Vitalant thanking donors with a free ticket to the Ventura County Fair
Nonprofit Vitalant is teaming up with the Ventura County Fair to urge all eligible volunteer blood donors to help prevent a summer shortage by giving blood.
Vitalant will be holding a three-day blood drive at the Ventura County Fairgrounds August 1, 2 and 3, where all donors will receive one free ticket to the fair.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency and O-positive can help any patient with a positive blood type.
Donate at the Ventura County Fairgrounds:
Date: August 1, 2 and 3
Location: Ventura County Fairgounds
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
“Summer is a difficult time to collect blood,” said Vitalant Regional Director, Susan Noone. “Vitalant is grateful to have partners like the Ventura County Fair lending its support to encourage blood donations during this critical time of year.”
Full summer calendars and holiday plans may prevent regular donors from being able to give. Additionally, school is out preventing campus blood drives. Students account for a significant percentage of donated blood.
Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
Ventura College Pirate Athletics is pleased to announce Julia Tamai has been named the Pirates’ new head softball coach. Tamai most recently was the head coach at Oxnard’s new Del Sol High School, directing formation of the Jaguars’ new program for the past year.
Tamai previously spent 11 years as an assistant coach at UC Santa Barbara from 2010-2017 and 2019-2022. She has also directed the SoCal Athletics’ 18u travel team since 2018 leading the team to numerous regional and national awards and achievements. Tamai has been a private softball instructor since 2010.
A standout athlete at Cornerstone Christian High School in Camarillo, Tamai was a four-time first team all-conference honoree in softball in addition to being an outstanding basketball and volleyball. The Oxnard native capped off her prep career by earning the CIF-SS Div. VI Player of the Year Award and she was Cornerstone Christian’s Female Athlete of the Year as a senior.
Tamai started her collegiate career in 1999 at Wright State University in Dayton, OH where she played two seasons for the Raiders. She was named second team All-Midwest Collegiate Conference and made the MCC’s all-freshman team in her rookie campaign before becoming the ninth-toughest batter to strike out in the NCAA, as she only struck out twice all season as a sophomore. Tamai also made the Virginia Classic all-tournament team her second year.
Tamai transferred to UC Santa Barbara prior to the 2001 season. She played sparingly during her junior year but came on strong in her senior season with the Gauchos. She was named first team All-Big West in 2002 after leading UCSB with 58 hits and a .307 batting average. She was also named the team’s MVP her senior year. Despite a two-season career at UCSB, Tamai was selected as a member of the program’s All-Decade Team.
Tamai earned her bachelor’s degree from UCSB in 2003, majoring in history with a minor in sports management. She has worked for the Tamai Family Farms in Oxnard for 21 years.
Lake Casitas reached full capacity in April, marking the highest water level in more than a quarter-century. Just two years ago, the drought-stressed reservoir, which supplies drinking water to the Ojai Valley and parts of Ventura, had dropped below 30%. Officials said the lake’s full capacity is designed to sustain water supply through a 20-year drought.
March 7, 2019 – 41.4%.
May 23, 2019 – 45%.
September 9, 2019 – 42.9%.
December 17, 2019 – 41.3%.
March 7, 2020 – 41.4%.
May 31, 2020 – 44.4%.
September 10, 2020 – 43.8%
November 3, 2020 – 40.3%
December 2, 2020 – 39.7%
March 16, 2021 – 38.9%.
June 28, 2021 – 36.6%.
September 7, 2021 – 34.2%.
June 21, 2022 – 34.7%
February 11, 2023 – 45%
June 13, 2023 -74%
March 30, 2024 – 93.3%
The lake level is at 99% of capacity as of July 3, 2024.
For the most current information regarding Lake Casitas’ level and volume, check the Ventura County Watershed Protection District’s site: www.vcwatershed.net/fws/reports/reservoir-report. *Capacity % data supplied by Friends of Ventura River.
