| SACRAMENTO – California State Treasurer Fiona Ma announced the sale today of $83.9 million in revenue bonds on behalf of the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to provide financial assistance to local governments for safe drinking water projects. The sale represents the inaugural issuance of bonds by the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program.
The State Water Board’s Safe Drinking Water Program, which includes the DWSRF as one of its main funding sources, is responsible for the regulatory oversight of about 8,000 public water systems throughout the state. “When Governor Gavin Newsom released his budget in January, he said access to safe and affordable drinking water should be a fundamental right,” according to State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “Our action today helps bring affordable financing to communities seeking to maintain or improve the quality of their service to their ratepayers.” State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel said, “As California’s water infrastructure continues to age, suffer from under investment, adapt to the challenges of a changing climate, and we endeavor to ensure clean, secure and affordable drinking water for all Californians, the demand for financial tools like the Water Board’s revolving loan programs will continue to grow. This sale, and the eight projects it encompasses, are reflective of the commitment of the Water Board to innovate and expand the financial tools and resources key to meeting California’s 21st century water challenges.” The DWSRF Program provides low-cost financing for planning, design, construction and implementation of critical drinking water infrastructure improvements necessary to mitigate drinking water risks to human health throughout the State. As of June 30, 2018, the State Water Board had provided $3.0 billion from the DWSRF program to 296 recipients for 455 eligible projects. The City of Los Angeles, acting through the Department of Water & Power, has several projects including constructing a 650 million gallon per day ultraviolet disinfection facility to treat water from the Los Angeles Reservoir, removing the uncovered Silver Lake and Ivanhoe Reservoirs from service and constructing a new 54 million gallon, buried concrete Headworks West Reservoir to replace the lost capacity. The eight recipients of funds for major projects that affect Californians’ access to safe and affordable drinking water are from the following cities: – City of Fresno (3 projects) (See attached for a complete list of projects receiving funding from today’s sale). The joint senior managers on the sale were Piper Jaffray & Co. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and the co-senior managers were Backstrom McCarley Berry & Co, LLC and George K. Baum & Company. The bonds are rated AAA by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings and Aaa by Moody’s Investors Service. The bonds have a 2035 final maturity and a true interest cost of 2.02%. The calendar of all upcoming state bond sales is available at BuyCaliforniaBonds.com.
Fiona Ma is California’s 34th State Treasurer. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position. The State Treasurer’s Office was created in the California Constitution in 1849. It provides financing for schools, roads, housing, recycling and waste management, hospitals, public facilities, and other crucial infrastructure projects that better the lives of residents. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker. Her office processes more than $2 trillion in payments within a typical year. She provides transparency and oversight for the government’s investment portfolio and accounts, as well as the state’s surplus funds. Treasurer Ma oversees an investment portfolio of more than $100 billion, approximately $20 billion of which are local government funds. She is responsible for $82 billion in outstanding general obligation and lease revenue bonds of the state. For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please follow Treasurer Ma on Twitter at @CalTreasurer, and on Facebook at California State Treasurer’s Office.
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State Treasurer Fiona Ma Announces the Sale of $83.9 Million in Green Bonds for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program
Over 2,200 Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Victims Helped by Coalition For Family Harmony in 2018
Oxnard, Calif.—The Coalition For Family Harmony, which provides victims of family violence with the means to help them escape their life of abuse, provided direct services to 1,865 domestic violence victims and 375 sexual assault victims in 2018.
Part of those services included shelter at the Coalition’s Safe House. Last year, the Coalition’s Safe House sheltered 110 individuals including 62 children at no charge. While there, the Coalition staff helped with emotional, medical, legal, economic and housing needs. The center also provides support through crisis counseling and intervention, referral assistance, restraining orders and connections with community resources.
The Coalition runs the only Rape Crisis Center and 24-hour rape crisis hotline in Ventura County. During 2018, Coalition staff received calls from over 10,000 victims who were in crisis. “These numbers have held steady or slightly increased over the past five or six years. Unfortunately, they haven’t gone down,” says Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, executive director for Coalition For Family Harmony.
Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Sexual assaults victims can be of any age—from children to seniors. Prijatel-Sutton says that the public is more aware of Coalition services. “They hear about the Me Too movement and realize that they also need help,” says Prijatel-Sutton. She says that, per capita, Ventura County ranks high in the amount of reported domestic violence instances–12 out of 58 California counties.
“We’ve seen an influx of sexual assault and violence in dating situations,” says Prijatel-Sutton. “It’s not just teenagers, but adults of every age.”
The Coalition for Family Harmony relies on grants and donations to operate. Its annual fundraiser is November 2 at (location).
