Category Archives: News and Notes

Rapid Response Fund for Ventura County in Response to COVID-19

The Ventura County Community Foundation, in coordination with the County of Ventura, Amgen Foundation, Southeast Ventura County YMCA, Give An Hour, and the Economic Development Collaborative, has launched a Rapid Response Fund for Ventura County to support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of individuals and families with food and housing support, childcare, wage replacement, mental health care, and more.

While public health officials are working diligently to prepare for and respond to COVID-19, VCCF’s Rapid Response Fund makes financial support available to those organizations experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, and to enable these organizations to maintain and increase services.

“We appreciate the swift response of the Ventura County Community Foundation in responding to the needs of our community members, especially the most vulnerable, during this time of emergency. We will continue to mobilize county resources, coordinate with agencies and partners and raise awareness about how we can all work together to take action, support one another and be prepared. During difficult times, it is wonderful to have so many community partners throughout our County who continue to give in profound and generous ways. Recent emergencies in our region have demonstrated our resiliency and strength of community. As this situation continues to evolve, the Rapid Response Fund will be powerful in meeting the needs of so many,” said County CEO, Mike Powers.

VCCF is honored to partner with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA who will be providing immediate financial assistance to those in need. For more information, please contact Megan Glynn at (805) 497-3081, ext. 1008.

“The Southeast Ventura County YMCA understands the impact across our region will be vast,” said Ronnie Stone, President/CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “We are honored to work closely with the Ventura County Community Foundation to provide financial assistance and support during these difficult times,” said Stone.

“As the challenges associated with COVID-19 continue to evolve, we are committed to supporting our neighbors, colleagues, friends and communities,” said Eduardo Cetlin, president, Amgen Foundation. “Thank you to the Ventura County Community Foundation for initiating this Rapid Response Fund, which will be critical as Ventura County’s nonprofit organizations work to address the needs of those impacted by the virus.”

“Give an Hour is proud to partner once again with Ventura County Community Foundation to support the mental health and emotional wellness needs of our community as it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kirsti Thompson, Director of Operations for Give an Hour California. “We encourage all to pay attention to your emotional wellness through this stressful time.”

To support the Rapid Response Fund, VCCF welcomes financial contributions from individuals, organizations, companies, and institutions. Donations can be made at VCCF.org.

VCCF will not take any administrative fees from this fund, 100% of donations will be awarded based on the criteria of the fund.

For more information, visit vccf.org or contact Vanessa Bechtel at 805-330-6676 or [email protected].

Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation builds philanthropy in the region by stewarding legacies through careful management of charitable capital. The foundation honors donor intent by protecting endowments. The nonprofit specializes in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. The organization also serves the community through scholarships, grantmaking, and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.vccf.org.

City of Ventura selects new Chief of Police

Darin Schindler to lead the department.

After a two-month search, Ventura City Manager Alex D. McIntyre has selected Ventura Assistant Police Chief Darin Schindler to lead the department following the retirement of Chief Ken Corney who has held the position since 2009.

Darin was born and raised in Ventura County and has called the City of Ventura, and the Ventura Police Department, home for the past 25 years. He began his career with the Port Hueneme Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in 1989 and was hired as a full-time police officer in 1990. He then joined the Ventura Police Department in 1995 and has worked in various ranks and assignments, including the Assistant Chief of Police, for the last five years. Darin holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration.

Darin told the Breeze “As Ventura Police Department’s next Chief of Police, I am committed to proactive and innovative policing strategies while continuing to enhance our community responsiveness, collaboration, and problem solving efforts. I am proud of the amazing work done every day by the men and women of our Department and am grateful for this exciting opportunity.”

“Darin Schindler has been a strong leader in the Ventura Police Department for many years, and I am excited to see him take over as our next Police Chief” said Mayor Matt LaVere. “Although Chief Corney leaves behind very big shoes to fill, there is no one I trust more than Darin to lead the department and continue our mission of building a safe and prosperous Ventura.”

City Manager McIntyre said, “Darin has a solid reputation locally as a progressive and transformational leader. He will build a team of professionals to continue to serve and protect our community. I know he can lead the department through whatever challenges lie ahead.” Darin will start his new position on April 4, 2020.

Ventura’s latest public art piece celebrated

The project features the lives of Tortilla Flats residents.

by Marie Lakin

The dedication of the new Tortilla Flats Legacy Mural drew a large crowd to the Museum of Ventura County on Sunday, March 1, for a look at Ventura’s latest public art piece.

The project features the lives of Tortilla Flats residents displaced when the 101 Freeway was built through the west end of Ventura in the 1950s. It was painted on the historic 1903 Building on the corner of W. Main St. and Ventura Ave. The building used to house Feraud’s Grocery, and was for years the home to painted advertising art. The Addison family now owns the building and was happy to provide the “canvas” for the new mural.