Abby and Salem Hi, we’re Abby and Salem, 2-month-old female Rottweiler/Shepherd mix puppies in need of a home. We were found at the beach by a previous CARL adopter who reached out to CARL to help place us. Since we’re just puppies, children in the home must be at least 6 years old. We know we’re cute and everyone will want us, but please be sure you’re ready to take on a puppy, as it’s similar to having a newborn (the 2-legged kind) in the home. It’s a lifetime commitment, not a temporary one where the love and attention wear off after we’ve grown.
Addy Hi, I’m Addy, a beautiful 2-year-old Chow in need of a new home. I’m social, playful, and love to play with toys. I enjoy interacting with other dogs in playgroups at the kennel and when volunteers take us out for pack walks. I walk great on a leash and I like to snuggle up against my person.
Pretty Hi, I’m Pretty, a happy 3-year-old Pug/Pit Bull mix, in need of a new home as my adopter no longer has time for me. I’m an outgoing, friendly girl who would love nothing more than to be your best friend. It’s unknown if I’d get along with other dogs or young children. I am good with older children. Unless your cat would enjoy a game of chase with a dog, a home with no cats is probably better for me.
Panther Hi, I’m Panther, an almost 6-year-old shy Cane Corso in need of a new home as my owner could no longer keep me. Thankfully, my owner’s friend took me in so I didn’t have to go to the shelter but can’t permanently keep me and is working with CARL to help me find my forever home. I’m a big boy who gets along with other large dogs and is good with adults and older children. It’s unknown if I’d get along with cats. I’m affectionate and playful and even think I’m a lap dog. I enjoy walks, playing, and being with my people. I whimper and sometimes bark when left alone. I will go exploring if a door gets left open. I’m terrified of fireworks and will need some type of distraction to help keep me calm.
If you have room in your heart and home for any of these amazing animals, please fill out an online application with Canine Adoption and Rescue League (CARL): www.carldogs.org/adopt/application or call 805.644.7387.
Ventura County Library (VC Library) announced the grand opening of the new Meiners Oaks Library. The new facility is located at 400 S. Lomita Ave, Ojai, CA 93023.
The new library is a partnership between the Ventura County Library and the Ojai Unified School District. It was made possible by a Building Forward grant from the California State Library. www.vencolibrary.org.
Just off Highway 33, between Ventura and Ojai, two enormous water tanks are being transformed from basic functional vessels into magnificent works of Jurassic art. Since April, the two 24-foot-high, 125,000-gallon freshwater tanks have been the focus of renowned local artist MB Hanrahan, a multimedia artist who works with paint, installation, collage, photography, film, books, and performance. Hanrahan’s murals have transformed many Ventura structures and spaces from ordinary, mundane eyesores into vibrant, memorable artistic experiences.
The tanks are owned by Aera Energy, a subsidiary of California Resources Corporation. The company partnered with the Westside Community Development Corporation for this community beautification project, aiming to enhance the appearance of their urban oil and gas facilities. Hanrahan was contacted and tasked with developing an artistic concept for the tanks.
“When I started imagining imagery for the tanks, I knew it had to be something that read close up and far away—from the Avenue, from the bike path, and from the 33—and also made sense from every angle,” explained Hanrahan. “I also wanted the tanks to fit in harmoniously with the landscape. Even though the surrounding grounds are dedicated to oil extraction, the green space and mountain views dominate. It came to me in a flash—terrestrial dinosaurs and prehistoric sea animals! Who doesn’t love that! There is the obvious ‘fossil fuels’ allusion; however, the greater message is evolution and change. Everything changes—no matter how big.”
Hanrahan hopes to complete the water tank mural soon and will then move on to her next project. “The future projects that have me most excited right now are restoring the south-facing mural on the Westpark Community Center, which was painted by myself, local youth, and neighbors in 1996, and a Tortilla Flats Legacy mural at the newly built community center at the Westview Housing Authority apartments, previously ‘the Projects.’ This mural, designed by Moses Mora and myself, chronicles how the projects and surrounding neighborhood businesses and facilities served the diaspora of folks displaced when the 101 Freeway was built through the Westside Ventura Tortilla Flats neighborhood.”
