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Back in session

by Elizabeth Rodeno

September seems like the beginning of the year for those of us in the educational world. Students from a variety of schools and adults of all ages are passing through our doors. Our monthly HD Camera classes fill up quickly. With his breadth of knowledge, Evan shares the simplicity and secrets of the Panasonic HMC 150 HD cameras. Gary enjoys showing the finer points of editing as well as giving a great introduction to Final Cut X on the latest macs. Studio classes are helmed by Phil who teaches students how to put together a studio show. The studio has been quite busy these days, often with bookings back to back throughout the week. The members are loving it and tell us what a great resource the community has at CAPS Media. Get certified to access our cameras, 6 edit stations and the full 3 camera production studio with green screen.

El Camino and Foothill High School students are volunteering on a variety of programs providing them with technical and artistic experience, community service hours and a whole lot of fun. You’ll be seeing them at various Candidate election forums throughout the city. They also work with us on studio productions and have become skilled at sharing their knowledge with newbies. The El Camino students continue to enjoy and add to the creative energy at CAPS Media as they begin Season 2 of the award winning ECTV. They have been developing ideas over the Summer and have more than enough to last beyond the school year. We all look forward to seeing the shows come together. You’ll be able to view them online, streaming and on the website, and on channel 15. Go to the video page on our website today to view last years’ shows.

Between the Election candidate forums, informational programs about the propositions on November’s ballot and our Video Voter 2016, you’ll get information to help you make decisions come November 8. The shows begin airing in September on CAPS channel 6 and streaming on the web at CAPSMedia.org. Check the website for dates and times.

We are all over the web so check out social media pages including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube. View it all on our frequently updated website. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25, a best bargain for media fans, students and organizations to share your story. Go to www.capsmedia.org or call 658-0500 for more information.

Chiropractor Tracy McIntosh opens new office in Ventura

On Tuesday, August 30 a ribbon-cutting celebration was held for the new office of Chiropractor Tracy McIntosh. Helping her celebrate and cut the ribbon were Ventura Chamber CEO Stephanie Caldwell, Chamber members, friends, Leigh Eisen Ventura’s Economic Development Manager and staff of Salon Panache (3639 E. Harbor Blvd.) where her office is located. You will learn more about her in the next issue of the Breeze.

Steve Cummings was a true renaissance man

Friends of the late Steve Cummings gathered briefly on September 2 to dedicate a public art project that is a memorial to his life. Mr. Cummings died suddenly in August 2015.

The memorial is a pair of painted traffic signal utility boxes at the southwest corner of Mills and Loma Vista next to the Treacy Convalescent Home.

Local artist Shelly Gould designed the art to show the many parts of Steve’s life and his many, many volunteer contributions to Ventura. The artist’s skill is seen by including illustrations which refer to many parts of Steve’s interesting life and many accomplishments.

In addition to founding and serving as Chair and Secretary to the College Area Community Council, he was a 20+ year volunteer with the San Buenaventura Heritage, Inc. at the Dudley House Historical Museum where he planted and maintained the lavender garden in authentic period style at Dudley House. Steve also was a leader on the Downtown History Trail Marker project which continues to identify and provide interpretative information on the many historic sites in Ventura’s Downtown.

Steve also restored antique clocks, watches and organs, wrote organ music for the restored organs, was longtime volunteer for UCSB’s athletic program, was an active member of the local Democratic Party, wrote several published books, compiled and published the Ventura County Statistical Abstract for many years, retired from a career in banking, rode his folding bike everywhere, and more. He was a most interesting person.

The art project was funded by donations from his friends and was coordinated by the City Public Art Department and approved by the City Public Art Commission.

Professor Scamp, PhD (Pretty happy Dog) announces his candidacy for President

“I am intelligent and will bark on your behalf. And I am learning to speak Russian in case I need to negotiate with Putin.”

After much deliberation, and looking at the current presidential candidates, I have decided that I am more qualified than any of them, so I hereby announce that I am a write-in candidate for the President of the United States of America.

My new independent party will be called the Dogmaterian Party. And my slogan is “Unleash America”.

