The Y teams up with the ACTION Foundation and the Community Christmas Shoppe to Help Families in Need This Holiday Season
The Ventura Family YMCA presents their annual Santa Stops by the Y event on December 12th from 8AM-10AM. This morning is a community event for children to have their photo taken with Santa and the opportunity to participate in fun crafts! RSVP on the Y’s Facebook page and bring one unwrapped toy or gift per child to enter; with a suggestion of one gift per child. The donations will benefit low-income families by giving them the chance to find holiday presents at the ACTION Foundation’s Christmas Shoppe.
The Ventura Family YMCA, the ACTION Foundation, and the Community Christmas Shoppe
Unwrapped toys and gifts will be donated at the Y. These donations will help low-income families within the community. Children participating in the event will have their photos taken with Santa and a fun time making Christmas themed crafts.
Ventura Family YMCA 3760 Telegraph Road. Ventura
A free community event for families to enjoy their time together, which also supports those who need help in our hometown.
Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA which operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Family Youth Center and My Home.
Young members of the New West Symphony Harmony Project of Ventura County will present a free concert for the community on Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 pm at Bell Arts Factory, located at 432 N. Ventura Avenue in Ventura. The concert will include classical pieces, jazz tunes and holiday songs performed by 40 students from Ventura’s DeAnza Middle School and Cabrillo Middle School who take part in the New West Symphony Harmony Project youth development program. The sixth, seventh and eighth graders will perform on violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet and saxophone.
The New West Symphony Harmony Project provides after-school music instruction to 140 underserved children in grades 3 through 8 in West Ventura, with 40 students on the waiting list. The program, which is funded largely through individual donations and community and foundation grants, was founded in 2011 by Ventura arts philanthropists Sandra and Jordan Laby and is managed under the direction and auspices of the New West Symphony. During its first season, 35 participants began by learning rhythm and percussion on orange Home Depot buckets, and today the program currently offers instruction on 10 different musical instruments. All students receive a full scholarship and are given instruments to use for the duration of their participation.
“All of our students have been working very hard these past few months, attending rehearsals two-to-three times a week and regularly practicing at home,” said New West Symphony Harmony Project Director Andrea Landin. “Concerts provide a time for the community to come together to support these young musicians and listen to their accomplishments. Our parents and teachers are so proud of them!”
Ms. Landin, who has been instrumental in the development of Harmony Project as both administrator and teacher and runs the daily operations of the program, was recently named recipient of the 2015 City of Ventura Mayor’s Arts Award for Arts Educator. She may be reached for further information at 805-279-2424 or [email protected].
Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery
Ventura Harbor Village
1567 Spinnaker Drive Suite 105
The Ventura Potters’ Guild is having a Holiday open house, Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 2 – 6 p.m.
Handbuilding and wheel demonstrations will take place from 2 – 4:30 by Joe Cervantes, Roe Estep and Kim Mehyre Clarke.
Come meet some of the 23 ceramic artists from Ventura, Ojai, Santa Barbara, Simi, TO and Oxnard that represent the Guild. There will be refreshments and fun. Bring the kids! Join us for our 5th year at Ventura Harbor!
Harbor Village Gallery and the Tina O’Brien Gallery will also be have their Holiday Open houses that day. The more the merrier!
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.
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 7:30 p.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.
DBSA Ventura, the local chapter of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) hosts two regular, confidential, peer-led, self-help support groups in the County. The evening meeting takes place every Tuesday from 6:30p.m. to 8p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church located at 6950 Ralston Street in Room 301 of Building 300. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 253-3289 for more information.
The daytime meeting is held from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the New Visions Center in Ventura on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Turning Point Foundation’s New Vision Center is located at 1065 E. Main Street. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 746-3106 for more information.
Dec.11: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution December luncheon meeting will feature the program “Colonial Christmas”, presented by Mr. Robert Taylor. The luncheon event will take place at 11:30 a.m., Friday, in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave. All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join us. The cost for lunch is $20 per person, and includes a slice of Marie Callender’s pie. For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, please visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.
