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Vol. 8, No. 25 – September 16 – September 29, 2015 – Ojai News & Events

Ojai officials took action earlier this year to cut back on water use. One unanticipated casualty, however, was Ojai’s public fountains, some of which are prominent pieces of public art in the City’s pedestrian-oriented downtown.

Recently the City reversed course, turning its fountains back on amid the withering drought, confident that it is already doing enough to conserve water, and that turning on the fountains, which re-circulate water, will have little impact on overall conservation.

Meanwhile, City officials continue to look for ways to reduce water use. Already the City has reduced watering of public landscaped areas, eliminated regular sidewalk washing and replaced with spot cleaning, and cut the watering of playing fields by about one-third.

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is a new twist on an old tale coming up at Ojai ACT, and while only four actors are needed to fill the roles, they need to be “in decent physical condition as there will be much physical comedy and pantomime.”

Auditions are Friday, Sept. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 19 from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center. Callbacks are the next day, Sunday Sept. 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring a resume and head shot. Roles are for Marley and Scrooge (aged mid-30s to mid-50s) and The Record keeper and The Bogle, which can be male or female; aged 20 – 60. A paid stage manager is also needed.

Rehearsals begin Sept. 20 and the run at Ojai ACT is from Nov. 27 – Dec. 20 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Details are on the Ojai ACT website: www.OjaiACT.org. For questions, contact Klaif at: [email protected]

“Dr. Dolittle” talks and sings to the animals in Ojai ACT’s enchanted musical version of the famous tales of Hugh Lofting until Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Adoptable pets are shown an hour before the Saturday matinees. Geared to entertain all ages, experience it live at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St. Tickets are $18 general, $15 seniors (62+), students and Art Center members, and $10 youth 12 and under. For reservations, call 640-8797 or online at www.ojaiartcenter.org.

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie on Saturday, September 19, at her Mid-Month Devotional Retreat at Meditation Mount. The morning will be an opportunity “to journey into the sanctuary of our own soul, to ‘Emerge and See,’” Rev. Karen says “The morning will be devoted to silence, contemplation, wisdom talks, sacred songs, and prayers of gratitude. The gathering takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is by donation: $10 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.

Ojai Community Bank announced the appointment of Kim Gibas as Head of Branch Administration. Gibas brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry to the Bank’s leadership team. This appointment is part of the Bank’s growing effort to support financial development in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. A long-time resident of Ventura County, Gibas is actively involved in a myriad of charitable and community organizations, including Camarillo Rotary Club and the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce.

Villanova School is honored to host Nick Vujicic, an international motivational speaker, to address the students as part of his Stand Strong Ojai, 2015 presentation where he will share his message of what life is like without limbs. He will be Villanova’s guest in the Clark Gymnasium at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015. His message centers on an anti-bullying and anti-suicide theme, reinforcing Christ’s message that we are all loved and encouraging people to never give up when life presents challenges.

His powerful message of love and endurance is sure to inspire all who hear it. Villanova is blessed to be able to meet him and listen as he shares his experiences with our students, staff and faculty.

The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards, former lead singer of the legendary Motown Records rhythm and blues group The Temptations, will perform at a special fundraising event at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is being co-sponsored by the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation and Ojai Valley Community Hospital Foundation. It promises to present a high-energy performance of classic hits, including “Ball of Confusion,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “I Wish It Would Rain” and “My Girl.”

Proceeds benefit Community Memorial Health System’s construction projects: the building of a new Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura and the building of a new skilled nursing facility adjacent to the Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

General admission tickets and special seating packages, some featuring a pre-concert dinner with cocktails, can be purchased online at www.cmhsatthebowl.org. For more information, call 667-2881.

 

Vol. 8, No. 25 – September 16 – September 29, 2015 – Forever Homes Wanted

scamp to adopt CARLHi, I’m Princess a 5 year old cute smaller sized Chow with a beautiful smile. I’m shy but willing to be pet and happy about life. I used to live on a ranch in a fenced yard with Chato, but I was right outside the back door so I had more interaction with the family of the house.

