Category Archives: News and Notes

2024 Ventura County Fair Totallylocal VC Craft Beer Garden

TotallyLocal VC is hosting the Craft Beer & Wine Garden at this year’s 2024 Ventura County Fair. The Ventura County Fair runs from July 31 – Aug 11. The Totally Local VC Craft Beer Garden is located in the Floriculture /Landscape area at the Fair Grounds, directly across from the Agricultural building.

Totally Local VC Kicks is also raising funds for our 2024/2025 Scholarship Fund again at this year’s Ventura County Fair. Brewers from throughout Ventura County have graciously donated funds to the scholarship program. Funds raised throughout the year and early 2025 will be used to create a scholarship fund for students who are pursuing an education and career in agriculture, culinary arts and or food science.

Scholarships recipients will be decided by our Ag Ed Committee and awarded July 2025. If you’re interested in finding out more or donating to the scholarship fund email [email protected] or visit TotallyLocalVC.com.

Participating Breweries and Distillery:

  • Topa Topa Brewing
  • Institution Ale
  • Ventura Coast brewing
  • Made West
  • Rincon Brewing
  • Island Brewing
  • Tarantula Brewing
  • Transmission Brewing
  • Bell Ringer
  • Anna’s Ciders
  • Enegren Brewing
  • And Ventura Spirits

Tractor Supply Company Foundation Donates $100,000 to National Police Dog Foundation to Support K9 Units Nationwide

The National Police Dog Foundation is honored to accept a $100,000 donation from Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation. This donation is part of the retailer’s launch of its Hometown Heroes program and its $1 million charitable contribution to organizations supporting military service members, veterans, and first responders.

“Tractor Supply’s longstanding support for those who serve our country and communities is rooted in our Mission and Values,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation. “We are so inspired by The National Police Dog Foundation’s meaningful work with law enforcement K9s. It’s an honor for us to contribute to the incredible impact The National Police Dog Foundation has had in our communities and across the nation.”

“This donation from the Tractor Supply Company Foundation is a significant contribution to the National Police Dog Foundation,” emphasized Judi Reilly, President of the National Police Dog Foundation. “This generosity ensures our K9 heroes receive the care and recognition they deserve, strengthening public safety and honoring their dedicated service.”

The National Police Dog Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds to purchase, train, and provide veterinary care for active and retired law enforcement K-9s. As an all-volunteer, non-profit foundation, they operate solely on donations to keep law enforcement K-9 partners safe and healthy. Donations also help replace K-9s who have fallen in the line of duty and support the annual National Police K-9 Memorial Service.

Your donation, no matter the size, can make a significant difference. Please support our Foundation by visiting www.NationalPoliceDogFoundation.org/donations. To learn more about The Tractor Supply Company Foundation, visit Corporate.TractorSupply.com/Foundation.

Community Memorial Earns National Award for High-Quality Stroke Care

Community Memorial Healthcare announced that its Ventura hospital has once again received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. This accreditation recognizes the hospital for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura earned the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for 2024 by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients over 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 enhancing recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

“Our physicians and staff are dedicated to continuous excellence in stroke and cardiovascular care,” said Mick Zdeblick, president and CEO of Community Memorial Healthcare. “This recognition from the American Heart Association underscores our commitment to not only meeting clinical standards but also implementing research-based best practices to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients following a stroke.”

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of adult disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, causing brain cells to die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines-Stroke was developed to help healthcare professionals provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines for treating stroke patients. Each year, program participants apply for award recognition by demonstrating their commitment to providing quality care for stroke patients.

Community Memorial also received two additional awards: the Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and the Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll for 2024. These national recognitions are awarded to hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines program that meet high performance criteria for the speed of treatment for stroke patients and ensure that patients with Type 2 diabetes who may be at higher risk for complications receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

California Government & Disability Summit in Ventura in September

by Carol Leish, MA

This summit, which will help to build bridges and break down barriers to many topics in the realm of disability awareness, will take place between September 24 – 27, 2024, at the Crown Plaza, Ventura Beach. “Attending the conference will give a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from representatives from various levels of government (city; county, and state), non-profits and companies throughout California who want to be able to explore innovative solutions by addressing access barriers across various aspects of life,” according to, Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager for the County of Ventura. “As we get closer to the summit, I am getting more eager to see the light bulb moments, and new networking and connection opportunities leading to growth in California’s Disability Access space.”

