The Humane Society of Ventura County will hold its annual “Santa Paws” fund-raiser in Ventura on Sunday, Dec. 7, where pets – along with their families – can have their pictures taken with Santa.

The photo shoot will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marriott Ventura Beach hotel, 402 2055 East Harbor Blvd. Parking is free.

For a $25 donation, pet owners receive several professional photos on a compact disc that will be ready to take home the day of the event. Adults and children are welcome in photos – with or without Santa. Those who do not have a pet can bring their children to avoid long lines at the mall.

Greg Cooper, a professional photographer who also teaches at the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, is the photographer. Chuck Bowman is Santa.Proceeds go to the care of animals in need throughout Ventura County.

For more information, call 646-6505 or visit www.hsvc.org.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.

VENTURA COUNTY, CA - On Sunday, Dec. 14, , from 12 – 4 p.m., Santa Claus will make an early visit to Ventura County when he stops by Ventura County Animal Services’ (VCAS) Camarillo Pet Adoption Center, 600 Aviation Dr., to participate in the agency’s first annual “Santa Paws” fundraiser.

Dogs, along with their families, are invited to have their photos taken with Santa for a $20 donation. In addition, VCAS will provide discounted rabies shots, pet micro-chipping and license renewal services on site.

“We are grateful to Santa for taking time out of his busy schedule to support VCAS,” said Tara Diller, VCAS Director. “Every dollar earned will go toward the care and comfort of the hundreds of dogs at our adoption centers waiting to be brought home for the holidays.”

All dogs must be leashed and accompanied by their owners. For more information, contact Yvonne Tello, VCAS Volunteer Coordinator, at: (805) 765-5890 or VCAR@ventura.org.

To learn more about VCAS and to view photos and descriptions of all adoptable animals, visit: www.vcas.us.

This Tuesday, November 25th, Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) and Assemblymember-Elect Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) will join representatives from California American Water and the Ventura County Rescue Mission in Oxnard for the annual “Operation Gobble” turkey giveaway to present a donation of 200 Thanksgiving turkeys to the Ventura County Rescue Mission.

What: “Operation Gobble” Turkey Giveaway with the Ventura County Rescue Mission

When: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 @ 9:30 a.m.

Who: Assemblyman Jeff Gorell
Assemblymember-Elect Jacqui Irwin
California American Water
Ventura County Rescue Mission

Where: California American Water
2439 W Hillcrest Drive
Newbury Park, CA 91320
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/xmtSk

Operation Gobble is a joint philanthropic venture between California water companies and local state legislators that is set to deliver an estimated 30,000 turkeys to at-risk families throughout the state this Thanksgiving holiday. Since 1990, the program has paired the resources of the private and public sectors to benefit those in need. Participating investor-owned water companies, such as California American Water, provide turkeys and delivery services in partnership with local elected officials who offer expertise in directing the donations to community food banks, churches and other non-profit organizations.

Heritage Valley Bus Service – Valley Express

During a meet and confer meeting with representatives of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, VCTC, and representatives of the Heritage Valley Policy Advisory Committee, which Mayor Manuel Minjares is a member, held a vote to award the transit contract to MV Transportation. The vote was 4-2 with Mayor Minjares voting to have MV Transportation and Fillmore Area Transit Corporation (FATCO) submit final and best proposals. The new bus service is scheduled to begin March 1, 2015 when MV Transportation begins operating the new Valley Express transit service.

The Mayor and City Council are deeply disappointed in this decision. FATCO has provided public transportation for over forty years in Fillmore and throughout Ventura County. FATCO was founded out of a need to help provide people in the community transportation. FATCO is a part of our city history and is a wonderful, historic, small business success story.

I want to publicly thank the Morris Family for their dedication to Fillmore and our residents over the years.

Council Member Steve Conaway

Steve Conaway’s last city council meeting will take place Tuesday, December 9 when city council swears in two newly elected members Carrie Broggie and incumbent Diane McCall. He was appointed to the city council in 2013 to serve out the remaining term of another city council member who resigned their position. He has served the residents of Fillmore for over 9 years both as Mayor and as a council member. He was able to share historical information and the basis behind city council decisions in the past. It was a great honor and pleasure to work with Steve over the past year. While he will no longer be on the dais, I have no doubt he will still be actively involved with the city as he has a great love and appreciation for Fillmore. Most people know he loves to barbeque and recently started to enter local BBQ competitions. I look forward to being a taste tester for his entries at the various competitions.

The Morris family and Steve are prime examples why Fillmore is the “Last Best Small Town”.

The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is hosting its annual “Santa Paws” Pet Photos and Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Humane Society shelter, 402 Bryant Street, Ojai.

Have your family and your pet’s picture taken with Santa and do your holiday shopping while supporting the HSVC. All proceeds from vendor fees and Santa Paws Pet Photos will go directly to help the animals at the Shelter.

Photo registration starts at 10 a.m. Cost is $25 for one photo on a CD. For an additional donation receive several photos on CD that is ready that day. Adults and children are welcome in photos — with or without Santa. If you don't have a pet, just bring your children and avoid the long lines at the Mall.