For more information about Coalition services, call 805-983-6014, 800-300-2181, or go to www.TheCoalition.org. All calls are confidential.
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County General Services Agency Director David Sasek elected president of statewide association
VENTURA, Calif. — David J. Sasek, director of the County’s General Services Agency, has been elected president of the County General Services Association (CGSA), after serving as the association’s vice president for the past year.
“The CGSA promotes professional development among CGSA membership counties,” said Sasek. “We act as a forum for sharing knowledge and information, and we’re involved with legislative matters that are of common interest to the association.”
The association provides conferences that foster the free exchange of best practices with the ultimate goal of providing effective county public service delivery, including facilities management, real estate portfolio management, fleet operations, energy and sustainability, procurement, and more. Ventura County GSA is an active member of the organization, which is an affiliate of the California State Association of Counties and a network of General Services professionals from counties in California and Nevada.
Sasek’s duties as president include coordinating and hosting quarterly meetings and an annual statewide conference for member county General Service agencies and departments. The events are intended to facilitate networking and collaboration and to share best practices; learning opportunities; strategic planning and Lean Six Sigma; and new innovations in the field.
Sasek succeeds Sonoma County General Services Department Director Caroline Judy, who has served as the association president for two years and will continue to function in an advisory capacity as a member of the CGSA board of directors.
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Oxnard | Violent Crimes Unit Sweep Leads to Multiple Arrests
Oxnard Police Department – Incident Press Release
On April 24th at approximately 5:00 A.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit served search warrants at 17 different locations within the City of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The service of the warrants involved over 150 personnel from the Oxnard Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Ventura Police Department, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Port Hueneme Police Department, and the Ventura County Probation Department.
The search warrant was related to a series of violent crimes committed by members of an Oxnard based criminal street gang over a year long period. These crimes included robberies, shootings, and stabbings. Of the 17 locations, 13 were in the South and East Districts of Oxnard, including several in the Southwinds Neighborhood, and four were in the City of Port Hueneme. During the service, a significant amount of gang paraphernalia was seized. In addition, five adults and two juveniles were taken into custody for outstanding warrants, probation violations, and possession of narcotics paraphernalia.
The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
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Recipe of the Week | Chimichurri Tofu Kabobs
I looked up chimichurri on the Internet the other night. One website says that it is “a piquant sauce or marinade traditionally used in South American and Mexican cooking.” Another definition says that it is used as a marinade for or topping on grilled meat.”
There was nothing in any of the definitions that indicated it was used in vegetarian cooking. I took that as a challenge. Why can’t a sauce, I thought, that is made with fresh ingredients such as parsley, garlic, oregano leaves, red pepper flakes, olive oil and red wine vinegar be used on barbecued tofu? I decided that there was no reason at all that it can’t.
Even meat lovers will like this vegan recipe for tofu kabobs with chimichurri sauce. Make the sauce the day before you barbecue for maximum flavor.
Chimichurri Ingredients:
2 cups packed flat leave parsley leaves (no stems)
4 medium garlic cloves (minced)
4 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kabob Ingredients:
14 ounces extra firm organic tofu (cut into 1½-inch cubes)
7 to 8 bamboo skewers
Chimichurri Directions:
Place parsley, garlic, oregano, vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. I use a Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus. Process for about 60 seconds or until finely chopped.
With the motor running, add oil in a steady stream. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and pulse a few times to combine. Transfer sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 1 day to allow the flavors to blend. Before serving, stir and season with salt and/or pepper as needed.
Kabob Directions:
Preheat grill to high heat (about 600 degrees).
Place tofu cubes in a large baggie and add 4 tablespoons Chimichurri sauce. Shake cubes to cover with sauce and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Allow tofu to marinate in the baggie for about 20 minutes.
Thread marinated tofu cubes onto bamboo skewers. Grill for two to three minutes on one side. Turn over and grill for two minutes more. The tofu should be slightly charred and beginning to crisp. Remove skewers to a serving platter and drizzle a little more sauce on each skewer. Transfer remaining sauce to a small bowl and bring to the table as a condiment.
Chef Randy’s latest book: Ojai Valley Make Ahead Cookbook on Sale at AMAZON
For additional recipes, see Chef Randy’s website at valley-vegetarian.com.
Chef Randy has been a vegetarian for over 40 years and eats local and organic grain, fresh fruit, and vegetables as much as possible. He is known locally as the “Healthy Chef.” His column, Chef Randy, is syndicated in California newspapers. See his website at Valley-Vegetarian.com for more recipes.
Visit his author’s page on Amazon for culinary inspiration!
Have a favorite recipe? Old family secret? Share it with us!
