For some time now, I’ve written here about the difficulties faced by young people today in comparison with those faced by the baby boomers. The boomer generation grew up in relatively prosperous times after the Second World War. In retrospect, we may have had contentious issues to deal with, such as the lack of racial equality (once again a burning issue), but our democracy seemed secure. Transitions of power at the highest level of our government always seemed to take place seamlessly.
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is pleased to welcome Linda Cheresh to its Board of Directors.
Linda Cheresh is a strategic-thinking business leader with a successful history of developing and supporting the growth and retention of Business and Wealth Management Clients for a leading financial institution. She has extensive private banking experience to provide the highest quality of service for her customers.
She has also received a New Business President award for being the top producer in the West, generating more than $200M of new investment and trust fee income in addition to new credit and deposit business of $100M in fee revenue. She has partnered with and managed a team of portfolio and trust officers to advise and consult with high-net-worth individuals, nonprofits and businesses that fit the Northern Trust client criteria and goals.
Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman commended Gov. Gavin Newsom signing a new budget deal on Thursday, which advances the effort to improve access to equitable health coverage and care, including state subsidies for coverage through Covered California in 2023:
“Covered California applauds Gov. Newsom and the Legislature on the passage and signage of the state budget.
“The budget reflects California’s commitment to expanding access to health care for all, as well as the continued push to advance health equity for every Californian.
For the second consecutive year, three Southern California fire departments — Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), and Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) — head into peak fire season armed with the world’s largest fire-suppression helicopters.
Available to fight wildfire day or night and funded by $18 million from Southern California Edison (SCE), the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) returns in 2022 after dropping nearly 3 million gallons on more than 50 wildfires in 2021.
“When we say that ‘speed and force’ is a required cost of doing business in today’s wildland fire environment, we do not mean the quantifiable cost of QRF aircraft or its Mobile Retardant Base; we mean the immeasurable cost of the loss of life and property if those resources are not available,” said OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “Last year, the QRF proved it does far more than save taxpayer dollars; it saves lives and communities, and we are proud to partner with SCE and our sister agencies to bring it back for 2022.”
Last week, the Supreme Court of the United States took unprecedented, deeply disappointing, ideologically-driven action to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision protecting the right to safe and legal abortion…
In response to today’s Supreme Court ruling on the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to broadly regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants, Community Environmental Council CEO/Executive Director, Sigrid Wright released this statement:
“The Supreme Court’s decision is out-of-touch with science and the values that the vast majority of Americans share. It puts polluters ahead of people. Fortunately, we are not relying on or waiting for national policy, as we painfully learned during the last Administration. We are forging local and state solutions like never before with unrelenting, focused and inclusive climate action. The science dictates that it is not too late to mitigate and adapt; we will follow the science, not the Supreme Court.”
At its June 27 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board voted to extend its $15 per month water credit to qualifying potable water customers and to continue rebate supplements for customers purchasing water conservation appliances and devices. The district serves nearly 14,000 Oak Park residential and business potable water users.
To receive the $15 per month credit through July 2023, Oak Park customers must be enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program or meet an annual income threshold of $36,620 (for a one or two-person household). The discount was first offered in 2020. Currently, over 50 customers participate in the water credit program.
Make a difference in the lives of animals. No previous, formal medical experience required. Learn on the job!
VCAS is an open-admission, life-saving, municipal animal shelter serving the residents and animals of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, Ventura and all Unincorporated areas of the county. Our veterinary hospital employs two (2) Veterinarians, four (4) RVTs, three (3) Vet Assistants, and a workforce of dedicated volunteers who ensure each animal receives the best medical care possible! If you feel this position may be right for you, TAP/CLICK HERE or visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ventura/jobs/3578453-0/veterinary-assistant.
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the events of last Jan 6th shows us how precious our system of government is, and how we could lose it. My best wishes for you this 4th of July is to celebrate our nation’s birth, but also to renew our determination to ensure that our republic is not a momentary blip in history.
Happy 4th!!!
Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC) will host The Light Shines Ahead 4th Annual Luncheon on Wednesday August 10, 2022 in person from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Rincon Beach Club. The event will feature event emcees, Win and Ed Van Wingerden, steering committee chair, Marybeth Carty and special guest speaker, Virginia Benson Wigle.
