Category Archives: News and Notes

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.

Aera Energy aids Ventura County nonprofits amid pandemic’s economic toll

As the nation reels from the economic crash of the COVID-19 lockdown, Aera Energy is supporting local communities in significant ways.

Since late March, Aera has donated $355,000 to mid-California nonprofits hit hard by increased calls for community help. These have come as California’s coronavirus restrictions close businesses and schools and force major job losses.

Aera’s financial donations have gone to COVID-19 relief funds in areas where the longtime oil and gas producer operates, including Kern, Monterey, Fresno and Ventura counties. Aera is Ventura County’s largest onshore oil producer.

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) was an early recipient. One of the first major companies to step forward last month, Aera donated $50,000 to the Camarillo-based nonprofit. VCCF directed the donation to its Rapid Response Fund and created a community challenge to generate additional contributions to address the COVID-19 crisis. A strong response enabled VCCF to provide more than $500,000 directly to its nonprofit partners by April 9 to help them provide food, housing and other assistance to the community.

“The Ventura community benefitted quickly and immediately from the monies the Foundation was able to disburse to those in need,” said Michele Newell, Aera’s public affairs representative in Ventura.

Other Ventura area organizations receiving Aera donations include:

Westpark Community Center on Ventura’s Westside. Aera has provided the nonprofit with more than 500 reusable shopping bags. These are expediting food distributions and promoting safe delivery by enhancing social distancing.

Health Care Foundation of Ventura County’s “Gown Brigade.” Aera delivered a supply of industrial trash bags in mid-April to Ventura County Medical Center for the Gown Brigade to use the bags to fabricate much-needed isolation gowns. These will help protect healthcare workers on the front lines.

Gas cards for local hospital staff. Through Western States Petroleum Association, Aera and other members provided 22 $50 Visa gift cards to help local hospital staff with expenses and show appreciation for their ongoing efforts.

Aera’s crisis support comes as the oil and gas producer deals with its own COVID-19 impacts. More than a month ago, Aera moved more than 800 employees to home offices to work remotely. Its crisis management response team continues to meet daily to address employee needs and support field operations amid historically low oil prices.

“At our field locations, Aera employees are essential workers,” Newell said. “We have taken steps to ensure their safety through social distancing, additional protective equipment such as masks and face shields, daily symptom checks and more. We are continuing to safely and responsibly produce the energy that fuels California.

 

Gold Coast Recycling to reopen its Buy-Back Facility

The Buy-Back Center at Gold Coast Recycling reopened on Monday April 20; hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Located at 5275 Colt St. in Ventura, the Buy-Back Center has been closed for the past month, to protect the safety of customers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. All residential and commercial recycling services, provided by E.J. Harrison & Sons through Gold Coast, have continued uninterrupted.

In reopening, the buy-back facility requires all customers to wear gloves and masks for items to be accepted, and all recyclables must be bagged and separated into categories of plastic, aluminum and glass. Items not separated will not be accepted.

Gold Coast Recycling remains one of the few recycling centers still fully operational in Southern California. For additional information, call 805-642-9236.

Ventura County Library continues to provide services

Ventura County Library continues to provide services during the COVID-19 emergency while staff and customers are sheltering at home. Many library services continue to be available.

eBooks and eAudiobooks are available in our CloudLibrary collection at: https://ebook.yourcloudlibrary.com/library/venturacountylibrary/Featured. Ventura County Library has recently dedicated extra funds to this collection to aid our customers during the County’s Stay Well at Home order.

eLibrary online resources at https://www.vencolibrary.org/elibrary including streaming music and movies, reference resources, newspapers, language learning, and literacy resources.

Don’t have a card? Check our Get a Library card page [https://bit.ly/VCLcard] to get a temporary number.

Due to the local COVID-19 emergency all Ventura County Library branches have closed and all programs and events canceled.

During this time, due dates for borrowed materials are being automatically extended, with no late fines assessed. Once the library reopens, customers may return materials. Until then, customers are asked to enjoy the items at home. Book drops are locked during our closure.

Placing holds is suspended and we encourage customers to keep lists of items and place holds once we reopen. The holds queue for materials is also paused, and when we reopen customers will have one week to pick up held items.

Ventura County Library is in constant communication with other departments, local officials, and health authorities. Stay updated on the latest regional developments of COVID-19 at https://www.vcemergency.com.

Looking to save money on your prescriptions at your local Rx pharmacy?

by Krisna Garcia

With prices constantly rising and insurance coverage seemingly getting worse and more expensive by the day, the better question might be, who isn’t? Whether you’ve just been prescribed a new medication and you’re not sure of the costs or you depend on an expensive medication to treat a chronic health condition, trips to your Rx pharmacy can be stressful. About  41 percent of all Americans take at least one prescription medication, while 17 percent take three or more prescription medications. If you’re wondering how to find health savings for prescriptions, there are several options you can try regardless of your insured status.

