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Suicide averted on Seaward Bridge

On Feb.3, at 10:50pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a citizen reporting a subject standing on Seaward Bridge over the 101 freeway. Officers arrived on scene and confirmed a male subject was standing on the ledge of the bridge, and he was threatening to jump.

The Ventura City Fire Department, AMR, and a response team from the Ventura County Crisis Unit all arrived on scene to assist with this incident. The CHP assisted with the freeway closure and diverting traffic onto surface streets.

Police and Fire personnel worked in conjunction with the Crisis Team to calmly resolve the situation peacefully. Eventually, they were able to convince the subject to come off the ledge and return to safety after four hours of negotiating. The subject was unharmed as a result of this incident, and was taken into custody for his own safety. He was transported by AMR to VCMC for an assessment.

A Funny Thing Happened at the Scherr Forum

A ribald, raucous and politically incorrect good time.

by Sheli Ellsworth

Opening night at A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by the Cabrillo Music Theatre was a ribald, raucous and politically incorrect good time. Utilizing vaudevillian humor and burlesque bawdry, the cast launched the tale of Roman slave Pseudolus scheming his way to freedom with veteran showman Nick Santa Maria playing Pseudolus. Santa Maria led the comedic charge brilliantly. Flanked by the hysterical Larry Raben as Hysterium, the two ingenious funnymen had the audience in stitches for the entire two acts while they ad-libbed at will. Andrew Metzger as Marcus Lycus, “the merchant of love, gentlemen and procurer,” introduced his own fresh conviviality as the flesh peddler next door.

The classic song, “Everybody Ought to have a Maid,” was an instant audience favorite explaining the neighborhood courtesans were merely maids. However, choreographer John Charron did due diligence to disclaim this when the courtesans took the stage. Adeptly directed by Ovation winner Lewis Wilkenfeld, the entire cast ticked off exact comedic timing leaving no moment without hilarity. Look for mistaken identities, long lost

The musical farce runs through Sunday, February 14, making it the perfect sweetheart date. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is an additional matinee with free parking on February 10 at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office at 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. They can also be purchased at www.cabrillomusictheatre.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Hector Cristena-Cruz Hector Cristena-Cruz accepts position as Commercial Fleet Account Manager at Paradise Chevrolet

With 23 years in the auto industry, 18 of those in the commercial truck and fleet end Hector Cristena-Cruz has decided to take on a new Location and has accepted a position as Commercial Fleet Account Manager at Paradise Chevrolet in Ventura. Hector will be working with the same companies, cities, county agencies, school districts and individuals that he’s had in the Los Angeles area, And now is here to provide all Ventura County with the full line of Chevrolet trucks, custom utility vehicles, vans, SUV’s and automobiles for your fleet or personal use.

Businesses, register your company team for the 2016 Corporate Games

Have fun, build teamwork and boost staff morale – register your company team before Feb.11 for the 2016 Corporate Games, Ventura County’s ultimate sports competition. Register online at www.venturacorporategames.org or call the Corporate Games Hotline at 658-4738. Join thousands of employees representing more than 90 companies in this 6-week business-to-business team-sports competition featuring over 26 different events. Games are held March 19 to May 7.

Corporate Games is the fun way to build your team and provide great health benefits, and this year’s theme is “Teamwork wins!” With a proven track record of building camaraderie through teamwork and lasting relationships among company employees who participate, the games offer a wide variety of events so companies can tailor participation based on staff interests.

Companies may compete in many sports and games such as Basketball, Bowling, Dodge Ball, Horseshoes, Lazertag, MB2 Racing, Paintball, Softball and Texas Hold’em, just to name a few. Employees pursue individual Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. Company Teams compete for Overall Division Trophies and Team Spirit Awards.

Corporate Games is hosted by the City of Ventura.

For more information about the Corporate Games call 658-4738 or visit www.venturacorporategames.org.

City classes from photography to yoga

City of Ventura Classes check 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

Classes/Events held the Barranca Vista Center, 7050 Ralston Street unless otherwise noted.

Carpinteria Seal Rookery Hike 18 years-adult
2/5 Friday 9:10 am-2:45 pm $40+$20 materials fee #5666
Hike along the Coastal Vista Trail in Carpentaria. Stop to plein air sketch the harbor seals and new pups plus incorporate watercolor and ink pen. Meet at Ventura train station (Harbor Boulevard and Figueroa Street) by 9:10 am. Train leaves at 9:30 am. $22 train ticket not included in class fees–purchase online or on the day of at the station kiosk. Lunch (self-paid) at local spot. Leave Carpentaria train station 2:19 pm arrive back in Ventura 2:41 pm.

Learn Digital Photography (Beginning /Intermediate) 16 years-adult
2/6 Saturday 3-6 pm $65 #5479
Build up your understanding of digital photography from basic concepts (first two hours) through advanced techniques (second two hours) including camera use, lenses, equipment, tripods, understanding exposure and composition. Classes held at the Barranca Vista Center, 7050 E Ralston St in Ventura.

Computer Animation Fundamentals with PC 8-12 years
2/8-3/7 Monday 3:45-5:45 pm $125 #5636
In small groups students will focus on learning introductory computer drawing animation techniques and create original characters, voiceovers, speech and short animated stories! Bring pencils, snacks, and USB drive on final day. At Bible fellowship Church, 6950 Ralston St Room 206.

Introduction to Video Game Design 8-12 years
2/9-3/8 Tuesday 3:45-5:45 pm $125 #5563
Beginning Game Developers will work with a partner to conceive, design and build their own original interactive video game, including characters, backgrounds and theme. Students will use creative and critical thinking to complete their games. Bring pencils, snacks, and USB drive on final day.

