Category Archives: News and Notes

Applications opening for vacant Ventura Unified School District Board Seat

Sabrena Rodriguez is once again president of the Ventura Unified School District board of trustees, replacing Matt Almaraz, who resigned April 13.

Almaraz, who had been a board member for three years and was elected president in December 2021, said he had taken a job that could pose a conflict of interest because the company does business with the city of Ventura.

Jerry Dannenberg, a former school administrator and district board member since 2018, was chosen to replace Rodriguez as vice president on a 3-0 vote.

To avoid a special election, the board decided it would have an appointee serve the remainder of Almaraz’s term, which expires Dec. 12. The trustees approved a timeline for selecting a replacement by May 18.

Almaraz’s seat representing Area 5 is up for election in November as are Area 1 and Area 4 seats currently held by Velma Lomax and Dannenberg, respectively.

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) has announced that applications are now open to fill a vacancy in Trustee Area 5 on the Board of Education for the next seven months. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 10 at 4 pm.

At the Board meeting of April 21, 2022, the Board announced the process to fill the vacancy by a provisional appointment from among qualified applicants. The appointee will hold office through the next regularly scheduled election on November 8, 2022. This provisional appointment shall expire on December 12, 2022. While not required, the appointed person will have the opportunity to run in the November 2022 election if they so choose.

The District requests all those interested in serving on the school board to apply. Once open, the applications will be available on the District website https://www.venturausd.org/about/board-of-education and at the District Office, located at 255 West Stanley Avenue, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93001. To be eligible to apply for appointment to the Board of Trustees, an individual must be at least 18 years old, be a resident of the Ventura Unified School District in Trustee Area #5, be a registered voter in the State of California, and not be disqualified from holding civil office by the constitution or any law of the State of California.

The Board position vacated by former President Matthew Almaraz, represents Trustee Area 5. Trustee Area 5 is located on the east end of Ventura, in the Montalvo area. The area borders Highway 101, Telephone Rd., the railroad, and Petit Ave. To view an interactive county map that includes the streets in this area, go to https://www.venturausd.org/about/board-of-education for a link to the map and directions on using the map.

“Board members are our elected representatives and a vital link between the school district and the community,” said VUSD Superintendent Dr. Roger Rice. “The Board sets the foundation and vision for the District, directs resources where they are most needed, and ensures accountability to the community by monitoring progress toward goals. Their end goal, of course, is to support and elevate student achievement.”

More information, including a link to the application, is available on the District website, https://www.venturausd.org/about/board-of-education.

Interview with Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko

Nasarenko served two terms as a Ventura City Councilmember.

by Richard Lieberman

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko has served as District Attorney since being appointed in January, 2021. Appointed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors with a vote of 5-0, Nasarenko is looking to continue his time in office running for the office for the first time.

Prior to his appointment as Ventura County District Attorney Nasarenko served two terms as a Ventura City Councilmember and served as Ventura City Mayor. He also served as Senior Deputy District Attorney.

“Among my top priorities to ensure that the new family justice center for victims is implemented in the county. We now have three million dollars in which to make that intake and service center a success. We also want to implement successfully the new domestic violence shelter here in Ventura which will be right next to the existing family justice center thanks to the Ventura Community Foundation. We will have fourteen beds with stays of up to fifteen days and this is part of breaking the cycle of abuse, he said. “We also begin a cold case sexual assault unit that will allow us to go back in time and analyze cold cases and literally take the files off of shelves from the storage lockers and begin the process of analyzing for DNA evidence. We will upload them to state and national databases to see if they cross reference to other unsolved crimes and if cases are within the statutes if there is a victim who would like to move forward we will file the appropriate charges, the objective here is to hold these offenders accountable”, said Nasarenko.

Nasarenko also added that another priority is “getting the wheels of justice to back up to par after the fits and starts of the last two years. We receive on an annual basis approximately 25,000 potential cases. So, when the court is closed Covid related emergencies make the cases back up, we are now moving on full cylinders, trials are being conducted, courtrooms are active, jurors’ are back in the jury assembly room, but one of the challenges in the months ahead is continuing to keep court operations moving. Also continuing to be a community-oriented prosecutor, I speak to Rotary’s, city councils, law enforcement, chambers of commerce and social justice organizations. He added, “I joined a number of DA’s in opposing literally suing the state to block the early release of some of these violent inmates and here we find that one of the individuals involved in the Sacramento mass shooting incident was indeed released early. Whatever I can do to use this office and our legal power to make sure that when someone is convicted they serve their full term. This will continue to be a priority.”

