Category Archives: News and Notes

X Games Ventura: a ‘Festival Experience’ for All Ages

A spectacular Ventura sunset from last year’s X Games. Photo courtesy of Visit Ventura.

The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated X Games Ventura, set for June 28-30 at the Ventura Fairgrounds. After last year’s hugely popular event, the summer games are returning to Ventura, where some of the world’s top extreme athletes will compete against the stunning coastal backdrop. “Southern California is the birthplace of action sports and a culture that is now global,” said long-time host and recently appointed X Games Chief of Sports Culture Selema Masekela. “Last year was legendary, so we are excited to return to Ventura and turn things up a notch.”     

Last year’s event drew an estimated 52,000 attendees. This year, the City of Ventura, Visit Ventura, and local partners are collaborating to ensure sustainable travel options, ease traffic impacts, and foster community involvement throughout downtown. “To say we’re stoked is an understatement,” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura. “We’re still beaming with hometown pride with what took place in our Ventura last year. We’re excited to make this summer even better… We’re ready to see athletes break more records and do it all by the beach with our coastline as the perfect backdrop. We’re stoked — let’s do this!”

In an announcement on the official X Games Ventura website, organizers promise this year’s event will be bigger and better than last year, with a larger footprint and improved viewing options, new medaled events and greater experiences, “We’re stoked to be bringing a full-fledged festival experience to X Games Ventura 2024 presented by SONIC, featuring special musical guest appearances, art installations, cultural activations, immersive brand experiences, and of course all the action sports.”

Tony Hawk, a pioneer of vertical skateboarding and one of the most famous figures in the sport’s history, is a 10-time X Games gold medalist and telecast host. When asked about the significance of the summer event, Hawk said, “X Games is a breeding ground for milestones in our sports. It’s where the best in the world consistently go for their biggest, their best, and their firsts. This summer will be huge for action sports, but X Games is where the athletes choose to showcase their most innovative tricks and progressive runs. Ventura will witness history in the making.”

Single day tickets start at $61. Children under five are free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Locals enjoy a 15% discount using this code:  XGV24LOCAL. The discount applies to general admission, superfan, bleacher, VIP, Owner’s Club, and Club ’95 tickets. Go to www.VisitVentura.com or www.XGgames.com for more information and purchase tickets.

Women’s BMX Park Medaled Event
X Games organizers have doubled down on their commitment to the progression of women’s sports, with the debut of Women’s BMX Park in Ventura as a medaled event. Athletes participating in the event will include several Olympians, including Team USA’s Hannah Roberts who earned silver at Tokyo 2020. “I’ve always dreamed of competing in X Games and it was never a possibility until this year,” said Roberts. “ Women and girls are bringing so much progression, creativity and energy into action sports across the board and it is exciting to see X Games continue to grow these sports for the next generation.” 

Women’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick will also make its debut this year, giving 11-year old Reese Nelson another opportunity to showcase her extensive skills. Nelson competed in the Women’s Skateboard Vert at X Games California 2023 at just 10 years, 8 months old, making her the youngest female competitor and second-youngest competitor in X Games history. Known for incredibly technical liptricks, including some never-been-done tricks, organizers believe there’s a strong possibility that she’ll bring something attendees have never seen before.

X Games Ventura 2024 Events Schedule

X Games Day 1, June 28

10:00 AM – Women’s Skateboard Park Elimination
11:15 AM – Women’s Skateboard Street Elimination
12:45 PM – Men’s Skateboard Park Elimination
2:15 PM – Men’s Skateboard Street Elimination
3:30 PM – Women’s BMX Park Final
4:45 PM – BMX Dirt Elimination
6:00 PM – Men’s Skateboard Vert Final
7:00 PM – Men’s BMX Street Final
8:10 PM – Moto X Best Whip
8:30 PM – Music Festival Day 1

