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Founders’ Day at Veterans Home of California-Ventura

Assisted by Venturan Jerry English and Ventura City Councilmember Jim Monahan Veteran’s Administrator Michelle Roulston cuts the red ribbon.

What a wonderful Founders’ Day it was recently at the Veterans Home of California — Ventura. Not only did the Home celebrate their sixth anniversary, but a moving POW/MIA Memorial and 7000-pound anchor were both dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Administrator Michelle Roulston thanked the Home Depot, Oxnard and the U.S. Naval Base, Ventura for sponsoring both projects.

Special guests included Commanding Officer VR-55 Joel Fragale, U.S. Naval Base Ventura County; Command Master Chief Sotero DeLaCruz, U.S. Naval Base Ventura County; Councilmember James Monahan, City of Ventura; Nancy Frawley, representing Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin; and many others for a very special day!

Santa stops by the Ventura Family YMCA

The Myers family enjoying time spent with Santa at the YMCA.

The Ventura Family YMCA presented their annual Santa Stops by the Y event on December 12. This was a community event for children to have their photo taken with Santa and the opportunity to participate in fun crafts! Those attending were asked to bring one unwrapped toy or gift per child to enter.

The donations will benefit low-income families by giving them the chance to find holiday presents at the ACTION Foundation’s Christmas Shoppe. The children who participated in the event had their photos taken with Santa and a fun time making Christmas themed crafts.

The ACTION Foundation is a non-profit service group providing volunteer services to the cities of Ventura County. ACTION works with local churches and agencies including Interface, Rescue Mission Alliance, Domestic Violence Shelter, Caring Neighbors, Many Mansions, Lutheran Social Services, Area Housing Authority, YMCA, and others.

They assist these groups in meeting various needs of the elderly, disabled, special needs and low income families.

The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Road.

Thirteen year old finds time for everything

Jabe has a great surfing future in front of him. Photo by SunBum (@trustthebum)

By Irene Chiang

Jabe Swierkocki, a 13 year old Ventura local, has a bright future ahead of him as he masters surfing. Sponsored by Roberts Surfboards, Fox, Prolite and Sun Bum, Jabe surfs Ventura’s waves for four hours or more dailly, all the while training hard for his next surfing competition.

Making time for schoolwork and surfing, he attends the California Virtual Academy at Los Angeles (CAVA). Surfing since he was five years old, Jabe and his mother Samara realized that the constant trips between surfing competitions and between home did not allow enough time for schoolwork or surfing. They needed another learning option for Jabe, and they found it at CAVA, a tuition-free, online public school available to local students in grades K-12 who are residents of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. At night he can do his studying as part of his online curriculum. Jabe says the thing he is most proud of are his grades. If you are looking to get into surfing then it might be wise to start with bodyboarding. You might want to look at some bodyboards for sale from Ann’s Cottage if this interests you.

On top of training hard for surfing competitions, Jabe maintains an honor roll at his online school, and skateboards as another hobby. The desire to challenge himself and continue to improve his surfing inspires him to get out in the ocean every day. Keep up with his adventures on Instagram at @jabe_swierkocki

Vol. 9, No. 6 – December 23, 2015 – January 5, 2016 – CAPS Chat

CAPS Media Executive Director Patrick Davidson and cameraman Aaron Cortez interview the Quest brothers for the Mayor for a Moment series in partnership with the City of Ventura City and the VUSD.

CAPS Media in 2015
By Elizabeth Rodeno

Looking back on 2015 we find an ever larger history and archive of the many and varied productions by the dedicated CAPS Media staff and volunteers.

Not only did we cover the beloved St. Patrick’s and County Fair parades, but CAPS was on site at the EcoExtreme Mud Run and Ventura’s Corporate games. With a dash of Fusion soccer and some Wildcat Basketball, performances in every area were chronicled. Our coverage of the VEP’s Festival of Talent was comprehensive with a behind the scenes look at what it takes to put on the show. At the close of the year, another production was completed through a collaboration of Ventura’s emergency services, including Ventura Police and Fire Departments, Foothill High School and CAPS Media worked with Foothill students to produce the video elements. Plus every year we honor our local students by providing coverage of several graduation ceremonies.

