Category Archives: This ‘n’ That
California Connections Academy Central Coast students log in for inaugural school year
California Connections Academy Central Coast, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades TK-12 throughout the Central Coast, began its 2019-2020 school year on September 3rd. Students across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties logged on for the first day of school, joining thousands of students who have found success via the network of California Connections Academy’s high-quality online schools across the state.
As digital literacy and personalized academic programs continue to grow throughout the nation, families across California who meet state residency requirements continue to turn to California Connections Academy for an alternative education program suited to their student’s individual learning needs. The school offers a rigorous curriculum of innovative and diverse courses including foreign languages, digital technology and web design, as well as a variety of honors and Advanced Placement (AP)® courses for students interested in college-level curriculum. The school also provides Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) courses for grades 6-12 to help students prepare for college and careers.
“In Connections Academy’s 15-year school history in California, Connections Academy has helped students maximize their potential, and we’re looking forward to continuing this tradition in the Central Coast,” said Dr. Richard Savage, California Connections Academy Executive Director. “We’ve seen first-hand how various types of students can excel in this model, and it’s an honor to bring that opportunity to more California students.”
Parents across the California Connections Academy network are continually pleased with their students’ academic performance and overall experience, as reinforced by the 2019 Parent Satisfaction Survey.
California Connections Academy Central Coast will serve students in the region for the first time in the 2019-20 school year. The school offers a flexible learning environment for children with a dynamic schedule who learn at different pace from their peers or want a more individualized approach to learning. State-credentialed teachers work with students to excel academically while allowing them time to pursue their dreams and extracurricular interests.
Beyond curriculum and supportive teachers, the school offers numerous socialization opportunities for its students. During the school year, learning-focused field trips are held throughout California for students to enrich their education experience outside of the classroom and meet peers and teachers in-person. California students also have the opportunity to attend a Junior/Senior Prom in Southern California.
Additionally, the school offers chapters of National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society, as well as free online clubs and activities where students can collaborate with others interested in art, science, sports and more. Some of the clubs include Art Club, Gaming and Technology, Science Sleuths, and more.
For more information, visit the school’s website at https://www.connectionsacademy.com/california-online-school.
Organic recycling company and other Ventura County organizations receive research grant
Agromin, along with several other local agricultural stakeholders, is participating in study funded by a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to demonstrate the benefits of soil health and “carbon farming” practices in Ventura County.
Agromin will use the grant to work alongside the Ventura County Resource Conservation District, Limoneira Company, Community Environmental Council (CEC) and UC Cooperative Extension on a research project designed to help build regional agricultural resilience in the face of climate extremes.
To conduct the study, researchers will apply mulch and compost to a young citrus orchard owned by Limoneira, and then diligently monitor soil metrics, water use, plant health and greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of the project is to better understand how mulch and compost can improve soil health, reduce atmospheric carbon and support the local agricultural economy.
“We know organic soil has the ability to make a significant impact when it comes to conserving water, supporting plant growth and fighting climate change,” said Rick Wilson, Agromin’s chief technology officer. “This study will help us clearly quantify those benefits and work together as a community to advance the use of compost and mulch, helping to protect our planet through sustainable agricultural practices.”
The work for this research grant will span three years and is expected to begin in late summer or early fall of 2019. Throughout the project, educational field days will be held for the general public, policymakers, and local farmers and ranchers, to provide opportunities for regional stakeholders to observe the benefits of organic soil firsthand. The Limoneira site will also be part of the 2019 Ventura County Farm Day, during which the general public is invited to visit the site, ask questions and learn more.
This project is one of many similar studies supported by the California Healthy Soils Program. For more information, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/DemonstrationProjects.html.
To learn more about Agromin and its sustainable organic soil products, visit https://www.agromin.com.
Three notable authors will be speaking and sharing stories
Assistance League® of Ventura County is delighted to announce the authors that will be featured at the 25th Annual Authors Luncheon Celebration, which will be held on October 5, at Four Points by Sheraton in the Ventura Harbor. This annual fundraiser is held to raise money for the philanthropic programs B.U.F.F.Y. Bear, Operation School Bell®, Girls Club/Teen Club, and the Assistance League School.
Three notable authors from different genres will be speaking and sharing stories about their lives and their craft. Peter Sexton, Jane Sweetland, and Frans Vischer.
Peter Sexton: An award-winning writer and musician, and a life-long fan of the short story form, he can usually be found at one of his favorite coffee joints, writing a new story freehand, or in his office working on his next novel.
Books: Shelter from the Storm and Fatally Haunted
Jane Sweetland: A former Dean and Associate Vice President at California State University, Channel Islands, she has achieved a veritable bouquet of degrees. An avid reader, relentless researcher, and unrepentant eavesdropper, she marvels at the stories that make up our lives.
