Category Archives: News and Notes

Ventura high schools hold graduation event at historic city hall

by Richard Lieberman

Graduation season is here, and Ventura city schools celebrated graduating seniors from local high schools, Buena High School, El Camino High School, Ventura High School, Pacific High School and Foothill Technology High School.

Graduating seniors were invited to join their principal and staff at City Hall to have their names read, receive their diploma, and have their photo taken on the steps of City Hall in their caps and gown, all while their family watched from cars below. With 1200 graduating seniors scheduled to walk officials knew the event would need to be held two days. Saturday June 13^th and Sunday June 14^th were selected.

“Much like our school year, everything changed on a dime, and our teams knew we could wait to see what happen in terms of mass gathering guidelines. We began working on alternative plans immediately in the event traditional graduation would not be possible.” Said Joe Bova, graduation committee coordinator.

Schools had been in the process of planning for pre-recorded virtual ceremonies, per restrictions put in place for large gatherings. That changed on May 27^th when a directive from Ventura Count Public Health allowed county schools to plan for a car line graduation ceremony, where students would be able to leave their vehicles for a photo opportunity and to receive their diplomas. The car line ceremonies only allow for the graduate and their families to attend.

The ceremony was filmed by CAPS Media with fixed and remote cameras and will be shared on-line by June 20^th.

Dr. Roger Rice, Superintendent of Schools said “We want to thank the many dedicated VUSD employees who have been working tirelessly to make this magical moment a reality, never giving up on our student’s dream of an in-person celebration. A big thank you to our city of Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere, city staff, and the Ventura Police Department. Due to the current mass gathering rules, making this ceremony a reality for our students has been no easy feat, and we appreciate you working with us to make this important milestone happen for our students.”

The front of Ventura City Hall was decorated with colorful shade tents, decorated arches and signs depicting the unique event.

Students exited their vehicles and walked to the steps of City Hall where they were presented with their diplomas. After receiving their diplomas students walked down the steps and were shown how to switch their tassel from right to left signifying this momentous occasion.

Growers were quick to respond when SEEAG put out the call for produce donations

SEEAG and growers provide over 4,000 bags of fresh produce to local farm workers.

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) organized produce donations from 13 different growers to fill over 4,000 bags of fresh produce for farm workers in need. The produce was distributed weekly in April and May.

Participating growers were Gill’s Onions, Houweling’s Group, San Miguel Produce, Earthtrine Farm, Saticoy Lemon Association, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Petty Ranch, Calavo, Mission Produce, Tamai Family Farms, Fig Tree Farms, Chivas Skin Care and Bennett’s Honey Farm.

Growers were quick to respond when SEEAG put out the call for produce donations. “We want to thank our local growers for their tremendous generosity. They know that this has been a stressful time for our farmworker families in Ventura County,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “Parents are harvesting crops while their kids are learning at home. Families are struggling financially while taking extra precautions to stay healthy and safe.”

SEEAG is also delivering “Farm Fresh Kids Wellness Bags” filled with educational materials, jump ropes, dental kits and fresh produce (celery donated by Duda Farm Fresh Foods and pixie tangerines donated by Friend’s Ranches) to children of farm workers. So far, the nonprofit organization has delivered 1,175 the bags and plans to deliver another 400 by the end of June.

The bags are made possible by donations including $1,000 from Gold Coast Health Plan and $2,500 from Union Bank. We want to thank Union Bank, Gold Coast Health Plan and our other donors for helping SEEAG supply educational and health-related items to children during this time when many may feel disconnected from school,” says Maranville, SEEAG.

To learn more about SEEAG, go to www.SEEAG.org, Facebook www.facebook.com/SEEAG.org or contact Maranville at [email protected], 805-901-0213.

Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program based in Ventura County teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this and other SEEAG programs including Farm Day in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, over 65,000 elementary school students and community members in Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at [email protected].

“Feeding the Frontline” organizers expand local food distribution events

And even Mariachi music to workers in the fields.