The Breeze asked the DA what difficulties he finds with balancing the responsibilities of the office and family life especially during an election cycle. “You have to recognize that during a finite period of time you will be out of bounds and equilibrium. When this campaign began last summer I sat down with my wife and kids and I said dads going to be out of the house a lot, its not forever, we have about ten or eleven months and it’s important that dad just work really hard and do everything he can to keep this job and I am not saying it does not come with sacrifice.”

Nasarenko’s family is from Ukraine and his parents emigrated to the United States in 1950 after surviving World War II living in refugee camps for five years. He stated, “I feel a sense of helplessness right now.”

When asked what a typical day is like for him he replied “every day is different than the day before, you are receiving input from the chiefs about legislation, what should be our position if we are going to oppose or if we are going to support it and how do we communicate that support. Are we going to file a case a certain way or should we consider different charges?

Most importantly I am in touch and communicating with the entire office. I will routinely go to jury trials to watch opening statements, closing arguments and I like to walk the halls and interact with the deputy DA’s. I want to have my ear to the ground and be in a position to understand who is on trial. I am very mindful about the potential to become isolated and to lose touch of the overall office, so I am conscious and deliberate with a very hands-on active way,”

Encouraged by his parent’s support Nasarenko applied to the district attorney’s office and got the job.

He, and his wife, and daughter visited Ventura and fell in love with the city and the county and has made his home here ever since their first visit.

Editor note: On June 7 John Barrick and Erik Nasarenko will be running for the position of Ventura County District Attorney.

 

Jenna Wolverton honored as Dispatcher of the Year

Jenna started with VPD in March of 2015 as a police cadet.

Each year during the second week of April, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, bringing well deserved attention and recognition to the first responders who are a vital part of the public safety team.

“This year we recognize Jenna Wolverton as our Dispatcher of the Year! Jenna is the epitome of a team player, handles high priority calls with ease, and is a skilled Communications Training Officer (CTO) who demonstrates patience and a desire to effectively train and mentor,” said Communications Center Supervisor, Sergeant Tim Ferrill. “She is a true asset to our agency and is a worthy recipient of this award.”

Jenna started with VPD in March of 2015 as a police cadet and during her time as a cadet, explored various law enforcement career options. She was hired as a dispatch trainee in May 2016 and has faithfully served Ventura since.

“I am extremely proud of our team of dispatchers who play a key role in serving Ventura,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “They are highly trained professionals who provide life-saving instruction, calm callers in dangerous situations, multi-task under stressful conditions, and keep our officers apprised of vital information. Emergency response is truly a team effort that starts when a call is answered.”

VPD is the first answering point in the community for all emergency calls, including police, fire, and emergency medical services. In 2021, Ventura Police public safety dispatchers received 68,000 911 calls, which is about 240 calls for service each day. Additionally, VPD dispatchers generated 86,000 calls for service, and dispatched over 135,000-unit responses ranging from life-threatening priority calls to disturbance and investigative calls.

In the last year, VPD received grant funding to provide a new community service called “Text to 911,” which allows the community to send a text when they’re unable to make a phone call.

Currently, VPD has 17 public safety dispatchers who have completed a rigorous 6–12-month academy, with an additional two people in training.

In 2020, public safety dispatchers were reclassified as “first responders,” further recognizing their crucial work in providing emergency assistance to the community they serve.

Brownley delivers $27 million for community projects throughout Ventura County

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) announced the inclusion of nine community projects totaling more than $27 million in the Fiscal Year 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2471) that passed the House of Representatives by a 260-171-1 vote. The historic government funding package will help working families with the cost of living, create good-paying jobs, and make direct investments in community priorities throughout the country, such as infrastructure and maintenance projects to support commerce and reliable water delivery and support for public education curriculum and work-based learning in Ventura County.

“I am thrilled to announce that nine community projects I fought to fund were included in the final House-passed legislation,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “These projects directly address pressing issues in our community including enhancing water quality and delivery, expanding educational opportunities at our higher education institutions, mitigating flood risks to local homes and businesses, and bringing justice to sexual assault survivors by supporting law enforcement efforts to clear the backlog of DNA testing in Ventura County.

“The bill also funds dredging needs at Channel Islands Harbor and the Ventura Harbor, which is critical to keeping them open for industries that drive our local economy, including our fisheries and tourism industries. These same funds will also help to replenish local beaches and address coastal erosion, including at Naval Base Ventura County.

