The Ventura County Writers Club announces the opening of its 19th annual short story contest. “The short story challenges writers to be succinct, dramatic and original—all before turning the page,” says Rhonda Noda, VCWC President. “Shorter reading passages are more compatible with technology and modern time restraints. We’re all doing several things at once trying to squeeze more into every day.”
The 2,500-word contest runs through 11:59pm on October 15th and is accepting submissions through the easy-to-use website: submittable.com. Winners receive cash prizes, a chance to read their stories at the award ceremony and publication in the club’s bi-annual anthology. Participants do not have to be club members to enter. There are both adult and high school categories.
The club is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1933 by three writers in Ojai. “Our club creed is ‘To encourage the craft,’” says Noda. “Sponsoring contests is one way do this.”
Go to venturacountywriters.com for complete rules or call Breeze contributing writer Sheli Ellsworth at 805.300.1365 with questions.
∙I want to thank one of our wonderful readers for suggesting that we provide the Ventura Breeze at the 24 Hour Fitness located on Telegraph. We now have a rack there with the Breeze for your reading pleasure. Just don’t take it in the pool – it is not waterproof.
∙Do spiders like looking at themselves in mirrors? Why else would all rear-view mirrors contain spider webs?
∙ Recently, President Donald Trump criticized two Washington Post reporters, saying they “shouldn’t even be allowed” at the White House following a story critical of the administration’s record (shame on them, maybe they thought that we live in a democracy)?
“The Washington Post’s @PhilipRucker (Mr. Off the Record) & @AshleyRParker, two nasty lightweight–reporters, shouldn’t even be allowed on the grounds of the White House because their reporting is so disgusting & fake,” the President tweeted.
He was also upset about press coverage of the crowds at Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s (D-Mass.) campaign events, complaining that his rallies don’t get the same treatment.
“They do stories so big on Elizabeth ‘Pocahontas’ Warren’s crowd sizes, adding many more people than are actually there, and yet my crowds, which are far bigger, get no coverage at all,” Trump tweeted, using his derisive nickname for the Democratic presidential hopeful.
Thank goodness he doesn’t read the Ventura Breeze, otherwise our staff would not be allowed into the White House. Just to be safe, when we go there, we will be sure to wear Richard Nixon masks.
Investigators are looking into safety concerns and wondering if any warning signs were missed.
∙ We have decided to not include an article regarding the terrible boat tragedy. By now, everyone is well-aware of what occurred, and I don’t feel there is really anything we can add. Our very deepest symphony and love goes out to the families of those that perished and to the survivors who will need to deal with this for the rest of their lives.
The only thing to mention is that federal authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the tragedy.
∙ The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is investigating vaping as a possible cause of progressive and often severe respiratory distress, sometimes first diagnosed as pneumonia or bronchitis. Several vapors have recently died from complications stemming from vaping. Maybe we were better off when kids only smoked cigarettes.
∙The following editorial (in part) appeared in The Sacramento Bee:
“If you believe newspapers play an essential role in strengthening democracy and holding powerful leaders accountable, now is the time to speak up about Assembly Bill 5. The bill, as currently written, could force many California newspapers out of business.”
“It’s unlikely that Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, sought to create an existential threat to California’s free press when she authored AB 5. But in what seems like an unintended consequence of the bill, AB 5 would basically make daily delivery of the print version of the newspaper nearly impossible. Some papers have said they may turn to mail, meaning a day-late newspaper and increased subscription rates for consumers.”
“That’s because the bill would require newspapers to treat newspaper carriers as employees rather than independent contractors. This would disrupt and destabilize the newspaper industry at a time when accurate, credible news is most needed — and most threatened.”
“By requiring newspapers to extend employee benefits and protections to all newspaper carriers, AB 5 would make newspaper delivery economically impossible. The loss of print revenue from scrapping the print edition of the paper would then deal a severe blow to both the newspaper industry’s viability and mission.”
Although this bill wouldn’t affect the Breeze, it is extremely important today to keep all newspapers in circulation. This bill could force some publications to scrap their print editions and rely solely on online publishing.
It really doesn’t matter if the papers are conservative or liberal, it is a complete and total freedom of the press that is vital to helping make a democracy work.
