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Museum events

The Museum of Ventura County presents its 2nd Latina Film Festival on Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13. Saturday’s event begins at 7:00 pm with a dessert reception, followed by screenings and a tribute to actor Evelina Fernández. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased on site or in advance at the museum. Sunday’s program begins at 2:00 pm, and costs $5 per person.

The main requirement for submitted work to the festival is that the film be directed, written or produced by a Latina; short films (30 minutes and under) and features were both acceptable.

The purpose of the Annual Latina Film Festival is to showcase Latina art through film direction, producing and writing. Winners of the Latina Film Festival will be announced on March 12 at the festival. Proceeds from the event go to support the Museum’s educational and family programs.

Dr. Jon M. Erlandson, archaeologist and professor at the University of Oregon, will discuss over 13,000 years of archaeological evidence that provide a glimpse into how humans have adapted to life on the Channel Islands.

This special lecture will be hosted at the Museum of Ventura County on March 10, at 7:00 pm, as part of a celebration of the National Park Service Centennial and the 150th Anniversary for the City of Ventura.

Recent interdisciplinary research on the northern islands, including work being done by archaeologists, historians, paleontologists, and ecologists, reveals the many ways in which humans on the islands both adapted and actively shaped their sometimes changing environments.

Erlandson received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has taught archaeology at the University of Oregon since 1990.

This lecture is $5.00 per adult. Admission for children is free.

For more information, call 653-0323 or visit venturamuseum.org.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Rubicon Theatre Company presents the American Premiere of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, written by Jethro Compton and directed by Jenny Sullivan. The time is 1890; the place, the Wild West. Ransome Foster, a scholar from the East in search of adventure, is beaten and left for dead on the outskirts of town. He is rescued by a grizzled gunslinger and taken to Two Trees (not our Two Trees), where he falls for a local girl. Will her love be enough to save him when Liberty Valance comes to town?

Based on the short story that inspired the John Ford film,. Rubicon Theatre Company’s 2015-2016 Season continues with the American premiere of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Adapted from the short story by Dorothy M. Johnson that also inspired the legendary John Ford 1962 film, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a classic tale of love, honor, ambition and revenge set against the backdrop of the American West. This classic tale will leave you breathless as it draws to its compelling conclusion.

Says Rubicon Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns, “We are thrilled to present the first production anywhere in the U.S. of this consummately Western story, for which we owe a great debt to Steven Schipper and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and to Samuel French. It is perfect to produce the premiere in Ventura, which is also known as Two Trees (the name of the town in the story).”

Among the cast are Venturan’s Gregory Harrison, Joseph Fuqua and Dillion Francis.

Previews: Wednesday, March 2 at 7:00 p.m. ($25), Thursday, March 3 at 8:00 p.m. and Friday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. ($30)

Opening Night: Saturday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m.
Closes: Sunday, March 20

Regular performance times and prices:
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ($44) and 7 p.m. ($49) (Talkbacks following Wednesday evening shows except during previews)
Thursdays at 8 p.m. ($44)
Fridays at 8 p.m. ($44)
Saturdays at 2 p.m. ($54) and 8 p.m. ($54)
Sundays at 2 p.m. ($54)

Egg-Citement and mermaids at Ventura Harbor Village

Mermaids have been spotted seaside at Ventura Harbor Village. Photo by Dan Harding

Hop on over for family fun at Ventura Harbor’s Cottontail Day Festival, Saturday, March 19th from 10 AM – 3 PM, featuring egg hunts, petting zoo, kid’s crafts, and children’s entertainment; all geared towards families with kids ages 1 – 7 years old.

The Cottontail Day festivities give children a chance to take a photo or grab a hug with the Cottontail Bunny. Children ages 1 –7 can join in the $2 Egg Hunt held every 15-30 minutes from 11 AM – 2 PM (includes free coloring book while supplies last). Kids that find a “Golden Egg” will happily hop away with extra prizes. A Village Scavenger Hunt offers clues leading guests to a Hoppy Surprise! More family fun activities include: pony rides, petting zoo, henna and glitter tattoos, face painting, tumbling fun

Come early and enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of the many harbor-view restaurants, and visit Harbor Village boutiques for unique gift items. Stop by the Village Arcade and play a fun family game or explore sea-life on a Harbor cruise or pedal boat rental with the family. Need an extra treat for Easter baskets? Take home delicious homemade fudge, French pastries, or waffle cone gift certificates.