Virginia’s husband John was diagnosed with and ultimately passed away from cancer within a year. During their experience with grief they developed a vision for a space where individuals could share their journeys of loss and ultimately, of renewed hope.
California’s Acting Surgeon General Devika Bhushan, MD, FAAP recently contributed an article for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren.org, “What should parents know about the COVID vaccine for kids under 5”
From the article: “The bottom line: I have confidence in these vaccines’ ability to significantly and safely reduce the risk of serious harm from COVID-19 for our littlest ones—and that’s why I’m planning to get my son vaccinated as soon as possible, with either regimen that’s available.”
Also see:
NBC News — Poll: Majority of Latinos in battleground states support abortion rights, gun reform
By Voto Latino
Latinos are the second largest voting bloc in the country and disproportionately reside in critical battleground states where they are also the fastest growing voting bloc. Candidates hoping to win in November and beyond will need to appeal to Latinos and the issues that matter to them. In order to understand how Latinos feel about two of the most salient issues in the country – abortion rights and mass shootings – Change Research surveyed 1,033 registered Hispanic and Latino voters in the seven key battleground states of Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania from June 2-7, 2022 on behalf of Voto Latino.1
A strong majority of Latinos are concerned about their personal safety from gun violence and believe weak gun laws are a major reason why perpetrators are capable of inflicting such carnage. Overwhelming majorities support many common sense gun safety laws Democrats have proposed and believe there would be fewer mass shootings if they were to be enacted. Latinos are also ready to reward leaders who take action on gun laws: an overwhelming 69% are more likely to support candidates who support the gun laws tested in this poll, including roughly half of Republican Latinos.
Latinos also fear for their reproductive freedoms as the conservative majority on the Supreme Court indicates it is prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade. Over two-thirds of Latinos support the right to an abortion in all or most cases.
Covered California won three prestigious Telly Awards in recognition of its efforts to deliver its message of quality, affordable health care coverage to all Californians.
The Spanish-language television ad “Corazón” aired during the most recent open-enrollment period. The ad depicts a father watching his daughter grow from a toddler through to her quinceañera, and highlights how important proper health care coverage can be in that journey.
“Covered California believes in and invests in marketing to all of our state’s diverse populations,” said Executive Director Jessica Altman. “We are proud of the culturally relevant content we create to reach Californians with the message that affordable health insurance is available for them and their families. These awards show the value of this approach.”
Applying compost and mulch to landscapes can reduce the amount of water needed to maintain grass, plants, flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees according to Agromin, a California-based company that produces organic soil products from locally collected green waste.
“Compost and mulch are well known to improve the health of the soil and structure of plants,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin’s CEO, “but their water-saving advantages are just as important, especially during severe drought.”
Across America, school-aged children are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis. One in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In Ventura County, between 2017 and 2019, one of six students in grades 7, 9, and 11 considered suicide. Half of all mental illness presents itself by age 14, yet few children get the services they need. There is a shortage of sustainable resources addressing mental health concerns among school-aged youth.
The 2021-2022 Ventura County Grand Jury investigated the resources used by the Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura County Behavioral Health, and five Ventura County public school districts to meet the mental health needs of school-aged youth. These school districts represent more than 60% of the County’s public-school population.
Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one during the pandemic. This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program groups provide support, connection and validation that they are not alone.
The Good Grief Club summer session meets every Tuesday starting July 5th and ends on August 9th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
The Geological Society celebrates Tanya Atwater’s extraordinary career studying plate tectonics and sharing her enthusiasm for discovery.
COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children ages 6 months and older in Ventura County. Families are encouraged to talk to their child’s doctor about vaccination. As of today, Ventura County Public Health clinics are offering pediatric Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years. Pediatric Pfizer vaccines for ages 6 months to 4 years will be available soon when the supply of vaccines is received. Walk-ins are available but appointments are strongly encouraged. Schedule an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255. For more information,visit www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.
For the third year, Alma Rosa Winery plans to host its annual Peace of Mind—10,000 Steps in the Right Direction fundraising walk. It will take place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 on the grounds of Alma Rosa’s 628-acre estate located just north of Santa Barbara near the town of Buellton, CA. The 10,000 steps walk offers a tour of the property, taking walkers on a 4.5-mile there-and-back ramble through verdant wine country where Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Grenache vines grow thick with the plump fruit that has made that region so famous.
