CAPS Media ECTV crew interviews Councilmember Lorrie Brown

ECTV in the studio with Lorie Brown.

Recently students at El Camino High School, known as the ECTV crew, produced an engaging and informative discussion with Ventura City Councilmember Lorrie Brown and Dr. Raquel Baker, Assistant Professor at Cal State Channel Islands.  The program is part of an ongoing series on Black Culture.  ECTV crew members attend school at El Camino High School and Ventura College.  El Camino is located on the college campus next to the CAPS Media Center.

The students sit in during the pre-interview meeting between Councilmember Brown and Dr. Baker. The ECTV crew handles the production and post production aspects of the show. After the interview there is an informal discussion on the set with Dr. Baker and Councilmember Brown, for feedback and questions from the students. So far, the show has featured Julius Sokenu, the President of Moorpark College, and Joelle Hannah, a Professor at Moorpark College. Lynne Thompson, the current Los Angeles Poet Laureate, is to be interviewed next.

The Baker-Brown interview was conducted in the CAPS Media Center Studio which was the first time in nearly 18 months that ECTV crews have been able to conduct in-studio interviews because of COVID-19 precautions.  Despite the restrictions, the resourceful ECTV students haven’t missed a beat and have continued producing informative and engaging programs throughout the pandemic.

ECTV (El Camino Television) is part of the Ventura Unified School District’s career pathways initiative.  Under the direction of media guru Phil Taggart, ECTV has evolved into an award-winning media education program.  In weekly immersive workshops students utilize the resources of the CAPS Media Center including cameras, editing equipment and the studio, and benefit from the media, journalism and storytelling expertise from Taggart and others on the CAPS staff.

ECTV Students work collaboratively to identify, write, produce, direct, record and edit projects of interest to themselves, the greater youth culture, and the community.  In the past few years ECTV crews have been recognized with numerous local, regional, and national awards for their innovative, thought provoking and informative productions.

In other CAPS Media news, in the coming weeks CAPS crews will cover, broadcast and live stream high school graduation ceremonies for Buena, El Camino, Foothill, Pacific, Ventura and VACE (Ventura Adult and Continuing Education) from multiple locations throughout the city. The specific dates and times can be found on the VUSD website – https://www.venturausd.org

Due to the COVID-19 emergency the CAPS Media Center is closed to Members and the public until further notice. CAPS is continuing to play it safe, follow sensible guidelines, and therefore will remain closed to the public for the near term. The CAPS goal is for the community to reach the benchmark of herd immunity before reopening (approx. 85% of the public being fully vaccinated). All of us at CAPS Media hope everyone stays Safe, Strong, Socially Distant and Healthy during these very challenging times.

City of Ventura to begin construction on first fully inclusive play area

The inclusive play area will be located at Arroyo Verde Park.

The City of Ventura will begin construction on its first fully inclusive play area for children of all abilities. The inclusive play area, located at Arroyo Verde Park, features gathering places, a play structure, swings, hammocks, balance beams, a sensory garden, a motion-inclusive carousel, sensory wall, embankment climbers, music play areas, and more.

“The Arroyo Verde Park play area is the City’s first all-inclusive playground, said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “This space will be a place where everyone in the community can come out to have fun and experience the joy of community connection and play, regardless of ability or age.”

Construction for the 10,750 square foot play area is set to begin in May and anticipated to open in Fall 2021. During construction, the project site and northern parking lot will be closed. The remainder of the park and hiking trails will stay open with additional parking available throughout the park. Additionally, project updates will be shared on the City’s website and social media throughout the duration of the construction process.

In 2017, Arroyo Verde Park’s main play structure was destroyed in the Thomas Fire. Rather than rebuild the same structure, the City decided to re-imagine the space and create the first fully inclusive play area in Ventura.

Families, community members, medical professionals, and playground manufacturers provided input into the playground’s design. Through these conversations, park designers developed an adaptive play space where children of all abilities can play together.

“This project is the first of its kind in Ventura and means so much to our community. Thanks to the Ventura Community Partners Foundation and generous donations from community groups, residents, and local businesses, the City is able to make this dream a reality,” said Parks and Recreation Director Nancy O’Connor. “We cannot wait until Ventura’s first fully inclusive play area opens later this year.”

For more information about this project, please visit http://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/AVP.

Lifeguards return to Ventura Harbor Beaches for summer

State Parks to provide professional lifeguarding services. Photo by Dan Harding

As the summer season approaches, daily lifeguard service will be provided at Ventura Harbor beaches along Spinnaker Drive.

