Before Ennis was drafted to the NBA he played for Ventura High and Ventura College.

by Maryssa Rillo

On Saturday, July 27th, NBA superstar and Ventura local, James Ennis III, returned to his old stomping grounds and organized a basketball camp for the westside Ventura youth at the Westpark Community Center.

“One of the biggest reasons I put on this camp today is my dad had mentioned to me probably two years ago when I did a camp at Ventura College, he told me to do one where I am from and this is where I grew up at. This is where I used to come every day after school, always here. We didn’t really have nothing else to do so I just stayed in this gym,” Ennis said.

Before Ennis was drafted to the NBA, he played for Ventura High School, Ventura College, Long Beach State and internationally in Australia. Throughout his NBA career, Ennis has played for Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets. He is currently a shooting guard for the Philadelphia 76ers. He has been a favorite amongst those who use sportsbook sites (click here to learn more about popular options) and enjoy fantasy leagues online.

The camp was funded by Ennis’s foundation, Ennis Elite Camp, therefore it was free to all participants. According to Westpark’s Youth Coordinator, Anita Diaz, James wanted to make sure that the camp participants were predominantly from westside Ventura. To accomplish this, there wasn’t any outside advertising.

“First of all he’s a celebrity and he’s a NBA player so the idea of meeting James Ennis and then learning from James Ennis was a phenomenal opportunity for any kid but especially for the kids from the westside, because they are predominantly low income kids and so they don’t get to see someone like this every day,” Diaz said.

The children had the opportunity to participate in different basketball drills from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Eight-year-old Adrian Watts had the opportunity to attend the Ennis Elite Camp.

“I played games and we did defensive drills and stuff like that,” Watts said. “I think it was really cool that I got to meet an NBA player.”

According to Ennis, the motivation behind coordinating this camp was to give back to the community and to show the children of westside Ventura that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

James’ younger sister, Demetra Ennis, assisted with the camp and worked the different basketball stations during the day.

“The main goal behind this camp was to teach children that you can be anything you want to be in life if you just work hard and stay focused,” said Demetra. “I believe it’s very motivational because James comes from a very low poverty background and a lot of these children that attended our camp come from the same background so I believe that them seeing where James came from to where he is at now was very inspirational.”

According to James’ agent, Scott Nichols, this was the first time Ennis Elite Camp took place in Ventura. Though they have done something similar in Australia, this was also the first time the camp was free of charge.

“He loves kids and I think that was really important. He has a really stressful life and a lot of pressure for him to perform on the court, but you can tell today that there was no pressure for him at all, this is what he loves to do,” Nichols said.

James’ younger brother, Jamaal Ennis, who is also making his way to the NBA helped the kids with their ball handling skills.

“My main goal is to make sure that they know I’m here and I care and I’m not just here just to be here. Make sure that I build relationships even though it’s a short amount of time,” Jamaal said.

Sitting on the sidelines was James’ dad, James Ennis II. According to Ennis II, he always told James to never forget where he came from and to always find a way to give back.

“I am proud that he did this,” said James Ennis II. “If my son can make it anyone else can make it, but you don’t have to make it in basketball you can make it any other sports or just get your degree in college and don’t run with the bad people.”

Growing up in westside Ventura himself, James was able to relate to the kids who now play at the community center.

“People like myself, we didn’t have NBA players come here and do this stuff like that. So, if I can help someone and motivate someone by being here, my presence, that’s why I am doing this.”

James also had advice for the children.

“Never be afraid to fail. If you’re afraid to do something you won’t attempt to do it and that was one big thing about me, I didn’t know I was going to make it to the league, I just had my mind set to help my family and I did. That’s what kept pushing me every day and putting in the work in here. If you believe in something work hard at it,” James said.

“I look up to my brother a lot. He’s my role model. He taught me a lot about life and shows me what to do and what not to do,” James’ younger brother Jamar Ennis said.

According to Nichols the Ennis Elite Camp will return to Ventura every summer.

“Every summer he plans on doing it again. The cool thing is, is that the Sixers helped out, Bodyarmor sponsored with the drinks, and Chick Fil A too, to help the kids,” Nichols said.

