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Ventura welcomed the X Games

Sunday, July 23, was the conclusion of the 2023 X Games held under Ventura’s most beautiful weather. Many thousands visited Ventura to enjoy and celebrate the X Games.

They also stayed at our hotels, motels and ate at our restaurants and spent money at our wonderful stores and shops. The $250,000 that the city invested in the games was well worth it. It was much less than other cities have spent.

The games drew some of the biggest names in skateboarding, BMX and Moto X to the Ventura County Fairgrounds for three days of fierce, but friendly competition.

The large range of alternative transportation options made for easy access to the Fairgrounds for many. Others enjoyed the games on KABC and ESPN.

Both Amtrak and Metrolink announced special X Games schedules for the weekend, with extra trains running Friday night through Sunday as part of plans by the city of Ventura and its partners to ease the traffic conditions.

Other alternate transportation was Gold Coast Transit Bus, VCTC Big Blue Buses and Pacific Surfliner.

For those that took their bikes or skateboards to the games there was a Bike Valet and a Skateboard Valet to store them while enjoying the day.

In her Breeze column Pam Baumgardner wrote ‘I’m happy to report Ventura survived the X Games. The traffic was no worse than it is for the fair, in fact, it was better. Great traffic control and I was amongst those who chose to ride their bikes.”

These were the first summer finals held in front of large crowds since 2019. Saturday

was sold out before the three-day games even began. It was estimated that Saturday attendance was 15,000. The fairgrounds’ parking lot was also sold out.

Headline events on Friday’s opening day include the BMX dirt elimination, the BMX street finals, the men’s skateboard vert and the motocross best trick.

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder stated “ From the drone show on Thursday to finials on Sunday we witnessed a well-organized, wildly popular X Games for the ages. I was so impressed with how polite everyone was, how well traffic was managed and the incredible talents that were on display the entire weekend. Congratulations to the X Games staff and the Visit Ventura team for putting on a first-class event. The world saw why we all love living in Ventura.”

Marlyss Munguia Auster, President & CEO Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau proudly stated “We did it! Ventura stepped on stage and shined bright! I am so proud of the community, partners, and Visit Ventura team! Thank you to everyone, you were part of making history in Ventura with X Games 2023!”

X Games

Ventura Unified School District celebrates retirees

Fifty-eight retirees were invited to the annual retiree reception.

VUSD held a Retiree Reception to recognize 2022-2023 school year retirees. Fifty-eight retirees were invited to the annual retiree reception, which was held at the District’s Education Service Center. Among the retirees were employees who devoted many years to serving in Certificated (teaching) and Classified (non-teaching) positions. In their positions, they provided support, care, and inspiration to the students, staff, and families of VUSD. Five of them held a longevity of over 35 years. Collectively, the Retiree Class of 2022-2023 has served the VUSD community for 1,389 years.

One member of the VUSD team retiring after 38 years of service is Mr. David Hess, Athletic Director for Ventura High School. Mr. Hess stated, “Too many things to name” as his reason for dedicating many years to VUSD. He shared that he immediately felt a sense of a great community, and Ventura High School felt incredibly connected to its members.”

Another staff member retiring after 36 years of service is Ms. Sheila Clow, Kindergarten Teacher at Poinsettia Elementary School. Ms. Clow, originally from Ireland, wanted to establish herself in the school district where she was hired.

Dan Larson, a US History teacher at Ventura High School, is retiring after 34 years of service. He expressed his gratitude for working for VUSD, stating that it has paid off numerous times. Mr. Larson said, “I couldn’t have made a better choice” about working at VUSD and feels fortunate to be a part of a united community with a strong culture.

“We cannot adequately express our appreciation to our retirees for their impact on our schools and community. They have served as mentors to new staff, modeled professionalism for their peers, and provided a source of continuity for the District. Most importantly, they have helped our students grow and prepare for their futures,” stated Dr. Antonio Castro, Superintendent.

Retirees mingled with each other and enjoyed refreshments and a photo station. They were given a small appreciation gift to use on their upcoming adventures, along with individual floral arrangements provided by the students of Ventura High School’s Floral Design Capstone Class.

In her congratulatory speech, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Gina Wolowicz noted, “Reflecting on the years of service these educators have given, we are reminded of the transformative power of education. Their unwavering belief in the potential of every student has led to our students reaching heights they may have never thought possible”.

