Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Vista del Mar Hospital welcomes new leaders

Vista del Mar Hospital welcomes Tiffany Bumpus and Marianne Barrinuevo to its leadership team. Bumpus has been appointed the Director of Human Resources, and Barrinuevo is the new Chief Nursing Officer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tiffany and Marianne to the team. Tiffany has a comprehensive background in recruitment and staffing, benefits administration, employee and labor relations, and employment law compliance. Marianne has the unique experience of working for Vista del Mar early in her career and excelling as a clinician. They each bring a strong professional background and will be key players as we rebuild the hospital,” said Dan Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Vista del Mar Hospital. “They are both a natural fit for our Vista family, and I am pleased to have them on board.”

Tiffany Bumpus is a human resource professional with 20 years of progressive global experience working in the technology, healthcare, government, and private sectors. Before joining Vista del Mar Hospital, Bumpus served as the Benefits Administrator II at Vsolvit LLC. She has held many leadership positions, including Sales and Recruitment Manager for Ledgent Finance and Accounting in Woodland Hills; Staffing Account Manager for Corestaff Services in Ventura; Director of Human Resources for Clinicas Del Camino Real in Camarillo; and Human Resources Manager for Systems Applications & Technologies, Inc. in Oxnard. She holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from San Diego State University.

Marianne Barrinuevo brings Vista del Mar Hospital 25 years of clinical experience. She started her career at Camarillo State Hospital as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician. She then advanced to Vista del Mar Hospital in 1997, where she eventually became an RN Supervisor, Charge Nurse, and Medical Nurse within 11 years. Barrinuevo has held many leadership positions, including Chief Nursing Officer for College Hospital Cerritos; Director of Psychiatric Services for Southern California Hospital in Culver City; Vice President of Clinical Services for Horizon Health; Director of Nursing and Infection Preventionist for Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health; and Director of Clinical Services at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center/Behavior Health Center. She holds a Master’s of Science and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from West Haven University.

A supernova feast of saxes, strings and songs sweep the Ventura Music Festival

by Richard Newsham, VMF consultant

The Ventura Music Festival’s “Onward!” 27th season opens tonight with a Free Concert in the Park featuring the gospel, West African and American funk world-fusion mix of the all-female band Adaawe at downtown Ventura’s Mission Park on Wednesday, July 27, at 5:30 pm.

The festival venue then moves to the intimate 400-seat Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, for two weekends of concerts beginning with sensational Irish band We Banjo 3 and its Celtgrass vocal and string blend of “bluegrass and beyond” on Friday, July 29, at 7:30 pm. Direct from Paris the Django Festival Allstars quintet brings us “le jazz hot” style of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt on Saturday, July 30, at 7:30 pm. And weekend one concludes with local piano virtuoso gone globally famous Sean Chen alluring us with romantic pearls by Mozart, Debussy, Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Mendelssohn on Sunday, July 31, at 3 pm.

Weekend two opens on Friday, August 5, at 7:30 pm, with a unique sextet of a soprano, alto, baritone, bass and two tenor saxophones called The Moanin’ Frogs—the moniker is an unlikely contraction of two 1910’s saxophone hit tunes, The Bullfrog Blues and That Moanin’ Saxophone Rag. But the ensemble name aptly fits a repertoire that “electrifies and delights” audiences nationwide—defying genres with every jump from primo orchestral, concerto and chamber arrangements to treasured jazz, burlesque and vaudeville improvisations.

On Saturday, August 6, at 7:30 pm, Veronica Swift—a young chanteuse with deep jazz roots but now branching out with classical, rock, soul, folk and funk selections—is determined as an artist to bring a post-COVID rebirth of hope to audiences everywhere as she breaks down genre barriers, uniting them under an anthem called “Sing”—an uplifting tribute to the positive change that music brings to the world. “There is this thing that’s like touching, except you don’t touch, you sing, just sing,” claims the artist. “The act of singing is a kind of secular prayer, in the spirit of John Lennon’s Imagine.”

The VMF festival concludes on Sunday, August 7, at 3 pm, with what the New York Times calls “America’s most astonishing choir,” The Crossing led by conductor Donald Nally and embracing new music with “a social conscience and fearless technique” created by the world’s most prestigious living composers and performed at marquee venues with the nation’s most adventuresome orchestras and ensembles. Find out why radio host Brian Lauritzen champions this 24-voice winner of two Grammy® awards for Best Choral Performance and 7 more nominations on his weekly “A Joyful Noise” KUSC broadcast of choral music almost every Sunday morning.

Year after year, the Ventura Music Festival is renowned for showcasing a breathtaking multiverse of musical styles from classical to contemporary. Connect with the artists and with fellow listeners in our community who love to discover the joy and excitement of familiar and brave new worlds of sound by attending VMF concerts this weekend and next.

Tickets: $15-65 at www.venturamusicfestival.org and 805.648.3146.

Vol. 15, No. 22 – July 27 – Aug 9, 2022 – Ojai News & Events

Convene and Connect with Community Retreat

Ojai California, September 3, 2022. The Deborah King Center is excited to host its first post-pandemic, live, in-person, retreat, right here in Ojai!

