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Project Understanding functions primarily on donations and volunteers

Project Understanding celebrates with ribbon cutting at their new location. Photo by Charleen Morla

Project Understanding is a nonprofit social service center serving clients in the Ventura County area. With a variety of programs they are able to serve a wide range of community needs. They firmly stand behind the “A Hand up Not a Handout” model.

On July 7 a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of their new location at 2734 Johnson Dr. in Ventura. The new location is centrally located between downtown Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo to better serve their clients.

Helping celebrate were the Ventura and Camarilla Chambers of Commerce, volunteers, Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko, a representative from the office of County Supervisor Steve Bennett, Ventura Chamber CEO & President Stephanie Caldwell and well-wishers. Ample food, welcoming speeches and drinks were offered to the many guests in attendance.

Project Understanding provides many levels of care and help.

They currently have 13 tutoring sites in Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Paula. These sites enable them to connect with over 400 children a week with homework assistance and mentoring.

The Food Pantry (located at their new location) serves approximately 1,000 people per month with food, including fresh organic fruits and vegetables, frozen proteins, low-sodium and glute-free items and dairy products such as milk, eggs and cheese. Clients are greeted as customers and served with dignity and respect.

The Homeless2Home Street Outreach Program is a hands-on approach to homelessness. Each worker takes the time to reach out to the clients and build a rapport with them. They meet them where they are in their life’s journey. The “Housing First” model has made it possible for over 400 homeless individuals to become permanently housed since the program started in 2012. This has reduced the number of chronically homeless in Ventura by over half.

Tender Life Maternity Home accommodates up to six pregnant women and their newborn babies for approximately 3 months after their babies are born. Once they have successfully completed the program, they are eligible to apply to the transitional housing programs in Ventura County.

By providing case management at the Shore for previously homeless families, individuals and adult foster youth, residents are guided to successfully obtain the necessary tools and eventually move forward to self-sufficient housing.

Project Understanding provides a 5-unit apartment building in Oxnard. In collaboration with Behavior Health and the Veterans Administration, they can offer low rent housing to previously homeless clients.

In collaboration with other county agencies, they are able to operate a number of community programs. The School Outreach Program, families are chosen in collaboration with the Ventura Unified School District and provided with a complete Thanksgiving meal. Adopt-A-Family pairs donors with qualified families in need to provide gifts for the holiday season. The Senior Nutrition Program delivers food twice a month to at-risk seniors and disabled adults who cannot otherwise access pantry benefits. Homeless Court program provides clients the opportunity to volunteer their time for a credit of $10 per hour. Their fines are forgiven and eliminated from their credit report.

With only 12 paid staff members, and countless volunteers the work they do is immeasurable. Their function in the community is vital and the need is rapidly expanding. To learn more, donate, or to get involved, you can visit their website at projectunderstanding.org or call 652-1326.

Brooks Institute moving to Downtown Ventura

The construction for the Brooks Institute location behind City Hall is progressing nicely.

From their current campus location on Ventura Ave. Brooks Institute is becoming an integral part of Ventura with several planned locations in the downtown area.

Brooks has several locations that are now being renovated spread out Downtown that will be their classrooms, studios and offices.

In February the City Council approved a five-year lease for the for-profit school to move into the top two floors of 505 Poli St. located being City Hall. The 20,000 square feet will house offices, a conference room, student services and photography studios.

Among their other locations will be the Erle Stanley Gardner Building and a portion of the downtown building that houses Pacific Western Bank.

These locations will allow students, instructors and staff to eat, drink and purchase merchandise downtown or take a casual walk to the beach or grab the trolley to the Harbor from their urban campus. And some will be living in Ventura.

The move has already sparked new interest in attending Brooks. Approximately 175 new students have enrolled to start in September which will bring their student count to about 350.

Parking will become an issue at all of their new locations and the City is working with them for ways to mitigate the parking situation.

“We want to thank the City of Ventura for offering a new home to Brooks Institute,” said Edward Clift, President of Brooks Institute. “We are excited about the many possibilities this relocation will bring, including partnering with Ventura to become an increasingly vibrant arts and media hub in the region. It is a bold step and true testament to the innovative spirit of this city. We are looking forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship.”

Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko stated “We welcome Brooks to Downtown Ventura and recognize the value that this move will have in stimulating the local economy of our historic downtown. Not only is this a unique collaboration between public and private institutions, it also marks a significant accomplishment for the City of Ventura in terms of business attraction. Bringing more than 340 students and 80 faculty members into Downtown Ventura on a daily basis will stimulate the local economy and our city as a whole.”