X Games Day 2, June 29

10:45 AM – Women’s Skateboard Street Final
12:00 PM – Men’s Skateboard Park Final
1:15 PM – Men’s Skateboard Street Best Trick
2:00 PM – BMX Dirt Final
3:15 PM – Women’s Skateboard Street Best Trick
4:00 PM – Women’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick
5:00 PM – Men’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick
5:45 PM – Men’s BMX Park Final
7:15 PM – Moto X Best Trick
8:30 PM – Music Festival Day 2

X Games Day 3, June 30

10:00 AM – Women’s Skateboard Park Final
11:30 AM – Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick
12:00 PM – Men’s Skateboard Street Final
1:15 PM – Women’s Skateboard Vert Final
2:15 PM – Moto X QuarterPipe High Air
3:15 PM – BMX Dirt Best Trick
8:30 PM – Music Festival Day 3

X Games Ventura Music Schedule
X Games Ventura features three-days of live music. Friday kicks off with multi-platinum selling recording artist Wiz Khalifa, AG Club and Oxymorrons. Saturday features Grammy-nominated Kaskade, Devault, Mija and Emo Nite. Sunday closes out the weekend with Fever 333, Blame My Youth and Metalachi. All music is included in the price of admission, see below for a tentative schedule of appearances by day.

Friday, June 28
Oxymorrons – 4:15 – 4:45 PM
AG Club – 8:30 – 8:55 PM
Wiz Khalifa – 9:15 – 9:45 PM

Saturday, June 29
Emo Nite – 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Mija – 4:30 – 5:00 PM
DEVAULT – 8:15 – 8:45
Kaskade – 9:00 – 9:30 PM 

Sunday, June 30
Metalachi – 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Blame My Youth – 12:30 – 1:00 PM
Fever 333 – 3:45 – 4:30 PM 

Getting to the X Games Ventura
There will be no event parking at Seaside Park. There are, however, plenty of options for stress-free travel to and from the X Games Ventura.

Ventura Shuttle Park-and-Ride
The Ventura Shuttle offers frequent, free trips to and from the Ventura Fairgrounds: Friday, 9 am – 11:30 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 11:30 pm; and Sunday, 8 am – 6 pm. Ventura Shuttle locations: Government Center, Pacific View Mall, Oxnard High School, Harbor and Seaward and DeAnza Middle School. Go to www.visitventuraca.com or www.cityofventura.ca.gov for more information.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Got family or friends traveling to Ventura for the X Games? They can arrive steps from the action – the train station is even closer than some parking spaces in the fairgrounds parking lot! Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner has a special schedule in place for the X Games, with two extra daily train trips to Ventura. In anticipation of increased ridership, reservations for travelers will be required from June 28 to 30. Space is limited, so customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and book early to guarantee available tickets. For information and to buy tickets, visit www.pacificsurfliner.com.

Buses
Gold Coast Bus will offer buses from the park-n-ride at the Pacific View Mall (3301 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93003) to the venue during X Games weekend. Purchase for $1.50/trip on the Token Transit App or the UMO App. Tickets can only be purchased on the day of transit. Parking is free at the mall. Gold Coast service can be taken from the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai and Port Hueneme. For more information, visit www.goventura.org/vctc-transit/routes-schedules/

Visit Ventura Drone Show: A celebration of X Games Ventura 2024
Watch as 500 drones take flight! The Visit Ventura Drone Show is a free, all-ages community event happening during the week of X Games Ventura 2024. This year there will be a total of five Visit Ventura Drone Shows. The shows will be visible from the Ventura Harbor, Downtown Ventura, and the Ventura County Fairgrounds. 

Visit Ventura Drone Show: Ventura Harbor Village
Wednesday June 26, 2024 9:00PM
Best Viewing Location: Ventura Harbor’s lawn area along the waterfront

Visit Ventura Drone Show: Downtown Ventura
Thursday June 27, 2024 8:45PM
Thursday June 27, 2024 10:00PM
Best Viewing Location: Intersection of California St and Main St looking up to City Hall

Visit Ventura Drone Show: Downtown Ventura
Friday June 28, 2024 8:45PM
Saturday June 29, 2024 8:45PM
Best Viewing Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds inside the X Games

Skate Jam: X Games Ventura 2024
Don’t miss Ventura Skate Jam, Thursday, June 27, 4 pm – 8 pm in downtown Ventura. This celebration of the skateboarding community offers open skate sessions, exciting competitions, and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts. 

