Kathy Odell is a well known Santa Barbara entrepreneur and business leader.

WEV has announced that its founder and CEO, Marsha Bailey, will retire next year after 30 years at the helm. Her successor will be Kathy Odell, an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader in the region.

Launched under Bailey’s leadership in 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to more than 14,000 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made more than $5 million in business loans, and helped 4,500 local businesses start or expand. WEV-supported businesses generate over $300 million in annual sales revenues and have created nearly 9,000 jobs.

“The idea that women’s economic status could be improved by helping them start their own businesses was both innovative and unproven,” Bailey says, “But twenty-eight years later, WEV has proven not only that business ownership can provide a viable pathway to self-sufficiency, but that it can build family wealth and stability and contribute to the economic well-being of our communities.”

“It’s clear that women have more opportunities today than we did thirty years ago,” Bailey says, “But while many things have changed, we still have a long way to go to achieve equal opportunity and economic parity.”

As WEV’s CEO, Bailey has served on many local, state and national boards and has been a consultant as well as mentor to emerging women leaders and women’s organizations nationally and internationally. She is a former member of the National Women’s Business Council, which provides policy guidance to the White House, Congress and the Small Business Administration on issues related to women’s business ownership. She is the former Chair of the National Association of Women’s Business Centers, the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO), and Union Bank’s Community Advisory Board.

Kathy Odell, well known Santa Barbara entrepreneur and business leader, has been chosen as Bailey’s successor.

“Over the past 28 years, Marsha’s leadership and steadfast commitment to the mission, has grown WEV into a major economic development engine for both Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties,” says Melissa Livingston, WEV’s Board Chair. “Kathy Odell is an effective leader and visionary who’s been a key supporter and board member since 2010. We couldn’t have found a better person to carry on Marsha’s legacy and guide the organization as we create the next generation of WEV services.”

Odell says, “Women are starting businesses at a higher rate than any time in our history and now run 40% of all small businesses. Under Marsha Bailey’s leadership WEV has become a key resource for women in business on the Central Coast. I am excited and proud to carry her legacy forward.”

WEV provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. While WEV targets its services toward women, it helps men as well. Services are provided in both English and Spanish. Visit WEV at www.wevonline.org.

Penny Barnds and Andy Contarino have got your number.

Bingo Night at the Rubicon Theatre hosted by the Grandes Dames will take place on Jun. 11, 2019 at 7 pm in the Rubicon Theatre Rehearsal Hall 1006 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001. BINGO numbers will be called out by two local celebrities. Guests will be surprised. A total of four games will be played and multiple cards may be played at one time. Each BINGO card will cost $5 with a minimum of 2 cards played during the night. Cash prizes will be awarded. Snacks and beverages will be complimentary. Donations will be accepted.  Please RSVP by leaving a message with  Seryozha La Porte at 805-667-2912 x 232 or email [email protected] or visit the Rubicon Theatre Grandes Dames Facebook page to learn more.

The first quarterly Grandes Dames BINGO event took place on Mar. 26, 2019 with the talented Actor/DirectorJoseph Fuqua and handsome former Old Spice Model John Bennett Perry calling out the numbers. Cash prizes were awarded and proceeds of the event benefitted the Rubicon Theatre.

The Rubicon Theatre Grandes Dames organization was initiated by Nancy Gregory, Sandra Laby, Rosa Lee Measures, Barbara Meister and Dottie Novatt on Nov. 28, 1998. The women were in attendance at the Rubicon Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Barbara turned to her dear friend Dottie and remarked, “Don’t we all look grand?” The women were already active members of the Casa Pacifica Angels volunteer organization and they thought it might be nice to start another charity and model it after the Angels. Having heard the word “grand”, Dottie suggested they name themselves the Grandes Dames and Dottie was unanimously elected its first president.