James enjoyed being able to spend time with the westside community.

“My favorite part about today was just seeing everyone smile and having a good time,” James said. “I know everyone appreciates everything and we had a good day today.”

Presenting Alyssa Mendoza with the Audrey Woodburn Scholarship were CMHS Senior VP of Operations Adam Thunell, Dr. James Woodburn II, and Junior Volunteer Chair Marilyn Beal.

Each year in June, the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary honors its graduating Junior Volunteers as they finish their high school careers and prepare for their futures. On June 10, Auxiliary members, hospital leaders and proud parents gathered to honor two special Junior Volunteers with scholarships for their continued education.

Alyssa Mendoza was awarded the Audrey Woodburn Scholarship for $1,500. Alyssa became a Junior Volunteer in June, 2016, and served in the CMH Gift Shop and Maternal Child Health department. Over the last three years, Alyssa accumulated over 550 hours of service to the hospital. Her commitment to the patients and community earned her second place for Community Service at Foothill Technology High School. Alyssa plans to continue her education at Ventura College and major in Nursing Science.

Trinity Durborow received the Maria Cavallo Scholarship for $3,000. Trinity has been a Junior Volunteer in the CMH Gift Shop since June 2017 and has given over 315 hours. Her academic excellence is evident with an exceptional 4.57 grade point average. While a student at Foothill Technology High School, Maria was co-founder and secretary of “WE,” a student organization dedicated to organizing fundraisers and generating community support. She also worked with at-risk middle school students on a garden project. Trinity received the “Most Achieved Senior” award and graduated summa cum laude. She plans to attend the University of California, Berkley, and major in Public Health with an emphasis on global and reproductive health.

Founded on a tradition of service, the CMH Auxiliary augments CMH’s programs and services. Auxiliary members share a common interest in helping others and providing comfort and assistance to patients and their families. Junior Volunteers are between the ages of 14 and 18. Visit https://www.cmhshealth.org/about/cmh-auxiliary/ to learn more about becoming a Junior Volunteer or an Auxiliary member.

The winners of the Ventura County Fair poster contest were unveiled by James Lockwood on July 8 at a presentation at the fairgrounds. The theme of the fair is “A Country Fair with Ocean Air.”

The design by Daríanna Vásquez, 18, of Santa Paula, earned her first place. Her work will appear on the fair’s poster and other fair materials.

Hannah Ellsberry, 17, of Camarillo, took second place and Jorja Garcia, 14, of Oxnard, received third place. They were chosen from 58 entrees.

The 144th Ventura County Fair runs July 31 to Aug. 11.

Photos by Bernie Goldstein

Victor Rodriguez, Yesenia Peña, Dr. Marlene Batista, Marco Aguilar, Sommer Frisk, Erika Martin, Jesus Garcia, Diana Terre and Ben Escobar. Ernesto Martinez, Salena Bracamontes, Veronica De La Cruz and Adan De La Torre are ready to dance.

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)

In the vein of the hit television series, “Dancing with the Stars,” on Sunday, July 28 at 1:00 pm during the 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival presented by the Oxnard Downtowners, seven community leaders paired with local top dance instructors will compete in the “2019 Dancing with Our Community Stars Dance Contest and Charity Fundraiser.” The salsa competition, sponsored by Union Bank and La M 103.7, raises money for the dancer’s favorite charities.

“‘Dancing with Our Community Stars’ is one of the most anticipated events of the festival,” says Kellie Meehan, festival executive director. “Our competitors give it everything they’ve got to wow the crowd, and all will raising money for wonderful local causes.”

Who’s competing?

Victor Rodriguez, dances with his instructor Yesenia Peña, for Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit where he sits on the board. Rodriguez, an immigrant whose family settled in the Cabrillo Village farmworker community in Saticoy, is passionate about providing affordable housing and assists with the organization’s mission providing comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities for individuals and families most lacking in opportunity in Ventura County.

Veronica De La Cruz, a sales manager for Union Bank, dances with instructor Adan De La Torre for Clean International, an organization dedicated to ensuring that every person around the world has access to sustainable clean water and sanitation.

