15 minute read
NEWS
Unofficial ballot drop boxes reported
by Kimberly Rivers
kimberly@vcreporter.com
Official indoor ballot box.
In a statement released at 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 11, the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters stated they have received reports of groups in the county promoting unofficial ballot drop boxes.
“My office works hard to conduct fair and impartial elections and to provide safe and secure options for voters to return their ballot, to say I’m disappointed that people would make a concerted effort to deceive voters would be an understatement,” said Mark Lunn, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters.
The two unofficial ballot boxes were in Simi Valley at the Republican Values Center and Saint Rose Church. “The church was aware of
Official outdoor ballot box.
the issues the box created and said it will no longer be placed there. A rep at the Republican Center said there was a box in the back and Elections staff told them not to use it,” said Miranda Nobriga, Public Information Officer with the Ventura County Registrar of Voters.
According to the statement, the placement, use and promotion of “unauthorized, non-official ballot drop boxes is prohibited by state law.”
The public should understand that only the locked white drop boxes at the stated locations with the official logo and signs of the Ventura County Elections Division are official and secure.
“Elections are all about trust and unofficial drop boxes are not safe. There is no way for the voter to know if their ballot reaches our office as cast and this certainly undermines public trust,” said Lunn. “My message to those that are putting out these boxes is ‘cease and desist this activity, you’re not being helpful and you’re undermining the process.’ ”
There are two versions of the correct and official ballot drop boxes. One design is for outdoor locations and the other, also white, is narrower and designed for indoor locations. See photos.
Locations of official Ventura County Elections ballot drop boxes can be found at VenturaVote.org or by calling 805-654-2664. Unofficial drop boxes should be reported to Ventura County Elections immediately at 805-654-2664 or after business hours elections@ventura.org.
Kindness Corner
Support for families facing cancer during pandemic
There are numerous challenges a family faces when a child is diagnosed with cancer. For some, the pandemic has introduced additional factors: job loss or insecurity, financial hardship and yet more health concerns and added stress. Since March, the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has ramped up its services to provide additional financial, educational and emotional support in the face of COVID-19.
Rent and mortgage assistance, grocery gift cards and meal and package delivery have helped meet food and shelter needs, while tutoring has helped ensure school-age children can make the most of their education. Direct financial assistance and therapy have also been provided. And because kids and their families need fun, too, TBCF has organized a variety of virtual events for safe entertainment. Andy Casas of Moorpark. Photo submitted
“We have had so much support from Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation that I cannot even imagine what it would have been like not to have them by our side,” said Teresa Casas of Moorpark, whose son, Andy, nearly lost his leg to high grade osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.
The foundation serves families throughout San Luis Obisbop, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties and has helped 31 local families affected by both cancer and the economic impacts of COVID-19.
For more information and to donate, visit www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org. — Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
Tips for voters from County Registrar of Voters
• RETURN YOUR SIGNED BALLOT: Vote By Mail Ballots can be returned using the prepaid postage return envelope or by bringing it to any official drop box, voting location, or the Ventura County Elections Division. Make sure to sign the envelope. • HELP RETURNING YOUR BALLOT: If you choose someone to return your ballot, only choose someone you trust. You and the other person must sign the back of the return envelope. Never give your ballot to someone else unless you have completed, signed and sealed the return envelope. • SIGN UP FOR BALLOT TRACKING: You can sign-up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov to get automatic notifications by text message, email, or voice message about the status of your Vote By Mail ballot. You’ll be notified once your county has received your ballot, once it has been counted, and if there are any issues with the ballot. • TRUSTED INFORMATION: Get information on voting from trusted, official sources—the Ventura County Elections Division and the Secretary of State. Resources for Ventura
County voters are available at: VenturaVote.org. The Secretary of State has resources for California voters at vote.ca.gov.
Eye on the Environment
Mosquito control ahead of rainy season
by David Goldstein
According to weatherspark.com, the rainy season in Ventura County usually starts this week and lasts 6.6 months, peaking in February. Although Ventura County has been hot and dry recently, now is a good time to start preventing mosquito breeding, a problem usually coming in tandem with our wet season.
According to Cary Svoboda, Vector Control Program Lead with the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, small, day-biting, invasive Aedes mosquitoes were recently found in several cities in Ventura County. The problem will get much worse if we do not take precautions before the rains start.
One precaution is to be sure proper screens are attached to rain barrels that capture rainwater. A 1/16 inch mesh is necessary to keep out all mosquitoes, according to Svoboda.
Tire swings, tire sandboxes, tire obstacle courses and other reuses of tires can also pose mosquito breeding dangers. No matter how a stored tire is angled, if it is uncovered, it will collect water. Worse, when the rain is over, the tire’s curve shades collected water, preventing rapid evaporation, and the tire’s black rubber heats the water, making it even more attractive to mosquitoes. Puncturing tire walls for drainage is difficult, and because cutting tools bounce off tires, it can be dangerous, so covering tires to prevent water collection is essential, if not always practical.