In a unanimous vote on April 21, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized the General Manager of Ventura Harbor, Brian Pendleton, to contract with State Parks to provide lifeguard service from May through September at Harbor Cove, South Beach, and Surfers Knoll beaches. The approved 2021 lifeguard contract of $136,802.37 will provide the adequate coverage to each of the three Ventura Harbor beach areas over a five-month period. 

This year’s contract is anticipated to include 4,160 work hours between May 1 and September 30, a 38% increase of coverage hours over 2020, which reflects a growth in annual beach use, expanded lifeguard coverage, lifeguard salary adjustments, and a roving supervisor vehicle included in the coverage.  The additional hours also increase the coverage at Harbor Cove Beach to two lifeguards on holidays and weekends during peak season, weekend only lifeguard coverage in May until Memorial Day weekend, and daily coverage the remainder of the season.   

“The Board of Commissioners for the Port District believe this investment in public safety is important,” stated Ventura Port District Harbormaster John Higgins. “Additional lifeguard hours and coverage has been included due to higher visitation numbers at Ventura Harbor beaches to better assist with visitor safety.”

For over 60 years, State Parks has provided professional lifeguarding services along California’s coastline. The Ventura Port District took the lead in securing summer lifeguards at the Harbor in 2011. The Ventura Harbor Patrol and State Park Lifeguards have formed a strong and effective partnership in providing public safety on land and in the waters along Ventura’s coast.

The Ventura Harbor Patrol and the State Parks Lifeguards have over the years, performed many rescues, and prevented numerous serious incidents. The beach had historically high visitors and challenging conditions, but because of the Ventura Port District’s investment most rescues were routine in nature. In fact, the Lifeguard service continues to provide better preventative care through education and has reduced the number of circumstances where first responders are also at risk. The Harbor Patrol and State Parks Lifeguards have grown a strong and effective partnership in providing public safety on land and water areas throughout the Ventura coastline. Both agencies participate in cross training and assist each other throughout the year on routine and emergency calls. 

For questions on lifeguard times, call the State Lifeguards Dispatch at 805-648-3321 and for Ventura Harbor beach details visit VenuraHarborVillage.

Kids & Families Together hosted a special “Mothering Day” event

Kids & Families Together was presented with a $25,000 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation.

Kids & Families Together (K&FT) is a nonprofit that has been serving foster/resource, adoptive, kinship, and birth families throughout Ventura County since 2000. K&FT works with children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, loss, and multiple placements. K&FT also works with caregivers who need specialized education, support, and strategies to help raise safe, healthy, nurtured children that thrive.

On Saturday May 8th, Kids & Families Together hosted a special “Mothering Day” event sponsored by SoCal Honda Dealers, Random Acts of Kindness to honor the Ventura County Foster/Resource, Kinship & Adoptive caregivers who have opened their hearts and homes to children that are not their own.

Longtime community partner to K&FT, Crosspoint Church in Ventura, hosted the event. Through the generosity of SoCal Honda Dealers and their Helpful Honda program, caregivers were pampered with a manicure and/or massage along with a take home self-care kit. K&FT also provided families with a little Mother’s Day gift and yummy treats. Almost one hundred caregivers made appointments to attend this event. Channel Islands Social Services was on site to prove childcare for the event. Without the added support of on-site childcare, many of the caregivers would not have been able to attend this event. We hope everyone who is providing love and care to a child had a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Also, during this event, Kids & Families Together was presented with a $25,000 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation in honor of National Forster Care Month which falls annually during the month of May. During the past year, the Gene Haas Foundation has played an integral role in supporting K&FT’s Resource Family Support Gift Away Events which provide direct relief to Ventura County families participating in programs and services with K&FT. Katrina Veronica, Grants Administrator and Communications Lead with the Gene Haas Foundation was there to present the check to K&FT’s CEO/Co-Founder, David Friedlander and Board Chair, Sharon Watts Woolley. Kids & Families Together is very grateful for the continued support of the Gene Haas Foundation.

To learn more, visit: www.kidsandfamilies.org

First Responders for Mental Health during Mental Health Awareness month of May

Vista del Mar Hospital raise awareness in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month.

by Carol Leish

Vista del Mar Hospital, in collaboration with the City of Port Hueneme and the Port Hueneme Police Department, have presented a countywide campaign to educate, fundraise, and raise awareness in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month.