For children 10 years of age and younger, Skate and Create, a new Ventura skateboarding and art-based after-school program launching in Fall 2024, will be offering young participants an opportunity to skate in a mini skatepark and create their own custom t-shirts and skateboard decks. All skill levels are welcome, and skateboards and safety gear will be provided for those who don’t have their own.

Ventura County Special Olympics Thrives with Successful Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser

Ventura Police officers and staff took to the streets carrying the symbolic “Flame of Hope.” Photo courtesy City of Ventura.

by Patricia Schallert

Finney’s General Manager, Jordan Cole with Goretti Ortiz, Director of Corporate
Partnerships, Special Olympics

On May 28, there was excitement around the return of the “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser, in partnership with Finney’s Craft-house, to support the remarkable athletes of Ventura County Special Olympics. The Ventura Police Department (VPD) officers joined forces with Finney’s Craft-house staff and worked as servers at 494 E. Main Street in downtown Ventura for this fantastic community event.

Sergeant Ryan Reynosa emphasized the significance of every single dollar raised during this event. “Not only did it help support the Special Olympics athletes, but it also fostered unity and acceptance within our Ventura community. With our sights set on surpassing the previous year’s total of $6,600, we were immensely grateful to Jordon Cole, the general manager of Finney’s Craft-house, along with his staff, for their unwavering support. We will continue to be immensely grateful for the dedication shown by our fellow officers.”

What made this event even more special, Finney’s Craft-house generously pledged to donate 20% of the proceeds to Ventura County Special Olympics. This incredible contribution went a long way in ensuring the success and growth of the Special Olympians from Ventura County.

Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser: Sergeant Ryan Reynosa with Steve Gluck, Antonio Morales, Ben Watt , Ian Eaton Photos by Patricia Schallert

During the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, there were VPD officers, Special Olympics athletes, and Finney’s staff working hand in hand as guest servers. They collected the “tip” donations from diners, all while ensuring that the regular earnings of the servers were not affected. To make donating even more convenient, each guest received envelopes to contribute directly to the cause. This way, the impact was felt without any unintended consequences for the servers.

For Special Olympics athletes like Steve Glick, the opportunity to “meet new people” was the highlight of the Special Olympic event. Another athlete, Antonio Morales, on the other hand, while he enjoyed participating in the Social Olympics, mostly enjoyed “mingling with well-known individuals.” “The famous people,” he said who attended the Special Olympic Games. And let’s not forget Ian Eaton, who eagerly awaited the torch run, which kicked off on June 6.

The Ventura County Special Olympics is a truly remarkable organization that offers year-round sports training and competitions. They provide individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities a platform to develop their skills, enhance their fitness, and build meaningful friendships.

Calendars were marked and the word was spread on the “June gloom” morning of June 8. The athletes from Ventura were ready to compete at Cal State University Long Beach. Ventura County participants and spectators supported not just Ventura athletes but all of the 1,100 Special Olympians as they competed in swimming, basketball, track, gymnastics, and more. This event was a resounding success thanks to Ventura and the VPD and sponsors: Walden Surfboards, Mile 26 Running Co, the Ventura Police Officers Association, and the Ventura Police Community Foundation, for their generous support.

“Let me win…But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Ventura Police Officers Illuminate the Path for Ventura County Special Olympics

Ventura Police officers and staff took to the streets on Thursday, June 6, carrying the symbolic “Flame of Hope” torch for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. Starting at the Ventura City Hall, participants embarked on a non-competitive, segmented run, passing the torch through the heart of Ventura before handing it off to the Oxnard Police Department. This relay spans 1,100 miles across Ventura County, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of the torch at the start of the Games.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run serves as the primary awareness and fundraising initiative for Special Olympics, uniting law enforcement agencies and athletes alike. In Southern California, nine legs of the run connect communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, symbolizing the collective commitment to inclusion and support for Special Olympics athletes. The journey concludes with the much-anticipated Special Olympics California Summer Games, held in Long Beach last weekend, celebrating the spirit of athleticism and camaraderie.