Ventura County Animal Services Needs Your Help! 3,000 cans of kitten food are needed to get us through the rest of “Kitten Season” (the time of year when unaltered cats go into heat and produce litters). Below are the three (3) types of food that underweight kittens have historically liked the most and have put on the most weight with. If you choose to donate, please choose from these options.
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join our Survivors of Suicide Loss grief support group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. All free of charge.
Survivors of Suicide Loss meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
If you would like to register for a support group, please contact Stacia Sickle at 805-389-6870 x452 or at ssickle@lmvna.org
VENTURA — The 10th annual Ventura Farm Day, set for Saturday, November 5, is seeking sponsors. During Farm Day, more than 14 Ventura County farms and agricultural businesses open their doors and invite the public to learn how their food is…
The Progress Pride Flag was raised on June 8, 2022, at the County Government Center in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Each June, cities, and counties throughout the United States come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month to acknowledge the courage and history of the LGBTQ+ community and promote equal rights for all.
CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan on the Central Coast, announced that residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties who are 50 years of age or older may qualify for full scope Medi-Cal benefits, regardless of their immigration status. Effective May 1, 2022, this initiative is the result of a new law in California that expands eligibility for the state’s low-income health insurance to individuals who are 50 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Medi-Cal eligibility is determined by each county’s Department of Social Services, with health plan benefits for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties’ residents administered by CenCal Health.
Being committed to environmental stewardship ranks among the five pillars the Port of Hueneme has included in its Strategic Plan. This month, the Port of Hueneme earned a certification from Green Marine—the leading international environmental certification program for the maritime transportation industry — that demonstrates a tradition of leading the way towards becoming a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable port. Green Marine certification, which requires annual improvement, is predicated on members going beyond and above mere compliance with legally required environmental programs.
Green Marine’s environmental program assists ports, terminal operators, and shipping lines in reducing their environmental footprint through a comprehensive program that addresses key environmental issues and criteria using seven performance indicators: Greenhouse Gases & Air Pollutants, Spill Prevention and Stormwater Management, Dry Bulk Handling and Storage, Community Impact, Environmental Leadership, Waste Management, and Underwater Noise.
Because of its ongoing commitment to the 1,579 trees and about 90 species on campus, the Arbor Day Foundation has named CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a Tree Campus USA for the 10th year in a row.
CSUCI is among 411 campuses across the nation to earn the Tree Campus USA distinction for their work in 2021. The annual recognition is for campuses whose members develop and maintain a healthy tree canopy and create programs to make the tree population sustainable.
“Trees not only play a vital role in the environment but also in our daily lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Having trees on college and university campuses is a great way to show a commitment to students and faculty’s overall well-being.”
The Ventura County Fire Department will recognize 108 employees Thursday, June 9, for earning 113 promotions over the past two and a half years.
Social distancing restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic prohibited annual ceremonies recognizing sworn personnel and civilian employees who earned promotions. Thursday’s event honors everyone who earned a promotion since the last ceremony in 2019. Five employees earned two promotions during that timeframe.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of so many people in our department,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “During such a challenging time with a pandemic, they continued to grow in their careers, taking on greater roles in our department and delivering excellent service to our community.”
Four graduating seniors and one faculty member receive Chancellor’s awards, and the Library honors six students for exemplary research.
Here at Friendship Center, we have stood by our members and really reached out to meet their needs in every way possible, through all the changes and uncertainty of the pandemic. This clear purpose and agility is something we are very proud of as a longstanding nonprofit organization serving vulnerable elders of our Santa Barbara community. It is a great JOY to share that we have restored full time program services, and are embracing our membership in full bloom!
The whole community is invited to the dedication of the Mental Health Awareness Mural of Oxnard and resource fair which will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 11AM-3PM. On this day the City of Oxnard Mayor Zaragoza, City Council Member Madrigal, and Ventura County Board Supervisor Carmen Ramirez will recognize the youth with certificates of recognition for their dedication, hard work and courage for addressing mental health which is a difficult subject to acknowledge. Opening remarks and mural unveiling will commence at 11:30AM. This kid-friendly community event is free and will include entertainment from Inlakech Cultural Arts Center hosted by Javier Gomez, free food, and community resources.