I am a college graduate and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Pawlitical Science from Furry State University with a minor in Journalism. I have some strong credentials. For example, I have been writin my own column for the Ventura Breeze since its founding 9-years ago and am well known in the community.

I do not have an existing agenda and will consider each issue on its own merits. I like all people and am a pretty good listener (I only understand about 150 words but ‘believe me” that is as many as one of the other candidates seems to understand).

There is some question whether I was born in America and am therefore eligible to become president. While my parents were born in Tibet, I was born in Fillmore.

These are just a few things that I promise I will accomplish when I become your president:

Build a 100 foot high wall around Canada to keep out Canadian geese because they are so noisy and they poop on innocent Americans (and they honk instead of speaking English).

I will humanely round up all French poodles and send them back to France where they belong.

I will not send private peemails containing classified information.

I am the only candidate that can’t be bought for money – though, I really like treats . I would insist, of course, that all treats are manufactured in the U.S.of A.

I will provide more funding for our pawlice and fire departments.

“As your Vice President I won’t do much, but Vice Presidents never do”

After much thought, and speaking with my family, I have chosen Savana – my roommate cat – to be my running mate. It was difficult to ask her because she kept running away and hiding under the couch. With her on the ticket I will get the votes from the “independents”.

I will hound you until you vote for me even if I am dog tired. I’m not wagging but I believe that I would make a great president. I will keep a pawsitive attitude and be a pawpular president.

On September 18 , I will have a rally at A Secret Garden Florist Café (981 E. Main) at 1pm to officially announce my candidacy. I encourage you to attend to support me. You are welcome to bring your dogs. And you can buy some pupcakes. The barking lot is small so bark in the street. I will be handing out pawtographs.

I am accepting donations to help with my campaign. No contributions under $10,000 will be accepted and I accept credit cards.

Here are just a few of the endorsements I have received:

“I’m excited you’ve decided to run for president Professor Scamp. It’s about time we have a levelheaded, four legged candidate with realistic views. Best of luck!”
Breezy Gledhill

“ We’ve been doing it metaphorically for 240 years, let’s put an actual son of a bitch in the White House. His “Wag more, bark less” platform really appeals to me.”
Alfred Lewis

“Scamp is clearly a different breed of politician – he has common “scents”, obeys his handler, and knows when to stop yapping. Regardless of which side of the political aisle you’re on, I predict he likely will become your best friend.”
Councilmember Mike Tracy

“That is awesome!!! You have my vote!
Be blessed!”
Pastor Jim Duran

“I think Scamp would work doggedly on behalf of the American people and dogs.”
Barbara Hinton

“I fully endorse Scamp as a presidential write-in candidate.”
Jenny Guy, Mustang Marketing

“He is, most definitely, The People’s Choice!”
Barbara Brown

“You have my vote!!! Woof ”
Suz Montgomery

“We at Rubicon Theatre Company wish you all the best!”
Michele Hunter

“You got my vote.”
Deputy Mayor Neal Andrews

I look forward to your support and seeing you at my rally. Please send your endorsements and encouragements (and credit card information) to [email protected] . Doggone right you will. From dog house to White House.

Fundraiser to support animals in need

The Humane Society of Ventura County, will hold its 10th annual “Cats in the Canyon & Hounds in the Hollow” fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta Restaurant in Ojai. Proceeds go to the care of animals in need throughout Ventura County.

This year’s event, which will feature a full vegetarian Italian buffet and a “Buy It Now” marketplace with bargains on items and services from Ventura County businesses, will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests also can interact with animals looking for new homes and visit with staff and volunteers. Boccali’s is located at 3277 E. Ojai Ave. The Main Street Jazz Band will provide musical entertainment.

The HSVC has provided continuous support and services to animals in need and their companions throughout the county for over 84 years.

Earlier this year, the HSVC announced it will be entering phase one of a large project to rebuild its 34-year-old dog kennels. Increasing funds are necessary in order for the private non-profit to reach its goals.

Tickets purchased in advance are $50 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Tickets bought on site will be $60 and $30.

For tickets, to donate a marketplace item or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, call the shelter at 646-6505 . For more information on the HSVC, visit www.hsvc.org.