In Memorium: Clifton Gore

by Patricia Schallert

With heavy hearts, we acknowledge the passing of Clifton Gore and his girlfriend, Shirley Loyd in a tragic car accident on May 31. We recognize his remarkable 31 years of training and experience in the field of Tai Chi Ch’uan. His contributions to the art and his dedication to teaching have left a lasting impact on his students and the Tai Chi community as a whole. RIP Clifton Gore and Shirley Lloyd.

At 74 years old, Clifton Gore was widely renowned as a highly skilled and experienced teacher of Tai Chi Ch’uan.  With a deep dedication to the practice and mastery of this ancient Chinese martial art, Clifton underwent training in various styles such as Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun. This diverse training allowed him to incorporate the unique elements of each style into his teachings and personal practice. With decades of experience and a commitment to refining his skills, he gained immense respect as a patient and effective teacher.

In 1987, Clifton attended his first class, focusing on studying the Yang style long form taught by the Tung family. This particular style consisted of 89 postures. Over the next 11 years, he broadened his training by studying under Jane Golden, a devoted student of Grand Master Kai Ying Tung. During this period, Clifton actively participated in workshops and intensives with the Grand Master. He continued his studies with both Grand Master Kai Ying Tung and Master Chen Wei Tung, the son of Grand Master Tung. Master Chen Wei is recognized internationally as a teacher of Tai Chi Ch’uan. Clifton frequently traveled with Master Chen Wei, participating in various levels of Tai Chi Ch’uan classes.

In 1998, Clifton relocated to Ojai, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, where he began teaching classes in Ventura County. He was a sought-after and masterful teacher, offering both beginning and advanced classes throughout the county. Over the years, he trained numerous students, helping them develop a strong foundation in Tai Chi Ch’uan. Recognition and respect in the Tai Chi community were an integral part of Clifton’s teaching methodology. He emphasized the importance of combining physical movements with mental focus and breath control to promote overall health and well-being. Clifton’s teaching style involved “watching” as he demonstrated Tai Chi movements, often stating that his students “did not require extensive explanation”. He consistently emphasized to his students the importance of daily practice.

Clifton was also invited to help conduct workshops and seminars internationally, sharing his knowledge and passion for Tai Chi Ch’uan with a broader audience. His teachings were known for their clarity, attention to detail, and his ability to connect with students on a personal level. Whether students were beginners embarking on their Tai Chi Ch’uan journey or experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding, Clifton’s expertise proved invaluable. Many seniors noted his gentle approach, using slow and steady repetitions suitable for their needs.

Under Clifton’s guidance, students, whether beginners or experienced practitioners, developed strength, flexibility, balance, and inner calm through the practice of his Tai Chi Ch’uan teaching. His expertise in multiple styles allowed for versatility in incorporating different techniques and philosophies into his lessons. He excelled at explaining and demonstrating the core principles, emphasizing balance, relaxation, energy flow, and proper body alignment. Clifton possessed a deep understanding of these principles and effectively communicated and applied them throughout his teaching.

Patt Carney, one of Clifton’s students, said “Clift was the most patient teacher I have ever encountered. He was always encouraging and he always seemed to know exactly what his students needed in their stage of learning Tai Chi Ch’uan.” 

There will be a memorial for Clifton Gore and Shirley Loyd on Friday, June 28th at 5:30 pm, Ventura Marina Mobile Home Park, 1215 Anchors Way Dr. Clubhouse at the MH entrance.

Oceana Expedition – Part 2

Scientific diver Geoff Shester films red gorgonian corals and California golden gorgonian coral off Santa Cruz Island. Photo from Oceana, courtesy Jason Heaton.