Over the last two decades, the Grandes Dames have supported the Rubicon Theatre through fundraising, quarterly luncheons with live entertainment, an Anniversary Calendar, a cookbook, and a Murder Mystery Party. Being a member of the Grandes Dames is a fun way to socialize and support the Rubicon Theatre. Annual membership is $48.

This summer, the Grandes Dames will be expanding the organization to include young professionals to the group and will host a networking event at Ventura Spirits 3891 N Ventura Ave. Guest speakers will include representatives from Economic Development Collaborative Ventura County and Nick Norris Owner and Consultant at ID Marketing & Design, Adjunct Marketing Professor at Ventura College. The event date is to be determined. If you or your business would like to participate in this fun and informative event, please contact Nicole Scurrah at [email protected].

Stage 2 of the tour last year was just a prelude to this year’s bigger and better cycling spectacle.

by Mira Reverente

Expect to see a lot of fast bikes in the next few days when the 2019 Amgen Tour of California makes a comeback to our sunny, coastal city.

In 2018, the tour started Stage 2 at the picturesque Ventura Pier, in what can be described as an enticing prelude to this year’s bigger cycling spectacle. This year, both the men’s and women’s races will finish stages at the celebrated Ventura County Fairgrounds.

There’s so much to look forward to for the tour’s 14th year – 19 men’s teams, 13 women’s teams, five returning champions, potential 2020 Tokyo-bound Olympians and even local sisters competing in the women’s race.

“The tour was passing through Ventura in 2016 and we made this video featuring students from Cabrillo Middle School that had so much online engagement,” says Marlyss Auster, president and CEO, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau.

“The organizers were impressed with Ventura, and that started the whole discussion,” says Auster, describing the long process of being designated a host city.

This year promises to be bigger and better with ballet folklorico dancers, mariachis, cowbells galore for spectators and still-to-be announced surprises to regale the crowds and cycling aficionados.

Says Auster, “We are eager to showcase Ventura pride while having the international spotlight.”

While the local organizing committee is tending to planning, logistics and marketing, a pair of volunteer coordinators are busy recruiting and coordinating volunteers for the big day on Thursday, May 16.

Kate Faulkner, president of the Channel Islands Bicycle Club, is co-coordinator with Leslie Ogden. Together, the duo have their sights on recruiting approximately 300 volunteers to help local police with crowd control and the safety of both riders and spectators.

“It’s very exciting finding all these groups who want to get involved in putting together a world-class event,” says Faulkner, a Ventura local and bike safety advocate.

Volunteers usually come from local schools, service groups, bike clubs and non-profit organizations. “With the women’s race starting at 12:10 pm, we’re hoping some students will be let out early to volunteer,” says Faulkner.

Aside from the intense volunteer involvement, another source of pride for Venturans is the participation of sisters Alexis and Kendall Ryan.

“I used to see them riding their bikes around town when they were kids,” says Faulkner. “They rode everywhere together.”

Kendall, 26, who rides for TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank, won Stage 1 of the women’s race last year. Alexis, 24, rides for Canyon-SRAM.

If you want to catch a glimpse of the Ryan sisters, there is a free, special presentation sponsored by the Channel Islands Bicycle Club at the Ventura County Museum, on Wednesday, May 8. Doors open at 6:00 pm but the program starts at 7:00 pm.

Otherwise, head to the Ventura County Fairgrounds before noon on Thursday, May 16 to catch the start of the women’s race. Expect the men to get to the Fairgrounds sometime after 3:00 pm, from Pismo Beach where Stage 5 starts.

Both the men’s and women’s races will conclude in Pasadena on Saturday, May 18.

Kevin Clerici, chairperson of the local organizing committee states, “We want the world to see that we are a bike-friendly community. People will hopefully come and stay, and bike here in the future.”

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/host-cities/ventura.

During his career at the Port District, Peña has been extremely active in the community.

After serving a distinguished career with the Ventura Port District General Manager Oscar F. Peña officially retired on April 30, 2019.  Peña has been at the helm of Ventura Harbor for 20 years. The Ventura Port District employs 35 full-time employees and generates $8 million in annual revenue.

