A scientific panel is recommending that more than 2 million U.S. kids get vaccinated against hepatitis A. Thirteen years ago, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended hepatitis A shots for all U.S. children at age 1. On Thursday, the panel said the shots should be given to older children who weren't vaccinated earlier, including 14- to 18-year-olds who turned 1 before the recommendation was made. The panel also recommended the shots for every person with HIV. About 1.1 million Americans are estimated to have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. People with HIV...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard--- It was an inspirational morning at Oxnard High School, June 22, as a large crowd came out to show support for the 23rd Annual Relay for Life.   The event is a fundraiser for the many programs offered by the American Cancer Society, like wigs for cancer patients going through chemotherapy and radiation, or teaching ladies how to do makeup, so they feel good, or the road to recovery program which helps the patients get to their treatment on time. The organization has “Hope Lodges,” and if treatment is far...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard— The Public Safety Committee for the City of Oxnard approved the 2019-2020 animal shelter agreement, June 26, and received a report from staff on animal safety in the city.   The agreement is with the County of Ventura Public Health Agency for animal sheltering services and will not exceed $2.114 million (or net value of $1.334 million based on the credit of projected animal licensing revenue of $780,000 for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020.    Oxnard Police Department Commander Denise Shadinger reported...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard—The Oxnard City Council's Finance and Governance Committee endorsed paying $159,349 from the golf course operating fund for the fiscal year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 to make regularly scheduled payments on the 2013 loan from the water fund.   Chief Financial Officer Kevin Riper said the appropriation was not included in the 2018-2019 budget and wasn't included 2019-2020 budget approved last week.   "The thought was a year ago that sufficient golf course development fees would have accumulated...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard—Help for low-income residents moved past the Public Works and Transportation Committee, June 25, as the body approved the utility rate assistance program for utility bills sent to Oxnard residents.   The item allows for a $15 monthly credit for a service charge for customers who meet the eligibility requirements.   The staff was also authorized to direct $145,000 annually from penalty fees charged to current customers who pay their bills late to fund the utility rate assistance...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard— It was a shopping extravaganza for a great cause June 22, as SurfcatCafe & Adoptions hosted a garage sale benefitting the organization.   The sale featured great cat-themed treasures and keepsakes, along with SurfcatCafe T-shirts and other collectibles.   Surfcat Cafe & Adoptions is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and community connections for cats in need of forever homes.    Former Treasurer Joy Connell came out to help with current...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard—The Finance and Governance Committee for the City of Oxnard took a step towards being more transparent and endorsed the River Ridge Golf Course’s revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year 2019-2020 during its June 25, meeting.   The item had a line-by-line breakdown of the costs and revenues, and Committee Chairman Tim Flynn pointed out that revenues exceed expenditures.   Chief Financial Officer Kevin Riper told the committee the matter is more of a technical budgeting issue and in years...

“When They See Us” has been the most-watched series on Netflix in the U.S. every day since it premiered on May 31,” according to Netflix’s Twitter account on June 12. Though Netflix does not release specific viewership numbers, the internet channel is a worldwide portal for content that has over 145 million paid subscribers.  “When They See Us” relays the jarring miscarriage of justice against five teens—Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise—who were convicted of assault, rape, and attempted...

LOS ANGELES (AP)—The documentary “Leaving Neverland” presented a disturbing depiction of Michael Jackson as a child molester, but the initial wave of negative publicity hasn't greatly diminished the King of Pop's image or the enduring popularity of his music. Many believe Jackson's musical legacy is still going strong as Tuesday's 10th anniversary of his death approaches. Backlash to the documentary that aired in March on HBO and Britain's Channel 4 prompted radio stations in Canada to stop playing his music and the producers of “The...

OXNARD—As part of its continuing 2019 theme of “Into the Deep,” Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is working in partnership with the Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) to highlight the effects of human-made debris on our oceans ecosystems. As part of this partnership, CIMM is pleased to announce an Ocean Defenders Alliance Exhibit that will share the mission, work, and results produced by the Alliance. While many of us have heard about the harmful debris in our world’s oceans, the Ocean Defenders Alliance is actively working to clean marine habitats in order to...