Dan Powell, MA, MFT, BCBA, CEO of Vista del Mar Hospital, said, “We are proud to be a part of this initiative to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to bring meaning to mental health awareness. Those (clients) in need come to a psychiatric hospital in time of crisis, but often depart in a much better place where they can begin to feel hopeful for the future.”

“During May (Mental Health Awareness Month), the main focus is raising awareness,” according to, Maya Lazos, Community Liaison at Vista del Mar Hospital. “Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24 in the state of California, and the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-45 in the United States. We want our community to participate in free trainings in order to be educated about the alarming statistics regarding mental illness and suicide. Since so many suffer from mental illness and lose their lives by suicide, we want to help our community to become educated on how to help people in crisis and to become aware of the resources that are available within Ventura County.”

“We have been concerned about our First Responders for Mental Health, since while they have valiantly been taking care of others, we wondered who was taking care of them. More first responders die by suicide than they do in the line of duty. Thus, we chose First Responders for Mental Health as the focus of our initiative,” according to Lazos.

“The countywide Mental Health Month Campaign,” according to Lazos, “has included free trainings for first responders, community members and coaches. Trainings have addressed youth suicide within the community and within their own profession, since more firefighters and police officers die from suicide than in the line of duty. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression rates among police officers are five times higher than it is in the general population. A Community Cares Webinar has focused on recovery, wellness, and hope. The Coaches Assistance Program has provided education to ensure that coaches recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide. The campaign also has featured leaders and elected officials showing their support and connection to raising awareness.”

Andrew Sallinas, the Cirty of Port Hueneme’s Chief of Police said, “It is essential that my officers and first responders know how important it is to get the help that they need. And, nearly 25% of all calls for service in the City of Port Hueneme involve someone suffering from mental illness.” Salinas is the Honorary Co-Cahir of this year’s National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) walk. He also emphasized that, “Most importantly, we want those who have a mental illness to know that they are not alone, especially during these times of physical distancing. We want to fight the stigma, educate the public, and to advocate for all people with mental illness and their families, too.”

“Many things have happened as a result of this campaign,” according to Lazos. “First, every law enforcement agency in the county has come together within the communities that they serve to raise awareness and funds. The county has come together for a collaborative PSA that is being shared by all agencies involved. The First Responders Team to date has raised $60,000 for NAM, Ventura County. Government agencies around the county have lit up their building with green lights in honor of Mental Health Awareness. And, most importantly, 4 lives have been saved, and many have reached out for help.”

Lazos said, “Other first responders in Ventura County who weren’t able to join this year in the first annual First Responders’ Event, are looking forward to joining next year. This annual event will pave the way for change.”

Vol. 14, No. 17 – May 19 – June 1, 2021 – The Pet Page

∙ SPAN Thrift Store is now open to the public and looking for donations of adult clothing, household items and tools if you’ve got items you no longer use.
SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.
Two upcoming clinics are:
Tuesday, May 25th at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main), and a second at Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036 on Tuesday, June 1st.
Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙ Sadly, Search Dog Cooper’s story began like so many others as he was mistreated and neglected at the hands of his original owner. When Silicon Valley Animal Control removed Cooper from that situation, they worked with Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue to find an appropriate foster home for the young yellow Lab.

Thanks to his foster family’s patience and kindness, Cooper learned that humans can be good and loving. Bouncing back from a rough start in life, Cooper showed immense joy when playing with toys—enough toy drive to warrant a call to the Search Dog Foundation.

Cooper passed his search dog candidate evaluation and soon found himself climbing rubble and searching for human scent… and enjoying every moment of it! Flying through training, Cooper was partnered with his new handler, Mike Bruce, with whom he quickly certified, and they now stand ready to respond when needed to help in the aftermath of a disaster.

Cooper’s journey from rescued to rescuer is only possible thanks to you.

SDF Family has helped Cooper and many dogs like him find their home and a job they love as a search dog, but we know there are many more out there, waiting for their chance at a new “leash on life.”

A search dog will never ask for anything—their unconditional love and unwavering bravery in the face of tragedy is what they readily give for nothing in return. But it doesn’t mean they don’t need our support and care.

You can give them the gift of both by making a donation today.
Together, we can change the lives of so many—both human and canine.
searchdogfoundation.org
Address 6800 Wheeler Canyon Rd, Santa Paula but it seems like Ventura.
You can donate at https://donate.searchdogfoundation.org/1170.

