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Ventura County’s Sheriff, Bill Ayub, announced Wednesday that the Detention Services Division will begin development of a Veteran’s Programing Unit.
Also, as part of the commitment the law enforcement agency has with the veteran community and their families who have sacrificed so much for the country, Sheriff Ayub offered the Sheriff’s VOICE (Veterans Outreach in Crisis Events) program earlier this year.
The Veteran’s Programming Unit will build upon that by developing a new jail housing unit that will house veterans together in an environment that provides security staff who are also military veterans.
“So many of our Veterans have faced unspeakable trauma in service of our nation. Upon returning to our communities, they often feel unseen and unheard. The goal of this specialized housing area is to reduce recidivism amongst veterans by recognizing their service to our country and providing them with assistance unique to their situation,” said Chief Ayub
Also, the new program will allow veterans to be around others who better understand their circumstances and are therefore more equipped to provide support and instill a sense of pride, appreciation, and belonging throughout their incarceration.
“My hope is to provide the right environment for our veterans to overcome their struggles and reestablish themselves as participative, valued members of our community.”
Supportive interventions will treat the substance abuse many veterans turn to cope with the mental trauma they experience, among some services that will be provided in the new housing unit.
“We will partner with experts in the field of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, addiction recovery, family counseling, and other efforts to support the safe return to the community,” said Sheriff Ayub.
The initial planning will be led by Commander Mike Hartmann, a Navy veteran, who championed the idea.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency in the county with more than 700 peace officers and 500 professional staff members.
The agency serves five contract cities (Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, and Thousand Oaks) and the unincorporated areas of Ventura County.
VCOE NAMED NEW BOARD MEMBER
The Ventura County Board of Education has unanimously voted to appoint Arleigh Kidd as the new board member representing trustee area four.
The longtime Simi Valley educator will fill the seat that was left vacant when Rob Collins stepped down from the board on October 25 due to health reasons. Kidd assumed his new role immediately after taking the oath of office at last night’s board meeting in Camarillo.
Growing up in Simi Valley, Kidd attended local public schools.
He served in the Marine Corps Reserve before becoming a teacher in the Simi Valley Unified School District (SVUSD). In 2010, Kidd was elected to the SVUSD school board, where he served until 2014.
Kidd says he is honored to be completing the term of Rob Collins, another veteran Simi Valley educator.
“I student taught for Rob in 1989 and served with him on the Simi Valley School Board, and he has always been a mentor to me.” Kidd says his priorities as a member of the Ventura County Board of Education will include advocating for the expansion of career education and special education programs.
Kidd was one of three finalists selected from a pool of ten candidates who were vying to fill the board vacancy.
The current term for the area four seat expires on December 9, 2022.
Then the seat will be on the ballot in an election to be held on November 8, 2022, and Kidd intends to run. The Ventura County Board of Education trustee area four includes Moorpark, Simi Valley, Santa Susana Knolls, Box Canyon, Chatsworth Peak, Home Acres, Sinoloa Lake and Tierra Rejada Valley.
SM: STUDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Pioneer Valley High School’s SHARe Club (Safe, Healthy, Adolescent Relationships), recently held a second period class competition to collect necessary items for a local domestic violence shelter, Domestic Violence Solutions.
The Santa María students and staff donated non-perishable food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, paper products and baby products to the shelter that is always in need of basic items, especially before the holidays.
Kelly Davis’ English Class won the competition by donating 90 items.
They received the “satisfaction” of helping the shelter and donuts, according to SHARe.
“It was heartwarming to see my 2nd period students’ generosity and willingness to improve the lives of the shelter residents. Teens remind me every day that they believe in the importance of kindness towards their fellow humans,’’ Davis said.
SHARe Club members know the true meaning of community service.
“I was so happy to participate and work with my peers to have a successful donation drive. I am proud to see our club collaborate with classes to collect so many donations,’’ said SHARe Club President Monica Lopez.
Also, PVHS held on Tuesday a lunchtime celebration for about 100 seniors who submitted their college applications to either a Cal State University, University of California, or private university.
Students were treated to food, drink, dessert and a photo-op display to celebrate a true milestone in their education, according to Assistant Principal Greg Dickinson.
Students completed work on their college applications before and after school and for a few days during Thanksgiving break. Staff helped the students edit their applications and with personal insight questions, according to College & Career Center Specialist Melani Teixeira.
In October, the Panthers participated in two “Cash for College” nights and filled out FAFSA or California Dream Act Applications so they can be eligible for scholarships, work-study, grants and loans.
They also have started the six-step process for the Allan Hancock Promise, Teixeira added.
“Special thanks to our College & Career Specialist Melani Teixeira and Early Academic Outreach Program Specialist Laura Rojas,’’ Dickinson said.
PVHS seniors earned nearly a million dollars in scholarships last year, according to Principal Shanda Herrera.
