Category Archives: This ‘n’ That
How safe are Ventura County’s Special Education Schools?
by the Grand Jury
When parents send their children to school in the morning, they trust their children will have a productive day of learning in a safe environment. Similarly, when teachers report to work they hope to focus their efforts on teaching without fear for their safety and that of their students. Unfortunately, with the increase in school violence over the past several years, children, parents, and teachers no longer feel as safe as they once did.
The 2015-2016 Ventura County Grand Jury opened an investigation based on a public complaint about safety in the Phoenix schools in Ventura County. The Phoenix schools servestudents with serious emotional disturbance from all of Ventura County and the Las Virgenes Unified School District.
From this investigation, the Grand Jury learned that Phoenix schools provide an intensive educational program for their students through low enrollment and high staff-to- student ratios. Although Phoenix students often act out in frustration, the staff is well trained in, and regularly uses, techniques to de-escalate hostile behavior at the earliest possible stage. Despite the consistent use of positive behavioral interventions, administrators at the Phoenix-Airport campus call law enforcement an average of two to three times weekly for situations they are unable to de-escalate. However, responding patrol officers may not have Crisis Intervention Team training to be able to deal effectively with these emotionally disturbed students. The Grand Jury also learned that it is the position of the Ventura County Office of Education that having a dedicated School Resource Officer would escalate rather than defuse volatile situations in the Phoenix schools.
The National Education Association has established best practices regarding school safety. These practices recommend that schools partner with law enforcement (and social service agencies) to promote a safe environment. Ideally, a sworn School Resource Officer should be dedicated to one school and work collaboratively with staff and students to build positive relationships and to support administration with crisis intervention.
The Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Sheriff and the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools formalize a collaborative relationship to increase law enforcement presence on all Phoenix campuses. Additionally, the Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Sheriff ensure that any patrol officers who may be called to respond to a Phoenix school have Crisis Intervention Team training. Finally, the Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Board of Education authorize and seek funds for a dedicated School Resource Officer for the Phoenix-Airport campus.
The complete report may be accessed at www.ventura.org/grand-jury; click on the Annual Reports tab and consult “Fiscal Year 2015-2016.”
Local National Parks Benefit our Economy
A new National Park Service (NPS) report for 2015 shows the economic benefit of Channel Islands National Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to our local economy in supporting 761 jobs with a cumulative benefit to the local economy of nearly 74 million dollars.
324,815 visitors to Channel Islands National Park in 2015 spent over $19 million and 797,217 visitors to the federal land in Santa Monica National Recreation Area spent over $34 million in communities near the parks.
“The NPS has a presence in every community in the United States including ours,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Russell Galipeau. “National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the NPS, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”
“The scenic vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains inspire thousands of people to visit each week,” said David Szymanski, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “We are delighted that so many visitors enjoy our park and also that their visits have such a positive impact on the local economy.”
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and National Park Service economist Lynne Koontz.
The report shows $16.9 billion of direct spending by 307.2 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 295,000 jobs nationally; 252,000 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $32 billion.
According to the 2015 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (31.1 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.2 percent), gas and oil (11.8 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (9.8 percent).
Report authors this year produced an interactive tool. Users can explore current year visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added, and output effects by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users can also view year-by- year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available at the NPS Social Science Program webpage: go.nps.gov/vse.
The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state.
To learn more about national parks in California and how the National Park Service works with California communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/california.
Knowledge is power
by Elizabeth Rodeno
CAPS, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, is seeking nominees for CAPS Media Board of Directors. This year there are three–at large seats available; two seats for two (2) year terms and one seat for a one (1) year term. Elections will be held in October 2016.
We encourage the community at-large and all our members to become involved with the election process by becoming a candidate, encouraging a nominee, and by voting. Contact CAPS for more information.
We bid farewell to the many graduates of Ventura. It is always great to share this event with them. Happily, we have several graduates who will be stopping by, having graduated with media production skills acquired here. Enjoy the summer and send your younger siblings on to CAPS for our youth program. There are a few spaces remaining in the final week.
Of course, we learned a lot at the Knowledge Bowl. It’s the annual event where seniors are pitted against high school seniors from Buena in a test a knowledge. It took place at the Aegis center and is available for viewing on Facebook, Vimeo and You Tube. Spoiler alert – the teams tied. Looking for a rematch next year.
More Ventura Rocks is coming your way. This week is another session with Pam Baumgardner and a great local band. Check out the series everywhere. You will get a taste of the rich and varied music scene right here in Ventura.