∙ Just hours after a mass shooting took place in West Texas, a Texas Republican state representative said he opposes stricter gun laws and that people should instead be “praying for protection.”
Republican Matt Schaefer posted on Facebook that “so-called gun-control solutions” won’t “stop a person with evil intent,” and that people should instead pray for victims and those with “evil intent.”
Great idea, I’m sure that he is the very first person to come up with such a simple solution. The next time someone starts shooting at you just start praying (and running as fast as you can).
∙We would love to hear more success stories of Venturan’s recovering from the Thomas Fire. Please let us know if you have one to tell.
∙ This headline appeared in the VC Star: “Suspect arrested in Ventura stabbing death at ‘infamous’ building.” I find this editorializing that it was ‘infamous’ very disturbing as if it was the building’s fault. The article went on to say, “this dilapidated property”.
The 58-year-old woman died after being stabbed inside her west Ventura apartment and investigators have identified Ventura 54-year-old Doyle Alan Johnson as the suspect. Johnson and the victim were acquainted.
The article failed to tell us if Johnson drove an old beat–up Ford, so I don’t think that we have all the details needed to decide if he did it.
∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends.
Two upcoming clinics in September are:
Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, on Thursday, September 19th and a second one on Thursday, September 26th at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main). Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.
∙A growing upsurge in cannabis-related dog poisonings across Canada has veterinarians calling for increased awareness of the dangers of pets ingesting pot.
More Canadian pets, specifically dogs, are coming in contact with CBD and cannabis according to recent statistics by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association from the Pet Poison Helpline, which services Canada and the U.S.
“From a formal perspective, we know the numbers are increasing and we know anecdotally that across Canada veterinarians are seeing this on a day to day occurrence” stated Dr. Ian Sandler, member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
A dog may have sniffed out cannabis on a walk, ingested dried cannabis edibles or oils at home, or even been offered it in some form by their owner, said Sandler.
Your pets can indeed get high, but beyond that are very sensitive to THC, which can be toxic for them if ingested with other ingredients like chocolate, said Sandler.
“I think the biggest issue right now is awareness. In many cases people may be careful when it comes to putting these products in the right place if you will in terms of keeping away from children but they’re not thinking about their four-legged friends.”
The CVMA is pushing to have better safety labels on cannabis products, and be involved in the safe dispensation of potentially helpful cannabis treatments in the future.
∙RedRover’s Pet Disaster Preparedness Tips
Livi celebrated her 8th birthday doing what she loves, her therapy work at VCMC. She always smiles when she is working.
September is National Preparedness Month and planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself and your pets safe if disaster strikes. It is important to remember: If it’s not safe for you, it is not safe for your pets. You can follow these tips to make an emergency plan for your pets:
1. Microchip your pets
2. Keep a collar and tag on all cats and dogs
3. Plan a pet-friendly place to stay
4. Use the buddy system: Exchange pet information, evacuation plans and house keys with a few trusted neighbors or nearby friends.
5. Prepare an emergency kit for each animal: To help alleviate some of the stress that happens during an evacuation, we recommend creating and taking an emergency kit for each of your animals if you are forced to leave unexpectedly. You should keep your kit in an easy-to-grab container or bag, and periodically check and update as needed. Here is a list of suggested items to keep in your kit(s):
One-week supply of food. Store food in a water-tight container and rotate it every three months to keep it fresh. If you use canned food, include a spare can opener.
One-week supply of fresh water. If officials declare your household water unfit to drink, it’s also unsafe for your pets. Follow American Red Cross guidelines for storing emergency water for your family and your pets.
Medication. If your animal takes medication, a replacement supply may not be easily available following a disaster.
Copies of vaccination records.
Photographs of you with your pets to prove ownership.
Photographs of your pets in case you need to make “lost pet” fliers.
Temporary ID tags. If you’ve evacuated, use this to record your temporary contact information and/or the phone number of an unaffected friend or relative.
Carrier or leash for each animal. Caregivers of multiple cats or other small animals can use an EvacSak, which is easy to store and use for transport.
Pet first aid kit. (Keep in a waterproof container). This kit can include items such as gauze, adhesive tape, cotton balls, cotton swabs, ice pack, tweezers, antibiotic treatment and more.
