Casa Pacifica Celebrates Successful Opening of New Supportive Housing for Transitional Age Youth

Shawna Morris, CEO of Casa Pacifica (left) and Bree Dervishian (right)

Innovative Project Expands Housing and Therapeutic Support for At-Risk Youth in Ventura County

Casa Pacifica, the largest nonprofit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, celebrated the grand opening of its new supportive housing for transitional age youth (ages 18-25) on September 13. The new housing is one of the first in Ventura County to address the needs of young adults who are transitioning from public systems such as foster care or juvenile justice or who are at a high risk of homelessness.

The event, which drew notable government and community leaders, advocates, and supporters, was a resounding success. Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Executive Officer, emphasized the critical need for housing and mental health services for youth leaving out-of-home (foster) care. The partnership between Ventura County and Casa Pacifica has been instrumental in making this supportive housing project a reality. Through collaborative efforts, the program provides not only housing but also vital mental health and therapeutic services, ensuring that vulnerable youth have the comprehensive support they need to transition successfully into independent adulthood.

“We were honored to share this extraordinary moment in our agency’s history with our longtime supporters including our Board, volunteers, and our project and community partners,” said Shawna Morris, MPA, CEO of Casa Pacifica. “Together, we’re creating a stable foundation for these young adults as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”

Among the event’s distinguished speakers were:

Bill Kearney, former Casa Pacifica Board President and philanthropist, who commended the organization’s longstanding commitment to helping youth.

Viany Lopez, Ventura County Supervisor, District 5, who emphasized the county’s support for expanding housing solutions for at-risk youth.

Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember, 42nd District, who highlighted the role of legislation and community support in addressing housing insecurity.

Louis Buldain, Trustee of the William and JoAnne Miller Charitable Trust, whose foundation has been instrumental in supporting Casa Pacifica’s vision for the future.

Shawna Morris, MPA, CEO of Casa Pacifica, spoke to the transformative impact that the new housing will have on young adults seeking stability and independence.

Perhaps the most moving remarks came from Bree Dervishian, a Casa Pacifica success story. The 21-year-old lived on Casa Pacifica’s Camarillo campus and received supportive services through the agency’s Transitional Youth Services (TYS) program. Bree shared her journey through the foster care system, her experience with being homeless and what she hopes for her future. She recently obtained her driver’s license and hopes to one day serve as a youth advocate.

“After I became homeless, Casa Pacifica and my care team was there for me,” said Bree. “It’s really amazing how the staff here is so supportive and helpful. Casa Pacifica is like family.”

Casa Pacifica’s new supportive housing reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing the critical needs of at-risk youth in Ventura County. The new housing expands capacity from 10 to 27 beds, nearly tripling the number of young adults Casa Pacifica can support. With expanded capacity and comprehensive on-site services, including case management, education and job development and life skills training, the supportive housing offers young adults the stability and support they need to thrive as they transition into independence. The strong partnership between Casa Pacifica, the County of Ventura, and local advocates ensures that vulnerable youth will continue to receive the care and resources they deserve for years to come.

To learn more about Casa Pacifica’s supportive housing program, visit www.casapacifica.org/transitional-housing

Gasoline Leak at Sinclair Station Triggers Evacuation in Pierpont

by Patricia Schallert

A gasoline leak in Ventura’s Pierpont neighborhood prompted an emergency response from Ventura Water and the Ventura Fire Department after reports of elevated hydrocarbon vapor levels on September 19. Crews discovered an unknown substance seeping into the sewer system on Monmouth Way, later confirmed by the EPA as gasoline.

“The leak was traced to underground facilities at the Sinclair gas station on 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. While the leak was contained, authorities continue investigating its impact on the sewer system and surrounding environment.

On September 22, officials issued an evacuation order for residents on Bayshore Avenue south of Peninsula, affecting about 150 people. An evacuation warning extended to the entire Pierpont neighborhood south of Seaward Avenue, affecting over 4,000 residents. The evacuation was lifted by late afternoon after vapor levels were successfully reduced.

Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington reported ongoing sewer bypass operations to stabilize the system and venting operations to reduce vapor buildup. By September 26, the contaminated gasoline was removed from the site, and petroleum gas was pumped from the water table, ensuring no further contamination would affect the sewer system.

Efforts continue to monitor and mitigate any lasting effects of the leak on the environment and infrastructure.

Love VC Presents Love Ventura – A City Wide Day or Service Ventura

Love VC, Inc. and Title Sponsor Greg Abrams of American Pacific Mortgage proudly presents the third annual “Love Ventura – City Wide Day of Service”. The 2024 day of service kicks off October 5th with over 20 different opportunities for the community to rally together to better and beautify our city. The event starts off with a morning kickoff at Plaza Park, in downtown Ventura. volunteers will get ready for their volunteer project as they gather their Love Ventura t-shirt, breakfast sponsored by Chick-fil-A, Kalorama coffee and Earth Kandee and energized by photo opportunities, music by DJ Jon D, can visit vendor row and collect some swag for the day, and be entered to win one of several gifts provided by local businesses. This is an exciting way to see the magnitude of volunteerism provided to show our city some love – all in one day!