We continue to cover city meetings live on channel 15 where we give you access to issues and concerns important to Ventura’s citizens. It also features educational programming from Ventura College and the Ventura Unified School District. Channel 15 is also host to ECTV, El Camino High School television where the talented students tackle important issues.
Through our serious commitment to helping the community share their stories, we encourage you to come by and learn how you can tell your story and share it on the station, web and streaming. Soon we will be able to provide you with radio production with yet another venue for free speech.
Go to our website for more information. We always appreciate more likes on all social media including Facebook and You Tube. View it all on our frequently updated website. Don’t forget the training classes and professional gear we offer. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25. Go to www.capsmedia.org or call 658-0500 for more information.
$10,000 in Ojai Studio Artist Art Scholarships awarded in city hall reception
Scholarship recipients Hugo Castillo, Marissa Gonzales, Lizbeth Zamora, Logan Werner, Leah Kopp, Ashley Konzmann, Jonathan Weiser, Bailey Huerta, Amber Talbot, and Kayla Petrucci. Not pictured are Reiko Heartland and Audrey Hernandez.
Audrey Hernandez of Nordhoff High School was presented the top Ojai Studio Artists’ 2016 art scholarship at a celebratory reception at the Ojai City Hall.
OSA Scholarship Committee Chair Richard Franklin presented the promising art student the “Ojai Award” of $2000. In all, Franklin awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to nineteen Ventura County art students.
Three runner-ups for the award received $1000 each. They are Marissa Gonzales of Adolfo Camarillo High School in Camarillo and Hugo Castillo, California State University of Channel Islands, and Lizabeth Zamora from Nordhoff High School.
Three students received $800 scholarships. The Rotary Ojai West Award of $500 was awarded to Kayla Petrucci of Ojai, a student at Ventura College. Three other artists were awarded $500 scholarships and smaller amounts to other students..
In OSA’s 23 year-old scholarship program, the art organization has awarded over $210,000 in scholarships. This year’s $10,000 total marked a new high in scholarship fundraising. The prestigious Beatrice Wood and Otto and Vivika Heino awards honor the legacy of these important Ojai artists and past OSA members. The Ojai and Rotary West Ojai awards go specifically to local students.
Selected works by the scholarship winners will be shown at a two-month exhibition at City Gallery, located at 410 S. Ventura St. The Ojai Arts Commission generously hosted and installed the show throughout City Hall for the benefit of the public.
On Saturday, July 23, at 2 p.m. join international artist M. Nicole van Dam at the Ojai Art Center, for smiles and a spirited blend of art, humor, poetry and prose, based on Nicole’s book “Tempo – The Rhythm and Rhyme of the Artist.” Nicole’s artwork and writings are licensed internationally, creating lovely products, and Nicole’s work has been publicly exhibited for many years, including at Santa Barbara City Hall and Community Memorial Hospital. One of Nicole’s solo exhibitions was recorded by the Montecito History Committee, and Nicole has been named an artist to watch by the “Montecito Journal.” For a sneak peek at Nicole’s unique blend of art and writing please visit www.ArtSanctuary.us. Ojai Art Center 113 S. Montgomery St. Suggested Donation $5.
“Annie Get Your Gun” is the rough riding, exciting fictionalized love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, composed to the beloved songs of Irving Berlin. This Tony Award winning musical runs from July 1 – 31 at Ojai ACT, 113 S. Montgomery St.; at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are only $20 general, $18 for seniors and Art Center members and $15 for students. Reserve your seat at 640-8797 or online: www.OjaiACT.org.
There will be a special Opening Weekend Gala for “Annie Get Your Gun” on Sunday, July 3 featuring a Prosecco Reception a half hour before the 2 p.m. matinee. It also includes reserved priority seating and a cocktail party after the show with the cast at a private home in Ojai. Only 50 tickets are available at $50 per person for the Sunday Special, available at http://tinyurl.com/AnnieCelebration
Donations needed for City of Ventura American flag program
Keep the flags waving in Ventura. Photo by George Robertson
The City of Ventura is asking the community and local businesses to support the longstanding tradition of displaying American flags across the city by helping to fund the purchase of new flags. Contributions of any size will help the city continue to fly the stars and stripes on city streets, the historic Ventura Pier and the Veterans Memorial located at the Ventura County Government Center.
Members of the public can support the program and help replace existing flags that have become damaged or deteriorated from the sunlight. To donate, the public can purchase flags at a discounted price from American Flags & Cutlery, 305 E. Main Street. Or donors can make a contribution by sending a check payable to “Veterans of Foreign Wars” to PO Box 1297 Ventura, CA 93002. All donations are tax deductible and donors will receive a letter acknowledging the contribution.