∙ The lead water technician for Real Water—a Las Vegas-based company that produces “alkalized” bottled water now linked to liver failure cases—testified that he had no relevant experience to be a water technician when he was promoted to the position last August.

Real Water’s lead technician, Casey Aiken, 40, is a former vacuum and timeshare salesman who began working for Real Water last June after losing his job as a strip club promoter. According to a taped deposition from late March that was obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Aiken was promoted from his job of loading bottled water onto shipping pallets to the company’s lead technician after “a couple hours” of training.

In late November, just a few months after Aiken’s promotion, five infants and children who drank the water developed acute non-viral hepatitis, which led to acute liver failure, health officials say. The children ranged in age from 7 months to 5 years. Real Water’s branded water was the only common link between the cases.

Health officials didn’t connect the November cases to the water until March, however, when state and federal investigations were underway. On April 26, the Southern Nevada Health District announced it had identified six additional probable cases and one suspected case, all of which are in adults. The health district is now investigating 50 additional cases, and there are now at least 10 civil suits against Real Water, all alleging poisoning. Aiken’s video deposition was taken in connection with those civil suits.

∙ By Chrissy Sexton Earth.com staff writer
A study conducted at the University of Helsinki is providing new insight into what causes aggressive behavior in dogs. Based on a dataset of more than 9,000 dogs, the researchers found that aggressive behavior is most often triggered by fear.

Growling, barking, snapping, and biting are all signs of aggression among dogs, but these same gestures are also used for communication in non-aggressive situations, such as during play. It is important to recognize when a dog’s aggression is excessive, and poses a threat to both humans and other animals.

“Understanding the factors underlying aggressive behavior is important. In what kinds of circumstances does aggressive behavior occur and what is the dog’s motive for such behavior? In normal family dogs, aggressive behavior is often unwanted, while some dogs with official duties are expected to have the capacity for aggressiveness. At the same time, aggressiveness can be caused by welfare issues, such as chronic pain,” explained study co-author Salla Mikkola.

The researchers investigated aggressiveness toward both dog owners and unfamiliar humans based on several potential risk factors.

“Dogs’ fearfulness had a strong link to aggressive behavior, with fearful dogs many times more likely to behave aggressively,” said Mikkola.

“Moreover, older dogs were more likely to behave aggressively than younger ones. One of the potential reasons behind this can be pain caused by a disease. Impairment of the senses can contribute to making it more difficult to notice people approaching, and dogs’ responses to sudden situations can be aggressive.”

While small dogs are more likely to become aggressive compared to bigger dogs, their behavior is not usually considered as threatening. As a result, the researchers found, aggressiveness is often not addressed in small dogs.

The results indicate that male dogs are more aggressive than females, regardless of neutering. The study also revealed that dogs who spend time in the company of other dogs behave less aggressively.
“In the case of dogs prone to aggressive behavior in the first instance, owners may not necessarily wish to take a risk of conflicts with another dog,” said Mikkola.

The experts found significant differences in aggressive behavior among various dog breeds, which can point to a genetic cause.

“In our dataset, the Long-Haired Collie, Poodle (Toy, Miniature and Medium) and Miniature Schnauzer were the most aggressive breeds. Previous studies have shown fearfulness in Long-Haired Collies, while the other two breeds have been found to express aggressive behavior towards unfamiliar people,” said Professor Hannes Lohi.

“As expected, the popular breeds of Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever were at the other extreme. People who are considering getting a dog should familiarize themselves with the background and needs of the breed. As for breeders, they should also pay attention to the character of dam candidates, since both fearfulness and aggressive behavior are inherited.”

The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

∙ Dogs are great at reading their owners’ emotions and body language, so showering your pet with attention just before leaving may actually make them more anxious when you’re gone.

“Don’t drag out hellos and goodbyes,” Venator said. “Stay calm when leaving and give them a treat as you walk out the door to create a positive association with you leaving.”

Venator suggested that if you feel guilty heading out without saying goodbye, try having a play session 10 to 20 minutes before stepping out the door.

Photo by Denna Gledhill

Haole Boy had been wowing crowds since 2013, when he climbed on his owner John Murphy’s surfboard at Mondos and started surfing with virtually no instruction. He went on to work with A Walk On Water (AWOW) program, helping teach kids with developmental disabilities to surf and be comfortable on the waves. He died a year ago and this memorial has been set up on the Promenade near California St.

