By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar   WASHINGTON (AP)—New rules from the Trump administration on Friday would require insurers and hospitals to disclose upfront the actual prices for common tests and procedures to promote competition and push down costs. But the sweeping changes face stiff pushback from the health care industry and a coalition of major hospital groups quickly announced that hospitals will sue to block the changes. Even in an ideal world where information flows freely, patients and their families would have to deal with a learning curve to become...

By Lindsey Tanner   Many older American adults may inaccurately estimate their chances for developing dementia and do useless things to prevent it, new research suggests. Almost half of adults surveyed believed they were likely to develop dementia. The results suggest many didn't understand the connection between physical health and brain health and how racial differences can affect dementia risk. Substantial numbers of people who rated their health as fair or poor thought their dementia chances were low. At the same time, many who said they were in excellent...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard— On a 5-2 vote, the Oxnard City Council approved the lease for the Oxnard Navigation Center at 1258 Saviers Road.   The location will have 110 beds and serve as a year-round 24-hour shelter with shower and laundry facilities. Additionally, the navigation center will have meal and pet services, housing navigation, and case management services for Oxnard's homeless population.   The location will cost $1.517 million over its five-year lease term and include costs for base rent, taxes, and...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard— It was a beautiful but windy day at Southwinds Park, Nov. 17, as Ice Cream Sunday was a hit with kids of all ages.   Residents lined up for their treat and spent time meeting with people and sharing good times in South Oxnard.   Ventura County Supervisor District Three Candidate Kim Marra Stephenson hosted the event, and she made sure there was lots of free Mister Softee Ice Cream for everyone.   Stephenson made her way through the crowd, answered lots of questions, and addressed concerns...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard--During his report to the Oxnard City Council, Nov. 19, City Manager Alex Nguyen updated the group about the Ormond Beach Power Plant and a possible resolution moving forward.   Nguyen sent a letter to the State Water Resources Contol Board with a possible solution.   The Ormond Beach Power Plant is scheduled to shut down at the end of 2020.   He prefaced his comments by saying his plan is in the idea stage, and an actual agreement will need to come back to the city council.   The...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Ventura—Christmas got an early start at the Ventura Beach Marriot Hotel in Ventura on Nov. 17, as the Humane Society of Ventura County hosted its 34th Annual Santa Paws event to the delight of everyone.   Families and their furry friends lined up and got pictures with Santa, as the Humane Society supplied fun costumes for dogs willing to wear them.   The dogs received special Christmas treats, and their humans took advantage of the coffee and water, plus lots of candy canes to accentuate the holiday...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard-- The future of the Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center (PACC) was up for discussion during Nov. 12, Community Services Committee meeting.   The body received an update on the bid from Venue Tech to operate the venue, moving forward.   City Manager Alex Nguyen proposed closing the site in June to reduce the city’s budget deficit, but public outcry prompted a six-month delay in closing the location as the city sought a company to operate the PACC.   Cultural and Community Services...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com   Port Hueneme-- The Oceanview Pavilon was a busy place, Nov. 12, as the venue hosted storytime for consumers with special needs.   Clients enjoyed arts and crafts, plus reading time, which is a group favorite.   The group meets every Tuesday from 10 until 12 p.m. and can choose whatever activity they want to be involved with.    Volunteer Robal O'Larte spent her afternoon interacting with the consumers and talking to them about their favorite books.   Robal said Charisse...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard-- At a special meeting of the Oxnard City Council on Nov. 7, the council voted 6-1 to deny the local coastal plan amendment for Fisherman's Wharf.    The meeting drew a packed house of people, and emotions ran high on both sides of the issue.   Ultimately, Mayor Tim Flynn made the most defiant statement about the project and sent a message to the developer that they can't push Oxnard around.   "There's all this talk about the differences between the county and the...

By Chris Frost chris@tricountysentry.com Oxnard-- Plaza Park was the place to be, Nov. 11, as patriots and American heroes from wars like Vietnam, Korea, World War II, and Operation Desert Storm gathered to celebrate Veterans Day.   The event kicked off with a big parade, as participants marched under the American flag on display courtesy of the Oxnard Fire Department.   The formal ceremony kicked off at 11:11 a.m. on the 11th day and hour of November to commemorate the end of World War I.   Soailin Cardenas with Oxnard High School's Jr....