6. Identify emergency veterinary facilities outside of your immediate area: If a disaster has affected your community, emergency veterinary facilities may be closed. Pets may become injured or ill during the disaster, so make sure you know how to access other emergency facilities. You can also check with your veterinarian to find out if they have an emergency plan that includes setting up in an alternate, emergency facility.
7. Plan for temporary confinement: Physical structures, like walls, fences and barns may be destroyed during a disaster. Have a plan for keeping your animals safely confined. You may need a tie-out, crate or kennel. Read more tips for ensuring your pets’ safety during an evacuation.
8. Comfort your animals: Your animals will appreciate your calm presence and soft, comforting voice if they are stressed following a disaster or while evacuated, and you may find it comforting to spend time with them, too. Some animals, especially cats, may be too scared to be comforted. Interact with them on their terms. Some animals may find toys, especially long-lasting chew toys, comforting.
9. Know where to search for lost animals: When animals become lost during a disaster, they often end up at a local shelter. Keep the locations and phone numbers of the shelters in your area readily accessible.
10. Get children involved in disaster preparedness plans
Lexi was the service dog of John King, a veteran who had raised Lexi from birth. She was his 24/7 companion and they were seen all over town.
John stated “ I carried her for her final 100 feet and set her on the table. She looked at me with those sweet brown eyes and kissed my nose. She knew her time had come and was telling me goodbye. She rests with the angels now.”
Casper was cared for in his final weeks by Dr. Heather Skogerson, who loved him and did everything to save him. He was loved by Eric, Cappi, Gill, Debi, Betty and Heather. He now rests in peace and finally has an indoor home with his ashes on a mantle piece.
Hi: I’m Polo a 2 1/2 year old Australian Cattle Dog mix who was found as a stray. I fell into a swimming pool, maybe not the best way to get attention, but it sort of worked. The people who owned the pool couldn’t keep me and they reached out to C.A.R.L. to help find me my forever home. No one has come to claim me, so I’m ready to be adopted.
I have a twinkle in my eyes and a great smile. I’m just patiently waiting for you to come and adopt me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.
Looking for Vegas Love? Yes, I’m Vegas a 2-year old American Bulldog Mix. I’m as cute and cuddly as my photos. I love – Leisurely walks – Riding in the car – Wet, sloppy kisses – Binge watching on the couch – Sleeping in on Saturday, well everyday – Hanging out in the park if that’s what you want to do. I’m looking for a family without other pets.
What a great idea for our Councilmembers to host quarterly townhall meetings. With the new district election process, it gives our representatives an opportunity to have a local focus balanced with a citywide understanding.
As a fan of CAPS TV Council coverage, I’m wondering if a Councilmember or two will use this forum to hear their constituents’ concerns or simply use it as another platform to hear their own pontification.
It will be interesting to see if the idea gets traction. And the details – how it is communicated, how input for the agenda is solicited, convenient times/locations, etc. how many will actually attend.
I’m wagering that my Councilmember will be on board. During the last campaign, while Erik was canvasing my neighborhood door-to-door, he took 20 minutes to simply stand on the sidewalk and share his thoughts about our district and the city and listen to mine.
If one or two start this practice, I’m sure peer pressure will ‘encourage’ participation. I look forward to your updates on the process and outcome!
Clark K. Galbreath
Dear Breeze
As the former administrator of the Gary J. Channer, DDS Pediatric Dental practice I am delighted to celebrate three generations of Pediatric Dentistry in Ventura.
All this began when my husband Gary Channer, D.D.S. and I came to Ventura 42 years ago and met Dr. David Ashrow, who was the first Pediatric Dentist in Ventura and was one of the first of eight in the United States. Dr. Channer inherited the practice from Dr. Ashrow in 1977 and cared for thousands of children in Ventura County until his retirement in 2004.
Dr. Sunil Ilapogu associated with Dr. Channer in 2004 after having completed his specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Loma Linda Dental School.
Known as Dr. Sunny, the practice is celebrating 15 years of service to the children of Ventura County.
One of Sunny Smiles staff, Anita is celebrating 36 years with the office, Kathy celebrating 20 years, and Dr. John Khalaf , their Pediatric Dental Anesthesiologist has been with the practice for 20 years.
Patti Channer
Dear Editor:
When has Donald Trump asked for permission to do anything he feels like doing, or taking, or spending. He does it, and all his enablers fall in line.