Ventura County Latino and immigrant rights activists are taking action to support the region’s farm working families who continue to provide California residents with safe and healthy food options throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign, known as “Feeding the Frontline: Feeding our Farmworkers,” has launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide groceries, supplies, and even Mariachi music to workers in the fields. The all-volunteer group is seeking community support to raise $15,000, which will help cover the cost of distributing food, supplies, and public health literature to these “frontline” families.

“The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the value farmworkers provide our communities,” shared Roberto Juarez, CEO of Clinicas Del Camino Real, one of several organizations supporting Feeding the Frontline. “As always, these workers are operating under conditions few of us fully grasp, only they’re now doing it during a pandemic. That’s why Feeding the Frontline is committed to feeding those who feed us. Since many pantries help our community by providing food during normal business hours, our team visits local farms, as well as overlooked and underserved farm working communities, to directly provide much-needed food, supplies, and information to farmworkers while they work non-stop to feed California residents.”

Feeding the Frontline has hosted 15 events since beginning in April. The group has provided over 7,000 farmworkers and their families with 180 tons of warm meals, groceries, and personal protective equipment. Mariachi bands have even joined in on the action by serenading workers. These events have taken place in Oxnard, El Rio, Santa Paula, Saticoy, Fillmore, and Piru, garnering widespread media attention from local and national outlets including ABC 7, Univision, and Billboard. The group’s next distribution on Saturday, June 6, 2020 will take place in Nyeland Acres, a migrant neighborhood of Oxnard with approximately 920 K-12 students who receive free and reduced lunches.

Although farmworkers are more essential than ever to the community’s well-being, their contributions continue to go largely unrecognized. Ventura County’s economy and residents rely heavily on the work of farmworkers. In fact, according to the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, farming and farm-dependent businesses provide an estimated 43,000 jobs in the County, generating $2.1 billion in revenue and $76 million in indirect business taxes annually. Additionally, one in 10 county residents rely directly or indirectly on income earned from farming-related work.

The group’s efforts strike a personal chord for many volunteers whose families also work in Ventura County’s agricultural fields. “Keeping Ventura County families healthy is more important than ever before and we all want access to nutritious produce at our local grocery stores and markets,” said Richard Castaniero, a community volunteer and local educator.

To donate to Feeding the Frontline’s efforts, visit https://bit.ly/frontline805.

Marlyss Auster selected to serve as At-Large Director on the Board of CalTravel

Marlyss and her “best friend” enjoying a day at the beach.

Visit Ventura is proud and happy to announce that Visit Ventura President & CEO Marlyss Auster was selected to serve as At-Large Director on the Board of the California Travel Association (CalTravel). The California Travel Association is the united voice of the travel and tourism industry in California, advocating on issues and legislation that affect the tourism industry.

“I’m so honored to be chosen to serve on CalTravel’s Board of Directors, and so proud to be Ventura’s representative at the table,” said Auster.

As one of the industries hardest hit by the fallout from COVID-19, tourism is facing historic challenges. After ten years of growth — in 2019 alone, tourism generated $144.9 billion in spending, created 1.2 million jobs and produced $12.2 billion in state and local taxes — COVID-19 upended everything. Travel industry unemployment is double that of the Great Depression; hundreds of thousands of tourism and hospitality workers are now unemployed in California — and millions are unemployed nationally. The travel industry needs immediate help. The livelihoods of millions of Americans depend on it.

Flipping things to an optimistic tack, tourism will be the very powerhouse that drives California — and the United States — back to its feet. And until that happens, organizations like Visit Ventura are working hard to keep their local economies (and morale) afloat. As soon as COVID-19 hit, Auster and her Visit Ventura team redirected their efforts, working harder than ever to encourage locals to support their own town in the absence of visitors. Visit Ventura generated a host of creative ideas –including “Takeout Tuesdays” (encouraging residents to buy takeout) and “Thirsty Thursdays” (a program of live Facebook tastings featuring local breweries, wineries, spirit makers, and even chocolatiers) — to help support the local economy. At the same time Auster’s team has been preparing for the future, putting together a multi-layered recovery plan that addresses everything from cautious, responsible recovery, to how to woo visitors in a fiercely competitive market — and make those visitors feel comfortable, welcome, and safe.