The annual State of the City and State of Education programs were other events where CAPS Media was seen doing what we do; filming and broadcasting city and local events. The launch of several series is keeping us busy. Our work with the Ventura County News Channel has been informative to say the least. We have featured county programs such as children’s reading programs, historic landmarks, harbor patrol and public works as well as animal rescue and job training programs at the Todd Road jail. We can’t wait to see what’s next. The Mayor for a Moment and the Business of the Month programs support what our City Council shares with the community. Every month we learn about an amazing 5th grader and help share their story as they bang the gavel as Mayor for a Moment. It has range, as they say.

Our youth programs included the launch of new youth series entitled ECTV, El Camino Television. This monthly program is the work of El Camino interns who write, produce, direct and edit their own teen focused talk show. We look forward to many more episodes from this enthusiastic group. Of course, our youth education programs never end, from our afterschool program at Ventura High to our weeklong Digital Storytelling summer programs.

CAPS Media has begun hosting bands in our studio in conjunction with Ventura Rocks. Look for shows featuring your favorite local bands right here in the studio in 2016.

As our commitment to the City of Ventura, we continue to provide live coverage of city meetings as well as rebroadcasts of the County Board of Supervisors and city meetings on channel 15. The City of Ventura turns 150 years old in 2016. CAPS will be doing our part by sharing stories of the heritage families of Ventura.

At the CAPS Media Center, we upgraded our broadcast equipment as well as updated to state of the art editing suites. A new website is in the works as is the beginning of construction on our new radio station, with plans to be on the air by the end of 2016. You’ll hear from us as we will need the support of the community to help make CAPS Radio a reality.

Of course, there is so much more. For that you will need to come visit us on the web at www.capstv.org and stop by the studio at 65 Day Road where the new CAPS Media sign shines brightly.

Chamber honors Venturan’s at Annual Poinsettia Awards luncheon

Ventura Chamber Poinsettia Awards recognizes Ventura’s finest. Photo by Kenny Backer

On Thursday, December 10, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce along with their title sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust presented the 19th Annual Poinsettia Awards. This luncheon, attended by more than 300 attendees, recognized individuals and organizations that have truly stood out in our community as exemplary in the fields of business, education, and public service. This year, the luncheon was celebrated at the Marriott Ventura Beach and was attended by City officials, legislative representatives, the Ventura Unified School District, and the local business community.

Chamber President & CEO Stephanie Caldwell stated “2015 Marks the 19th Annual Poinsettia Awards, a tradition that we hope to continue for many years to come providing more opportunity to recognize great accomplishments ,creativity, innovations and individuals who make Ventura so special . On behalf of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce ,our staff and Board of Directors I congratulate today’s Poinsettia Awards recipients and wish you all a very happy holiday and prosperous new year!

During the event, the Chamber awarded recipients in the following categories:
Volunteer of the Year – Hope Deck
Small Business of the Year – Axxess Ventura
Mid-Size Business of the Year – Sespe Consulting
Large Business of the Year – Harrison Industries
Non- Profit Organization of the Year – Project Understanding
Young Professional of the Year – Caitlin Beavers
Citizen of the Year – Dr. Leo Tauber
Ambassador of the Year – Jann Huling
Board Member of the Year – Steven Brown
City of Ventura, Environmental Excellence Award – Shine Supply
City of Ventura, Employee of the Year – Kathryn Dippong-Lawson
City of Ventura, Firefighter of the Year – Drew DeRousseau
City of Ventura, Police Officer of the Year – Fabian Gutierrez
VUSD Educator of the Year – Mandi de Witte
VUSD Male Student of the Year – Justin Lucio
VUSD Female Student of the Year – Fidelity Ballmer
Innovation Award – FreshRealm
Jewel Key Award – Topa Brewing Company
Shining Star Award – Matthew Graczyk

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce continues to be the largest and most comprehensive business organization in the City of Ventura – speaking on behalf of its member firms employing over 24,000 people. Members include companies of all sizes and industries, from start-up to established, entrepreneurial to corporate.

