K-9 heroes honored, see page 7 FREE Vol. 3, Vol. No. 9, 11 No. 14 Published Every PublishedOther Wednesday Every Other WednesdayEstablished 2007 April 13, – April March26, 2016 10 - 23, 2010 Bronze Star Medal winner honored at Buena High. Photos by Michael Gordon. Two agencies are working in tandem to give Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko holds the ribbon while Alissa and children cut it. parents the extra help required to overcome Emmet Cullen a challenges. City Center brings awareness Ventura hero On April 7, before family, hundreds Parents get to domestic violence of students and dignitaries, Buena High School social studies teacher Emmet needed help On March 31 a ribbon cutting In welcoming the large gathering, Cullen received the Bronze Star ceremony was held at the City Center. Board Member Jim Duran, and Lead Medal at a ceremony held at Buena by Gail Field Located at 837 E. Thompson Blvd., the Pastor of The River Community Church High School. Mr. Cullen, a Military When a family has trouble creating ceremony celebrated the opening of the in Ventura, stated, “In October of last veteran and high school teacher, a safe place for their children because Purple Room to house Alissa and her year the City Center brought awareness fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan of drug use, trauma, neglect, or other children. Continued on page 12 as a Sergeant. He was awarded the serious causes, they have a place to turn prestigious Medal for recognition of to for help in Ventura County. his service in the U.S. Army. Two agencies, Children & Family Congresswoman Julia Brownley Services of Ventura County and the (26th congressional district) bestowed non-profit Kids & Families Together are Emmet Cullen with the Bronze Star working in tandem to give parents the Medal after a musical presentation by extra help they need through the Thera- the award winning Buena High School peutic Visitation Center, which opened Marching Band. She was “Was humbled in Ventura in 2014. and honored to be able to be at the The work at the Visitation Center awarding of this Bronze Star.” focuses on helping families who have In accepting the medal, Mr. Cullen suffered incidents of trauma and abuse told the large gathering: by providing counseling and strate- “Dear Students, Staff, and Special gies for overcoming these challenges. Guest Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Both the County and Kids & Families Thank you so much for joining my Together recognize that children who family and I in accepting this great have suffered abuse and neglect can honor. I would like to begin by thanking ultimately thrive in the care of their the uniformed service personnel present parents, as long as their parents work A pie eating contest featuring for their dedication, sacrifice and diligently to overcome issues that can former and current Ventura devotion to our country in this ongoing create unsafe conditions. mayors was held at the recent 150th time of the global war on terror. In cases where the courts order anniversary party at Plaza Park. Thank you also Congresswoman that a child be removed from the Jim Monahan, Greg Carson, Jack Julia Brownley, for your office’s out- home, the child is placed in the care Tingstrom, Jim Friedman, Sandy standing service in helping to process of a relative or a foster family for their Smith, Brian Brennan, Carl Morehouse, Christy Weir, Bill Fulton, Ray DiGulio, this award through the Department of safety. The Therapeutic Visitation Cheryl Heitmann and current mayor Erik Nasarenko were the combatants. Mayor the Army some nine whole years after it Center plays a key role in working Erik Nasarenko was the runaway winner while former mayor Cheyl Heitmann was initially lost. An extra special thanks toward the reunification of the family. looked cute with a mustache but she didn’t fair very well. to the Congresswoman for coming to Children separated from their Buena High School to highlight and Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4 2 April 13 – April 26, 2016 Ventura BREEZE Hats from the Past! Decades of Style with Women’s THE ATTIC TRUNK Vintage Fashions, Accessories & More! 433 E. 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President of Mound School Site Council, She favors a hands-on approach in Channel Islands Waterfront Homeowners dealing with clients and is delighted when Association, and Ventura High School their relationship progreses from realtor- Interact Club Advisor. Parents get needed help as the champion of the clients, encouraging Continued from page 1 them and giving them tools to get off drugs, Patrick Zarate cuts the ribbon with help from Ventura Chamber President & parents can experience a high level of to improve their parenting skills, and to CEO Stephanie Caldwell (on his left) at the opening of Aegis Treatment Centers’ 26th anxiety, and regular visitation with the better their relationships within the family.