Thanks to over 6,400 local animal lovers who voted for Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), they won a spot in this year's ASPCA $100K Challenge, competing for grants from ASPCA totaling $300,000, including a top prize of $100,000.

The 2011 ASPCA $100K Challenge is a nationwide competition for animal shelters and their communities aiming to get more animals adopted or returned to their owners than ever before. Taking place from August 1 to October 31, 2011, VCAS will compete against 49 other shelters to find homes for more cats and dogs than it did during the same period in 2010.
The goal is to save at least 300 more animals.

During the three month Challenge period, VCAS is planning weekly events, both on and off the shelter site to bring attention to its shelter pets. A list of those events will be posted on its website and facebook pages (VCAnimalServices).

The theme of Ventura's Challenge is "Shelter Pets: The Best Home Improvement You Can Make". It and the logo came from the animal shelter's Facebook fans. Over the next three months the shelter is going to send out the message that a house is not a home w/out a pet.
And there are plenty of homeless pets that need a loving second home at the Ventura Shelter which is located at 600 Aviation Dr. in Camarillo.

Several celebrities have stepped forward and offered to help Ventura Animal Services send out this important message. On August 6th, a big kickoff event will include appearances by "That's So Raven" star Orlando Brown, "True Blood" actress Michelle Forbes, Animal Planet's "My Cat from Hell" cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, Kim Sill of the Heigl Foundation, the Surfing Dog Ricochet, and the dancing dog team Appawse.

The event will include canine demonstrations, a grand opening of the shelter's new community cat room, a chance to listen to, meet and greet celebrities and of course, the opportunity to look for a new addition for your home among the shelter's many beautiful felines and canines.

To add to the excitement, all adoptions will be discounted. A large casino wheel has been donated to the shelter. The wheel, called the "The Wheel of Fortune" because any animal that gets adopted is
fortunate, has a discounted price on each spoke. Adopters get to spin
to see how much of a discount they will get. No matter what the discount, in the end everybody wins because a family gains a new pet and the pet gains a new home.

The August 6th event will take place during the shelter's normal Saturday hours 9am-4pm. For more information, or to view the animals that will be available for adoption, go to www.vcas.us.

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Broadcasters Association are asking media outlets to air public service announcements (PSA) about a new state law requiring a pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccine. The message targets parents and urges them to make sure all public and private school students entering seventh through 12th grades have proof of a whooping cough Tdap booster shot when starting classes this school year. It is estimated that more than 1 million California students may not yet have received the booster vaccine, also leaving them vulnerable to this potentially deadly disease.

“Whooping cough remains an ongoing threat to Californians with a high number of cases already reported this year,” said CDPH’s Director Dr. Ron Chapman. “We encourage the news media to help get the word out by broadcasting the PSA and putting it on their online news sites so parents across California know how to get their children the required vaccination.”

The PSA is available for download on shotsforschool.org. The California Broadcasters Association is encouraging TV stations throughout the state to make use of the PSA. The radio and video ads highlight the new requirement and encourage parents to make an appointment as soon as possible to get the booster to help beat the back-to-school rush.

More than 9,000 cases of whooping cough were reported to CDPH in 2010, including 10 infant deaths. The number of cases was the most since 1947. So far this year, more than 1,900 cases of pertussis have been reported. The majority of cases in 2010 and other years occurred between May and November.

“Having the first series of shots before kindergarten is not enough to stay protected throughout the school years,” explained Chapman. “All middle and high school students need to get a booster shot now to protect themselves and their families during the traditional peak seasons of summer and fall. While the booster vaccine helps guard individuals, it will also decrease the spread of what has proven to be a deadly disease.”

Parents should make an appointment as soon as possible to get the booster. For those who don’t have a health care provider, other options are available. Physicians participating in California’s Vaccines for Children’s (VFC) Program provide low-cost Tdap shots to eligible patients. Also, many local health departments and pharmacies provide Tdap boosters.

For the most complete and up-to-date information on the whooping cough (Tdap) requirement, including where to find a VFC physician, visit shotsforschool.org.

www.cdph.ca.gov

SANTA PAULA, CA - Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB:SCVE.OB) today announced its 2011 second quarter and year-to-date financial results.