Books: Boxcar Diplomacy: Two Trains that Crossed an Ocean and Sons at War
Frans Vischer: Born in Holland, he immigrated to America with his family when he was eleven years old. Speaking no English, his drawings helped him communicate. As an adult, he was hired by the Walt Disney Company, where he worked on many animated feature films. Telling his kids silly bedtime stories inspired Frans to write and illustrate children’s books.
Books: Fuddles, A Very Fuddles Christmas, Fuddles and Puddles, and Jimmy Dabble
For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, please visit http://assistanceleagueventuracounty.org/events/rsvp or call 805-643-2458. With your support, Assistance League is “Transforming Lives, Strengthening Community.”
For more information about Assistance League of Ventura County, please contact 805-643-2458 or [email protected]. www.assistanceleagueventuracounty.org as well as on Facebook and Instagram.
Deputy Public Works Director elected as the President-Elect of the APWA
Ivers has been involved in public works for over 27 years.
Mary Joyce Ivers, Deputy Public Works Director with the City of Ventura has been elected as the President-Elect of the American Public Works Association (APWA). Ivers will lead a 17-member Board of Directors who serve more than 30,000 public works professionals throughout North America. APWA aims to enhance the visibility and awareness of public works, to give voice to the issues surrounding infrastructure on local and national levels, and to equip public works professionals with quality educational opportunities and resources so that they can more effectively work to improve the quality of life for all.
“The Public Works Department is very proud and excited for Mary Joyce Ivers and this outstanding opportunity. She has served the City of Ventura so well. She will do an amazing job at the national level,” said Public Works Director Phillip Nelson.
Ivers has been involved in public works for over 27 years. She was recently promoted to Deputy Public Works Director overseeing the Operations activities within the Public Works Department. The Public Works department oversees $100 million with a team of 91 public works “First Responders” who continue to rebuild the community after the Thomas Fire. Prior to serving as Interim Public Works Director, she spent 17 years as the Fleet and Facilities Manager for the City of Ventura. In this position she managed a $10 million operating budget, managed 25 employees and interacted daily with City departments and the residents of Ventura. In 2017, she was recognized as the National Government Fleet Manager of the Year and was inducted to the Public Fleet Hall of Fame in 2018.
The City of Ventura Public Works Department received the prestigious American Public Works Association Accreditation Award and became the 92nd Agency out of 38,142 cities, towns and counties throughout the United States to receive this honor in 2014. This award recognizes Public Works Departments for implementing nationally recognized best practices, state-of-the-art operations, and the most efficient use of public resources. The City of Ventura Public Works Department is the 11th city in California to be accredited. Worldwide there are 95 agencies accredited – 93 in the US and 2 in Canada.
The City of Ventura Public Works mission is to build and maintain vital infrastructure and protect the environment for the safety, enjoyment and prosperity of future generations. The City’s 2018-2024 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan contains 140 capital improvement projects with a total of $695 million. A total of $60.3 million is planned in capital improvements for the new fiscal year. The department designs, constructs, inspects, improves and maintains the City’s infrastructure, including traffic, lights, sidewalks, streetlights, roadways, land development, solid waste, storm water and parking operations.
Former VUSD teacher and assistant principal honored five years after death
Chris Prewitt, husband, and father was out training for a marathon.
On the morning of April 7, 2014, Chris Prewitt, husband, and father was out training for a marathon when he was hit by a driver under the influence and passed away. Chris’ students described him as inspiring, with an ever-present smile and welcoming attitude. Two organizations will honor his spirit this month. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recently hosted the Ventura County Walk Like MADD 5K in his honor, and the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) awarded the Chris Prewitt Eternal Optimist Award at a District-wide meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.
Prewitt was a teacher at Foothill Technology High School (FTHS) from 2003-2012, after which he became an assistant principal at DeAnza Academy of Technology & the Arts (DATA). He also coached the Buena High School girls water polo team for many years, where he began every practice with an inspirational quote to get the girls motivated and ready to work. FTHS teacher and close friend, Cameron Crouch, said that he could hardly process what happened when the accident occurred.
“My heart immediately broke over losing a best friend, a brother, my children’s amazing uncle, my son’s godfather. He was a friend of 17 years. We had many adventures and laughs together,” Crouch said. “His impact on the community of Ventura through his teaching, coaching, as assistant principal…he gave his all in each area of his life. The world lost an amazing man.”
Many VUSD staff and their friends and family walked in the Walk Like MADD event on August 10. Ventura Unified School District Board President, Sabrena Rodriquez, led the “Do it for Pruitt” team, which had 35 walkers and raised funds which will go back to support MADD’s mission.