Brooks Institute is celebrates 70 years of educating students in the visual and media arts. Brooks offers bachelor’s degrees in fields including Professional Photography, Graphic Design, Film and Visual Journalism, a Master of Science in Scientific and Technological Imaging and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. For more information about Brooks Institute and the school’s programs, visit www.brooks.edu or call 585-8000.

Kudos to the ECTV crew

Grace Johnson-Glick and Ethan Messecar working in the control room at CAPS Media.

by Elizabeth Rodeno

Congratulations to the ECTV Crew from El Camino High School and their mentor/guru Phil Taggart and Assistant Manny Reynoso, whose program ECTV has won a national award for Best Informational Talk Show Series in the Student Category at the Alliance for Community Media National Conference. The award will be presented at the ACM conference in Boston in August.

The ECTV students, Sumaya, Ethan, Grace, Zayan, Josh, Katerina, Gabriella, Cherika, Kianah, Jade, Fernando, Kali, Kalin and Nathan worked diligently, learning the ropes of video journalism.

Instructor Phil Taggart said ”the students are a delight to work with. Their enthusiasm, intelligence and desire makes this class what it is.” This program offers “a way to present the world, their world, and all the joy and sadness that is a part of it.” Phil is looking forward to the start of the new year when last year’s students return to share their talents with new ones.

Grace Johnson-Glick took last year’s class to gain experience and she embraced the opportunity to learn. “I got to meet a lot of like-minded people that helped me become a better filmmaker, to be honest, it helped me become a better everything-maker because of all the skills I learned.”

Ethan Messecar shares that he has always loved filmmaking but “I lacked the knowledge of how to actually make films. Now through my training I have improved on my technical know-how. Most of all, I appreciate the people I now call my friends”.

Grace’s mom says “the internship program was an eye and mind opening experience for Grace. Her participation allowed her to merge her love of storytelling and film with her abilities in organization and leadership.” The program has inspired her to continue filmmaking in college.

It is not just about the filmmaking and storytelling skills that the students acquire but, as Grace and her mom share, their organization and leadership skills are honed as well.

The program has been so successful that, with the help of a grant, El Camino and CAPS Media will again work together to share knowledge and encourage ideas to be spread through visual media. It’s really wonderful when the students work together and realize that their voices matter. The ECTV series is currently broadcast on channel 15, CAPS educational and government channel, Sunday & Saturday at 9:30AM. Sunday & Tuesdays at 6:30pm.

Go to our website for more information. We always appreciate more likes on all social media including Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube. View it all on our frequently updated website. Don’t forget the training classes and professional gear we offer. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25. Go to www.capsmedia.org or call 658-0500 for more information.

Vol. 9, No. 21 – July 20 – August 2, 2016 – City of Ventura Imagination camps and classes

City of Ventura Imagination camps and classes check out hundreds more on our web-site
Call (658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
Dance classes held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Billy Clower Ballet 6-10 years
7/21-8/18 Thursdays 4-5 pm $60 #6631
Learn fundamental ballet techniques, positions and exercises for the development of flexibility, core strength, balance, poise and grace. Instructor Marni King.

Billy Clower Pre Ballet Class 3-5 years
7/21-8/18 Thursdays 3:15-4 pm $60 #6435
7/22-8/19 Fridays 9-9:45 am $60 #6437
We teach ballet concepts, positions and steps with fun and engaging songs to spark a lifelong love of dance. Instructors Marni King (Th) and Kate Kozacek (F).

Billy Clower My Parent & Me Ballet/Tumble Combo Class 18 months-3 years
7/22-8/19 Fridays 9:45-10:30 am $60 #6433
A fun upbeat class for you and your child to dance, tumble, stretch, play with instruments and more! Wear comfortable clothes that you and your child can move in.

Billy Clower Hip Hop Class 3-5 years
7/22-8/19 Fridays 10:30-11:15 am $60 #6439
Boys and girls develop musicality, creativity, listening skills and coordination during this non-stop, action-packed class. All music and moves are age appropriate. Instructor Kate Kozacek.

Belly Dance-4-Fitness 18 years-adult
7/25-8/29 Monday s 6-7 pm $65 #6401
Each session includes a warmup, BD workout, choreography and cooldown. Shimmy, twist and tone in this fun cardio class. Dress comfortably in workout attire and optional hip sash. Instructor Anja Christy.