Museum of Ventura County to temporarily close galleries

The Museum of Ventura County will still hold some special programs. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

The Museum of Ventura County, which houses the region’s oldest and most comprehensive collection of documents, maps, and historical artifacts, will briefly close its downtown Ventura galleries (at 100 E. Main St.) in order to design and install a new exhibition on Ventura County history. Its Research Library will remain open during this period, as will the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.

Some of the museum’s special programs, such as Free First Sundays for Families and popular community events, including the traditional Dia de los Muertos celebration in November, will still be held at the museum during this time. The Museum galleries will re-open and public programming will resume in early January.

In addition to newly remodeled exhibition space depicting the history of Ventura County, more of the museum’s exceptional art collection will be displayed throughout the facility. New educational exhibits will be installed at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula as well.

This decision stems from the board’s desire to highlight the quality and depth of the museum’s collection on an ongoing basis, and to reach out and engage with Ventura County residents about the museum’s mission and purpose. “The Museum of Ventura County tells an important story with its collection; it is the custodian of the county’s rich and diverse history and keeper of its stories. We want all local residents and visitors to feel that sense of identity and pride when they walk into the museum,” stated John Orr, chairman of the museum’s board of directors.

“I have heard so much, and have now seen the depth and breadth of the museum’s collection. I realize that these historic treasures should be seen by the public,” said Elena Brokaw, who has been engaged to serve as the Museum’s interim executive director, and will be advising the museum’s board on a community engagement process. She added, “This hiatus also provides us with a perfect opportunity to listen to longtime supporters and stakeholders about what they want the Museum to be, and to engage the broader community in a conversation about how the museum can better serve them.”

Brokaw told the Breeze “We are initiating a broad-based examination of the museum’s operations, programs, exhibit space, and finances. Over the last six years, the Museum grew tremendously quickly – with the addition of the Pavilion and Plaza at the Ventura site, and the creation of the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula – and has had frequent turnover in the director position. This temporary closure of the galleries in Ventura will allow the Museum to increase its exhibitions space and make changes in its business operations, significantly decreasing expenses. Please bear in mind that the Ventura Research Library, Pavilion, and Ag Museum will stay open, and there will continue to be events and activity at both sites. During the next four months, we will also conduct three community cultural sessions – “town hall”-style meetings where we are inviting everyone to come and tell us what they would like from their regional museum of history and art. The Museum of Ventura County is the institution that preserves and protects our regional history – and helps us prepare for our future. This museum has been here for 103 years – and over the next four months, we intend to plan for our next century.”

Ventura City Fire Department commemorates 15th anniversary of 9/11

9/11 anniversary remembered by Fire Department at Station 3 at 5838 Telegraph Rd. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

On Sunday morning, September 11th, all Ventura City Fire Department stations held special remembrances for the first responders and civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Fire Chief David Endaya stated, “Although 15 years have passed since that tragic day in 2001, it seems it could have happened yesterday. The images, the sounds, the emotions, and the pain are as vivid today as they were when I watched the events of that morning unfold live on television with my crew at Fire Station 5. We will never forget the actions of the firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of our U.S. Armed Forces, and the brave civilians who worked to save others, many losing their lives, that fateful day.”

City officials, law enforcement personnel, and Venturans visited many of the Ventura City Fire Department stations to participate in the brief ceremony.

The remembrances were held from 6:45 a.m. to 6:59.

At 6:55 a.m. – Firefighters stood at attention and raised the U.S. flag ceremoniously to half-staff. Silence was maintained.

At 6:59 a.m. – A special tone was broadcast over the fire radio followed by four sets of five bells. One minute of complete silence was held. The time coincides with the collapse of the World Trade Center South Tower, and the bells are traditionally used by the fire service to commemorate firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

For information about Ventura City Fire Stations, visit www.cityofventura.net/about/stations.

Free workshop for ESL volunteer tutors

Laubach Literacy of Ventura County is now offering free workshops to help volunteers learn to become English as Second Language (ESL) tutors of adults.

The current workshop will be held over two Saturdays, September 17 (from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and October 15, 2016 (from 9:00 AM to noon). The two-day workshop will be held at Barrister Executive Suites in Ventura; directions will be given upon registration.

