Fourth District Newsletter | |
| Message From The Supervisor | |
The first quarter has been an exciting one for the 4th district! We’ve had numerous events in the community, including our first town hall of the year, a successful blood drive, and several ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses. It’s been a fantastic start to the year, and I’m eager to see what opportunities the next quarter holds to continue supporting our community.
Sincerely,
Supervisor Janice S. Parvin
805-955-2300
supervisor.parvin@ventura.org
| | | Last month, the Board of Supervisors took an important step, to conduct a competitive bidding process for emergency ambulance services, something that has not occurred in Ventura County in over 40 years. This process will allow us to evaluate potential emergency medical service providers based on performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that we get the best possible services for our residents. As your 4th District Supervisor, I am committed to ensuring that this competitive bidding process helps us achieve faster response times and equal access to emergency care across the entire county. |
Restructuring of the Board Meetings
When I became Chair of the Board of Supervisors, I proposed modifications to the structure and flow of our meetings and developed changes to the Administrative Policy Manual regarding operating procedures. One option was to increase the number of meetings per month, while another option suggested structuring the meetings so that the first meeting of each month would focus on proclamations, and the second meeting would be dedicated to the business side of County operations. These changes aim to improve the efficiency of our Board meetings for both the public and County staff who attend. Proclamations have nearly doubled over the last two years, and with this new structure, County staff can now return to their work more quickly, streamlining the overall process.
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Sinaloa Middle School Announces:
Ronald Reagan Academy of
Communication & Leadership
| I participated in the launch of the Ronald Reagan Academy of Communication and Leadership at Sinaloa Middle School, a new program that will provide students with incredible opportunities in leadership, civics, and communication. In partnership with the Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Sinaloa is introducing specialized courses in broadcasting, debate, mock trial, art, and dance, with plans to expand its curriculum even further. This partnership is a tremendous investment in our students, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on their futures. | | | The grand opening of the Free Carpet Recycling Drop-Off at the Simi Valley Landfill & Recycling Center marked a significant milestone for sustainability in Ventura County. This event celebrated the tripling of our county’s carpet recycling capacity, made possible through a strong public, private, and nonprofit partnership. I had the honor of presenting certificates to Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) and Waste Management (WM) for their leadership in this initiative. With this expansion, residents now have greater access to responsible recycling options, reducing landfill waste and promoting a cleaner, greener future for our community. | | | Bringing the Library to the Community: Simi Valley’s First Mobile Library | I spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Simi Valley Public Library’s first Mobile Library! This exciting new resource is designed to bring books, educational programs, and essential library services directly to neighborhoods, ensuring greater access for children, seniors, and families who may face challenges visiting the library in person. By expanding access to learning and literacy, the Mobile Library strengthens our community and fosters a love for reading and education. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on Simi Valley, making library resources more convenient for all. | | | |
| Simi Valley Police Department’s 2024 Employee & Volunteer Awards Luncheon | |
I was honored to recognize outstanding individuals and teams at the 28th Annual Police & Community Partnership Recognition Awards Luncheon put on by the Simi Valley Police Foundation.
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Chief's Community Policing Award: Detective Nicholas Tutino
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Dispatcher of the Year: Communications Supervisor Julie Ortega
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Explorer of the Year: Explorer Daniel Shamaeizadeh
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Michael F. Clark Award: Sergeant Joshua McAlister
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Officer of the Year: Detective Jeffrey Quartararo
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Professional Staff Member of the Year: Investigative Assistant Juan Ayala
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Unit Citation: NIBRS Work Group
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Volunteer of the Year: Patricia Taylor
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Meritorious Service Award: IS Analyst Shelley Lyman, Commander Craig Dungan, Sergeant Patrick
Congratulations to all the honorees for their exceptional contributions to our community and law enforcement!
| | | Soroptimist Simi Valley: Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary and Live Your Dream Awards | |
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards in Simi Valley was an inspiring evening celebrating the strength, resilience, and determination of women pursuing their dreams despite life’s challenges. The event honored incredible recipients who shared their powerful stories, highlighting the impact of education and opportunity in transforming lives. If you’ve never attended this event, be sure to join next year to experience the uplifting stories and incredible work Soroptimist continues to do.
This year also marked a special milestone as Soroptimist International of Simi Valley celebrated its 10-year anniversary! For a decade, this organization has been dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, mentorship, and support. The impact of their work has been felt throughout the community, and this anniversary is a testament to the dedication of its members and supporters.
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I had the honor of attending the graduation ceremony for Basic Academy Class
#2024-2 at the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center. These dedicated individuals have completed their training and are now ready to serve and protect our community. Their commitment to public safety is commendable, and I am confident they will make a positive impact as they embark on their careers in law enforcement. Congratulations to all the graduates – we are proud to have you joining the ranks of those who serve Ventura County!