“It was a lovely event in honor of their essential role in helping district students grow and discover who they want to become academically, personally, and socially. VUSD wishes the 2022-2023 retirees a happy, healthy, restful, and exciting retirement,” stated VUSD Talent Acquisition Specialist Jackie Lopez.

For more information on Dave Hess, Sheila Clow and Dan Larsen visit our News & Updates webpage, https://www.venturausd.org/about/news-updates.

Tender Life Maternity Home stands as a beacon of support

Since 1985, Tender Life Maternity Home has offered a safe place to transform lives.

by Patricia Schallert and Yana

On July 15th, Tender Life Maternity Home, had an open home tour and invited members of the community to see the property, have conversations with the residents and ask questions of the staff and board members. With a strong commitment to providing a nurturing environment, Tender Life Maternity Home stands as a beacon of support, empowering women with the tools and resources they need to navigate pregnancy and beyond. For Tender Life, this open home tour was a time for residents to tell their stories.

Information about Tender Life was provided to the guests at this well attended event and attention to detail in their preparations for the event was obvious with a BBQ, desserts, tours through the property and speakers.

Since 1985, Tender Life Maternity Home has offered a safe place to transform lives. Tender Life Maternity Home’s vision has provided comprehensive support and assistance to pregnant women (18 years and over) in need and encourages healthy alternatives for a better and productive life. The well-being and comfort of mothers and their unborn children have been top priorities.

The Tender Life Staff offers supportive services and provides an environment that can break the patterns of homelessness, addiction, and abuse. Some of Tender Life’s early babies have graduated from college, found their careers, and are living productive, fulfilling lives. With a capacity of six women at a time, Tender Life Maternity Home is a warm, nurturing refuge where the women are encouraged to focus on making their future both positive and fulfilling. They learn group and relationship dynamics, coping and life skills along with learning to avoid the self-destructive behaviors that got them to their current place in life.

Through Tender Life, the women receive therapy, take classes, develop spiritual nourishment as well as lifestyle coaching. They discover Tender Life as a safe, nurturing place from the beginning of their stay. After their baby is born, the women receive guidance for up to 12 months that includes training in parenting, child development, and life skills along with employment coaching and financial responsibility. A team of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals are on hand to provide personalized care and guidance, ensuring that each woman’s unique needs are met. Tender Life Maternity Home in Ventura, California, offers a haven of compassionate care, guidance, and support, ensuring that every woman’s journey into motherhood is nurtured and cherished. Tender Life Maternity Home is where “courage meets compassion to build new lives”.

Tender Life Maternity Home is having an annual walk on July 29th. Please register now to help raise as much as possible for Tender Life Maternity Home to shelter unhoused pregnant women. Over the past 5.5 years, Tender Life Maternity Home has given 49 babies a chance at life. Tender Life is asking for your participation to help continue this rich 40-year legacy. http://www.pledgestar.com/TenderLife/

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” Jim Duran Executive Director

Dedicated to helping people with Parkinson’s

The monthly support group for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers is free to attend.

by Carol Leish, MA

Vanessa White, Ph.D. has been dedicated to making the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s better. Dr. White earned her Ph.D. in Sports Management/ Kinesiology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She first thought that she would become an athletic director. Her studies in kinesiology led her to teaching in the Women’s Physical Education Department in East Los Angeles, Monterey Park.

Dr. White was happy that she got to play every sport, and was a collegiate athlete in her school career. She was a swimmer and water polo player. She also played volleyball and basketball. She was a high school volleyball coach and has had over 35 years of teaching experience in physical and wellness education.

After spending many years teaching in higher education, Dr. White decided to pursue a lifelong dream of owning her own gym. She and her husband, Kevin, purchased Santa Paula Fitness in the summer of 2011. That is when Neurofitness was founded.

Dr. White said, “The reason that I got into helping people with Parkinson’s was that my mother-in-law, Judge Toy White, was diagnosed with it in 2015. By seeking out programing and education that would provide my mother-in-law with the exercise she needed, which was specific to Parkinson’s, I put together a new and unique training program that worked well. This is how Neurofitness started.

“Because of Judge Toy White having had developed Parkinson’s, I resurrected the monthly support group for people with Parkinson’s that was initially led by Patty Jenkins. Things had stopped with COVID-19 in 2020. Then, after Patty lost her husband to Parkinson’s, I restarted the group.

