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Simple Steps to Good Health – June 2016, Fitness Tips

by Elisabeth Mondragon

5 Ways to Sneak in Exercise This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to check in with your healthy lifestyle goals. You might be spending less time in a gym but that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on exercise. Be creative and exercise outside! Spending active time with your family or friends outdoors is an easy way to sneak in exercise and summer fun in the sun. Here are five fun ideas.

1. Early morning walks
The thought of being outside in the summer afternoon heat can be daunting. Why not take a morning walk instead? You can even take your coffee with you, just make sure you’re walking fast enough to get your heart rate up. A lap around a scenic park, a brisk stroll down the beach or even a couple of loops around your block will ensure your day gets off to a healthy start. Bring your dogs and kids if you have them!

2. Pool exercises
There are endless opportunities to enjoy time at the pool during hot summer months. Whether you have a club membership, access to a neighborhood pool or even a day pass to the public pool, why not turn this essential summer pastime into a workout! Instead of lounging on the edge of the water, jump in! If you have kids, play Marco Polo or judge a handstand contest. If not, grab a buddy and work up a sweat racing laps or even doing water aerobics! Bonus points if there’s a water slide – all that walking up stairs is a great workout for your legs.

3. Family field day
This is a fun, active way to celebrate a summer birthday or family reunion. Take the focus off the treats and concentrate on good old-fashioned competition instead! Kids and adults can participate in a backyard games, making this a good activity for the whole family. Burlap sack races, water balloon fights, basketball and hula hooping are activities that will get your hearts pumping. Don’t forget to drink water! The hardest part will be deciding who will be on each team!

4. Volunteer
Feel good and do good – what could be better? There are thousands of outdoor volunteer opportunities across the country. Pick an active one, like rebuilding hiking trails, picking up trash at a local beach, planting trees or building a house for the less fortunate. Even if you only have one open weekend to commit, chances are there’s a need to fill in your community.
5. Recreation Leagues
Your city likely has sports leagues for all ages, whether it’s a 20-somethings kickball league, a weekly tennis game or a family softball tournament. You probably won’t even notice the exercise part — you’ll be distracted by the competition and socializing! Don’t forget to walk around, stand or cheer when it’s not your turn to participate. Getting your friends and family involved will help you stay motivated to attend.

Ventura County wildlife expert to discuss how to reduce human-coyote conflicts, June 30

On Thursday, June 30, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host “Coexisting with Coyotes,” a free open-to- the-public presentation providing information about coyotes, their behaviors and how residents can reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Wildlife biologist David Lee will make a presentation and discuss the recent uptick in urban coyote activity. The presentation, which will take place from 7 – 8 p.m. in the Poinsettia Pavilion’s Canada Larga Room, 3451 Foothill Road, will be followed by a question and answer session.

Known as “song dogs,” coyote nighttime yips and howls are often heard coming from the Ventura hills. Coyotes howl to communicate to other pack members, to coordinate hunts, establish territories and simply to let other coyotes know where they are. All too often coyotes are given a ‘bad rap’ but in reality, they are one of North America’s unique wildlife species.

During California’s ongoing drought, human-coyote interactions have increased. Coyotes on the lookout for food and water are venturing into gardens, backyards, alleyways, parks and open spaces. Favorite non-wild coyote foods include garbage, fruit from landscaped trees, and even the occasional small pet.

Lee, a senior biologist with Davey Resource Group (DRG), will discuss ways homeowners can discourage coyotes from entering their properties and how to react when they encounter a coyote in their neighborhood.

To RSVP, please visit www.venturahillsides.org/events. For more information, call VHC at: 805-643- 8044.

Local National Parks Benefit our Economy

A new National Park Service (NPS) report for 2015 shows the economic benefit of Channel Islands National Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to our local economy in supporting 761 jobs with a cumulative benefit to the local economy of nearly 74 million dollars.

324,815 visitors to Channel Islands National Park in 2015 spent over $19 million and 797,217 visitors to the federal land in Santa Monica National Recreation Area spent over $34 million in communities near the parks.

“The NPS has a presence in every community in the United States including ours,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Russell Galipeau. “National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the NPS, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”

“The scenic vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains inspire thousands of people to visit each week,” said David Szymanski, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “We are delighted that so many visitors enjoy our park and also that their visits have such a positive impact on the local economy.”

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and National Park Service economist Lynne Koontz.

The report shows $16.9 billion of direct spending by 307.2 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 295,000 jobs nationally; 252,000 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $32 billion.

According to the 2015 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (31.1 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.2 percent), gas and oil (11.8 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (9.8 percent).

