All posts by admin

Supporting food assistance to Ventura County farm working families

A month ago, a group of Latino and immigrant rights activists in Ventura County identified the need to take action against the lack of support and recognition for the farmworker community during COVID-19.

Feeding the Frontline  was initially created as a one time event to provide food for those who feed us, however as the community requests expanded in less than a month 9 feeding events were organized, more than 3000 farm workers families received food, supplies and personal protective equipment, and 80 tons of food were distributed to farmworkers in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru.

In efforts to expand and continue supporting food assistance to the region’s farm working families who continue to provide California residents with safe and healthy food options throughout the COVID-19,  Feeding the Frontline  launches a fundraising campaign “Feeding the Frontline: Feeding our Farmworkers,” through a  GoFundMe campaign  to provide more support in the fields. The all-volunteer group is seeking community support to raise $10,000, which will help cover the cost of delivering food pantry boxes, fresh fruit and other essential products alongside bilingual Covid-19 and 2020 US Census information to these “frontline” families.

Although farmworkers are more essential than ever to the community’s well-being, farmworkers contributions continue to go largely unrecognized. Many California communities, including Ventura County’s economy and residents rely heavily on the work of farmworkers. In fact, farming and farm-dependent businesses provide an estimated 43,000 jobs in the County, generating $2.2 billion in revenue and $76 million in indirect business taxes annually. One in 10 county residents rely directly or indirectly on income earned from farming-related work.

The group’s efforts strike a personal chord for many volunteers whose families also work in Ventura County’s agricultural fields. “Keeping our families healthy is more important than ever before,” said Richard Castaniero, a community volunteer and local educator.

Feeding the Frontline: Feeding Our Farmworkers will be distributing fresh food boxes, fruit, and COVID-19 resource information this Saturday, May 16, 2020, 4pm-6pm at Rio Plaza School, 600 Simon Way, Oxnard.

To donate to Feeding the Frontline’s efforts, visit  https://www.gofundme.com/f/feeding-the-frontline-feeding-our-farmworkers.

Vagabond and Best Western turned into homeless shelters during Covid-19 crisis

One client per room, no visitors permitted.

Article and photos by Richard Lieberman

The iconic Vagabond Motel has been transformed into a high risk shelter for the homeless population, and it’s next door neighbor Best Western Motel have been contracted by Ventura County to serve as homeless shelter during the duration of the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.

Chain-link fencing surrounds the sites and entrances are blocked and guarded by armed security services. Tents have been installed in the parking lots for overflow. Signs at all the entrances warn “For the privacy and safety of our residents, this facility is closed to the media.” Another sign posted at all entrances warns residents of the rules they must follow “ One client per room, no visitors permitted, no profanity, no drug use, no alcohol use, no violence, no foul language, no loud noise.”

The Vagabond is owned by Vista Investments which has owned the property since 1997. “We are in it for the long run,” said Zack Cohen, Special Projects Director. Although it appears that once the emergency is over extensive repairs and refurbishment will be needed. “Likely the Vagabond will not be the same when it re-opens, but maybe just maybe it will come back stronger for generations yet to come,” added Cohen. The Vagabond Coffee Shop has remained shuttered for two years now and now it looks there will be an even longer wait for reopening if it ever occurs.

The County of Ventura and the California Department of Public Health has taken steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 virus among vulnerable populations in the county. The county secured housing options at the beginning of the emergency. Local motels in the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, and Newbury Park have been contracted to accommodate this population, including the Vagabond and Best Western both located on Thompson.

Transportation for “at risk” homeless individuals is being coordinated by the county. Medical care, and mental health care are being provided by various county agencies. The shelters are providing housing and care for those considered “high risk” homeless individuals 65+ years old and those having an underlying condition like heart disease, diabetes and other conditions putting those individuals in the “high- risk” category. Persons are medically evaluated before they are cleared for intake into one of the facilities.

“We are trying to place persons in a location near their home community when it is safe to do so,” said Tara Carruth, Program Manager with the Ventura Continuum of Care, and to commit to helping individuals reconnect with that community when it is safe to do so,” added Carruth.

The various county and city agencies have been able to place more than 255 people mostly in motels and continue to accept referrals for people that meet the high-risk category of 65+ years old and those with serious health conditions. Nonprofits throughout the region are providing food, showers, laundry and linkages to housing, shelter and motel placements.

.

Staci Brown is the latest member of MADD

Staci needs no introduction to readers of the Breeze.

MADD would like to introduce Staci Brown; she is the latest member of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving team. Her role is that of a Program Specialist. As a Program Specialist, Staci presents three programs. One is called “The Power of Youth”. This is to speak to youth ages 13-18 on the negative effects of drinking, statistics and effects on the brain. This can be done in any setting where there are a group of youths, such as a school, a youth group, the YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club.

