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.

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

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.

Ocean water quality results for samples collected the week of August 15 indicate ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling locations failed to meet State standards for bacteria:

Surfer’s Knoll 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:

http://vcrma.org/envhealth/technical-services/ocean/index.html

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.

On Tuesday, July 21, the Board of Supervisors received a report from the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and approved the creation of a full-time executive position for a Diversity and Inclusion Officer. The position, which will operate out of the Human Resources Department for the County Executive Office, will be tasked with driving engagement, strategy, execution and accountability for the County’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as ensure equal employment opportunities. The position for the Diversity and Inclusion Officer was created at the recommendation of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the County Executive Officer.

“The tragic killing of George Floyd has significantly impacted our nation, our local community, and our County family has made substantial efforts to create meaningful changes that will have a lasting impact,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. “The creation of the position for the Diversity and Inclusion Officer is one of the ways we can do so. In addition to increased workforce engagement, this position will help continue to ensure that all employees have a sense of safety, belonging, justice and equity regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality or other identities.”

The Diversity and Inclusion Task Force report detailed efforts to address issues of race and equity.  In the report, the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force presented on the two first-of-its-kind employee town hall forums that were held on racism. Close to 900 employees participated via Zoom conference call. The town halls provided a safe forum where panelists and employees shared their life experiences with racism. Following the town halls, the Task Force pledged to continue these types of discussions to generate ideas and promote equity in the workplace and delivery of services. A video of the presentation that shares further initiatives and actions that are being taken can be viewed at   https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/VCNC/videos/D-and-I-Report.mp4

Established in 2017 at the recommendation of the County Executive Officer and approved by the Board of Supervisors, the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, unity, and equality both in the County workforce and in the delivery of services to the community. The 22-member committee, which is comprised of representatives from 11 agencies across the County, provides recommendations to leadership, reviews policies, and launches programs and initiatives intended to promote diversity and inclusion.

In addition to the recommendation and establishment of the position for the Diversity and Inclusion Officer, the Task Force will consider feedback received from the community and make recommendations regarding the County Seal, its use, and possible re-design. The task force is also credited with the creation of the County Mentorship Program, which has completed three cohorts and is preparing for a fourth.

As well, the Task Force has been instrumental in the development of mandatory Cultural Competency and Inclusion training, which also incorporates courses on awareness of the Disabilities, Access and Functional Needs Community as they have unique needs in the event of emergencies that may occur in the County. The Task Force has also established a diversity and inclusion library for employees, a workforce development program, and a form and forum to solicit ideas from County employees.

The Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) has been selected to receive a $15 million grant from the California Health Facilities Authority for the construction and operating equipment of a Pediatric Unit.

“We are grateful for this funding opportunity. It allows us to undertake a project that is directly aligned with work we are doing across the agency to build our pediatric system to help the most vulnerable in our region,” said Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital CEO Doctor John Fankhauser. “We believe all children should have access to the very best services available. Children are cared for at VCMC without regard to their family’s ability to pay by a facility that has been recognized for excellence in care, including being honored as the number one Family Medicine Residency Program in the nation.”

Recent growth in pediatric services includes the reopening of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the addition of pediatric plastic surgery and continued development of pediatric cancer care, pediatric surgery, pediatric orthopedics and the neonatal intensive care unit.  The County also has a partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities which will culminate in the construction of a Ronald McDonald Family Room and Quiet Room. These rooms will be special places for families facing very difficult times.

“This is an incredible opportunity.  It validates and strengthens the comprehensive pediatric program that has been developed in our County health care system, as well as the high quality of our talented and dedicated pediatric providers. The Pediatric Unit and expansive subspecialty services are vital, truly lifesaving.  Having local access to these services takes the burden from families so they do not have to travel far to get the care their children need,” said Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

The completion of the 20-bed pediatric unit is planned for March 2022. The entire project also includes 18 definitive observation unit beds and 22 medical and surgical beds as well as modifications to the helicopter pad required to accommodate larger Firehawk helicopters.

“We’re very proud of our high-quality pediatric services at VCMC which address a significant need in our County. This project will provide state-of-the-art facilities to allow us to grow our pediatric program in partnership with our superb physicians and staff,” said Ventura County Health Care Agency Director Bill Foley.

In November 2018, California voters approved Proposition 4, the Children’s Hospital Bond Act of 2018, enabling California to issue $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds to fund the Program. “The purpose of the Program is to improve the health and welfare of California’s critically ill children by providing a stable and ready source of funds for capital improvement projects,” said California Health Facilities Financing Authority Executive Director Frank Moore. “California’s network of regional children’s hospitals provide vital health care services to children in need over one million times a year. Many of the children that are seen at these hospitals have complex and life-threatening illnesses because these hospitals have the most specialized pediatric specialists capable of addressing these illnesses.”

California Health Facilities Financing Authority offered grants of up to $15 million through California’s Proposition 4 funding which allows for a total of $150 million to be provided to general hospitals for construction of pediatric programs within their hospitals.

Community Memorial Hospital once again has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes CMH’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

“CMH is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative. The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes,” said Stephanie Lara-Jenkins, RN V, Stroke Coordinator for CMH.

CMH earned the award for another year by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluating the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines, with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, and other care transition interventions.

CMH also received the Association’s Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards. To qualify for the Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or r-tPA. This medication treats ischemic stroke, which is caused when a vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked. To qualify for the Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award, CMH had to meet quality measures developed with more than 90 percent of compliance for 12 consecutive months for the “Overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score.”

The association says stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. Nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that gives hospitals tools and resources to help them adhere to the latest research-based guidelines.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, the Centers for Family Health, and various outpatient centers serving communities located within Ventura County, California.