Ventura Voices

A sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. In this episode 19, listeners will hear a real Ventura resident survival story and learn why immediate CPR from friends, family members, or even strangers can mean the difference between life and death.
Hosted by Senior Communications Specialist Emily Ayala, this episode features Ventura Fire Department EMS Program Administrator Heather Ellis alongside Ventura residents David and Liz Montoya, who share their deeply personal story of survival after a sudden cardiac arrest.
Hear how Liz recognized the emergency, immediately began CPR, and helped save her husband’s life before firefighter-paramedics arrived on scene.
The conversation explores the realities of cardiac arrest response, the emotional impact of survival and recovery, and why early CPR by bystanders dramatically increases a person’s chance of survival. Listeners will also learn the basics of hands-only CPR and why you shouldn't be afraid to step in and help during an emergency.

Resources:
- Find a CPR class: American Red Cross
- Ventura Fire Department website

Go behind the scenes of one of the most critical and often unseen roles in public safety: 911 dispatchers. In this episode hosted by Senior Communications Specialist Emily Ayala, Ventura Police Senior Public Safety Dispatchers Malea Munger and Erin Burdine talk about what really happens when you call 911, how calls are prioritized, and how dispatchers keep calm while guiding people through some of their worst moments.
Hear real examples of 911 calls, learn what information callers should be ready to provide, and find out what kids (and adults!) should know before dialing. We also share a few lighter moments, including some of the more unusual, and even funny, calls dispatchers have received.
From life-or-death decisions to everyday problem-solving, this episode offers a deeper understanding of the people who are truly the first first responders, and the critical role they play in keeping our community safe.
Resources:
- Emergency: 911
- 24/7 non-emergency: 805-650-8010
- Front desk: 805-339-4400
- Hiring: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1153/Join-Our-Team
- Report online: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1069/File-a-Police-Report

Get to know Ventura's new Fire Chief, Kris McDonald, in this special episode hosted by City Manager Bill Ayub. Chief McDonald shares how he got his start in the fire service, what led him to Ventura, and his ideas for improved fire safety in our city.

Hear his take on firefighter recruitment, mental health, mutual aid, and more! Plus, we wrap up the episode with some fun rapid-fire questions that spark some giggles.

This episode offers a closer look at the Ventura Fire Department's evolving priorities and the leadership shaping its next chapter.

Learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:
- Firefighter mental health: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2579/Mental-Health-Wellness
- Fire operations: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1667/Fire-Operations
- Join our team: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2386/Join-Our-Team

In part two of the Ventura Water series, Communications Manager Jennifer Nance continues her conversation with Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington.

They chat about water rates and funding to support capital improvement projects and ongoing maintenance.
Learn more about Ventura Water:
- https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2268/Ventura-Water

Get to know more about Ventura's water and wastewater systems in this episode hosted by Communications Manager Jennifer Nance. Ventura Water's General Manager, Gina Dorrington, shares information about daily water and wastewater operations, history of our water supplies, local water sources, environmental protections, emergency responsiveness, and more!
This episode offers a closer look at the department’s priorities and the importance of securing Ventura's water future.
Learn more about Ventura Water:
- https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2268/Ventura-Water