Category Archives: News and Notes

Supporting food assistance to Ventura County farm working families

A month ago, a group of Latino and immigrant rights activists in Ventura County identified the need to take action against the lack of support and recognition for the farmworker community during COVID-19.

Feeding the Frontline  was initially created as a one time event to provide food for those who feed us, however as the community requests expanded in less than a month 9 feeding events were organized, more than 3000 farm workers families received food, supplies and personal protective equipment, and 80 tons of food were distributed to farmworkers in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru.

In efforts to expand and continue supporting food assistance to the region’s farm working families who continue to provide California residents with safe and healthy food options throughout the COVID-19,  Feeding the Frontline  launches a fundraising campaign “Feeding the Frontline: Feeding our Farmworkers,” through a  GoFundMe campaign  to provide more support in the fields. The all-volunteer group is seeking community support to raise $10,000, which will help cover the cost of delivering food pantry boxes, fresh fruit and other essential products alongside bilingual Covid-19 and 2020 US Census information to these “frontline” families.

Although farmworkers are more essential than ever to the community’s well-being, farmworkers contributions continue to go largely unrecognized. Many California communities, including Ventura County’s economy and residents rely heavily on the work of farmworkers. In fact, farming and farm-dependent businesses provide an estimated 43,000 jobs in the County, generating $2.2 billion in revenue and $76 million in indirect business taxes annually. 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 our families healthy is more important than ever before,” said Richard Castaniero, a community volunteer and local educator.

Feeding the Frontline: Feeding Our Farmworkers will be distributing fresh food boxes, fruit, and COVID-19 resource information this Saturday, May 16, 2020, 4pm-6pm at Rio Plaza School, 600 Simon Way, Oxnard.

To donate to Feeding the Frontline’s efforts, visit  https://www.gofundme.com/f/feeding-the-frontline-feeding-our-farmworkers.

Vagabond and Best Western turned into homeless shelters during Covid-19 crisis

One client per room, no visitors permitted.

Article and photos by Richard Lieberman

The iconic Vagabond Motel has been transformed into a high risk shelter for the homeless population, and it’s next door neighbor Best Western Motel have been contracted by Ventura County to serve as homeless shelter during the duration of the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.

Chain-link fencing surrounds the sites and entrances are blocked and guarded by armed security services. Tents have been installed in the parking lots for overflow. Signs at all the entrances warn “For the privacy and safety of our residents, this facility is closed to the media.” Another sign posted at all entrances warns residents of the rules they must follow “ One client per room, no visitors permitted, no profanity, no drug use, no alcohol use, no violence, no foul language, no loud noise.”

The Vagabond is owned by Vista Investments which has owned the property since 1997. “We are in it for the long run,” said Zack Cohen, Special Projects Director. Although it appears that once the emergency is over extensive repairs and refurbishment will be needed. “Likely the Vagabond will not be the same when it re-opens, but maybe just maybe it will come back stronger for generations yet to come,” added Cohen. The Vagabond Coffee Shop has remained shuttered for two years now and now it looks there will be an even longer wait for reopening if it ever occurs.

The County of Ventura and the California Department of Public Health has taken steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 virus among vulnerable populations in the county. The county secured housing options at the beginning of the emergency. Local motels in the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, and Newbury Park have been contracted to accommodate this population, including the Vagabond and Best Western both located on Thompson.

Transportation for “at risk” homeless individuals is being coordinated by the county. Medical care, and mental health care are being provided by various county agencies. The shelters are providing housing and care for those considered “high risk” homeless individuals 65+ years old and those having an underlying condition like heart disease, diabetes and other conditions putting those individuals in the “high- risk” category. Persons are medically evaluated before they are cleared for intake into one of the facilities.

“We are trying to place persons in a location near their home community when it is safe to do so,” said Tara Carruth, Program Manager with the Ventura Continuum of Care, and to commit to helping individuals reconnect with that community when it is safe to do so,” added Carruth.

The various county and city agencies have been able to place more than 255 people mostly in motels and continue to accept referrals for people that meet the high-risk category of 65+ years old and those with serious health conditions. Nonprofits throughout the region are providing food, showers, laundry and linkages to housing, shelter and motel placements.

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City of Ventura to allow limited access to parks and beaches

A limited amount of people and horses have beach access.