On Sunday, March 27th from Noon – 3 PM the Harbor Is Hopping with Easter brunches, Cottontail Bunny, free kids’ crafts, Village Arcade & Carousel, boutique shops, and live Dixieland Jazz band, “Main Street Jazz” at the Village Carousel Stage.

In March mermaids have been spotted seaside at Ventura Harbor Village. From nautical finds to coastal décor, fashion and artwork inspired by the sea, Ventura Harbor Village pays homage to the mermaid in all of us to celebrate seaside with Mermaid Madness!

A colorful Mermaid People’s Parade will kick off the month long festivities on Sunday, March 6 at 1 pm at the Fisherman’ s Memorial , followed by a Ukulele Jam at the Ventura Harbor Village Carousel Stage.

Mermaid Meet & Greets Sunday, March 6, 13, 20 from 1-4 pm, complimented with special sales, classes and culinary delights through the month.

Sip on a Blue Mermaid Margarita or savor a Seafood Scramble at the Boatyard Café or homemade Seafood Crepes on special for month of March at Le Petit Café. For a sweet treat taste the Sea Monster Oreo Shake or Mermaid Dream Sundae at Coastal Cone Ice Cream this March, or mermaid-inspired spun cotton candy at Village Carousel & Arcade on weekends. Beautiful jewelry, coastal finds for kids and adults are found throughout the locally owned boutiques and galleries at Ventura Harbor Village.

March features various classes and art activities as well, such as Tina O’ Brien Gallery & Studio Mermaid Painting or Drawing Demo every Wednesday and Friday in March from noon-2pm or adult coloring days and kids’ crafts, and Sunday, March 13^th from 6-8pm attend a Mermaid Paint Party at The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood hosted by The December Store and More (Reservations and fee apply).

For a listing of full details and to learn more, visit Venturaharborvillage.com with updates added regularly.

Vol. 9, No. 11 – March 2 – March 15, 2016 – Professor Scamp

• From a previous issue (or two). “A 21 year old girl was killed by a hit and run driver and her white, female Maltese/Poodle mix named “Coco” was with the young girl and took off running.”

My friend Lyn Fairly, from KVTA News Talk Radio 1590am told me “What is so sad Scamp is this young girl was homeless and living with Coco in her boyfriend’s car, he too is homeless. You know about this because you help find homes for dogs and cats.”

The amazing good news is that Coco was recently found on 7th street all the way in Oxnard! I want to thank the human for rescuing her after all this time. She is at the Ventura County Animal Shelter in Camarillo.

Animal ID # A637596. Only $125.00 to adopt and that includes free vet checkup, spay or neuter, all shots, license and a microchip(I have one of those. I agreed because I thought they said potato chip).

She is an adorable Maltese- mini poodle mix.

• On Tuesday, March 3 SPAN is sponsoring a $10 low cost spay neuter clinic in partnership with Valley Vet Non-Profit Veterinarians to help reduce pet overpopulation. There is an article (not written by me, I am much too busy) in this issue about SCAN and this event.

• The Herman Bennett Foundation is a nonprofit organization helping qualified low-income individuals and military with the spay and neuter of their cats and dogs. They cover 100% of the spay/neuter procedure cost. The foundation also provides funding to partnered veterinary clinics for the spay and neuter of feral cats. Spaying and neutering plays a major role in helping control the animal population and preventing the needless death of cats and dogs.

They are having a wonderful fund raiser, a ride on a train and lunch(See ad in this issue). Proceeds go directly to the Herman Bennett Foundation 501(c)(3) to help fund their Spay/Neuter programs across Ventura County. Call 445-7171 to reserve tickets.

Come spend the day on a 1940’s vintage locomotive (reserved train car) as you journey through the countryside with two stops to explore along the way. Depart from Fillmore Western Railway Train Station and head through Santa Paula while enjoying the scenic orchards and hillsides.

Enjoy a delicious full box lunch made fresh by Whole Foods Oxnard (included with each paid ticket).

Visit the Ventura County Agricultural Museum and their incredible collection of vintage tractors (admission and kids craft are included).

Make a special stop at the Loose Caboose gift and garden shop where live birds, fish and turtles can also be found. Win cool prizes for being the first to complete their Train Adventure Scavenger Hunt during your trip.

A fun day for a great cause. Maybe you will see my editor there.