I’ve participated in the playgroups they have at the kennel. I’m shy and awkward with the other dogs right now, but I’m trying to play and I’m eager to learn how.

Not ready to adopt?  I wouldn’t mind being in a foster home too!  If you love Chows, stop by and meet me! C.A.R.L. Adoption Center, 644-PETS(7387).

 

scamp to adopt VCASHi: I was named Floyd, even though I’m a sweet and petite female. I was afraid and confused when I was dropped off at the shelter. It’s helped that everyone here has been very nice to me, but I still get a little shy and nervous now and then. I’m at my best when I get out of my kennel and go on walks. I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve been told I’m pretty good on leash. I also enjoy it when I get to hang out with some of the other dogs here. I do best with dogs who are calm and gentle like me. What I really need is someone who will love me as much as I will love them…a family who can see beyond my shyness and wants a quiet and gentle companion. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive

Vol. 8, No. 25 – September 16 – September 29, 2015 – Professor Scamp

scamp pupsScampWhat’s cuter then a bunch of Shih Tzu puppies? Maybe a bunch of any puppies.

  • The Humane Society of Ventura County will hold its ninth annual “Cats in the Canyon & Hounds in the Hollow” fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 27, in Ojai.

The event will run from 2 to 5 p.m. at Boccali’s pizza and pasta restaurant at 3277 E. Ojai Ave. Guests will have a vegetarian Italian dinner under the oaks; shop for donated items and services at the “Buy It Now” marketplace; visit with animal friends looking for new homes; and listen to live music provided by The Main Street Jazz Band.

HSVC is a “no kill,” private, non-profit 501c3, organization founded in 1932. The HSVC does not receive any direct financial assistance from city, county or state agencies. Fundraising events, such as this, are what keep the shelter’s doors open and their dream of finding a home for every animal in the county sustainable.

“This is our major fundraiser for the year and we are looking forward to celebrating with the public all of our accomplishments as well as what the future will bring,” said HSVC Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman. “We hope to see many friends, both old and new, enjoying great music and food under the beautiful oak trees  while raising the funds necessary to keep the shelter growing to meet our communities’ needs.”

Tickets purchased in advance are $45 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Tickets bought on site will be $50 and $35, respectively.

For tickets or to donate a marketplace item, call 646-6505. For more information on the HSVC, visit www.hsvc.org.

The Humane Society of Ventura County has provided continuous support and services to animals in need and their owners throughout the county for over 83 years.

  • Ventura County based dog rescue Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) will host a fundraising casino night on September 26th at the Saticoy Country Club. A variety of casino games will be available, including a poker tournament. For the poker aficionado who wants a bit of a challenge, there will be a poker tournament running simultaneously with the other games. All proceeds go to support C.A.R.L.’s sanctuary, rescue, and adoption program for local dogs in need. Saturday, September 26, 5:30 pm – 9:30

Saticoy Country Club, 4450 N. Clubhouse Dr., Somis.

You must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event (I’m only 13 so I can’t attend).

All proceeds go to support C.A.R.L.’s sanctuary, rescue, and adoption program for local dogs in need.

  • PETA receives reports every year about animals who experience horrifying deaths after being left outside or in hot cars during the summer months. Recently a dog was found dead after being left in a hot car by a Thousand Oaks woman during 88-degree weather.

On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, interior temperatures can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes. If you see a dog showing any symptoms of heatstroke—including restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite or coordination—get the animal into the shade immediately. You can lower a symptomatic dog’s body temperature by providing the dog with water, applying a cold towel to the animal’s head and chest, or immersing the dog in tepid (not ice-cold) water. Then immediately call a veterinarian.

PETA offers the following suggestions for safeguarding animals during hot weather:

Keep dogs indoors: Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through their footpads and cool themselves by panting. Soaring temperatures can cause heat stress, injury, or death.

Provide water and shade: When outside, animals must have access to fresh water and ample shade, and the shifting sun needs to be taken into account. Even brief periods of direct exposure to the sun can have life-threatening consequences.

