Category Archives: News and Notes

Addressing homelessness in Ventura: City’s Safe & Clean Team works to address concerns

Learn more about the Safe and Clean program and how you can get involved.

by Meredith Hart

What is the City of Ventura doing to address homelessness? This is a frequently asked question. The City of Ventura works closely with local social service providers and the County of Ventura to support programs for long terms solutions for homeless individuals. The Safe and Clean Program is a City led effort to make substantial impacts on homelessness in our community. Here are a few ways the City is working with community partners to address this issue in Ventura:

1) Program Management: The City hired a Homelessness Manager in 2018.

2) Public Safety: The Ventura Police Department is engaged in what’s called restorative policing, or street outreach. This means that officers are working with chronic offenders, by conducting enforcement, uniting them with family or friends if they desire or getting individuals the appropriate medical attention that they need to get off the streets. Embedded within the unit is a mental health technician who assists in evaluating individuals and connecting them to resources for long term solutions. The Patrol Task Force works closely with the Safe and Clean Team to address concerns in Ventura. There is currently one Sergeant, two Corporals and three officers. An additional officer will join near the end of the year, making it an eight-person team.

3) Homeless Shelter: Construction is under way for the first year-round 24/7 shelter opening in early January 2020. The shelter will have 55 beds, with the main goal of moving individuals into permanent housing. This is an important part of a multi-pronged approach to make an impact in our homeless population.

4) Safe Sleep Program: This program, managed by the Salvation Army, has doubled in size. This is where individuals who are sleeping in their cars can park in specific lots from 7pm-7am. When they enter the program, they are case managed for an hour a week with the end goal being housing.

5) Transitional Living: River Haven is a transitional living center made up of tiny homes and managed by the Turning Point Foundation. This center continues to be funded and supports those who are moving out of homelessness but are not ready to enter traditional housing.

6) Trash Removal: The newly created Trash Removal Program in the Santa Clara River Bottom provides outreach in the river bottom area. Twice a month the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force and the Safe and Clean Team go into the Santa Clara River Bottom and remove trash bags that are brought to the trail. Homeless individuals are encouraged to bag their own trash. This helps alleviate the amount of larger encampment clean ups, helps build relationships and helps connect individuals to services when they will accept them. This program will end when the shelter opens.
7) Safe and Clean Hotline: Created to make reporting issues easier. Please call 805-677-3900 to report debris in public spaces, parks/public bathroom issues, graffiti, potholes and code violations

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8) Safe and Clean Team: The four-person team works proactively to address visible blight associated with homelessness, as well as general debris removal from public spaces throughout the City. In addition to removing debris, abandoned camps are cleaned-up in coordination with other partners such as the Patrol Task Force, Public Works, State Parks and Caltrans. The team is on duty 7 days-a-week.

9) Park Safety Ambassador Program: Downtown Ventura Partners contracts with Block by Block to offer a Park Ambassador program in Downtown’s public spaces and historic core. This includes in and around Mission Park, Plaza Park, the Promenade and bike path, as well as Kellogg Park along the Ventura Avenue. They help mitigate negative behaviors in public spaces. You’ll see them riding bikes around the Downtown Area wearing red shirts.

These are just a few of the ways the City of Ventura is working to address homelessness. Have questions? Learn more about the Safe and Clean program and how you can get involved by visiting www.cityofventura.ca.gov or by calling Safe and Clean Program Manager Meredith Hart at 805-658-4735.

County CEO delivers State of the County address

County Executive Officer Mike Powers delivers the State of the County report at the Ventura County Taxpayers Association.

County Executive Officer Mike Powers presented his State of the County report to a sold out crowd of about 300 at the Ventura County Taxpayers Association summer luncheon on August 1st. The title of the presentation was “Connecting our Region to Collectively Strengthen our Community.” The event, co-sponsored by the Conejo Valley, Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo Chambers of Commerce, brought together the east, central and western areas of the County.

Powers discussed the County, city and community response and recovery efforts to the Thomas Fire, the Borderline shooting, and the Hill and Woolsey fires. He stressed the cooperative relationships between County, state, federal government, the cities of Ventura and Thousand Oaks, and community organizations and businesses that facilitated debris removal, assistance programs and permitting.