On Monday, April 20, 2020, the Ventura City Council unanimously voted to institute limited closures of Ventura’s beaches and parks. The City’s decision provides restricted access to its parks, beaches, the Promenade, and Pier in support of balancing residents’ physical and mental health while restricting non-essential activities.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere stated “We want to provide an opportunity for our community to enjoy our amazing resources in a socially-responsible manner while we continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Walking, hiking, jogging, running, or biking, is permitted as long as those engaging in these activities do not linger in any location. Sidewalks, walking paths, trails and tracks within all public parks are open for use as long as the public adheres to the social distancing requirements outlined in the “Stay Well at Home” order, set by the Ventura County Health Officer.

“We know the public desperately wants to bring their families to the beach or the park, but we’re not there yet,” said City Manager Alex McIntyre. “The limited closure access to City parks and beaches will continue as long as the public complies with social distancing rules and there are no group gatherings. Our intent is to provide community members with opportunities to enjoy healthy outdoor activities while continuing to maintain social and physical distancing. All parks have limited closures. We aren’t calling them “open”, we are staying consistent with the ordinance language, per CA’s office direction. To that end, people may use the parks for jogging, hiking, walking, running, but all playgrounds, courts, sport fields, parking lots, basketball courts, and restrooms are closed. Signs are up at each park reminding users what is allowed under a limited closure and that there is no laying down, sitting, or standing, it is active movement only.”

Playgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, restrooms, pools, courts, as well as sports and recreational fields will remain closed. Public gatherings, sitting, standing, fishing, or lingering on the sand will not be allowed. Limited access signage will be prominently posted around parks and beaches to remind the public to comply with physical distancing practices.

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.

The significance of Denim Day

“We are aiming for a bigger and better movement for sure next year.”

by Mira Reverente

A group of local women took to the streets on April 29th to highlight Denim Day, a worldwide movement that culminated in Italy, in 1992.

An 18-year-old girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor. She reported the crime and the man was convicted and sentenced. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming the sex was consensual. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction and released the man. The Supreme Court contended that since the girl was wearing very tight jeans, it was consensual sex since she had to have helped him take them off.

This became known in Italy as the “jeans alibi.” The movement became known later on as Denim Day all around the world, bringing awareness to rape and sexual assault.

“Tight jeans is not consensual sex,” says Kelly Zirbes, a local activist and band singer from Oxnard. Zirbes led the nine-mile walk on April 29th with six other women, hoping to bring awareness to the cause.

Behavioral therapist Laurie Singer was also around to lend support to Zirbes and the movement. “I’ve seen some lonely and housebound people especially since the start of the lockdown – people with disabilities, for one,” says Singer, who practices in Oxnard. “They may be helpless, disconnected from others, living with their abuser and accepting assault or violence as the new norms.”

Sometimes, medical professionals such as Singer who are mandated reporters, are their only meaningful connections. “I make house calls if I have to. I don’t like to see any type of abuse,” she says.

On the community level, Zirbes is heartened by how the movement has taken off on college campuses. She remembers various types of denim hanging from clotheslines on some college campuses, and hopes to see more of this type of enthusiasm and support.

She says, “I think that is where we will be the most effective because it’s that age group of young women who may be preyed upon.”

Catchy slogans and marching women are effective too. Singer says, “People were honking at us, reading our placards and giving encouragement during our walk.”

Some have no idea what Denim Day is. “There’s still lots to do on the grassroots level,” says Zirbes. “Awareness is key.”

In the past, fundraisers have been held. The recent lockdown has put a damper on any large-scale ambitions, but there’s still next year.

“We are aiming for a bigger and better movement for sure next year, and hopefully beyond Ventura too” says Zirbes. “We need to get the word out for our daughters’ sakes and all the women in the world who may find themselves in the same situation.”

Pedestrian killed

A pedestrian was hit and killed by a vehicle on Tuesday, April 28. The crash was reported at 5:47 p.m. by the driver of the vehicle, according to the Ventura Police Department.

The driver said the vehicle struck the pedestrian on Thille Street just north of Thille Neighborhood Park, police said. After calling 911 the driver started giving the pedestrian medical aid, authorities said.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Larry Kirby, 42, of Ventura. His cause of death was ruled as a blunt force head injury.

Officers, paramedics and firefighters responded to the scene and continued to provide the victim with medical treatment. The victim was taken to a hospital but died while being treated, police said.

Ventura County Board of Supervisors votes to contribute up to $855,000 to Food Share

Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to contribute up to $855,000 to Food Share over a three-month period. The money will come from county property tax dollars but that they expect to receive some reimbursement from the state and federal governments.

The money cannot be used to replace Food Share’s own spending on food. The funds can only be used for expanding services and supplies.

For more information, visit https://foodshare.com/.

