Tri-county regional launch of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and their partner, Clean Power Alliance (CPA) are excited to announce the upcoming tri-county regional launch of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) on July 27.

The tri-county CALeVIP Project seeks to rapidly expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and is funded through a combination of grants from California Energy Commission (CEC) and local partners. The CALeVIP Project is administered by the nonprofit Center for Sustainable Energy.

On December 8, 2020, in an effort to leverage grant funding from CEC, the APCD Board approved investment of $1.5 million over a three-year period towards installation of EV charging stations in Ventura County through CALeVIP. The CPA Board of Directors then approved one year of funding worth $570,000 on May 6, 2021. Due in part to these funding contributions from APCD and CPA, there will be nearly $6 million available to fund an estimated 650 new chargers, including 70 fast chargers in Ventura County, the largest one-time investment yet.

CALeVIP offers rebates for the purchase and installation of both Level 2 and DC fast chargers with increased funding for multi-unit dwellings, disadvantaged communities, and low-income communities. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program launched on July 27.

Because of the high interest regarding the project and expectation that funds may be reserved within hours of program launch, APCD and CPA recommends that all interested parties register and attend the webinar (register here) and begin working with an eligible EV charger vendor.  These vendors will help prepare materials to submit applications at the program launch. More information at https://calevip.org/incentive-project/south-central-coast.

 

Vol. 14, No. 22 – July 28 – Aug 10, 2021 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

You know the music scene is alive when large venue events sell out; such was the case for the Tequila and Tacos Music Festival over the weekend of July 24 & 25 with Vanilla Ice, Tag Team and Ozomatli performing. I will concede, the beverage of choice may have been the driving force behind the ticket sales, but the stage was rockin’ and that’s always a cool thing. Next up for Surfer’s Point Live (Fairgrounds’ parking lot), Scotty McCreery & Rodney Atkins on Friday, July 30, and then the Spencer Makenzie’s Throw Down Cornhole & Music Festival over the weekend of August 27-29 with Mandex, Dave Rea & the Acoustic DNA and three tribute bands covering the music of AC/DC, Journey & Guns & Roses. For more details and ticket information, go to SurfersPointLive.com.

I’m also happy to see the Ventura Theater lining up shows and the first one is one you should seriously think about seeing. Not only is Lukas Nelson son to Willie, but he collaborated with Bradley Cooper on A Star is Born, and his band IS the band in the movie. The band’s brand of Country Rock is a fun vibe and the talent is stellar, so you won’t want to miss Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real on Thursday, September 9.

More show at Ventura Theater:
The End of Summer Lockdown Tour – Friday, September 10
Mon Laferte – Wednesday September 22
Drakeo the Ruler – Friday October 1
Black Label Society: Doom Trooping over North America tour – Saturday, October 2
Yung Bleu – Tuesday, October 5
Pennywise w/ Dead Kennedys – Thursday, October 7
Pennywise w/ Strung Out – Friday, October 8 (sold out)
Elefante, Inspector – Friday, October 15
The Struts – Tuesday, November 2
GWAR – Tuesday, November 23
The Dead South – Tuesday, December 7
The Slackers – Friday, December 10

The Hueneme Beach Festival falls over the weekend of August 28 and 29, and I was looking over their impressive line-up of artists performing both days and was delighted to find out this one is also free to the public. Saturday features LAW, Fausto Cuevas y La Moderna, and Ozomatli, then on Sunday it’s Diggin Dirt, Arise Roots and Think:EXP. I love that the organizers put so much thought into their lineup, and so, just in case you didn’t know, a little bit about a few of the acts performing:

Fausto Cuevas is that caliber of musician that tours with Stevie Wonder’s band, most recently the 2014-2016 during the Key of Life world tour, though he’s performed previously with Stevie Wonder at the 2008 Democratic National Convention and at the 25th Anniversary of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden in 2009. The man is that good, and the grooves he lays down are immediately infectious so prepare to dance.

Ozomatli performed a few years ago during the Ventura Music Festival and more recently in July at the Tequila and Tacos Music Festival at Surfer’s Point Live. The six-piece band plays primarily Latin, hip hop and rock music and has quite the following, and again, prepare to dance.