June is designated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month to remember the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan and celebrate this milestone for the LGBTQ community in America. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. While the last Sunday of the month was originally designated as the day of celebration, communities around the country eventually chose various days within June to celebrate which lead to the variety of events, both celebratory and awareness-focused, that are now held throughout the month. Learn more at on the Library of Congress’s website.
Every day in America, there is senseless gun violence. Shootings in our homes, places of worship, schools, and on our streets repeatedly threaten our health and safety. No one is immune to the impact.
We, the physicians, care teams, and staff of Kaiser Permanente, see firsthand the devastating aftermath of gun violence and bear witness to the intergenerational trauma that has both short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health.
Through the Kaiser Permanente Task Force on Firearm Injury Prevention, established in 2018, we are supporting research studies and testing firearm screening tools and counseling interventions that focus on how physicians and clinicians can help prevent firearm injuries. This is important work, and yet it is not enough.
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) is pleased to share that the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) has $925,000 in total funding for 12 identified regions throughout California to participate in the Wildfire Smoke Clean Air Centers for Vulnerable Populations Incentive Pilot Program. Ventura County and Santa Barbara County together make up one of the 12 regions.
On May 12, 150 guests filled the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood on to gain insight about youth mental health and raise funds for Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, which includes the Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park. Another 80 people participated in a free online simulcast. The event raised more than $147,000 to support programs for underserved children, families and seniors.
After an outdoor reception with music and appetizers, FSA’s CEO, Lisa Brabo, opened the program and captivated the audience with a story about a foster-care student, Angelica, who struggled with depression and low self-esteem.
“Through twice-weekly meetings with an FSA therapist, Angelica worked through her experiences, building coping skills and slowly learning to trust others,” relayed Brabo. “She recently reunited with her mother and both are invested in repairing their relationship.”
Administration
Letter from Heidi
Mary Oakley Respite Stipend
Program
Veteran’s Pinning Ceremony
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
Holidays and Happenings
Gratitude Corner
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
“AAPI heritage month is when Asian American, Pacific Islanders are celebrated and remembered as a huge part to the success to this great nation. A nation built by immigrants. I will always be proud of my Chinese heritage and as an American.
When I went through the Sheriff’s Academy, I was 36 years old – the third oldest guy in the class – and a first-generation immigrant to this country. If I can do it, anyone who is willing to put their head down and work can do it.”
Meet Deputy Nan Jiang, who works for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at the Camarillo Station. Deputy Jiang has worked as a firefighter, paramedic, and now a Sheriff’s deputy. He was born in Beijing, China and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 13 years old.
“I’m extremely thankful for having the honor to serve the community as a first responder for the past 23 years. I love what I do and the feeling that I’ve made a difference at the end of the day. This is my American dream.”
United Way of Ventura County’s board has officially appointed Mitchel Sloan as the nonprofit’s new president and CEO. Sloan has been filling the role on an interim basis since March 2022.
“Choosing a president and CEO is not a decision we take lightly, and after an extensive search, we are certain Mitchel is the ideal leader for United Way,” said board chair Greg Gillespie. “His performance in the interim role has been exceptional, and he knows our organization and this community inside and out. We look forward to continuing to collaborate to make a difference, inspired by Mitchel’s dedication, expertise and passion.”
She held up her cell phone so I could read it. The Google translator function transcribed from Ukrainian into Spanish, “Gracias por tu trabajo.” In English: “thank you for your work.” She put her right hand over her heart and patted her chest several times as she closed her eyes. Her appreciation overwhelmed me. My eyes watered up. I had only handed her a cup of hot coffee.
My husband, Ron, and I have recently returned from 10 days in Pozuela, Spain, about 8 Km. from Madrid. It’s the site of World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) food operation for the Ukrainian refugees who have flooded this area The Spanish government is providing short-term on-site hotel accommodations for about 3 to 5 days while the refugees receive new identification cards and papers that will allow them to stay in Spain. They wait for an available apartment or room from gracious hosts in many towns throughout the country.
There continues to be a shortage of infant formula nationwide due to supply chain issues and a recall of infant formula due to bacterial contamination in the Abbott manufacturing plant in Michigan. The federal government is currently working on strategies to increase production of formula and help families access existing stock.
Compared to other states California is faring better, but the shortages are still of concern.
Babies need the right balance of nutrients- not too much or too little of anything-to grow and be healthy. It is important for your baby’s health to use products that meet federal standards to ensure the formula is safe and free of harmful bacteria.
