Category Archives: News and Notes

City Center Project has 100% success rate

Innovative City Center Project, with 100% success rate, has moved one step closer to ensuring homeless Ventura County families become self-sufficient. 253 homeless parents and children in Ventura County are now independent and free of government assistance.

The City Center, led by Executive Director Jim Duran and his team of case managers, therapists and mentors, have worked tirelessly to equip homeless families with children to rebuild their lives and become independent. They recently started a fundraising campaign to buy The City Center building at 837 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura, raising over $900,000 of the full purchase price of $3.95m.

With a 100% success rate – no graduates have ever returned to homelessness. The City Center has become a best practice model in its field and Jim Duran intends to replicate this successful model to other cities in the future. “6,394 Ventura County students were identified as homeless in Ventura County in 2019/2020 according to Ventura County Office of Education – this is unacceptable, every family and child deserves shelter and the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” said Jim Duran, Executive Director of The City Center. “Our program is unique, we are the only homeless program providing comprehensive mentoring and training to our residents to allow them to be successful and independent within 2 years.”

The City Center is more than a 30-room transitional living motel. Residents have a safe place to stay for one to two years, they receive in-depth goal outlines and an individualized plan to support them with counseling, mentoring, financial coaching and employment assistance. They learn life skills necessary for self-sufficiency, acquire transportation and obtain employment. Families graduate The City Center debt free, with a savings account and no longer needing government assistance. Additionally, 30% of residents leave with college degrees, trade school degrees and/or certificates of completion in their field. Over the past seven years, 78 families have graduated from their program, representing 253 people that are no longer homeless.

While the funding required to complete the purchase at $3.95m is steep, Duran is confident that the local and business community will support the initiative. “There has been much talk in the community and local government about the homeless problem in Ventura, and we have worked hard to achieve viable solutions for those most vulnerable – families with children,” said Duran. “With our 100% success rate with no graduates returning to homelessness, our support has grown over the years, evidenced by the hefty donations already made and used towards the down payment on the mortgage. We are hopeful that Ventura County businesses and community will support this campaign”.

To learn more about The City Center and information on ways to support them, please visit

https://www.gofundme.com/thecitycenter

Ventura City Fire Department respond to structure fire at Mound Elementary School

On July 22, at 2:39pm, Ventura City Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at Mound Elementary School. The first arriving engine company discovered a classroom at the rear of the school heavily involved in fire. Firefighters protected adjoining classrooms while suppressing the main body of the fire. The fire was held to the classroom of

origin with two additional classrooms suffering heavy smoke damage. The fire was completely extinguished 40 minutes after the initial 911 call was made.

The cause of the fire is suspicious in nature and remains under investigation by Ventura City Fire. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Ventura Police Department informs community on how to “Know Your Limit”

The Ventura Police Department will have officers in downtown Ventura educating the public on how to monitor alcohol intake and “know your limit” on July 30, 2021, from 6p.m. – 10:00p.m.

During this time, officers will ask patrons how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe it is safe to drive. Officers will provide information on the impacts of alcohol on one’s ability to drive, and the consequences of a DUI.

“The goal is to help our residents understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions when deciding how to get home,” said Officer Bernadette Compean, the Ventura Police Alcohol Enforcement Officer. “It only takes a few drinks to become impaired, which is why it is important that drivers know their limit.”

The “Know Your Limit” program is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. It is illegal for anyone 21 and older to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher.

A person’s height, weight, food intake, drug and/or medication use and how much they drink over a time period are all factors that affect their BAC. According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds ,and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds, to be over the legal limit. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor, 12 oz. of beer, or a 5 oz. glass of wine. The BAC lowers at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.

The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes, and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.

Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To learn more about the Office of Traffic Safety grant and VPD’s educational efforts, visit ots.ca.gov or contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist with the Ventura Police Department, at [email protected].

Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report

Ocean water quality results for samples collected last week indicate ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling location failed to meet State standards for bacteria:

Surfer’s Point Beach

Warning signs are currently posted and contact with ocean water should be avoided for a minimum of 50 yards on either side of each posted sign. Warning signs will remain posted until ocean water quality meets State standards. Any items that may have come in contact with ocean water should be avoided. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Any shellfish on or from Ventura County beaches may have also been exposed to this contamination and should not be eaten.

Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program staff will continue with weekly bacteriological sampling of Ventura County beaches. Results for specific beaches are also available on the Environmental Health Division hotline (recorded information), 805/662-6555, and on the Ocean Water Program Web page at:

www.vcrma.org/ocean-water-quality-monitoring-program

You can also view any current beach advisories and learn about the State ocean water quality standards on the VC Safe Beaches app, available for Android and Apple devices.

Ventura has an increase in violent crimes

As mid-year statistics are evaluated, the City of Ventura has experienced an overall increase in Part I Crime of just under 1%. Despite a slight reduction in reported property crimes through the first half of 2021, violent crime is up by 23%, with an increase in sexual assaults and robberies at 53% and 32% respectively, accounting for most of the increase.

It’s likely that the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions has had an impact on public behavior and crime rates. Last year, during the pandemic lockdowns and business closures, violent crime fell substantially. The increasing trend so far this year is indicative of the crime rates Ventura experienced in previous years.

As 2021 progresses, the Ventura Police Department looks forward to continuing to strengthen community partnerships and relationships by bringing back outreach events such as Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out, the Community Academy, in-person Neighborhood Watch Meetings, and Curbside Coffee Chats at local schools.

Community members interested in learning more about crime in their neighborhoods and in our city are encouraged to visit the Ventura Police Department’s online, interactive Community Crime Map at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CrimeMap.

New emergency alerting system outfitted on Ventura Police Cars

The Ventura Police Department’s patrol vehicles are now equipped with new Hi-Lo sirens, a different sound than traditional sirens, used to alert residents to evacuate.

The new warning system will be used when VPD has issued an evacuation order, and in all disasters where there is an immediate threat to life, including wildfires, earthquakes, and floods.

The Hi-Lo warning system is a European-style alert that rocks back and forth between two fixed pitches, one high and one low. Regular emergency sirens sound more like a repeated yip-yip-yip or wailing sound. To receive emergency notifications use VC Alert at www.vcalert.org

The Hi-Lo Warning System was made possible due to California Senate Bill 909. The urgency statute was signed by Governor Newsom on September 29, 2020 and took immediate effect.

To hear the new Hi-Lo Warning System, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/EvacuationOrders or watch the video on the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/cityofventura.

Expansion of Hillmont Psychiatric Unit alleviates waits for patients in crisis

The unit has the capacity for 43-beds.

by Carol Leish

“The Hillmont Psychiatric Unit was built in 1995 and licensed for 43 beds,” according to Ashley Bautista, Public Information Officer for Ventura County. “It replaced a 28-bed unit that had been licensed since 1978.

“The unit has the capacity for 43-beds, and is currently staffed for 36 patients. The average length of stay is for 11 days. This increased to 14 days during the COVID-19 crisis. If Hillmont is full, patients are sent to Vista del Mar, here in Ventura, or out of the county to Northridge, Glendale, or Southern California Hospital in Van Nuys.
“With the $2 million proposal, part of Ventura County’s $2.5 billion budget, which was recently approved,” according to Bautista, “an additional 7 staffed beds will be bringing the total capacity of Hillmont up to 43 beds.

“Yes, we agree that the County needs more beds/chairs/placement sites, and we are looking at the full continuum from the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit to Crisis Stabilization Unit /Crisis Residential Treatment to residential treatment and board and care to incrementally enhance the eco-system at all levels,” according to Bautista. “Since the county has a need for it with its population of 840, 000, future expansion plans include: adding Crisis Stabilization Units (6 chairs), which will be coming this fall to St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard; Crisis Residential Treatment (16 beds), which will be coming to Santa Paula this fall; and, a Locked Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility (80-120 beds), which we are looking to bring to Ventura County in the near future.”

“Concerning the Advisory panel urging an option for longer hospitalizations of those who are severely mentally ill in Ventura County,” according to Bautista, “I’ll refer to us (Ventura County), adopting the provisions of Welfare and Institutions Code #270.10 et seq. (Article 4.7 of Chapter 2 of the Lanterman-Petris-Short [LPS] Act) (hereinafter WIC & 5270) which discusses the possible provision for people requiring acute psychiatric treatment longer than that currently afforded under the Welfare and Institutions Code & 5250, in order to avoid the costly and unnecessary filings of Temporary Conservatorship petitions. Thus, if adopted, a WIC & 5270 hold would allow an individual with serious mental illness to be held for up to an additional 30 days. But, if the person in question is stabilized, the hospital can discharge that person earlier without approval from the court or a conservator.