The next presentation is to college students providing the same facts yet geared toward older students. The final presentation is called “The Power of Parents”. This is for parents to learn how to speak to their children about underage drinking.

Studies show that 75% percent of teens are first and foremost influenced by their parents. MADD’s goal is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. One component of MADD is assisting victims from the beginning of the crash and through the court process to the conviction. MADD has annual walks to raise money and has a Law Enforcement Recognition luncheon. They are always looking for volunteers and need victims who would like to tell their stories to offenders at their Victim Impact Panels. You can also donate and find more information at MADD.org. To reach Staci to volunteer or to set up presentations, please call 714-838-6199 Ext 6649 or email at [email protected].

City of Ventura to allow limited access to parks and beaches

A limited amount of people and horses have beach access.

On Monday, April 20, 2020, the Ventura City Council unanimously voted to institute limited closures of Ventura’s beaches and parks. The City’s decision provides restricted access to its parks, beaches, the Promenade, and Pier in support of balancing residents’ physical and mental health while restricting non-essential activities.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere stated “We want to provide an opportunity for our community to enjoy our amazing resources in a socially-responsible manner while we continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Walking, hiking, jogging, running, or biking, is permitted as long as those engaging in these activities do not linger in any location. Sidewalks, walking paths, trails and tracks within all public parks are open for use as long as the public adheres to the social distancing requirements outlined in the “Stay Well at Home” order, set by the Ventura County Health Officer.

“We know the public desperately wants to bring their families to the beach or the park, but we’re not there yet,” said City Manager Alex McIntyre. “The limited closure access to City parks and beaches will continue as long as the public complies with social distancing rules and there are no group gatherings. Our intent is to provide community members with opportunities to enjoy healthy outdoor activities while continuing to maintain social and physical distancing. All parks have limited closures. We aren’t calling them “open”, we are staying consistent with the ordinance language, per CA’s office direction. To that end, people may use the parks for jogging, hiking, walking, running, but all playgrounds, courts, sport fields, parking lots, basketball courts, and restrooms are closed. Signs are up at each park reminding users what is allowed under a limited closure and that there is no laying down, sitting, or standing, it is active movement only.”

Playgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, restrooms, pools, courts, as well as sports and recreational fields will remain closed. Public gatherings, sitting, standing, fishing, or lingering on the sand will not be allowed. Limited access signage will be prominently posted around parks and beaches to remind the public to comply with physical distancing practices.

For the latest updates on impacts to the City of Ventura, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/COVID19. For public health information and updates happening in Ventura County, visit www.VCEmergency.com.

The significance of Denim Day

“We are aiming for a bigger and better movement for sure next year.”

by Mira Reverente

A group of local women took to the streets on April 29th to highlight Denim Day, a worldwide movement that culminated in Italy, in 1992.

An 18-year-old girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor. She reported the crime and the man was convicted and sentenced. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming the sex was consensual. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction and released the man. The Supreme Court contended that since the girl was wearing very tight jeans, it was consensual sex since she had to have helped him take them off.

This became known in Italy as the “jeans alibi.” The movement became known later on as Denim Day all around the world, bringing awareness to rape and sexual assault.

“Tight jeans is not consensual sex,” says Kelly Zirbes, a local activist and band singer from Oxnard. Zirbes led the nine-mile walk on April 29th with six other women, hoping to bring awareness to the cause.

Behavioral therapist Laurie Singer was also around to lend support to Zirbes and the movement. “I’ve seen some lonely and housebound people especially since the start of the lockdown – people with disabilities, for one,” says Singer, who practices in Oxnard. “They may be helpless, disconnected from others, living with their abuser and accepting assault or violence as the new norms.”

Sometimes, medical professionals such as Singer who are mandated reporters, are their only meaningful connections. “I make house calls if I have to. I don’t like to see any type of abuse,” she says.

On the community level, Zirbes is heartened by how the movement has taken off on college campuses. She remembers various types of denim hanging from clotheslines on some college campuses, and hopes to see more of this type of enthusiasm and support.

She says, “I think that is where we will be the most effective because it’s that age group of young women who may be preyed upon.”

Catchy slogans and marching women are effective too. Singer says, “People were honking at us, reading our placards and giving encouragement during our walk.”

Some have no idea what Denim Day is. “There’s still lots to do on the grassroots level,” says Zirbes. “Awareness is key.”

In the past, fundraisers have been held. The recent lockdown has put a damper on any large-scale ambitions, but there’s still next year.