Sommer Frisk, regional vice president of Cumulus Broadcasting, dances with instructor Jesus Garcia for Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust. As one of the nonprofit’s board members, she works to support programs that permanently conserve the working landscapes located in the foothills above the City of Ventura.

Agustín “Aluche” Ballesteros (aka the cheerful and funny “Solovino” on La M 103.7 FM), dances with his instructor Erika Martin del Campo for MERITO Foundation, an organization committed to protecting the ocean by facilitating education, conservation and scientific research opportunities to multicultural youth and their communities.

Salena Bracamontes, who owns and operates two all-women State Farm offices in Ventura County, dances for Project Understanding. Bracamontes, who sits on the board, assists with Project Understanding’s mission to provide hope by developing and directing resources to transform lives and community through justice, mercy, and compassion.

Dr. Marlene Batista, Director of English Learner Services at the Oxnard School District, dances with instructor Marco Aguilar for Partnerships for Safe Families, the designated child abuse prevention council in the county.

Ben Escobar, the owner/operator of Affordable Auto Glass, dances with instructor Diana Terre for a topic close to his heart — American Society for Suicide Prevention — I’ve Got Soul. Escobar, who lost a close friend as well as a nephew to suicide, hopes to raise awareness of the resources available to those contemplating or struggling with depression.

Dancers will be competing for two awards. The “Judges Choice Award” presented for the best routine and the “People’s Choice Award,” which will be awarded to the dance team that raises the most money for their designated charity (donations made at OxnardSalsaFestival.com).

The festival, which draws approximately 35,000 annually, also features live bands, a salsa tasting tent, vendor marketplace, kid’s play zone, community stage, food vendors, and more. Festival hours will be Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Park Plaza in historic downtown Oxnard. Festival admission and parking are free. Main stage open seating is $5 and the salsa tasting tent is $5 per person (includes salsa and chips).

For more information on the event, visit OxnardSalsaFestival.com.

On Wednesday, July 10^th, the Ventura Botanical Gardens dedicated the Schwab Entrance Plaza to honor the memory of the late Miriam Schwab and her longstanding support and philanthropy for the Garden and the Arts in Ventura.

Music was performed by the Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music, Ventura College.

Photo by Michael Gordon

Ventura’s Safe and Clean team, in collaboration with the Lift Up Your Voice to End Homelessness Project, are conducting clean ups on a regular basis in partnership with the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force, Police Cadets, and homeless individuals. Homeless individuals have been encouraged to pick up their trash and put the bags on the main Santa Clara River Bottom trail.

Over 175 bags of trash were brought to the trail and collected by the Safe & Clean team during the last clean up. This type of collaboration is an important step in addressing homeless issues while providing important street outreach to connect individuals with needed services to potentially start the journey out of homelessness.

2019 Scholarship Award Winners Annika Kinnaman, Bryce Weinell and Labiba Sardar.

The Ventura Police Officers’ Association (VPOA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 16th annual Dee Dowell Memorial Scholarship. The scholarships are to honor Sergeant Darlon “Dee” Dowell, who was shot and killed on August 7, 1978. Sergeant Dowell is the only officer in Ventura’s history to die in the line of duty.

In selecting scholarship recipients, the VPOA considered academic achievement, school and community service, financial needs, and the following requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be entering his/her freshman through senior year in college;

• Plan a course of study related to the field of public service;

• Ventura resident or have graduated from a high school in Ventura within the past three years, or a Ventura Police Department employee or employee’s child.

• Have a grade point average of 3.0 or better (based on a 4.0 system);

• Maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better if selected as a recipient;

• Submit a resume of school and community activities, including a copy of transcripts through the most recent semester;

• Submit an essay of 1000 words or less on “Service, what it means to me”;

• Submit a letter of reccommendation from a public servant.

1st Place $5,000.00 Annika Kinnaman

2nd Place $3,500.00 Bryce Weinell

3rd Place $2,000.00 Labiba Sardar

The VPOA would like to thank all of the applicants and congratulate the 2019 winners of the Dee Dowell Memorial Scholarship!