The keynote speaker will be Rebecca Cokley, the first U.S. Program Officer for Disability Rights at the Ford Foundation. She is also a three-time Presidential Appointee under the Obama Administration. She served as the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the White House, where she oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts.

The summit will cover several topics dealing with partnerships, public safety, and disability/emergency preparedness. These break-out session will be: 1) Exploring Public/Private Partnerships; 2) Public Safety Power Shutoff Customer Support & Outreach; 3) Emergency Management; 4) Emergency Preparedness for Caregivers and Consumers-Learn what to do before, during and after an emergency; 5) Emergency Preparedness and the Americans with Disability Act, a Utility Perspective; and, 6) Disability Preparedness Focusing on those with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

The summit will also cover areas dealing with education, representation, transportation, inclusion, accessibility, building community resilience, accessible voting, access within the criminal justice system, and dealing with a crisis. These break-out sessions will be: 1) Education, Accommodation, Advocacy and Employment; 2) How to Intentionally Increase Disability Representation in the Systems that Impact the Community; 3) Access for all, and Micro-Transit-Increasing Accessible Transportation Options; 4) Partnership, Allyship, and Increasing Inclusion Practices; 5) Ready Accessible, Resilient: Building Stronger Communities; 6) Demystifying Disability Access and the American with Disabilities Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan Process; 7) Creating an Accessible Voting Experience for Voters who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing; 8) Equal Access within the Criminal Justice System; and, 9) What are Crisis Intervention Teams and why do we need to be aware of them?

This summit will foster collaboration towards more accessible communities. It will also empower individuals with disabilities to share their experiences to educate others. This will be possible through championing accessibility at the government level. Attitudes will also change with more awareness being made possible.

“Be a part of this event that will aim to begin new ideas to share the future of access in California and beyond (United States). The event will be helping many to be able to move towards an accessible tomorrow together through building bridges and breaking barriers,” according to Anderson. To register for the event, to get on the email list to stay informed on the latest updates; and, for more information, please visit: www.govdisabilitysummit.org; or, contact Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager, for the County of Ventura at: [email protected].

Ventura Fire Department Hosts 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

The Ventura Fire Department, in collaboration with the Ventura Fire Foundation, invites local first responders and community members to participate in a Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at 9 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza, located at 450 E. Harbor Blvd.

This event commemorates a 110-story climb, mirroring the height of the World Trade Center towers, as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who responded to the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The stair climb accommodates participants of all fitness levels, allowing each individual to honor the fallen heroes at their own pace.

“More than two decades later, the memories of Sept. 11 still resonate deeply within us,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “We honor the courage of the first responders who selflessly plunged into chaos, and we mourn the heroes who paid the ultimate price. This memorial stair climb rekindles the spirit that binds us together and shows our local support.”

With space limited to 150 climbers, interested participants are encouraged to register early at VenturaFireFoundation.org. Donations and spectators are welcome for residents who prefer to support from the sidelines.

“In 2023, 95 climbers and countless spectators came together, raising over $15,000. This year, we hope to surpass that amount, further enhancing wellness programs for our local firefighters and their families,” said Peter McKenzie, president of the Ventura Fire Foundation. “The funds raised contribute to our educational podcast series, webinars, and other wellness-focused initiatives.”

By supporting the Ventura Fire Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of firefighters and their families, the Ventura Fire Department demonstrates its commitment to the cause.

For more information about the Ventura Fire Foundation, or to donate, volunteer, or register for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, visit VenturaFireFoundation.org.

The 2024 Commemorative Poster Contest theme is: FAIR-EVER YOUNG.