Dec.12: You are warmly invited to an Advent Evensong on Saturday at 5 p.m. Three charming choral Advent pieces by Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707), the originator of Abendmusik will open our program, followed by Bach’s glorious Cantata 51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, featuring Patricia Lathrop-McPherson, soprano and Randy Jones on trumpet. Finally, Nick Akdag on bassoon will present Vivaldi’s pastoral F major concerto for bassoon. Helen Farson directs from piano and harpsichord. Admission is always free. Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church. 6300 Telephone Rd. Call 641-9646 for more information.
Dec.12: Amnesty International Local Group #452 will be holding their annual Write-a-thon on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is part of Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign, the world’s largest letter writing event, which engages people to speak out on behalf of prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders and communities at risk from around the world.
All are invited to drop in to write letters. We furnish paper, pens, stamps, snacks and good company. Jon Portera and friends will inspire us with live music again this year. Located at College United Methodist Church, 4300 Telegraph Road.
Dec.13: What’s Blue Christmas Service? This special evening can be a meaningful experience for anyone who may be having difficulty during this holiday season, due to a significant loss in his or her lives.
At the Blue Christmas Service we’ll have music, a heartfelt message, special readings and candle lighting. Each household will receive a small ornament to serve as a reminder of the hope and wholeness that we all look forward to. Service will be held on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Ventura Vineyard Church 1956 Palma Drive, Suite A.
Dec.13: Christmas Sing Along located at The Open Door Coffee House, 1338 E. Santa Clara Street, First United Methodist Church. Wesley Center invites the community to a delightful evening of singing Christmas carols and secular traditional and seasonal favorites, at 6p.m. (5p.m. to 6 p.m. Candlelight Labyrinth walk adjacent to Coffee House) 643-8621
Dec.15,16: There will be a final Year 2015 Auxiliary Gift shop sale “Accessory Mania”. Please drop by Community Memorial Hospital 147 N. Brent Street and shop for yourself or Holiday gifts. The sale will be located in the first floor main lobby. Keep in mind the Auxiliary is always looking for new volunteers. While shopping, pick up an application at the front door.
Dec.19: Ventura County Genealogical Society annual holiday potluck luncheon and U.S. Marine Corp Toys 4 Tots Toy Drive at 12p.m. Located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Auditorium
3501 Loma Vista Road. Please bring a friend and a new, unwrapped toy, $20 or less.
A U.S. Marine will be present to accept your donation. This is your chance to tell your story to people who will actually listen. You may find help from the group. Please bring your favorite appetizer, salad, main dish or dessert to share. For more information, visit http://venturacogensoc.org/
Dec.31: The Santa Barbara Symphony, under the baton of Maestro Nir Kabaretti, will usher in the year 2016 with a rousing New Year’s Eve pops concert at the historic Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara. Featuring a guest appearance by award-winning soprano Lisa Vroman, and a program of popular classics and favorites from stage and screen, the performance will begin at 8:30 p.m.
In addition to works by Gershwin, Berlin, and Strauss, musical selections will include well-known passages from The Phantom of the Opera, Back to the Future, and Star Wars. A musical celebration spanning several traditions, from Viennese New Year’s concerts up to and including some of the most iconic and beloved tunes from Broadway and Hollywood,” said Maestro Kabaretti, now in his 10th season as the Santa Barbara Symphony’s music and artistic director. Tickets start at $38 and can be purchased at www.granadasb.org or by calling 899-2222.