Report authors this year produced an interactive tool. Users can explore current year visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added, and output effects by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users can also view year-by- year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available at the NPS Social Science Program webpage: go.nps.gov/vse.

The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state.

To learn more about national parks in California and how the National Park Service works with California communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/california.

Breaking the silence among neighbors

Dr. Joseph Attias, neurophysiologist and audiologist from the University of Haifa, will be speaking about breakthroughs in rehabilitating deafness and his work in Israel done in cooperation with the Kingdom of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.

Among Dr. Attias’ findings is that the incidence of deafness in Jordanian children is four times greater than for Israeli children. His research also has found that children under 17 months should not have cochlear implants if the deafness is caused by malfunctioning connections between hair cells and the auditory nerve.

Dr. Attias was born in Morocco and has lived in Israel since 1962. He is a full Professor, Department of Communication Disorder, University of Haifa. He has published extensively and is a sought after speaker internationally. He is currently teaching at USC.

The presentation to be held Friday, July 1st, beginning at 6:30 pm, is being sponsored by Congregation Am HaYam, 4839 Market Street, Unit C, and the University of Haifa. Join the congregation for a light supper at 5:30 pm or for more information about Dr. Attias’ presentation, please [email protected] or 232.6442.

Grove Incident: Up to 700 barrels of crude oil spilled in Hall Canyon, Ventura, CA

A press conference was held at 12noon today at the San Buenaventura State Beach parking lot, 901 San Pedro Street regarding the crude oil pipeline spill in Hall Canyon, Ventura.

There are no evacuations and no health risks to the community.

At 5:30a.m. today a crude oil spill was reported in the city of Ventura in Hall Canyon, and originated in the northwestern part of the city. The spill traveled a half mile from the Prince Barranca into Hall Canyon, where it has been stopped. Early reports confirm up to 700 barrels have flowed into Prince Barranca. The pump station where the leak originated has been shut down, and any flow at this point is residual.

The cause of the leak is undetermined and under investigation.

The flow ends in a catch basin in the Prince Barranca and does not flow to the ocean.

The incident is currently in the containment and evaluation phase; and the flow has been stopped before it could reach the ocean, minimizing environmental impacts.

One road closure is in effect at Hall Canyon Road and Fairview Drive.

Emergency responders are assessing any other areas the oil may be flowing to, and HazMat is monitoring air quality.

Community members were sent the following VC Alert message to keep them updated on the incident, “The oil spill in Hall Canyon is currently contained in the Prince Barranca. Crews will be working around the area and residents are advised to avoid contact with the oil and take safeguards to protect pets and property. Residents may smell strong odors and at this time air quality monitoring is taking place. Further information will be released as it becomes available.” Residents may request VC Alert notifications by texting “VC Alert to “313131”.

Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) annual Empowerment is Priceless event

Nearly 300 women and men attended non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) annual Empowerment is Priceless event held on May 12th at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. The breakfast fundraiser recognized WEV’s 2016 Trailblazer, Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year award winners. WEV clients also shared their personal experiences as entrepreneurs and how their businesses have evolved as a result of their involvement with WEV.

WEV’s Trailblazer Award is presented each year to a woman who is a pioneer in her industry, exemplifying courage, vision and the tenacity to overcome barriers. This year, WEV honored Kate McLean, former president of the Ventura County Community Foundation and a leading advocate for social good in the Ventura community.

The 2016 WEV Business of the Year award went to Reyna Chavez, owner of Scrubs on the Run Uniforms and Accessories, Inc., one of the region’s only providers of high-quality scrub uniforms and accessories for medical professionals.

City of Ventura Imagination camps & classes

heck out hundreds more on web-site
Call 658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
CAMPS/Classes/Events held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Puppy Care: Raising a Happy Puppy 18 years-adult
6/25 Saturday 10 am-12 pm $20 #6419
Learn from Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Professional Dog Trainer Shannon Coyner what to look for in a puppy, how to prepare your home, when to start training and much more. No dogs at class. Class held at Ventura Pet Wellness, 3521 Arundel Circle #B.

Animation Creators: Stop Motion Animation! 8-12 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 9 am-12 pm $190 #5824
Work with your favorite toys to create fun and original stop motion animations as you learn basic concepts such as camera angles, storyboards, scripting elements and theme as well as voiceovers and a musical score.

Filmmaking: From Script to Premiere! 8-12 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 1-4 pm $190 #5825
Learn directing, story development and acting skills as you produce an original film using handheld video cameras and editing software and integrating special/sound effects and a musical score.