“These specific community projects will bolster our region’s economic growth, generate good-paying jobs, and support the unique needs of our community. Over the last year, I worked closely with community stakeholders and local leaders to return federal tax dollars to Ventura County, ensuring critical funding for these important projects.

“As this legislation moves closer to the President’s desk, I look forward to the swift delivery of these resources and the immediate impact on our community.”

$5,516,000 for maintenance dredging of the Ventura Harbor. The dredging is required annually to ensure adequate navigational depths for Ventura Harbor safety, commerce and operations.

$200,000 to address flood risks to homes and businesses along the Santa Paula Creek.

$2,840,000 for the City of San Buenaventura State Water Interconnection Project, which consists of a seven-mile pipeline that will enable the delivery of reliable water supply that will improve water quality, protect against natural disasters and other emergencies, and provide a resilient water supply for the region.

$950,000 to be used by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Forensic Services Bureau, Major Crimes Unit, and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office to expand its joint specialized unit that is dedicated to the investigation, laboratory analysis, and prosecution of backlogged violent and sexual assault cases that hold the promise of being solved through DNA technology.

 

Multiple Honors by the Community Memorial Health System Clinical Laboratory

Community Memorial Health System is proud to announce that its Clinical Laboratory, located at Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Ventura, is the only hospital-based laboratory in Ventura County to receive two distinctions for excellence in safety, automation, and efficiency.

For the seventh consecutive time, the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) has awarded Community Memorial Health System its accreditation for excellence in transfusion services. This accreditation acknowledges transfusion programs that meet the highest level of quality and safety standards for transfusion patients and blood donors at all times.

“I am incredibly proud of our Clinical Laboratory team for their ongoing dedication to the AABB accreditation process,” said Community Memorial Health System President & CEO Gary Wilde. “From blood banking and transfusion services to COVID-19 testing, our laboratory plays a vital role in the excellent level of care we provide to our community.”

The AABB also recognized Minerva Vasquez, Community Memorial Health System Lab Section Supervisor, for her thought-leadership in the development and implementation of processes and procedures designed to ensure adherence to safety standards. The AABB will be sharing an auditing tool developed by Vasquez as a best-practice model for meeting the benchmarks required for its accreditation.

Community Memorial Health System’s Chemistry Lab Supervisor, Trevor Jackson, was also recognized for his excellence as a laboratory professional. Jackson was selected for Cardinal Health’s Laboratory Excellence List ™ for his exceptional achievements in efficiency and automation. Jackson, who joined the Community Memorial Health System lab team as a phlebotomist in 2000, served as the project lead in the installation and optimization of the DxA 5000 Total Lab Automation System, a cutting-edge lab track that automates the connection between the chemistry and hematology instruments used for sample processing. It provides pre-analytical sample analysis, reduces manual processing steps, and drives consistent sample turnaround times. Jackson and the expert lab team starting working to implement this new technology in August 2020 and, despite the pressures of the pandemic, launched it in June, 2021. Community Memorial Health System is the only hospital-based clinical laboratory with the DxA 5000 in Southern California.

“Working in the healthcare industry can be stressful, especially these last few years, but I have always found the work very rewarding and worth the effort,” said Jackson.

The Community Memorial Health System Clinical Laboratory provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient testing services to patients at Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, Midtown Medical Group Clinics, Centers for Family Health Clinics, and a network of other healthcare, home health, and skilled nursing partners throughout western Ventura County.

Fire crews respond to fire inside a parked motorhome RV

On April 7, at 9:38am, fire units were dispatched to a reported large fire at Main St. at Hartman Dr. Units arrived to find a growing fire inside a parked motorhome RV. Fire crews made an aggressive attack on the fire and thankfully prevented spread to an adjacent building. Upon completion of an interior search of the RV, it was determined that an adult male, unknown age was deceased inside the vehicle. One male bystander, unknown age, who was initially attempting to help at the time of the fire was assessed by paramedics and transported to VCMC for smoke inhalation.

Rising From the Ashes: Home Tour

The 2017 Thomas Fire caused devastation, but not defeat. On Saturday, April 30, Noon – 4:00pm 2022, the strength, and resilience of Ventura will be displayed at the Rising From the Ashes home tour. The event will feature a select number of beautifully rebuilt homes. This tour will be hosted by the Ventura County Library Foundation.