Amigos Cafe & Cantina 546 E. Main St. 805-874-2232 Mondays: 6 pm Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson; 8 pm Joey’s Acoustic Blues Jam
Tuesdays: 8:30 pm The Beers Brothers open mic
Thursdays: 8 pm The Gypsy Blues Band
Wed 12/9: 8 pm Nathan McEuen
Fri 12/11: 8 pm Pull the Trigger
Sat 12/12: 8 pm Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 12/13: 5 pm Daniel Shoemaker; 9 pm Karaoke
Wed 12/16: 8 pm Mark Masson
Fri 12/18: 8 pm Wishbone
Sat 12/19: 8 pm Hot Roux
Sun 12/6: 9 pm Karaoke
Bombay Bar & Grill 143 S. California St. 805-643-4404 Wednesdays: Tommy Marsh hosts the Session
Thursdays: DJ Pistolero
Sat 12/12: Darkside of the Hand EP Release Party
Fri 12/18: The Vacant Shapes, Wish Radio, Welfare Talent
Sat 12/19: 50 Sticks of Dynamite
Café Fiore 66 S. California Street Wed 12/9: Big Adventure
Thurs 12/10: Rick Whitfield
Fri 12/11: Ricky Coz
Sat 12/12: Freddie Lopez
Tues 12/15: Donna Greene
Wed 12/16: Donna Butler
Thurs 12/17: Whelsi Gamble
Fri 12/18: Soul Infusion
Sat 12/19: Otis Hayes
Tues 12/22: Jade Hendrix
Dargan’s 593 E. Main Street
Sun 12/20: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers
El Rey Cantina 294 E. Main Street Wed 11/25: DJ Larz
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ/Karaoke by DJ Gold Dust
Saturdays: DJ Erock
Ventura First Assembly of God 346 N. Kimball Road Sat 12/12: 2 pm – Jodi Farrell’s Music Studio’s Student Annual Holiday Recital
The Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Fri 12/18: Poison Idea, Stalag 13, Bad Samaritans, Love Canal, The NaVaNaX
Gigi’s Cocktails 2493 Grand Avenue
Mondays Jam Night with Maggie’s Drawers
Thursdays & Fridays: Karaoke
Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week
Swing night Thursdays 6:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 7 pm Polynesian Revue
Cumbia music Fridays with DJ Carlos at 9:30 pm
Gone West Wine Cellars 5963 Olivas Park Drive Music 6-8 pm
Fri 12/11: Karen Eden
Fri 12/18: National Cat
The Greek Restaurant Ventura Harbor Sat & Sun 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show; DJ dancing
Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 12/11: Reall Deall
Sat 12/12: Actoin Down
Fri 12/18: Reign
Sat 12/19: 4 on the Floor
Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
(805) 653-0721 Thurs 12/10: The Reverend Horton Heat, The BellRays, the Lords of Altamont
Fri 12/11: Dwight Yoakam, Brian Whelan
Paddy’s 2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs
The Patio at Player’s Casino 6580 Auto Center Drive Fri 12/11: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 12/12: Soul Machine
Fri 12/18: Ashun
Sat 12/19: Electricity
Pierpont Inn
550 San Jon Road Fridays and Saturdays: 6 pm Mark Anthony on piano
Plan B Wine Cellars 3520 Arundell Circle Sun 12/13: Britain’s Finest
Poinsettia Pavillion 3451 Foothill Road (805) 648-1143
Mondays: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band
Prime 2209 E. Thompson Blvd Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Encore
Saturdays: Beach City Sound Club
Red Cove 1809 E. Main Street Fri 12/11: 3 in the Morning
Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Friday and Saturdays
10 pm Rotating DJs
Sandbox Coffeehouse 204 E. Thompson Blvd 805-641-1025 Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 12/12: De Lacoustic
Sun 12/13: Maggies Drawers
Sat 12/19: Doug MaCrae & Angie Marie
Sun 12/20: Peter O’Keefe
Sans Souci 21 S. Chestsnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karoake
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday
Wednesdays: Open mic with Sin Chonies
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 12/11: Jan Michael & the Vincents
Sat 12/12: Focke Wolves
Fri 12/18: Bloody Reunion
Sat 12/19: Cursed Bastards
Squashed Grapes 2351 E. Main St. 805-643-7300 Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 12/9: Urning Ghosts, The Daniel Rosenbloom Quartet
Thurs 12/10: Rufus Philpot’s B.A.D. Trio
Fri 12/11: H03
Sat 12/12: Lao Tizer Trio featuring Karen Briggs
Tues 12/15: Jazz Jam
Wed 12/16: Sammy Miller & the Congregation
Thurs 12/17: The Lounge Trio featuring Cougar Estrada
Fri 12/18: L.J. & the Boyz
Sat 12/19: The Frank Potenza Trio w/ Colin Bailey on drums
Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
(805) 6438-4709 Fri: 12/11: Big Adventure
Sat 12/12: Rio Bravo
Fri 12/18: 80’s Invasion
Sat 12/19: Brandon Ragan Project
The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
Sunday open mics
Karaoke Tuesdays
Metal Music Wednesdays
DJs every Thursday college night
Ventura Beach Club 281 W. Main Street Fri 12/18: Hot Roux with special guest Albert Lee
Ventura College Performing Art Center 4700 Loma Vista Road Thurs 12/10: 8 pm The First Step Ventura College Jazz Band