This behavior is so much like the Nazi’s who fell in line behind Hitler. Hitler yelled, and the population said, “Heil. Hitler.”
The German people at that time might have had a good reason — they had been starved, and their country ravaged by the time Hitler showed up to make the trains run on time.
Trumps enablers, have no such live and death excuses.
They all are wanna be Trumps. Wanna be rich. Wanna live in penthouse suites. Wanna play golf 7 days a week.
Wanna make up our own golf scores.
Whatever you wanna do, if The Donald does it, it must be OK to follow suit.
I was under the impression that the people of the United States of American were independent, patriotic, generous, and even, at times, intelligent.
Where have all these remarkable Americans been these last couple of years?
If those were the Good Old Days, then I’m ready to go back.
I’d prefer, however, to go forward. Forward under our own collective ability to be democratic, generous, and wise.
Sincerely yours,
Esther Cole, Ventura
When I was young, people used to say to me: Wait until you’re fifty, you’ll see.
I am fifty. I haven’t seen anything. ~ Erik Satie
The Ventura County Garden Club will tour the Japanese Garden in Sherman Oaks Park, Van Nuys (San Fernando Valley), on Wednesday, October 2nd. The Journal of Japanese Gardening has ranked this number 10 for authenticity out of 300 Japanese gardens in the United States. This will be a self-guided tour; where members will arrive and walk at their own pace. The 6.5 acre garden is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is a $5.00 per adult or $3.00 per senior charge.
The garden, which is adjacent to Woodley Park, opened June 14, 1984. It was created by a Japanese garden designer, Doctor Koichi Kawana, who also created a dozen similar ones throughout the United States. The garden is located next to Tillman Water Reclamation Plant and is irrigated entirely with reclaimed water.
The Japanese Garden is divided into three sections: Karesansui, Chisen-Kaiyushiki and the traditional tea garden, with an authentic teahouse. Fall blossoms will be at their peak of season in October. Plants will not be for sale and all visitors are asked to follow proper garden etiquette. (Take pictures only; NO “samples”) Parking is limited; therefore, visitors are advised to carpool. An RSVP is not necessary for community participants, since the self-guided tour begins and ends with each person’s own schedule. For further information call Jacqualin at (805) 816-6019 or email [email protected]
On Thursday, Sept. 19, Rick Halsey, director of the California Chaparral Institute, will present “Exploring the Chaparral and Rediscovering Yourself through Nature,” a community lecture beginning at 7 PM at the Museum of Ventura County.
A part of Ventura Land Trust’s ongoing Environmental Speaker Series, Halsey will discuss how connecting with nature through local native habitats offers us a way to achieve what so many philosophers through the ages have identified as essential to achieving a meaningful existence – “to know thyself.”
“For more than two million years, evolution took place out in nature and was driven by our instincts,” said Halsey. “Today, as we try to reconcile the conflict between the demands of civilization, social expectations, and our ancient, wild selves, nature often provides the best remedy.”
Halsey is a writer, photographer, and the director of a non-profit research and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of California’s native chaparral ecosystem and supporting the creative spirit as inspired by nature. He has given more than 500 presentations and written numerous papers and articles over the past 15 years concerning the importance of reestablishing our connection with nature and understanding local habitats, especially the chaparral.
Ventura Land Trust’s Environmental Speaker Series is now in its fourth year, is one of the many ways VLT works to educate the public about important environmental topics. Reservations are highly recommended, and a $10/person donation is suggested at the door.
The Ventura Land Trust (formerly the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy) is dedicated to permanently preserving and protecting the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 650 members, local businesses and government partners. The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. VLT’s office is located in the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA 93003. For more information, visit: www.venturalandtrust.org
Richard earned undergraduate degrees from the University of California in environmental studies and anthropology. During graduate work he received teaching credentials in life, physical and social science and a Master’s in education. Richard taught biology for over thirty years in both public and private schools, was honored as Teacher of the Year for San Diego City schools and was awarded the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship.
The Native American population declined when California came under Spanish control. This is a historical fact. An estimated 75% of the Native People perished in the time of the Missions leading some to classify them as “death camps.”