Wish Kid Sarai Celebrates National Believe Day at Macy’s

Katie from Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, Sarai’s family member, Wish Kid Sarai, and Hannah from Alpha Xi Delta made posters to congratulate Sarai on her wish!

On Friday, Dec.11, Macy’s and Make-A-Wish celebrated the seventh annual National Believe Day, the cornerstone of the retailer’s annual Believe campaign which helps Make-A-Wish grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions across America.

The wish of Sarai, who needs a kidney transplant is “I wish to go to Hawaii with my family.”

Sarai’s favorite color is red, her favorite singer is Meghan Trainor, and she loves Kit-Kats.

Make-A-Wish Volunteers were stationed throughout the story with clues for Sarai as she collected gifts for Macy’s that will prepare her for her wish to go to Hawaii! Hālau Hula O Pualanina‘auali‘ioha Hula Dancers entertained friends and family to surprise Sarai at the final station.

Livingston’s Light Up a Life Celebration

Todd Tackett addresses the crowd along with daughters Taylin, Kaycie-Rae, and Rachelle at the Light Up a Life Celebration.

by Lori Harasta

Alan Thornhill, legendary guitar player, silver-throated singer, and award-winning songwriter from Ojai, along with April Davis, angelic soprano from Ventura, brought a little bit of heaven to the Pacific View Mall on an evening in December. It was to celebrate the 31st annual “Light Up a Life” ceremony, one of two fundraisers Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association does each year so that all Ventura County citizens can receive home health or hospice services, regardless of their ability to pay.

More than 500 loved ones were honored this year, with over 200 attending the event. Laura McAvoy, Livingston Board Chairwoman and Dr. Lanyard Dial, Livingston’s President/CEO, and Medical Director welcomed and offered opening remarks.

Among the many dignitaries, volunteers and staff that read names in memory and in honor of loved ones and friends, Katie Howell, Good Grief Facilitator, read names selected by participants in the Good Grief Support Groups, which serves school-age youths who have experienced the death of someone with whom they had an important relationship. (The groups meet during school hours at selected schools in the Ventura/Oxnard area. For more information, go to http://lmvna.org/bereavement/good-grief-support-in-schools.html or call the School Program Bereavement Coordinator at 642-0239 x775.)

After the reading of the names, a montage of loved ones’ photos was displayed with a musical accompaniment from Mr. Thornhill and Ms. Davis.

Each year a family is selected for the honor of lighting the Memory tree at the ceremony. This year it was the family of Leila Tackett. After an arduous eight-year battle with cancer, she succumbed on October 3rd at age 45, leaving behind husband Todd Tackett, 22 year old son Easton, and daughters Rachelle, age 25, Kaycie-Rae, age 14 and Taylin, age 11.

As his girls stood with poise alongside him, a composed and courageous Todd Tackett spoke about coping with loss during the holidays. “At this time of year, after a devastating loss and emotional turmoil, we need to rely on our faith and what Christmas is about. Those of us who have experienced the loss of a loved one have a mission field before us, to come alongside those who are still going through it, to lift them up and give them comfort, just as we have been comforted.”

Leila and her family profoundly touched the lives of the hospice team that cared for her; particularly the volunteers who spent hours at her side providing comfort care.

Hospice volunteers are like earth’s angels, and will often say they receive more than they give. A new training session begins January 27th. For more information, call Maddy Hazard at 640-0239 x775, or email her at [email protected].

It’s a Fair and Fine Season at Rubicon Theatre Company

Lily Nicksay and Erik Odom from the 2014-15 production of Arlene Hutton’s Last Train to Nibroc. Photo by Christopher Brown

It’s already shaping up to be a remarkable season at Rubicon Theatre Company this year with their resplendent opener, the two piano version of My Fair Lady and the world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol by Rubicon Founder, Karyl Lynn Burns.

What can audiences look forward to experiencing in 2016? The season features two American Premieres, a beloved classic, a one-person drama about an American icon, and a campy musical send-up of ‘50s sci-fi films loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The next mainstage production opening January 27 is See Rock City the second play in the Nibroc Trilogy by Arlene Hutton. Those who saw the Ovation nominated Last Train to Nibroc will want to discover how May and Raleigh’s Appalachian love story continues. Even for those who missed the poignant Last Train to Nibroc at Rubicon, See Rock City stands alone as a funny, touching and universal portrayal of a young couple very much in love.