W20 at the Watermark
598 E. Main Street Fri & Sat 9 – Mid; Sun 3 – 6 pm
Fri 12/11: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 12/12: The Bomb
Sun 12/13: Los Dudes
Fri 12/18: (downstairs) The Pullmen
Sat 12/19: Shari Puorto Band
12/20; Shawn Jones
The Wine Rack 14 S. California Street Music runs 8-11 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Mondays: Mike Cregan
Tuesdays: Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson
Thurs 12/10: Jon Gindick & Friends
Fri 12/11: Rich Sheldon
Sat 12/12: Sons of Jimi
Fri 12/18: Tom & Milo
Sat 12/19: Tim Carroll Band
The 805 Bar Ventura Harbor Tuesdays: 7 pm RJ Mischo & the Down Home Trio
On Saturday, December 19, from 1 to 2 p.m., Jill Swaim will visit the Ojai Library to deliver a talk entitled Road Scholar: Adventures in Lifelong Learning. Love to travel? Enjoy learning new things, exploring interesting places, and meeting people who share a love of adventure? Swaim will speak about Road Scholar, the world’s largest—and America’s first—educational travel organization for adults. Road Scholar offers nearly 8,000 affordable programs each year in about 90 countries worldwide. These programs offer a chance to expand your mind while being in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, City Librarian, at 218-9146.
From December 16 to December 23, the Ojai Valley Libraries will be marking the
launch of the MakerBox Collective by holding numerous 3D printing demonstrations using a LulzBot Mini 3D printer. This printer is featured in one of seven MakerBoxes, each containing materials and instructions for a different activity. These boxes will travel between the participating libraries of the MakerBox Collective, bringing the maker experience to library users across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
The Ojai Library will have the 3D printer until Sunday, December 20, during which time they will hold occasional demonstrations and information sessions. The printer will then travel to the Meiners Oaks Library on Monday, December 21, and to the Oak View Library Tuesday and Wednesday, December 22 and 23.
These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, City Librarian, at 218-9146. The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
The Meiners Oaks Library is located at 114 North Padre Juan. Monday hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Oak View Library is located at 555 Mahoney Avenue in Oak View. Tuesday and Wednesday hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.
A new show by visionary artist Joyce Huntington, “Painting in the Light,” will fill the Ojai Art Center from January 9 through February 3, 2016. A reception for the artist will take place on Saturday, Jan. 16th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Center, 113 S. Montgomery St.
The internationally known Huntington spent most of her childhood in the desert southwest. A precocious, dance-obsessed child, she faced a near-death bout with polio, which left her confined to a wheelchair. No longer able to dance, her creative spirit found new expression in painting. She has since dedicated her life to bringing feelings of peace, healing, and inspiration to others through her artwork, which springs from visions she receives in meditation.
In addition to many gallery showings, her paintings have illustrated many children’s books, as well as the cover of Ojai-resident Rev. Karen S. Wylie’s Into Me See.
Krampus is one hell of a good time, unabashedly set apart from almost every horror release this year thanks to its distinct, throwback vibe and inventive confidence from writer/director Michael Dougherty. Those unfamiliar with the titular European anti-Claus’ will definitely fear a visit from the legendary monster when the film’s over, as Dougherty schools his horror contemporaries to create a new Christmas classic.
Taking place in the days leading up to Christmas, Max (Emjay Anthony) dreads having to spend another holiday with his family arguing constantly and pretending to enjoy spending time with one another. His dad Tom (Adam Scott) can’t seem to disconnect from work, his mother Sarah (Toni Collete) is trying to create a facade of perfection to put over their family, and his sister Beth (Stefania LaVie Owen) wants to spend all of her time with her boyfriend.
To make matters worse, Sarah’s sister Linda brings her entire annoying family over, and that’s when things hit a tipping point. Max finally loses his last string of patience and tears up an apologetic note he’d written to Santa Claus. Lashing out, he unwittingly unleashes a dark, sinister power that’ll make him regret the terrible things he’s wished upon his family.