“Marlyss is an influential voice in the industry who has stood out among her peers for her leadership of her team and for her creative and communication skills,” said Barbara Newton, President & CEO of the California Travel Association. “I appreciate Marlyss’s active participation in our events and advocacy work, and we are thrilled to welcome her as an At Large Board Director at CalTravel.”

Auster will serve as At-Large Director on the Board of the California Travel Association for two years, beginning in June.

City of Ventura eases restrictions at local parks and beaches

On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, the Ventura City Council unanimously voted to ease limited closure restrictions of Ventura’s beaches and parks. The City’s decision provides access to its parks, beaches, the Promenade, Pier, public restrooms, and select parking lots.

For the last several weeks Ventura’s parks and beaches have been open for active recreational use, such as walking, jogging, swimming, and surfing. Beginning on May 29, these areas will open for passive use, such as sitting and sunbathing as long as the public maintains a safe physical distance of six feet and avoids congregating in large groups outside of their immediate household. Group activities such as volleyball, football, soccer, and other contact sports are not allowed.

Bathrooms and parking lots will also gradually re-open at parks and beaches throughout the City, starting with the Harbor Boulevard parking structure at the Pier. Public bathrooms will be cleaned daily with high touch surfaces properly disinfected regularly.

“As we move forward on a path to reopening safely, the City Council approved easing restrictions for our parks and beaches based on public health guidance and in support of our partnering public agencies at the State and County of Ventura,” commented Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere. “Now, open space guidelines at all parks and beaches throughout the area will share a common education message and encourage the same guidelines to be followed.”

Sidewalks, walking paths, trails, and tracks within all public parks continue to remain open for active recreational use, including walking, hiking, jogging, running, or biking. Please follow public health guidance in the “Stay Well at Home” order, set by the Ventura County Health Officer.

Playgrounds, pools, courts, indoor facilities like museums and visitor centers, and sports and recreational fields will remain closed until further notice. If a park or beach becomes overcrowded or difficult for safe social distancing to be observed, the Ventura Police Department may order the area to be closed.

“The City wants to provide an opportunity for our residents to recreate responsibly this summer while supporting our local business community as they reopen throughout Ventura,” said City Manager Alex McIntyre. “The gradual reopening of city parks and beaches is another positive step forward as we work together to reopen gradually, cautiously, and successfully with community members, businesses, and government agencies.”

City signs will be posted to remind the public to continue to practice physical distance of six feet or more and abide by the County’s “Stay Well at Home” order to limit the risk of exposure to the virus.

For the latest updates on impacts to the City of Ventura, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/COVID19. For public health information and updates happening in Ventura County, visit www.VCEmergency.com.

Car graduation guidance issued by Ventura County

The Public Health Department has issued guidance to Ventura County education leaders regarding high school graduation ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance, created in collaboration with the Ventura County Office of Education, was issued at the request of superintendents and other school leaders who are making extremely difficult decisions about graduation ceremonies, as the 2019-2020 school year comes to an end.

The Ventura County Public Health Department’s protocol for drive through car line ceremonies takes into consideration public health concerns, social distancing recommendations and the state restrictions on social gatherings. The protocol includes the best available guidance to make sure the Class of 2020 can celebrate safely.

“Our thoughts are with the high school seniors and families in our county and others who will be missing out on the traditional graduation and promotion ceremonies that signify an important rite of passage,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. “Graduations will look different this year, but I know the future is very bright as these students move forward. Many of our local students have been instrumental in providing innovative personal protective equipment for medical providers when it has been needed most. As these students embark on their next chapter, we wish them the very best and appreciate the sacrifices they have had to make during this time. We hope this public health guidance will still allow for meaningful graduations to celebrate our local students.”

Gatherings remain prohibited by the state of California therefore traditional in-person graduations are not possible at this time. The protocol allows graduates to briefly exit their vehicles on a timed schedule to receive their diplomas. Diplomas may be distributed using a no-contact pick-up method, maintaining physical distancing of six feet or greater. The protocol allows school personnel to take photos of graduates outside of their vehicles. Family members will be permitted to take photos from inside their vehicles.