Ventura Port District Board Chairman Chris Stephens stated, “Under Peña’s leadership the Port District has grown into an economically diverse and fiscally sound community asset in which the City can be proud.”

A Ventura resident for 27 years, Peña cites several key accomplishments during his 20-year employment. With Peña at the helm, the commercial fishing industry in the harbor now houses more than forty purse seine vessels which export California Market Squid to a global market. This commercial fishing industry creates 215 jobs in the Ventura region and can generate approximately $20 million annually into the Ventura County economy. 

Ventura Council Member Cheryl Heitmann shares “As the City’s liaison to the Port District for many years, Mr. Peña has established effective working relationships with public agencies, the private sector and tenants throughout the harbor.” 

As a former commercial real estate executive in the private sector for 20 years, Peña contracted with the Port District to provide property management and leasing services at Ventura Harbor Village in 1992 and improved occupancy levels from an initial 60 percent to nearly 96 percent today.

After seven years of providing property management and leasing services to the District, the Ventura Port District hired Peña as the new General Manager of Ventura Harbor in July ,1999.

Past member and Board Chair of the Ventura Port District, Ed McCombs states, “Mr. Peña has led the Port District from bankruptcy to its current solid financial state, positioning the Ventura Harbor as a major asset of the City.” 

In 2001, Peña was instrumental in encouraging Island Packers, the primary concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, to relocate their business to a more prominent location, significantly enhancing the visibility and charters to the Channel Islands National Park.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed working with tenants in the harbor and a dedicated staff that has contributed to the District’s success over the years.  Needless to say, many volunteer board members have provided the leadership needed to make the Ventura Harbor what it is today,” states Peña. 

Peña has been extremely active in the community serving with both the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and Ventura Conference & Visitor Bureau boards.  Under a new short-term agreement, Peña’s expertise will be utilized as the Business Operations Manager for the Port District, where he will oversee real estate transactions and special projects until a complete transition is made.

Upon retirement, Peña will focus on rebuilding his home which was destroyed in the Thomas Fire, remaining active in the community and spending time with family.

Brian Pendleton, currently the Deputy General Manager for the Ventura Port District, was appointed at the April 18^th Board of Commissioners Meeting as the next General Manager for the Ventura Port District. 

Chuck Cecil at his home studio in Ventura.

by Richard Lieberman

Chuck Ceci,l whose radio show “The Swinging Years” had run for more than 50 years has died at age 97. He died on April 30th still broadcasting his syndicated radio show. In 1942 he briefly hosted his first radio show for a small radio station. Shortly after he was drafted and served in WWII, where he worked in pilot training.

After the war, Cecil settled down in Oregon and re-started his radio career. He became the announcer for “Baldy’s Band” a popular band. He married the group’s vocalist, Edna Brown, in 1947. In 1952 he joined Los Angeles radio station KFI and he worked at KFI from 1952 until 1973.

Cecil joined Los Angeles radio station KGIL-Am and KPRZ and worked at the station from the 1960s through the 1980s. At the same time, Cecil hosted the “Big Band Countdown” for Armed Forces Radio which spread his love for jazz around the world.

During the same period, he launched the show he was most known for “The Swinging Years” in 1956 while still at KFI. He retired, hanging up his earphones in 2016. At its peak, the show was aired on hundreds of radio stations nationwide.

The Breeze interviewed Cecil at his home in Ventura a few years back. He described to the Breeze how his show “The Swinging Years” was now produced at his home utilizing a vast library of recorded jazz titles which at one time held more than 30,000 78, 45 and 33-RPM records. He also had amassed a library of over 356 interviews with band leaders, singers, and band members.

The show has continued in syndication until his passing. In recent years Cecil had discovered a new audience of jazz lovers via streaming media.

Here at the Breeze we will miss our dear friend and will always remember his contributions to the world of jazz. Our heartfelt condolences to his widow Edna Brown and family. Goodbye, Chuck, we know we will hear from you again.