“The above recommendations are supported by both Ventura County Behavioral Heath and Ventura County Medica Center. When it is determined that an individual is gravely disabled and has not stabilized in 17 days, the hospital either discharges and subsequently re-admits (if they missed the window to file for temporary conservatorship), or files for temporary conservatorship which is more restrictive than an additional 30 days. Rights are protected by affording the individual a probable cause hearing.”

Dr. Fankhauser, CEO of both Ventura County Medical Center & Santa Paula Hospital, states: “We are committed to providing high quality, compassionate care to this population (those with mental illness), here in Ventura County.”

Parent and Child Together Class: Infant and Toddlers

Ventura County Library and First 5 Ventura County are proud to partner on Parent and Child Together classes for local families starting this summer. In this free 12-week class, families with infants or toddlers are invited to learn new skills together, play fun activities, and share the love of reading. “Parents are their child’s first and most important teacher. Every child comes into this world ready to learn. It’s never too early to talk, read, and sing to your child,” says Petra Puls, Executive Director of First 5 Ventura County.

Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library Director says, “By collaborating with First 5 Ventura County and other organizations that serve children from birth to age 3 and their parents, our Ventura County Libraries can make an even bigger difference in early childhood brain development. This program means our libraries will play a key role in providing equitable opportunities for all children to experience language through books and other interactions and provide support for parents who may have few or no other places they can go for help.”

In the class, parents receive a free toolkit with developmental screenings for their child, age-appropriate toys supporting early childhood development, and books exploring social and emotional competence. Librarians also partner with families to address individual needs and strengthen community connections.

Online registration began Tuesday, May 25 for the summer session of classes, which will be held during the months of June, July, and August. Parents must register using this link: bit.ly/VCLPact. The class is limited to six families per location and registration is on a first come, first served basis. If the class is full, a waiting list will be created, and interested families will be notified of any openings.
Attendance is limited and all participants must follow safety protocols in place at the time of the class – including distancing and face coverings – while in the library.

The summer session of classes will be held weekly in Ventura at:
Community Room
Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura
1187 Riverside Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The full class schedule may be found on the library’s online calendar of events: https://vencolibrary.org/calendar.

This class is offered in partnership with First 5 Ventura County. It is supported in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. It is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Antonio Apodaca, Education and Outreach Coordinator, (805) 218-3821.

Ventura Fire department personnel respond to traffic collision

On June 20, at 8:15am, Ventura Fire department personnel responded to a traffic collision on the southbound 101 freeway with victims trapped. Personnel arrived to find two vehicles with major damage in the roadway, one on its roof, one with a victim trapped inside. The trapped victim with severe injuries was extricated using hydraulic cutting/spreading/lifting tools, both patients were transported via ambulance to local hospitals.

Community Memorial Hospital recognized again for excellence in breastfeeding care

The award-winning lactation team at Community Memorial Hospital is proud to provide outstanding breastfeeding support.

Community Memorial Hospital has been recognized once again for offering high quality lactation care and top-notch assistance for breastfeeding families.

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiner® (IBLCE) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) recognized CMH for excellence in breastfeeding care by awarding CMH with their IBCLC Care Award for 2021. CMH has received this award many times previously.

“CMH is proud to be the premier birthing center in Ventura County,” said Megan Rodarte, director of Maternal Child Health Services at CMH. “Part of our ongoing commitment to excellence is ensuring that breastfeeding education, support, and resources are available to CMH families and to our community as a whole.”

CMH received the IBCLC Care Award in recognition for staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification and for providing a lactation program for breastfeeding families. In addition, CMH demonstrated that it has recently completed activities that help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

The IBCLC Care Award is given to hospitals, medical practices, clinics, or agencies that staff professionals who hold the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification and provide a lactation program for breastfeeding families, among other requirements that promote top breastfeeding care. IBCLCs help families overcome breastfeeding challenges, provide accurate information, and support families as their baby grows. They assist families returning to work or school, help families in more unusual situations such as breastfeeding more than one baby or nursing a sick or premature infant, and help train nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care.

CMH provides support and information to families during pregnancy, after birth, and as the baby grows. CMH also offers a virtual Breastfeeding Support Group that meets on Thursdays from 2-3:30 p.m. and is led by a registered nurse and certified lactation counselor. CMH’s New Parent Resource Center is located at 2580 E. Main Street in Ventura. Call 805/948-BABY (2229) or email [email protected] for more information.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system that comprises Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, a skilled nursing facility, and several primary and specialty care clinics that serve communities throughout Ventura County, California.