As a special thank you to the community that we call home, we are offering a Saturday only day pass (starts at 8am and goes until 9pm) to locals for just $25! Learn, connect, and enjoy live music from the Deborah King Band.

Join for Saturday Sept 3rd HERE: https://deborahking.com/saturday2022/

Gather transformative knowledge, connect with community, and uncover your most powerful, transcendent self.

We’d love to meet you in person. And we hope to see you there for what promises to be a truly remarkable day.

If you’re interested in attending the entire retreat, September 1st to the 4th, you can still get the full 4-day pass at  https://deborahking.com/events/convene-and-connect-with-community-retreat/

Sat, July 23, 1:30pm. Ojai Art Center,113 S. Montgomery StreetTreat yourself to a day in beautiful Ojai. Enjoy browsing the shop, soak up the tranquil vibes, and grab a bite at one of the many dining establishments featuring locally sourced food, wine and beer. For your entertainment pleasure plan to spend 2-4 pm at the Ojai Art Center with the magnificent Amanda McBroom. “…the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match” – The NY Times

Tickets: online $25 general admission or $35 VIP (first two rows), at the door $30 or $40 VIP. Call: 805-746-0936. https://ojaiconcerts.com

VUSD appoints new superintendent

Dr. Castro brings 25 years of educational service to his new office.

Following an internal search and selection process, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education has appointed Dr. Antonio Castro as the new VUSD Superintendent. Dr. Castro will begin his new role on August 1, 2022, as Dr. Roger Rice transitions into his previously announced retirement.

“We are so fortunate that Dr. Castro will be leading the VUSD team. His unique, well-rounded perspective provides him with the ability to see everyone and truly understand what it takes to make our District a success. He is not one to take anything for granted, especially not the people who make up our community,” stated Sabrena Rodriguez, Board President. “We are thrilled to have such a special leader who we believe will inspire our students, support our team, and work collaboratively with our families and community.”

A dedicated public servant, Dr. Castro brings 25 years of educational service with him to his new office. Dr. Castro has served in many roles throughout his career. Those roles include a general and special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of special education and student support services, associate superintendent of educational services at the Ventura County Office of Education, and most recently has been serving as the VUSD Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services since April of 2021.

During his tenure with VUSD, Dr. Castro has contributed significantly, including being responsible for implementing the Local Control Accountability Plan.

“As we progress through this next COVID stage, it is essential that we reestablish a sense of belonging. I am dedicated to cultivating and investing in practices that promote trusting relationships throughout the District. It is my goal that through a shared vision for students, families, and staff, we will become a stronger community. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this incredible District in its next phase of success,” stated Dr. Castro.

Dr. Castro leads a purpose-driven life in every aspect of his personal and professional identity. Beyond his work in education, Dr. Castro has given back extensively to the Ventura County community serving organizations such as AYSO, Moorpark City Council, Moorpark College Foundation, Ventura County United Way, and as a mentor to many inside and outside of education. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University and his Master’s and Doctorate from California Lutheran University.

“I am honored to be a part of the Ventura Unified School District and look forward to leading the VUSD’s dynamic staff with the support of our extended community. Ventura is a beautiful area with a rich history, and these deep roots serve as a strong foundation for our future growth,” stated Dr. Castro.

The Board of Trustees would like to thank District staff, students, parents/guardians, and community members for providing valuable input through surveys and interview panels that provided us with a clear understanding of the leadership characteristics and skills desired in the next Superintendent. In addition to the Board reviewing applications and conducting extensive interviews, the VUSD Board made its decision based on the input gathered from all key stakeholder groups.

Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade

Photos by Yana Khiyod, Michael Gordon and Jackie Ringhof

Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returned to the Downtown District on Monday, July 4.

This year’s event theme “2022: Red, White & Blue!” The Pushem-Pullem Parade is presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura.

Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons participated in the parade.

The street fair featured arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, a car exhibit, and family-friendly activities.

The Downtown Ventura Partners Organization presented live entertainment stages with local bands and community group performances.

Come and enjoy our beautiful park like setting

Home of the finest entertainment, concerts, arts, music and more.

Oceanview Pavilion is a multi-faceted venue located steps from Hueneme Beach located at 575 E. Surfside Drive Port Hueneme.

Home of the finest entertainment, concerts, arts, music, theatre, professional boxing , pro wrestling, as well as operating the best social and recreational adult day program where we serve individuals ages 18 – 80 with developmental disabilities.

Being in the community for over 18 years our relationship is outstanding. We give back in so many ways, from providing the venue for fundraising events, schools, and city events, to providing various Military concerts free to the public.
This Internationally acclaimed multi-Media company also offers over 20,000 square feet of filming space, which include a fully equipped television and streaming production facility, an editing suite, professional crew, and other amenities which make it truly, one of a kind.

In addition to the above, we offer a professional state of the art filming and live broadcasting studio. Our mission is to provide a complete all-inclusive livestreaming solution so that you can focus on your project while we manage the technical, creative, and logistical operations. We are capable of streaming worldwide to multi destinations simultaneously including Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo and more.

