Category Archives: News and Notes

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/

Search Dog Foundation Named One of the Best Nonprofits to Work For 2024

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation announced it was recently selected as one of the 2024 Best Nonprofits to Work For. The NonProfit Times, the leading national business publication for nonprofit managers, has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify nonprofit organizations where leaders have excelled in creating quality workplaces.

Founded in 1996, Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization based in Santa Paula, CA. Its mission is to strengthen disaster response in America by rescuing and recruiting dogs and partnering them with firefighters and other first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters. SDF pledges to support each of these teams through training and medical coverage for the entire life of each canine, all provided at no cost to their task forces and departments. The organization was founded by Wilma Melville, a retired schoolteacher who was deployed to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 with her FEMA-certified search dog, Murphy. Returning from the deployment, she was determined to do something about America’s severe shortage of canine disaster search teams and created SDF to address this problem. Since then, SDF has recruited hundreds of rescued dogs and trained over 180 certified search teams deployed to over 260 disasters and missing person searches.

The survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the 50 best employers in the nonprofit industry, benefiting the industry’s economy, workforce, and businesses. Nonprofits from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Nonprofits to Work For. The first part evaluated each nominated organization’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics and was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation.

The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top nonprofits and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data, and determined the ranking.

For more information on The Nonprofit Times’ Best Nonprofits to Work For program, visit www.BestNonprofitstoWorkFor.com.

Empowering Ventura County Youth: Workforce Development Board Launches Revitalized Youth Program

Ventura County NextGen, The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County’s new youth-focused program, is helping local youth and young adults overcome barriers to employment and embark on successful careers.

The most recently available numbers show that only 88.1% of Ventura County high school seniors graduated in 2022; while this is slightly higher than California’s average graduation rate, it still leaves nearly 12% of Ventura County youth exiting school without their high school diploma. Those with lower household incomes have significantly lower graduation rates than those with higher incomes. This demographic already deals with the difficulties of entering the workforce at a young age. However, their participation in the workforce is down nearly 3% nationally when comparing February 2024 to February 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Recognizing this critical need in Ventura County, the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) is seeking to pave the way for youth and young adults as they mitigate their unemployment or lack of career pathways; WDBVC has unveiled “Ventura County NextGen,” a revitalized youth program aimed at preparing Ventura County’s future workforce with essential skills and readiness.

Ventura County NextGen is a no-cost education and career development program specifically created for youth and young adults ages 14-24. Developed with input from local youth and young adults, the program offers a unique and relatable approach to career exploration and growth while helping them overcome employment barriers. Their supportive services include:

GED completion or assistance in obtaining a High School diploma

One-on-one career coaching and mentorship, with personalized guidance to help participants identify their strengths and set career goals

Resume writing and editing

Interview coaching, job search advice, and overall preparation for the hiring process

Internship and apprenticeship opportunities in relevant work fields

Credential or degree attainment

and so much more!

Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties is the current contracted service provider for the WDBVC’s youth program, which goes beyond employment assistance. Alongside aiding in employment-specific areas, Goodwill also provides vital support for youth navigating unstable living situations, housing insecurity, teenage pregnancy, justice-involved pasts, language barriers, and transportation challenges. These comprehensive services are expertly managed through Goodwill, ensuring holistic support for all participants.

“We understand the challenges youth and young adults face in today’s job market, especially those experiencing barriers to employment,” said Andrea Sanchez, Senior Manager, Workforce Development Board of Ventura County. “Ventura County NextGen extends beyond conventional job training. This wrap-around system prioritizes personalized coaching, assists participants in overcoming barriers to education and employment, and facilitates connections with opportunities that align closely with their aspirations.”

This critical program is available to all local youth and young adults ages 14-24 and functions in conjunction with Ventura County WORKS, a similar program for adults – especially those with disabilities, justice-involved pasts, or housing insecurity. WDBVC hopes that its commitment and dedication to combatting employment barriers through various supportive services and programs will help the most in-need in Ventura County in this post-pandemic economy.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this incredible no-cost program, visit VCNextGen.org or call 805-648-WORK to learn more and get started today.