Walk—don’t run: In very hot, humid weather, never exercise dogs by biking and making them run alongside you or by running them while you jog. Dogs will collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.

Avoid hot cars: Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods with the windows partially rolled down. Dogs trapped inside hot cars can succumb to heatstroke within minutes—even if a car isn’t parked in direct sunlight.

Never transport animals in the bed of a pickup truck: This practice is dangerous—and illegal in many cities and states—because animals can be catapulted out of a truck bed on a sudden stop or strangled if they jump out while they’re tethered.

Stay alert and save a life: Keep an eye on all outdoor animals. Make sure they have adequate water and shelter. If you see an animal in distress, provide him or her with water for immediate relief and contact humane authorities right away.

Avoid hot pavement: When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can reach 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, permanent damage, and scarring on dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk on grass when possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day.

 

Vol. 8, No. 25 – September 16 – September 29, 2015 – Opinion/Editorial

SBSheldonNewScamp’s cousin Dolce Vita wishes you a happy Jewish New Year 5776 and Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jewish people starting at sundown on Sept. 22 .

I received this email from Elizabeth Kirmo.

“Dear Sheldon,

Sending you this note just in case you haven’t heard what’s happening (proposed not happening yet) at 4721 Market Street, Ventura.   Hala Enterprises LLC, has applied to the planning commission to open a full nude “gentleman’s club“.   Everyone I have talked to is shocked and outraged that this has been kept a secret.  I’ve come to understand after talking to persons at the planning commission that no announcement was required since they did not apply for a liquor license.

Well, now the information is out and citizens have a right to know.  Hala’s request has been temporarily denied by the planning commission but they have appealed the ruling.   A formal appeal meeting has been set in front of the planning commission for some time in mid to late October.

With your contacts in the city and as a paper known to fight for the rights of Ventura citizens, I hope The Breeze can help inform the people of our lovely city of something that could potentially change their quality of life without ever being aware of it.

I’m sure the business owners on Market Street and surrounding area who are aware of what’s happening would be glad to talk to you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.”

I understand your concern but this is much more complicated than you would assume. First of all, their application was not denied by the planning commission, as it has not yet gone to them.

In August the City rejected an application by Agassi Halajyan to open a strip club with nude performers at 4721 Market St. Community Development Director Jeff Lambert rejected the proposal because the proposed site is within 500 feet of ABC Auto Care, whose owner said he runs an automotive training facility for high school students.

You, and other citizens were not informed because in most cases the City is not required to inform residents of proposed projects. If they were going to sell liquor (they aren’t) they would need to get an ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) license that would require notification of a limited amount of adjacent property owners.

Or, if someone is requesting a variance from an existing code, neighbors need to be notified. For instance if your  neighbor was requesting permission to reduce their required front yard from 20’ to 10’ you would be notified and could attend hearings. But because, under current code, this use is allowed (and they are not requesting any code deviations)notification is not required.

Jeff Lambert’s reason for rejecting the application is being questioned by the applicant. Halajyan has appealed the decision, claiming that ABC Auto Care does not have a  business license to operate as a school and has not been performing as such. Lambert said that he  planned to look at auto facility more closely to determine if it is indeed a school.

If Lambert maintains his position to disallow the use, Agassi Halajyan will certainly appeal the decision to the Planning Commission. If they uphold Lambert’s decision, Halajyan would then appeal to the City Council. If the Council agreed with the ruling, Halajyan would likely sue the City.

Courts have ruled uniformly that adult businesses cannot be prohibited as they are protected by First Amendment speech. The courts cannot decide cases because they “might” find the use in bad taste. Halajyan would probably win his case if he decides to take his argument to court.

Resident’s concerns, regarding adult businesses have caught the attention of the City Council. During the City Council meeting on September 14, the Council voted unanimously to adopt an urgency ordinance amendment to the San Buenaventura Municipal Code.

This amendment added licensing provisions, operational regulations, and permitting provisions for performers and non-performers of adult-oriented businesses. The ordinance was enhanced to reduce and/or preclude undesirable secondary effects including, but not limited to, increased crime, blighting influences in the community, decrease in property values, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The urgency ordinance is effective immediately; the regular ordinance, which was introduced on the same evening, will be heard by the City Council for a second reading on September 21, 2015. The City last updated its adult business provisions in 1994.