Request the Generic Version

If your medication has a generic version, you can easily save money by requesting that your doctor prescribe you the generic form of the drug instead of the brand name medication. If you’re concerned about quality, don’t be – generic medications undergo the same rigorous testing by the FDA as brand name medications do prior to being sold. The main difference between brand name and generic medications lies in the inactive ingredients (ingredients that do not affect treatment) used in the manufacturing of the drug. Inactive ingredients may affect cosmetic details like color, shape, and size of the medication, so the generic version of a drug does not necessarily resemble the brand name version. The active ingredients used in both medications are the same, so your treatment will not suffer, but you will save money.

Insurance Programs

Although about 80 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, if you are one of the lucky few who has good health insurance coverage, your medication may be covered by your insurance, especially if it is generic. Regardless of how good your insurance is, most insurances have some drugs that they will not cover, so you may not get the best price when processing your prescription through your insurance. Patients should ask for the cash price, look for coupons, research patient assistance programs, or purchase the drug with a local pharmacy discount card, as you may be able to save even more than when purchasing the drug through insurance.

Regardless of your insured status, Rx pharmacy discount cards offer patients the opportunity to save big on all prescription medications approved by the FDA. Pharmacy discount card companies negotiate directly with the drug companies to provide lower rates for patients, helping guarantee the best rate. Because pharmacy discount cards can be used on all FDA-approved medications, including those that are brand name or not covered by insurance, patients with insurance may find that they receive a lower price when using a pharmacy discount card as compared to processing through their insurance. There is no cost associated with pharmacy discount cards.

While you’re not likely to find coupons or rebates for generic medications, some manufactures do offer coupons or reduced copays on the brand name form of the medication. Ask your doctor during your visit if they are aware of any existing discounts or coupon codes that may be available, as some offers are only available upon receipt of a sample from your physician. Other coupons may be offered online.

Patient Assistance Programs

Some manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to low income, uninsured, or underinsured people who meet certain criteria. Patients who are eligible for patient assistance programs receive their medications for free or at a low cost. However, these programs are not available to everyone. Individuals who are covered by Medicare and/or Medicaid are typically not eligible for these programs, as are some patients with commercial insurance. To identify patient assistance programs that may apply to you, check the website for your medication.

Vagabond and Best Western Turned into Homeless Shelters During Covid-19 Crisis

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 the city 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.” Currently 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 reopens, 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 or more 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 Main Street, Ventura. 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.

.

App provides live updates about any bus in Ventura County

Transit operators in Ventura County are joining together to launch the GOVCbus app. The app allows passengers to plan a trip, find their nearest stop and look up estimated arrival times and other real-time information from any handheld device or desktop browser. Camarillo Area Transit, Gold Coast Transit Distict (GCTD), Kanan Shuttle, Moorpark City Transit, Ojai Trolley, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit, Valley Express and VCTC Intercity Transit are all participating in the new system.

For years VCTC has provided passengers the ability to look up information online or view arrival times at major bus stops. With the new system, VCTC is expanding this service to every bus stop in the County. In addition, the GOVCbus app will include a trip planner and personalized real-time itineraries for Ventura County’s riders.

“The new system expands the location where real-time information will be available, and through the GOVCbus app riders will be able to use one common tool to plan their trip and get up-to-the-minute information on any bus anywhere in Ventura County,” said Darren Kettle, VCTC’s Executive Director. “ The new app is an important step toward creating a better and more seamless customer experience for bus riders in our region and improving on-time performance and connections for every operator in the County.

Riders can use the GOVCbus app or visit GOVCbus.com to view an interactive map showing the location of any bus and its next scheduled arrival at any stop in the County, get information about fares, check for service alerts and status updates, and obtain general information about each system. Riders can also send a text with their specific bus stop numbers to receive estimated arrival times and notifications about the stop via text message.

“We look forward to being part of a countywide information platform via one app, GOVCbus, allowing our passengers more ease in accessing information about all transit systems in the County,” said Steve Brown, GCTD General Manager. “Improving the customer experience is a top priority for GCTD.”

Over 140 buses, across nine transit agencies are equipped with the system. This includes Thousand Oaks Transit, Simi Valley Transit, Kanan Shuttle, Ojai Trolley, Moorpark City Transit, Valley Express, Camarillo Area Transit, VCTC Intercity, and now GCTD.

Passengers can learn more at GOVCbus.com or by calling (800) 438-1112.

From Steve Bennett

Steve Bennett “The outpouring of generosity in our community has been inspiring.”

Dear fellow Ventura County residents

Today, we stand on the verge of a monumental challenge. Will we as a community effectively implement the Stay Well at Home order? Will we keep our local hospitals from becoming overloaded? Will our collective efforts be relentless enough to save the lives of many of our family members and/or neighbors?

Our medical care providers and essential service workers courageously stand on the front lines and deserve our utmost support. We need to honor their efforts by decreasing the risks they are taking every day. We do that by doing all we can to slow the spread of this virus.

Each of us needs to put the health of our community ahead of our own comfort and desires.

Some of us must do better at following the Stay Well at Home order, and all of us must avoid letting our guard down early. That could reverse the benefits of our sacrifices to date right when we are at a critical stage in this battle.