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Medal of Honor Event at Ronald Reagan Library
| I was honored to attend an unforgettable event at the Ronald Reagan Library featuring Medal of Honor recipients Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha and Spc. 5 Dwight Birdwell. Their powerful stories of courage and sacrifice were truly impactful, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie in the military and the need to embrace our fears. It was an inspiring experience for the students and all in attendance, reminding us of the resilience and dedication of our nation’s heroes. We are grateful for their service and the valuable lessons they shared. | | | Elks First Responders Awards | Attending the Simi Valley Elks Lodge #2492 First Responders of the Year Awards Dinner was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible dedication and bravery of our local heroes. They honored the Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Ventura County Sheriff's Office, American Medical Response, and RSRPD Park Rangers for their unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community. Their tireless efforts ensure our safety, and we are grateful for their service and sacrifice. | | |
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East County Manufacturing Round Table
In a collaborative effort to foster economic growth and innovation in the manufacturing sector, a diverse group of local manufacturing companies, schools with a focus on manufacturing, and local officials from Simi Valley and Moorpark gathered for a roundtable discussion, hosted by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. We were honored to take part in this conversation, engaging with industry leaders and educators to explore solutions that will drive economic success in our region. The meeting provided an opportunity for key stakeholders to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore strategies to strengthen the manufacturing industry in the Fourth District of Ventura County. By working together, these groups aim to address challenges, enhance workforce development, and ensure that the region remains a competitive hub for manufacturing in the years to come. This initiative marks an exciting step forward in creating a robust and sustainable economic future for our community.
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For The Troops: Volunteering and Gala
I recently volunteered with the Rotary Club of Moorpark and Rotary Club of Simi Sunset to pack care packages for our troops through "For The Troops". It was a great opportunity to work together to support our service members and show them how much we appreciate their dedication. Packing these care packages serves as a small token of our gratitude, but it reminds us of the strength of our community and the importance of coming together to make a difference.
In addition to this event, I also had the honor of attending the For The Troops Military Tribute Gala, where they honored our World War II and Korean War Era veterans. These men and women are heroes, and it was a privilege to celebrate their legacy and sacrifice. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making both events so meaningful.
| | | | Meeting the Needs of East County: A Successful Temporary Food Facility Training in Simi Valley | In partnership with Ventura County Environmental Health, I recently hosted a Temporary Food Facility (TFF) Training in Simi Valley, bringing a much-needed service closer to food vendors, nonprofits, and community event organizers in East County. This training eliminated the need for participants to travel to Ventura, making it more accessible for local businesses and organizations to obtain or renew their TFF certification. The success of this event highlights the growing need for expanded county services in East County, ensuring that food safety education and compliance resources are available where they are most needed. We will be holding another TFF training in Simi Valley on July 21, 2025. | |
| | | | | Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Salute to Excellence | I had the pleasure of attending the 2024 Salute to Excellence, a wonderful evening celebrating the outstanding businesses, leaders, and volunteers who make Simi Valley such a remarkable community. Congratulations to all the honorees for their dedication and impact! This year’s honorees included The Acorn Newspaper (Business of the Year), Jose Martinez (Business Person of the Year), The Samaritan Center (Non-Profit Organization of the Year), Joseph Metcalfe (Community Volunteer of the Year), Rochelle Binns (Emerging Leader), Dr. Steve Pietrolungo (Strathearn Lifetime Achievement Award), and Elaine Freeman (Legacy Award). Your contributions help strengthen and uplift our region, and it was inspiring to see the community come together to recognize your excellence. | | | | |
First Blood Drive of the Year and Proclamation of Red Cross Month
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated at our recent Red Cross blood drive in Moorpark! With 41 units of blood collected, we are making a life-saving impact—helping up to 123 people in need. Your generosity and willingness to give truly make a difference in our community.
In recognition of the Red Cross’s vital work, I had the honor of presenting them with a proclamation on March 11th, officially declaring March as Red Cross Month in Ventura. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back, whether through blood donation, volunteering, or emergency preparedness.
If you missed this drive, you can sign up now for our next blood drive on June 5th. Let’s continue working together to save lives and support those in need!
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Town Hall Event Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our recent Town Hall event! Your time and engagement were truly appreciated, and it was wonderful to connect with so many members of our community. If you have any further questions or need additional information from the event, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We’re here to help!
| | | | | | Supporting local businesses is key to economic growth in Simi Valley and Moorpark, and I was able to celebrate the expansion of our business communities at recent ribbon cutting ceremonies. We welcomed Friendly Noise Wine and Cider, FirstLight Home Care, Cork & Batter Roadhouse, Holistic IV Hydration, Luna Grill, and Dream House Studios, while also honoring milestones for El Capitan Mexican Grill & Bar (5 years) and East Coast Pizza Company (15 years). These businesses, along with Wood Ranch Animal Hospital, Heywood Gardens, Lifetech Resources, Enso Verde, and Adventist Health Physician Network’s new Sycamore Primary Care clinic, contribute to job creation, innovation, and essential services that strengthen our local economy. Their success is a testament to the growing business climate in our district, and I look forward to supporting continued growth and opportunity for all. | | | | |
Brianne Schwabauer Whitcomb
Appointed to: Ventura County Resource Conservation District Board of Directors
Brianne Schwabauer Whitcomb is a Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for the Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business, where she works to support policies that strengthen the local agricultural and business communities. As an active member of a fourth-generation family farming business, she serves as a NextGen Advisor for Leavens Ranches LLC and Internal VP of Ventura County – California Women for Agriculture. With a B.S. in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University, Brianne is committed to advancing conservation efforts and sustainable farming practices in the region. Her agricultural experience and dedication to sustainability make her a strong asset for the Ventura County Resource Conservation District Board of Directors.
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