SCVBank recorded a net profit of $113,000 for the second quarter of 2011, compared to a profit of $33,000 experienced a year earlier. For the six months ending June 30, 2011, the Bank experienced a $244,000 operating profit, which results in an income per common share, basic of $0.17, compared to a $446,000 loss in the prior year’s period. The 2011 profit reflects improved credit conditions, reduced interest expense and reduced operational expenses.

Interest expense has been reduced from $661,000 for the first six months of 2010 to $401,000 for the same period in 2011. This was the prime factor that allowed the Bank to increase its net interest income by 1.2%, from the six month period in 2011 compared to 2010. The Bank’s net interest margin for the first six months of 2011 is 4.26%, up from 3.99% for the same period a year earlier.

Non-performing assets are down from $6.8 million as of June 30, 2010 to $2.6 million as of June 30, 2011, a reduction of 62%.

Due to improved credit conditions, there was no loan loss provision taken in the second quarter 2011, compared to $800,000 in the same period in 2010. This change also reflects the current robust level of the Bank’s allowance for loan loss, at 2.73% of gross loans outstanding.

SCVBank continues to maintain a strong capital position with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 10.81%, up from 9.04% a year ago. A Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5% is required to be considered a well- capitalized institution. Total risk-based capital is 18.19%, well above the 10% level needed to be considered well- capitalized.

Liquidity is very strong as cash and investments equal $48.4 million.

Total assets have dropped over the past twelve months, from $136.4 million to $126.4 million. This drop occurred as management strategically steered high priced deposits and liabilities from the balance sheet. Core deposits have remained stable.

CEO Michael Hause noted, “The profitability in the first two quarters of the year would have been stronger, were it not for two write downs on foreclosed properties which were sold.”

“The trends in the Bank’s key result areas are positive. The Board and management are working hard to maintain those positive trends,” said Chairman Ralph De Leon.

Founded in 1998, SCVBank currently operates three branches in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Under its stock symbol of SCVE.OB, SCVBank's stock is traded through McAdams Wright Ragen, Howe Barnes Hofer & Arnett, and Monroe Securities. The Bank's web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporate Headquarters
901 East Main Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
805-525-7847

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of interest rate changes, the ability to control costs and expenses, the impact of consolidation in the banking industry, financial policies of the United States government, and general economic conditions.

On Tuesday, July 12th, new president, Sean Morris, presided over his first meeting for the 2011-2012 Rotary year. The Club meets every Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM at El Pescador Restaurant. Weekly meetings include a guest speaker. Next week, July 19th, the Sun Risers will listen to a presentation by Dennis Galser, a member of the Board of VCTA. On Tuesday, July 26, District Governor Wade Nomura will make his official visit to the Sun Risers.

Upcoming events for the Sun Risers in August and September include hosting a BBQ for the FMS and FHS Interact Club students and their parents; and participating as a team in the Relay for Life on Sept. 17 & 18.
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self. For more information about the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers, call Sean at 796-0276.

FFA members after the 2nd Annual Fillmore FFA Booster's Freedom Breakfast.
Enlarge Photo

Newly elected officer team, left-right Jennifer Martin, Brandon Pina, Alexus Galassi, Sierra Blankenship, Marc Zavala and Brooke Aguirre.
Enlarge Photo

Even though school is out, FFA members have been keeping themselves busy. Fourth of July morning found members up bright and early to serve the hungry citizens of Fillmore at our 2nd Annual Fillmore FFA Booster’s Freedom Breakfast. At the breakfast, students served pancakes, sausage, eggs and oranges to almost 500 people.

Surrounded by red, white and blue decorations, people enjoyed friendly conversations and good food to start their busy 4th of July. The Fillmore FFA Chapter honored Active Military and Veterans with a free breakfast in appreciation for their services. While students were busy serving at the breakfast, FFA parents and booster members continued manning the Fillmore FFA Fireworks booth. The Fillmore FFA Chapter and Booster Club would like to thank everyone for their continuous support at the Freedom Breakfast and Fireworks booth.

The newly elected officer team led by President Brandon Pina planted pumpkins at the School Farm on Monday morning. The pumpkins will be harvested in October for the children at Sonshine Preschool. The officer team has also been busy planning future events for the coming year. Our 2011-2012 Fillmore FFA Officers are President Brandon Pina, Vice President Alexus Galassi, Secretary Sierra Blankenship, Treasurer Marc Zavala, Reporter Brooke Aguirre, Sentinel Craig Harvey and Historian Jennifer Martin.