From left to right: Fair Poster Winners: Laura Jespersen, Terence Ulrich, Chris Forde, Stephanie Garcia, Zamara Huerta and Mayla Genovese. Photo by by Patricia Schallert.

by Patricia Schallert

The 2024 Commemorative and Youth Poster Contests, commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Ventura County Fair, were recently launched by the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center. The winners in both the Youth and Adult Commemorative categories were celebrated on July 12.

Open to residents of Ventura County in grades 5 to 12, the Youth contest centered around the theme “Fair-ever Young.” Submissions were accepted until April 15, with judging criteria focusing on theme interpretation, originality, composition, and artistic skill. Megan Hook, the media director of the Ventura Fairgrounds, “praised the community’s artistic talents and imaginative interpretations.” This year saw a record-breaking 340 entries, a significant increase from the previous year’s count of under 75 entries in 2023, showcasing the community’s vibrant creativity.

The Commemorative poster contest was open to individuals aged 18 and above, with a $20 entry fee. Winners of the contest will be featured at the upcoming Ventura County Fair, scheduled to run from July 31 to August 11, 2024. Cash prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500 were awarded to the top three entries, with Christopher Forde earning first place, Terence Ulrich securing second place, and Laura Jespersen taking third place.

In addition to the Commemorative poster contest, congratulations were also extended to the talented winners in the Youth category! Stephanie Garcia clinched first place, Zanara Huerta attained second place, and Maya Genovese achieved third place, representing grades 5 to 12.

Seventeen-year-old Stephanie Garcia, an aspiring artist, utilized watercolors as her chosen medium for her prize-winning poster. She cited her art teacher and family as major sources of inspiration during the creation process, drawing from the joyful memories of attending the fair with her loved ones. Stephanie aimed to capture the essence of fun and family bonding through her artwork, which seamlessly combined watercolors and digital art techniques.

On the other hand, Christopher Forbes, the talented winner of the Commemorative poster category, drew inspiration from his favorite fair rides and the sight of seniors relishing their time at the fairgrounds. Opting for colored pencils to bring his vision to life, Christopher sought to depict the sheer joy and excitement experienced by seniors as they immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere of the fair.

Youth Poster Contest

  • 1st Place – Stephanie Garcia, 17 years old
  • 2nd Place – Zamara Huerta, 17 years old
  • 3rd Place – Mayla Genovese, 11 years old

Number of entries: 345

Commemorative Poster Contest

  • 1st Place – Christopher Forde
  • 2nd Place – Terence Ulrich
  • 3rd Place – Laura Jespersen

Number of entries: 42

Judging panel (for both contests) included:

  • City of Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder
  • Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler
  • Ventura County Fire Department Chief Dustin Gardner
  • Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Sheriff Andrew Salinas
  • Carley Logue, Carbar Designs
  • Cynthia Frutos, Director Ventura Office of Education
  • Dean Kato, California Strawberry Festival Chair
  • Greg Wray, Rotary Club of Ventura & retired Master Illustrator for Disney
  • Betsy Chess, 31st District Agricultural Association Board member
  • Chris Dryden, Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation trustee
  • Will Pidduck, Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation trustee
  • Jim Naylor, Owner of the Jim Naylor (Ventura) Raceway

Ventura Girls Fastpitch 8U Southern California State Champs

Front row left to right; Aiyana Kohler, Ellie Vonburger, Alana Barlow, Brooklyn Sheff, Korie Mulhall and Madisyn Taminich. Second row left to right; Camilla Duran , Kylee Martinez, Mallory Van, Morgan Scarlett and Natalia Hernandez. Coaches standing back row left to right; Dustin Mulhall, Geno Taminich, Jeremy Scarlett and Robert Hernandez.

Over the July 4th weekend, the 8U Ventura Girls Fastpitch All Star Softball team competed in the Southern California State Championships. The tournament took place in Lancaster, California, in 113-degree weather. There was a lot of controversy about the tournament continuing (155 teams competed), which included news coverage on CBS!