Board of Education approves long range facilities master plan

More than $800 million in school construction projects have been identified in the Long Range Facilities Master Plan approved by the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education at its April 28, 2020 meeting. The plan overseen by Mrs. Betsy George, the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in conjunction with PBK Architects, has been an ongoing project since January 2019. The plan is expected to cover facility needs in the District over the next 10 to 15 years with some projects more than 15+ years out.

The projects include building improvement of school sites and grounds such as; roof repairs, flooring, painting, restrooms, heating and air conditioning, electrical, fire alarms, furniture, plumbing, drinking fountains, exterior lighting and security cameras, cafeteria renovations, and updated intercom/master clock system. Other projects call for renovations or new construction for STEM Centers, libraries, CTE Program areas, Science Labs, pools, Art, Music, Shop, and Special Education Program spaces.

The plan is the result of nine months of gathering input from a variety of stakeholder groups to ensure broad-based participation in the development of the document, as part of the Long Range Facility Master Planning (LRFMP) process. Input was garnered from a District focus group representing all departments, one-on-one meetings and site walks with each Principal, and a Community Leadership Committee (CLC) made up of parents, students, Board of Education members, civic leaders, city representatives, District Administration and VUSD employees. Additionally, two community forums and two special Board meetings were held where all were invited to provide input on facilities and project prioritization.  Based on this feedback, the educational specifications in the plan represent a vision for the transformation of VUSD’s schools to modern learning environments and hubs for the communities they serve. The plan was developed on six guiding principles: Student Learning, Innovation and Inspiration, Safety and Security, Indoor/Outdoor Spaces, Community Engagement, and Historical Perspective. 

The last time the District underwent a significant facility planning effort was in 1997. Much has changed since then. In 1997, computer labs and fixed computer stations were the norm. Students were expected to learn basic keyboard, programming, and application skills. In 2020, with wireless access and the trend toward a 1:1 a computer environment, the need for dedicated computer labs in schools has decreased significantly. 

The last time the District sought a bond was more than 20 years ago, in 1997 when voters approved Measure M.

The full facility master plan and additional information can be found at https://www.venturausd.org/business/BusinessServices/Long-RangeFacilitiesMasterPlan.aspx.

The District is made up of an early childhood education program, 26 elementary, middle, and high schools, with more than 16,000 school-age students, an adult education center, 2,000 staff, and a wealth of parents and community members whom all strive to help our children find their passion—academically and personally. For more information, visit www.venturausd.org or call 805-641-5000. 

CMHS emergency departments are open and they have clean laundries

Community Memorial Health System is grateful to everyone in the community for doing their part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus by staying home during this time, but now more than ever, CMHS wants people to know that it’s safe to seek care at Community Memorial Hospital and Ojai Valley Community Hospital. If you need care, don’t wait until your condition worsens.

“It’s important that patients not put off coming in to see us when they need care,” said Dr. Neil Canby, Emergency Department physician at Community Memorial Hospital. “We understand that people may be apprehensive to seek care during this time, but we have put a number of policies and procedures in place to protect the health and safety of everyone who enters our hospitals and emergency departments.”

Some of the enhanced policies CMHS has introduced to keep all patients safe, including non-COVID-19 patients, include:

Mandatory Coronavirus (COVID-19) screening for everyone who enters the Emergency Departments and hospital facilities, including patients, essential companions, physicians and staff.

Mandatory use of surgical masks for everyone in the Emergency Departments, regardless of their COVID-19 status.

Continued use of separate treatment areas for patients who present with COVID-19 symptoms and those who do not.

Continued use of separate waiting areas (including waiting in vehicles) and phone registration following appropriate screening, in order to minimize contact and maintain social distancing standards.

Continued use of enhanced sterilization and cleaning protocols of individual patient treatment rooms and entire Emergency Departments to ensure optimal cleanliness and minimize potential spread.

Continued restriction of visitors (one essential companion only) in the Emergency Departments and hospital facilities to limit potential exposures.

CMHS understands that people may be apprehensive to seek treatment during this uncertain time, but encourages people to rely on CMHS for the care the community has come to know and trust.

Community Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room is located at 147 N. Brent St. (805-652-5011) and the Ojai Valley Community Hospital ER is located at 1306 Maricopa Highway in Ojai (805) 646-1401.

Community Memorial Health System is the first on-premise laundry to achieve the Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification, an important recognition amid growing global concerns about infection control and an especially important achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The laundry department at Community Memorial Hospital and Ojai Valley Community Hospital provides hygienically clean linens, gowns, scrubs and other garments for all physicians, employees, and patients, helping to ensure a clean, safe environment at both hospitals and prevent the spread of illness.

