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.
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 Ventura County Fairgrounds is excited to announce this year’s Fair theme: Fair-ever Young – 150 Years of Fun “I love that the theme represents past, present and the future,” said Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center CEO Jen McGuire.
The theme was chosen by a judging panel following the 2024 Ventura County Fair 150th Theme Contest which ran February 1-23, 2024. More than 2,600 entries were submitted by the community. The winning entry was submitted by Kaytlyn Kirksey-Seymour of Port Hueneme. As the first-place winner, Kaytlyn will receive $1,000. Second and third place themes were also chosen and will be awarded $750 for second place and $500 for third. Winning themes: 1st Place: Kaytlyn Kirksey-Seymour, Port Hueneme – “Fair-ever Young – 150 Years of Fun” 2nd Place: Alfredo Martinez, Oxnard – “Harvesting 150 Years of Happiness” 3rd Place: Ray Rivera, Ventura – “A Carousel of Memories: 150 Years of Fair Fun”
The winning theme will be used in the Youth Poster Contest which begins accepting entries this Friday, March 1st. This year, the Youth Poster Contest has been expanded to include all grades K-12 and includes grade-level placements and a school participation award. Also new for 2024, there will be no entry fee. Participants are encouraged to read the guidelines before submitting their artwork. “I enjoy seeing the interpretation through our youth’s eyes, especially with the poster contest,” said McGuire. “Our poster contest is one of our favorite annual traditions showcasing the talents our youth.
It’s the official kick-off for our fair season, which is exciting for us.” The Ventura County Fair is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, including a series of events and contests leading up to the annual Ventura County Fair July 31 through August 11, 2024. ## About the 2024 Ventura County Fair: The Ventura County Fair is celebrating 150 years in 2024! The fun starts now, with monthly events and contests leading up to the annual Fair this July 31 through August 11, 2024. This year’s Ventura County Fair will include new celebrations and pay homage to past traditions. Details will be available at https://venturacountyfair.org/ and on social media @VCFairgrounds.
Following an extensive recruitment process, Rachel Dimond has been appointed as the Community Development Director, effective February 17, 2024. Dimond has been serving in the interim director role since the end of 2023.
Ms. Dimond joined the City of Ventura in May 2023 as the Interim Assistant Community Development Director and has since demonstrated exceptional leadership, overseeing various planning projects including major hotel, mixed-use, and residential developments.
“Drawing from a diverse planning background that extends from the State of Colorado to Southern California, Rachel brings over 20 years of industry insight and a wealth of knowledge to the role,” stated Ventura City Manager Bill Ayub. “Her expertise in urban planning, addressing both long-term strategies and immediate objectives, will be instrumental in fulfilling the City’s developmental requirements for residents, businesses, and community collaborators.”
Prior to joining the City, Ms. Dimond held the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Compton and played senior planning roles in the City of West Hollywood. Dimond holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from The George Washington University and a Master of Urban Planning degree from New York University.
Over the past three years, the Community Development Department has made significant contributions to several important City Council goals. This includes drafting the 2021-2029 Housing Element, updating the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, establishing an expanded Permit Services Division and Housing Services Division, supporting commercial cannabis applications, enhancing the historic preservation process, and initiating the General Plan Update process.
The Community Development Department is responsible for planning and zoning, building and safety, code enforcement, housing, and redevelopment for the City of Ventura. It ensures that new construction and additions to existing structures meet the policies and guidelines established for public safety, zoning, and development.
With 45 full-time employees and an annual operating budget of over $15.4 million, the department also works closely with various City commissions and committees that help guide and advise the City Council regarding development in Ventura.
For more information about the City’s Community Development Department, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CD.
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.
Surf Rodeo float riders waving to the crowd. Photo by Brendan Daly/WhizCom Marketing
If you’d like to roll down Main Street in the 2024 County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the time to sign up is now. Entry deadline is Thursday, March 7.
Presented annually by Ventura Elks Lodge No. 1430, the parade will commence this year at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, along a three-quarter-mile route in the heart of Ventura. To enter, visit venturastpatricksdayparade.com. Entry fee is $50.
This year’s parade theme, “Shamrocks & Shenanigans,” gives entrants an invitation to embrace their inner leprechauns with whimsy and mischief in their creations.
One of the county’s most popular community events, the St. Patrick’s Day parade draws thousands each year to a route lined with happy families all dressed up in green. The 2024 parade will run the same midtown route it debuted in 2022, downhill along Main, from Lincoln Drive to Fir Street.
Parade entries are coming in strong this year and again include a solid musical contingent. Always a great entertainment, the parade last year drew more bands and other musicians than any previous year in the history of the decades-old event.
Parade entrants compete for awards presented by a panel of judges led by St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee member James Lockwood. Joining Lockwood on the panel will be Clint Garman from the office of Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere; Richard Rush, former president of California State University Channel Islands; Celina Zacarias, CSUCI’s director of community and government relations; and Elks Lodge representative Rhonda Catron.
Primary parade sponsors include California State University Channel Islands, Citizens Business Bank, E.J. Harrison & Sons, Rolls Scaffold, Runnin’ to Bunnin Chevrolet, and Union Bank. Major sponsors donating their time and services include CAPS Media, the Gaston Group, Ventura Rental Center, and WhizCom Marketing. Among the scores of others who contributed are a dozen media sponsors.