Please send to: [email protected]
We’ll be in the kitchen waiting.
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Studio Channel Islands Art Center Hosts Arts Alive Festival
Camarillo, Calif. — This year visitors will have two opportunities to enjoy fine art, live music, fun activities, food and craft beers at Studio Channel Islands Art Center’s popular art festival, Arts Alive, presented May 4 and June 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the SCIAC campus at 2222 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. Now in its sixth year, the Arts Alive Festival celebrates Ventura County’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene with inspiring showcases by professional artists and performing groups, children’s activities, hands-on workshops with SCIAC artists, a full schedule of live musical performances, food trucks and beer garden, and opportunities to view and buy artworks directly from the artists who produce the work. Proceeds from the event go to support the professional arts education and artistic programs SCIAC presents throughout the year.
Hands-on activities for kids include an opportunity work with renowned street artist Ever Glavez to create a massive chalk solar system. Kids will work together to make giant cactus flowers in our interactive sculpture garden and have an opportunity to try ceramics, painting and fiber classes throughout the day. Additional family programs will be offered by kidSTREAM, Camarillo Ranch House and Camarillo Library.
Both dates will include live entertainment throughout the day, including music, performances and artist demonstrations. The music will culminate in a soulful jazz performance by Mahesh Balasooriya and Ebony Blaze with friends in the Blackboard Gallery.
SCIAC will also host an exciting exhibition of the subtly subversive work of Scott Froschauer throughout the site. His works resemble ordinary road signs but the messages they impart challenge the viewer to reconsider everything that we thought we knew about where and who we are.
Visitors to the May 4 event can enjoy the gallery exhibition “The Illusionists” featuring works by world-famous representational artists. For the June 1 event, the gallery will host an opening reception for a new exhibition, “The NEXT Big Thing,” showcasing the fine and bold art of various American artists from all around the country including video, film, performance, sound and installation art.
“Each year, the Arts Alive festival grows to include more and more talented visual artists, performers and crafts makers from across the tri-county region,” said Peter Tyas, SCIAC executive director. “We are grateful to the City of Camarillo, TOLD Corporation and Institution Ale for their generous support of Arts Alive and of our mission to provide creative venues where artists and community can come together to share the many benefits of a thriving arts collaboration.”
Admission to the festival is free both dates. Sponsorship opportunities are available for both dates. For more information, visit www.studiochannelislands.org or call 805-383-1368.
Studio Channel Islands Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together artists and community for extraordinary artistic encounters that enrich, educate, and entertain. Ongoing programs include art classes for adults and children, providing studio space for professional artists, presenting diverse art shows in its Blackboard Gallery and providing community art and cultural events for individuals and families. Gallery hours are Tues.–Fri., 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Located at 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010.
Studio Channel Islands Art Center
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The Port Hueneme Historical Society Museum’s Second Annual Hueneme Spirit Award
The Port Hueneme Historical Society Museum
cordially invites you
to the ceremony recognizing the
Second Annual Hueneme Spirit Award
to Helen Brant
at 5:30 PM
on June 14, 2019
during the Friends of the Bard Quarterly Dinner
at the historic Bard Mansion
As we look at the history of Port Hueneme spelled out on the walls of the Museum, the one constant, 
even during the economic hard times, is what old-timers used to call the “Hueneme Spirit,” a characteristic found in individuals—and fortunately there were many—who were more motivated by service than by self.
The main idea behind the “Hueneme Spirit” is the so-called “Golden Rule,” a philosophy that is hardly new but not as widely practiced as it might be.
Still, ever since Thomas Bard platted the Friendly City by the Sea, the “Hueneme Spirit” continues to exist in such individuals as longtime resident and civic activist, Helen Brant.
For further information on attending this event, please contact Becky at (805) 798-3975 or email [email protected]
Museum Distinguished Speaker events in June:
June 1 Bridge Carney “PT-157: Missions in Solomons/ Rescue of JFK and the PT-109 Crew”
June 14 Hueneme Spirit Award: Helen Brant
Circle of Service Exemplar: Capt. Mike and Cheryl Saum @Bard Mansion 5:30pm
June 15 Dr. Jose M. Alamillo “La Voz de La Colonia: Colonia’s News Source from 1926-1932”
June 22 Linda Bentz “The Chinese In Ventura County”
June 29 Connie Korenstein “History of the Port of Hueneme”
Other Museum sponsored events include the monthly Historic Port Tour on the third Friday of each month.
Also offered on a quarterly basis (Next is July 20, 2019), the Museum and Port provide transportation to the Lighthouse for visitors who cannot make the approximately one-mile round trip walk to Lighthouse.