Whether it is your engagement party, wedding anniversary, Quinceanera or wedding we are the finest venue in the county to serve all your special needs. We offer tiered seating, an expansive stage for you or your entertainment, stunning terrace for pictures and mingling, plus a beautiful white Gazebo all onsite.

Our flexibility and amenities are beyond your expectations and Beach ceremonies are available to make your day unforgettable.

For additional information on upcoming events, videos and pictures please visit
our websites: www.oceanviewpavilion.com or www.oceanviewproductionstudios.com

Support held for Captain Myles “Danny” Smith

Captain Smith was injured doing what he loved.

Photos by Michael Gordon

The Ventura community gathered on July 10 to support injured firefighter Myles “Danny” Smith with a fundraiser and raffle. Captain Smith was severely injured while fighting a brush fire in 2015, and forced to retire. Since then, he’s continued to battle his injuries and most recently had a leg amputated as a result of his injuries due to a lack of blood flow.

On April 12, 2015, Smith was responding to a brush fire near Highway 33 when he fell backwards 15’ into a concrete drainage ditch. The fall shattered his arm and fractured his hip. Smith has undergone many many surgeries since the accident.

Friends, family, and colleagues were all there to help with his medical costs and the costs to make his home more accessible. It was held at the MadeWest Brewery at 1744 Donlan St.

“Danny pushed me to become a firefighter and helped me along the way,” stated fundraiser organizer and Ventura County Fed Fire engineer Chris Botelho. “His family has always stepped up to support the community and help others…now it’s our turn to return the favor to them.”

“Our mission is to serve Ventura firefighters and their families,” said Joe Booth, executive director of the Foundation. “Community support for the event has been amazing – so many businesses have donated raffle prizes – we’re excited to have a fun time on Sunday and help raise money for a great family.” The Ventura Fire Foundation is acting as fiscal sponsor for the event.

More information is available at www.venturafirefoundation.org

Voices and strings rule the 2022 Ventura Music Festival

by Richard Newsham, VMF consultant

The Ventura Music Festival’s “Onward” 27th season will toast the communing of music’s two kissing cousins—voices and strings—in seven acts over two weekends from July 27 to August 7.

Three groups—the septet Adaawe , chanteuse Veronica Swift and choir The Crossing—explore Nina Simone’s declaration that “the human voice is the only pure instrument.” And three ensembles—We Banjo 3, Django Festival Allstars and The Moanin’ Frogs—plus pianist Sean Chen salute strings and instruments “that sing,” including the saxophone that Stan Getz claims is the instrument kingdom’s closest relative to the human voice.

The VMF Free Concert in the Park season opener—the all-female band Adaawe— springs from West African roots and brings gospel harmonies and American funk to their world-fusion mix on Wednesday, July 27, at 5:30 pm at Mission Park in downtown Ventura.

“The hottest group in Irish music”—We Banjo 3—will “open the road” to weekend one on Friday, July 29, at 7:30 pm, with their self-described Billboard chart topping “Celtgrass” blend of traditional Irish, old time Americana and wide blue(grass) yonder music. Two sets of Galway brothers vocalize with “musical intimacy” and play banjos, mandolins, (tenor) guitars, a fiddle and the goat-skinned bodhrán drum with a “freshness and finesse bordering on the magical,” says The Wall Street Journal, citing their Washington, DC, performance for President Obama.

Why hunt Paris’ Clignancourt flea market for his cabaret bar La Chope de Puce when the Django Festival Allstars will bring the music of the legendary 1930-40’s gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt to Ventura and fully into the 21st century on Saturday, July 30, at 7:30 pm? A quintet of jazz virtuosos—button-accordionist Ludovic Beier, violinist Pierre Blanchard, lead guitarist Samson Schmitt, rhythm guitarist DouDou Cuillerier and bassist Antonio Lucusati—capture the fierce, soulful and swirling intensity of Reinhardt’s “le jazz hot” style.

Globetrotting pianist, composer, arranger and in-demand master-class teacher Sean Chen is a Steinway Artist, Juilliard and Yale School of Music alumnus and pupil of beloved leader of Ventura County’s classical music community Edward Francis. He returns to Ventura on Sunday, July 31, at 3 pm for a program of piano power and magic featuring what the Republic calls “alluring, colorfully shaded renditions” of Mozart (Marriage of Figaro), Debussy (Images) , Liszt (Deux légendes), Chopin (Barcarolle), Rachmaninoff (Symphony No 2 Adagio) and Mendelssohn (Octet).

“Music festivals are a place for freedom, discovery and excitement,” says VMF Executive Director Susan Scott. “Find yours this summer at the Ventura Music Festival.”

Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, is the festival concert venue for all indoor performances.

Featured in the next Breeze issue: Sax septet The Moanin’ Frogs (Fri, 8/5), singer Veronica Swift (Sat, 8/6) and Grammy® Best Choral Group winner, The Crossing (Sun, 8/7).

Tickets: $15-65 at www.venturamusicfestival.org and 805.648.3146.