One of the film’s most distinguishing marks is its PG-13 rating – don’t be fooled by this. It’s loud, scary, extremely dark, and carries surprising weight. There’s a jack-in-the-box monster that’ll give little kids nightmares, a host of dark elves who keep us on our toes and the titular creature is smartly designed, blending the Krampus’ mythological trademarks with Saint Nick’s iconography for a fun blend of holiday frights.
As in his previous film, Trick ‘r Treat, Dougherty again uses his comic book background to display a visual style steeped in atmosphere and substance. Most importantly however, instead of violently torturing his characters or shocking the audience with empty gore and vulgarity, he accentuates the suppressed emotions that surface during the holidays to examine the ways we lose touch of family and take them for granted. Simply put, this is a film that is more at home with movies like the original Poltergeist or Gremlins than modern fare like Saw or Paranormal Activity.
The film’s shifting tone also showcases Dougherty’s chops as a writer, scaring us one moment and then turning right around to make us laugh the next. This is aided by Dougherty making full use of his all-star cast in the film’s relatively short runtime, a worthy effort which balances so many disparate voices with ease. Adam Scott and Toni Collete as Max’s parents are invaluable right from the very start of the film. David Koechner and Tolman, who play the obnoxious relatives also create characters that are somehow endearing despite playing terrible human beings.
Incredible writing, acting and a seamless blend of practical effects come together to create one of the scariest movies of the year. The second act even contains an unexpected surprise, paying homage to the classic Rankin/Bass Christmas specials everyone knows so well, and it contrasts cleverly with the overall tone of the film. Krampus is a unique horror film that refreshingly feels out of time with the current standards and expectations of modern horror films. Its biggest achievement is that it inspires not only a genuine sense of terror, but one of wonder and excitement, giving us the a holiday horror film we didn’t even know we wanted.
Rated PG13 (but be careful) Playing at the Cinema10 Ventura
• These will be my last words (promise) regarding the proposed Regent hillside development until further action is taken – which won’t happen for a long time.
As you know, I support this project and have stated my reasons why in previous issues, so I won’t go into that further. It will be exciting and interesting to see the plans change and develop as they are re-submitted in the many required rounds of approvals. Those still opposed to it will certainly have many opportunities to express their concerns. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of opinions also.
The City Council has voted 4-1 (Monahan being the no vote) to approve the pre-screen which permits the developer to submit a formal application. This changes the zoning from HPR-4 to Neighborhood low and permits the developer to delay the Capital Improvement Deficiency Study until the CEQA review stage.
I want to congratulate the City Council on taking what I consider to be the correct action and approving the prescreen process. I would assume that the 2 members who could not vote would have also voted yes so the final vote would have been 6-1 in favor.
Kudos to Community Development Director Jeff Lambert and his planning staff for their excellent research and presentation to both the Planning Commission and the City Council regarding the project. And to Lambert for carefully explaining exactly what the prescreen approval meant. I still think that many people still do not understand that part of the process.
Also, the same goes for Regent Properties for their very comprehensive and thorough presentations. They, and their consultants, were at the meeting to answer the many questions and concerns expressed by the public speakers.
For the most part, in my opinion, the City Council members asked excellent questions that will guide them in future hearings and decisions regarding the development. They expressed many concerns that will help Regent revise their plans to obtain all of the necessary approvals.
Mayor Heitmann did an excellent job of running the meeting and those for, and against, the project acted in a very mature and respectful manner.
Those opposing this development didn’t achieve their goal of stopping the process, even though somehow they are claiming a partial victory because the “Council made clear that it was not giving tacit approval to the existing plan.” Nothing has been approved except a concept.
Some of the critics suggested that Regent should build affordable housing or contribute to a specific affordable housing development. Regent has proposed to make an undetermined but substantial in-lieu donation, but not build affordable housing at the site. Affordable housing certainly does not belong on this site.