Next up is Jethro Compton’s stage adaptation of the film classic The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance in its American Premiere on the Rubicon stage in March, directed by Rubicon Artistic Associate and multiple award-winner Jenny Sullivan.

Another American Premiere follows with Sabina Berman’s eXtras. In this new adaptation, a Hollywood film crew arrives in a village in Mexico to shoot a major motion picture, wreaking havoc on the fragile ecosystem of the community. Two major stars from Mexico, brothers Bruno and Odiseo Bichir, play all of the characters — starlet, director, crew and the locals who are working as extras on the set.

Next in the season is David Rintels’ riveting tale of Clarence Darrow. This trenchant and timely drama is based on the life and landmark cases of the illustrious, controversial trial lawyer who at one time commanded over a quarter-million dollars for each case. Rubicon’s production features Co-Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus James O’Neil, whose great-grandfather was Clarence Darrow’s cousin.

Several productions are still in consideration for the company’s fall offering including a Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic, a contemporary comedy and a World Premiere. Rounding out the 2016 mainstage season is Return to the Forbidden Planet by Bob Carlton, a campy send-up of the sci-fi film “Forbidden Planet.” Set on a spaceship sometime in the future, the show features a galaxy of 1950’s and 1960’s rock-and-roll classics and a roller-skating Robby the Robot.

Subscriptions to Rubicon’s 2016 Season include discounts of up to 15%, discounts for tickets purchased for friends, guaranteed seating, ticket insurance, free exchanges (with 72 hours’ notice), and advance notice of special events. Single tickets for each of the shows are also on sale and available via the box office at 1006 E. Main Street (Laurel entrance) or by phone 667-2900 or online: www.rubicontheatre.org.

Vol. 9, No. 6 – December 23, 2015 – January 5, 2016 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Would you like to meet new friends? Whatever the reason, Ventura’s Conversation Group is the right place for you. This eclectic group meets Wednesdays from 4p.m. to 5:45p.m. Located at the Yolanda’s Mexican Restaurant at 2753 Main St. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Be sure to bring an interesting topic to discuss. We will take a holiday vacation until January 6. On January 6 we will have Tony Morgan as a speaker.

Free admission stage show, 2p.m. to 4p.m. First Sunday of every month. Old Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. For more Information call 517-1131.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30p.m. to 9:45p.m. Located at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $9, non-members $11. Call 407-9971 for more information.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Worship Events: Ventura First United Methodist Church is open to all for a 4:30 p.m. candlelight service featuring their Children’s Choir and a Soloist. The community is also invited to a 7 p.m. candlelight service with special music presented by the church’s Chancel Choir, Dr. KuanFen Liu, Director. A message titled “Good News of Great JOY for ALL people” will be given by Rev. Jane Hetherington Rauth. 643-8621.

Dec. 27: Rev. Karen S. Wylie, an Agape-licensed minister and spiritual counselor as well as a nationally known speaker and writer, will be the guest at Unity of Ventura on Sunday. Her topic will be “When the river is rising.” The service begins at 10 a.m. at the Rubicon Theater, 1006 E. Main Street. Rev. Karen will sign copies of her book, Into Me See: A Book for Daily Inspiration, immediately following the service.

Unity of Ventura is a spiritual center led by Rev. Cathy Jean Norman and based on the universal spiritual principles taught by Unity and its founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. For more information, contact Unity of Ventura at 653-1059 or Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or through her website: www.karenswylie.com.

Dec.31: Ventura Improv Company (VIC), will be at the Rubicon Theatre on Thursday. The gala will include a comedy improv show, snacks, desserts, sparkling wine and soft drinks, not to mention a raffle and door prizes to help bring in additional income to the VIC, a non-profit. The event’s growing popularity will be well-suited to the spaciousness of the Rubicon. Many local individuals and companies donated their goods, gifts and services for this important fundraising effort for the VIC.