Various methods and materials for teaching English to adults will be demonstrated and taught during the workshops, enabling the new tutor to begin ESL tutoring right away. The workshops will help you teach reading, writing, and speaking English to adults who are non-fluent English speakers. For anyone who is a non-speaker of English, you might want to check out this article as it details how you can be become a fluent speaker of the English language. However, neither teaching experience nor the ability to speak a foreign language is necessary for these workshops.

To register, get more information and directions, please call 385-9584, and please take some time to check out www.laubachventura.org.

Ventura Council for Seniors City Council Candidates’ Forum

There will be at least one new face on the Ventura City Council after election day with three spots open and ten people competing for them, and you can help decide which ones will make the cut.

The Ventura Council for Seniors is hosting a free City Council Candidates’ Forum from 10am to noon Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Dr.

During the forum, the public is invited to ask questions, the tougher the better as the city faces many topics of importance, such as local tax measures on the ballot and planning, financial, recreation and quality of life issues(And the closing of Brooks).

Moderator is VCS Chair Suz Montgomery, who promises “this is an opportunity to ask the hard questions face-to-face with the people who want to run your city.”

Incumbent Carl Morehouse is not running for reelection, but two current council members are: Cheryl Heitmann and Christy Weir, facing eight new competitors. They are: Lorrie Brown, Jacqueline Martenson, Randall Richman, Matt LaVere, Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Brian Lee Rencher, Michael Anthony Graves and Dave Grau.

“At the forum, you’ll find out if the candidates know about the issues, their solutions and the attitude they will bring to our 150-year-old city,” Montgomery said. “Also important is what each one of them has done for the city and if they have a track record of accomplishments.”

For those with special needs, the California Relay Service will ensure you can get there and back safely; call them at 658-4726.

There will also be a candidates’ forum and debate at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Bell Arts on the Avenue, focusing on that area of the city.

Paul Vaksvik is our set up man

Paul does everything except ring the bell at Olivas.

by James Francis Gray

Have you ever been to the Music Under the Stars concerts at Olivas Adobe in Ventura and noticed white chalk markings in the Olivas parking lot and the outside parking areas and wonder who makes this happen? Or the table and chair setups for these events? Well, wonder no more.

Paul Vaksvik (Vox-vik) is our set up man, he runs the crew that sets up and takes down the tables and chairs for every concert and he does the chalk striping including at the grass parking area.

He has worked for the City of Ventura for over 23 years. His responsibilities at these events began about 18 years ago with the help of only 4 or 5 people on his crew. For the last 7 years, he’s using teen volunteers, seeking, “Community Service Hours,” credit. The students, setup the tables and chairs for the events.

What began as something to do in the summer for Paul, when school was out, has continued for years. Paul loves working with kids. The young adults brought brothers and sisters, friends, some adults and parents to help. With a little training, the various groups accomplished their task without much trouble. Paul says that they became well-oiled crews, using teamwork to get the job done. These young able helpers can set it up in 90 minutes. After the concerts, the take down and storage moves quicker.

Paul said, “Things have changed over the years and when, Georgeanne Lees, took over the event, they received a new stage and a real dance floor. The extra work added to the preconcert Friday tasks. Now in addition to chalk marking, setup, we’re washing and waxing the dance floor also.”

The last concert took place on Saturday, September 3. It was sold out(as was most of them), so look forward the next year’s concert season, July 4th through Labor Day, 2017.

The ever-changing diversified musical performances have something for everyone, so don’t be left out. Audience participation is encouraged as they get up on the dance floor and get down with the beat.

Paul, over the years, has worked with children on many worthwhile projects. He hails from Elkhart, Indiana of strong Norwegian decent, with a little Irish-English and Native American thrown in for comfort. He’s a world traveler and has lived in Kentucky, North Dakota, Michigan, Spain and now Ventura, coming here in 1977 from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He’s jovial, friendly and works wonders for our young students, they are the future.

We’re looking forward to 2017 with Paul and his efficient crew, doing what they do best, setting up the Music Under the Stars concert series.

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