Also, keep an eye on potted plants to avoid a problem my parents faced last month. Plagued by mosquitos, they called a vector control specialist who examined their backyard and found pools of water in their overgrown, root-bound, potted orchids. Roots were preventing drainage out of the bottom of the pots, so water was pooling under leaves at the top of the soil, and mosquitoes were breeding. Re-pot to avoid problems.
A similar problem with potted plants relates to over-watering. If you over-water, you can create puddles in the drainage plate under the pot.
The Vector Control Program for Ventura County, managed by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, has a website on the topic, at www.vcrma.org/vector-control-program, which mentions other tips. For example, fill a hollow tree stump or tree hole with sand to avoid water accumulation; store wheelbarrows, small boats, children’s toys, wading pools, and empty pots upside down; and avoid accumulation of lawn cuttings or raked leaves in gutters and storm drains to ensure water flows rather than pools.
You should also stock ornamental ponds with mosquito fish, which are available free by calling 805-662-6582. Bacterial larvicide, such as MosquitoDunks, is another control measure targeting mosquito larvae.
If you see a danger on someone else’s property, the best option is to politely inform them. Another option is to contact the Ventura County Vector Control hotline at 805-658-4310. You can leave an anonymous report, including only the address of the danger, but if you also leave your name and phone number, staff can follow up with you in case they are unable to find the danger you noticed.
Indigenous Day disruption
Ventura gathering ends in “ugliness”
by Kimberly Rivers
kimberly@vcreporter.com
On Sunday, Oct. 11, a gathering of Indigenous people from the region gathered at noon in front of Ventura City Hall to commemorate Indigenous People’s Day. Near the end of the gathering a large group of trucks drove past on Poli St. and then began doing loops around the triangle area in front of city hall at Poli and California streets.
The drivers honked the horns and they and the passengers yelled at the group that had assembled.
“We Indigenous people never needed a holiday, we always knew the truth of this day,” said KC Rodriguez, a member of the Barbareño-Ventureño Band of Mission Indians.
Last year the Ventura County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to name the second Monday in October, previously called Columbus Day, Indigenous People’s Day. “It’s nice to know more and more cities are finally acknowledging the truth, but it’s just a small step in the right direction of reconciliation.”
Witnessing the trucks passing
Kymberly Arellanes (left) and Julie Tumamait-Stenslie of the Barbareño-Ventureño Band of Mission Indians in front of Ventura City Hall on Sunday, Oct. 11. Photo by Barry Harrington the group repeatedly and taunting the people who had gathered, Rodriguez said it was obvious that someone had told the people in the trucks about their gathering. She said that as they were ending their gathering and “trying to do our final speaking . . . they were obviously trying to stir up a conflict.”
She said that people in the trucks were yelling “we support the statue” and “It’s Columbus Day,” and that the trucks had “Trump flags and U.S. flags.”
According to Rodriguez, a few people attending the gathering were hit by the trucks.
“I saw vehicles hit two people, [the drivers] didn’t care,” she said, adding that the people she saw who got hit walked away and that she didn’t know if they were injured or not. The group Rodriguez was with walked to their cars and as they drove away, they saw a police officer there. “He was just talking to the white people. He didn’t talk or try to get any information from an Indigenous person.”
“The most sad thing is that they actually had kids in the truck, I saw them. You guys really think that is OK showing your kid this hatred? . . . They have them thinking their parents are doing the right thing by trying to run people over in the crosswalk.”
Kindness Corner
A masked snowman for smiles
On Sept. 29, a small troop gathered at the snowman on Burnham Road in Oak View. A fairly famous character locally, the Burnham
Road concrete snowman is now masked and costumed for the pandemic following a moment of inspiration.
Lucy McDaniel, known to many in her previous role as children’s hair stylist Lucy in the Sky, was inspired by a teary-eyed question from her 10-year-old grandson, Tucker Wheatley.
“He was worried about Santa Claus,” said McDaniel, adding that Tucker asked “Will he have to wear a COVID mask when he comes down the chimney?” She responded that she didn’t know, but she did have a way to lighten the air a bit now.
McDaniel thought this small gesture of fun might “Shift the frequency of the planet . . . lighten up the planet and keep [us] smiling, even if it’s under your mask.” — Kimberly Rivers
In Brief
WEV gives Trailblazer award
Women’s Economic Ventures is awarding the Trailblazer Award to Brenda Allison in recognition of her work founding two local insurance agencies and serving as CEO of Coast General Insurance Brokers.
The award is given each year to a local businesswoman that has demonstrated passion, commitment, vision and grit. This year, the award will be given at WEV’s annual fundraising event, Empowerment is Priceless, to be held virtually on Oct. 15.
Allison is being recognized as a community member whose philanthropy demonstrates an uplighting example through her work with Rotary Club of Ventura, as a board member for Casa Pacifica and on the supervisory committee of the Ventura County Credit Union. She is the founder and former chairperson of Latinos in Business at the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and founder of the Cuban Culture Club of Ventura County.
“This year more than ever, women and minority business owners need our support to press on through these extraordinarily difficult times,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV. “Women’s Economic Ventures is delighted to recognize Brenda Allison . . . She has been a strong advocate for women in business and we invite the community to join us to see Brenda accept her award virtually.”
