In our last issue we had this photo but it was so small you couldn’t really see these handsome guys.
Dick Zizic, Harold Kennedy, Dick Baldewin, Tony Jankowski and somebody in a Breeze cap celebrating Harold’s birthday at the Vagabond Coffee Shop. All friends from playing tennis (rather well thank you) at the Pierpont Racquet Club.
| 8:30 3:00pm, Officers were dispatched to an injury from a fight in the Harbor Village. Patrol responded and staged in the area while police investigated. The subjects involved in the fight resolved the issue and refused medical care. |
| 4:39pm, officers were dispatched to a near drowning of an 8 year old female who aspirated water while caught in a rip current at the South Jetty. City fire arrived and assessed the patient. |
| 5:19pm, officers were dispatched to a tree on fire near Harbor Blvd/Spinnaker Drive. After searching the area, officers were unable to locate a fire. |
| 9-1 9:23pm, patrol was dispatched to injury from an assault. While they were staging waiting for PD, they were approached by the victim. City police arrived and took over the investigation. The victim was transported to local hospital for further evaluation. |
| 9-3 9:40pm, officers were dispatched to a fall victim at 4 Points Sheraton. The patient was a 58 year old woman who was intoxicated at the hotel bar and fell suffering a large hematoma on the back of her head. She was transported to local hospital for further evaluation. |
| 9-4 12:50pm, received a dispatch to a 75 year old woman who fainted while playing bridge at the Four Points Sheraton hotel. She was treated for syncope and transported to local hospital. |
| 9-5 4:58pm, Harbor Patrol received a report of a vessel listing heavily in its slip. Officers responded and discovered a vessel listing but not in danger of sinking because it had a livewell full of water on the stern and was not taking on water. 5:37pm, while on patrol in the vehicle, officers observed a vehicle driving recklessly on the large dirt parcel near the launch ramp. The driver of the vehicle was detained and issued a citation for driving on the dirt lot. 9-9 12:35pm, contacted the suspicious vessel attempting to secure a slip in Ventura Harbor Village. Officers informed the skipper they could go North or South to attempt to secure a slip, but that their suspicious nature would hinder any attempt at securing a slip in Ventura Harbor. 3:45pm, Officers observed the suspicious vessel leave, heading South.
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Hi: I’m Livi a 4-year old lady bearded collie. I am a service dog at Foster Library (kid’s read to me), at CMH Dr. Gall Therapy Program and at the veterans center in East Ventura. Beside this my favorite thing is sheep herding at On the Lamb Ranch in Camarillo. Scamp was there recently I’m sure he will tell you about it one day.
On September 10 The Lexington Assisted Living hosted a special luncheon for first responders to salute those who serve our community. The event was open to the public and included a wonderful lunch. Attending were Sheriff Deputy J Olmos and Sheriff Deputy G Heiberger Ventura City Firefighters Josh Betha, David Mendoza and Chris Deitz 
Lexington is at 5440 Ralston, 644-6710.
Photos by John Ferritto
Are we baby boomers?
An educational workshop titled “Savvy Social Security Planning: What Baby Boomers Need to Know to Maximize Retirement Income” has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 22 at the Ventura Adult Education Center located at 5200 Valentine Rd., at 6:00 p.m.
Social Security is far more complicated than most people realize. The decisions baby boomers make now can have a tremendous impact on the total amount of benefits they stand to receive over their lifetime.
Questions boomers are asking include:
To help baby boomers better understand the Social Security system, this workshop will cover:
Why you should always check your earnings for accuracy
Seating is limited and reservations are required. Individuals may reserve space by calling 644-3495.
Unable to attend the seminar in person? No problem. You can view a short video from the comfort of your own home regarding the above at www.RISpresents.com.
Still swinging after all these years.
Article and photo by Richard LIeberman
Art Spaulding a long time Ventura resident just turned 90, and is swinging with his sax playing gigs once a month with two local Swing bands “Swing Shift”, and the Unforgettables . Art an accomplished Geologist holds two degrees in Geology, and has had a distinguished career in oil and gas management, in both public and private sectors.
