Category Archives: Business

Horsepower for an Hour – Your Ultimate Stop in Automotive Radio

Tom Spence and Donny Caccamise began their show at local News Talk 1590 KVTA.

Seven years ago, here in Ventura an automotive talk radio show began its humble rise to the top at the Gold Coast broadcasting studios, home of News Talk 1590 KVTA.  In the beginning, Donny Caccamise, Tom Spence, Jim Naylor and Jeff Morgulis set about to create, produce, and market a unique and specific automotive broadcast that reports on trends and news in the automotive industry. Since then, they have become the largest automotive talk radio show in America with an impressive coverage area that also includes 172 countries via the Armed Forces American veterans Radio Network.

This isn’t a show for your average car owner; they’re not trying to replace the now defunct Car Talk. This is a hard-hitting news and editorial program that’s targeted at “car enthusiasts”- from the shade-tree mechanic to the professional technician, racing enthusiasts to the engineer, and everyone in between. Their tagline is,  “We Are Your Ultimate Stop in Automotive Radio”

Horsepower for an Hour is a well-produced, professional show that’s now heavily syndicated across 43 states here in the U.S. and is heard on 155 radio stations. The show is also available digitally across several platforms including iPhone and Android App Stores as well as iTunes and Stitcher.

Horsepower for an Hour is a two-hour program that is currently pre-recorded every week at the ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association) network studios, then delivered via Westwood One Satellite Radio to its various affiliate stations across the country. You can visit their website and stream the show at www.HorsepowerOnline.com.

The first hour consists of news, views, and headlines with a quick trip down memory lane, as the cast, including classic car specialist Ken Hale, discuss the “Clash of the Classics” segment. It’s a wildly entertaining classic car battle where two classic models are pitted against one another

The second hour is all about the dedicated “gearhead”, where they talk about hotrods and high performance topics, it’s where listeners can learn about dual-clutch transmissions, torque converters, direct injection, and more.

Donny Caccamise is host and creator of Horsepower for an Hour, he owns an automatic transmission service center here in Ventura DMC Transmissions specializing in automatic transmission and differential systems. He is an automotive technology graduate with over 30 years of experience.

Tom Spence (member of the KVTA morning show) is co-host and leads the automotive “News and Views” segments in both hours. Spence has been in radio since 1979 and is the creative force behind the programming and production.

Jeff Morgulis is General Manager and is solely responsible for the placement of the show around the nation.

Jim Naylor owns the Ventura Raceway, and, when it comes to automotive racing and motorsports, no one is more knowledgeable

Ken Hale is the resident classic car specialist, no one knows more about classic cars than Ken.

Chris Caccamise is editor and videographer and to say he is brilliant is an understatement according to Donny.

“Most guys want to be more knowledgeable about cars” explains Donny. “They don’t necessarily want to be technicians or engine rebuilders, but they do want to know what a MacPherson strut suspension is, and the difference between a dual-clutch transmission and a conventional automatic transmission. Many people want to know more about these things, and we want to provide them with the information that’ll help them be more comfortable talking about their cars”.

Classes put a new twist on English and writing education for kids

Writing club can provide private tutoring option for kids who need one-on-one help.

Local writer and child educational specialist launches writing clubs for kids, Kid Writers Ventura. Amanda Becker, a published writer, long time educator, journalist, and child psychology expert, puts a new twist on English and writing education for kids. She believes that children learn best and are most motivated when they enjoy the process of learning.

With this philosophy, Becker structured the writing classes as fun writing clubs where kids learn the fundamentals of the English language – such as grammar, spelling, and vocabulary – but also get to engage in fun grammar games, go on field trips, and complete fun writing projects that explore all of the key writing styles from expository to narrative and beyond, with clever, “kid-friendly” writing prompts designed to get their imaginations flowing. She will be offering extra support to the children whose first language isn’t English by spending more time with them and by also recommending a kids English learning app that will be able to help improve their communicative ability. Kids can even have their writing published on the Kid Writers Ventura website and through Becker’s self-publishing program in which she assists children in publishing their short stories and books on Kindle, Create Space, and other venues.

Becker regularly consults with local school teachers to ensure that current English and writing standards are being met. Becker’s test program, prior to launch, showed an average increase of 15%-25% in students’ language arts scores within 4-5 months of being in the program.

Becker has been published in numerous magazines, is a professional freelance journalist, has over 15 years in K-12 education, and is a child education and mental health activist. For further information contact:
Amanda Becker [email protected]
1827 Knoll Dr. 831-291-3955 www.kidwritersventura.com

Women’s Economic Ventures training orientation

Do you want to start your own business, but don’t know where to begin? Are you self-employed and need help formalizing? Do you need help expanding your existing small business? Learn how to make those dreams a reality with Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV). WEV provides business training to women and who want to start or expand an existing business.