The holiday boutique will feature a wide range of gifts for people and pets and a bake sale.Guests do not need to have photos taken to shop at the boutique. There will also be raffles, and pet readings and healing.

The photography is by Greg Cooper, professional photographer and instructor at Brooks Institute.

For more information call the Shelter at 805 646-6505 or visit website: www.hsvc.org

The Ventura County Garden Club will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 117 7th Street, Santa Paula. The club is the oldest garden club in Ventura County. Historian Glenda Jackson will entertain guests with stories and news from the club's history. The public is welcome.

Please contact Linda Stallard (805-482-7201).

CAMARILLO, CA - Today, the Gorell for Congress campaign released the following statement from Jeff Gorell regarding the race for California's 26th Congressional District:

"With today's vote count update showing me trailing by more than 3,000 votes, it's time for me to concede the race. I'm disappointed in the outcome, but proud of the positive, issue-oriented campaign we ran. I want to thank my superb staff, and the hundreds of amazing volunteers who worked so hard to make this House race one of the most competitive in the nation. Laura and I feel blessed by the outpouring of support from so many people in the community. We have strengthened old friendships and forged new ones that I'm sure will last a lifetime. Laura and I now begin a new life chapter, and although I do not know exactly what that will be I'm sure it will continue to include service to my community and nation.

For the past four years, I have had the honor of representing the community as a member of the California State Assembly. This job has been humbling and enlightening. Whether working on education policy or creating incentives for new job creation in California, I leave the legislature believing I helped make a difference in California and in my district. For that opportunity, I will always be grateful. To my constituents, and to everyone who supported my campaign, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The Friends of the Blanchard Community Library invite all book lovers, and those shopping for book lovers, to the First-Saturday-of-the-Month Book Sale on December 6, in the Back Stacks at the Blanchard Community Library, 119 N. 8th Street, Santa Paula. Please enter from the north parking lot. The hours are 10AM-2PM. This sale will feature Golf books for $.25 each, and a 21 volume set of Cooking Club of America cookbooks for $5.00. These books, and many more on display, are in like-new condition suitable for gift giving. Make your holiday shopping easy and affordable.

Also, there is always a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s, and unique rare collectible books available. General prices range from $.25-$2.00. Collectibles start at $4.00.

If the Saturday sale is not convenient, The Back Stacks are also open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12 Noon to 2 PM. and a smaller selection of books is available during library hours at the Friends Book Mart located inside the library.

For further information email fobcl@yahoo.com

SANTA CLARA VALLEY HOSPICE HOME SUPPORT GROUP, INC

A light will be shining on the Hospice “Light Up A Life Tree” at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Fillmore Plaza,251 Central Ave. Fillmore. Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 4:30 PM. These names were received up to October 29, 2014

IN MEMORY OF:
Chris Cone
Diane Dudley
Sean Campos
Diane Dudley
Tommy Wallace Whiteley
Raymond Wallace
Lark Whiteley
Bob Olson
Harold Michel
Ed Koger
Dorothy Koger
Cornelius V. Morales
Elmira V. Morales
Hazel Davis
Gerald Davis
Lois Main
Ed Preston
Betty Preston
Austin Maytham
Bill Hayne
Olen Core
Sue Core
Claude Lee
Mary R. Lee
Hazle Hiebert
Rufus Hiebert
Jim Stehley
Frank Norris
Sophie Norris
Susan Taylor
IN HONOR OF
Cleve Cunningham

A light will be shining on the Hospice “Light Up A Life Tree” at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in PIRU, Center Street and the Gazibo. Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 4:30 PM.
These names were received up to October 29, 2014
IN MEMORY OF:
Lee and Romona Golson
Anthony Golson, Sr.
Lee Golson
Loni Golson
Lola Alcozar
Ronnie Alcozar
Gregory Alcozar

The Humane Society of Ventura County will hold its annual “Santa Paws” fund-raiser and holiday boutique on Sunday, Nov. 23, where pets – along with their families – can have their pictures taken with Santa.

The photo shoot and holiday boutique will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the HSVC’s Ojai shelter, 402 Bryant St. For a $25 donation, pet owners receive several professional photos on a compact disc that will be ready to take home the day of the event. Adults and children are welcome in photos – with or without Santa. Those who do not have a pet can still bring their children to avoid long lines at the mall.

The holiday boutique will feature vendors with a wide range of gifts for people and pets, along with a bake sale. People do not need to have photos taken to shop; everyone is welcome.

Greg Cooper, a professional photographer who also teaches at the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, is the photographer. Chuck Bowman is Santa.

Proceeds go to the care of animals in need throughout VenturaCounty.

For more information, call 646-6505 or visit www.hsvc.org.For vendor information, email heatherr@hsvc.org.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.

Advances in cataract eye surgery will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

JillAnne W. McCarty, M.D., a Ventura ophthalmologist, will lead the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Community Memorial Hospital’s eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium.