Join us for an afternoon of fun and service at The Bonaventure’s Senior Social event, hosted by the Ventura Downtown Lions Club. Enjoy painting, lunch, and wine on August 10, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Bonaventure Clubhouse.
For $40 per person, your registration includes painting materials, wine, and lunch catered by The Greek Restaurant at Ventura Harbor Village. Additionally, part of your registration fee will cover the cost for 15 seniors at the facility to participate for free!
Seats are limited, so don’t delay. Visit artispassion.com or use the QR code to register.
The ElderHelp Program (EHP) provides free, short-term assistance to frail seniors to maintain their independence at home. It is funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA). Due to the high number of referrals, clients may be placed on a waiting list and, if approved, receive assistance from one service category. Because of the cost of providing the service, EHP referrals must come from senior service agencies or from VCAAA Information and Assistance (I&A) staff.
Who is eligible to receive services?
Ventura County residents age 60 or older (the OAA requires clients to be aged 60+). The only exception is for Medi-Ride Transportation, as additional grant funds were obtained to provide a limited number of rides to disabled adults under age 60.
Seniors requiring help with activities of daily living such as bathing, shopping, and housework.
Referrals for seniors age 85 or older, living alone, recently discharged from the hospital, and/or referred by Adult Protective Services (APS) are given priority.
What services are available?
Medi-Ride Transportation: This service provides rides to medical appointments only. Transportation can be provided outside city limits (for example, a senior in Ventura needing to get to Kaiser in Woodland Hills). Clients must provide proof of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility, such as a copy of their ADA card or ADA application letter. Clients must show that they are unable to take public transportation because of their disability (e.g., a senior requiring door-through-door gurney transportation). Caps on the number of rides provided may be instituted at any time.
Dial-A-Ride Tickets: This service provides paratransit tickets or coins for any transportation need, such as medical appointments, shopping, errands, visiting family, etc. This service targets low-income seniors for whom paying for the cost of Dial-A-Ride is a financial burden. Tickets are assigned and given directly to the senior for tracking purposes (i.e., not handed out to senior service agencies for bulk distribution). Referrals will only be accepted from a senior service agency that is familiar with the senior’s situation and can certify that the senior qualifies for Dial-A-Ride.
Personal Care: This service provides assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming; it also includes stand-by help and/or supervision.
Homemaker: This service provides assistance with light housework tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and meal preparation.
Chore: This service provides assistance with heavy housework tasks that require more energy and deep cleaning, such as decluttering, mopping, and scrubbing bathtubs. One instance of Homemaker and/or Chore service is allowed per household. Due to the high demand for these services, clients who received Personal Care, Homemaker, and/or Chore assistance last year are ineligible for services this year.
Home Modification and/or Assistive Devices: This service assists with minor physical changes to the home, such as installation of grab bars or replacement of door handles, construction of an entrance ramp, etc., and/or assistive devices such as bathtub transfer benches, handheld showers, grab bars, and chair lifts. Due to the cost of this service, major home renovations are not covered. If clients do not own their residence, the owner must first be asked to cover the repairs. Services are provided by licensed and bonded construction vendors.
Meals: This service forwards meal referrals to the local Senior Nutrition Program provider, who will determine if the senior meets program eligibility for Congregate or Home-Delivered Meals (HDM). Congregate meals are provided Monday through Friday. HDM are available for eligible homebound seniors in most communities. Due to high demand, some communities have waiting lists for meals. All meals meet the USDA’s Dietary Recommended Intake for Older Adults, and all menus are approved by a registered dietitian.
How does the program work?