Tap with Haley 18 years-adult
7/25-8/29 Monday s 7:15-8:15 pm $60 #6447
Get a great mental/physical workout with simple tap steps and rhythm patterns. All dance levels welcome. Instructor Haley-Nicole Harwood.

Line Dance with a Twist 18 years-adult
7/27-8/29 M/W 1-2 pm $60 #6449
For experienced line dancers: enjoy fun exercise with a twist of salsa, ballroom and jazz. Instructor Jackie Ringhof. No class 7/4.
City of Ventura Imagination camps and classes check out hundreds more on our web-site
Call (658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
Dance classes held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Foster Library – August Events

Adult Programs & Special Events

8/2 Tuesday @ 6:30-7:30pm Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
In our hectic 24/7 world, managing stress is the new necessity. Find out more about this non-religious stress reduction practice for everyone.

8/3 Wednesday @ 6pm Altered Book Workshop
Repurpose an old book into a new piece of art. Bring an old book and your imagination.

8/12 Friday @ 12pm Storytime: Short Stories
Storytime? For grownups? That’s right! Bring a brown bag lunch and have someone read to you just like old times! Stories will be read from the Saturday Evening Post.

8/10 & 24 Wednesdays @ 6:30pm Spocabulary
This poetry performance and writing workshop with an open mic is geared towards high school and college students but all are welcome.

8/16 Tuesday @ 7pm Flora of Ventura: A California Native Plant Society Lecture
David Magney is a Certified Consulting Botanist. He will discuss the process of becoming a Certified Botanist in addition to rare flora of Ventura County. Presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter.

8/19 Friday @ 12pm Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Art Floats My Boat: A History of Boats Depicted in Art
Presented by the Docent Council of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Community Speakers program features lectures written and delivered by docents. Enjoy some art on your lunch break!

8/27 Saturday @ 10:30am in the Rentfrow Room Spanish Conversation Group
Are you learning Spanish but need some practice speaking? Join this informal group to chat and practice your Español! Bring your own coffee!

8/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Wednesdays @ 12-2pm Adult Coloring Book Break
Join us in the library for some stress relieving coloring. Coloring sheets and pencils provided. Available from 12pm to 2pm so stop by for a minute or ten!

8/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Wednesdays @ 4:30-6:30pm Library LAB Open Workshop Learn more about 3D printer and laser cutter—or to use them yourself! Ask the library staff about what you need to bring to print or engrave an item of your own, or just drop in to see what we’re up to in our library makerspace.

8/4, 11, 18, & 25 Thursdays @ 7:30-9pm Poetry Open Mic Night
On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work. Featured readers change weekly.
8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Saturday @ 1pm Spontaneous Chess
Keep your skills sharp with this one-hour, drop-in session of free play. Boards will be set up and ready to go.
Children’s Events

8/2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31 Early Literacy Class
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30am A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

8/4, 11, & 18
Thursdays 3:30 pm Crafternoon
Get your craft on in the afternoon. This summer’s crafternoons are themed to this year’s Summer Reading theme: Read for the Win!

8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Saturdays Noon- 1 pm Paws for Reading
Read aloud to a registered service dog (sign-up required)

Teen Happenings

8/5 & 19 Gaming Day Every other Friday 2:30 pm
We’ll fire up the Wii U for some competitive and cooperative game play.

8/1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Mondays 3 pm Youth Chess Club
Learn to play chess or improve your current ability! Assisted by Class A tournament player Jack Cashman.

Wednesdays 3 pm Summer Reading Shows
8/3, Jessica Vang: Enjoy the song and dance of Jessica Vang.

Vol. 9, No. 21 – July 20 – August 2, 2016 – Ventura Music Scene

The French connection back in Ventura: Jean Francois with Kelly Zirbes and Perry Robertson of Kelly’s Lot.

Spicy summer tunes!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The good folks that bring you Ventura’s Wine Walk, Champange on Main and Tequila and Taco Music Festival have moved the latter from the Collection to Ventura’s Plaza Park! The event will run over two days July 23 and 24th with music from Adelaide, Patron Latin Rhythms, Instone, SambaDá and Metalachi. More ticket information can be found at tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com/ventura.

Nashville singer-songwriter Don Gallardo will be performing at Saloon BBQ on Friday, July 29. Gallardo, who’sjust recently back from another successful UK tour, will be playing select shows outside of his home base of Nashville to celebrate his summer US release of his acclaimed album, “Hickory” (four stars from MOJO Magazine and named one of the best albums of 2015 by The Telegraph).