WEV is holding free, one-hour informational sessions for their English Self-Employment Training (SET) course in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Orientations will cover class details and help you determine your readiness for the next Self-Employment Training (SET) course beginning in August.

WEV’s business training classes are offered in English and Spanish throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Free orientations are held throughout the year and are required for enrollment in a training program.

Orientation locations are subject to change. For more information, and to register for an upcoming orientation, visit WEV’s Web site at http://www.wevonline.org/orientations.

Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. WEV serves all of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties from offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Santa Maria. While WEV targets its services toward women, it serves men as well, and provides many services in English and Spanish.

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to over 14,000 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and made more than $4 million in loans, assisting over 4,000 local businesses. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center, and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

A pioneer in the field, WEV was founded by Marsha Bailey, a nationally recognized advocate for women business owners. Marsha is the board president of the national Association of Women’s Business Centers, and sits on the National Women’s Business Council.

Downtown Ventura’s new garden center

A full-service garden center is returning to Downtown Ventura in March at the former Oasis location on Palm Street.  With a focus on sustainability, drought-tolerance and organics, A Smart Garden will offer monthly gardening classes, a staff of gardening experts, organic herbs/vegetables/fertilizers/soils/seeds, demonstration gardens and more.

A Smart Garden will have an official Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Monday, March 20th, the first day of Spring, from 4-5:30pm.  Their grand opening will take place on Saturday, March 25th from 8am – 5pm.  There will be tours of the nursery, hourly raffles, free giveaways and light refreshments at both events.  Both events are free to attend and the public is invited.

A Smart Garden was founded in 2015 as a residential landscape design firm based in Ventura County that assisted homeowners in creating drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, sustainable gardens.  A Smart Garden owner Cari Vega’s career in horticulture has spanned almost 30 years in floral design, interior landscaping, landscape design/consultation/maintenance, and teaching a wide range of gardening classes.

33 S. Palm Street www.asmartgarden.com  667-8585 [email protected]

Cut the craft

Carrillo has been paper crafting for over a decade

by Sheli Ellsworth

Crafting taken to new heights! How would you like to have your own crafting space? One of a Kind Design Studio invites crafters at all levels to come in and explore their creative side. Located at 4915 Verdugo Way in Camarillo, the studio offers workshops, classes, supplies and equipment for the inspired craftsperson.

Owner and 30-year Ventura County resident Lorraine Carrillo says, “I love it when people bring in an original idea and I can help them turn it into a finished product! Usually a customer finds a sample on Etsy or Pinterest and shows me photos.  We come up with a design, the customer can cut and assemble, or I cut the materials and they take them home to assemble or I do all of it.”

The studio has a state of the art Cricut Machine capable of die cutting custom invitations, announcements, scrapbooks, etc. “DIY crafters can walk in and rent a workstation equipped with a computer and Cricut machine which can cut vinyl, iron on, paper and poster board.”

Carrillo has been paper crafting for over a decade. She managed an annual awards celebration for a fortune 500 corporation for over five years. “I knew these annual events were a success by the comments and appreciation that I received from the participants. They would come to me and say ‘this is your calling.’”

Workshops in glass etching, paper projects, making wooden signs and home décor are also offered and the costs include materials. “Glass etching for special occasions can be done with customized templates to commemorate military service, anniversaries, retirements and other personalization.” Carrillo says wooden signs are also popular right now. “They can be painted or custom vinyl with quotes, themes, etc. can be applied.”

The studio welcomes walk-ins, but Carrillo has extended hours for consultations, parties and special events. “I offer craft parties for kids and adults. I come up with projects that can be assembled by them or with family and friends.“ With 12 brothers and sisters, two children of her own and four grandchildren, Carrillo has plenty of kids to mine for inspiration and ideas. “We hope to offer bridal workshops in the near future where the bridal party can come and create invitations, banners and decorations.”

Carrillo who is originally from Albuquerque, NM says, “I love living here. The weather is fabulous and I like the beach. I’m jealous of people walking their dogs. I’ve had three English bull dogs but right now I am too busy for a dog, but there is probably one in my future.”

The next time inspiration strikes, call 586.3885 and ask for Lorraine or go to 1ofakinddesignstudio.com.

 

“Leading Tax Group” coming to Ventura

Leading Tax Group, which specializes in tax removal, IRS wage garnishment and IRS penalty removal, recently opened four new office locations in Southern California, bringing its grand total of offices to ten.