The senior service agency will make the referral and email it to [email protected] or fax it to (805) 477-7312. Email referrals are preferred. The ElderHelp Program Committee will determine if the senior qualifies and forward the referral to the appropriate vendor providing the ElderHelp Program service. Ventura County Area Agency on Aging staff will notify the referring senior service agency that the referral has been approved, which vendor will provide the service, and what has been approved. Approved service units have expiration dates. Services will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional service units may be authorized on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstance and available funding. If the referral is denied, staff will notify the referring senior service agency and explain the reason for the denial.
It is the responsibility of the referring senior service agency to notify the senior that the request has been accepted or denied. Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is the pass-through agency for the ElderHelp Program; seniors should not contact Ventura County Area Agency on Aging directly for status updates. The ElderHelp Program is not an emergency program and cannot provide services immediately. Due to the volume of referrals and limited resources, the ElderHelp Program cannot provide long-term services. The intent of the ElderHelp Program is to help as many frail seniors as possible by offering short-term assistance while the senior and the referring senior service agency look for long-term solutions.
For more information about the ElderHelp Program, call the VCAAA Information & Assistance line at 805-477-7300.
This issue’s Local Legend is Clarey Rudd, a beloved local business owner and founder of the Ventura Downtown Organization, which advocated for the responsible growth, beautification, and development of downtown Ventura. Clarey was born in Oxnard in 1952 but has spent most of his life in Ventura. He grew up working in his parents’ bookstore in Oxnard. During his time at California State University, Fresno, the owner of one of the largest independent bookstores in the nation invited Clarey to work for him, and just 12 months later, he became manager of the bookstore.
In June 1974, at age 22, Clarey opened a bookstore in Ventura called Rudd’s Christian Supplies. This was the second store for the family business, which eventually expanded to Camarillo and Santa Paula. After his father had an accident, Clarey became responsible for the Ventura and Santa Paula bookstores, and then expanded to Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Bellflower. Clarey also conducted workshops and wrote for a trade magazine.
By 1994, all of the family bookstores had been sold, and Clarey bought the Second Time Around bookstore in historic downtown Ventura, which he renamed Bank of Books. Bank of Books went on to be voted Ventura County’s number one independent bookstore for 19 years. The store was known for its large selection of new, used, and rare books, including some from the 1700s and 1800s, and many original signed editions. Bank of Books also hosted events such as readings, talks, author signings, and book groups to support the local arts community.
In 2022, Bank of Books was forced to close due to a significant rent increase. However, Clarey and his wife, Debby, continue to share their passion for books from their Bank of Books shop in Santa Paula and their Midtown Ventura bookstore, Abednego Book Shoppe.
“We read for so many reasons,” says Clarey. “Reading gives us hope; we see how others have lived through difficult challenges. Reading helps us escape and relax… to travel to other places. It helps us gain knowledge. Reading helps us discover history; in learning from the past we might learn how not to destroy ourselves with ignorance. Reading helps us gain empathy, by learning about other peoples and cultures different from our own.”
Clarey has served on various boards and committees in Ventura, including Ventura Missionary Church and Bible Fellowship Church. On three occasions, he has been listed as a finalist on the Ventura County Star’s “Hardest Working People of Ventura County.” In 2021, due to the devastation wrought on the restaurant industry by the pandemic, Clarey made a New Year’s resolution to show support to local small businesses and committed to eat at 150 different restaurants that year, posting photos of the restaurants he visited. He currently serves as a volunteer on the board of directors for the Santa Paula Downtown Property Business Improvement District (PBID), which finances activities and amenities that improve Santa Paula’s downtown corridor and enhance the experience for residents and visitors. Last year, Clarey was part of the marketing committee promoting the 150th anniversary of Ventura County.
Today, in addition to his many civic roles and responsibilities, Clarey continues to thrive doing what he loves best – selling books. He lives in Ventura with beloved his wife of 44 years, Debby, and enjoys spending time with his three daughters and two granddaughters.