Cataract surgery has evolved into a brief, painless, sight-restoring procedure, and patients undergoing cataract surgery have more advanced options now than ever before. Dr. McCarty will discuss state-of-the-art surgical advances and new technology to treat cataracts and restore clear vision for an active lifestyle.

Dr. McCarty received her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond and received residency training at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the UCLA School of Medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. McCarty is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital Medical Staff.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are required. Please visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Ticket at 1-800/838-3006.

Community Memorial Hospital is located at 147 N. Brent St. in Ventura.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 12 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Camarillo Hospice, a volunteer hospice and grief counseling center serving Ventura County, offers practical and emotional support for individuals and families facing a life-limiting illness and/or dealing with the grief of losing a loved one.

As a volunteer hospice, Camarillo Hospice does not deliver medical care and does not require a life expectancy of six months or less. Patients do not need a doctor’s referral to avail themselves of assistance from Camarillo Hospice.

Among the many services provided are: caregiver respite, friendly visiting, life story recording, errand-running, transportation, education and resources on end-of-life issues.

All services of Camarillo Hospice are free and not subject to regulatory time limits.

Ongoing bereavement support groups and individual and family grief counseling are also available from Camarillo Hospice. In 2013 alone Camarillo Hospice provided assistance and support to more than 10,000 community residents.

For more information, please call the Hospice office at 805.389.6870,email info@camarillohospice.org or visit the hospice website at www.camarillohospice.org.

Ventura County students have a long, proud tradition of excellence in local, state and national Academic Competitions. This is only possible through the strong commitment and partnership of our local businesses and organizations. Amgen, Sage Corwin Publications, Gene Haas Foundation, California Resources Corporation and Aera Energy are among the sponsors who generously contribute to these popular events. On average, local sponsors provide more than $100,000 in donations and more than 600 volunteer judges in support of about 1,500 students who annually participate in the Ventura County Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial and Science Fair. Our sponsors’ tax free donations cover the cost of food, facility rentals, printing, promotion and awards for the students.

During the 2014 event season, our sponsors supported the Academic Decathlon, which was a huge success with 306 students representing 16 high schools. Westlake High School took first place at the county level and went on to Sacramento to represent Ventura County at the state competition.

The Mock Trial competition was exciting as always, with 651 students representing 25 high schools. La Reina High School took first place at the county level, going on to win at the state level for the third time in a row, and then on to the nationals where they placed second.

The Ventura County Science Fair continued to amaze with 763 students representing more than 37 Ventura County schools participating in the exploration of science. More than 45 Ventura County students qualified to go on to the state level, where several placed in the top four of their categories.

Sponsorship opportunities range from Supporter at $100 to Title Sponsor at $20,000. If you or your organization would be interested in sponsoring any of the 2015 Ventura County Office of Education student competitions, please contact John E. Tarkany at (805) 437-1501 or by email at jtarkany@vcoe.org.

To learn more about any of these events, please visit us online at www.vcoe.org/sc.

About the Ventura County Office of Education
The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org

OXNARD, CA - As part of a new effort to support “good choices” and prevent impaired driving, the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department aims to reduce DUIs due to marijuana, prescription and over-the-counter drugs using a $162,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

The grant was developed using local data and calls for collaboration with other Ventura County agencies and the State of California to develop a countywide educational media campaign to increase public understanding of drugged driving and its consequences; convene an interagency workgroup to share prevention strategies; and conduct drugged driving prevention presentations to a range of organizations, including local colleges.

“This marks a great extension of our ongoing prevention efforts,” said Patrick Zarate, Division Manager for Ventura County’s Alcohol and Drug Programs. “Driving under the influence of any substance—whether it’s alcohol, pot or prescription drugs—is a significant personal and public safety risk, and receiving this funding will allow us to further educate the public about these dangers.””

The Ventura County Alcohol and Drug Programs and local partners will leverage this grant award to counter attitudes about drug-impaired impaired driving and emphasize the very real risks. Planning has begun for a regional Drugged Driving Prevention Conference in 2015, to counter the apparent rise in the number of local DUI arrestees who say they used marijuana or another drug on the day of their arrest.

“It’s a sad truth: many people don’t realize that having a doctor’s note to use a drug, doesn’t mean you can safely drive after using,” said Dan Hicks, Prevention Services Manager, “We aim to change local perceptions of risk—and let people know that they’re still looking at a criminal record and thousands of dollars in costs if convicted—not to mention the tragic crashes and other consequences that can result.”

In 2011, there were 23 fatal collisions involving alcohol and/or other drugs in Ventura County and the County was rated 48 out of 58 counties by the OTS for victims killed and/or injured in collisions involving alcohol. “That number is unacceptable, with or without the other substances of abuse, and this grant extends our efforts to save lives and protect safety,” said Zarate.

Impaired driving prevention countermeasures are needed now more than ever. The goal is clear. As OTS Director Rhonda Craft said, “Toward zero deaths, every one counts.”

Funding for the grant is from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information go to: www.venturacountylimits.org