Category Archives: News and Notes

Caregivers to Celebrate 40 Years of Service Helping Seniors Avoid Institutionalization

A local nonprofit provided more than 50,000 volunteer hours last year, serving 1,282 vulnerable senior citizens and those with disabilities in Ventura County.

This year, Ventura County Caregivers, together with its national partner, National Volunteer Caregiving Network, will celebrate 40 years of success serving the community with volunteer caregiving. Volunteers provide non-medical, in-home support services and transportation for homebound, frail elders, preventing their premature placement into board and care facilities and making it possible for them to continue to live in the comfort and security of their own homes.

In Ventura County, it is estimated that there are 30,000 seniors and people with disabilities in need of some help that volunteers can offer to help fill the gaps. The Ventura County Caregivers organization helps fill the need for volunteers to serve homebound elderly and people with disabilities.

“More than 90% of those we serve can age in place in the comfort and security of their own homes. This is huge for seniors, and thanks to our dedicated volunteers, donors and supporters, we will continue to serve Ventura County for another 40 years and beyond,” explains Tammy I. Glenn, Executive Director of Ventura County Caregivers.

The 40-year-old organization’s demonstrated model of success depends upon local volunteers who deliver groceries, pharmaceuticals, and provide personal transportation to critical medical appointments like dialysis and chemotherapy.

“Our mission is to promote the health, well-being, dignity, and independence of frail, homebound elders through one-on-one relationships with trusted volunteers,” explains Joe Morgan, Caregivers Board Chair.

Helping to pass the torch of volunteering to the next generation, the Caregivers Volunteers intergenerational program “Building Bridges” brings high school students into the homes of frail elders to visit and to assist them. Under adult supervision at all times, students help with some of the more physically demanding tasks that frail elders cannot do for themselves.

“Communities don’t realize how essential our volunteers are until aging, lack of mobility or disability sets in, or we become homebound in a pandemic.  It’s highly likely every one of us will need a helping hand one day.  Thanks to the generous support of local and corporate donors, volunteer caregivers are vetted, trained and coordinated to be there when you need us most,” added Glenn.

For more information on how to become a Caregiver volunteer, visit vccaregivers.org or call 805-658-8530.

 

VCCCD Announces Ventura College Presidential Finalists

Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Chancellor Rick MacLennan is pleased to announce that there are five (5) finalists moving forward in the search process for the next President of Ventura College.

Listed below are candidate and campus forums information. College faculty, staff, administration, and community members are invited to attend.

Ventura College President Finalist Forums Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, California
Monday, March 11, 2024
Dr. Claudia Lourido-Habib: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Dr. Jennifer Kalfsbeek-Goetz: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Dr. Vinicio López: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Dr. Monica Chahal: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 21, 2024

Dr. Roberto Gonzalez: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Public forums will take place the weeks of March 11 and 18, and each finalist will participate in two (2) open forums. Each forum will be one (1) hour and open to all faculty, administrators, staff, students, and the general public. There will be a brief introduction of each candidate, followed by a question-and-answer session.

We are looking forward to a successful completion of the presidential search process. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to our ACCT Search Consultant, Julie Golder, ACCT Vice President of Search Services, at [email protected] or (202) 384-5816.

Ventura College, the first institution of higher education in Ventura County, has provided quality education to the community since 1925. A designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, the college enrolls over 13,000 students each semester at two campuses. VC offers over 70 disciplines of study in STEM fields, business, the arts, education, social/behavioral sciences, liberal arts, and the health sciences. Named one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, it is the largest provider of workforce participants in the county in manufacturing, automotive technology, and nursing. To learn more, visit VenturaCollege.edu.

Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara Awarded Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency

For the 6th consecutive year, the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara was awarded Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. This award highlights the Foundation’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all aspects of its operations.

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara earned Candid’s Platinum Seal by sharing specific information about their finances, governance, strategic priorities, impact on their community, and number of donors, volunteers, and grants awarded. To keep their seals from expiring, Candid requires organizations to update their information once a year.

Stephanie Carlyle, Director of Philanthropy at the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, emphasized the importance of transparency for nonprofits, stating, “Transparency is essential for building trust with our donors. By openly sharing our financials, impact reports, and resource allocation strategies, we empower our supporters to make informed decisions about their philanthropy, knowing that their contributions are making a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients.”