“A Country Fair with Ocean Air” brings thousands to their happy place
Attendance for 2019 Fair was up from last year.
The Ventura County Fair closed after another successful Fair. Celebrating the best of the best from throughout Ventura County, the 144th year closed with success. Visitors came from near and far to enjoy the 12-day Fair, July 31 through August 11.
The Ventura County Fair’s mission is to preserve, promote, and showcase agriculture and the traditions of Ventura County. This was accomplished with competitive livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits, baking contests, produce tastings, agricultural demonstrations and much more.
Fairgoers were greeted with many outstanding attractions, including The All Alaskan Racing Pigs who made audiences squeal with delight, Slim & Curly, the wise cracking cowboys who make people laugh everywhere they go, and Star Child Stilt Circus, who amused children of all ages as they strolled merrily, high above the crowds. Exciting new carnival rides, including the Insomniac and the thrilling Hyperloop joined the lineup of Carnival Midway favorites such as the Wave Swinger and the Giant Ferris Wheel. New food offerings included Deep Fried Philly Cheese Steaks and Dinosaur Nachos that fulfilled the curiosity for new summer treats while the mini donuts and turkey legs satisfied the traditional cravings of many Fairgoers.
Attendance for 2019 remained strong at 302,783, up 1.26%. “We do everything we can to bring the people of Ventura County a better experience every year,” said CEO Barbara Quaid, sharing the Fair’s winning strategy, “For us the focus is not about the numbers of people coming through the gates, but about the quality of the experience our guests have at the Fair. We measure our success by the number of smiles are on the faces of the people at the Fair. We are committed to offering a clean, safe and fun experience that people will remember forever.” To that end the Fair conducted a survey of visitors at the fair and continues to solicit and address public sentiment.
Nearly 16,000 County residents entered art, crafts, projects and other curiosities in the competitive exhibits, winning prize ribbons and sharing their inspiring talents with Fair visitors.
Free entertainment was one of the offerings that drew thousands to the Fair. Not only the top name Concerts including Styx, Melissa Etheridge and Brothers Osborne, but also local bands were a huge fan favorites. Revelers came out to enjoy and lend their support for Ventura County entertainers including KNS Rockstar, Juano and Friends, The Rockin’ Henrys, Twisted Gypsy, Doc Rogers Band, and many others.
As is the case every year, overall success would not be possible without the tremendous support of volunteers, sponsors and the community. While the gates have closed on the 2019 Ventura County Fair, planning is already underway for the 2020 Fair
The Ventura County Fair is the County’s original Social Network where thousands of neighbors and friends have gathered every year for generations. The Fair employs up to 700 seasonal staff during the annual 12-day event. With annual attendance of approximately 300,000 visitors to the Fair, the communities throughout Ventura County share in the economic vitality derived from the Ventura County Fair. The Fair brings economic, social, educational, and cultural resources and provides lasting impressions on Fairgoers.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds consists of a 62.5-acre parcel and operates as a multi-purpose, multi-functional, year-round facility accommodating a variety of events. Regarded as a premier rental facility, the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center attracts some of the most popular shows and attractions in the county throughout the year, including livestock shows, dog shows, horse shows, home and recreation shows, concerts, dances, business expos, quinceañeras, weddings and receptions, motorcycle and automobile shows, camping groups, swap meets and much more.
Ventura County Mobile Library visited the Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market
A book giveaway was also available.
The Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market welcomed the Ventura County Mobile Library on Wednesday, August 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Pacific View Mall. The mobile library will be offering many of the main services offered at a small branch library.
The Ventura County Mobile Library was completely funded through grants and donated funds with a generous donation from the Ventura County Library Foundation, which included significant donations from Premier America Credit Union and the Port of Hueneme. In addition, the Ventura County Mobile Library project was also funded through a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and awarded through the California State Library.
The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association a non-profit farmers’ market cooperative, serves the community of Ventura with two Certified Farmers’ Markets on Wednesdays at the Pacific View Mall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays in Downtown Ventura from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market held Thursdays at The Oaks Shopping Center, East End Parking Lot, Wilbur Road & Oaks Mall Drive from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and in Santa Clarita at the College of the Canyons from 8:30 to 12 noon.
For more information on the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association, call 805-529-6266, or visit the website at www.vccfarmersmarkets.com.
Ocean enthusiasts are all ages
Senior Shirley does it all, even paddles.
by Shirley Lorraine
The Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club is one of several outrigger clubs that launch from Harbor Cove beach at the end of Spinnaker Drive. Their Halau (clubhouse) serves as a meeting place and storage area for their equipment. Their colorful red and yellow canoes render them easily visible, even in the early morning mist.
