Category Archives: News and Notes

A message from Chief Schindler

“The Ventura Police Department is committed to the sanctity of life for all persons.”

Our Department has received questions from community members looking for information about the safety of our neighborhoods, our Department’s training procedures and protocols, and our response to the events taking place across our country.

“The Ventura Police Department is committed to the sanctity of life for all persons. Protecting life is also about standing for those whose voices have been silenced. Throughout history, protesting has helped advocate for change. The Ventura Police will ensure the safety of all, but we also ask that those who choose to protest, do so safely, peacefully, and in a lawful manner. Ventura Police Officers will be out over the next few days ensuring protests are safe while also protecting businesses, property, and residents from violence and those promoting destruction. The safety of our community is our top priority.”

Chief Darin Schindler is pleased to present the Ventura Police Department’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan. VPD is rooted in community policing with community partnerships and collaborative problem solving central to our efforts. Policing strategies that worked in the past are not always effective today. Innovation, technological advancements, and fostering a culture of open dialogue with our community is vital to our success moving forward.

“As your Police Chief, I am proud to lead and serve alongside our courageous and compassionate Ventura Police team,” said Chief Schindler. “Comprised of sworn officers, professional staff, and volunteers, there are more than 225 members of our team committed to serving you with the highest standards of performance, utilizing the best policing practices.

“The Ventura Police Department and its employees, professional staff and sworn alike, are committed to being responsive to community concerns, reducing crime, and maintaining safe neighborhoods for all residents,” said Chief Schindler. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing relationships with our Ventura residents, business owners, and local students while working with our community to problem solve and enhance the quality of life in our city.”

Read our complete Strategic Plan in English and Spanish here: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1053/Performance-Measures

If you’d like to reach out directly, please email [email protected]. As a community we are stronger when we stand together.

California Coastal Cleanup Day

Each year, California Coastal Cleanup Day welcomes more than 70,000 volunteers who pick up hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash and recyclables from beaches, lakes, and waterways. The 3rd Saturday of September has been California Coastal Cleanup Day since 1985! The event brings awareness to the marine litter problem and provides a way for community members to become directly involved in caring for their local environment and natural resources.

This marks the 35th annual event, however, due to health and safety orders, the state event organizers, the California Coastal Commission, and local organizers, the Ventura County Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways, have made some adjustments. Instead of a organizing a volunteer event, these groups are encouraging the Ventura County community to get out and clean up their local “happy places” every Saturday in September in celebration of the annual event.

 

This means beach cleanups start at our own front doors. Trash can travel through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become beach pollution. Consider joining every Saturday in September to help clean the beach by cleaning up in our own neighborhoods and local natural areas. Follow the Ventura County Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways on social media for safety tips and ways to win prizes for photo contest submissions and more!

Learn more at www.vccoastcleanup.org. Or follow on Facebook @Ventura County Annual Coastal Cleanup Day and Instagram @VCCoastCleanupDay.

Ready To Go Solar? Solarize is Back.

Many of us are spending more time at home lately, so it’s no surprise that home improvement projects are booming. If you’ve considered adding home solar or battery systems in the past, now may be the perfect time to take the leap.

CEC’s Solarize Ventura County is a program that makes it easier and more affordable for local homeowners to go solar. We use a group purchasing model and pass the savings on so that homeowners can install solar electricity and battery storage systems at a discounted price through a streamlined and hassle-free process. Previous Solarize Ventura County programs have already helped 225 homeowners go solar.

Please join CEC and Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance in celebrating Clean Air Day at our Solarize Webinar on October 7th to learn more.

A day cooling off at the Ventura beach 1906 style.

New census deadline

The City of Ventura is encouraging community members to take the 2020 Census by the new self-reporting deadline of September 30, 2020. To date, more than 72% of Ventura residents have participated in the 2020 Census.

In August and September, Census workers will knock on doors to follow up with houses in lower-response areas and may return multiple times to uncounted homes. Census workers will wear official Census Bureau badges, face coverings, and follow all public health guidelines when visiting homes.

“Now more than ever, we need to ensure that our community is accurately counted in the Census,” said Ventura City Manager, Alex D. McIntyre. “The results of this once-a-decade count determine the amount of funding and resources Ventura will receive for the next 10 years. It’s important that every household and business is counted so we can secure critical resources for public and social services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.”

The Census is a 9-question survey that takes less than 10 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential. Households and businesses are encouraged to respond by mail, or take the 2020 Census online or by phone. The Census is available in 13 languages.

To learn more, visit www.census.ventura.orgor call (844) 330-2020.

Countywide suicide prevention initiative to spread awareness and to save lives

by Carol Leish

During September’s National Suicide Prevention Month, Vista del Mar Hospital is presenting a countywide initiative to provide awareness and to ultimately save lives.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates have been rising in nearly every state. In California 4,491 died by suicide in 2018, including 94 people in Ventura County alone. This reflects a total of 84,137 years of potential life lost before age 65. On a national level, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24.