In addition, the Museum and the Friends of the Bard offer tours of the Berylwood Mansion in conjunction with the quarterly dinners of the Friends of the Bard. https://www.bardmansion.org/Current-Newsletter.html
The Port Hueneme Historical Society Museum
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SVPD Hosts National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 27, 2019
The Simi Valley Police Department Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., in the front parking lot of the Simi Valley Police station located at 3901 Alamo Street.
This one-day event is being held in support of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 15th annual effort to encourage and educate the public on how to properly dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused potentially dangerous prescription drugs and other medications from your homes and our community. The success of this program has collected over 1,400 pounds of unwanted and unused prescription medications.
This event is another way the Simi Valley Police Department is working in a collaborative effort with the public to combat the growing issue of unused and unneeded medications becoming the target of theft, misuse, and abuse. America’s youth (12 to 17 years) have made prescription drugs the number one substance abuse f or their age group. The medication supply often and unknowingly comes from the medicine cabinets of their parents, grandparents, and friends. This national take-back initiative will provide those who have accumulated unused and unwanted prescription drugs a great opportunity to safely dispose of them and remove them from your homes.
For your convenience, our Police Department has provided a safe and ecological way for residents to dispose of old and unwanted medications. Please call our property room at (805) 583-6964 to make an appointment for any Tuesday or Thursday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).
The Simi Valley Police Department allows the community to bring illegal drugs to the police station and turn them in with no questions asked.
How to dispose of unwanted medications: Empty the contents of pill bottles into a Ziploc bag (please recycle your pill bottles at home and remember to scratch out all personal identification information ).
• Leave liquids, gels, or creams in their original containers and place them in a Ziploc bag.
• Chemo Drugs will be accepted at this event ONLY.
• Sharps such as needles, syringes and any other items used for diabetic tests will not be accepted. Sharps disposal containers are available for free from Sierra Vista Family Medical Clinic at 1227 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, Ca 93063, (805) 582-4000.
Please remember it is a health hazard to flush medications down drains or toilets or in the trash.
Additional tips on Crime Prevention can be obtained from Simi Valley Police Department’s Crime Analysis & Prevention Unit’s Crime Prevention Coordinator Jean-Marie Maroshek at (805)583-6276.
Simi Valley Police Department
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Oxnard | Elderly Woman Dies from Previous Assault
Oxnard Police Department – Incident Press Release
On April 13, 2019, at about 11:45 a.m., Ms. Armida Castro was the victim of a battery near the intersection of Sixth and A Street, in the City of Oxnard. During the original call for service, Ms. Castro declined medical attention for her injuries.
Later in the night of April 13th, Ms. Castro was transported to the hospital for treatment for her injuries she sustained earlier from the assault. She was admitted to the hospital due to complications related to her injuries. She was hospitalized for six days and released. She returned to the hospital on April 21st for further treatment at which time she passed away.
On April 23, 2019, the Oxnard Police Department was notified by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office that Ms. Castro’s death was ruled as a homicide. Ms. Castro’s death is the fourth homicide of 2019 in the City of Oxnard. The Major Crimes Detectives are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Adam Barcenas was arrested on April 13, 2019, for two counts of felony elder abuse and battery along with a parole violation. He has an extensive history of violence, disorderly conduct, and robbery. He remains in the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office without bail. Barcenas has not been formally charged with homicide at this time.
Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/6thandastreet. All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.
The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.
Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Jacob Jundef (805) 385-7860.
Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
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Venturans for Responsible & Efficient Government | What You Missed In The Ventura 2019 State-Of-The-City Speech
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Topping the mayor’s list of priorities was opening a permanent, full-service homeless shelter by December 31, 2019. The date gives this goal specificity. Opening the center doesn’t begin to solve the problem, though. Mayor LaVere and the City Council equate opening a homeless center with improving Ventura’s homeless situation. They are not the same thing.
What’s more, the City Council conflates opening the center with helping the homeless. The goal shouldn’t be to have beds available. That’s an intermediary step. The goal should be to get the homeless off the street and return them to a healthy way of life.
Like the economic plan goal, this goal relies on “other people’s money.” Homeowners must invest in eliminating the so-called blight. There is no compelling reason for property owners to reinvest in some properties. The same stifling regulations and fees that deter investors hurt homeowners, too.
The mayor hopes to achieve this goal by building community parks. The Westside Community Park set the model. Mayor LaVere’s first target is Mission Park.
Mission Park is home to a growing number of Ventura’s homeless population. To prepare the area, the homeless must move elsewhere. The 55-bed homeless shelter isn’t the solution. Also, even if we scatter the homeless, there are safety issues. Someone would have to clean the discarded needles, drug paraphernalia and human waste from the park.