The club’s purpose is to enable a wide range of people and groups to enjoy recreational ocean paddling sports, ocean conservation and education. While the primary focus is on traditional 6-seat Polynesian style canoes, the club also maintains one- and two-seat canoes for member use and promotes paddling sports of all kinds. The club has been going strong since 2006 and boasts members with a wide range of ages.
Over a third of their membership is over age 70. Recently, a hardy crew of six of these adventurous seniors paddled their way up to Ventura County’s Mondos Beach and back, about 19 miles. One of the members, Debbie, celebrated her 72nd birthday on that trip!
The club meets several times a week. Sundays are invitational days for new participants. A senior myself, I eagerly signed their waiver form that indicated I could swim and would be a safe rider and listened carefully to some basic instructions including what to do in the unlikely event the canoe should huli (capsize). Good to be prepared. And yes, I paddled – to just beyond the pier and back! Surrounded by experienced and encouraging paddlers, I found it easy to quickly get into the rhythm by following their lead. I was told the proper way to stroke with the paddle and was assured that I wouldn’t be sore the next day. I was surprised when I found that to be true! Technique really does matter.
At the halfway point we took a rest break and just enjoyed the calming ambiance of the water and birds. It was easy to see the meditational appeal of outrigger canoeing.
Some members are preparing to participate in the annual Queen Lili’uokalani Race in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii featuring events August 29 through September 2 where paddlers of all ages will convene.
The non-profit club regularly participates in community events such as beach clean-up, Caregivers of Ventura County Sailathons, and the Ventura Aloha Festival. Members also volunteer with the Best Day Foundation to assist kids with special needs enjoy an outrigger excursion day at the beach.
Take a look at the club’s website – www.venturaoutriggercanoeclub.org to get more information. Give outrigger canoeing a try. You may find it’s just the right way for you to get some exercise and mental relaxation at the same time.
CAPS Media Center internship opportunities
Meet Alexander Blomquist, the newest enthusiastic student intern at the CAPS Media Center. 12 year old Alexander is helping out CAPS Media staff and local DJs in the radio station while learning the ins and outs of media production. Alexander is mastering the studio while producing his own series Cultural Capture. He has produced several episodes about Italian culture including growing up in Italy and all about Italian food.
For the new school year, CAPS Radio is partnering with Ventura College to develop a CAPS Radio-Podcasting Internship program for college students. The KPPQ-LP internship program provides the opportunity for students to learn the inner workings of a community radio station and the “how to’s” of radio show-podcast creation. The program offers real world skills and experience that can support careers in journalism, business communication, research and more.
Limited to six students, the CAPS Media/Ventura College Radio internship program is offered for a minimum of five hours per week for twelve weeks with up to 2 credits earned. Classes will take place at the CAPS Media Center which is located at 65 Day Road on the east side of Ventura College, directly across the street from Foothill High School. Hands-on learning will take place in the CAPS Radio KPPQ studio and in the field. The students’ radio podcasts will be broadcast on KPPQ, 104.1fm, streamed on MyTuner, and streamed on capsmedia.org/radio. For more information contact Elizabeth Rodeno at [email protected].
Recently the entire community mourned the passing of Neal Andrews, one of the most respected leaders in Ventura. As part of Neal’s years of dedicated service, he was the host of a series of interview programs recorded at the CAPS Media Center and aired on channel 6 titled, “Conversations with Neal Andrews.” Over the years Neal shared his insight, sense of humor and tremendous intelligence while interviewing hundreds of fascinating individuals, community and business leaders, artists, and advocates for countless worthy endeavors in Ventura County. Everyone at the CAPS Media Center, all of the viewers who watched the program, and the community itself owe a debt of gratitude to Neal for enriching our lives.
Nearly every week CAPS crews record, broadcast and stream Ventura City council meetings and other select city community meetings on Channel 15 and on capsmedia.org/live-streams. The CAPS Media team also covers local community council meetings throughout the City and replays the meetings on CAPS Media Channel 6 while streaming them on capsmedia.org. Go to the schedule tab on the CAPSMedia.org website for dates and times.
CAPS Media is Ventura’s Community Access resource. Our mission is to to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to visit the CAPS Media Center to tour the video studio, radio station and more and see the opportunities that are offered to members. Go to capsmedia.org/events, sign up for the next orientation class on the first Thursday of the month and discover how easy it is to become a member/producer at CAPS where you can receive hands-on instruction in videography and editing, radio production and more. Go to capsmedia.org, or you can call 805-658-0500 to get complete information.