Minecraft Build Adventure Game Using LEGO® 5-7 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 9 am-12 pm $190 #5816
Resourcefulness, creativity and cooperation come together in this unique building adventure game; roll the dice to mine for resources to build special items to help in our adventures. Camp held at Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 E Ralston St, Room 206.

Minecraft Build Survival Game Using LEGO® 8-12 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 1-4 pm $190 #5817
Bring Minecraft to life using LEGO® as well as resourcefulness, creativity and cooperation in this unique building adventure game; roll the dice to mine for resources, craft tools, and watch out for Creepers! Camp held at Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 E Ralston St, Room 206.

Rock & Roll High Guitar Building Camp 10-18 years
6/27-7/1 M-F 1-4 pm $100+$99 materials fee #5803
Design and build your own custom electric guitar to keep and rock out with. No experience necessary. At Arroyo Verde Park Center.

Star Wars Hip Hop Dance Camp 5-9 years
7/5-7/8 Tu-F 1-4 pm $104 #6703
Make light sabers and masks. Dance to Star Wars music. C3PO could not handle all this excitement, don’t let him short circuit! Camp held at Billy Clower Dance Studio, 75 MacMillan Ave.

Projects in Physical Science 8-12 years
7/5-7/8 Tu-F 9 am-12 pm $155+$10 materials fee #5847
Explore the physical science basics of motion, light, sound and magnetism with lots of take home projects. Instructors Rich & Joan Borgioli.

Fairytales in the Park
7/9 Saturday 4pm free
Fairytales in the Park is celebrating its 22nd season! Join us at Barranca Vista Park for a production of Little Red Riding Hood. Performances are the 2nd Saturday of every month. Bring a blanket, picnic and low lawn chairs.

Ojai Portrait Artist – Ojai Community Bank – Reception Thursday, June 16, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Charcoal portraits drawn by Sandy Treadwell will be on display at the Ojai Community Bank until July 29.

Treadwell has been a journalist and politician and was New York Secretary of State. He and his wife Libby moved to Ojai in 2010 to be near their Los Angeles-based family. In 2014 he became a student of Ojai artist Dan Schultz and discovered both an ability to draw and the joy of portraiture.

His portraits – many are Ojai residents – are done in charcoal on paper.

Ojai Community Bank, 402 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai

City of Ventura announces appointment of City Clerk

Antoinette Mann comes to Ventura from Thousand Oaks

Ventura City Manager Mark Watkins is pleased to announce the appointment of Antoinette Mann to the position of City Clerk.

Ms. Mann brings over 20 years of experience to the City Clerk profession. Most recently, she has served as a Deputy City Clerk for the City of Thousand Oaks, where she has experience in an array of City Clerk services, including preparation of the City’s public agenda process, Brown Act compliance, municipal election administration, records management, and Public Records Act administration. Ms. Mann has also served as a Records Manager consultant to other local government organizations and is an expert in the field.

Ms. Mann has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State Northridge, and holds professional certificates as Master Municipal Clerk, Certified Municipal Clerk, and Certificated Records Manager. She is a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the California City Clerks Association, the Association of Records Managers and Administrators, and the International Institute of Certified Records Managers.

“The City is looking forward to Antoinette being a leader in our continuing efforts to meet the City Council Goal of enhancing public trust. She brings the qualities and experience that we were looking for to carry the City Clerk Office into the future and we look forward to her joining our management team,” said City Manager Mark Watkins.

In her role as the City Clerk, Ms. Mann will oversee the council meeting agendas and minutes process, manage recruitment for appointments on city boards and committees, coordinate regular municipal and special elections, serve as the custodian of official records and oversee the citywide records management program including preparing and maintaining records of council legislative actions, along with a host of other responsibilities of the Office.

Mann was selected through an open, competitive recruitment process and will assume the position on June 20, 2016.

Trevor Norris-House Inside Out and Other Stories at Vita Art Center

Vita Art Center, 432 North Ventura Ave. Studio 30 www.vitaartcenter.com

Trevor Norris-House Inside Out and Other Stories

Opening reception: July 1 from 6-9 p.m.

Exhibit until July 30

Gallery hours: M-F 10-4 pm Sat. and Sun. by appointment

“The works shown in House Inside Out and Other Stories pay homage to my family history, and to some amazing examples of unintentional and ephemeral art that I see every day on walls driving around Southern California. It’s not graffiti that interests me, most of it made in a far too self-conscious and ego driven manner – I am more intrigued by tagging painted over with colors that don’t match, in shapes that don’t conform to anything familiar. Combining these influences, I aim to reveal the personal in a universal way without resorting to a literal narrative. You will not be able to ‘read’ my story in these paintings.”

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