AM Yoga & Melt for Renewal 16 years-adult
2/9-3/1 Tuesday 8-8:45 am $55 # 5579
The simple and deeply relaxing yoga poses of the Melt Method re-hydrate connective tissue to restore neurological balance, stability, and joint mobility. Bring towel, mat and dress comfortably. Instructor Mary Lincoln.

Westpark Community Center receives a “Health Champion Award”

Ventura’s Westpark Community Center is named a “Health Champion Award” recipient for its “excellent programs that contribute to a healthier Ventura County”. The Partnership for a Health Ventura County (PHVC) bestows these annual awards on behalf of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, which will recognize all recipients during a TBD March meeting as part of National Nutrition Month.

Westpark Community Center staff will make a public presentation of their award-winning programs on Thursday, February 4, at 9am, at the Ventura County Public Health Department, 2240 E Gonzales Road in Oxnard. Award winners are selected from the nominees each January by their related PHVC committees.

“Westpark Community Center is a true model for other organizations to follow in creating, supporting and sustaining a healthy environment for local Ventura residents,” said Eddie Munizich, Chair of the Healthy in Your Neighborhood and at Home Committee.

The Westpark Community Center, operated by the City of Ventura Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships, offers food/produce distributions, health screenings, nutrition workshops, Zumba® classes, community health fairs, homework and tutoring support, physical activity and recreation opportunities, enrichment classes, sports leagues and youth camps – all while teaching Westside youth about the importance of self-esteem, leadership, good character, responsibility and respect.

National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) coming to Ventura

The Southern California show of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) is coming to Ventura. The show which attracts hundreds of vendors and watch and clock collectors will be held at the San Miguel Hall at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on February 19 and 20. A Friday morning program, “Time to Go,” featuring traveling time pieces is free and open to the public, as is the Saturday morning program, “Music in Clocks and Clocks in Music.” The Friday mart featuring thousands of clocks and watches for sale from vendors from California, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada is open to members of the NAWCC. The sales floor is open to the public on Saturday, from 9am to 3pm. Admission is $5. Bring your clock or watch to the show for a free evaluation. Further information is available on the web at chair2016.com or at [email protected].

Benefactors’ Ball to honor physicians and community leader Barbara Meister

Barbara Meister from the Face Of Ventura portrait series by Johanna Spinks.

The Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation is holding its 43rd Benefactors’ Ball on Saturday, April 16, with proceeds benefitting the new Community Memorial Hospital.

At this event, three notable individuals will be recognized with the prestigious Cephas Bard Award, named after the founder of the first Community Memorial Hospital. Awardees to be recognized at this event are: CMH Physician – Dr. Thomas F. Golden, CMH Retired Physician – Dr. William L. Hart, and Community Member of the Year – Barbara Meister.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at O’Brien Hall at Historic Mission San Buenaventura. Dinner is set for 7 p.m., with dancing and music at 8 p.m. The evening is black tie optional.

The event represents an opportunity for residents to support community-based healthcare. The new Community Memorial Hospital will feature advanced medical technology, all private rooms and a considerably larger emergency department.

For information, tickets or sponsorship, visit www.benefactorsball.org, or call the foundation office at 667-2881.

Magical Night at the Poinsettia Pavilion

Treat your Valentine, or your entire family, to an evening of magical entertainment on Saturday, February 13.

That’s the date of the Poinsettia Pavilion’s second annual Evening of Magical Enchantment. The event includes a stage show with three world class professional magicians. In addition, there will be close up magicians performing in the audience.

The bill includes comedy magician Shawn McMaster, a native son of Ventura, whose unique brand of magic and mayhem have been featured in appearances on such TV shows as Masters of Illusion and America’s Got Talent.

He will be joined by Arthur Trace. Known as The Artful Deceiver, Trace’s many awards include Stage Magician of the Year at the famous Magic Castle. He’s also a past winner of an international award for magical entertainment that is equal to winning a medal at the entertainment Olympics

David Zirbel, another performer of global stature, will be presenting his trademark classic magic and illusions. It will be one of his remaining appearances before he departs on another performance tour of Japan.

The entire event will be MC’ed by Ventura’s own Dan “Pizza Man Dan” Collier.

Prior to the stage show and during intermission, guests will be entertained by Ventura-based magicians who will be demonstrating close-up effects in the audience. The local magi include Bob Lynn, Jim Spencer, and James Lantiegne, who is the resident magician with White Rabbit Entertainment which also operates the White Rabbit Magic Shop on Portola Street in Ventura.

In addition to the unparalleled magical entertainment, guests will be helping to enhance the Poinsettia Pavilion, since the event is a fund raiser to underwrite improvements at the Pavilion.

The doors open at 7 p.m. Auction items, adult beverages and other refreshments will be available. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Advance purchase tickets for this magical experience are $30 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under Tickets are available on line at http://pavetheway.bpt.me or at the Poinsettia Pavilion office. Admission at the door is $35. For information contact 648-1143.

Ojai Library Events

the Ojai Library is loaning out Knitting Kits to customers interested in learning more about this fun and relaxing hobby. Each kit will contain the tools necessary for you to get started as well as some materials and resources to point you on your way.

Once you have your kit, stop by the Ojai Library Knitting Club, which meets in the north wing of the library every Monday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join a group of knitters of all ages and skill levels to unwind—if you’re looking for inspiration for your first project, this is the place to be!

These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, City Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 0 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

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