The homes’ distinctive and unique architecture captures the majestic views from the Ventura hills, while new landscaping embraces fire mitigation measures. Modern, Spanish Revival, Island Contemporary and Craftsman-style homes will be on display along with décor from some of the area’s finest interior designers. Six unique homes are on the inaugural home tour, staffed by volunteer docents. Each home features a different story of the Thomas Fire’s impact on county residents, but they also display the unified resolve to rebuild and hope for the future.

Tickets are $40 and available from the Foundation’s website at www.vclibraryfoundation.org . Proceeds will benefit the Ventura County Libraries. Library programs that directly benefit from this event include: Lunch at the Library, One County – One Book, STEAM Kits and the Mobile Library.

Visit Ventura Wins an Adrian Gold for Pandemic Efforts

The Visit Ventura crew enjoying a beautiful Ventura day on the pier.

Maintaining an ongoing streak, the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) was kindly honored with a prestigious Gold Award from Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at the 65th annual Adrian Awards, the world’s largest global travel marketing competition. VVCB won in the category “Corporate Social Responsibility,” the award given based on VVCB’s numerous programs and efforts aimed at supporting Ventura during the pandemic.

Out of over 600 entries submitted this year, VVCB’s work was judged to be exceptional by expert hospitality, travel, tourism, and media professionals. The focus of the 2021 HSMAI Adrian Awards this year shifted slightly, focusing on innovative efforts aimed at helping communities get through the pandemic and continue to flourish on through recovery.

“This year is a little different, and particularly special,” said Marlyss Auster, VVCB President & CEO. “Throughout the pandemic – and continuing on – we asked ourselves a simple question every day. What is the next right thing we can do to help our community? How could we reach — and really help — as many friends as possible? Every program we created and launched was based on that.”

Adrian Awards judges were asked to evaluate each entry based on its own merit and success in achieving its objectives. Past winners of this coveted award include such industry giants as Choice Hotels International, Visit California, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and Royal Caribbean International. VVCB’s wins continue a “little engine that could” fairytale come to life. Including this year, Visit Ventura has won five Adrian Awards, including four gold awards and one silver award..

The 2021 Adrian Award winners were honored at the Adrian Awards Celebration, March 30th at The Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Florida.

But Visit Ventura isn’t about to rest on any laurels.

“It feels great to be recognized for doing the right thing,” said Auster. “We know there were a lot of worthy entries, but I’m really proud of everything our Visit Ventura team did to help our Ventura home. If the pandemic showed us anything it was how we all look out for each other. And we’re going to continue on full speed ahead, doing everything we can to help the town we love. It should also be noted that our mighty little engine that could includes our amazing volunteers and Board of Directors.”

Local advocates protest SoCal Gas Plan to expand West Ventura Compressor Station

Five hundred people live within a quarter mile of the plant.

by Richard Lieberman

The Westside Clean Air Coalition, CFROG, Food and Water Watch, Cause, and members of the West Ventura Community protested at a community forum with a stated goal of disrupting a Southern California Gas Company public forum. Designed to expand public awareness on the company’s proposed modernization and expansion of the Ventura Compressor Station located at 1555 N. Olive Street in Ventura.

Southern California Gas Company sponsored a public forum on Thursday, March 31, at the Crowne Plaza which is one of six proposed public forums the company will host from March 29 through April 2.

Concerns over air quality, climate change, and safety of local neighborhoods including the 91-year-old school E.P Foster Elementary School located directly across the street from the facility.

Protestors, among other things, want an independent Environmental Impact Report normally conducted by a government entity.

Five hundred people live within a quarter mile of the plant with another 4,750 live within one half mile. Close enough to be affected by a gas leak or in the worst case an explosion at the plant. Pipeline explosions have happened in the past. The San Bruno pipeline explosion occurred September 10, 2010, and first responders and SoCal Gas crews took over an hour to identify the event as a gas pipeline explosion. Eight people were killed because of the explosion. The natural gas compressor has been operating at the site since 1923, before homes and the elementary school were built in the area.

The compressor facility distributes natural gas for heat, hot water, and other uses to over a quarter million homes, businesses and industries in Ventura and the central coast. Southern California Gas wants to replace three gas compressors built in the 1980’s with four new more modern compressors. The company also wants to rebuild an old warehouse and office building that are already set for demolition.

Tomas Morales Rebecchi spokesperson for the group said “We are speaking up about a polluter in our neighborhood on our Westside across the street from a school. it poses a pollution danger to us through air pollution, but also a physical danger too through explosions and other horrible things that could go wrong. So, we are here to protect our air and to protect our children from the dangers of the gas compressor.”