Oceana and Blancpain Successfully Complete First of Three Ocean Expeditions in California’s Channel Islands

Research Supports Need for Additional Protections of Ocean Biodiversity

Oceana successfully completed its first of three ocean research expeditions in partnership with prestigious Swiss watchmaker Blancpain around the Channel Islands. From April 29 through May 3, aboard the 62-foot diving vessel, “Peace”, the expedition team explored and documented the biodiversity that makes these waters globally important. The expedition is in furtherance of Oceana’s campaigns to restore ocean abundance by addressing set gillnet fishing gear that is harmful to a suite of ocean life, and Blancpain’s commitment to ocean exploration and conservation.

“Our expedition showcases the incredible diversity of marine life surrounding the Channel Islands, bolstering the area’s reputation as the “Galapagos of North America,” said expedition leader Dr. Geoff Shester, Oceana’s California campaign director and senior scientist. “The beautiful habitats and special places we documented deserve additional protections from harmful gillnets — an indiscriminate fishing method which is still allowed in state waters around these amazing islands.”

Blancpain and Oceana first began their partnership in 2020 ahead of Project Alacranes, an expedition initiated to explore the depths of two areas in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in research that served as the basis for the Mexican government to enact the largest Natural Protected Area in the region. The success of this expedition led to the natural decision to continue the partnership between Oceana and Blancpain, as preparations to explore the Channel Islands were underway.

Over the five-day expedition, the team successfully accomplished the following:

  • Conducted visual scuba diving surveys to quantify and identify fish and invertebrate species and habitats — including gorgonian corals and kelp forests — at nine locations providing a glimpse into the biodiversity at risk. Oceana divers counted 830 fish, 1,837 mobile invertebrates (e.g., crabs, sea stars, lobsters), 1,156 large seaweeds (e.g. giant kelp), and 136 large gorgonian corals on 14 transects.
  • Collected water samples at 18 sites (nine shallow water samples collected via scuba and nine deep water samples collected via a Niskin bottle) for environmental (e)DNA analysis. The samples will be analyzed in a lab for DNA sequencing, which will allow us to identify virtually all ocean life (all plants, animals, and fungi) inhabiting and traversing these waters. By analyzing the DNA “footprint” left behind in the water column, they will get a comprehensive view of the area’s biodiversity at a range of depths.
  • Used state-of-the-art low-light cameras to capture high-resolution images and videos of unique, rare, and unusual species and habitats in need of protection.
  • Demonstrated the use of a compact Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Geneinno to document cold water corals at 100 feet depth off Santa Barbara Island.
  • Captured 360-degree video footage at all nine scuba diving locations to provide an interactive, immersive experience of being in the middle of a giant kelp forest. Some examples of the 360-degree footage can be viewed here. [Tips: on a desktop PC, use the mouse to pan and look around. On a mobile device, either use your finger to pan and look around or directly point the device to where you want to look. For a full 360 immersive experience, use VR goggles or download the Google Cardboard app from the Apple Store or Android Play Store or use Google carboard glasses to navigate as if immersed in the water seeing the environment firsthand].
  • Collected water samples at mid-water depths (from 60 meters/196 feet to over 100 meters/328 feet) to detect and quantify potential microplastics in the water column.
  • Piloted and successfully demonstrated that a hybrid underwater vehicle FUSION — an underwater robot manufactured by Strategic Robotic Systems used to support Department of Defense missions globally — can produce high resolution side-scan sonar maps of rocky reefs and identify precise GPS locations of lost fishing gear. The expedition demonstrated the promise of this technology to provide meaningful intelligence for ocean conservation.

The groups plan to utilize the imagery and scientific information gathered in support of protecting ocean biodiversity by reducing entanglement of ocean animals—including whales, sea lions, sharks, and other fish — in set gillnet fishing gear. These fishing nets used to target California halibut and white seabass can be 20 football fields long and are known for their high bycatch rates and adverse wildlife impacts. Despite action by California voters more than 30 years ago, set gillnets are still allowed in federal waters (3-200 miles from shore) off Southern California’s mainland, offshore banks, and in state waters around California’s Channel Islands. Oceana is urging the California Fish and Game Commission and the state legislature to continue working to reduce bycatch in the set gillnet fishery.