“What we have seen this year is when we focus priorities and work together collectively, great things can happen,” said Powers. “We’ve seen it in our disaster recovery efforts. We’ve seen it with our new economic and energy initiatives, and we’ve seen it with our growing response to the homeless crisis. Public, community and private partnerships work. Look what we can get done. Let’s highlight areas where we can apply this collective effort going forward.”

He also mentioned how organizations such as the Ventura County Community Foundation worked collaboratively with local government and many others to aid victims by working as a trusted clearinghouse for donations.

Economic vitality was a key focus of the presentation. Powers noted the force multiplier effect of new connections formed as a result of the County’s Economic Vitality Strategic Plan actions; citing the new strides made in housing vouchers for the disabled through connecting the housing authorities across the cities. He also shared the new business opportunities being generated through the innovation collaborative formed by the Economic Development Collaborative, Port of Hueneme, U. S. Navy and the Went brothers from Matter Labs, further emphasizing the power of public-private partnerships. Powers highlighted the startup culture in the region spotlighting the venture capital firm BioPartners who are bringing $300 million in BioTech startup funding. He reflected the importance of fostering the startup culture in the County. He highlighted the county’s 9th place ranking in a recent study of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem as a reflection of the good work of the chambers, education system, cities as well as the County and that the County is a strong supporter of the Startup Weekend program with the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. The Startup Weekend program facilitates new startup businesses in the areas of Information Technology, Health Care and Agriculture and provides funding and startup office space at the County’s Camarillo Airport.

The hour-long presentation also touched on the County’s highest possible long-term credit rating; health care; multiple efforts to improve financial operations at VCMC, libraries; public safety; social services; agriculture; pensions; and the upcoming census, adding that eight of ten cities in the County are at high risk for an under-count and that each person not counted in the census results in a loss of $2,000 annually in federal funding for things like education, roads, health care and more.

Ventura City Fire units respond to structure fire

On August 1, at 2:23pm Ventura City Fire units responded to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of E. Vince St.The first arriving engine company reported a working fire visible from the front (Alpha Side) of the structure. One elderly resident was already evacuated from the structure. An aggressive attack contained the fire to the room and contents of origin. Units on scene ensured no additional residents were in the structure and no additional threat to surrounding structures existed.

The resident was assessed and transported by AMR to a nearby hospital for possible smoke inhalation. Red Cross provided relief to the resident.

Adult Literacy Program recruiting volunteer tutors

The Ventura County Library READ Adult Literacy Program is now recruiting adult volunteer tutors who would like to help other adults improve their reading and writing skills. No teaching experience is required, and the training is free. The next five-week tutor training series in Ventura will begin in September.

The READ program trains adult volunteers to provide free one-to-one reading instruction for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. Ventura County Library is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program.

After completion of the training, tutors will meet with their adult learner at established tutoring sites in west Ventura County. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market.

For more information about how you can support literacy and make a difference in someone’s life, call (805) 677-7160.

Museum to close for renovation

The Museum of Ventura County at 100 E. Main St. will be closed August 19 — September 20, 2019 for renovation. This exciting transformation will be complete in time for the opening of California Cool, a new exhibit on mid-century modernism on the central coast of California.

National Night Out needs to wait for the Fair to end

Registration is now open for National Night Out. Ventura neighborhoods are invited to participate on Tuesday, August 27. National Night Out is a national effort to celebrate neighborhoods and strengthen community relationships with local police departments. Ventura residents are invited to get together with their neighbors to plan an event in their neighborhood. Residents then register on the Ventura Police Department’s website for the night out and then on August 27 a caravan of police officers visits each of the registered spots.

This is the 36th anniversary of National Night Out with over 38 million people across the country expected to participate. Traditionally, the event is held on the first Tuesday of August but the Ventura Police Department provides services at the Ventura County Fair during that time so the event will take place at a later date on August 27.