“With so many senior year traditions altered or canceled by the coronavirus crisis, we’re grateful that our graduates will have the opportunity to receive their diplomas in person with their families looking on,” said Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth.

Local school communities must assess their unique needs and capacities, and many variables will impact decisions around graduation celebrations. Many schools are hosting virtual events or postponing the ceremonies, but for those who are planning an in-person event, this guidance addresses important safeguards and considerations for a drive through graduation.

Decisions around whether to host graduation ceremonies will remain at the discretion of local school boards and superintendents and must be conducted in accordance with the Public Health Car Line Celebration Protocol. As we remain in a state of emergency, planners of important events are urged to consider the fact that regulations and recommendations are subject to change, due to the dynamic nature of this situation.

Ventura College Foundation announces distribution of over $683,000 in scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation is awarding scholarships to 248 students totaling $683,748, the largest annual scholarship distribution in the foundation’s history.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 for continuing students to $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.

“This is the largest amount of scholarship funds we’ve ever distributed in one year to Ventura College students,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “We are grateful to our scholarship donors. The foundation usually hosts several scholarship awards ceremonies where we honor both the recipients and donors. The ceremonies are an opportunity for both to meet. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, these events were cancelled.”

Scholarships were awarded in all academic fields including STEM, art, health and liberal arts. Recipients came from nearly every city in Ventura County, with the highest number from Ventura (92), Oxnard (74), Santa Paula (27) and Camarillo (14).

The Ventura College Nursing Program is demanding, and faculty members diligently prepare their graduates to enter the challenging and rewarding field of nursing. All Ventura College nursing students in the fall 2019 class received a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam. The national average pass rate for first-time test-takers is 83.5 percent.

Qualified full-time students in the coming academic year will be able to have their tuition and education fees paid by the state’s Promise program. Emergency grants and financial aid are also available.

The economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis is impacting local nonprofit community organizations in unforeseen ways. One of those affected is the Ventura College Foundation. The foundation’s operating expenses are funded almost entirely from proceeds generated by its Ventura College Weekend Marketplace on the Ventura College campus. With the Marketplace closed until large gathering restrictions are lifted, funds to keep the foundation running are drying up. Income from the Marketplace has paid the operating costs of the Ventura College Foundation for 35 years.

If the foundation offices were to close, there would be no staff to oversee the $24 million in endowment investments, the more than $650,000 in annual scholarship awards ($683,748 was distributed earlier this month, the most in foundation history) and numerous other student support programs.

For questions about “Stronger Foundation, Stronger Future” or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact King at 805-289-6503, [email protected]. More information can be found at www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.

For more about scholarships and other support services provided by the Ventura College Foundation, go to www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.

For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or [email protected] or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org

Hair salons and barbershops permitted to reopen

The Governor announced that hair salons and barbershops in most California counties can reopen as the state moves forward on the path to reopening. The County of Ventura was approved for a state variance last week allowing the County to move faster through California’s reopening phases. This allows for local hair salons and barbershops to reopen.

“Our community has worked so hard to social distance and to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our County. As we continue to reopen, we must do so with caution. We must continue to practice social distancing and businesses must make modifications needed to lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure. This will help keep our numbers low so we can continue to move forward,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.

Hair salons and barbershops that reopen may only provide services that allow for both the stylist and customer to wear face coverings for the entirety of the service.

This means that haircuts, weaves and extensions, braiding, lock and wig maintenance, hair relaxing treatments and color services can be provided. Services like eyebrow waxing and threading, facials and eyelash services are still not allowed since they involve touching the customer’s face, according to the state’s guidance.

Housing Trust Fund announces Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign

Cathi Nye and her son John standing in front of Castillo del Sol in Ventura.

For too many, housing is not guaranteed. At a time when acts of kindness matter, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County invites you to join its Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign. This weeklong celebration takes place June 1st through June 5th highlighting how we can make a difference in people’s lives, from small acts of compassion, to being part of the affordable workforce housing solution in Ventura County.

“We’re particularly excited about our Living Room Lounge,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger. “Every night at exactly 7:00 pm we will host an intimate one-song performance by outstanding singers, including Grammy award winning artist Rick Springfield.”