Six months ago Donald Trump was sitting around with some friends (probably drinking) and said “Guys I have this hilarious idea I’m going to run for president and be completely outrageous. Good for a few good laughs and free publicity.” I think CNN and Fox are secretly paying him to boost their ratings.

Livability.com has selected Ventura as the 23rd most livable city (still pretty good). Go to www.venturabreeze.com to read the whole story.

A little about -“Why Ventura, CA is Top 100 Best Place to Live”

Warm weather, beaches, and a vibrant arts scene make Ventura an easy sell

“With near-perfect weather, ocean and mountain views, a thriving arts community, and endless recreation, dining, and entertainment options, there really isn’t much not to like about Ventura, California.”

I want to congratulate the Masons of California for placing a cornerstone during an ancient ceremony held at Community Memorial Hospital. This ceremony is part of the new construction of the hospital that is still about a year away from completion. I know that it looks closer than that but there is a huge amount of mechanical lines and equipment to still be installed.

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.
~ Louise May Alcott

Arts For Earth Foundation:Earth Spirit Art Exhibit & Concert

Arts For Earth Foundation:Earth Spirit Art Exhibit & Concert – networks fine arts, eco-activities and entertainment with arts activities for kids, families, singles and seniors. Oct. 2-25 weekends, noon to 6 pm, at the WAV Gallery, 175 S. Ventura Ave. All are free events except concert which is $20 tax deductible non-profit donation (Sat. Oct. 10th, 6-10pm, music starts 6:30 pm) with Jade Hendrix/Alas Latinas/Francisco Leon/Roy Katnix of 9 Mile Skid. Arts For Earth partners include Sierra Club, CA Native Plant Society Channel Islands, Climate Hub, Food & Water Watch, Ventura Food Co-op, Ventura Organic Garden Co-op, Maritime Museum Channel Islands, Surf Rider, Ojai Grandmothers Council, Turtle Women Rising, and Ventura Poets. Contact Michelle at 661-803-7744  www.artsforearth.org  for further information.

Run for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy

Online registration is open for Run for the Hills Ventura, a new seven kilometer fun run and festival happening on Sat., Sept. 26 in Ventura. Designed to build support for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC), the run will begin and end at the San Buenaventura State Beach, travel along the coast and through the Ventura River Estuary property owned by the VHC, and include fun environmentally-themed obstacles, including a “water bottle pit,” “global warming tunnel” and an “urban sprawl maze.”  Additional event elements include: exhibitor booths, food trucks, a beer garden and a stage featuring performances by local talent.

People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. To sign up, visit www.Active.com, search for Run For The Hills Ventura and click on “Register Now.” The entry fee is $55 for the standard package and $75 for the VIP package.

For more information, go to: http://www.facebook.com/RunForTheHillsVentura or call the VHC at 643-8044.

The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is dedicated to permanently preserving and providing access to the open space resources that contribute to the unique character and natural environment of the Ventura region. Further information about the Conservancy is available on the web site www.venturahillsides.org.

 

 

Ventura River Estuary Restoration – This Saturday, 9/19/15

Keeping the river free of homeless encampmentss is very important

Our monthly third Saturday River Restoration will be held this Saturday, September 19th from 9:00am-12 noon. We will meet next to the Main St. Bridge along the bike path (@Main & Peking Streets) near downtown Ventura. Please wear pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and don’t forget sunscreen and water! We will clear invasive species, clean up some trash and prep for several upcoming events. It just so happens that Saturday is also Ventura County Coastal Clean Up Day so you’ll see other dedicated people all over town sprucing up our beaches, parks and water ways!

Ventura the 23rd best city to live in – Livability.com

Ventura the 23rd best city to live in – Livability.com
With a few corrections by the Breeze

With near-perfect weather, ocean and mountain views, a thriving arts community, and endless recreation, dining, and entertainment options, there really isn’t much not to like about Ventura, California.