It is the latest project by artist MB Hanrahan and Moses Mora and was based entirely on old photographs. It depicts the everyday lives of residents in colorful detail, including working in packing plants, picking fruit, cutting hair and getting married. It features 11 panels with a map and explanatory information about the images. Visitors to the mural enjoy finding their family members and friends on the panels.

The funding was put together by the nonprofit ArtsVentura, which has been the fiscal sponsor for many cultural projects in Ventura, including ArtWalk. It includes the names of all donors to the project, both large and small. Donations ranged from $25 to $1,500 for an entire panel. 

For more information, email [email protected].

Public health urges preparedness for social distancing

In the face of a significant increase in the numbers of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in mainland China and other Countries, many Ventura County residents are understandably worried and fearful. The Ventura County Department of Public Health (Public Health), out of an abundance of caution, is seeking to solidify the County’s readiness should the COVID-19 virus be found here or in a nearby county.

Public Health is urging agencies, businesses, school districts, organizations and health care providers throughout the County to develop and/or update a plan for social distancing.  “These groups are being asked to accomplish this within 24 to 48 hours,” said Dr. Robert Levin, Health Officer.  “The discovery of community transmission elsewhere in the State makes me feel that COVID-19 could arrive in our County at any time and we want to be prepared.”

Community transmission means person-to-person spread.  “Our first level of protection comes from the quarantine and isolation of certain individuals,” said Dr. Levin.  Levin stressed that these plans will not be put into effect immediately. ” Social distancing means lessening contact between individuals throughout the County.  Businesses, for instance, would review their staffing and identify workers who could work from home.

A population that is at particular risk from the COVID-19 is the elderly.  Extended Care Facilities are being asked to write or update their plans for protecting their residents from interaction with those from outside their place of residence.

While children seem to be faring better than other groups with COVID-19, schools have made significant advances in their planning for possible temporary closure.

Primary care medical sites are being asked to implement plans to communicate with patients via Skype, FaceTime and over the phone.  Many patient visits can be dealt with distantly thus avoiding crowding of clinics and the resulting increased risk of close contact which might further spread COVID-19.

There is little evidence that pregnant women are at particularly increased risk from this virus, but special care should still be taken to decrease their social contacts.

Gatherings such as regular religious services might consider live streaming their service so that congregants can view the service from home, or they may consider modifying their service so that there can be at least two spaces between each congregant.

Above all, people who are starting to feel ill or who are ill, should stay away from others and not go into crowded settings.

People should continue to practice the same habits they perform to prevent themselves from getting the flu. They should wash their hands frequently, elbow or fist bump one another instead of shaking hands or hugging, sneeze or cough into the crook of their elbow and maintain a six foot or greater distance between themselves and anyone who looks ill. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season. The only two needs for face masks are the wearing of a surgical mask if you are ill and going out in public, such as going to the doctor’s office or if you are a health care worker, wearing an N95 mask when you ae interacting with patients.

Preparedness information and up to date information about the situation in the County of Ventura can be found at www.vcemergency.com. Updates will also continue to be provided on County of Ventura social media Facebook: @countyofventura, Twitter: @CountyVentura, Nextdoor @CountyofVentura, Instagram: @ventura_county_news.

For the most up to date information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus on the national level, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Plastic Free Ventura campaign started in the summer of 2018

by Laura Oergel

The Ventura County chapter of the Surfrider Foundation started the Plastic Free Ventura campaign in the summer of 2018. Led by core volunteer Juli Marciel, she reviewed 120 examples of current single use plastic reduction ordinances in the state of California, ending up writing the draft proposal in the fall of 2018. Juli and her campaign team have documented the dangers of plastic and Styrofoam and during 2019 presented the draft to all 7 of the city of Ventura councilmembers individually to answer any questions and to discuss how to move forward in the most favorable way. To date, 7000 petition postcards have been signed by community members and 70 food establishments have signed a letter of support for the ordinance. The City of Ventura’s draft EPS foam ban ordinance is the first model in Ventura County.

The original single use plastic ban ordinance the PFV campaign drafted was strict. It went from a full single use plastic reduction ordinance to an eps ban ordinance in the hopes that this first ordinance would pass easier and pave the way for the full ban, as well as a more aggressive EPS foam ban that would include retail stores.

Juli welcomes interest from other cities and hopes Ventura County cities like Oxnard, Pt. Hueneme and Camarillo walk beside Ventura and adopt their own ordinances. Please contact her if your city is interested at [email protected].