The City of Ventura has worked with Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Flags & Cutlery for many years to collect donations that support the display of American flags along California Street, Main Street, Thompson Boulevard, Ventura Avenue, the Promenade and the Ventura Pier from Memorial Day through Independence Day. This program also supports flags for each branch of the US Armed Forces that fly at the Ventura County Government Center Veterans Memorial.
For more information, contact City of Ventura Councilmember Jim Monahan at 643-4275.
Celebrating 30 years of farm fresh goodness
Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko welcomes the attendees to the anniversary celebration.
The Downtown Ventura Farmers’ Market celebrated its 30th Birthday on Saturday, June 4. The Downtown Ventura Farmers’ Market marks its 30th year with a birthday bash! The celebration included a wide variety of entertainment including a chef demonstration, customer appreciation booths, children’s booth with free face painting, arts and crafts, Gene West (Toy Maker), the Jerry McWorter and the Hot Roux Band and more!
Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko (in photo)and Councilmember Carl Morehouse addressed the crowd. Morehouse was wearing his very old Farmer’s Market T-shirt that he still gardens in.
Supervisor Steve Bennett also addressed the crowd which included Councilmember Christy Weir.
Special food offerings included BBQ from the Busy Bee Café and food trucks.
Lifeguards return to Ventura Harbor beaches for summer
Daily lifeguard services began Memorial Day weekend at all Ventura Harbor beaches off of Spinnaker Drive. These services are funded by the Ventura Port District, which contracts with California State Parks, and services are provided through Labor Day weekend. Harbor Cove will have a daily lifeguard from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and the South Beach/Surfer’s Knoll area will have a lifeguard from 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. daily.
The Ventura Port District and Harbor Patrol place a high priority on public safety and always advise beachgoers to swim by guarded lifeguard towers. However, if you want to dip your toes in the water, Harbor Cove Beach at the end of Spinnaker Drive is recommended for swimming. Small watercraft and paddling vessels are also allowed, outside of the roped swim zone. Beachgoers should also be advised of all beach signage. Lifeguard coverage is subject to change due to crowd and environmental conditions.
Parking and restrooms are available at both beach parking lots and street parking is available on Spinnaker Drive.
Vol. 9, No. 19 – June 22 – July 5, 2016 – Cute Grandkids
Grandma Sarah Stein thought that her Great Grand Daughter Evie was as cute as they get when she was born and thinks that she is even more adorable now.
Grandpa Charlie said this about Chance “Here is a picture of my Grandson Chance. You can obviously see why I didn’t submit it earlier as he is so much cuter than others.” Sounds like a challenge to us.
Do you have a grandkid that you think is even cuter? If so send their photo to [email protected]
Heroes to the rescue
On April 5 Pierpont Racquet Club (PRC)member and Ventura Community Development Director Jeff Lambert was working out at the Club when he suffered a heart attack, fell and broke his ankle in the process
PRC members and staff rushed to the rescue and immediately activated the Emergency Medical System (EMS) located at the Club. Their quick acting and response by paramedics resulted in a successful outcome for Jeff. Still limping but back to work.
On Monday, May 16 the Red Cross of Ventura County presented their 2016 Heroes Event, which honors seemingly ordinary people in our community who have made a difference through their selfless acts of courage. These heroes may have helped save a life, performed an extraordinary act of compassion, or demonstrated an exceptional spirit of giving.
Two Venturans were honored in the Health & Safety Hero category for helping in saving the life of Jeff Lambert. They were club member Suz Montgomery and club employee Jon Osumi. This category honors heroes that have demonstrated extraordinary courage in the field of health and safety. Heroes could be CPR first responders, paramedics, EMT’s, health professionals or just good Samaritans of any age that have gone above and beyond for their community.
The event was held at Madewest Brewing Co., located at 1744 Donlon Street.
Jon Osumi stated ‘I would like to thank the Red Cross for this honor as I only did what any human would have done in a similar crisis. It is a privilege to work for an organization (PRC) that prioritizes safety for our members and provides the employees with the resources and training for this type of emergency. It was truly a team effort and I am honored to be surrounded by people with character and courage.’
In thanking the Club Jeff Lambert said “As I new member of the PRC, I immediately felt part of the family as this club and its members stepped in to literally save my life. I know if I was anywhere else, I would likely not be alive. I now have a chance for a fresh start. To focus on what is important personally and professionally and find a way to ignore the bullsh*t. I want to spend time with positive people with the best interest of humanity and Ventura at heart.”