Think:EXP is a supergroup with members Scott Page who has worked with Pink Floyd, Supertramp and Toto, Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction & Porno for Pyros, Kenny Olson of Kidd Rock and Norwood Fisher of Fishbone. The website, www.thinkesp.co describes the group, “Think:EXP strives to revolutionize the entertainment industry by bridging the gap between the human spirit and technological innovation with one-of-a-kind live, immersive concert experiences.” That certainly piques my interest!

Quick Notes: Tickets are now on sale for the Ojai Music Festival; The Garage on the east end of town took advantage of the pandemic downtime and now has a new look; Spencer the Gardener will return to Winchesters on Sunday, August 8 with their brand of fiesta party music; and Nardcore Tuesday nights continue at Rock & Roll Pizza in Camarillo with Bootleg Brigade and Last Point on August 3, and Sick Boy on August 10.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura City Fire Department respond to structure fire at Mound Elementary School

On July 22, at 2:39pm, Ventura City Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at Mound Elementary School. The first arriving engine company discovered a classroom at the rear of the school heavily involved in fire. Firefighters protected adjoining classrooms while suppressing the main body of the fire. The fire was held to the classroom of

origin with two additional classrooms suffering heavy smoke damage. The fire was completely extinguished 40 minutes after the initial 911 call was made.

The cause of the fire is suspicious in nature and remains under investigation by Ventura City Fire. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Person To Person

by Amy Brown

Question: How did the more than year-long need to sequester affect you?

Fred Yasukochi
Retired

The year of Covid forced cancellation of trips to Africa and Yellowstone. It gave me situational depression, and gained weight! New skills included how to make bacon at home.

How did things change once the shutdown was over? Standing in line for the Covid vaccine was thrilling. Like when I felt after voting for our first Black president: excitement and hope.

What have you changed in your life or perspective since? We are still cautious when out. My life today is much more about appreciation and less about acquisition now.

Kelly McCauley:
Hair Stylist at Shear View Salon

I’ll say it affected me not mentally, because I got used to being alone for a while, our shop was closed, I lost a few clients, some were scared to come back. I had a lot of projects! I was a rock painter for a little while.

How did things change once the shutdown was over? I love it! It feels normal. I actually went to Long Beach last weekend, although it was supposed to be mandated, no one was really wearing masks. I’ve been vaccinated, so I’m not really nervous to be around people. I believe if I am vaccinated, take vitamins and stay healthy, I will be ok.

What have you changed in your life or perspective since? It hasn’t changed my life; it makes me appreciate life differently–we should live for today, as tomorrow’s not promised to any of us.

Tiler de long
Busser at Aloha Steakhouse

It was actually very depressing being stuck at my house, all day, with all my siblings. Plus, my restaurant was shut down for months. I was never really scared of the worst of the pandemic, but it was hard being shut down.

How did things change once the shutdown was over? It made me happy, I got my life back to normal, instead of feeling so restricted. It’s way more busy at work, now that everyone can go out again.

What have you changed in your life or perspective since? This has made me appreciate the little things. And now it’s made me go out more than I ever did before. I realized how hard it was to be unable to go out for so long.

Javier Mendoza
Production Manager, BIRNS, Inc.

I don’t think I ever noticed how much of a social creature I was until being told I couldn’t go anywhere! Only then I realized how much I miss camaraderie with even total strangers. Even at bars, the DMV—during Covid no one could be near one another.

How did things change once the shutdown was over? It feels fantastic. I’m almost purposely trying to interact with more people, it’s something people missed, sparking up conversations at the grocery store—more so than ever, being able to talk to random strangers again. It feels good.

What have you changed in your life or perspective since? Definitely—I find the need to be more outgoing, I’ve always felt like I always was, even more so. We have a very limited time here anyways. We’ve sequestered for 1.5 years, and as scary as that was, during that time, being able to have people go back out again, it feels good to get to know new people and try new things. Less embarrassed trying new things, since being locked up for so long!