“Be honest, be safe, and look forward to each day.” –Sgt Dee Dowell

Surf instructor Anthony Corral shares a wave with Natalie Fruit at the International Surf Day event. Photo by Joshua Berman

by Amy Brown

The Surfrider Foundation Ventura County recently hosted a day on the beach at Surfer’s Point for the 15^th annual International Surfing Day event. The focus was raising awareness of the importance of clean oceans, and celebrating the love of surfing. This global event was founded by the Surfrider Foundation, and brings communities together to enjoy coastal recreation and raise awareness of urgent threats to the coasts. The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful network.

Founded in 1984 by a group of surfers in Malibu, the Surfrider Foundation today has more than a million supporters, activists and members. “We chose this day to celebrate what we protect all year round,” said Laura Oergel, Chapter Chair of the Ventura County Surfrider Foundation. “We’re environmental activists; we work hard to support our community, and this is a day for fun and outreach for our grassroots, volunteer-run national organization.” The Ventura event included yoga on the beach, a paddle out, surfing lessons from Pure Stoke, and a raffle for a free wetsuit donated by Patagonia, with tickets available for anyone bringing in a wetsuit to be recycled by Suga, a company that converts donated wetsuits into yoga mats.

Oergel reported that the local Surfrider chapter has been serving the community since 1991, helping protect the environment in a variety of ongoing ways. Since 2016, the chapter has installed over 100 ashcans with “Hold Onto Your Butts” emblazoned on them, which serve dual purposes—keeping cigarette butts disposed of and then actually recycled, as a company called Terracycle makes things like benches out of them. One such green bench can be seen on the promenade near the Ventura pier playground. The Surfrider members also participate in water quality testing with the Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-run, water testing, education and advocacy program which measure bacteria levels at both marine and freshwater beaches and compare them to federal water quality standards established by the EPA to protect public health in recreational waters.

This year, the Surfrider Foundation partnered with local non-profit pure Stoke Surf Club to raise awareness of environmental responsibility while enjoying and respecting the ocean. Zora Wolter is the founder of the organization, and she and her team of volunteers were busy during the event, offering tandem surfing lessons for kids. The organization develops free, year-round community surf programs for kids with diverse backgrounds and abilities, including underserved communities. Wolter shared that in the past she had been involved with other surf therapy organizations, and recalled that during one of them, a participant was so jubilant that he told her ‘This is the best day of my year!’ She said “That made me so sad! We should definitely be out here far more often offering this to kids.” So, she launched the pure Stoke club in Ventura in 2018, and since then, they have offered nearly 500 monthly surf lessons to kids at C street, as well as a location in Rosarito, Mexico, all taught by local surfers.

Ventura is an almost implausible mix of the magical and the mundane. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

by Visit Ventura.

Imagine a town tousled by sea breezes, a town that drifts, well, sea breeze easy under the radar, a place where the days end with the sun slipping behind purpling islands, a place where play matters (greatly), and the happy din of art galleries, boutique shops, breweries and restaurants really is happy.

If you live in Ventura, you already know you can save your imagination for something else.

Ventura is an almost implausible mix of the magical and the mundane. Pump your gas at certain gas stations and you can gaze out to Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands as you squeegee your windshield. It comes as no surprise that many holiday-goers decide to head out to the beautiful destination of Santa Cruz to enjoy a fun-filled break. Who wouldn’t? They may even decide to have a look at something like these Surf City Rentals vacation rentals to use during their stay. It would be a great way to start their vacation off right. And maybe that’s the trick, the sleight of hand that sees some of us forget that we live in a place where folks vacation. It could be argued that our lives are a vacation, with work, chores and errands thrown in. It’s a nice feeling. A happy contentment that brings a smile at unexpected times. Bhutan coined the term gross national happiness, but Venturans don’t need it defined.

Visitors are drawn to this. Not just our town’s obvious largesse — surf, sun, kaleidoscopic culture, and simple pleasures like a good laugh over a cold beer — but also, less visible, this sense of contentment and even unshakeable confidence. Ventura is a very special place.