The day is focused on connecting, giving and serving with collaboration at the core. The city of Ventura has a wide array of non-profits, individuals and organizations that provide services to the community, that it only makes sense to highlight, promote and partner with them! Volunteers can find all opportunities at www.loveventura.org Love VC, Inc. is proud to bring Love Ventura to the city as an annual day of service, providing projects that range in both difficulty and function, making it possible for all ages, abilities and desires to participate – from manual labor and beautification projects, to painting and cleaning, and encouragement projects that work directly with people.

  • Additional details include: Love Ventura is held on October 5, 2024
  • Morning kickoff at Plaza Park (Thompson Blvd/Fir St) from 8:00-9:45am
  • Service Projects run from 10am to 1pm
  • Volunteers are asked to pre-register for their desired project at www.loveventura.org
  • Project Partners – Bike Ventura, CalVet Home of Ventura, Downtown Ventura Partners, Kids and Families Together, Lemon Grove School, Pier into the Future, Pierpont Elementary, Restore Ventura, Ronald McDonald Family Room, Surfrider Foundation, Tenderlife Maternity Home, The City Center, The River Community, Ventura Family YMCA, Ventura Forward, Ventura Grand Chateau, Ventura Land Trust
  • Title Sponsor – Greg Abrams of American Pacific Mortgage
  • Platinum Sponsors – Brightview Landscape, KB Home
  • Premier Sponsors – Downtown Ventura Partners, Elite Window Tint, And Rotary Club Of Ventura
  • Supporter Sponsors – Aera Energy, Downtown Ventura Partners, Lucy Oliveira Realtor®, Rotary Club East Ventura, VCCU And Ventura Police Community Foundation
  • Friend Sponsor – Zara Wells – Speech Therepy
  • Project Supporter – Barrelhouse 101, Target On Main
  • Water Sponsor – Seaside Realty
  • Kickoff Sponsors – Amigo Rentals, Chick-Fil-A Of Ventura, Earth Kandee, Kalorama Coffee
  • Marketing Sponsor – Ventura Auto Center

To Learn More About Event Host Love VC, Inc. – Visit www.Lovevc.Net

Love Vc, Inc. Has The Sole Focus Of Inspiring Our Community To Love Each Other Through Connecting, Giving And Serving. Contact Information: Sarah Abrams Co-Founder [email protected] Find Us On FB And IG Love Vc, Inc @Loveventuracounty Love Ventura @Love.Vta

Student Competitions Logo Contest 2025

The Ventura County Office of Education invites Ventura County students to design logos for the 2025 Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, Mock Trial, and Science Fair. The winning design will be used on the event lapel pins, awards, and competition materials. Ventura County students in grades K-12 are invited to participate

THE DESIGNS SHOULD INCLUDE:

Format: Students may submit entries for as many of the events as they would like (Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, Mock Trial, Science Fair). Entries must be submitted in digital format. Formats include .jpg, .png, or .pdf. Dimensions of digital artwork must be 150 dpi and 7.5” x 7.5”. Entries must be in circular format and should include “Ventura County” at the top and the event name and year at the bottom.

Original Work: The design(s) must be original work done by the student; no stock images from commercial or private sources will be accepted.

Student Information: The student’s signature should appear within the design. Entries must include the following information: School, grade, teacher name, teacher email, and student name.

Entry Deadline: Fri, Oct 18, by 4:00 PM. A plaque will be presented to the winning student at the respective competition awards ceremony. The winning design will be selected by VCOE. Email all entries to [email protected]. 2024 winning and sample logos at bottom of this page: https://www.vcoe.org/Competitions/Logo-Contest

American Pickers Show to Film in California

The American Pickers plans to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout November. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections. They are looking for leads. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…they’d love to hear from you. The Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: [email protected] or call (646) 493-2184. Facebook: @GotAPick.

C.A.R.L. Halloween Fest!

Image by Freepik

Topa Topa Brewery, 4880 Colt St., Ventura
Sunday, Oct. 27, 12–4 p.m.

Join the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (CARL) for Halloween Fest on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Topa Topa Brewery! Enjoy food trucks, live music from Kelly’s Lot, a silent auction, and the chance to meet some of the amazing CARL dogs available for adoption. Kids are welcome, and costumes are encouraged! A $10 donation is suggested, with all proceeds benefiting the CARL dogs.

Connie Gunderson: Crafting Sustainable Art from Reclaimed Materials

by Patricia Schallert

At 77 years old, Connie Gunderson epitomizes creativity and resilience from her sunny home in Ventura, California. Originally from the stunning landscapes of Hawaii, Connie draws deep inspiration from her island upbringing, blending vibrant culture and natural beauty into her craft. Her passion lies in creating unique handbags that merge sustainability with artistry. Utilizing reclaimed materials such as upholstery and cork, Connie’s handbags are wearable art, transcending simple accessories to become reflections of her life experiences and a testament to her environmental commitment.