DIY Home Energy Savings Toolkit available

You can check out a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Energy Savings Toolkit at participating Ventura County libraries. Ventura County Library is partnering with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA), and 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) to launch the DIY Energy Savings Toolkits. The DIY toolkits include instruction guidebooks in both English and Spanish and will help provide the knowledge, tools, and equipment needed to improve your home’s energy and water usage with easy upgrades. These simple DIY home improvements can help increase the energy efficiency of your home, making it more comfortable, affordable, resilient, and better for the planet. 

The DIY toolkits include useful tips and free items like LED lightbulbs, low-flow showerheads, weather stripping, and aerators for you to install at home. Also included are measuring devices like a Kill-a-Watt meter, infrared laser thermometer, and flow rate bag to help to save energy, water, and money. Use the tools and supplies in the kit to complete your DIY projects. When you’re finished, return the kit to your local library and enjoy your new and improved home! 

Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Linda Parks, stated “With this handy DIY toolkit, you can measure your home’s energy and water usage and make a few quick home upgrades to save money and help the planet. Involve the kids and make it a fun learning opportunity.” 

To learn more about the toolkits, visit 3C-REN’s Home Energy Savings webpage at www.3c-ren.org/diy-toolkit/. To find a kit near you, visit Ventura County Library’s website at www.vencolibrary.org/DIY.

Ventura Police Department informs community on how to “Know Your Limit”

The Ventura Police Department will have officers in downtown Ventura educating the public on how to monitor alcohol intake and “know your limit” on July 30, 2021, from 6p.m. – 10:00p.m.

During this time, officers will ask patrons how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe it is safe to drive. Officers will provide information on the impacts of alcohol on one’s ability to drive, and the consequences of a DUI.

“The goal is to help our residents understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions when deciding how to get home,” said Officer Bernadette Compean, the Ventura Police Alcohol Enforcement Officer. “It only takes a few drinks to become impaired, which is why it is important that drivers know their limit.”

The “Know Your Limit” program is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. It is illegal for anyone 21 and older to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher.

A person’s height, weight, food intake, drug and/or medication use and how much they drink over a time period are all factors that affect their BAC. According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds ,and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds, to be over the legal limit. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor, 12 oz. of beer, or a 5 oz. glass of wine. The BAC lowers at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.

The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes, and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.

Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To learn more about the Office of Traffic Safety grant and VPD’s educational efforts, visit ots.ca.gov or contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist with the Ventura Police Department, at [email protected].

Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report

Ocean water quality results for samples collected last week indicate ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling location failed to meet State standards for bacteria:

Surfer’s Point Beach

Warning signs are currently posted and contact with ocean water should be avoided for a minimum of 50 yards on either side of each posted sign. Warning signs will remain posted until ocean water quality meets State standards. Any items that may have come in contact with ocean water should be avoided. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Any shellfish on or from Ventura County beaches may have also been exposed to this contamination and should not be eaten.

Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program staff will continue with weekly bacteriological sampling of Ventura County beaches. Results for specific beaches are also available on the Environmental Health Division hotline (recorded information), 805/662-6555, and on the Ocean Water Program Web page at:

www.vcrma.org/ocean-water-quality-monitoring-program

You can also view any current beach advisories and learn about the State ocean water quality standards on the VC Safe Beaches app, available for Android and Apple devices.

Aegis Living Ventura doubles fundraising goal for the Alzheimer’s Association

With live music filling the air, attendees sampled chili from six competitors.

On Friday afternoon, July 16, residents and staff of Aegis Living Ventura, a local assisted living and memory care community, gathered with partners, friends, and family members for a chili cook-off to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association and their Longest Day initiative.

The Longest Day is a yearly fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, centered on the summer solstice and longest day of the year on June 20. Supporters from around the globe ban together to raise funds at events like the chili cook-off. Proceeds from the Aegis Living event went directly to support the Association’s California Central Coast Chapter.

“Today was a proud moment for our community,” shared Sam EL-Rabaa, Aegis Living Ventura’s general manager. “To see the outpouring of support for the Alzheimer’ Association from our community partners, families, residents, and public was so uplifting, but the best part was seeing how much residents were enjoying themselves.”