All of the members of the PFV campaign are like-minded, working together for a common goal and purpose. They are Juli Marciel, Danielle Rose, Cole McLaughlin, Bill Hickman, Kathy Bremmer, Scott Fish, Andrew Fish, Tatum Luoma and John Stith. Many other volunteers also contributed to get to this point. The research was done, the community support was documented, and this is a great step within the city for environmental change.

For firther information https://ventura.surfrider.org/plastic-free-ventura-update-thank-you-city-council/

Court grants six-month extension for people to respond to Ventura River Watershed lawsuit

At a hearing the Los Angeles Superior Court granted the City of Ventura’s and the City of Ojai’s requests for a six-month extension for property owners to decide whether or not to file an answer in the Ventura River Watershed lawsuit. The new deadline to respond to the lawsuit and file an answer is September 8, 2020.

Over the course of the next few weeks, the City of Ventura will mail a postcard to everyone who received a Notice or Summons, notifying them of the court’s decision. The extension will allow those who received Notices or Summons additional time to decide if they would like to join the lawsuit. The City is optimistic that it will make sufficient progress toward a settlement agreement with the other parties during the next six months.

Stemming from a 2014 lawsuit filed by environmental nonprofit Santa Barbara Channelkeeper against the City of Ventura and the state of California, the City – who reached an interim settlement agreement with Santa Barbara Channelkeeper in 2019 – is in ongoing discussions with the large water users to develop a collaborative, local “physical solution” to protect the Steelhead population and maintain its least expensive and oldest water resource, the Ventura River. If a settlement is reached, the City’s cross-complaint, an action taken to initiate the collaborative solution, would not be litigated.

In January of this year, Notices and Summons were sent to 10,472 and 1,701 property owners, respectively, as a result of a court order requiring the noticing in order for the court to recognize any settlement agreement.  Property owners who received the Notices or Summons now have an additional six months to decide whether to file an answer to the lawsuit.

The City has developed a website dedicated exclusively to providing information about this topic, which includes a comprehensive FAQ section, a resources page that includes links to the recordings of the public meetings the City has held on this topic, and a news section which will be regularly updated.

To learn more about the proceedings, please visit:  http://www.venturariver.com

This release is available on the City of Ventura website at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov

Ventura Charter School is Named EL Education’s Newest Network School

After a four-month Partnership Development process between Ventura Charter School (VCS) and EL Education (formally Expeditionary Learning), VCS announces that they will become the newest of EL’s network of 152 schools throughout 30 states in the country.

Ventura Charter School, which opened in 2006, is a public K-8 charter school with an enrollment of 441 students. Its focus on project-based learning and student engagement makes for a perfect fit with EL Education whose core beliefs are: Learning is Active, Learning is Challenging, Learning is Meaningful, Learning is Collaborative, and Learning is Public. EL Education is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and social justice. It was born out of a collaboration between the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Outward Bound USA in 1991.

“We are excited to take our work to the next level with EL Education,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Director of Education at VCS. “We are inspired by their work to implement research-based practices to transform classrooms into spaces of active, engaged learning, focused on supporting the achievement of every student.” EL Network schools engage in a multi-year partnership designed to permanently shift instruction, assessment, and school culture. The EL program has shown academic gains for children. After three years in an EL program, students outpace their peers in reading and math; and further in standardized test scores.

Successful partnership with EL Education is designed to improve student performance across three dimensions of achievement: Mastery of Academic Skills and Content, High-Quality Work, and Character. Network partner schools implement EL’s core practices and demonstrate their impact on student achievement by earning an EL Education Credential. Only a handful of schools that apply are accepted into the EL Network each year. “We continue to be inspired by your school—your leadership, and the fine work of teachers and the students they guide and care for,” said Erika Nielsen Andrew, EL Sr. Director, Schools.

To learn more about Ventura Charter School visit www.venturacharterschool.org

To learn more about EL Education visit www.eleducation.org

Totally Local VC to host the 4th annual Ventura County Ag Week

Ventura County Ag Week “Celebrating all that our farmers and ranchers Do.”

Ventura County Ag Week is a time to reflect on the importance of Ventura County farmers and ranchers and the County’s agriculture industry.

Ventura County farmers and ranchers are truly stewards of the land; they are raising more on fewer acres and competing in a challenging global marketplace. All, while also working to protect Ventura Counties precious soil and water resources. Ventura County Agriculture Week is also a reminder of the impact agriculture has on not only on Ventura County but also the world.

On average American farmers feed more than 144 people… a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Simply put Ventura County agriculture is doing more -­‐ and doing it better.

The agriculture industry is essential to our economy and the way of life in Ventura County. Agriculture has been attracting farmers, ranchers and farm-­‐related workers since the 1800s. Even with the oil boom in the 1920s, the construction of military bases in the 1940s, and the growth of freeways, subdivisions and technological industries, agriculture has continued to be the number one employer in our county. Many of our founding farm families still remain today with the current generations carrying on their families’ legacy and relationship with the soil.