In addition to its outstanding transparency practices, the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara sets itself apart with its strict financial oversight and ethical standards. The Foundation voluntarily undergoes an annual financial audit by an independent accounting firm, ensuring accountability in its financial management.

To view the Cancer Foundation’s profile, visit www.guidestar.org/profile/8438565.

CMH Auxiliary Recognition

In the highlight of the day, treasurer Cheryl Volden presented a check from the Auxiliary to CMH.

Recently volunteers with the Community Memorial Healthcare Auxiliary were recognized for their hours and years of service at an appreciation luncheon.

Contributing 100 hours of volunteer time were Kim Bernard, Rick Bartell, Pam Bluestein, Maureen Borkowski, Susan Buppert, Cyndi Burell, Teresa Campos, Jim Cooke, Kristl Everetts, Ashley Flores, Janice Gingold, Margarete Gonzalez, Vickie Lemmon, Julie Lofing, Dar Rosario, Stephanie Singletary, Dorothea Weiss, and Howard Young.

Those with 500 hours of service were Robert Holaway, Dianne Maggio, Millie McEvoy, Tammy Scott, Janis Titiriga, Ani Toran. Roberta Vollmart, and Anne Wilson.

Jared Abarnathy, Cynthia Broaddus, Carolyn Damron, Pam Hanawalt, and Emma Johnson contributed 1000 hours of volunteer time, while Antonia Colitti gave 2000 hours, Ellen Bugaj 3000, and Julie Kaplan 5000.

Both Mary Cathcart and Mary Harrison donated 6000 hours, David Howard 8000, and Connie Ferritto, Susan McDonald and Mary Wdowicki 9000, and Linda Petit gave 11000 hours, while Edie Marshall was recognized for 16000 hours of service.

Both Lois Moynihan and Marlene Sturgell received service awards for 35 years of volunteer service.

In addition, the incoming members of the Auxiliary Executive Board were installed. They are President- Linda Petit, 1st Vice President-Cynthia Broaddus, 2nd Vice President-Mary Wdowicki, Recording Secretary-Bobbie Mendez, Corresponding Secretary-Linda Wilson, Treasurer-Cheryl Volden, Parliamentarian-Judy Miller,

Junior Chairperons- Marilyn Beal, Past President-Sandy Frandsen, and Directors-Lynn Ridout and Dianne Maggio. Linda Petit will also head the Data Base Management.

In a highlight of the day, treasurer Cheryl Volden presented a check from the Auxiliary to CMH, represented by Adam Thunell, in the amount of $100,000. This money was raised from sales in the gift shop, donations, and other fundraising.

If you are interested in joining this organization, applications may be obtained at the front desk of the hospital, or you may call the Auxiliary office at (805)948-4299 to leave your contact information.

The Power of Love

Founders, the Friedlanders.

On Saturday, February 10th, over 150 guests both young and old were carried back-in-time to the decade of the boom box, the mix-tape, the Walkman, and totally awesome dance music at Kids & Families Together’s fifth annual fundraising event. This year’s theme, The Power of Love ~ an 80’s themed FUN-raising dance, truly captured the essence that is at the heart of K&FT as an organization and the critical work they provide to families in our communities. As the 1985 song by Huey Lewis & The News states, love truly is “the power that makes the world go ’round”.

Guests that gathered at Poinsettia Pavilion enjoyed a fantastic evening including a fun and nostalgic 80’s-themed menu prepared by Food Affairs by Stacey, live music and dancing, silent auction featuring 60 different items, a game zone showcasing some of the popular table and hand-held games of the 1980’s, along with two arcade machines that were part of the evening’s live auction. Prior to the opening of the event’s program, winners of the 80’s Trivia Game were included in a drawing for items such as a Walkman-style tape player and a boombox! Raffle tickets were also sold for the chance to win a diamond and rose gold bracelet valued at $2,000 which was generously donated by Fox Fine Jewelry.

Live music at the event was provided by We Are The 80’s Band. Steve Roth Founder/C.E.O. (Chief Entertainment Officer)/drummer stated “We were proud to support the fantastic work that K&FT provides to the families in Ventura County, and the critical services that they offer to foster and adopted children. It’s always a privilege for us to contribute our talents to a worthwhile cause.”