The cost of the event is $50 per person; $40 for military and for seniors 55+; and $25 for ages 15 and under. The event runs from 7p.m. to 10:30 p.m., so that guest may ring in 2015 elsewhere or beat the crowds’ home. More information and online ticket purchase: www.venturaimprov.com/newyears.

Jan. 2: Join the Ventura Family YMCA on Community Open House Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the entire month of January is free. At the Y, you belong to more than a gym. You can feel comfortable just being you. Tons of group exercise classes, free weights, cardio equipment, youth classes, and a staff that will help you reach your goal to become an even better you. The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial Assistance is available to individuals and families who cannot afford membership. More information: Call 642-2131 or visit the website at www.ciymca.org/ventura

Jan 3: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. accompanied by period music in the parlor and upstairs library landing. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets. For information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

Jan. 4, 18: The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets on Mondays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road. Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening of stamp trading and camaraderie. They are a fun group. Contact: [email protected] or 320-1601

Jan.5: Mended Hearts of Ventura Group meets the first Tuesday each month at the

Community Memorial Hospital on the 8th floor from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. They have excellent speakers, leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians from our area who give excellent information. Contact: Richard Hatcher 644-2733

Jan. 13: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday at 7p.m. located at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Each month a special topic is chosen which features some interesting aspect of photography. This month’s topic is “Texture”. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. Only members may submit images for critique. See the club’s web site for more information about the club and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Jan.17: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11 a.m. there will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed. There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and program.

This month’s program will be a presentation by Rodney Baker on the Santa Barbara County Court House Clock Tower. Anyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join our chapter. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. Watches and clocks will be on display. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Vol. 9, No. 6 – December 23, 2015 – January 5, 2016 – Mailbox

Breeze:

We had a great Thanksgiving, hope you did too. And I hope you noticed we didn’t make the cover of the Rolling Stone, but the Friends of the Library got the next best thing! The cover of the Breeze! Everyone was so excited to have our poster contest featured!

From Marianne from Friends of the Library

Marianne: The next best thing indeed. I’m sure that people who make the cover of Rolling Stone just wish that they could be on the cover of the Breeze.

Breeze:

We are getting great feedback on our articles and about the Breeze in general. Many are so pleased at the community services you offer in Ventura.

Thanks,

Elizabeth Rodeno
Project Manager
CAPS Media Center

Sheldon:

First, let me just say how much I loved your Halloween Editorial photo & meant to tell you that months ago!! 😉

Thanks so much for all you do – how hard you work, so we in Ventura have another source of printed info/news!! You are awesome!! (and I did not know there were so many correct ways to spell Hannukah until I read your article! 😉

Yours Truly,

Patty Jenkins – Coordinator
Ventura Parkinson’s Support Grp

Editor,

Since your “article” regarding the City Council’s errant 4 to 1 vote allowing the building of 55 so-called “executive” houses was so devoid of information regarding why people are against this project, I thought I would at least tell you my personal objections to it.

First, we don’t need more so-called “executive” houses in Ventura. What we need in Ventura is affordable housing so the kids who are born and raised here can actually live here someday. Who are these “executives” anyway and why should the City Council bow down to them while ignoring the needs of our kids?

Second, it doesn’t take a genius, or an EIR, to know that you cannot place 55 so-called “executive” houses on open a hillside without causing significant environmental damage. The natural plants and animal life that will be displaced by this project would be shameful and the increase in traffic alone would cause more pollution for everyone in Ventura, no matter where you live.

Third, it would create another eyesore on an otherwise pristine view. Ventura is a beautiful town, we should work to keep it that way.

Fourth, these 55 so-called “executive” houses and their still unknown occupants would put a drain on city and county resources, such as Fire and Police budgets, that will never be made up in whatever taxes they may generate.

Fifth, why is the City Council considering building anything give the drought situation. Do they have the water for these 55 so-called “executive” houses stored somewhere and they are not telling us about it?

I could go on, but you see why we, who oppose this mess, are speaking out against it.

John Darling

John: As I stated in our last issue I won’t be commenting any further until the project is submitted again to the City for final approvals. You’ve heard enough from me. This could take up to 2 years.

Sheldon

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores.

~ Moliere (1622-1673)

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