Additionally, if you are a business in Ventura County seeking an eager employee, apprentice, or intern, you can reach out to WDBVC at https://workforceventuracounty.org/employers/business-solutions/, and they will help connect you with a worker who fits your business needs. Along with easily accessible help from real-life people, a multitude of resources are at your disposal, including a virtual hiring board that will help you find your next great employee.

Ventura River Trail Earmarked for $5 Million of Improvements

Pictured left to right: Amisha DeYoung-Dominguez, Michelle Sevilla, Liz Campos, Vathana Chy, Joe Schroder, Bill Ayub, Angelica Cisneros, Charlie Ebeling)

by Tracy Marcynzsyn

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder, Councilmembers, key stakeholders, and agency representatives gathered at the Westpark Community Center on Thursday, May 2, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project.

The first groundbreaking event in several years, the project is made possible by a $5 million grant from Caltrans as part of the Clean California program.

“Cal Trans is a proud partner with the City of Ventura by providing nearly $5 million through the Clean California local grant program in an effort to enhance the community to improve space for walking and recreation,” noted Caltrans Senior Landscape Architect Vathana Chy, adding that “Two of my favorite things to do are biking and hiking, so this is a great place!

“The Ventura River Trail Improvement Project is one of the many Clean California local grant programs and safety-related projects intended to clean up and bring beauty to underserved communities. The goal is to transform our public space into areas that we can be proud of and have a sense of place,” noted Chy, who commended the audience for embracing the Clean California spirit and sharing a vision for an improved active transportation network in the city.

“We look forward to partnering on projects here in the future,” he added.

Improvements to the Ventura River Trail, which travels along state route 33, connecting the westside of Ventura to Ojai and the ocean, include repaving the city’s 1.8-mile stretch of the bike trail, adding solar lighting, and installing trash cans, bike maintenance stations, landscaping, art installations, and various trail user amenities.

“We are dedicated to sustainable recreation and fostering connection within our community,” said Mayor Schroeder, expressing appreciation and thanks to all involved with the project.

“It’s a real pleasure to do the groundbreaking on a project first starting out,” said Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling, just one month into his new position.

“The trail’s an important part of the city’s active transportation program. It provides facilities that connect communities in a healthier, more sustainable way,” said Ebeling, noting that the Ventura River Trail was originally constructed as a Rails to Trails project in the late 1990s.

With an anticipated completion date this fall, the project promotes recreation by improving access and enhancing trail amenities.

“About 200 trees, 180 solar lights, a rest station, drinking fountains—all of these amenities are really going to help this trail and bring people out of their cars, riding their bikes, whether it’s for recreation, for health, or to get back and forth to work,” said Project Manager Jeff Hereford, Principal Civil Engineer in the Public Works Department. “We are excited about this project! Thanks to all involved!”

Learn more about the Ventura River Trail Improvement Project at cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaRiverTrail.

Ventura Police Department solves 33-year-old cold case homicide

After over three decades, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) has made a significant breakthrough in the 1991 murder case of Danielle Clause. Using advanced forensic genetic genealogy techniques, law enforcement has identified Larry Devon Welch as the perpetrator, which is a pivotal moment in resolving this long-standing mystery.

“Through extensive collaboration with local and national law enforcement agencies and nonprofits, it’s with great pride that I share this success story,” said Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler. “From the initial investigation in 1991 to recent advancements in forensic techniques, I’m honored to highlight the perseverance of detectives as they continued to seek justice for the victim and her family.”

On July 16, 1991, the body of 42-year-old Clause was found on the hillside located at the top of Tioga Drive near downtown Ventura. The autopsy showed that she had been sexually assaulted and had died due to multiple blunt-force injuries to her head. Once investigators at the time explored every avenue, the case was suspended and considered cold.