In his summary to his “constituents,” Robert Louis Chianese, one of the leaders of the opposition group wrote the following. “I consider the vote last night as a preliminary victory. The HMP still rules and Regent has to be wondering what costs they will incur in order to meet both the Council’s new requirements and the future EIR findings. I am now willing to say publicly what I have been saying to our group: that Regent will discover the costs of mitigating all this and re-designing to meet the HMP regulations will be too much and will walk away. We have to stay diligent while that light dawns on them. They could then come back with a new fully HMP-compliant project.”
I consider this statement to be almost un-American and very-very disturbing. This is not the way you win your battle – not by making it too expensive for Regent to continue but by presenting your case and hoping that is what will stop a project. And the HMP does not rule, they are suggested guidelines and not a set code of rules. It is at the discretion of planning and City Council to decide if a project meets the intent of the HMP.
Indeed, Regent will need to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars, thousands of hours of work and several years to hopefully be able to sell the houses when they are completed. I certainly hope that this does not deter them from accomplishing their goals.
• Once again, Ventura is considering a sales tax increase to be placed on the November, 2016 ballot. Our current sales tax rate is 7.5%. The City Council voted to spend a maximum of $80,000 to launch a campaign to inform-educate Venturans in order to persuade them to vote yes on this measure.
A private survey recently conducted shows that a majority of Venturans approve of an increase if it will improve essential city services. Only a simple majority is required to pass this sales tax increase. Depending on the amount of increase (1/2% or 1%), it could create an estimated $10-$20 million in much needed additional tax dollars.
As long as we remain a “no-growth city” we will need to find other sources of income to maintain essential services, and this is the easiest way to accomplish this.
• I think Ben Carlson ran for president so he could sell his book – people are waiting in line at his book signings.
Trump is running, it seems, because he thinks that this is a reality show. Trump is a funny guy and if I wanted a clown for president (maybe they all are), I would certainly vote for him.
I think he is being paid by the manufacturers of buses. Trump wants to round up 11,500,000 illegals and send them back to where they came from. If we assume that means “south of the border” and each bus holds 50 occupants, it would take 230,000 bus loads. So, if he is elected, USA bus companies would be thrilled.
• A Great Dane service dog named George is one of five recipients for this year’s AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence, which honors dogs that have had a significant impact on their owners and communities.
He is the service dog for 11-year-old Bella Burton Bella, who suffers from the genetic disorder Morquio syndrome (A rare type of birth defect with serious consequences. In the US, the incidence rate for Morquio is estimated at between 1 in 200,000 and 1 in 300,000).
Bella received George a year ago to help her with mobility. Her family says he’s helped her tremendously and she has a newfound independence.
George was bred and trained by the Service Dog Project of Ipswich, Massachusetts. The organization provides Great Dane service dogs and has placed more than 100 dogs with individuals who have balance and mobility issues. The Project’s founder, Carlene White, says that Great Danes make excellent service dogs due to their intelligence and patient nature.
• For victims of domestic violence, facing their abuser to testify in court can be terrifying and stressful, which is why the role Penny plays is so important.
Penny is the first dog in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to provide canine-assisted court services and therapy through the Crisis Center North in Pittsburgh.
Penny’s handler, Rachel Olszewski, explains that Penny plays a crucial role in helping victims feel calm and stress while testifying or during counseling sessions. When victims have to confront their attackers, Olszewski explains, Penny will often place herself between the victim and the defendant, helping the victim feel protected. According to Olszewski, her presence in court leads to more victims showing up for court hearings and higher prosecution rates for abusers. She also lends an ear to victims as they practice telling their story prior to the hearing.
Penny has been on the job officially since 2011, but her talent for helping others has been apparent to her human, Grace Coleman, for much longer.
“When I looked into her warm brown eyes and nuzzled her cold nose, I knew she had a special destiny, but I wasn’t sure what it was yet, ” says Coleman, who is the executive director of the CCN.
Coleman realized how Penny’s personality could be beneficial to the individuals served at the center in 2010 when a young boy bonded with Grace on his way to a counseling appointment. He told Coleman he didn’t want to go to his appointment, so she suggested that he bring Penny in with him. The counselor later reported that the boy made more progress during that appointment than during the previous six months of counseling.
According to the American Bar Association, the effectiveness of dogs in the courtroom first became apparent in the 1990s in Mississippi when a German Shepherd named Vachss began helping abused children testify against sex offenders.