To learn more about ocean biodiversity at risk from set gillnets visit www.oceana.org/KeepCAOceansThriving

Sand dollars off Santa Cruz Island. Photo from Oceana/Danny Ocampo.

Housing Land Trust Ventura County receives grant to turn donated land into permanently affordable housing

Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC) has been awarded the U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible grant. The nonprofit will receive $25,000 in support of its mission to provide permanently affordable housing opportunities on donated land for those who contribute to the fabric of Ventura County’s economy and community. U.S. Bank created the Community Possible grant with the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to dream, believe, and achieve.

“This grant highlights the impact that private businesses can have on affordable housing,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Land Trust Ventura County. Linda also serves as CEO for Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, her guidance of which has helped to fund and commit to loans totaling $40 million since 2013, paving the way for 1,669 affordable units in Ventura County. “These funds help support Housing Land Trust VC’s mission, ensuring that affordable housing within Ventura County is accessible for all.”

The grant will provide resources to Housing Land Trust VC which will advance the organization, positioning it to acquire more land donations that will then become affordable homes. Land donations managed by Housing Land Trust VC have continued in their development including Casa de Carmen at the Oxnard Navigation Center being developed by Community Development Partners and Mercy House, which will provide 55 permanent housing units, 110 shelter beds and 24-hour supportive services for our community’s homeless population. In Thousand Oaks, a donated parcel will become Hillcrest Homes developed by People’s Self-Help Housing into nearly 80 affordable for-sale townhomes, creating an opportunity for home ownership for our community’s low-income to moderate-income individuals and families. The project is set to begin construction this year.

Housing Land Trust Ventura County is a Community Land Trust that seeks to identify and secure, through donation, undeveloped and surplus land to bring down the costs to develop affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents in Ventura County. The organization is governed by an 11-member all-volunteer Board of Directors led by Chair Alex Russell, CEO of Homes and Hope, Vice Chair Peter Lyons, Community Development Consultant, Treasurer Marni Brook of Women’s Economic Ventures, and Secretary Tracy McAulay with the County of Ventura. The Board also includes Bertha Garcia with VC Community Development Corporation, Retired City Planner MaryAnn Krause, AICP, Anthony Mireles with Laborer’s International Union Local 585, Maria Navarro of CAUSE, Stratis Perros from City of Simi Valley Environmental Services Department, Architect Mark Petit of Lauterbach & Associates, Architects, and Derrick Wada of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. Visit www.housinglandtrustvc.org to learn more about Housing Land Trust Ventura County and how donated land can help to bring more affordable housing to Ventura County.

Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2020 Housing Land Trust VC is helping to facilitate the development of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents of Ventura County by creating and maintaining permanently affordable single-family or multi-family residences through a community land trust. Housing Land Trust VC was created to address one of the County’s most common barriers to affordable housing – the high cost of land. As of September 2023, Housing Land Trust VC has received two parcels of land set to create 135 affordable apartments and homes in Ventura County.

Ventura Breeze founder recognized with city proclamation

Sheldon Brown (right) with Mayor Joe Schroeder at the May 14 ceremony.

On May 14, the city of San Buenaventura honored Sheldon Brown, publisher emeritus of the Ventura Breeze, with a city proclamation. Signed by Joe Schroeder, mayor of Ventura, the proclamation recognized Brown’s outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements as founder and leader of the Ventura Breeze newspaper. The proclamation also designated May 14 as “Sheldon Brown Day” in recognition of Brown’s “exemplary service, outstanding leadership, and enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”

City Proclamation signed by Mayor Joe Schroeder.

 

The California Fire Foundation helps Californians prepare for wildfires, supports fire victims and honors firefighters for May Wildfire Preparedness Month

Fire Foundation is launching a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin.

To mark May Wildfire Preparedness Month, the California Fire Foundation (www.cafirefoundation.org), the California-based non-profit that assists families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect, is helping Californians prepare for fire season, supporting fire victims, and honoring fallen firefighters across California.