Founded in January 2000, Kids & Families Together serves foster, adoptive, kinship, and birth families throughout Ventura County. For over two decades has been the leader in providing critical services and support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, loss, and multiple placements. K&FT is unique in that we provide education, support, and strategies to connect caregivers and parents to the children in their care. We wrap our arms around the entire family allowing them to use the strategies they have learned, along with “The Power of Love”, to raise healthy, nurtured children who thrive!

Kids & Families Together’s mission is to strengthen relationships by providing safe, supportive help that keeps family members emotionally connected to one another. K&FT’s programs help families by building relationships, strengthening families, and enhancing attachments.

K&FT provides families with much needed mental health counseling, support, and education that brings direct and meaningful results right into the home. Here is what one kinship caregiver said about their experience working with K&FT.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate working with Kids & Families Together. My therapist helped me explain the current situation more fully and thoughtfully to my 7-year old grandson. This has completely altered the dynamics within our home and my relationship with my grandson. Thank You!”

Charles, the K&FT therapy dog

Both sponsors and guests of this event were integral parts of K&FT’s annual celebration supporting Ventura County foster/resource, kinship and adoptive families. K&FT needs this support in order to continue to offer these types of one-on-one connections, supporting children and their families who often find themselves in crisis situations.

K&FT would like to express gratitude to event sponsors: Aqua~Flo Supply, Generous Anonymous Donor, Marianne Bloom, Sharon Watts Woolley, Controlled Elements, Community Memorial Health Care, US Bank, Robert & Jean Bonar, The Gene Haas Foundation, Ventura Pet Barn, Mary Galvin, Vivian Mullett, Damascus Gear, Anne Paul King, and Kyle & Crystal Cummings.

To learn more about K&FT visit … https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/

 

Mound Elementary STEM Project Benefits Food Share of Ventura County

Students had to brainstorm ways to determine the number of boxes they wanted to use. Photo by Michael Gordon

Mound’s fifth-grade class traditionally leads an outreach project, in which they learn something about themselves while giving back to the community. The students are responsible for planning and following through with various tasks, including cost analysis, publicity, and coordination with larger organizations. Last year, students and staff were inspired by a video of an elementary school that created a “domino run” with cereal boxes. They decided to do their own version of a domino run, as it would allow students to have a STEM project, practice their leadership skills, and, most importantly, do something meaningful for their community–a perfect fit for their Science and Global Citizenship magnet.

Students had to brainstorm ways to determine the number of boxes they wanted to use and then decide what to do with all the boxes when the domino run was completed. They immediately thought of donating the boxes to Food Share of Ventura County. They reached out to a dietician to ask about the nutritional value of cereal, and subsequently decided their “dominos” should be more satiating and nutrient dense. They also thought a whole family could eat Mac ‘N’ Cheese. That is how the Mac ‘N’ Cheese domino run began.

This year’s students loved what last year’s students did and wanted to build on it, hoping they could reach even more families in need. Last year’s class raised 4,250 boxes, so the students set a goal of 5,000 this year. They surpassed the goal, ultimately raising over six thousand boxes. Groups of students presented their ideas to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and asked for matching donations to help them reach their box goal. They then presented to other classes throughout the school, explaining what they were doing and why. They asked students in those other classes if they could bring in boxes that could be used for their project and then donated to Food Share. Students also created fliers and posters. The focus this year was learning how to publicize. This culminated in their second annual “Stuff the Trailer with Mac ‘N’ Cheese” drive. Students collected 3,521 boxes. PTO matched many of those boxes, helping students get to over 5,000. With even more boxes arriving daily, they reached over 6,000 boxes.

“Throughout this STEM and outreach project, 93 students will have worked together on math concepts such as volume, area, estimation, multiplication strategies, and grouping,” explained Tracie Fickenscher, fifth grade teacher at Mound Elementary. “Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills have all been used and refined. They’ve learned perseverance and grit, how to keep Mac ‘N’ Cheese from falling over, and how to regroup and revise strategies when it does. Most importantly, the kids are excited to take care of others in our community by providing satiating meals that kids enjoy eating.”

VenturaWaterPure Project Update

Currently, significant progress is being made on the milestones of the project.

by Patricia Schallert

The main outfall pipe from Marina Park is now installed underneath the Ventura Harbor and also installed out to sea (about 4,500 feet offshore), though there is still a lot more to do from now until Memorial Day. Trenching has already begun on Anchors Way from the Water’s Edge restaurant area.