Canine court programs have become more widespread in recent years. One organization, Courthouse Dogs, estimates that there are 95 dogs working 29 states through their program alone.
The calming effect dogs like Penny have on victims is invaluable in prosecuting offenders. I’m afraid that my only calming effect is letting Savana think that she runs the household
• Written by my friend Victoria Usher
The city of Los Angeles might be changing the number of cats you’re allowed to have in your home from three to five. City officials want this change to happen for a few reasons, the biggest reason being that they’re hoping by making this change people will start adopting more cats and therefore lowering the number of cats being euthanized. Recently, the city’s Personnel and Animal Welfare Committee collectively backed a proposal to raise the number of cats that is allowed per household from three to five. The Los Angeles City Council now has to vote on the proposal. Cats are at risk of being euthanized in city shelters because of limited space and this proposal could help lower the number of cats that are euthanized.
“We determined that a small increase would allow more cats’ lives to be saved in the community,” said Dana Brown, assistant general manager for the Department of Animal Services. There will always be people who are hesitant or don’t agree. But by making this change we will be able to save some of these cats’ lives and give them a good home as well.”
There’s a new dog park in the works that will be opening in the RiverPark community in Oxnard. Once finished, this specific new area for dogs to play around in will be at Windrow Park which is located at RiverPark’s western edge at Ventura Road and Owens River Drive. The dog park will take up about three quarters of the 5-acre park. There will be an area built for large dogs, an area built for small dogs, double gates, shade structure, and also an agility course. The Oxnard City Council gave their approval for the dog park to be built and they have people who support them on their decision and people who don’t. Apparently there are already two other dog parks in the Oxnard area, there is no parking lot at Windrow Park, and parking in their community is already a serious problem. Aside from that there have been many people who are very supportive of the decision. It’s a safe place for the dogs to be free and have fun.
• On Dec. 5, at 8:30pm two Ventura Police Officers were patrolling the Downtown Ventura Wine Walk when they were summoned by a motorist of a vehicle near the intersection of Main St. and Palm. The driver indicated that she and her boyfriend had come downtown from their home on the east end of Ventura and were leaving, when she heard the sounds a meowing cat coming from the engine compartment area of her vehicle.
“Peek-a-boo, I’m lucky I didn’t wind up in the ICU (Intensive Cat Unit).”
Checking the vehicle, the motorist discovered that her pet cat, Koi, at some point before leaving home had climbed its way into the engine compartment of the vehicle and was sitting in a space between the bumper and engine, directly behind the front license plate.
Given the location of Koi, it presented a problem on trying to free the cat from the vehicle. Several passerby’s were trying to assist in the rescue, but none were successful. Fortunately, the owner of a local towing company, Double R Towing, was passing by and stopped to help. He assessed the situation and having the right tools, jacked the vehicle up and removed several parts of the undercarriage.
This freed Koi, who was found to be safe, was removed from the vehicle and allowed the owner to safely return the cat home.
This is too funny, if dogs could laugh I certainly would have. Am glad that the cat is okay though.
A non-profit organization, ACTION (Area Christians Taking Initiative On Needs) that assists many individuals which includes elders, disabled, under resourced families, homeless and at risk youths in the County of Ventura consists of over 100 churches involved, over 200 agencies and businesses and over 1,600 volunteers for Christmas Shoppe alone so in total over 4,000 volunteers for all of their programs combined.
ACTION is currently hard at work for the yearly Community Christmas Shoppe which serves Ventura County residents that are in need of gifts for their children. “Once an invitation has been mailed to the family, they can come in on the scheduled day and time to pick a few of the brand new toys, clothes and other items for their children. In addition, there will be child care available so parents can shop, entertainment and raffles for bikes and other giveaways” according to Jill Upson, Executive Director of ACTION. The non-profit also has a “Medical closet” with durable medical equipment and another program of “Serve Every Day” to meet the daily needs of less fortunate individuals with moving, organizing, home repairs and other needs requested.
In 2015, they have already undergone about 500 projects at no cost to families in need and adopted a lower income senior apartment complex to closely monitor the seniors needs and help in any way they can.
To find out more information call Rachelle at 987-0300 or go to their website www.actionvc.org