In 2021, Ventura Police detectives and forensic specialists retested crime scene evidence for DNA. Forensic genetic genealogy was pursued, and a family tree was developed. Phenotyping was used to verify distinct characteristics of the suspect, and after collecting family DNA samples, Larry Welch was positively identified.

Welch passed away in 1999. There was no known connection between Welch and Clause at the time of her murder.

“My sister was so much more than a victim of a brutal murder. She was artist, a daughter, a sister, a mother, and a wife. She was a good person with a mighty soul, and she was taken way too young,” shared Marcie Forte, Danielle’s sister. “I didn’t really believe that the police were going to solve this, because there are other crimes being committed all the time. I was proven wrong because the Ventura Police and everyone associated with this cold case did a phenomenal job and I am so grateful. I’m so grateful that I lived to see at least a meter of justice and that they found out who did this.”

The Ventura Police Department’s unwavering commitment to securing justice for victims and their families endures, regardless of the elapsed time. Presently, VPD has over 25 cold cases, spanning homicides, missing persons, and unidentified deceased individuals.
The Ventura Police Department has released a storytelling video outlining details of this case from the original investigators, current detectives, and family of the victim. To watch the video and learn more about existing cold cases, visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/ColdCases. If you have any new information, please email [email protected].

CSFM Rope Rescue Technician course

The class consisted of an exceptional group of students and instructors.

by Patricia Schallert

From April 15 – 19, the Ventura City Fire Department put 17 students through the CSFM Rope Rescue Technician course at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. This course, which is the second in a series, builds upon the students’ existing skills and focuses on the art of rope-based rescue. Throughout the training, the students and instructors were immersed in intricate scenarios, and were challenged with advanced techniques in order to execute successful rescues.

The training provided to the students was far from restrictive, preparing them for a diverse range of rescue scenarios. Engineer Eric Caddock, from Ventura Fire Station 5C, expressed his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized that “the expertise of the Ventura Fire Department extends beyond the confines of a single environment.”

Eric added, “Training covers a wide array of settings, from challenging industrial landscapes featuring cranes and towers, to the natural hillsides, deep valleys, and barrancas. “Our firefighters are equipped with the necessary skills to rescue individuals who find themselves stranded on steep slopes in hiking parks”. Additionally, we devote our efforts to aiding those whose vehicles have encountered mishaps down embankments, necessitating the use of a robust rope system to safely retrieve them.” It’s quite incredible to note that VFD has even conducted rescues from the heights of a crane ride at the Ventura County Fair!

The class consisted of an exceptional group of students and instructors belonging to the esteemed California Regional Task Force 7. Comprised of the courageous firefighters of Ventura City Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, and Oxnard Fire Department, this task force tackles the most challenging urban search and rescue missions across the state of California.

With the generous support of federal grant funding and the cooperation of agencies within Regional Task Force 7, VFD is able to provide this valuable training. While  firefighters already train extensively every day to handle a variety of emergency situations, this specific course spanned a duration of 5 days.  The skills acquired by the students during this intensive program will continue to be honed and utilized throughout their entire careers.

Under the guidance of the remarkable Firefighter Miguel Martinez, students learned the crucial role of guiding and tending to the basket. Miguel’s expertise ensured that the basket remained free from any obstacles and the safety of the victim was prioritized at all times.

These words from Eric Caddock, Engineer from Ventura Fire Station Fire Station “The extensive training and capabilities of the Ventura Fire Department. With their unwavering commitment to excellence, they consistently rise to the occasion, providing invaluable aid and support in a variety of challenging situations.”

Ventura PD honors Erin Burdine during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

During the second week of April, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, shedding light on the indispensable first responders who operate behind the scenes, bridging the gap between the public and emergency services during critical moments.

“This year we recognize Erin Burdine as our Dispatcher of the Year,” shared Communications Center Supervisor, Sergeant Tim Ferrill. “Erin is incredibly knowledgeable, leans in to offer help, and has served as an exemplary leader in our center. She is a reassuring voice for residents and a skilled dispatcher that our officers trust deeply.”