In October, eight Fillmore FFA members will be attending the 2011 National FFA Convention in Indiana. As a fundraiser, they are selling plants and vegetables at the Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 3:30-7pm.

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

Conway Spitler

Every ten years, as summertime nears, an announcement arrives in the mail. A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand. Make plans to attend without fail.

I'll never forget the first time we met. We tried so hard to impress. We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars, and wore our most elegant dress.

It was quite an affair; the whole class was there. It was held at a fancy hotel. We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined, and everyone thought it was swell.

The man all conversed about who had been first to achieve great future and fame. Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine house and how beautiful their children became.

The homecoming queen, who once had been lean, now weighed in at one-ninety-six.

The jocks who were there had all lost their hair, and the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.

Ventura, CA - Urologic issues in men and women will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Dr. Marc Beaghler and Dr. Seyed Khoddami, Ventura urologists, will lead the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Community Memorial Hospital’s eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium.

Drs. Beaghler and Khoddami will discuss treatment options for male and female urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse and sexual dysfunction. They also will cover the causes of these bothersome conditions.

Dr. Beaghler received his medical degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb., and completed his urology residency at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He is a clinical professor of urology at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Dr. Khoddami has a medical degree from the University of Tehran School of Medicine in Iran and completed his urology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He is a clinical assistant professor of urology at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are required. Call (805) 652-5436, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

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 nine family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

VENTURA, CA - A free disaster preparedness workshop for small businesses, "Ready to Resume," will be held on Wednesday, July 20 at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center in Camarillo (5100 Adolfo Rd.). Sponsored by the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), Ventura County Emergency Planning Council and the LSU Stephenson Disaster Management Institute, the workshop will provide participants the tools to prepare for unforeseen business disruption and disaster.

Disasters for a small business can come in many forms--fires, floods, earthquakes and manmade calamities. The workshop will enable attendees to better understand their disaster risk and suggest actions that might be appropriate following business disruption. The workshop includes a "Red Cross Ready Rating" assessment exercise and a workbook containing emergency resources. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop to the workshop.

"Ready to Resume" is from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the Ventura Room of the conference center. Lunch is included. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a free training session will be available in "Open for Business," a continuity planning program presented by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

"The Stephenson Disaster Management Institute at LSU is a leader in proactive disaster response management," says Bill Buratto, VCEDA president and CEO. "Its goal is to ready businesses and communities for the worst before disaster strikes."

Funding for the workshop is from a State Homeland Security sub-grant recently received by VCEDA for its "Ventura County Ready Business Campaign," a program designed to educate Ventura County businesses about disaster preparedness and response.

Sign up for the July 20 workshop by emailing ehymel1@tigers.lsu.edu. Space is limited. For more information, call VCEDA at 805-676-1332.

About VCEDA
Established in 1949 and recognized as the premier business voice of Ventura County, VCEDA gives members an opportunity to interact with Ventura County’s civic, corporate, small business and government leaders. VCEDA’s mission is to advocate for policies, legislation and programs that stimulate and contribute to business growth, a vital local economy and a vibrant quality of life. For more information, call 805-676-1332 or visit http://www.vceda.org.

Ventura County residents may be interested in a five-day, no-fee Job Search Workshop for unemployed professionals is offered by OPEN, a chapter of Experience Unlimited sponsored by EDD.

This workshop for white collar professionals covers resume writing, cover letters, interviewing, online job search and more.

The next workshop will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, July 18 through Friday, July 25, at the Job and Career Center at 980 Enchanted Way Suite #105, Simi Valley, CA 93065-1998.

Please pre-register before the previous Friday, July 15 at www.eu-open.org.

. OPEN stands for Outstanding Professionals Employment Network
. Any professional in Ventura County and surrounding areas is eligible. Previous workshops have drawn job-seekers from Monterey Park to Santa Barbara.
. Also, professionals who want more information are invited to attend Friday, open-to-the-public meetings.

These Friday gatherings from 9 to 11 a.m. provide an opportunity to network with other professionals and hear speakers or special job-hunt-related presentations. No fee. At 980 E. Enchanted Way, Simi Valley, at the County of Ventura’s Job and Career Center.

The Current President is Ken Lattin. Questions can be left at (805) 526-6349.

Naval Base Ventura County, CA. - Join the U.S. Navy on Saturday and Sunday July 23-24 as they celebrate Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Seabee Days 2011 at Port Hueneme. Admission and parking are free.

The 24th Seabee Days provides the public with an opportunity to learn about the Navy’s construction engineers and have a weekend of fun. The activities include hands-on displays and demonstrations of construction and disaster recovery skills and static displays of some of the latest in construction equipment. Also included are a carnival, music, food, a car and motorcycle show, a karaoke contest, 10 boxing matches, a softball tournament and a craft fair. Applications for the Karaoke contest are open. To enter, visit the Seabee Days website, www.Seabeedays.org and mail your entry to the address indicated. For more information about the karaoke contest, call (805) 982-4563.

The boxing matches on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. are free to watch. The matches feature one woman’s, two youth, two local and five Navy boxers. For information on the boxing matches please call 805-982-4392.

The Pass and Review Parade, set for Saturday at 11 a.m., features as its guest speaker Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey, commander of the Naval Engineering Command, Chief of Civil Engineers. The parade will feature approximately 1,000 Seabees marching and military vehicles driven by Seabees as blanks are fired from crew served weapons. An aircraft flyover will also be held.

Begin your visit to NBVC by entering the base at either the Patterson or Victoria Avenue gates. Gates open both days at 9 a.m. The carnival at NBVC Port Hueneme is open from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 23 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 24.

The new Seabee Museum opens Friday, July 22 at 10 a.m. Weekend hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days. The museum will feature exhibits on World War II, the Centennial of Naval Aviation and an underwater observatory.

The fun continues with live musical entertainment from country to classic rock. Seabee Days will feature five musical bands on Saturday, July 23 including Groove Persona, Walking Phoenixes and Big Junior Little. On Sunday, July 24 Wire 2 Wire will perform.

For more information and a full schedule of activities visit NBVC Seabee Days 2011 Facebook page or the website at www.seabeedays.org or call the Seabee Days hotline at (805) 982-6000.

Please note that NBVC has heightened security measures in place. All vehicles and personnel entering the base are subject to search. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, coolers, backpacks, skateboards, bicycles, glass containers, pets, alcohol and weapons. The cooperation of guests is greatly appreciated.

Oklahoma woman’s Change.org petition urging lawmakers to create “Caylee’s Law” attracts more than one million supporters in less than a week; at least 18 state legislatures will introduce proposal

WASHINGTON, DC – In less than one week, more than one million Americans have joined an Oklahoma woman’s Change.org campaign calling for the creation of “Caylee’s Law,” which would make it a felony for a parent to fail to report a missing child to law enforcement -- resulting in the introduction of “Caylee’s Law” legislation in at least 18 states.

The New York Times reports that the Change.org petition "calling for action from everyone from state representatives to members of Congress to President Obama" has been the driving force behind legislation.

Oklahoma State Representative Paul Wesselhoft told ABC News that the Change.org “petition has forced action” in his state.

The million-person movement on Change.org advocating for “Caylee's Law” is a sign that people who have been following the case want to do more than just express their frustration -- they want to do something about it.

“This is the most positive and productive reaction I have seen to the not guilty verdict of Caylee's Mother, Casey Anthony. Let's prevent this from happening to any other children in the future,” said Judi Siciliano, a 58-year-old grandmother of four from Bayville, NJ. “In Caylee's Memory, I choose to sign the petition.”

Tiffany Borders of Columbus, OH, signed the Change.org petition and wrote, “I am a mother of 3 beautiful girls, and if for any reason they were gone for even an hour and I didn't know where they were I would be frantic and call the police, the national guard, the news media, anyone who could help me. I hope this petition changes the law and helps hold parent[s] accountable.”

The campaign’s momentum continues to grow. More than 18 states are considering a version of Caylee’s Law. Legislators in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia have all announced that they are drafting versions of “Caylee’s Law” prompted by the petition on Change.org.

State legislators in Massachusetts (Bradley H. Jones, Jr. - R) and Tennessee (Mike McDonald - R) have also told Change.org members they are considering proposing “Caylee’s Law.”

“It’s remarkable to see how this Change.org petition has had such immediate practical impact in state legislatures across the country,” said Change.org founder Ben Rattray. “It’s a clear demonstration of how Change.org’s online platform enables people to take powerful collective action on the issues that are important to them in everyday life.”