The online event will feature several WEV clients including Elizabeth Gray Bayne, Gray Bayne Film and Media, LLC; Erica Morris, The ECO Store; Juliana Ramirez, JR Bookkeeping; Jennifer Walsh, Mesa Produce & Chuy Berry Farm.
Ventura Police Officer’s scholarship awarded
The three recipients of the 17th Annual Dee Dowell Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Ventura Police Officers Association are Bailey Welch, Tara Martin and Kali Garibay.
Welch is receiving the first place award of $2,000 and will be attending Ventura College to pursue nursing. Martin will receive $1,500 and attend University of Arizona studying early child education. The third place $1,000 award is being given to Garibay, currently attending the University of Southern California studying law history and culture.
The scholarships are awarded in memory of Sergeant Darlon “Dee” Dowell, the only officer in Ventura’s history to die in the line of duty. He was shot and killed on Aug. 7, 1978.
Recipients are selected each year based on display of remarkable academic achievement, community service and financial need. Applicants must reside in Ventura or have graduated from a Ventura high school in the past three years and have future plans in public service.
NAMI launches new wellness program
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Ventura County is launching a new pilot program called Community Cares aimed at counteracting some of the exacerbated mental health issues related to the pandemic.
The free online program includes resources and information on mental wellness, stigma, diagnoses, treatment, suicide prevention, self care and communication. Those who participate in the program receive a workbook with awareness building exercises that help build and practice skills, and provide information on recognizing the signs of mental illness.
The two hour webinar is led by trained volunteer presenters who are either family members or peers of those living in recovery. Their experiences can provide valuable insight into mental health.
The program is free and available to anyone living in Ventura County. Online information and registration are online at: www.namiventura.org/ community-cares.
State grant available for boating safety education
Noon on Oct. 30 is the deadline for applications for grants of $40,000 up to a total of $1.6 million available to public agencies, colleges, universities and organizations that offer on-the-water boater safety training and education to the public. The Aquatic Center Education Program is funded through the U.S. Coast Guard Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through the Division of Boating and Waterways.
Grants are available for student scholarships for boating courses and related equipment. Funding can cover instructor training and boating safety related events.
Details and information is online at: dbw.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=28817.
Guidelines for safe boating during the pandemic are online at: dbw.parks.ca.gov/ COVIDBoatingTips. — Kimberly Rivers
COUNTY of VENTURA
COVID-19 TESTING
The County of Ventura has expanded free COVID-19 testing throughout the county for residents who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. Symptoms of COVID-19 can be: Close contact means: • Cough or shortness of breath • Sharing a home • OR other symptoms: fever greater than 100.4°F, • Being closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes without chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new wearing a mask loss of taste or smell • Having contact with the bodily fluids (spit, blood) of the sick person through coughing, sneezing, sharing utensils
OPTUMSERVE STATE LOCATION COVID-19 testing for all community members. Please schedule an appointment by calling or registering online. Online: www.lhi.care/covidtesting • Phone: 1-888-634-1123 • Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8am – 8pm Thousand Oaks Library – Newbury Park Branch Oxnard Performing Arts Center 2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030
Moorpark College 7075 Campus Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021 Monday-Friday 10am – 7pm
DRIVE-UP TESTING SITES No appointment necessary (Beginning October 16) (Weekend Hours) Santa Paula City parking lot located at Oxnard College corner of E. Main Street and N. Ojai Street 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033 Friday–Tuesday 10am – 7pm Friday–Tuesday 10am – 7pm
(Closing at 4 pm beginning November 1) Fillmore Family Medical Group 828 W. Ventura St., Fillmore, 93015 Tuesday 9am – 5pm
WALK-UP TESTING SITE No appointment necessary • Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 9am – 6pm Ventura County Fairgrounds – 10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura - Enter at Gate 2
VENTURA COUNTY URGENT CARE LOCATIONS
For pre-screening and appointment, call the hotline at 805-652-7660. Beginning November 1 all sites will close at 4 pm.
OXNARD VENTURA EAST COUNTY
Las Islas Family Medical Group South Academic Family Medicine Center Conejo Valley Family Medical Group 325 West Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard, 93033 300 Hillmont Ave., Bldg. 340, Ventura, 93003 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 200 Open 7 days/week from 9am - 5pm Monday–Saturday 9am - 4pm Thousand Oaks, 91360 Magnolia Family Medical Center 2240 E. Gonzales Rd., Oxnard, 93036 Monday–Friday 8:30am - 5pm West Ventura Medical Clinic 133 W. Santa Clara St., Ventura, 93001 Open 7 days/week from 9am – 5pm Open 7 days/week from 9:15am - 4:30pm Sierra Vista Family Medical Clinic 1227 East Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 93065 Monday–Friday 9am - 5pm and SANTA CLARA RIVER VALLEY Saturday and Sunday 9am – 2pm Fillmore Family Medical Group 828 W. Ventura St., Fillmore, 93015 Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm
