Central Coast Roundp Up

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The Ventura City Council unanimously voted to hire an independent auditing firm to conduct a citywide audit of meal and travel expenses at its meeting on September 26. 

The audit will include a sampling of credit card and expense statements for the last three years. 

“Public trust and fiscal responsibility are crucial to effective government and the goals of this audit. Policies are created to ensure that the use of public funds is transparent and appropriate,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. 

“This audit is a citywide review of how we are doing at following safeguards, policies, and procedures.”  

As directed by the City Council, the City’s Finance, Audit, and Budget (FAB) Committee will work with the City Manager to retain an objective outside consultant to conduct the audit and conduct a review of Ventura’s policies and practices. 

The Council requested that options and recommendations from FAB be returned to the City Council within 60 days at a special public meeting. 

«Hearing concerns from the public and Council’s discussion on Monday night highlighted for me the need to take a closer look at my decisions regarding travel and credit card purchases as well as the Executive Team. It is my responsibility to lead by example and while I believe I am within policy as City Manager, it is my duty to set a higher standard and I take that seriously,» said City Manager Alex D. McIntyre. 

The audit will evaluate compliance with the City’s administrative policies and procedures and generally accepted accounting principles to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws. 

Expenses claimed by City Councilmembers will also be included in the audit. 

McIntyre also stated he wants to demonstrate to the public, City Council, and staff a renewed commitment to operating with moderation in mind when conducting official City business.

“I embrace the Council’s direction on the audit and support a citywide examination of policies and procedures as well as additional compliance measures to protect public funds,» said the City Manager

In addition to the audit, City staff will return to Council with a separate management report related to the renovation of City facilities for the last three years. 

ANOTHER COACH ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL MISSCONDUCT

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit arrested 24-year-old Oxnard resident Aaron Mora, for having an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old student at Pacifica High School. 

Mora was a volunteer assistant coach at Pacifica High School.  

Mora was arrested and charged with sending harmful material to seduce a minor, possessing child sexual abuse material, and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor.  Mora was taken into police custody and released on a bail amount of $50,000. 

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and is requesting anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incidents involving Mora to contact Detective Mayra Gonzalez at,805.385.7662.

JAIL VISITATIONS REINSTATED IN SB

Due to COVID-19, the County of Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office (SBCSO) suspended in-person visiting in June 2022. 

With conditions improving throughout the County, the SBCSO has decided to lift the visiting suspension on a limited basis. 

In person visits at the South County Custody Operations Division, Santa Barbara Main Jail, resumed on Sunday October 2.

“In-person visiting schedules have been created for the Main Jail which allow for social distancing between visitors”, stated Chief Bill Brown. 

The SBCSO informed visitors are required to ensure they do not have any Covid-19 symptoms as listed outside the Main Jail Lobby, wear a mask when visiting those people housed in the Inmate Reception Center (IRC), follow social distancing markers in the seating areas, and respect the social distance of other visitors. 

Also, visitors who are required to wear a mask within the IRC will not be able to remove their mask during their visit.

Guests will be allowed inside in hourly intervals with all visits lasting no longer than 45 minutes.  

Visitors are expected to check in at the Main Jail Lobby prior to the cut-off times, and should do so early, so that waiting lists can be fairly maintained.

“All efforts have been made to maximize visiting opportunities while also maintaining safety for visitors and inmates. Despite this, visiting demands may be high and some visitors may not be accommodated,” the Chief said.

Meanwhile, video visitation at the Northern Branch Jail remains open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Schedules can be found at www.sbsheriff.org under the category of Inmate Information.

STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT VOTING

The message «get out to vote» became the lesson of the day for Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students during Voter Education Weeks (Sept. 19-30).

 The district-wide event helped eligible students learn how to preregister to vote and engage them in the political process. 

Righetti Teacher Steve Wagner said voting is the most basic right in a democracy.

«We want and need our young students to believe in our democracy and become prepared to participate. As adults and educators, we all have a responsibility to pass on our democratic tradition to the next generation,» Wagner said.

SMJUHSD Clerk of the Board Diana Perez, agreed.

“It’s extremely important to encourage students to take advantage of pre-registration and learn the importance of being politically active. Every vote matters,» said Perez. 

The effort was led by social studies and government teachers at Righetti, Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley, and Delta High Schools.

In addition, the district’s website featured links to resources from the California Secretary of State’s High School Youth Initiatives website. 

The links included voter registration forms and information for students who are 16 or 17 that will allow them to vote automatically once they turn 18.

«I am glad we had an opportunity to register to vote today, as some of us will be participating in our first election as registered voters in November. In our social science classes, we have learned how important it is to be good citizens and how we will one day inherit this democracy, so we have to be ready,» said Righetti High School student Mathew Graack.»

NEW HEALTH PLAN IN SB AND SLO

The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal program – known as CalAIM – is the far-reaching, multi-year plan to transform Medi-Cal. 

The long-term mission of CalAIM is to offer 14+ million Californians a more equitable, coordinated, and person-centered approach to maximizing their health and life trajectory. 

The comprehensive program was developed by the State of California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). 

In Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the local health plan CenCal Health is responsible for managing the implementation of CalAIM with its community partners.

CalAIM will provide expanded services that go beyond traditional medical care, addressing social factors that affect human health from birth to end of life, including homelessness, behavioral health, care of older adults, services for individuals transitioning from incarceration, and beyond. 

CalAIM is the State’s largest overhaul of how Medi-Cal services are delivered and paid since the implementation of managed care in the late 1970’s.

“Our community partners have continuously been at the forefront of innovation, providing person-centered care to our members and underserved neighbors,” said CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen. “With the opportunities afforded by CalAIM, we are pleased to support our providers’ efforts to enhance, expand, and strengthen local services.” 

“Working together we can disrupt the cycle of preventable re-hospitalizations for those in our community experiencing homelessness,” said Marian Regional Medical Center President and CEO Sue Andersen. “It is great news that CalAIM and CenCal Health have made Recuperative Care an immediate priority in our county.”

Good Samaritan Shelter, PATH Santa Barbara, and Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo partner with the area hospitals to ensure an integrated referral and care coordination structure for members moving in and out of respite services. “Our shelter is committed to providing emergency, transitional and affordable housing with support services to the homeless and those in recovery throughout the Central Coast,” said Sylvia Barnard, Good Samaritan Shelter Executive Director.