A long career in oil and gas management serving stints at the City of Los Angeles as Oil Administrator, and two years with Shell Oil. He went on to become an oil industry consultant for Western Oil and Gas, and has testified before congress as an oil and gas industry expert.
Spaulding learned how to play an alto saxophone when he was 14 years old, but after serving in WWII he didn’t blow another note until his retirement in the mid 1980’s. Rather than sitting home Spaulding decided to get going with his musical career, “There has to be something better than sitting home and drinking gin” said Spaulding. The Alto Sax was the “something better” for him, and the regular gigs with “Swing Shift” and the “Unforgettables” are one of the joys of his life.
The bands have had regular performances at county fairs, Santa Paula Airport functions, old folks home and others. Spaulding loves the swing music of the 1930s and 1940s. He has even taken a 1 unit course in big band music and history. The bands routinely draw a crowd of 40 to 50 avid listeners. Spaulding also has a vast collection of 78 rpm, 33 rpm, and an extensive CD collection spanning the swing era sounds. “I love listening to Duke Ellington” added Spaulding. “Our audience is mostly old folks” said Spaulding, but there is a cadre of young people listening and enjoying the sound” he added
“The music has a very promising future” said Spaulding “It is a true art form” he added.
“Some of the arrangements are created by our band members” said Spaulding. “The music doesn’t die it will go on for a long, long time, I think it will carry on” he said. Art also would like to see the band leaders more active in getting work.
Spaulding served in the armed forces in WWII, and was with the 5th infantry division under command of General George Patton. He was with the relief forces reinforcing Bastogne during the battle of the Bulge. During one of the coldest winters in Europe for more than a decade, he spent 117 days in combat.
Having turned 90 this year Spaulding is still swinging with his sax, bringing joy, and nostalgia to his audiences, and keeping a worthy art form alive. The big band sound is likely to be around for a long, long time.
Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government teens in front of the California State Capitol building where they had the opportunity to practice their legislative skills.
The Ventura Family YMCA is paving the way for the leaders of tomorrow through its Youth & Government program. Since 1948 this nationwide initiative has been the top youth leadership and development program for 9th through 12th grade high school students. Through hands on experience, each participant is enlightened on how the U.S. government is run. They review the passing of government bills, practice public speaking and case work, and they even travel to Sacramento to put all of their skills into practice at the California State Capitol Building.
This program is unique because of the impact from the Y’s leadership staff and the knowledge each participant gains. There is also fundraising in place to provide scholarships (while they last) for students who may not be able to afford the program otherwise, giving those students an educational advantage like no other.
“We want to make sure that everyone in our community has the equal opportunity to better themselves, and one example of us helping is through our Youth & Government leadership program or by raising money to provide scholarships so that those who would not be able to attend because of the cost, may do so,” says Alicia Cattoni, the Y’s Marketing and Communications Director.
The Y’s Youth Programs Coordinator, Sherry Gutsch, speaks about the importance of nurturing our youth to become future leaders.
Youth & Government runs from September through February and includes weekly meetings, two training weekends in Fresno and a 5-day trip to Sacramento. Current Ventura Y members may join for a discounted rate of $198/month, while Program Members may join for $210/month. Scholarships are available, while the funds last. Spots are filling up fast so make sure to register as soon as possible.
To learn more about Youth & Government, logon to ciymca.org/ventura, visit the Ventura Family YMCA at 3760 Telegraph Road, or contact Sherry Gutsch by email at Sherry. [email protected], or call 642.2131 ext. 16.
Ventura High School will host its 13th Annual Cougar Golf Classic to raise money for the boys and girls basketball program. The proceeds from the fundraiser will give the teams the ability to purchase new uniforms, training equipment, provide transportation and allow for the program to pay for tournament and summer travel expenses for the players.
The 2015 Cougar Golf Classic will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 1:00pm at the San Buenaventura Golf Course in Ventura. The day will include 18 rounds of golf including green fees, cart and lunch. There will also be dinner, prizes and a raffle. Sponsorships are available at all levels of participation. Golf and dinner is $150.00
In addition to the Cougar Golf Classic the basketball team will have a Silent Auction Extravaganza fundraiser on Saturday, September 19 from 6:00-9:00pm at the Elks Lodge on Knoll Dr. There will be a great auction, raffle, DJ and dancing.