Their Ventura office is located at 1500 Palma Drive, 2nd Floor, (800) 900-4250.

Leading Tax Group is dedicated to offering the finest services in relation to IRS tax problems. It also offers guidance to clients looking for help directly from IRS Tax Lien Lawyers in regards to IRS representation. www.leadingtaxgroup.com.

Ventura Chamber installs new board

Chamber new board members and officers  Suzanne Scar, Nick Deitch, Michele Newell, Nan Drake, John Silva, Shannon Hillygus, Amy Towner, Charnell Smith and outgoing Board Chair James Perero. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Board Installation on Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Pierpont Inn. The event was attended by business members, city officials and dignitaries including Assembly member Monique Limón and Ventura Councilmembers Cheryl Heitmann and Christy Weir.

Outgoing Board Chair James Perero presented an overview of the Chamber’s many programs and accomplishments over the past year, thanking the Chamber members, board members, and staff for their support and contributions.

Highlights included selecting new and dynamic board members and officers for the coming year, and involvement with the new initiative, the City of Ventura Homelessness Stakeholders Group. This joint effort between local community advocates, providers, and agencies within the city and county is continuing to develop, and new and innovative approaches to homelessness in Ventura are being explored.

Nan Drake, incoming Board Chair, presented her vision and the Chamber’s theme for 2017 – “Creating a Strong Business Environment for Ventura.” Drake outlined the focal points of the Chamber as she addressed the goals for the coming year. Drake’s plan includes the Chamber continuing its efforts to work with the City of Ventura to improve the development process, recruit high growth entrepreneurs to the City, track progress of business sustainability and increase membership that is representative of the entire business community.

Some Ventura Chamber businesses also were recognized for being long-time members, including Kaiser Permanente, member for 50 years, and 25-year members Buena Lanes, Casitas Municipal Water District, Employer’s Depot, Office Depot, and Pacific Coast Business Times.

The event was generously sponsored by Ventura Auto Center, Aera Energy, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Gold Coast Acura, Kaiser Permanente, MortgageCouch, Ventura County Star, CAPS Media, Gold Coast Broadcasting, Luners Production Services, Pacific Coast Business Times, VC Reporter, Ventura Breeze, and Ventura County Camera Club.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a membership based organization that advocates on behalf of the business community. With 700 members, representing more than 25,000 employees locally, the Chamber engages on a variety of issues that help to drive a strong local economy as The Voice of Business.

Lighthouse Fitness hosts grand opening event Feb. 8

On Feb.18, at 11am, Colin Jenkins will be holding a Grand Opening Event for her new fitness gym/studio “Lighthouse Fitness” located at 2128 Knoll Drive. Unit F.

Colin owned a CrossFit facility here in Ventura for 6 years, before selling it a few years ago, and just recently decided to open a new gym that takes the same concept of CrossFit, but with changes to make it a more effective and safe program for the every-day person.

 

WEV Self-Employment Training graduates recognized

72 WEV Self-Employment Training graduates were recognized during graduation ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Barbara the evening of December 15th.  The graduates are from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. During the ceremony, each graduate shared their business venture with a pitch they crafted and perfected throughout the course. Graduates include new and established entrepreneurs with a range of businesses such as: aerial photography and surveying, personal development coach for women, language tutoring sessions in English and Spanish, and a milk and cookie truck.The next Self-Employment Training (SET) course begins the week of February 13th.  Participants are required to attend a free orientation to enroll in the course. www.wevonline.org

TGND is proud to offer a place to keep you active, strong, flexible, and healthy

 

Foto: Feel good through healthy activities including Zumba.

 

 

The Gym Next Door (TGND) mission statement is “good fitness for the mind body and spirit.”  TGND is here to support the needs of their members creating a sense of community through healthy activities. They offer Yoga, Tai Chi Chih, Zumba, Zumba Gold classes. All classes are open to the public.

 

Cynthia Macias opened TGND Carpinteria 5 years ago when she saw a need. She is a certified Personal Trainer with over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and also holds credentials in senior fitness.

 

Her second location in Ventura is another expression of her desire to provide a place to keep you active, strong, flexible, and healthy in a safe friendly compassionate environment for the baby boomer generation and anyone looking to be more than just a number but a part of a great community.

 

TGND is proud to offer this in Ventura. They are a SilverSneakers and Silver&Fit full facility which means some Medicare supplemental insurance will pay for your membership.

2611 E Thompson Blvd. suite 105 – 667-8967.