Coverly Professional Services, Inc. records double-digit growth, expands team with Social Media Specialist and full-time Account Strategist

Bobak Tarighi and Ikia Velazquez

Coverly Professional Services (CoverlyPro) continues its growth trajectory that began in 2020, recording almost 50% revenue growth in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter last year. With this growth, the company announces the hiring of Social Media Specialist, Bobak Tarighi and the promotion of Ikia Velazquez to Account Strategist.

Bobak Tarighi joins the team with extensive knowledge and education in digital communications, and an extra flair for the luxury customer service experience. A recent graduate from University of Arizona, Tarighi’s Bachelor’s of Art in Communications with a minor in eSociety, positions him perfectly to contribute to the company’s client social media strategy, implementation, and growth. “I am passionate about unifying communities through social media and see great value in creating engaging content, with a focus on driving organic, successful interactions,” commented Tarighi. His responsibilities include managing client social media channels, providing creative input for best client social media outcomes, and following trends to keep CoverlyPro clients ahead of the social media curve.

Formerly CoverlyPro’s Digital Communications and Project Management Specialist, Ikia Velazquez has moved into a full-time role as an Account Strategist. In addition to leading the development and management of virtual events, Velazquez works directly with clients to proactively strategize client communications efforts, working with subject-matter experts on the CoverlyPro team to implement on those strategies. Velazquez also leads the social media team in all client social media programs.

“With 2020 being such a historically challenging year, and that’s an understatement, I feel so lucky that CoverlyPro has actually grown,” said Lynnette Coverly, Founder and CEO of Coverly Professional Services. “We closed out our 10th year in business last July and I was determined to start thinking bigger so that we could help more companies, especially nonprofits and women-owned businesses, to tell their stories through effective communications. I also began surrounding myself with a team smarter than me.” CoverlyPro now has five employees with plans to expand its team in the coming months. Anyone interested in joining this dynamic, friendly, marketing project management firm and who enjoys working virtually on a flexible schedule may reach out to [email protected].

Coverly Professional Services, Inc. – Founded in 2010 by Lynnette Coverly, Coverly Professional Services (CoverlyPro) is a full- service marketing and public relations project management firm based in Ventura, California. With a varied portfolio of clients, CoverlyPro’s focus is creating and implementing branding and marketing strategies for the “service” industry from veterinary practices to in-home service companies, professional services, non-profits, and more. Leveraging its Three-Tiered Approach, the firm’s turnkey services include brand and marketing development, social media strategic management, media/public relations, SEO copywriting, development of all client-facing communications, print layout and design, vendor negotiations and management, website content management and user experience (UX) direction, and media placement. www.CoverlyPro.com, 805-642-1301.

Vol. 14, No. 17 – May 19 – June 1, 2021 – Opinion/Editorial

∙Wonderful news (see article in this issue) – the Ventura Music Festival confirmed live concerts for July 23, 24 and 25. Things are starting to open-up and feel normal again. Everyone should still get vaccinated if they haven’t, because that is what it takes for things to continue to open. Don’t just count on other people to provide the immunity.

Shame on scams. If you get an email that says your company has been selected the best… (you fill it in) in Ventura, it’s a scam. The group just wants you to spend hundreds of dollars on plaques, etc. Don’t do it.

∙Looking for tennis players. Living at Portside Ventura Harbor, and we have a new tennis court. Want to play or hit? I’m a decent old guy player. Let me know at [email protected]. Or, will teach beginners how to play.

∙Ventura is asking state regulators to conduct a full environmental review of a controversial project to renovate a Southern California Gas company facility located at 1555 N. Olive St.

So Cal Gas Company wants to replace the three gas compressors on the site with four new ones with more horsepower. The California Public Utilities Commission approved the plan in 2019, and the facility has operated at the location since 1923.

The city council passed a resolution on a unanimous vote to request the state Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Toxic Services Control to investigate the Southern California Gas Company compressor site.

This is similar to a previous motion that was passed by the council but contains more details directing state regulators to review the potential environmental, health and safety impacts. This resolution will be maintained in city records forever while a motion can sometimes get lost, said City Attorney Gregory Diaz.

There is considerable opposition to the project without a significant review. Neighbors are concerned dust from the work will expose people to toxic chemicals. And some residents say the North Olive Street facility poses an environmental and safety threat which doesn’t belong near homes, and a school. The facility is located across the street from E.P. Foster Elementary School and the Boys & Girls Club.

The state Department of Toxic Substances Control, which oversees environmental cleanup, lists the remediation of the utility’s Ventura station as ‘voluntary.’