It’s the final dates of the Ventura Music Festival with Sergio Mendes, a Celebration of 50 years of Brazil 66 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday July 22, and the last two dates will be held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center with Ventura Music Festival’s musical director, Nuvi Mehta & Friends on Saturday, July 23 and wrapping it up will be a program entitled “Composers and the Movies” on Sunday July 24.

Music Under the Stars continues Saturday nights throughout the summer at the historic Olivas Adobe with New Orleans style boogie and blues from Porterhouse Bob on July 23 and Queen Nation’s tribute to the rock band Queen on July 30.

And finally, I caught up with the dynamic Kelly Zirbes of Kelly’s Lot who is super jazzed that their good friend Jean Francois will be back visiting this summer. I asked her about how their friendship between she, her husband Perry (Kelly’s Lot guitarist) and Francois began and Kelly told me, “I met Jean Francois in 2010 during a tour in France. We became instant friends and we decided it would be fun to share our love of music and community with each other. Perry and I have traveled to France three times since then to play shows that Jean Francois organized and promoted in the Auvergne region in France. The French community embraced our band so last year I invited eight friends from Ventura to join the band in France and the bonding of Auvergne and Ventura began. A couple band members and I even played on Jean’s new CD, “Death Valley Blues” which was inspired by his first trip to Southern California in 2015.”

At the end of July, Kelly’s Lot will host Jean Francois for 6 shows here in Southern California; two of which are in Ventura County. The first one is on July 29th at Four Brix Winery in Ventura and then on July 30 at The Maritime Museum in Channel Islands for the annual Oxnard event, Chowder Feat.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing?
Send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com

Consortium Media expands its foster care recruitment campaign

Consortium Media, an award-winning brand development agency for local, regional and nationally-recognized businesses, non-profits and government agencies, has expanded its innovative foster care recruitment campaign to Santa Barbara County with the launch of Our County, Our Kids, a program of Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services.

The campaign includes a refreshed communication strategy, new logo, website, and inspiring visual components such as commercials, video, and print advertisements. Each element of the campaign aims to recruit families who can meet the needs of the more than 425 children, youth, and teens in Santa Barbara County who need the support of stable households while separated from their families of origin.

‘We’re excited to use our nine years of national and regional experience in the foster care and adoption industries to develop the Our County, Our Kids brand and see it come to life in Santa Barbara County,” said Consortium President and CEO, Denise Bean White. “This campaign is exactly what the county needs to raise awareness and recruit more supportive homes for its foster youth.”

Former Mayor and current City Councilmember Heitmann has announced she will run for reelection

During her first term in office, Cheryl was elected by her fellow Councilmembers to the post of Deputy Mayor and two years later was elected Mayor for 2013-15. In those posts, Cheryl initiated numerous programs that emphasized her commitment to listening to residents’ needs and implementing policy to achieve community-wide goals.

Cheryl ensured that residents had greater access to decision-making through programs like the off-site Council meetings and “coffee with the mayor” gatherings, where she met with individuals to hear about their personal concerns.

She serves as Chair of the Economic Development Committee and steered the five-year Economic Development Strategy. Several key projects have begun during the last 5 years, including Kaiser Permanente’s decision to build a 55,000 square foot office building(now under construction), Brooks Institute moving to downtown Ventura and a proposed four Star Hilton Hotel on Harbor Blvd.

She proposed and advocated for the Downtown Ambassadors Program, to keep our downtown clean and safe for residents and. She had a key role in numerous public/private partnerships like the development of Kellogg Park. As a council member she has advocated for a number of community improvements like new play equipment in parks, street improvements and a moratorium on additional massage parlors. She is proud of the balanced budget the city has been able to deliver in spite of lean economic times and has served on the finance subcommittee all 5 years. She chaired the city’s 150th birthday celebration and established Ventura’s first Sister City relationship with Loreto, Mexico.

In her next term, Cheryl aims to continue to bolster Ventura’s economic base, provide more services for our community’s senior population, boost public safety including sustainable funding for all fire stations, develop a safe and sustainable water supply, work on protecting our beaches for the enjoyment of our residents and tourists, continue to establish a supported housing opportunity for veterans, and ensure that the City’s infrastructure is maintained and improved.