“The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic have been far-reaching and fatal. In addition to the physical health concerns, there are emotional, mental, and behavioral health stains,” according to, Jenifer Nyhuis, Vista del Mar’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are constantly reminded of these challenges, such as: job loss; increased depression related to isolation; increased anxiety due to uncertainty and fear; economic challenges; food insecurity; child care needs; and, social challenges. We are also aware of the decrease in common coping outlets for social gatherings (gyms; churches; temples; spas; and, parks).” She continued by saying, “I am confident that nearly every person’s mental health has been brought into question, if only momentarily. The pandemic has only further exacerbated the suicide crisis. Thus, this is a time to come together to collaborate as a community in order to create lasting change.”

Therefore, Vista del Mar Hospital is collaborating with the Jason Foundation and community partners to provide free suicide prevention training online via Zoom. The one-hour training includes facts and figures about this silent epidemic, compelling survey results, warning signs such as out-of-character behavior, risk factors for suicidal ideation, resources, and the social media campaign: #1WONTBESILENT. Community partners include: The City of Ventura; Coalition for Family Harmony; NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness), Ventura County; Mission FISH; Genesis Programs, Inc.; News Talk 1590 KVTA; QPR For Suicide Prevention; Ventura Downtown Lion’s Club; Ventura County Behavioral Health; Ventura County CIT; and, Women of the Moose. Vista del Mar has three scheduled trainings open to the public, as well as trainings by appointment.

“During this unprecedented time of uncertainty, suicide prevention is more important than ever,” according to, Kiran Sahot, Sr. Behavioral Health Manager with Ventura County Behavior Health. “We encourage the community to become trained in asking the difficult questions surrounding thoughts of suicide, and being able to recognize the signs of anxiety and depression.”

Resources on a list that is provided by Vista del Mar include resources in the areas of: crisis stabilization; outpatient services; chemical dependence; veteran services; LGBTQ+ services and support; and, other education and support. With help/support, situations can and will improve.

If in a dire situation, please call either: the Ventura County Crisis Intervention Unit at: 856-998-223; or, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 800-273-8255.

To find more available resources and/or information from Vista del Mar, go to their website at: www.vistadelmarhospital.com. “Realize that you’re not alone,” according to, Maya Lazos, community liaison at Vista del Mar. “There is help and there are free resources out there.” For questions or to schedule a training by appointment, contact Lazos at: (805) 794-1009; or, [email protected]

Food Share partners with Gas Co.

Brian Miller, Office of Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long, Chief of Staff ; John Marquez, Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director; Maria Ventura, Public Affairs Manager; Monica White President & CEO of Food Share of Ventura County and Manuel Minjares, Office of Ventura County Supervisor, District Representative attend the drive-thru distribution .

Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, has partnered with Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) to bring the “Fueling Our Communities” program to Ventura County with drive-thru meal distribution events in Santa Paula and El Rio community in Oxnard. The events, which were funded in part by the utility, provided more than 26,000 free meals to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to contributing to food purchasing for the drive-thru distributions, SoCalGas’ program is helping to stimulate Ventura County’s economy by enabling Food Share to partner with local restaurants whose sales have been impacted due to COVID-19 restaurant guidelines.

“In partnership with SoCalGas, Food Share has been able to distribute 800 gift cards to local restaurants during our drive-through food distributions. Those in need receive a free, delicious meal and in turn we’re happy to support our local food economy,” explained Monica White, Food Share’s President & CEO. “It’s really been a win-win for everyone.”

Food Share is one of five non-profit organizations that SoCalGas is collaborating with on the “Fueling Our Communities” program, to provide close to 140,000 meals to 40,000 individuals from underserved communities in Ventura, Tulare, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties. Funded by a $500,000 donation from SoCalGas, the program will span over the summer season in 44 cities and will feed seniors, students, families, and migrant farm workers while supporting local small businesses.

“We are proud to continue to support families facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Fueling Our Communities program,” said Maria Ventura, public affairs manager at SoCalGas. “So many people in Ventura County are struggling to put food on their table right now and SoCalGas wants to help however we can.”

In addition to these two events in partnership with SoCalGas’ “Fueling Our Communities” program, Food Share has provided food for just over half a million people since April through 123 drive-thru distribution events across the county.

BLM protest held in Ventura

Many vehicles driving by were honking in agreement. Photo by Julio Hernandez

by Shakti Dutt

On the 14th of August at 3:00 pm, about 30 locals gathered in front of the Ventura City Hall.

Under the hot sun, they were holding signs that read “Black genocide 1619 – 2020”, “Are we dark enough to be shot”, “No freedom till we’re free”, etc.