“By getting people with Parkinson’s involved in agility training, cardio work, and strength training, I could help them out. I also do cognitive and physical drills, which involves improving memory. Vocal work is also important since people with Parkinson’s tend to get a quiet voice.”

The monthly support group for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers is free to attend. It meets the 3^rd Tuesday of each month from 10:00-11:15am at Cross Point Church in Ventura. Their address is: 5419 Ralston Ave. Ventura, CA 93003. Dr. White said, “We alternate things in the support group by having a presenter one month, and a discussion group the next month. Speakers have included neurologists and psychologists. During the discussion, there are two groups: one of those with Parkinson’s, and the other for caregivers. Anyone interested in becoming more aware of Parkinson’s and how to help those affected, or who just want to become more informed, are welcome to attend the group,” For more info., contact Dr. White at: [email protected].

CAPS/KPPQ – Spotlight on DJ of the Month – Pam Baumgardner

Pam launched VenturaRocks.com in 2009 to support Ventura’s music scene.

Pam Baumgardner is host/DJ/producer of the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour airing at 5pm on Tuesdays and Fridays and again on Sunday at noon on KPPQ 104.1 fm and streaming on myTuner. With a degree in radio and TV broadcasting from Fullerton, she began her career as Stephanie Rose at KEZY/KPZE out of Anaheim, then moved to Ventura in 1988 for a job at KZTR. She earned her Program Director stripes converting KXBS radio (The Bus) from oldies to alternative rock. She worked at KHTY in Santa Barbara as well as at KBBY in Ventura.

She launched VenturaRocks.com in 2009 to support Ventura’s music scene and running a website to support local artists and writing the Music Scene column for the Ventura Breeze. Pam produced VenturaRocks at CAPS, a half hour music TV show highlighting local artists such as Crooked Eye Tommy, Medicine Hat, Shaky Feelin’ and others. When KPPQ launched she jumped onboard enthusiastically and created The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour, one of the first locally produced shows back in January of 2017 that highlights local artists out of the 805 as well as artists who come to our county to play. The show has many faithful listeners from across the county and the nation. She joined CAPS Media’s Board of Directors and continues to be a true champion of both community radio and tv.

Pam says, “It was my favorite thing in the whole wide world listening to my favorite artists and bands on the radio growing up, and to be able to do that over the span of almost forty years has certainly been a privilege.”

Pam joined the KPPQ crew with a wealth of experience that she has generously shared with other DJs at the station. In the past six years CAPS staff members, directed by Elizabeth Rodeno, have trained more than 100 local DJs and produced hundreds of hours of original programming on KPPQ. Unlike Pam, many of her fellow DJs had very little or no prior experience in creating radio programming. All the KPPQ DJs share Pam’s enthusiasm for the CAPS Media community of voices.

July marked the reopening of CAPS Media Center to current members. In the fall CAPS Media Center will expand training and access to members of the public who become new CAPS members. As a kickoff, in the coming months, the CAPS crew is planning an Open House, where the public will be invited to drop by and take a tour of the Center including the video studio, editing stations, and KPPQ radio station. The knowledgeable CAPS staff will give brief overviews and demonstrations on the multiple CAPS gear. At the daylong event, guests will learn the benefits of becoming a CAPS member and how to utilize the full extent of the CAPS Media resources and staff expertise. More information on the Open House will be provided in the coming weeks on the CAPS website at capsmedia.org, on KPPQ, on social media, and elsewhere.

CAPS Membership will be open to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Ventura. The annual membership fees are currently $40 for an individual or $100 for a nonprofit organization.

The Rotary Club of Ventura issues $66,000 in grants

Each non-profit grant recipient is making a significant impact.

Twenty-one local non-profits attended the weekly Rotary meeting to extend their gratitude for $66,000 in grants issued through their Julius Guis Memorial Rotary Foundation (JGMRF). About half of the funding for the grants comes from the Rotary Club of Ventura 4th of July Fireworks held annually on the grounds of Ventura College. Grant applications are solicited throughout the city of Ventura in February each year. The JGMRF committee is comprised of five past presidents of the Rotary Club of Ventura. Each non-profit grant recipient is making a significant, positive impact that aligns with Rotary International’s focus to promote peace, fight disease, save mothers and children, support education, protect local economies, and protect the environment.

The Rotary Club of Ventura meets Wednesdays at Noon at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – locally and globally.