This is our time to shine and readily make our personal sacrifices, show extra kindness to each other, help where we safely can, and overall make our maximum individual contribution to this great community struggle.

County government has worked hard with federal, state, and other local governments as well as many non-profit organizations to respond to the crisis. County resources are being used to meet the challenge as we procure supplies and materials, assist the most vulnerable, and improve our medical capabilities. You can visit vcemergency.com for overall information and guidance.

Our public and private health care providers are heroically dealing directly with contagious COVID-19 patients. They are ramping up their care capabilities with speed and ingenuity. Nevertheless, their ability to absorb seriously ill patients is not unlimited. We must each do our part to slow the spread and avoid overwhelming our health care system. If that happens, we will face needless deaths in Ventura County.

The outpouring of generosity in our community has been inspiring and heartwarming. People are donating from their own supplies of protective equipment and making generous financial contributions. College students are organizing online tutoring and volunteers are delivering food to homebound seniors. There is help and kindness pouring forth in Ventura County.

Anne Frank and 7 others hid in a 450 square foot attic for 761 days. We can do this folks!

Thank you,

Steve Bennett Ventura County Supervisor

Community Memorial Health System seeks donations of COVID-19 medical supplies

As Community Memorial Health System prepares for the challenges treating a growing number of patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19), increasing demands on the health system may eventually lead to shortages of supplies and important personal protective equipment needed to protect patients, physicians, and staff. Based on current supply, projected usage, and market demand and supply availability, Community Memorial Hospital anticipates it may face supply shortages of protective masks, protective gowns, face shields, and medical goggles.

For those who would like to donate to Community Memorial Health System, CMHS is accepting donations of the following items only: face and/or eye shields (single use or non-disposable), N95 masks, N99 masks, P95 masks, Standard Procedure masks, isolation gowns, Standard Procedure gowns, coveralls, respirator hoods or hazmat hoods, and reusable P100/N95 respirators and cartridges/filters.

CMHS is not accepting cloth masks. Supplies in original, unopened packaging are particularly useful and appreciated.

The CMHS Donation Drop-Off Center opened on Wednesday, March 25, at the park in front of the new Community Memorial Hospital. Please look for the white tent adjacent to the grass area to bring your donations. Community Memorial Hospital is located at 147 N. Brent Street.

The Donation Drop-Off Center will be open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CMHS appreciates the support of the individuals and organizations who have reached out wanting to support CMHS with donations of medical supplies.

For more information and updates on Coronavirus at Community Memorial Health System, visit cmhshealth.org.

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.

 

Vista del Mar Hospital is serving the community

Coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings to all hospital visitors and staff.

Vista del Mar Hospital is using technology to support its Outpatient Services (OPS) programming during the stay-at-home restrictions to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Since Governor Newsom mandated California residents to stay home, followed by a similar order from the County of Ventura, Vista del Mar’s OPS has made the move to provide Telehealth Services.

Psychiatrists and nurses are able to meet with patients individually, with weekly in-person check-ins scheduled to adhere to social distancing protocols. Technology and creativity allow patients and therapists to stay connected. Care packages with individualized messages and art supplies for expressive therapy has been sent to each patient.

Vista del Mar Hospital uses Zoom, a technology that unifies secure video conferencing, web meetings and group collaboration. Vista’s program curriculum has been uploaded so that patients can see their therapist and the curriculum side by side. In addition,

Vista del Mar Hospital has partnered with the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing Department to provide Coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings to all hospital visitors and staff.

“We are thrilled to have student nurses helping the hospital to ensure that all individuals coming to our campus are screened following the CDC-recommended screening process,” said Jenifer Nyhuis, Vista del Mar’s CEO. Student nurses are conducting COVID-19 screenings from 7 am to 7 pm of all incoming persons to the hospital. After each student nurse is screened themselves, they then screen incoming persons. This includes reading temperatures, completing a Coronavirus questionnaire, logging anyone with a temperature of 100.4 and over, and providing instructions.

According to Dr. Lynette Landry, PhD/RN and Chair of the Nursing Department, the partnership has been a great opportunity for the university’s nursing students to take an active role in decreasing the spread of the virus. “We are very grateful for the opportunity to help VDM and our community as we navigate this crisis. Students are learning the importance of civic engagement and the ethical/moral responsibilities of a nurse to provide comfort and care to the community particularly in a time of crisis.”

Vista del Mar Hospital and CSUCI worked together to create procedures and implement them. “The speed, professionalism, and competency of the CSUCI nursing leadership has been beyond expectations. I am looking forward to future collaboration in coming months and years,” added Nyhuis.

CSUCI’s Nursing Department will be providing COVID-19 screenings at Vista del Mar through May 2020.
normally be able to, like something special in their room or a pet. We have also found a creative way to continue our expressive therapy sessions, as it can prove beneficial for patients to freely express themselves. This not only reduces anxiety and stress, but it promotes problem solving skills and leads to positive feelings such as pride and accomplishment.”