Ventura County Fair Board votes to cancel 2020 Fair

The Ventura County Fairgrounds Board of Directors has voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 Ventura County Fair. The action comes amid unprecedented community stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines and was made to protect guests, vendors, staff and others during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Board considered ongoing guidance and updated information from State and County health care and government officials about the status of the coronavirus pandemic and the improbability that mass gatherings like the Ventura County Fair could safely and responsibly take place this summer.

“Every year thousands of happy faces come through the fair gates to enjoy the County’s most timeless tradition,” said Barbara Quaid, Fair CEO, “It is because of those smiling faces that we are completely comfortable with this decision. We are already looking forward to welcoming everybody back in 2021 when we will resume the 145thVentura County Fair. We encourage our Ventura County neighbors and friends to continue adhering to all public health guidelines so that we can all come together again in 2021.”

The 12 day Fair welcomes nearly 300,000 fairgoers each year and has an immeasurable economic impact to Ventura County.

“We are thankful to the healthcare workers and those who are on the front lines making extraordinary efforts to help others during this great time of need,” said Quaid, adding “ We are currently on standby to be utilized for emergency operations services at any time. We’ve partnered with Food Share to serve as a food distribution site and will continue looking for ways that we may serve the community.”

For more information and for updates regarding the fairgrounds please visit www.venturacountyfair.orgor call (805) 648-3376.

Earth Day 2020

Christy Weir stated “There has been no better time to think globally and act locally.”

by City Council Member Christy Weir

Fifty years ago, in 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson had witnessed the destruction from the Santa Barbara oil spill the previous year and was committed to raising public consciousness about air and water pollution. His partner in the bipartisan founding of Earth Day was Congressman Pete McCloskey, Republican from California. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans demonstrated at massive rallies for a healthy, sustainable environment. Having seen decades of toxic dumping, pesticides, loss of wilderness, deforestation, extinction of wildlife and polluting factories, they marched and protested across the country.

Overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans subsequently led to four years of landmark environmental legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act, Clean Air Act , Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

For many individuals, state and local governments and businesses, air pollution was accepted as a byproduct of prosperity. Then, because of the Clean Air Act regulations, vehicle emissions dramatically decreased, and clean, renewable sources became an economically feasible option for power generation. But despite clean air initiatives over the past 50 years, the burning of fossil fuel has increased by over 100% in the U.S., contributing to greenhouse gases and climate change. Coal-fired power plants which emit harmful chemicals, including mercury, lead and carbon monoxide, continue to foul the air. Ninety-five percent of the world population are exposed to concentrations of particulate matter which exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.

Deforestation negatively impacts our climate and air quality as well. About half of the forests in the eastern part of the United States were cut down for timber and farming from 1600-1900. Since 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has protected our forests, and cities across the nation have instituted tree-planting programs to improve air quality and provide shade and carbon sequestration in urban areas.

The Endangered Species Act has been instrumental in saving the bald eagle, humpback whale, grey wolf, and grizzly bear from extinction, in addition to protecting hundreds of other threatened species. However, biodiversity since 1970 has continued to decrease. Currently the total worldwide biomass of mammals is estimated to be 60% livestock, 36% human, and only 4% wild animals. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms, and habitat loss from climate change, mining, pollution and urban sprawl endangers thousands of species on our planet.

Since 1970, single use plastics have become ubiquitous as a part of our consumer-driven, “convenience” culture. Think about fifty years ago—no plastic bags, no plastic water bottles or coffee cup lids. The average American now generates about five pounds of trash per day and waste generation rates are rising around the world. Over the decades, cities started recycling programs, and plastic, paper and glass were collected and diverted from landfills, sold to be reused. Much was shipped to China, the biggest market for recyclables. But in 2018, burdened by too much waste, China essentially shut down their acceptance of plastics and most paper, forcing many cities to send all their trash to landfills. (EJ Harrison in Ventura County continues to have other markets for their recyclables.)

Over the past two months, air pollution has decreased by an estimated 50% worldwide. Children in cities which have been smothered in smog for decades are able to breathe clean, fresh air, and see clear blue skies.

On this Earth Day 2020, let’s envision and celebrate a future that is less wasteful, less toxic, more healthy and sustainable. We can all do our part by limiting consumption of products that contain palm oil, buying local produce, using less plastic, planting trees, walking and riding bikes more and driving less. There has been no better time to think globally and act locally.