• By my friend Victoria Usher

The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported that six border collie puppies, all from the same litter, were found abandoned in a Merced trash bin. The six puppies were all taken to the veterinary offices of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, it was there that veterinarians were able to determine that the puppies were probably around four months old. Krista Maloney, SPCA spokeswoman, explained that a hair salon worker was taking out the trash when she noticed something move inside a different trash bag and when she looked inside she found the six border collie puppies. The veterinarians haven’t completed all of their other medical evaluations yet but they do appear to be healthy. SPCA is asking for any donations in order to help cover vaccines and other expenses. I think I speak for everyone when I say that I’m glad that those pups are safe!

Scamp: How sad, and border collie’s are considered to be the smartest dogs. But, I’m still the cutest.

• Well, for one more time a Shih Tzu wasn’t selected the best in show but at least we were selected best in the Toy category. Isn’t it nice that we are considered toys ? Toys bring lots of joy to little kids (and big ones).

America’s top dog at the 140th Westminster Kennel Club was CJ, a German shorthaired pointer.

CJ won best in show beating a couple of top favorites at a nearly packed Madison Square Garden who cheered on their favorites.

The 3-year-old CJ beat 2,751 other entries in 199 breeds (there are that many?) and varieties to win the nation’s most prestigious dog competition.

A borzoi called Lucy finished second. CJ also topped a Skye terrier, German shepherd, bulldog, shih tzu and Samoyed.

Amazing John Funk Turns 100

John and Gloria enjoying John’s golden birthday.

By Jody Fickes Shapiro

Turning 100 is definitely a big deal…and still playing bridge besides. Well, that is downright impressive. To celebrate both amazing achievements, John Funk invited the entire membership of his bridge group and their spouses to join him for a catered supper at the Ventura Marina Mobilehome Park.

John was born on February 2, 1916, on Staten Island, N. Y. Europe was already at war , but General Pershing, who in 1917 led the American’s into battle overseas, was in Mexico in hot pursuit of Pancho Villa. Montanan Jeanette Rankin was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, and a first class letter stamp was 2 cents.

John’s family expected he would eventually join the family’s publishing business. After all, his father was editor-in-chief of the Funk and Wagnell’s dictionary division. John and his five siblings spent many hours at spelling practice. He continues to be a stickler when it comes to correct English. His friends say he is unbeatable at Scrabble.

In spite of the family’s expectations that he become a reference book publisher, he avoided college for five years working at a variety of odd jobs until he finally enrolled at The University of Michigan. In 1942, he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and married his beautiful wife, Jean whom he met as she sat with friends at a bridge table. When he graduated, the country was again at war.

John joined the Army Air Corps, and remained in the military for 27 years. During World War II, he served as pilot and engineering officer on the DC-3, B-17, B-29, and B-24 aircraft. Although a knee injury prevented him from seeing combat, he accrued over 5,000 hours of flight time, serving in the U.S. and England. During the Vietnam War, he alternated between there and The Philippines as Commander of the 1867^th Facilities Checking Squadron.

Following his Air Force retirement, Major John returned to engineering. In 1979, upon retirement from The County of San Bernadino, he and Jean, with whom he had raised four children, discovered the Ventura Marina Mobile Home Park.

John, a bridge Life Master, was taught the game by his parents. John and his wife Jean played social bridge and tried duplicate when was at the Air Force Station in Newark, Ohio, but Jean preferred social bridge. John, however, continued to play wherever he was.

In the early 1980’s John met Mike Gaddis at the mobile home park and introduced him to duplicate and they have been Sunday partners ever since.

When John’s wife passed away, in 1991, he continued to play duplicate. One day up at a game in Ojai, he met another lovely lady, Gloria Lemmo, who had taught pharmacy at Ventura College. They married in 1994 and spent many years travelling the world, finding a bridge game wherever they could.

When asked by a reporter what makes John happy, his response was, “I’m just happy to wake up in the morning.”

Vol. 9, No. 11 – March 2 – March 15, 2016 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

2-13

6am-6pm, officers observing very large surf and dangerous conditions. Issuing warnings and terminating voyages for hundreds of people on vessels and on the beaches around the harbor.

3:45pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue at the Ventura Pier. Officers assisted with a surfer in distress. He was safely brought back to the beach.

3:55pm, received a dispatch to a diabetic emergency at Spinnaker and Harbor intersection. Officers responded and assist city fire and AMR with the patient.

9:23pm, received a report of an unconscious person in a restroom in the village. Officers responded and assisted AMR with the local transient who was transported to local hospital for further evaluation.

2-14

4:37pm, officers observed a 24ft vessel inbound from the South. Officers intercepted the vessel outside the Harbor and sent them back to CI Harbor.