The designation allows property owners to fast-track cleanups with fewer reviews. But the agency retains authority to take enforcement action if it determines the site presents a serious health threat.

SCG states on its website, “Before the compressor modernization project begins, SoCalGas will safely remove historical pollution in parts of the soil on the property associated with prior industrial uses on the property, dating back more than 100 years. This clean-up work will be done safely under a Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)-approved plan, and in compliance with all applicable environmental and public health laws – www.socalgas.com/stay-safe/pipeline-and-storage-safety/ventura.

∙A recent study of Ventura firefighting operations by Emergency Services Consulting International, a consulting arm of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, shows that only 3% of the 911 calls received over a 3-year period (2016-2019) were for fires. The majority, 73%, were for emergency medical service (EMS). Another 15% were “good intent” calls, or what ordinary people call false alarms. Ventura Fire is using an outdated business model to address modern challenges.

The 227-page study, titled ESCI Operational Assessment of the Ventura Fire Department, outlined the needs of the city’s fire department and was unveiled late last month at a special Ventura City Council meeting.

The $57,000 study recommended conducting a comprehensive engineering and architectural assessment of each fire station and adding eight firefighters to provide adequate relief and explored placing a tax measure on the ballot to support the fire department. The department currently has 72 full-time firefighters, but it needs 80.

According to the study, only two of the six stations are considered in “good” condition with a combined overall average age of 50 years. Three of the stations do not have seismic protection and lack necessary space to support department operations.

The study showed that adding six positions to make the part-time roving medic engine a full-time unit would amount to $72,000 in one-time costs and $945,966 in annual salary and benefit costs.

According to the study, the estimated costs for eight firefighters would be about $96,000 in one-time costs and $1.2 million in annual salary and benefits costs. The salary and benefits of the eight firefighters would increase every year to more than $2.2 million in 2032.

The city is anticipating receiving $28 million in one-time revenue from the federal recovery act and a Thomas Fire settlement from SCE. Some of these funds can be used to bolster firefighting resources. The new revenue is part of the city’s proposed $307.4 million budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

The city council is reviewing the study and assessing how to meet the budgeting obligations and specific needs of the department.

∙Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean lashed out at President Donald Trump, accusing him of misleading his supporters and then deserting them despite their unwavering loyalty.

“We are now and always have been on our own. So glad he was able to pardon a bunch of degenerates as his last move and s— on us on the way out,” Nordean said in an expletive-laden message about the former president. “F— you trump you left us on the battlefield bloody and alone.”

Nordean is one of several members of the extremist group with ties to white supremacy whose members describe themselves as “Western Chauvinists.” He’s among the more than 400 people who have been charged for their alleged roles in the deadly assault on the Capitol on Jan. 6.

∙Former 8-year-old fourth grader who lost his class presidency, ooops I mean President Donald Trump, released a statement Saturday claiming 2020 election polling suppressed voters and attacking both former Vice President Mike Pence and GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Trump continues to push baseless claims about the 2020 election, alleging that Democrats and President Joe Biden “rigged” votes despite a lack of substantiating evidence. In the Saturday statement, forwarded to Newsweek by Trump adviser Jason Miller, Trump took aim at polling ahead of the election that projected Biden winning by a larger margin of votes than he ultimately received. Trump also slammed Pence for a lack of “courage” to help overturn the election results and McConnell for being “weak and pathetic.”

∙A new study estimates that the number of people who have died of COVID-19 in the U.S. is more than 900,000, a number 57% higher than official figures. Worldwide, the study’s authors say, the COVID-19 death count is nearing 7 million, more than double the reported number of 3.24 million.

The analysis comes from researchers at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, who looked at excess mortality from March 2020 through May 3, 2021, compared it with what would be expected in a typical non pandemic year, then adjusted those figures to account for a handful of other pandemic-related factors.

The final count only estimates deaths “caused directly by the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” according to the study’s authors. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.

∙A photo has emerged of Andrew Clyde, the Republican congressman from Georgia who claimed “there was no insurrection” and compared US Capitol rioters to “tourists”, barricading the House chamber during the attack.

Speaking on Wednesday to the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Clyde downplayed the actions of the pro-Trump mob who stormed the Capitol on 6 January as “a normal tourist visit”.

I completely understand, most tourists break windows, scale walls and over power guards for a friendly visit to the capitol. The violent attack left five dead including one police officer. Maybe tourists shouldn’t be allowed in the Capital in the future.