On the day of the forum the United States Transportation Department issued a new rule for all companies with high pressure pipelines to install emergency shutoff valves that quickly shutoff oil or natural gas pipelines when a leak or rupture is detected.

Southern California Gas responded to the protestors with assurances of safety and careful operation of the gas facility. “SoCal Gas safely maintains it’s natural gas system by collaboratively working with multiple regulatory agencies with oversight of our operations.” Stated Marissa Girolamo. Addressing the call for an Environmental Impact Report Girolamo said, “whether and Environmental Impact Report is required for a project depends on the type of permits required. For this project an EIR is not being undertaken because the project is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).”

“We understand that the community has concerns regarding facility safety. The facility is safe and equipped with a series of systems that protect our employees and the neighboring community. All these systems are routinely checked and verified for proper operations.” She added.

SoCal Gas literature states that Methane detection sensors are installed in the compressor building to closely monitor methane leaks. . The station is also equipped with an emergency shutdown system that is deigned to isolate the station from all energy sources when triggered, including when methane leaks are detected inside the compressor station. “This equipment is intended to provide additional transparency and the data will be made available to the public.” Concluded Girolamo

Four Ventura Police Officers honored for extraordinary bravery and excellent public service

Each of these officers went above and beyond the call of duty.

The actions of Officers Jack Ortega, Ashley Hetzel, Tristan Cullum, and Karl Reyes were recognized by the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County (POAVC) at the Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony for outstanding acts of bravery, courage, and compassionate service to the City of Ventura.

“Each of these officers has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to our community,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “They run toward danger, they place the safety of others above their own, and they make a difference every single day. We are honored by their selfless dedication to Ventura.”

Such was the case for Officer Jack Ortega who received a Medal of Valor for swiftly and effectively bringing a vehicle pursuit of an armed suspect to a close with no police officer or civilian injuries.

After a lengthy vehicle pursuit on city streets and a tire deflation, the suspect came to a stop directly across from a busy shopping center and residential area where residents were in significant danger. The suspect fled; Officer Ortega immediately gave chase. The suspect then produced a handgun and fired towards Officer Ortega. Ortega returned fire and struck the suspect, stopping any further threat to the public.

“That night, Officer Ortega demonstrated what he had displayed his entire career; sound judgement, unwavering good decision making, and an ability to remain calm under pressure,” said Commander Sarah Heard, the Watch Commander on duty that evening. “Officer Ortega certainly deserves to be commended for keeping with the highest standards of the Ventura Police Department and for acting with extraordinary bravery in a life-threatening situation.”

Officer Ashley Hetzel, and her trainee Officer Tristan Cullum, were both awarded a Medal of Merit for applying a life-saving tourniquet on a stabbing victim during a rapidly changing, life-threatening incident. Officers Hetzel and Cullum responded to a call of a stabbing, and upon arrival, located a woman actively bleeding out from her wounds, with an armed suspect still inside the residence. Officer Hetzel quickly evaluated the situation, instructed her trainee to hold coverage on the front door, and had to make a choice to cover the first-floor patio door or attend to the victim who was quickly losing consciousness.

Officer Hetzel chose to attempt to save the victim’s life by applying a tourniquet which emergency room staff stated unequivocally saved the victim’s life. The suspect was taken into custody and no one else was injured.

“During this incident, officers made the conscious decision to place themselves in harm’s way to save a life,” said Chief Schindler. “The actions of Officers Hetzel and Cullum that night were an outstanding act of service, requiring extreme bravery and devotion to duty.”

Finally, Detective Karl Reyes was honored as the Ventura Police Department’s Investigator of the Year. Detective Reyes is assigned as a Street Crimes Detective and is part of the Ventura County Auto-Theft Task Force (VenCATT). From January through November 2021, Reyes investigated nearly 300 cases, assisted with and made over 50 arrests, and sent nearly 20 arrest warrants to the District Attorney’s Office. On top of local cases, he also spent significant time assisting other County agencies in recovering stolen vehicles and arresting car thieves.

“Beyond his investigative attributes, Detective Reyes is the epitome of a fantastic team member. His candor and humbleness are appreciated, and his leadership presence is respected and trusted,” said CHP Sergeant and supervisor of the VenCATT, Matt Marien. “The Ventura Police Department is fortunate to call Detective Reyes one of their own.”

Every year, the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County honors acts of bravery, heroism, and service by law enforcement personnel and community members. These exemplary individuals receive recognition at the annual ceremony and were presented with their medals by the sheriff or respective chief of police.