The Ventura 8u Gold team went undefeated, 6-0, and took 1st to become the 2024 Southern California State Champions. With a record of 29-4 to date they headed to regionals in San Diego last weekend. To learn more

Ventura Community Councils

Reasons to get involved with your Neighborhood Community Council:

  1. Connect with your neighbors
  2. Learn what’s happening in your area
  3. Get updates and information from City staff
  4. Participate in projects that make a difference in your neighborhood

College Area Community Council:
https://caccventura.com

Downtown Ventura Community Council:
https://downtownventura.org

East Ventura Community Council:
https://eastventura.org

Connecting Communities
The City of Ventura’s Eastside Neighborhood Greenway Project proposes an Active Transportation initiative spanning south of Highway 126, extending from Ventura Community Park at Kimball Road to the gateway of unincorporated Saticoy at Wells Road. This project aims to enhance connectivity along Thille St, Medford St, Waco St, and Darling Rd.

Improving Accessibility

The proposed improvements link residents to vital destinations, including local job hubs, educational institutions such as Citrus Glen Elementary, ATLAS School, and Sacred Heart K-8, and essential amenities like grocery stores. Furthermore, the project aims to facilitate access to recreational areas such as Ventura Community Park, Chumash Park, and the Huntsinger Sports Complex.

How can you help?

This project is a grant application for the Caltrans ATP Cycle 7 Program which would provide all project funding with no City matching funds. To support the grant application and future development of the Eastside Neighborhood Greenway, we invite you to take the project survey

Promoting Active Transportation

Active transportation encompasses human-powered modes of travel such as walking, wheelchair rolling, biking, scootering, and skateboarding. It is a cornerstone of our transportation system, fostering personal health benefits, reducing carbon emissions, and offering enjoyable, affordable, and efficient travel options for all.

Creating Neighborhood Greenways

Neighborhood greenways are characterized by low-traffic, low-speed streets prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and rollers. Utilizing various enhancements such as speed humps and mini traffic circles, these greenways cultivate a serene environment conducive to walking, cycling, and rolling by mitigating vehicle speeds and deterring traffic.

A Step Towards Sustainable Mobility

This project aligns with the broader Ventura Active Transportation Plan (ATP) adopted in January 2024, which serves as a strategic framework for implementing priority projects and programs. By enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, the Ventura ATP aims to make walking, bicycling, and transit attractive for residents, workers, and visitors.

For more information about the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and other priority projects, visit cityofventura.org

Midtown Community Council
https://www.midtownventura.org/

Pierpont Bay Community Council:
https://pierpontcouncil.org
Meeting times: 7PM, Ventura County Credit Union, 2575 Vista Del Mar Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, 7:00 PM Pacific. Meetings will also be live on zoom – see website.

  • Thursday, September 19, 2024
  • Thursday, November 21, 2024
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025
  • Thursday, March 20, 2025
  • Thursday, May 15, 2025

Montalvo Community Council:
https://montalvocc.wordpress.com/

Westside Community Council:
www.westsidecommunitycouncil.org
Meetings: First Wednesday of every month. Bell Arts Factory – Community Room, 432 N. Ventura #101, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

Heat Is on for Summer Blood Donations to Prevent Shortage

Blood Supply is Low

Vitalant thanking donors with a free ticket to the Ventura County Fair

Nonprofit Vitalant is teaming up with the Ventura County Fair to urge all eligible volunteer blood donors to help prevent a summer shortage by giving blood.

Vitalant will be holding a three-day blood drive at the Ventura County Fairgrounds August 1, 2 and 3, where all donors will receive one free ticket to the fair.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency and O-positive can help any patient with a positive blood type.

Donate at the Ventura County Fairgrounds:

  • Date: August 1, 2 and 3
  • Location: Ventura County Fairgounds
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

“Summer is a difficult time to collect blood,” said Vitalant Regional Director, Susan Noone. “Vitalant is grateful to have partners like the Ventura County Fair lending its support to encourage blood donations during this critical time of year.”

Full summer calendars and holiday plans may prevent regular donors from being able to give. Additionally, school is out preventing campus blood drives. Students account for a significant percentage of donated blood.

Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).