Help shape the future of walking and biking in Ventura

After more than two years of community participation, a draft Active Transportation Plan (ATP) is ready for the next public input phase for walking and biking improvements throughout the city.

The ATP aims to create a roadmap for priority projects and programs that will make walking, biking, and taking transit great choices for all residents, workers, and visitors.

The ATP Public Input Draft is now accessible online at www.ActivePlanVentura.com for community members to review and provide feedback until Sunday, August 20. Your input will play a vital role in shaping the future of active transportation in our city. Residents may also attend an upcoming event in-person at the following locations and times:

Friday, July 28

1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Transit Center at Pacific View Mall
5:00-8:00 p.m. on Main Street at California Street

Saturday, July 29

8:30-11:00 a.m. at the Ventura Downtown Farmers Market
12:00-2:00 p.m. at Ventura College Weekend Marketplace (Swap Meet)

Sunday, July 30

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the California Street Mall on the Ventura Promenade

Help get Ventura moving and share your ideas online or in-person!

Ventura Fire Department and Foundation organize memorial stair climb honoring 9/11 first responders and fallen heroes

The Ventura Fire Department, in collaboration with the Ventura Fire Foundation, invites local first responders and community members to participate in a Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza.

Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories, the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers. The stair climb is not a timed race and participants can climb at a level that suits their needs.

“More than two decades after the tragedy on September 11, 2001, we continue to honor the courage of the first responders who selflessly rushed into chaos and mourn the fallen heroes who lost their lives that day,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “This memorial stair climb is a small way we can reignite the indomitable spirit that unites us and shows our support locally.”

Space is limited to 100 climbers, and those interested in participating are encouraged to register at www.VenturaFireFoundation.org. Residents who prefer not to climb can show their support by donating and attending as spectators.

The memorial stair climb pays homage to the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters who lost their lives during the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, as well as the 60 other emergency personnel who responded that day. Additionally, the event honors the 200 firefighters who have since succumbed to illnesses related to the attack.

By supporting the Ventura Fire Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of firefighters and their families, the Ventura Fire Department demonstrates its commitment to the cause.

For more information about the Ventura Fire Foundation and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, please visit www.VenturaFireFoundation.org.

Vol. 16, No. 22 – July 26 – Aug 8, 2023 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Raddish, a handsome 4 year old Siberian Husky who was rescued from an OC Shelter where I was found as a stray. A group of people have stepped up to sponsor me so I can be a part of the CARL program and find my forever home.

I love to play in water, walk well on leash, not dog aggressive and enjoy using my voice to let you know how excited I am. The CARL volunteers say I’m a sweetheart and well tempered..

If you’re interested in meeting me, please fill out an online application.

Home

CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Meet Macadamia, a 1-year-old husky! Macadamia is a petite girl weighing just 40 lbs. She knows, sit, shake, down, and walks well on leash! Here at the shelter, she’s played best with other female dogs of a similar size and temperament. Her gentle demeanor will make her the perfect new best friend!

If you’d like to meet Macadamia, schedule an appointment at https://www.vcas.us/adopt or come down to the shelter during normal Adoption Hours of 1:00pm – 6:00pm Tuesday – Sunday. If you have questions, please contact us at (805) 388-4341 or [email protected].

VenturaWaterPure Ocean Outfall Project

Senior Community Outreach Specialist Jennifer Buckley

Regarding the mention of the WaterPure project in the latest edition of the Breeze I want to share some additional resources and information for your readers.

The parking lot is the location of temporary boat storage which will be in place throughout the upcoming VenturaWaterPure Ocean Outfall Project.

The Ocean Outfall Project is anticipated to start after Labor Day 2023 through summer 2024. The outfall will be constructed through a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) process to limit community impacts. The HDD will push a pipe through a hole starting in Marina Park and emerge approximately 2000- 4000 feet offshore.

The project will support the VenturaWaterPure Program, a purified recycled water project that will recover, treat, and reuse water that is currently discharged into the Santa Clara River Estuary. This project will divert treated water from Ventura’s wastewater treatment facility to a new Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF), where the water will be treated to drinking water standards and then injected into a local groundwater basin for storage, and later extracted and delivered to customers.

Residents can learn more and sign up to receive construction updates on the project at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OceanOutfall

I hope this information is helpful for your readers and be on the lookout for a press release as we get closure to starting the Ocean Outfall construction in the coming weeks.

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