A young woman of color named Gabrielle Rogers was holding up a sign that read “Honk for Black Lives”. Some vehicles passing by were slowing down and honking. However, there were also some people who displayed their disagreement by showing a thumbs down or middle finger. Rogers joined the movement to stand up with her black community and about “three weeks ago her cousin got shot by the police and they didn’t put it up on the news”. This led her to wonder how many other people who experience that are not put up on the news.

At 4:00 pm, all protesters, led by Rogers started marching on Main Street while chanting “These streets are our streets.”

The bystanders seemed to be recording videos of the march on their phones and some even exclaimed in agreement and some in disagreement.

A left turn was taken on Figueroa Street and then another left turn on Thompson Blvd. All eyes were on the protesters.

At this time, the protesters were chanting “Black lives matter.” Many vehicles driving by were honking in agreement.

Another left turn was taken on California Street.

On the California/Main street intersection, all protesters kneeled down, followed by five minutes of silence.The silence symbolized half the amount of time that George Floyd was on the ground, unable to breathe.

“This is what democracy looks like” Rogers exclaimed, and the protesters followed. And the march back to City Hall began.

Because it was still very hot, the protesters took a three-minute break in order to get a drink of water before continuing their march. At this time, some participants had left.

The march continued down to California Street, toward Ventura State Beach. “Change is coming” the protesters started chanting. A left turn was taken on E. Thompson Blvd. and then a right turn on California Street. Many bystanders were chanting along with the protesters.

One of the protesters responded when asked what inspired them to help the movement. “What’s the point of not helping. We’re here..there’s huge issues and if you’re not helping then you’re doing nothing. I knew things like this were happening..I knew killings were happening..just did not know the scale..and the more people that realize the scale…would change the culture and climate..and racists will know that they are not accepted”.

The protest ended shortly after arriving back at the City Hall.

Ventura County Civil Grand Jury announces release of report on detention facilities

Pursuant to authority granted in California Penal Code Section 919(b), the 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury inquired into the conditions and management of detention facilities in Ventura County. The Grand Jury inspected the following detention centers:

Ventura County Juvenile Facilities

Pre-Trial Detention Facility operated by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO)

Todd Road Jail operated by VCSO

East County Jail operated by VCSO

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Holding Facility

All city holding facilities in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura

Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

The Grand Jury concluded that, due to the participation of the Ventura County Probation Agency in the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative, the Ventura County Juvenile Facilities has significant underutilized space.

The Grand Jury concluded the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and the Todd Road Jail have reduced their respective populations to within normal facility capabilities which is in excess of the State rating.

The Grand Jury concluded the County jails and city detention facilities are generally in satisfactory condition, although the detention facilities of the Santa Paula Police Department and the Oxnard Police Department were found to be in need of repair.

The Grand Jury concluded the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility operated by the State of California appeared generally safe but in need of maintenance and repairs.

The Grand Jury found there is no uniform policy at VCSO’s detention facilities with regard to recording of inmate telephone communications, including communications to attorneys, medical providers and family members. The Grand Jury encourages a uniform policy be developed for all VCSO’s detention facilities.

The public is invited to review the entire report at https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/fiscal-year-2019-2020/ in the Annual Reports tab in “Fiscal Year 2019-2020.”

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County raises $5 million

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced this week that it applied for California Proposition 1 matching funds from the CA Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the agency responsible for fund disbursement. Housing Trust Fund VC has raised $5 million locally with the goal of bringing $10 million to the county for affordable housing developments through the Prop 1 matching grant program.

The Housing Programs and Veterans’ Loans Bond, also known as California’s Proposition 1, is a 1:1 fund matching grant program that provides funding to Housing Trust Funds for the development of rental housing with a focus on low to extremely low-income housing units. It provides up to $5 million per year for five years totaling $25 million, with the potential of doubling to $50 million through local matching funds.

“Locally, our job was to raise $5 million so we could fully leverage Prop 1 during its inaugural year,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “We did just that. Thanks to wonderful supporters and wise Board leadership we now expect to have $10 million available from the first funding round for increased affordable housing development in Ventura County, which is needed now more than ever.” Braunschweiger refers to the current COVID-19 environment and the resulting high unemployment rate, which has a trickle-down effect of housing becoming increasingly unaffordable for too many. Currently, the nonprofit has a pipeline of projects throughout the county for which developers are requesting $15 million over the next two years. As a short-term lender, Housing Trust Fund VC plans to utilize Prop 1 grant funds for acquisition and construction lending of affordable workforce housing.