Each handbag tells a story, showcasing her heritage and innovative design. Connie’s work transforms everyday items into artistic statements, promoting a sustainable lifestyle without compromising style. Her use of cork adds another layer of eco-friendliness and elegance to her designs. Cork is lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and features unique textures that make it an ideal choice for chic, practical handbags.

Her combination of cork, upholstery, and other repurposed fabrics creates bags that are not only eco-friendly but also easy to maintain. Connie sources her cork primarily from cork oak trees found in Mediterranean regions like Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. These trees have a lifespan of more than 200 years and are harvested in a sustainable manner. The initial harvest occurs when the tree reaches 25 years of age, with the outer bark carefully stripped in the summer months when it’s easiest to remove. After harvesting, cork trees regenerate their bark in about 9 to 12 years, allowing for continual, sustainable harvesting.

Connie is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in biology. After working as a medical technologist for many years, she rediscovered her passion for fabric in retirement. Often referred to as “the Bag Lady,” this self-taught artist frequently participates in local events across Ventura County. Grateful for the opportunity to pursue her dream, Connie joyfully shares, “Thank the Lord I get to do what I love—making my handbags.” Don’t miss her next event on November 3 at Art in the Marina!

Visit ConnieGunderson.com to learn more about the artist and her work.

Experience Local Flavors at Paradise Pantry: A Restaurant, Wine Shop, and Artisan Market

Paradise Pantry is a premier downtown establishment that serves the neighborhood as a great Restaurant, an acclaimed Cheese Counter and a remarkable Wine Shop. Paradise Pantry is a destination for everyone.

Co-owner Chef Kelly Briglio uses the seasonal bounty of the Central Coast to create dishes featuring house-made pasta, made-from-scratch soups, and farm-fresh salads to entice every palate and pair well with co-owner Tina Thayer’s curated wine list.

Begin with a cheese plate, then a great main dish and end with a delicious dessert. Dine on the patio or inside, or order takeout. Don’t miss shopping next door in the Paradise Pantry Artisan Market.

The Paradise Pantry Artisan Market which includes an expansive Cheese Counter and well-stocked Wine Shop, carries a curated selection of local and international food specialties — cheese, salami, olives, wines, craft beers, jams, chocolates and more.

Let the experts behind the Cheese Counter guide you on pairing wine and cheese and ask about grab-and-go and custom gifts. Worked up a hunger while shopping? Circle back to Paradise Pantry Restaurant next door and order a cheese plate, a great meal, a wine flight and an excellent dessert.

“We strive to make eating great food and drinking fantastic wine a fun, inviting, and educational experience for all that wish to experience it. We are passionate supporters of local farms and businesses, culinary lovers, wine drinkers and quality-food snobs. We created this restaurant to be what we loved and in our community. A foodie’s Paradise,” Chef Kelly

Business Profile: Banh Mi Paris Sandwiches

Located in Ventura’s Victoria Village (by Harbor Freight Tools and Victoria Pub and Grill) is a hidden gem of Vietnamese cuisine. If you’re familiar with Vietnamese must-haves like Pho, you’ll be delighted with the restaurant’s fresh Banh Mi varieties, as well as other local favorites. What truly sets their Banh Mi apart is the homemade, fresh-baked baguettes, prepared daily right in their kitchen—unlike other restaurants that have their bread delivered. These crispy baguettes are filled with your choice of meat, pickled vegetables, cilantro, lime, chile, and other ingredients that give the Banh Mi its signature flavor. Aside from these delicious sandwiches, the menu boasts spring rolls, noodles, Peruvian-inspired stir fry, and rice dishes. As the weather cools, their Pho is the perfect soul-soothing comfort food.

Manager Phong Nguyen is a chef at heart, having grown up in the family restaurant business since the 1990s. At a young age, he became the main chef and kitchen manager for The Vox Kitchen in Fountain Valley, where he worked for many years. The Vox is a trendy, Orange County-based fusion restaurant that draws inspiration from cuisines around the world, and it earned a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants list in 2022.

Nguyen opened his first restaurant in Oxnard in 2005. With his family now living in Ventura, he decided to join Paris Sandwiches, closer to home. The restaurant launched at the end of 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which posed obvious challenges. Thankfully, delivery services like DoorDash and Grubhub helped sustain the business during that tough time.

Over the past four years, while the menu has evolved, some local favorites have stayed the same—Pho, Banh Mi, vermicelli, and garlic noodles. The restaurant continues to introduce new flavors to keep the options fresh. Recently, the dine-in area was reopened, and there are plans to expand the menu further. Be on the lookout for daily or weekly specials, along with their fresh-baked baguettes that many don’t know are made in-house daily! Be sure to visit them at the upcoming 2024 Fall Business Expo at the Four Points Sheraton on October 10, from 4pm to 6:30pm and, sample some of their delicious offerings.