“We are aiming for a bigger and better movement for sure next year, and hopefully beyond Ventura too” says Zirbes. “We need to get the word out for our daughters’ sakes and all the women in the world who may find themselves in the same situation.”

CAPS Media producing updates on COVID-19

Student Jacob Sommer from El Camino High School is part of the team.

CAPS Media Crews are working with Ventura City and County officials to produce ongoing COVID-19 updates for the community. In addition to helping facilitate coverage and streaming of City Council meetings from Ventura City Hall, CAPS crews are producing weekly updates by Ventura City Mayor Matt LaVere and collaborating with Ventura City Fire, Police and Public Works departments to provide the community with additional accurate information.

CAPS Crews are also on site for the Monday, Wednesday and Friday County updates by Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin and other officials. All of the updates are distributed on multiple social media platforms as well as translated for the Spanish speaking community. Rest assured that CAPS crew members are taking every precaution to be safe during this difficult time.

CAPS RADIO KPPQ 104.1 FM is very involved in the public COVID-19 information campaign. City Council meetings held on Monday evenings are rebroadcast on KPPQ on Wednesday nights at 10pm. CAPS RADIO is also rebroadcasting every County and City update the following day and reposting videos on CAPS Media’s Facebook page and other social media platforms.

KPPQ producers are creating video diaries and recording their shows from home including interviews with community members and leaders. The KPPQ productions extend beyond the borders with radio producer Mary Egan working in her home studio and sending audio updates from Sydney, Australia for airing on KPPQ.

Students in the El Camino high school at Ventura College program who are actively engaged in the ECTV immersive media program, recently won two national awards from ACM (Alliance for Community Media). In the Community Events category, ECTV won for an in-depth profile and interview by Eli Zarate and her ECTV crew with Ventura Deputy Mayor, Sofia Rubalcava at the first Va Por La Avenida at Kellogg Park. The second award, in the Entertainment and Arts Series category, was for a series of programs called Creative Community 2.0, which is a collaboration between host David Starkey, a teacher at Santa Barbara City College and the entire ECTV crew. During the COVID-19 crisis ECTV students are producing PSA and other messages that are broadcast and streamed on CAPS Media and rebroadcast on KPPQ.

Thanks to everyone who submitted projects to CAPS Media’s #VENTURASTORIES. CAPS is reviewing the submissions and will start rolling out selected stories in the next couple of weeks. Send CAPS your Story. Be creative, imaginative and informative. Make #VenturaStories a family project with videos of kids, pets, cooking, hobbies, sports, art, music, games, movie/book/tv reviews, exercise and more.

Or, if you know a health care worker, service person or neighbor you want to thank, #VenturaStories is a great way to do it. When you’re ready for your television premiere, submit your work of art to #VenturaStories at capsmedia.org/venturastories where you will find simple instructions on how to upload your video as well as production tips and additional information.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis the CAPS Media Center is closed to Member/Producers and the public until further notice. CAPS Member/Producers can submit programming via the online portal at capsmedia.org for broadcast and streaming on CAPS public access television Channel 6 and on CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.1FM.

All of us at CAPS Media hope everyone is Staying Safe and Healthy during this challenging time.

Ventura Pier provides meaningful memories

Wouldn’t you like your name here? Photo by Bernie Goldstein

Pier into the Future, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the historic Ventura Pier is offering permanent engravings on the granite panels at the entrance to the Pier for $175 through May 31, 2020. Beginning June1st the price will increase to $200. The engravings provide a meaningful way to honor a family or to memorialize a loved one.

“Our goal this year is to raise funds to provide increased security, graffiti removal and extra cleanings to ensure the Pier is safe and clean. Once the Pier is reopened, we look forward to welcoming residents back to a place that is safe and provides a sense of hope”, said Pier Into the Future Executive Director Jenise Wagar-Hernandez.

With the largest fundraiser of the year, Pier Under the Stars (normally held in October), cancelled this year due to Covid 19, Pier into the Future is hoping the community will consider having their name engraved on the Pier to help supplement the loss of revenue from the event. Pier Under the Stars- Ventura’s largest food and drink event- will take a year off and will return again on October 2, 2021.

Pier into the Future was founded by a group of dedicated community leaders, in partnership with the City of Ventura, to establish an endowment fund to maintain and enhance the historic Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. The organization has contributed over $811,000 to the City of Ventura over the last 27 years to enhance the Pier.

Please visit www.pierintothefuture.org or call 805.804.7735 for more information about pier engravings or other ways to support the historic Ventura Pier

MVC offering new virtual exhibits and virtual learning modules

Enjoy museum events and learning from home.