Regarding the matter of visitors, they are important to our town. Critical. Why does tourism matter? Well, there are scrolling reams of financial figures illustrating the benefits of tourism — 2.7 million visitors spent 289 million dollars in Ventura in 2017 and generated $8.4 million in local tax revenue — but honestly, though figures matter, you’ve probably forgotten these three already. What you haven’t forgotten is the warm smile of the local coffee shop owner who might not be smiling across the counter at you were it not for the visitors who also line up for their turn at a flaky croissant. Tourism creates roughly 2,600 jobs in Ventura. And the spillover effects of tourism seep into almost everything in our town; our agriculture, our fire and police, our roads, our schools. It doesn’t take an MBA to know that these things matter. Safe to say that tourism hums quietly behind many scenes.

And, from a resident’s standpoint, the best thing about tourism can’t be notched as a figure. Tourism keeps us as we are. Visit Ventura, charged with promoting our town, targets the kind of visitor Ventura wants; visitors who care about Ventura, who appreciate the beauty of Ventura, and, here’s the important part, people who want to see Ventura stay the special place it is.

Promoting Ventura as a vacation destination might seem an easy job, like offering honey to Pooh, but the truth is it’s a competitive world. There are over 100 tourism offices in California alone, and we lucky Venturans know many of the beauties and charms they offer. Los Angeles, On paper Visit Ventura is a nonprofit funded by the city, tasked with promoting Ventura’s charms to the world beyond Ventura County. In real life, Visit Ventura is eight people (not including energetic volunteers) who live here and carry the town in their hearts. Which is where the things that matter reside.

Life is about moments — even a squeegee counts — and there are only so many. Ventura is a very special place, and all of us, residents and visitors, are lucky to have a moment here.

Alex Wulff is passionate about teaching advancements in media and fabrication technologies.

by Amy Brown

The Ventura Education Partnership (VEP) recently held its first annual LAUNCH event at the Ventura Masonic Center. The program celebrated Ventura school district educators who have spearheaded a range of successful, innovative learning opportunities for students. “With the exponential rate of change today, life-long learning is no longer optional,” said Dave Armstrong, Vice President of Innovation for VEP and VUSD parent. “LAUNCH celebrates a few of Ventura’s many amazing teachers who are constantly learning and expanding education beyond the four walls of the classroom.” LAUNCH raises funds for VEPGrants, providing VUSD teachers with funding for unique and groundbreaking projects.

A large audience comprised of local business community and academic leaders were treated to a presentation that included three local Ventura educators who introduced their popular new academic projects. Poinsettia Elementary Principal Elisabeth Denger-Harris shared an inspiring overview of the successful Sensory Path launched at her school, designed to calm, encourage, and engage students throughout the day. The path winds throughout the school itself, and consists of brightly colored, interactive artwork that combines action, thought and play.

Kelly Herrera, AP Literature and AP Language teacher at Buena High, presented on her groundbreaking Teach Living Poets project, a movement that was created to bring livings poets into classrooms, via Skype and video, to make poetry more accessible and engaging.  “There’s no teachers’ manual,” said Hererra. “As we dive in, I’m diving in along with the students. It’s making me vulnerable with them, and getting out of my comfort zone makes me a stronger teacher, and our students deserve that.”

Students at DATA Middle School are finding cool new methods with which to engage in advanced design methodologies. Alex Wulff is a teacher and entrepreneur at DATA, and is passionate about teaching advancements in media and fabrication technologies. He spoke about Ventura’s non-profit student-led “STEMbassador” program, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and how these students develop practical, standards-based curriculum for teachers to use for a variety of applied STEM technologies. These include CAD-based CNC-routers, laser engravers, and 3D printers—his points were amplified in real time while he spoke, as behind him a 3D printer made a small, detailed plastic frog. He was enthusiastic about the difference this program has been making in students’ academic lives. “Students started creating works of art, really, it hurt your heart, it was so beautiful,” said Wulff.

According to LAUNCH, following the event, which was videoed, the stories shared will live on to influence others, through social media. The plan is for the collection of videos to continue to grow over time to facilitate more peer to peer sharing, learning and collaboration.