National Night Out is designed to 1) Heighten crime and drug awareness; 2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships; and 4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and watching out for one another.

From 4 pm to 8 pm on August 27, 2019, residents in neighborhoods throughout Ventura are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend an evening outside with neighbors and police. Neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of events ranging from small potlucks and BBQs to block parties. Some additional event ideas include, but are not limited to, ice cream socials, disaster preparedness, games, contests, discussing neighborhood issues, discuss or plan a Neighborhood Watch Program. It is an opportunity to be creative, have fun and celebrate your neighborhood.

Registration is free and allows the police and city representatives to attend local neighborhood events as time and circumstances permit. Submit the online registration form today at www.venturapd.org!

Police Activity League honors students and supporters

Twenty-four Ventura youths were honored at awards dinner. Photo by Aaron Kajumba

by Sheli Ellsworth

A strong police presence is usually associated with sirens, handcuffs and arrests. But on July 12, Ventura Police along with parents, sponsors and students crowded into the Ventura Beach Marriott for pasta, pizza and plaques. “We wanted to honor everyone who participates to make our Police Activity League(PAL) possible,” says Sal Flores who has worked hands-on with the afterschool boxing program for eight years. Flores also serves on the P.A.L. committee along with Omar Zapata, J. R. Luna, Ben Schuck, Joseph Hoss, Della Dowler, Jeanette Sanchez and Annette Garcia.

Ventura Police Chief Ken Corney was one of the founders of the P.A.L. program which was launched in 1998 and works to “ promote involvement between the youth, the police and the citizens of the City of Ventura by providing meaningful programs in the areas of sports, academics, education, and recreation,” according to their mission statement. Corney says he recalls arresting Flores and few other P.A.L. supporters back when he was a beat cop. Flores now sings praises for Corney, “You might have thought we couldn’t be friends, but he eventually became my friend and mentor. The whole board has the utmost respect for him.”

Youth who participated in the boxing program and have entered higher-education programs were awarded plaques for their perseverance and accomplishments. Twenty-four Ventura youths were honored including: Isabel Alvarez, Aldahair Benitez, Jackie Pinedo, Steve Pinedo, Fenix Valle, Lesley Alfaro, Gezell Contreras, Rosa Soto, Luis Grano, Kim Grano, Angelica Hernandez, Shayla Ortega, Julian Narvaez, Jacob Flores, Martha Lopez, Samantha Lopez, Max Rocha, Brenda Marcelino, Adriana Cardodo, Lisandra Hernandez, Veronica Ortega and Hugo Enrique. Several of the youth are already in four-year university programs, a few are starting local junior colleges. Enrique plans to become a policeman.

Flores, who found his own youth challenging, says, “Boxing is just a tool to get these kids off the streets and open to a more productive way of life. When you’re a kid with nothing to do, gang affiliation becomes a substitute for real purpose.” Many of the youth spoke about how important it was just to have a place to go after school and have someone to talk to. “Sometimes you just need someone to cry with you after a bad day,” one of the honorees said. They all agreed that the boxing program increased their confidence and self-worth.

Officers Eric Jackson and Misti Henderson were also honored for participating as mentors/coaches. The ceremony clearly touched Chief Corney’s emotions when he too received an appreciation plaque from Flores. Corney says, “I’m inspired by Sal’s accomplishments and his passion for the youth of our community and by officers like Jackson and Henderson who give their time to support P.A.L. programs.” Corney has served the department for 33 years and been the police chief for the last 10 years.

Housing Authority awarded almost $19 million for Phase Three

Residents recently began moving into the newly completed units.

The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) has been awarded $18,983,730 from the California Strategic Growth Council for its Ventura Westside Housing and Active Transportation grant application. The award is granted through the state’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (AHSC), which funds projects that promote healthier communities and protect the environment by increasing the supply of affordable places to live near jobs, stores, transit and other daily needs. This is one of 25 awards across the state and is the first non-rural AHSC award in the Central Coast and the first for the City and County of Ventura.