Handling 191,900 total calls in 2023 alone, including over 50,000 9-1-1 calls, Ventura Police public safety dispatchers play a pivotal role in coordinating emergency responses for the city.

“I take immense pride in our dedicated team of dispatchers, whose pivotal role in serving Ventura cannot be overstated,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “Our 17 dispatchers display professionalism at every turn and their swift and precise actions lay the foundation for effective crisis management, providing vital support to both callers and police officers.”

Erin started with VPD as a police cadet in 2005. During her time as a cadet, she explored various law enforcement career options and was hired as a dispatch trainee in 2007 and has faithfully served Ventura since.

As the demand for skilled dispatchers continues to grow, the Ventura Police Department invites qualified individuals to join their team. Learn more and apply online at CityofVentura.ca.gov/PoliceJobs.

With your support we are creating more affordable housing in Ventura County

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s 5th Annual Compassion Campaign – Unlocking Affordable Living is quickly approaching on Thursday, May 9th. Now is the time to secure your seat! Join community leaders and affordable housing advocates for a memorable evening of reimagining and reshaping the vision for the future of affordable housing in Ventura County.

As a guest you will learn about innovative housing solutions from guest speakers, including Mark Stivers, Director of Advocacy for the California Housing Partnership, a private nonprofit organization created by the State Legislature in 1988 to help provide housing that is sustainable and affordable for working families, homeless, veterans, seniors and disabled individuals. Alex Russell, CEO of Homes & Hope and Chair of the Housing Land Trust VC, will also speak on leveraging public land for housing affordability. We’ll showcase two case studies from the developers at Mesa in Ojai who are focused on supporting transitional age young adults at risk of homelessness, and The Villages at Westview developed by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura. Westview replaces the city’s oldest and largest public housing complex.

Guests will be invited to stroll through a path of innovations, including observing the ingenuity of using energy-efficient structural insulated panel (SIP) walls allowing for quick and cost-effective onsite assembly. An oversize map will showcase the many developments funded in part by Housing Trust Fund VC across the County since 2013. Each guest will receive a key to “unlock affordable living” with three lucky winners receiving special prizes.

Purchase tickets at https://www.housingtrustfundvc.org/compassioncampaign2024.html

The Murphy Auto Museum is Closing

The Murphy Auto Museum will be permanently closing. The last day for public admittance will be Sunday, July 7, 2024. The museum will use the remaining month of July to sell furniture, fixtures, chattels and ephemera as they begin the de-accession of the contents. The building will be turned over to the landlord on July 31st.

The museum will keep its regular operating hours from now through July 7th, which is every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am till 4:00pm; the last admission is at 3:00pm since it takes about an hour to view the museum’s collection. Admission is $10.00 for guests 13 years old and older, free to guests younger than 12 years old, and free to active military with identification.

The museum’s board has been trying for several years to find a sustainable path to keep the museum viable and part of the community. However, economic realities have forced the decision to close the museum in conjunction with the end of the present lease agreement. The Murphy Auto Museum has been a part of Ventura County since 2005 and sees an average of 10,000 visitors per year. The museum, at any given time, has over 40 antique and vintage cars on display, as well as Americana, an HO scale model railroad, a large slot car raceway, vintage trailer town, diecast car collection, a monthly car show and more.

“We’ve been embedded in Ventura County since 2005,” said David Neel, Executive Director of the foundation. “I took over the running of the foundation from Dan Murphy, the museum’s founder in January of 2014 because it was in danger of closing then. It is sad that Oxnard has had two fantastic car museums for many years, ourselves and the Mullin, and that the Mullin has closed and the Murphy will be closing.”

The museum invites the public from near and far to visit the museum before it is gone. “We’re a little gem in the big city of Oxnard, and we bring a lot of smiles to people’s faces. We want everyone to come visit the museum one last time and make a lasting memory.”

The museum is located at 1930 Eastman Avenue in Oxnard. For additional information, the public can email the executive director [email protected], call the museum at (805) 487-4333, or visit us on the web at www.MurphyAutoMuseum.org.