Nestled on the Pacific coast about 30 miles from Santa Barbara and about 60 miles from Los Angeles, Ventura, originally named Buenaventura (actually San Buenaventura and still our name)) , was founded in 1782 with the San Buenaventura Mission. While many southern California natives have been priced out of their hometowns, Ventura has retained its close-knit community and a more reasonable cost of living compared to its neighbors. The median home price in Ventura is $485,000 according to real estate website Trulia. (For comparison, the median home price in nearby Santa Barbara is $920,000. Los Angeles is $589,000.)

Ventura’s population of 108,000 includes a mix of young and old, from life-long farmers to hip artists. Compared to picture-perfect resort town Santa Barbara, Ventura is “much more laid back, and more eclectic,” Mayor Cheryl Heitmann says. “We are a community of friendly, accessible, welcoming people.”

Although Ventura sees its share of tourists, the city takes very good care of its residents. Ventura offers quality K-12 education. One K-5 program teaches kids English, Spanish and Mandarin. “We have a strong school board and superintendent,” Heitmann says of Ventura Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga. (ex superintendent)“She has brought the district to a whole new level.”

Ventura also offers three community colleges (really what are the other two?), with two four-year Universities nearby: California State University Channel Islands and UC Santa Barbara.

When kids and adults clock out from work or close the books, they have more than enough options for play. Miles of well-kept beaches provide soft ground for sunset strolls, while the more adventurous can bike around the harbor or wade, boogie board or surf in the water. Ventura Harbor also features an arcade and carousel, as well as many boutiques and restaurants.

The Los Padres National Forest, with more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails, is a short drive away. One of the city’s main attractions, the Channel Islands, offers stunning scenery and earns Ventura the nickname “Galapagos of Southern California.” The historic park offers diving, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and camping and includes more than 2,000 different kinds of plants and animals. The visitor’s center, located at Ventura Harbor, features a museum, tide pool, and a tower with telescopes.

Ventura’s vibrant arts scene sets it apart from many central coast towns. Artists have gravitated to Ventura for years, and the city benefits with dozens of galleries, performing arts events, live music performances, and more. The city (and others) reciprocated with the WAV -Working Artists Ventura(at a cost of $65,000,000), a live/work space for artists and cultural businesses (only one business and it’s not cultural). The WAV hosts an open studios the first Friday of every month as well as special exhibits year-round.

Although some people perceive Ventura as a commuter town, nearly half of the population also works in the city, according to Heitmann. Community Memorial Hospital, one of the city’s two major hospitals, employs about 2,000; Wal-Mart, Patagonia, and Ticla employ hundreds of workers; and Allied Beverage Company will bring more jobs with its new 123,000 square foot distribution center (too much too correct).

With so much to offer, there’s good reason to stay close to home in Ventura. “You want to make the city better? We love you. You’re in,” Heitmann says of the residents’ welcoming nature. “If you’re committed to the community, the community is committed to you.”

Seniors collecting suitcases for foster children

Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura is collecting suitcases for children in the Ventura County Foster Care Program. When a child enters foster care for the first time, it is usually in a time of crisis and confusion. Often the child’s possessions are hurriedly stuffed into a garbage bag or box.

The child then shows up at the doorstep of a foster home, frightened and scared, holding this trash bag or box. This scene is often repeated numerous times as the child is moved from one home to another.

“All of us here at Cypress Place Senior Living feel a child’s life is worth more than a trash bag or box,” said Mike Macke, one of the marketing directors at the senior community. “That is why we are collecting new and used suitcases to give to these children through a program we call Suitcases for Kids.”

From September 16th until October 16th the senior community will be accepting donations of a new or used suitcase to be given to one of the many foster children in Ventura County.

Once the suitcases have been collected, Cypress Place will invite the foster children to the senior community to present them with their very own suitcase. It is a small, yet wonderful way to help give a child a glimmer of hope and a sense of dignity according to Macke.

Suitcases may be dropped off to Cypress Place Senior Living at 1200/1220 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura. For more information please call 650-8000 or visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.