Cheryl is currently a board member on the Ventura Visitors and Convention bureau, Downtown Ventura Organization and the Vice Chair of the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County (EDCVC). She is also a member of the Rotary club of Ventura and the Pierpont Community Council. In addition, Heitmann serves as a board member on the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, is the alternate member to the Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board and is the city council liaison to the Ventura Port District.

She is presently the Vice Chair of the Women’s Caucus of the California League of Cities. Her work has led to numerous honors: Top 50 Women in Business (Pacific Coast Business Times), 2008; Top Non-profit Leaders, Pacific Coast Business Times, 2010; and Outstanding Citizen Gold Award from the California Teachers’ Association, among others.

Ms. Heitmann is married with 3 children and 3 grandchildren. A licensed clinical social worker, she served as the executive director of the Ventura Music Festival 2006-2012.

To learn more or get involved, email [email protected] or follow Facebook at Re-elect Cheryl Heitmann, Ventura City Council.

Have a National Night Out at home with a police officer August 2

Registration is now open for National Night Out. Your neighborhood is invited to participate with many other neighborhoods across the country in celebration of National Night Out on Tuesday evening, August 2. Deadline for registration by phone at 339-4317 or email [email protected] is July 27.

National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event that is sponsored nationally by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Ventura Police Department. This year is the 33rd anniversary of National Night Out with over 38 million people across the country expected to participate. The evening provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together.

National Night Out is designed to: Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships; and Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and watching out for one another.

From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on August 2 residents in neighborhoods throughout Ventura and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend an evening outside with neighbors and police. Neighborhoods, Community Groups and/or Community Councils are encouraged to come together to host a variety of events ranging from simple front yard neighborhood chats, small potlucks and BBQs to large neighborhood gatherings. Some additional event ideas include, but are not limited to, ice cream socials, disaster preparedness, games, contests, discussing neighborhood issues or setting neighborhood goals, food or clothing donations, plan a clean-up day, beautify a common area, discuss or plan a Neighborhood Watch Program. It is an opportunity to be creative, have fun and celebrate your neighborhood!

The Ventura Police Department is a nationally registered participant of National Night Out. Registration is free and gives the police department an opportunity to attend local events as time and circumstances permit. For more information and to register contact Civic Engagement Specialist Ashley Bautista at 339-4317 or [email protected].

The Bargain Box is moving—up!

The Bargain Box will be in the old post office building.

by Karen Helen Szatkowski

Ventura’s Assistance League’s Bargain Box thrift store that supports many programs benefiting Ventura County’s children will be moving into the Goodwill and old post office building at 3351 Telegraph Rd. Their last day on Main Street will be in late July and opening at the new store is estimated for early to mid-August. The building will be able to support many more collections and vintage items for sale. Volunteers are abuzz brainstorming on how to best use the increased space.

The Assistance League’s Ventura chapter was founded in 1950, fifty years following the Los Angeles philanthropic organization’s beginning. The unique mission of our Ventura chapter is that it provides funding to identify and assess the particular needs of children in Ventura County and has developed programs to fit precisely those needs.

Their six programs are:
Girls Club/Teen Club
Assistance League School
Operation School Bell®
B.U.F.F.Y. Bear
Assault Survivor Kits®
Assisteens

Operation School Bell has received recognition and many thanks from school districts, children and parents in our county. It provides new school clothing to children in need from the Oxnard, Hueneme, Ventura and Ocean View Elementary School Districts. Initiated in 1993 by the League, the children receive a sweatshirt, six pairs of socks, underwear, tops and a gift card for pants, shorts, skirts and shoes as well as a personal hygiene kit, school supplies and a book. Since the program began over 20,000 kids have been able to go to school with new clothes that fit, maybe for the first time. Teachers and parents agree that the program increases students’ self-esteem and a sense of belonging with their peers–better academic performance almost always follows.

There are 400 active Assistance League member volunteers that are dedicated to the mission of the League for the, “enrichment of the lives of children in Ventura County and the betterment of their future” and because of their efforts 89% of all money raised through fundraising activities goes directly to supporting chapter programs. Over 30,000 children have received benefits from one or more of the programs since 1950.

There are several different options for membership in the League. Most members are active members and serve one shift (four hours) per month in the Bargain Box and one shift (four hours) in the program of their choice, attend monthly chapter meetings, serve on at least one committee, and have voting privileges. Dues are $60 per year.

There is always another person out there in our communities that needs help, can assist in giving help or wants to donate for others to help. Anyone interested can check out the website at http://assistanceleagueventuracounty.org or email [email protected] or 643-245 for more information.

The details of the other programs can be found on their website.

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