Stookey has played at the Rubicon many times. His new show is “In These Times”

by Amy Brown

Noel Paul Stookey has been changing the world, one song and one key social concept at a time since his world-famous band Peter, Paul and Mary burst onto the folk music scene in the 1960s. The platinum-selling trio took the music world by storm, performing at the civil rights March on Washington in 1963 and at political rallies all over the world, with influential songs like ‘Blowing in the Wind,’ and ‘If I had a Hammer.’ Today, Stookey still performs with Peter Yarrow (Mary passed away in 2009), as well as doing solo shows, and will be gracing the stage of the Ojai Rubicon with his latest on April 28 and 29th.

Stookey has played at the Rubicon many times, including when he chaired the 2017 Music for Changing Times Festival there, produced in conjunction with Music2Life, the not-for-profit organization Stookey started with daughter Liz Stookey Sunde to amplify the voices of contemporary activist-artists and highlight the impact that music has in social justice movements around the world. “A large part of the credit for founding the organization goes to Liz, who, since at an early age, like six or seven, travelled with the trio on tour, saw us do benefits, and realized the impact music has, and how it uniquely transcends the mosh pit,” says Stookey. “She saw the power of the lyrics, and became a real fan of the fact that music can not only be inspiring, as it does move us, whether it’s dance, folk or jazz, but she saw that it was informative as well as compelling.”

There’s a world of difference in the types and methods of social change now versus in the 1960s when his trio was changing the world with their message of social responsibility and hope, according to Stookey. He says that the concept of improving society through music, however, is still shared across other genres, from reggae, rap, and jazz, even metal—and that many of them are actively addressing inequities in our society. “There is no doubt that in the 60s, when folk music surprised the popular music world by being relevant, that musicians were focusing on causes like equality for blacks and whites, and addressing concerns about nuclear annihilation,” says Stookey. “Those plain-spoken words were never thought of as pop music. There was authentic passion, and folk music had no glossy arrangements—and it was performed by people with a stake in the cause, with real skin in the game. So much of folk music’s power was the articulation of commonly held values.”

Stookey’s Rubicon show is called “In These Times”, and he has some specific feelings about both what is now relevant, and what some of the major issues are in these times. He says that there are two major problems, and that they intersect. “One is our inability to speak to each other with compassion, because we are encouraged through many media, as well as by some of our leaders, to be disparaging of another person’s point of view. Two: the issues themselves, compounded by our inability to talk, from climate change to immigration, as there are always two sides,” he says. He references the well-known Chinese curse: May you live interesting times. “Well baby, we are there,” he laughs. “We often communicate these days about those ‘interesting times’ in an immediacy (through social media), therefore, our compassion is really being tested.”

Stookey, who has a home in Ojai where he and his wife reside part of the year, has written a new song for his upcoming Rubicon performances. It’s called ‘Love With a Capital L’ which he says, given the chaos of the modern world, is about processing all the news and the difficulties we have as a society. He believes that, given the challenge of maintaining an even perspective, people have the potential to better understand if they process everything in Love. “It’s been really been fun to write, and reminds me that one of the most thankful aspects of learning folk music, both the ethics of it and its breadth, is that it co-opts a lot of musical styles, and so I have,” says Stookey. “I’m not great at rapping, in fact, I’m very poor at it—more in the Woody Guthrie vernacular, and less of Snoop Dog.”

Stookey, who shares that there is a book in development about his life, and who has written a number of short stories, believes that ultimately, the direction we’re all being drawn to is that of overcoming the perceived differentiations of organized religion and concentrating on what is commonly shared. “What you begin to see is that we’re all so much more alike than we are different, in the heart space in particular. That’s why the big ‘L’ in Love becomes the synergistic magnet that I think is going to provide the answer. We will then be able to say ‘Namaste’ and when we can pass each other as complete strangers and smile, there is trust in the world again.”