However, there is still work to be done to finalize connections at Marina Park, which is expected to be completed by Memorial Day. Trenching has commenced on Anchors Way, starting from the Water’s Edge restaurant area. The trenching process is led by Blois Construction, who are responsible for installing the outfall pipe on Anchors Way, Schooner Drive, then on Harbor Blvd.

The pipe segments will be fused/welded together in 500-ft long sections along the street. Construction progresses in 500-feet increments, with each 500-foot segment taking several days to dig and shore up.  Once the pipe is pulled into place, it is welded at the far end, connecting it to the already installed pipeline. Then, the trench is backfilled and paved. This process will be repeated several times on Anchors Way, and again on Schooner, with each 500-foot section taking approximately two to three weeks for completion.

According to Steve Mimiaga, the City’s construction manager, two 500-foot sections will be  worked on along the eastbound (outbound) side of Schooner Dr., with an expected completion date of late  April to early May. Then, trenching will begin on the southbound side of Harbor Blvd, close to the median, continuing under Spinnaker  Dr. then turning into the City’s water reclamation facility (VWRF) about 800 ft south of the Spinnaker intersection. Throughout this process, traffic will  remain open, although occasional and temporary lane closures may occur with the guidance of flagmen.

Construction is currently progressing according to the planned timeline, and it is anticipated that work in Marina Park will be completed before the Memorial Day weekend. The 24-foot tall soundwall  within Marina Park is anticipated to be dismantled in March and replaced by contractor fencing.   The area will be restored to its original appearance, with new mounds, grass, and an underground irrigation system completed, all scheduled to hopefully wrap up by Memorial Day weekend.

Learn more at the project website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OceanOutfall

Hotline for questions 805-500-8103

First Ventura homicide of 2024

The Ventura Police Department received reports of shots fired around 2 a.m. Sunday, February 11, near Oak and Main streets.

Officers arrived to find a man with gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he later died. He was Anthony Castanon, 20, of Santa Paula.

Two other males a 24-year-old from Oxnard and a 17-year-old from Santa Paula went on their own to Community Memorial Hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds, investigation stated the incidents were related.

Officers were notified there were additional parties with gunshot wounds that were dropped off at the Community Memorial Hospital Emergency Room (CMH). Officers contacted Jordan Lee and an additional male juvenile with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Both parties were later transported to VCMC and remain in critical but stable condition. At this time, this investigation is ongoing, and investigators believe this incident may be gang related.

A juvenile, Santa Paula Resident Male Juvenile (17 ), has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Castanon.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Alberto Tovar at 805- 339-4462.

Turning Point Foundation receives HUD awards

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced nearly $3.16 billion in Continuum of Care program awards for over 7,000 projects that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people experiencing homelessness, as well as costs related to planning and data collection. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge made the announcement today with the Chatham-Savannah Interagency Council on Homelessness in Savannah, Georgia. The Chatham-Savannah Continuum of Care was awarded $4,104,782.

“Now, more than ever, we are doing all we can to get people off the street and into permanent homes with access to services. That is why we are making sure the service providers on the frontlines of this crisis have the resources they need,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “At HUD, we have served or permanently housed 1.2 million people experiencing homelessness in the last three years alone, building on President Biden’s efforts to keep Americans housed. The historic awards we are announcing today will expand community capacity to assist more people in obtaining the safety and stability of a home, along with the supports they need to achieve their life goals.”

When HUD announced the availability of these grants, the agency encouraged communities to use proven solutions to address homelessness, such as approaches that first connect people to housing, often with supportive services, rather than requiring people experiencing homelessness to first complete a treatment program or achieve sobriety as a condition to accessing housing. HUD also expanded the Continuum of Care program’s eligible activities to support protections available through the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 and to address the unique challenges Continuums of Care face when serving people experiencing homelessness in rural areas. The new eligible activities will allow for greater support for underserved populations.

HUD remains committed to policy priorities of ending homelessness for all persons, placing emphasis on racial equity and anti-discrimination policies for LGTBQ+ individuals, engaging persons with lived experiences of homelessness in decision-making, and increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Turning Point Foundation Our Place Safe Haven 2023 $168,977
Turning Point Foundation Rapid Re-Housing 2023 $172,132
Turning Point Foundation Stephenson Place Permanent Housing 2023 $37,905
Turning Point Foundation Wooley House I Permanent Housing 2023 $46,726
Turning Point Foundation Wooley House II Permanent Housing 2023 $39,857