Totally Local VC has brought together a diverse group of agricultural related organizations to guide this year’s Ventura County Ag Week Students from Jr. high, High School and college will have an opportunity to hear first hand from local farmers, and chefs as we visit schools throughout the county during Ventura County Ag week. Activities will include:

class talks, field trips to farms & industrial kitchens and Ag related industries. In partnership with some of the leading agricultural companies in the county we will host an Agriculture Career Fair. The career fair will showcase the diverse career opportunity’s available in the field of agriculture, food science and culinary arts.

Ventura County Ag Week is a weeklong celebration of agriculture in the county. Throughout the week it will be working with area schools to help educate and connect students to agriculture. Students and the general public will learn about the wide range of job opportunities that agriculture offers and the vital role each step plays in the food we eat and the clothes that we wear

All week-long school visits and tours – featuring local farmers, chefs and Ag & culinary related industry with farm to plate lunch from March 9 to March 15.

What Can I Do to Help?

Simply put, get involved! Your participation in Ventura County Ag Week is key in helping us spread this positive message about agriculture. There are so many way to help spread the word about agriculture role in our lives, Why not Eat Local Hug a Farmer, send a letter to your local newspaper, call your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with family, friends and the youth in our community.

(714) 423-6591 [email protected]. Website and Ticket Sales at TotallyLocalVC.com.

Investigator of the Year Jesus Nunez

Nunez was hired as a Police Officer Trainee in 2012.

Congratulations to Detective Jesus Nunez for being selected as VPD’s 2019 Investigator of the Year! He is being recognized for his professionalism and dedication to the department and as a member of the Special Victim’s Unit. Detective Nunez was hired as a Police Officer Trainee in 2012, graduated from the Academy in 2013, and worked as a Patrol Officer for 3.5 years.

He was assigned to Major Crimes in 2017 and currently works for the Special Victims Unit. His assignment consists of investigating sex crimes, missing persons, elder/child abuse, and human trafficking. He is also a negotiator with the Crisis Negotiations Team. “Being a Police Officer has been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” said Det. Nunez. “My current assignment as a Detective for the Special Victims Unit is especially rewarding as it provides me the opportunity to work with a team of talented people who, like me, are passionate about solving cases and find reward in seeking justice for those that need it.” Congrats Detective Nunez, we are lucky to have you as part of our Ventura Police Department.

First Ventura County Women’s Day Festival

Civil rights activist Lupe Anguiano and high school senior Hannah Yale will dialog. Photo by Marie The Photographer

The first Ventura County Women’s Day Festival will be held on International Women’s Day (IWD), March 8 at the Museum of Ventura County from 1-4 pm. The free event is being organized by The Acorn Project and will feature hands-on community art, live music, dance, a film screening of the documentary Legalize Equality, census information, voter registration, pop up Pilates, food trucks and drinks to purchase. Information at Ventura County Women’s Day Festival.

The highlight feature will be a moderated intergenerational dialog between 90-year-old veteran civil rights activist Lupe Anguiano and 17-year-old high school senior activist and emerging leader Hannah Yale. Power sessions on topics including ‘How to Run for Office,’ ‘Speaking Up for Change,’ ‘Breaking Barriers,’ and ‘Self Care’ will also be offered.

“The goal of the event is to celebrate women’s social, political and economic contributions to our county and beyond while also encouraging deeper civic and political engagement so that women’s voices, votes, and contributions increasingly shape the future we envision,” said Junemarie Justus, Founder of the Acorn Project. “Nationally and locally we have seen record numbers of women running for office and a groundswell of young activists emerging. We hope this festival will support and inspire more women to participate in the political process.”

International Women’s Day, established in 1911, is a global day of celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year coincides with the centennial of the passage of the 19th amendment. The day marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

The Acorn Project is spearheading this local VC event in managing partnership with Alyson Warner and fiscally sponsored by 501(c)(3) non-profit, Arts Ventura. Major sponsors include the Museum of Ventura County, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Body Smart Medical Massage Solutions , CAPS Media, Downtown Ventura Partners (DVP), Girl Scouts California Central Coast (GSCCC), Renee Gomez, League of Women Voters of Ventura County (LWVVC), Ojai Chapter for the National Organization of Women (NOW), Ventura County Alumnae Chapter (VCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ventura County Women’s Political Council (VCWPC), Ventura Rental, and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV).

Founded in 2018, The Acorn Project seeks to breakdown silos, foster creative collaboration, and strategic partnerships to promote positive social change. Their current initiative, “The Reel Advocacy Series,” supports community documentary film screenings to inform, engage, and inspire political and social action. www.theacornproject.com