The Ventura Westside AHSC award will fund the third phase of Westview Village, the transformation of an existing public housing site where 73 homes will be demolished, and 105 new affordable homes will be constructed. Additionally, the AHSC award will fund significant transit and neighborhood improvements that promote connectivity and enhance bicycling and pedestrian safety. With input from community stakeholders and City staff, the scope of improvements was defined for the grant application, and ultimately included 11,000 linear feet of new sidewalk and sidewalk repair, two miles of a new context-sensitive bikeway to close key east-west gaps in the local bike network, upgrades to Ventura Avenue bus shelters, and the purchase of 40 Calvans vans to expand vanpool service in Ventura County. Residents of Westview Village phase three will be encouraged to use public transportation, receiving bus passes subsidized by the AHSC project. Westview is a short walk from Ventura Avenue, which is bustling with pedestrian and bicycling activity and where Gold Coast Transit operates some of the highest use bus routes in Ventura County.

Projects that receive AHSC funds are committed to promoting alternative forms of transportation, sustainability, housing affordability and neighborhood connectivity. The Housing Project will incorporate a solar system that will produce at least 30 percent of its energy onsite as well as urban greening such as the expansion of the Westview Village community garden, private bike closets per unit, new trees planted at a rate of 3:1 and water conservation design elements throughout the site.

Dorcas H. Thille will receive Lifetime Achievement Award

The Spirit Awards celebrate the Spirit of Community Partnership.

United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) will honor Dorcas H. Thille with its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 15th Annual Spirit Awards Gala August 24, celebrating community champions that embody the spirit of the United Way in advancing the common good in Ventura County.

The gala will be held at 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort. All proceeds will benefit United Way Community Impact programs.

“Dorcas Thille will receive our fifth Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Dorcas is one of our most generous lifelong annual contributors and a supporter of many important organizations in our community. We are looking forward to celebrating all of her achievements as we honor extraordinary folks in our community who are advancing the common good,” said Eric Harrison, CEO of United Way of Ventura County. “We’re excited to come together for the 15th Annual Spirit Awards Gala and recognize the Spirit of Community Partnership in Ventura County.”

Additional community champions to be feted:

• Rigoberto Vargas, Milton M. Teague Award for Outstanding Community Volunteerism

• Lio Alvarado, Douglas Shively Award for Outstanding Community Impact

• Erin Simqu, Women United Award for Turning Compassion into Action

• Procter & Gamble, Roy Pinkerton Award for Top Corporate Citizenship

For more than seven decades, the United Way has fought for the health, education and financial stability of every resident in our community. Our Community Impact focus fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every resident in our community. We are dedicated to helping all achieve their full potential.

Dinner Tickets: $150 each. After August 9, 2019, price increases to $175.

Spirit Awards Gala Tickets are available online at vcunitedway.org/spirit-awards-gala/.

Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org.

Ventura Friends of the Library continue celebrating 50th anniversary year

Celebrations began in March at Avenue Library with a visit from best-selling bi-lingual author Amada Perez and music from Inlakech Cultural Arts, and continued on July 18, in coordination with the Summer Reading Program at E.P. Foster Library,  with Alane Adams, author of the Legend of Orkney fantasy novels for middle grade readers  and multi-instrumentalist Craig Newton.

The 50th anniversary celebration at Saticoy Library on August 10 will reflect a whimsical aspect of 1969 with a visit from Ivor Davis, author of “Ladies and Gentlemen . . . The Penguins”. This picture book tells a fanciful fable about a famous Penguin rock group from the remote British Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, who grew up to become one of the most successful pop groups in the world. Even bigger—well almost—than the Beatles.

He will be accompanied by Alan Shapiro, songwriter/singer who has created songs to accompany readings from the book. Alan is a singer/songwriter, from Brooklyn, New York, currently living  in Oxnard.

Ivor Davis is generously donating 50 copies of his book in honor of the 50th, to be autographed and given to children attending the program.

Please join in at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 10 at Saticoy Library, 1292 Los Angeles Ave., Ventura, for a tunaful…and sophisticated occasion.

The final event of the 50th anniversary celebration will take place in October at Hill Road Library in conjunction with their Annual Membership Meeting.