Housing Trust Fund VC successfully raised this round’s $5 million local match through support of sponsors, donors, grants, loan repayments and fundraising events. Most recently Wells Fargo Bank donated $30,000, the County of Ventura confirmed a $300,000 three-year grant, and support continues from all 10 cities. Over $1 million comes from PLHA (Permanent Local Housing Allocation) where $75 of every local real estate transaction goes towards increasing the supply of affordable housing in Ventura County. Other major funding includes the US Department of Treasury CDFI program, HOPE Foundation, McCune Foundation, Lluella Morey Murphy Foundation, Weingart Foundation, Brokaw Nursery, Leavens Ranches, Lloyd-Butler Ranch, City National Bank, Mechanics Bank, Pacific Western Bank, Union Bank, Legado Family Companies, and Sage Publishing. Housing Trust Fund VC raised another $145,000 through two fundraising events, including its unique, completely virtual, weeklong, “Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign”(www.housingtrustfundvc.org/compassion-campaign).

“I’m so pleased that our community sees the value in supporting affordable housing,” commented Housing Trust Fund VC Board Chair Jennie Buckingham.

To support affordable workforce housing in Ventura County go to, www.housingtrustfundvc.org/donate-now.​

Developers interested in receiving a loan may visit www.housingtrustfundvc.org/funding-programs and review the Program and Loan Underwriting Guidelines. A list of projects that have received first phase approval are also available on the website at www.housingtrustfundvc.org/housing.

General plan update meeting

The Westside Community Council, in partnership with the City of Ventura, Westside Community Development Corporation and CA– USE will hold the first virtual public meeting With Raimi & Associates for public input on the City of Ventura 2020 General Plan update on Sept. 2, from 6:30pm -8:30pm on ZOOM. This is the opportunity for West Venturans to have public input in the process.

Spanish interpretation will be provided at the meeting.

The Zoom Link will be made available on the WCC Facebook page, website the day of the meeting or use this meeting ID: 835 4511 4536 and passcode: 330929

News of the Museum of Ventura County and the Ventura Botanical Gardens

The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to congratulate and announce the recipients of the 2020 Bonita C. McFarland Arts Education Scholarships. The Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship is named for a generous benefactor to the arts in Ventura County. The funds for the scholarships are generated from an endowment, held and administered by the Museum of Ventura County.

2020 Scholarship Recipients:

  • Amelia Compton from Camarillo attending the California Institute of the Arts
  • Jullianne De La Cruz from Oxnard attending Moorpark College
  • Elaine Sanders from Ventura attending her final year at Cal State University Northridge
  • Yasemine Zografos from Thousand Oaks attending Cal State University Northridge

The total amount awarded was $10,000.00. Award recipients were selected by a committee consisting of Museum personnel and members of the Museum’s Fine Arts Committee. Awards were based on artistic merit and commitment as demonstrated by the application, letter of recommendation, essay, and examples of the applicant’s prior work/projects.

Continuing through November 30, 2020 the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) and the Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG) hosts 14 regional artists in their first collaboration. Sculptures and installation works have been installed in the Botanical Gardens nursery and lower trails and in the Museum’s outdoor Plaza along Main Street. This exhibit showcases works by the following artists: Emma Akmakdjian, Gloria Bradley, Kevin Carman, Bijan Fan, Wrona Gall, Sooz Glazebrook, Carlos Grasso, Paul Lindhard, Bob Privitt, Sudad Shahin. Additional works by artists Tanya Kovalesky, Marianne McGrath, Carole Shaw Sutton and Amy Sharp will be installed in mid-September.

This collaboration was initiated by VBG Executive Director Joseph Cahill and MVC Deputy Director Denise Sindelar in recognition that the Gardens and the Museum’s outdoor Plaza would provide an excellent venue for the community to safely explore and experience outdoor art installations. Jurors selecting the exhibiting artists included Christine Beirne, Ojai Studio Artists, Barbara Brown, Board Member VBG, Matthew Furmanski, Professor CSUCI, Michael Pearce, Professor CLU, Peter Tyas, Executive Director Studio Channel Islands and Denise Sindelar, Deputy Director MVC.

The funding to support the art installations was provided by the Bonita C. McFarland Endowment through the Museum of Ventura County. All art sales will 100% benefit the exhibiting artists. Patrons interested in purchasing works may contact Denise Sindelar at [email protected].

During the run of this exhibit MVC members may visit the Gardens free of charge and when the Museums reopen VBG members will receive free admission to both the Ventura Museum and the Santa Paula Agriculture Museum. Members of both organizations are encouraged to support this exciting first collaboration.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Dogs are welcome on Wednesdays and Fridays. On Fridays, the Gardens are free for everyone. Monthly scheduled guided tours are also free. Children under 18 are always free. Additionally, many major holidays are free except for July 4th due to fire danger. EBT cards are welcome. For those out of town visitors or those who are not members, the admission fee is $7 per day, per person. For more information, visit venturabotanicalgardens.com.