To help Californians stay ready for a wildfire at any time, the California Fire Foundation has just relaunched its Firefighters on Your Side community preparedness program in multiple languages. The program aims to help Californians prepare their homes with defensible space, make a 5-minute evacuation plan, pre-pack essentials, and print a master checklist to ensure all family members are ready for an emergency.

While it has been a rainy winter in California, that does not necessarily mean fewer wildfires. The California Fire Foundation responds in real-time during any fire or disaster emergency to fund and offer Disaster Relief cards to support survivors. The Disaster Relief program brings immediate, short-term relief to victims of wildfires and natural disasters throughout California with a $250 gift card that allows survivors to purchase necessities. In 2023, the Foundation helped over 7,700 Californians by distributing DISASTER RELIEF CARDS worth over $595,000.

“Our typical wildfire season used to be July to October, but Californians need to stay prepared year-round,” said Brian Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation and President of California Professional Firefighters. “Community preparedness and raising funds are critical to our mission to support both residents and our firefighters and their families.”

In addition, to honor fallen firefighters and raise funds for the California Firefighters Memorial Wall Expansion project in Sacramento, since the wall has no more space to list the names of our fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation is launching a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin available to all donors who give a $125 or greater donation to benefit the Memorial Expansion. These memorial coins will be numbered 1-10,000 and available to honor any member of the fire service, past or present. You can select at checkout if you want your coin planted on-site at the Memorial in Capitol Park in Sacramento or saved as a keepsake. To preserve the memories of fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation also recently launched its Oral History Project to gather stories from families, friends, and colleagues.

Residents and businesses can PREPARE for fire season, SUPPORT victims, and HONOR California firefighters by:

      • Prepare your home with Defensible Space (Link)
      • Make a 5 Minute Plan (Link)
      • Pre-Pack Essentials (Link)
      • Print your Preparedness Checklist (Link)
  • SUPPORTING victims of California fires by helping to fund DISASTER RELIEF CARDS which provides fire victims $250 cash cards to buy necessities immediately after a fire or natural disaster..
  • HONORING firefighters with a new limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin available to all donors who give a $125 or greater donation to help expand the California Firefighters Memorial.
  • SHARING stories of fallen firefighters across California to help their legacy live on through the California Fire Foundation’s new Oral History Project. To share your story, leave a voicemail of your favorite memory at 916-883-3580.

Learn how to prepare for Fire Season & Natural Disasters at FirefightersOnYourSide.org. Learn more about the Memorial Wall Expansion and how to support at CAFireFoundation.org.

Sand Removal project Pierpont Beach

by Patricia Shallert

Starting on May 13th, 2024, the City of Ventura has proactively taken action to address the bi-annual sand removal on Pierpont Beach. Jose Drizzo, the Public Works Supervisor overseeing the project, explained “this ongoing project serves to replenish eroded areas, redistribute excess sand, and promote dune restoration practices, which play a vital role in stabilizing the ecosystem and reducing sand migration.”

The city also employs beach grooming techniques to manage the accumulation of sand in specific areas, particularly the lanes and end of the alleyways. Ventura holds community input in high regard and consistently engages with residents to explore effective and environmentally friendly methods for tackling sand removal on Pierpont Beach.

Jose Drizzo public works supervisor oversees the sand removal project. Photo by Patricia Shallert

In 2011, after a lengthy legal dispute, an agreement was reached between the city and homeowners in the Pierpont neighborhood concerning the maintenance of the beach and sand. According to the settlement, bulldozers and trucks remove sand twice a year in front of participating households, with the homeowners sharing the associated costs.

As per the agreed terms, the city clears a stretch of the beach extending from San Pedro St. to Weymouth Ln. This process involves collecting the excess sand and transporting it to a designated facility on Stanley Ave., where it is appropriately stored and managed.