Originally scheduled to open in early March, but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Huelga! Photographs from the Frontlines by Jorge Corralejo and Legacy: Seven Decades of Ventura College Art are now available as virtual exhibits! Visitors can now virtually step directly into the Museum of Ventura County’s exhibit space and explore in great detail thanks to the generosity of Troy Wagner and Virtual Tours Ventura.

“We are very thankful to be able to bring this exciting new tour of the Museum, straight to your home. Our friends at Virtual Tours Ventura, along with the Ventura College Art Department and Jorge Corralejo, have created an intimate and informative look at what is going on at the Museum,” says Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County. “We are committed to continuing to bring you more tours like these to make sure we can share our continuing programming.”

Legacy: Seven Decades of Ventura College Art presents a survey of the history, instructors, and artists who came out of the Ventura College art department. Huelga! Photographs from the Frontlines by Jorge Corralejo features the work of longtime local activist and civic leader Jorge Corralejo, including photography from the 1970s labor strikes displayed with memorabilia from the museum’s collection and Jorge himself. Virtual visitors will learn about Jorge Corralejo’s time with United Farm Workers, working alongside Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta from the Boston A & P strikes to the streets of Oxnard.

Additionally, the Museum of Ventura County released an in-depth look at California Cool: Mid-century Modernism on the Central Coast, originally on display from September 2019—February 2020. Virtual visitors are invited to step back in time to a cooler and more sophisticated era of design with this online tour, offering a thorough look at many of the artifacts and artwork featured in the exhibit, including the Nelson Coconut Chair, pottery by renowned ceramicist Otto Heino, and special items from the collection of Eric Huff. More virtual exhibits from the museum’s extensive history will be added in the coming weeks.

The Museum of Ventura County is committed to providing educational resources during this difficult time so children and their families can continue to learn and participate from the comfort and safety of their home. The Museum continues to release its series of Virtual Learning Modules in an effort to engage our community of learners.

“During the stay-at-home period, we want our community to know the Museum is here for them,” explains Robert Cromwell, Education Manager of the Museum of Ventura County. “We organize our content around a topic that parents and teachers can pick and choose what they might find most useful to share with their learners. We cover history, arts and crafts, and environmental science topics ranging from Oak Trees and nature-journaling to how kids and families supported WWII Mobilization.”

Keep up to date on all that the Museum of Ventura County is offering and sign up for our weekly e-newsletter at www.venturamuseum.org/subscribe.

NAWBO Ventura County hosts “Speaking Up for Change”

Lisa Braithwaite, M.A. is on a mission to help purpose-driven business and nonprofits.

The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO VC), knowing that maintaining and growing your business is now more than important than ever, continues to bring our community informative and educational programming in a virtual environment.

On May 12th from 6pm to 8pm, NAWBO VC with support from Chase Bank and Coverly Professional Services, Inc. will host via Zoom, “Speaking Up for Change – Engage, Inspire & Transform Your Audiences,” presented by speaking coach Lisa Braithwaite, M.A. Tickets are just $20 for all who register at www.NAWBOVC.org.

This virtual session isn’t about what to do with your hands, how to make eye contact, how to stop saying “um,” or how to get over speaking anxiety. Rather, learn how to move your audiences, even one-on-one interactions, into action by making an impact on people through engagement and connection. Notes Braithwaite, “The fundamentals of helping people to take action on your message haven’t changed, even while doing it virtually. In fact, it’s more important than ever to speak confidently and in a way that engages your audience as we deliver our messages through a computer screen.”

This session is perfect for all women in business, who must learn to leverage the powerful tool of her own voice as a way to deliver a meaningful and memorable experience, whether for an audience or during interpersonal interactions. Being a proficient communicator and speaker can help you to grow your business in a way that engages and inspires your audience into action. Join us and learn how to leverage speaking to:

Speaker Lisa Braithwaite, M.A. is on a mission to help purpose-driven business and nonprofit leaders deliver meaningful and memorable experiences for their audiences by ditching perfection and creating connection. She’s a speaking coach, trainer, and author of “Presenting for Humans: Insights for Speakers on Ditching Perfection and Creating Connection.” Lisa mentors entrepreneurs and professionals to promote and grow their organizations through speaking. Lisa’s counts amount her clients, Microsoft, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, and UC Santa Barbara.

NAWBO Ventura County – Established in 1996, NAWBO Ventura County (NAWBO VC) has been furthering the aspirations of our growing community of women business owners throughout the county for over 23 years. The chapter serves women business owners from the west end of the county, including Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, and throughout the Conejo Valley, to Simi Valley, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village. The national organization, NAWBO, has over 80 chapters across the United States with 11 chapters in California. Membership is open to women solopreneurs, small to mid-size business owners, partners, corporate owners, and female nonprofit founders and executives, as well as those companies that support women-owned businesses. Learn more: www.nawbovc.org.