6:10pm, received a dispatch to a traffic accident near Andria’s seafood. Officers responded but it was determined to be a non-injury accident and both parties did not want to pursue compensation for very minor damage.

7:25pm, received a dispatch to a person choking in the marina mobile home park. Officers responded and assisted an 86 year old female who ingested a cold medicine pill that was lodged in her throat. She was released at the scene.

2-16 6am-6pm, officers escorting several vessels throughout the day in and out of the Harbor due to the safety zone closure by U.S. coast guard.

2-17 9:30am, received a report of a Hazard to navigation, officers removed a 10ft log from the main channel of the Harbor. It was towed out at the launch ramp to be disposed of.

6am-6pm, officers escorted all different sorts of vessels all day into and out of the Harbor.

2-19 11:15pm, received a report that the Harbor Entrance is dredged enough to open the Harbor to all boating traffic. Officers contacted the U.S. coast guard, marina’s, boatyards and businesses throughout the harbor and advised of the re-opening of the harbor.

2-20 3:41pm, received a dispatch to an ill person at 1500 Spinnaker Drive from FCC. Officers responded to assist but unable to locate patient.

8:35pm, received a dispatch to boat yard café for a medical from FCC. Officers were cancelled en route to the call.

2-21 8:20am, received a dispatch to a water rescue at the Ventura Pier from FCC. Officers assisted several agencies searching for an 8 year old male who was last seen surfing south of the pier. The victim was found safely on the beach after a short search.

12:00pm, received a mayday call on VHF 16. Officers responded to a vessel that lost power outside the Harbor entrance. Vessel assist eventually took over the tow.

Vol. 9, No. 11 – March 2 – March 15, 2016 – Police Reports

Robbery

On December 30th, in 2015, at 6:30 p.m., the VPD received a call reporting a robbery. The victim was approached by three suspects in front of the Red Barn Liquor, located at 1285 North Ventura Avenue. The suspects confronted the victim and demanded money from him. Then they attacked the victim by punching and kicking him. The victim sustained minor injuries but they were not life threatening.

On Wednesday, January 6th, 2016, suspect Kenneth Cox was taken into custody. The next day, suspect Jacob Pulido was taken into custody as well.

For the next few weeks, VP Detectives tracked the third suspect, Gabriel Cueva, to Las Vegas. On Thursday, February 11th, Las Vegas Metro Police Department located suspect Cueva and took him into custody. Cueva is due to be transported back to Ventura.

Hit and Run Fatality

On Friday, February 19th, at 12:02 a.m., the VPD received a call from a citizen reporting a hit and run traffic collision at the intersection of Telegraph Road and Saticoy Avenue. The responding officers located the victim, an 14 year old male, lying face down in the roadway. The victim had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The VPD was contacted on Friday evening, 2/19/16, by the driver of a tow truck that was being sought by Ventura Police traffic investigators. Investigators took possession of the tow truck and, after preliminary investigation, believe it to be the flatbed tow vehicle that was involved in the collision with the victim. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Martin Henderson.

The preliminary investigation conducted by the Ventura Police Department’s Traffic Division indicates that the 14 year old victim was on a bicycle traveling southbound Saticoy Avenue and that he crossed Telegraph Road against a red light. The tow truck was eastbound Telegraph Road proceeding through a green light and collided with the bicyclist in the intersection. The two truck continued eastbound and did not stop. A short time later, a second vehicle hit the victim and continued driving as well.

Arrest of an Attempted Murder Suspect

On Friday, February 27, at 9:45p.m. the Ventura Police Department Command Center was contacted by the Nye County Sheriff’s Department in Nevada. They were investigating an attempted murder that had occurred in Sparks, Nevada and they had received information that the suspect, Cody Barnes 21 Nevada resident was in Ventura. VPD officers responded to area of 1245 S. Petit Ave, and located the suspect’s vehicle parked an unoccupied.

A surveillance team responded to the apartment complex to monitor the vehicle, while VPD detectives coordinated resources with Nye County. A short time later, the surveillance team reported to the patrol units stationed in the area that the suspect vehicle was driving away from the apartment complex. A high risk stop was conducted on the suspect vehicle in the area of Telephone Rd and Cachuma Ave. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and he was armed with a handgun at the time of his arrest. At this time, it is unknown if the weapon recovered was used in the attempted murder incident. The suspect was transported and placed in the Ventura County Jail awaiting extradition to Nevada.

Billiards anyone?

senior billards — “You old guys think that you can beat me? Bring it on.”