By implementing this meticulous approach, the City of Ventura ensures that Pierpont Beach remains easily accessible and safe for visitors while effectively managing the accumulation of sand. The city’s unwavering dedication to efficient sand removal and storage practices is vital in sustaining the beach’s beauty and functionality.

The beach work was anticipated to be completed by Friday, May 17th and any residual sand on the lanes and end of the streets will be removed by Tuesday, May 21st.

Community Memorial Healthcare Earns Specialty Pharmacy Designation 

Community Memorial Healthcare is proud to announce that Community Memorial Pharmacy has received accreditation as a “Specialty Pharmacy” from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). This accreditation demonstrates that the pharmacy consistently meets high standards for providing comprehensive, high-quality care to patients who take complex, specialty medications.

“I am incredibly proud of the work our pharmacy does to support the patients in our community who are managing chronic or life-threatening illnesses,” said Mick Zdeblick, President & Chief Executive Officer of Community Memorial Healthcare. “This Specialty Pharmacy accreditation is another example of how our patients can expect more from the services we provide at Community Memorial.”

Specialty pharmacy accreditation is a voluntary process in which pharmacies are evaluated by the ACHC on their ability to meet rigorous standards in patient management, drug quality management, and regulatory compliance. Accreditation recognizes the pharmacy for being committed to delivering safe, effective, and coordinated care.

Specialty pharmacies dispense injectable, intravenous, or oral medications to patients’ homes, physicians’ offices, or clinics, and offer disease-specific clinical monitoring and help make sure patients take their medications as directed. Accredited specialty pharmacies must have organizational infrastructure in place to support these services, provide clinical management and benefits coordination, and implement continuous quality improvement.

“Obtaining our specialty pharmacy accreditation means we have access to limited-distribution medications that other pharmacies can’t get but that are vital for many patients,” said Jack Tretko, Pharm.D, Director of Outpatient Pharmacy & Pharmacy Purchasing at Community Memorial Healthcare. “It also gives us the ability to work with more insurance companies. These benefits of accreditation mean our patients have better access to a higher level of care.”

Community Memorial’s outpatient pharmacy is conveniently located at 2790 Loma Vista Road in Ventura. The pharmacy fills and refills retail and specialty medication prescriptions, and patients have the option to pick up their medications in person or have them delivered. Same-day delivery service is available in the cities of Camarillo, Carpinteria, Fillmore, Port Hueneme, Newbury Park, Ojai, Oak View, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, and Ventura. Delivery is free of charge to patients of the Community Memorial Health Centers of Community Memorial Hospitals in Ventura or Ojai. For more information, visit mycmh.org/pharmacy.

Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of its Report “Linking First Responders: Ventura County Regional Radio System”

The ability of first responders to communicate on a common radio system is critical when coordinating a response to a major event. The lives of first responders and the people they serve may be at risk if first responders are unable to call for assistance.

The 2023-2024 Grand Jury researched the readiness, interoperability and use of the radio communication systems first responders employ in the event of emergencies affecting Ventura County.

The Grand Jury learned that significant improvements have been made in the ability of first responders to communicate with each other. This report highlights those improvements as well as the remaining challenges.

The Grand Jury finds that:

  • Portions of some systems currently in use lack upgraded features, cannot penetrate some buildings, have reception issues in some areas and are not able to provide encryption as needed.
  • Without integrated training, inaccurate or incomplete information could be transmitted.
  • Two cities have not completed nor presented a Memorandum of Understanding to their city councils to adopt the Ventura County Regional Radio System.
  • One city can only communicate with other Ventura County agencies’ dispatch using a “patching” system, rather than by direct communication.
  • All county and city fire departments have adopted common technology, providing interoperability regardless of city boundaries. The Ventura County Regional Radio System can communicate with all fire departments.

The Grand Jury makes recommendations to remedy these deficiencies and to continue the work toward optimal implementation of the Ventura County Regional Radio System.

To read the entire report, please go to https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/fiscal-year-2023-2024/

The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is a panel of 19 local citizens established to investigate public complaints about county, city or special districts management, policies, practices and processes. More information about the Grand Jury can be found at: https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/