The parade grand marshal this year is the wonderful Elena Brokaw! Executive director of the Museum of Ventura County, Elena is a perennial Ventura County civic leader who before heading up the museum worked with the city of Ventura for 13 years, including as its community services director. In 2019, she was named Citizen of the Year, earning the top honor bestowed by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce in its annual prestigious Poinsettia Awards.
Elena grew up in Ventura County, the youngest of five. She lived in East Ventura till her family moved to an avocado ranch in Santa Paula when she was 8. Elena naturally gravitated toward arts and culture, spending her youth writing, singing and acting and going on to earn a degree in fine arts from Harvard. After short, post-college stints in Boulder, Colorado, and Los Angeles, Elena returned home to Ventura County for good.
She lives in Santa Paula with her husband, former Ventura Police Chief Pat Miller, and her son, Charlie – who turns 13 the day after St. Patrick’s Day!
The County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade is co-chaired by an esteemed group of former Ventura mayors and councilmembers – former grand marshals Jim Monahan and Nan Drake; and longtime event coordinator Brian Brennan – working in cooperation with a hardworking committee including members from Ventura Elks Lodge No. 1430, which has presented the parade since its beginnings in the 1980s.
For answers to parade entry questions, call Brennan at 805-746-5955 or committee member Aaron Gaston at 805-340-8217. For other parade info, call Monahan at 805-340-1356.
Recently, Pacific High School (VUSD) students visited City Hall to discuss their class project on the alarming impact of Fentanyl. They met with Councilmembers and Parks and Police Department staff to share insights and brainstorm solutions. Together, they explored ways to raise awareness about the opioid crisis and prevent overdoses in our community.
Cazita Backyard Cabana on display at the Fairgrounds
Looking for a tiny house, kitchen remodel or total home makeover? Find these and much more at the Ventura Home Improvement & Outdoor Living Expo, taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 23, 24 and 25 at Ventura Fairgrounds. Admission is free for this fun and informative expo, which highlights the latest in decorating, remodeling and landscaping.
Ready to downsize, add rental income or take your home on the road? The Tiny House Showcase offers future homebuyers a chance to experience full-size tiny homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), casitas, homes on wheels, guest rooms and backyard cabanas. Meet with tiny home builders for specials and to learn more. Considering a kitchen or bath remodel? Local experts will be at the show to present renovation ideas from cabinets, countertops and center islands to tubs, vanities, shower doors, fixtures and accessories. Roofing, room additions, windows, doors, skylights, blinds/shutters and flooring/carpeting will also be available. Bring your plans and get ready to meet the pros.
For outdoor entertaining, see what’s new in pools, hot tubs, BBQ islands, patios, decks, outdoor furniture and artificial turf. Other products and services include gutter protection, home siding, concrete, paving stones, painting and coating solutions. Gardening enthusiasts can check out garden tools, soil additives, treatments, biochar and sustainable cooking units. Get advice from garden and landscape experts on plant care, soil health, pest control, composting and attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your backyard oasis. Energy and security products include heating/AC, solar, generators, alarms, security solutions and water filtration. Home decorating pros will also be on hand to help transform your space with storage, moving, organizing, kitchen accessories, bedding, mattresses and home décor products. For active aging and personal care, see what’s new in stairlifts, scooters, ramps, grab bars and self-defense products. Stay-at-home assessments for seniors will also be provided. Arts, crafts, gifts, sports apparel, collectibles, gourmet items and bakery products will also be on be available.
Attendees can learn about income property, homes for sale, managing rental units, and more from members of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors. Show highlights will also include how-to demos, home improvement bingo and daily giveaways throughout the weekend.
The Home Improvement & Outdoor Living Expo – February 23-25, 2024, at Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001. Show hours: Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. On-site parking: $10.00. For information visit www.venturahomeshows.com.
Children will be seeing the positive impact that they had on seniors.
by Carol Leish, MA
“Since elementary school students last year wrote such heartwarming messages to seniors, we at Assisted Home Health & Hospice decided to continue our Project Love on an annual basis,” according to Natalie Uribe, the HospiceCare Specialist at Assisted Home Health & Hospice. This year, Ventura Elementary Schools, Portola, EP Foster, Will Rogers, Montalvo, Poinsettia, and Elmhurst Elementary Schools have participated again. New schools in Oxnard and Camarillo also participated in the Project Love Event this year.
‘We supplied 4-5 different color sheets, to give the children options of what to color. The cards said things, such as, ‘You are wonderful; and, ‘You are special,’ as well as a spot for their own message The Valentine’s Day Cards were delivered to various senior residential facilities in Ventura: Cypress Place Senior Living; Aegis Living; Cal Vet; The Palms of Buenaventura; Victoria Care Center; Ventura Post Acute; and, Coastal View. Some seniors were moved to tears of joy, after seeing the cards. They reminisced bout when their children were going to elementary school.”
Children will be seeing the positive impact that they had on seniors since Assisted Home Health & Hospice took videos of the kids coloring and of the seniors receiving the heartwarming messages, which they will be sending to the schools in March for teachers to show to the children who participated.
“We look forward to this event growing each year so it can touch more lives,” according to Uribe. “The event has grown by 25% with more schools participating each year. With all that is going on in the world, we need to realize the importance of loving one another. This event has created more caring within children by making them more aware of thinking about others, such as seniors, especially since some of them have grandparents.”
Let us continue to spread love and joy to others throughout the year.