With live music filling the air, attendees sampled chili from six competitors: Ventura Post Acute, Coastal View Health Care, Assisted Home Health and Hospice, Mission Home Health and Hospice, Oakhurst Hospice, and Aegis Living. Each competitor decorated their own table and tent, and many residents got into the spirit, wearing festive costumes and dancing to the music.

“We had a great turnout today,” said Denise Tyner, chili competitor from Ventura Post Acute. “We’re proud to be associated with this event and the attention it brings to the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Assisted Home Health and Hospice took home the “Best Chili” trophy, with Aegis Living’s Mary Sawyer snagging the “Best Presentation” award thanks to her creative table décor.

The event was a rousing success. The initial fundraising goal of $500 was almost doubled by the end of the day, with nearly $1,000 raised for the Alzheimer’s Association. Plans are already underway to make the chili cook-off into an annual event.

“Today was amazing,” said Sawyer. “It was a day of celebrating not just the fact that we are getting back to normal, but also celebrating those residents living with Alzheimer’s and offering support to our families.”

All in attendance, especially Aegis Living residents, couldn’t have been happier to be out and about, and for such a great cause.

Ventura has an increase in violent crimes

As mid-year statistics are evaluated, the City of Ventura has experienced an overall increase in Part I Crime of just under 1%. Despite a slight reduction in reported property crimes through the first half of 2021, violent crime is up by 23%, with an increase in sexual assaults and robberies at 53% and 32% respectively, accounting for most of the increase.

It’s likely that the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions has had an impact on public behavior and crime rates. Last year, during the pandemic lockdowns and business closures, violent crime fell substantially. The increasing trend so far this year is indicative of the crime rates Ventura experienced in previous years.

As 2021 progresses, the Ventura Police Department looks forward to continuing to strengthen community partnerships and relationships by bringing back outreach events such as Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out, the Community Academy, in-person Neighborhood Watch Meetings, and Curbside Coffee Chats at local schools.

Community members interested in learning more about crime in their neighborhoods and in our city are encouraged to visit the Ventura Police Department’s online, interactive Community Crime Map at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CrimeMap.

Tips for caregivers and families of people with dementia

A caregiver, sometimes referred to as a caretaker, refers to anyone who provides care for another person. Millions of people living in the United States take care of a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Sometimes caregivers live with the person or nearby, other times they live far away. For many families, caring for a person with dementia isn’t just one person’s job, but the role of many people who share tasks and responsibilities. No matter what kind of caregiver you are, taking care of another person can be overwhelming at times. These tips and suggestions may help with everyday care and tasks.

Early on in Alzheimer’s and related dementias, people experience changes in thinking, remembering, and reasoning in a way that affects daily life and activities. Eventually, people with these diseases will need more help with simple, everyday tasks. This may include bathing, grooming, and dressing. It may be upsetting to the person to need help with such personal activities. Here are a few tips to consider early on and as the disease progresses:

Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day.

Help the person write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar.

Plan activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time each day.

Consider a system or reminders for helping those who must take medications regularly.

When dressing or bathing, allow the person to do as much as possible.

Buy loose-fitting, comfortable, easy-to-use clothing, such as clothes with elastic waistbands, fabric fasteners, or large zipper pulls instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles.

Use a sturdy shower chair to support a person who is unsteady and to prevent falls. You can buy shower chairs at drug stores and medical supply stores.

Be gentle and respectful. Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step while you help them bathe or get dressed.

Serve meals in a consistent, familiar place and give the person enough time to eat.

Communication can be hard for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias because they have trouble remembering things. They also can become agitated and anxious, even angry. In some forms of dementia, language abilities are affected such that people have trouble finding the right words or have difficulty speaking. You may feel frustrated or impatient, but it is important to understand that the disease is causing the change in communication skills. To help make communication easier, you can:

Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.

Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.

Respect the person’s personal space.

Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.

Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure.

Remind the person who you are if he or she doesn’t remember, but try not to say, “Don’t you remember?”

Encourage a two-way conversation for as long as possible.

Try distracting the person with an activity, such as a familiar book or photo album, if you are having trouble communicating with words.