The pilot program for Ventura Senior Billiards has been extended for another six month period (until July), thanks to the City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Departments partnership with Stix Billiards, 2520 E. Main St.

Two regulation Brunswick Gold Crown tables are reserved for Ventura senior billiard players from 1 PM to 5 Pm, Monday thru Friday. Free play for one hour (or more if the tables are not in use).

Tournament celebrating 85 years of golf in Ventura to be held April 1st

Buenaventura is an award-winning 18-hole golf facility.
Photo by Michael Gordon

Coinciding with the City of Ventura’s 150th year celebration, Buenaventura Golf Course will host a golf tournament in celebration of 85 years of golf in Ventura. The tournament will be held on Friday, April 1st, at 1:00 in the afternoon. Take a step back in time to the way golf used to be, with knickers and hickory sticks. A fun afternoon is planned and golfers are encouraged to dress in 1930’s golf attire. An award will be given to the best dressed as well as many other awards and prizes. Food and beverage will also be provided to all participants before and after the round. For more information and to register, please visit www.buenaventuragolf.com/85years.

“We are looking forward to a great day on the golf course in celebration of the long-standing history of golf in the city of Ventura.” said Carl-Van Vallier, General Manager of Buenaventura Golf Course.

Fans of the sport will most definitely enjoy this celebration of the course. Fans may also be interested in FanDuel’s fantasy golf to switch up the way they view the sport.

About Buenaventura Golf Course

Owned by the City of Ventura, and managed by KemperSports since 2010, Buenaventura is an award-winning 18-hole golf facility originally designed by William F. Bell and redesigned by Forrest Richardson. The parkland-style design of the 6,054-yard golf course incorporates mature trees, subtle undulations and rolling contours suitable for all playing abilities. Buenaventura has previously been rated 4 Stars by Golf Digest “Best Places to Play.” For more information visit www.buenaventuragolf.com

Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports builds, owns and manages golf courses, resorts, athletic clubs and lodging venues across the U.S., Caribbean and Central America. The company’s award-winning portfolio includes nationally-ranked courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, named the No. 1 Golf Resort in North America by Golf Digest and GOLF magazine; The Glen Club; Desert Willow Golf Resort; Harbor Shores, site of the 2012 and 2014 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid; and Chambers Bay, host of the 2010 U.S. Amateur and the 2015 U.S. Open. For more information about KemperSports, please visit http://www.kempersports.com.

Harbor waterways entrance now open

Minor dredging work is still continuing at the open Harbor.
Photo by Richard Lieberman

The Ventura Harbor waterways entry is open for normal boating traffic. The dredging at Ventura Harbor will remain in and around the harbor for the next month to continue efforts to remove hazards in the harbor entrance. Boaters should be aware and carefully navigate around the dredge and its equipment.

The modified Safety Zone will remain in effect to warn boaters of the hazards associated with the dredge and its pipes, but otherwise will allow boaters to maneuver through the entrance with caution. The dredge can be contacted on Marine Channels 16 & 67 for questions or passing instructions. Information on the Safety Zone can be located at www.venturaharbor.com under News.

Ventura Harbor businesses are fully operational in the Harbor including all boatyards, fuel docks, restaurants, shops, activities, hotels, excursions, and onsite events. Inner Harbor boating and paddle craft traffic is allowed.

On February 9, 2016, the District was advised by Congresswoman Julia Brownley that the 2016 FY U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan includes an additional $2.5 million for the dredging project currently underway. This brings the total dredging allocation for this year to $7.3 million.

Manson Construction, who was contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, began mobilizing their equipment in the Ventura Harbor the week of January 25, 2016 and is currently dredging in the harbor entrance. Once Manson completes the dredging in the main channel, the Safety Zone initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard will be lifted.

Harbormaster John Higgins states three factors which have led to making the entrance very dangerous “unusually large waves and swells from the El Nino condition, shoaling and a strong current running along the inside of the breakwater.”

Dredging Manager Richard Parsons and Ventura Port District Commissioners Everard Ashworth and Greg Carson have met with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who are responsible for the dredging of the harbor, and helped secure the additional $2 million for dredging.

The depth of the entrance channel, normally about 40 feet, was as shallow as 14 feet and narrow to the point that two boats could not safely pass one another in the entrance, said Higgins. The district estimates there were 900,000 cubic yards of sand in the harbor sand trap and entrance.

The Harbor Patrol can also be reached at 642-8618. Business assistance opportunities might be available for those affected by the closure. Visit www.venturaharbor.com and click on the News article for the link.

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