The Washington Times has described Change.org as a way to ”convert...passion for causes into action that makes a difference.” The Sacramento Bee writes that “Change.org...is revolutionizing how ordinary people can effect social change by starting online signature campaigns targeting lawmakers, companies and nations.” And a New York Times feature highlights how Change.org’s “profile has skyrocketed with its involvement in several high-profile issues.”

Live signature totals from the “Caylee’s Law” petition on Change.org:
http://www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law

Change.org is the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change — growing by more than 300,000 new members a month, and empowering millions of people to start, join, and win campaigns for social change in their community, city and country.

About Change.org
Change.org is the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change. We send occasional announcements about innovative, compelling or successful social change campaigns we think may be of interest to the media. We try our best to inform you about campaigns that fit your beat and/or geographic region. If we got it wrong, please click reply to let us know and we'll set you up to receive announcements that match your beat. If you simply wish to unsubscribe, please email ca+unsubscribe@change.org.

Free Diabetes Classes by Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association. Emphasis is on an individual plan that includes diet, medication, exercise and blood sugar monitoring. No registration necessary but for additional information call 642-0239, x 723.

Ventura: First Tuesday of each month from 1:00 – 2:30 pm @ Livingston Conference Room, 1996 Eastman Ave, #101

Camarillo: First Wednesday of each month form 2:30 – 4:00 pm @ Camarillo Community Center Room # 3, 106 Burnley Street

Thousand Oaks: Fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:30 – 3:00 @ Goebel Senior Center Foothill Room, 1385 E Janss Rd

Simi Valley: Frist Wednesday of the month from 10:30 – 12;00 @ Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi

The Brain Injury Center of Ventura County is inviting people with a brain injury and their families to attend a special forum later this month to help set the organization’s direction for the future. The first Ventura County Brain Injury Forum will take place July 23 from 9:30 to noon at BIC’s offices in the Camarillo Health Care District complex. There is no charge to attend.

The forum will conduct separate sessions for brain injury survivors and family members/caretakers in order to assess what is most needed to meet the many challenges of living with a brain injury. BIC services presently being provided will be discussed and the hope is that ideas for new programs and services will emerge

“We exist to serve the needs of the brain injury community here in Ventura County,” said BIC Executive Director Joan Moore. “We need them to be full participants in this community – and so we want to ask them to help guide us in our planning for the future. Where are they finding holes in Ventura County as far as obtaining services and vital therapies? How can we adjust our programs and better advocate for the services they need within the greater society?

“We’re hoping to make contact with people affected by brain injury who have not yet interacted with the Brain Injury Center,” added David Wilk, BIC president. “Certainly we have not yet interfaced with every survivor and family in Ventura County. This forum offers a great chance for new people to talk about their problems and see what we are doing to help.”

Lisa Hayden, Psy. D and a clinical psychologist who treats people with neurocognitive related disorders, will facilitate the brain injury survivor session. Hayden is a member of BIC’s Professional Advisory Council and has conducted workshops for survivors in the past.

Bob Cole, a long-time Ventura County business leader, will conduct the family and caretakers session. Cole recently retired after starting and running several successful companies in the county, where he also helped found a number of charitable corporations. He has been active in the brain injury cause for over 15 years.

The Brain Injury Center currently offers separate support groups for survivors and families in several VC cities, provides free monthly workshops addressing specific challenges of living with brain injury, hosts the annual Ventura County Brain Injury Conference, offers advice and referrals via telephone and visits to its offices and makes presentations throughout the county to raise awareness about brain injury.

The July 23 forum is free and a continental breakfast is being supplied by Care Meridian. For more information and registration, call the Brain Injury Center at 805.482.1312 or visit the organization’s website at www.BrainInjuryCenter.org.

Relay for Life of Fillmore/Piru would like to invite cancer survivors in the city of Fillmore and Piru to a very special luncheon at El Pescador Restaurant in Fillmore on Saturday, July 16th from 1pm-3pm.

Please call Tony Gaitan to RSVP 805.524.3607

Grad Nite Live's summer fundraiser is with "Double A Restaurant". We are serving a Pasta Lunch and Dinner for $10.00. Spaghetti with Pesto or Marinara Sauce, Green Salad, Garlic Bread and Soda/Ice Tea. Only on Thursday's beginning July 14th Lunch and Dinner. PASTA THURSDAY!