience. She described how the bike shop she owns with her husband was the target of multiple burglaries during the height of COVID, and in 2021 she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. “WEV had my back, with messages of encouragement and financial support. I’ll never forget that; find the silver lining, focus on the positive,” said Casanta who proudly shared that she is now cancer free. Hypercat has been recognized with several industry awards and the business has enjoyed their biggest revenue months ever.

WEV’s CEO, Kathy Odell spoke about the common goal of economically empowering individuals. “The power of a strong, supportive community, where people pitch in and help each other practically, emotionally, and socially, supports mental and physical health. And it enables the entire community to better respond, adapt and recover from adverse events,” said Odell.

Proceeds raised at the Empowerment is Priceless event will directly benefit WEV’s business funding and client programs, including financial literacy and education classes, business training courses, individual coaching, and business advisory services – all provided in both English and Spanish.

For the fourth year, Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families has received a $100,000 grant from the Foster Family Foundation to support the agency’s campus-based programs and services in addition to its Mobile Crisis Response services in Santa Barbara County. Casa Pacifica provides a comprehensive and integrated array of programs for youth who have been involved in the foster care system or who face severe emotional or behavioral challenges, with specific expertise in educational, employment, housing and mental and behavioral health services.

“We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We are pleased to continue our support of Casa Pacifica, and we share in its commitment to ensuring a bright future for foster and at-risk children and youth,” said Camille Davenport, president, Foster Family Foundation.

Casa Pacifica serves approximately 1,700 youth each year through therapeutic, evidence-based programs that include residential treatment; transitional youth services for both transitional (16-18 years) and emancipated (18-24 years) foster youth; recreational therapy to build confidence and foster positive relationships; and Safe Alternatives for Treating Youth (SAFTY), a mobile response service for children in crisis. The agency also serves more than 100 children and adolescents each year through its Non-Public School, a fully certified, accredited special education school that helps at-risk youth regain grade level and build both classroom and social skills.

As the largest nonprofit provider of mental and behavioral health services for at-risk and foster children and adolescents in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, Casa Pacifica relies on grantors, event revenue and corporate and individual donors to provide essential programs and services to more than 2,000 children, youth and families annually. This year alone, the organization must fundraise approximately 13% of its nearly $30 million operating budget. Monies raised fill the gap that exists between revenue received through government service contracts and the actual cost of caring for children, youth and families.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families provides assessment, clinical, medical, residential, and educational services to foster and at-risk children/youth struggling with complex mental health disorders due to past trauma and/or mental illness. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties and administers fourteen campus- and community-based programs designed to give youth, and their families, the tools they need to heal, rebuild and strengthen relationships, reengage with their educations, and overcome their negative emotional and behavioral challenges. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.