Other artists singing exclusively for Housing Trust Fund VC include singer and actress Jolene Purdy, best known for her roles in Orange is the New Black, Under the Dome, Breaking Bad, and Glee; and Will Breman, Santa Barbara based singer-songwriter and Top 8 contestant on NBC’s The Voice. Joining this star-studded line-up will be local duo, Soul 4 II (part of the Sound Effect Band), Afro-Cuban sensation Ricardo Lemvo, country musician Kenzie Mae known for her starring role in the award-winning feature film, “Chloe’s Mountain” and 11-year-old up and coming musician Aiden Baffa.

The Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign promises to be a fun and emotional week as Housing Trust Fund VC shines a light on the growing need for more affordable housing in Ventura County. A compelling Facebook Live interview will feature Cesar Hernandez as he tells his story of how his family was helped by affordable housing. Viewers will be taken on a tour of affordable housing developments in the community, hear from members of the affordable housing community, and be invited to share #CompassionInAction tips.

The nonprofit is also hosting the interactive #Recipe4Home, where participants are asked to share a favorite family recipe to be entered into a giveaway in which one lucky winner will have their recipe beautifully preserved on a cutting board. Housing Trust Fund VC is asking the community to get involved by following them on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HousingTrustFundVC/.

“When we realized we could not host our annual fundraiser and awareness event, we felt it was important to continue moving forward,” commented Board Chair Jennie Buckingham. “Especially now, the need is only growing for affordable housing solutions.” Learn more at www.housingtrustfundvc.org/compassion-campaign.

The Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign is made possible in part by, Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere, City National Bank, Wells Fargo, Montecito Bank & Trust, Boston Private Bank, and Pacific Western Bank.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County – Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2012, Ventura County Housing Trust Fund became Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) in July 2019. Housing Trust Fund VC is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. As of January 2020, Housing Trust Fund VC has invested $9 million through its revolving loan fund, creating 365 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.

Ventura County Library offering services

Ventura County Library is excited to announce the launch of Brainfuse – on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. Brainfuse HelpNow offers a personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). Brainfuse will be made available to all library patrons from the public computers at their local library or from any computer with internet connection starting immediately seven days a week from 1pm to 10pm.

HelpNow is designed to be particularly helpful to school-aged students, with tools such as flashcards, learning games, customized study plans, writing help, and the opportunity for students to meet up with their friends in a virtual study room.

HelpNow also includes a variety of college preparatory materials and lifelong learning resources such as a Spanish language study center and ESL assistance, as well as test preparation tools for the ACT/SAT, GED and the USCIS citizenship test.

Brainfuse is just one of a number of remote educational tools that the Library has made available, enhanced, or continues to make available during its temporary closure to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In addition to Brainfuse, the Library offers BookFlix (for remotely-accessible read alouds), CloudLibrary eBooks and eAudiobooks, and much more at www.vencolibrary.org/elibrary.

Ventura County Library:
Inspiring our community to explore, discover, and connect.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

Ventura County Library system is preparing to implement curbside services.

State guidelines for retail curbside pick-up were modified last week to allow libraries to provide curbside pick-up of materials, and libraries across the county have begun to reopen these limited services. The largest library system in the county, the Ventura County Library, operates twelve libraries and is actively preparing to safely implement curbside services at most branches.

Public libraries across Ventura County have been closed since mid-March when the State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health issued an order requiring most Californians to stay at home to disrupt the spread of COVID-19 among the population. The state announced these efforts have allowed them to move forward on their roadmap for modifying the statewide order, including allowing public libraries to reopen for curbside pick-up of materials. Public libraries had previously not been allowed to operate under the orders.

Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram says, “Safely reestablishing access to physical library materials is a significant step toward restoring in-person library services.”

Schram says library employees have been performing exceptional work and providing services and programs in the virtual environment during the closure. However, feedback received from the community during the closure of the physical library branches has emphasized the critical role libraries play in providing access to print materials and Internet access in particular. The library is currently working with the Ventura County Library Foundation to raise funds to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks to loan out to community members as part of their lending library.

Check the library’s website at www.vencolibrary.org for the latest information and services that are available.

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