This distinction is misleading because the last thing the Spanish wanted was the death of the local peoples. If they should die all the efforts to bring them to the Christian Faith was for nothing, and in a broader economic sense, if the natives died, who would do all the work? The culprit wasn’t the Spanish but something they accidentally brought with them; germs. The Native Americans had no immunities for the illnesses brought by the Europeans. They died in great numbers despite the best efforts of the Padres to stem the tide of sickness.
At Mission San Buenaventura an estimated four thousand died but the number must be a conservative one for it lists only converted Natives and not those who lived in the surrounding villages. Disease hit those in daily contact with the Spanish and those in the villages as well. It must have been a terrible thing for the missionaries to see their converts perish in such numbers. In the latter Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries medical science had not advanced to the level of Ancient Egypt (who at least understood the need for sterilization and cleanliness). There were few accepted treatments for the diseases that were decimating the Native peoples. Even if the padres had the best medical knowledge of their time, there was little they could do.
The problem was so great that the Padre’s built a hospital at Mission San Buenaventura. They were proud of the facility and wrote of its 100-bed capacity, the fact that it had running water and an attached apothecary shop to make and distribute medications. The Spanish turned to local medicine men in an attempt to understand the powers of local herbs. They also used medical books to try to make their own cures and, lastly, they ordered drugs from Mexico and Spain.
One of the most requested medications was deadly Mercury, then the only known cure for Syphilis. The secret was to give enough of the toxic Mercury to the patient to kill the disease but not enough to kill the patient! It was a balancing act that took both skill and luck. Did it work? Some of the time it did. Why did people take the Mercury? Left untreated syphilis advances into madness and a hideous death.
One of the biggest killers to strike was smallpox. An immunization was developed early in Europe for smallpox. It was discovered that people who had cowpox (a non-deadly form of smallpox) wouldn’t catch smallpox. The Spanish Crown paid to have the immunization brought to the new world and had the Native Americans treated. This was done for both economic and humanitarian reasons. Still, the only Natives given the inoculation were those under Spanish control. Ironically, about this same time Americans were giving out smallpox infected blankets in an attempt to destroy the Native Americans Tribes.
The Mission Converts received the inoculations late but, this was an attempt to stem the terrible plagues that were taking so many lives.
What of the hospital at Mission San Buenaventura? Today it is lost. The Spanish never wrote where it was located. They knew that isolation was good for containing some sicknesses so the hospital would have been some distance away from the settlement.
So, somewhere, under a building or parking lot, in downtown Ventura is that foundations of the lost Mission Hospital. If It’s ever discovered, archaeologists will have a major discovery on their hands.
The Ventura Port District will hold a Goal Setting Workshop at the Marriott Ventura Beach Salon III on September 14 from 1-5PM. Open to the public, the workshop will focus on the District’s development of its two-to-five-year goals, which includes improving communications between the Board, staff and stakeholders. The full agenda will be posted on the District’s website by Saturday, September 7th
To learn more, visit https://venturaharbor.com (and click on Port District Business).
Dr. Stephen DeMoss Bowers, preacher and newspaper publisher.
Museum of Ventura County Library & Archives collection.
A controversial preacher took over
by Andy Ludlum, Museum of Ventura County Volunteer
In October 1883, one of the most controversial Ventura newspaper publishers bought the Free Press. Dr. Stephen DeMoss Bowers was a Methodist preacher and self-taught archaeological collector who also pursued a career as a newspaper publisher.
While preaching in Santa Barbara in 1875, Bowers had been the first to excavate burial grounds on both San Nicolas and Santa Rosa islands, stripping sites and selling artifacts and skulls. He also collected heavily on Anacapa, San Miguel, and Santa Cruz islands. Historians and archaeologists generally regard Bowers as a pothunter who destroyed as many artifacts as he preserved and rendered the sites scientifically useless. Bowers sent artifacts to collectors all over the country. The Smithsonian Institution, which financed Bower’s work, credits 2,200 to 2,500 of its Native American relics to his excavations.
Bowers ran the paper until 1887 when he moved to Los Angeles. He returned in 1889 to take over the Free Press, consolidating it with the Vidette which Frank Smith had begun publishing the year before. Bowers later founded his own paper in 1891, the crusading Ventura Observer.
Read more Ventura County History in the Museum of Ventura County Blog at www.venturamuseum.org/research-library-blog