For golf tournament details and entry form visit www.cougargolfclassic.org or contact Dan or Ann Larson at 558-2520 or [email protected].
Irene has surfed multiple beaches but Ventura is her favorite.
Photo by Rich Clark
My favorite go to beach
by Irene Chiang,16
Ventura beach is my absolute favorite go-to beach. I was coming back from a stressful commercial shoot for a collaboration with Citibank one day and decided to stop by Ventura to relax. I saw a group of people surfing, and realized that surfing is just what I needed. I immediately bought a board and taught myself how to surf, with the help of Ventura’s friendly surfers and the easygoing waves. The sightings of dolphins and seals are a big plus, too.
Ever since then, I have surfed multiple beaches, but there is just something different about Ventura. The water, the waves, how free the endless ocean makes me feel. The feel of Ventura just magically makes all my stress fade away.
Even if you just sit on the pier and listen to the waves, you can immediately feel your emotions being leveled with the waves. Ventura is my therapist, and there is no other place I would rather be.
This isn’t the first time I have made a spontaneous decision, I am always looking for new opportunities and something different to do with my life. Recently moving from South Carolina to California, I have completed so much on my bucket list! Thanks to Ventura, surfing was the first to go. When I was 13, I took a bus to New York with my then-14 year old friend during Christmas. We jumped right in and performed at in an underground show at the metro station in front of hundreds of people. I felt a rush of confidence that I have never felt before, and ever since then, I have been determined to make spontaneous decisions.
Shortly after New York, a feeling inside of me told me to go to Australia. I immediately booked a plane, and flew out with my mom. Within a few days, we had kayaked through caves, swam under waterfalls, and had a cute little sleep over with baby koalas in a sanctuary. I have a travel journal in my room, which I am constantly filling out. Experiencing something new has always been a hobby of mine, and it is something I strongly feel dedicated and passionate about.
I have always had a fear of being in the middle of the ocean, but now that I have conquered one of my fears, I am determined to push myself even further. The feeling of accomplishment is unexplainable and amazing.
My next adventures consists of getting over my ultimate fear; heights. Being a person that is even terrified of escalators, I am now set out to go skydiving, zip lining, bungee jumping, and climbing an active volcano for my next adventures. Just thinking about all those activities makes me shake, but I am positive that this is what I want.
There are so many opportunities out there for you to discover yourself and what you love to do, and I highly recommend pushing yourself to your limits.
To keep up with me on my adventures, you can find me on Instagram @not.irene, and a big thanks to Sheldon for having me in the Ventura Breeze!
Ask the Director
Shana Epstein, Ventura Water General Manager
Q. I’m a Ventura Water customer and our family has been doing our part to conserve water. Can you explain why Ventura Water modified the existing residential Tier 1 into two tiers and why 0 to 6 HCF?
A. As the city and state experience one of the most severe droughts on record, Californians have proven they have the ingenuity and commitment to meet the challenges of conserving water. Coping with the impacts of a water shortage requires adaptation and full participation. When our Ventura Water Shortage Task Force (13 local customers serving on the advisory committee) evaluated different water shortage rate options, they heard loud and clear from customers who “used such a small amount of water” that there was no more room to budge. In response, the first tier was split to ensure rates were not increased for the lowest residential water consumers defined as the first six units (1 unit = 748 gallons.) These six units protect water usage at the lowest level to reflect minimum needs for health and sanitation. The new Tier 1 or “lifeline usage” remains unchanged in all water shortage stages for all customers, and will not be impacted by increased water shortage rates.
City of Ventura customers have been doing a great job in their conservation efforts. In June and July, Ventura saved 40% and 39% respectively, which met the cumulative goal of 20%. These hot summer months are our opportunity to have the greatest impact – and we ask community members to continue saving water so we can finish out the year maintaining our reduction goal of 20%.
Ventura Water offers many ways to help our community members save water (and money). Contact us at 805.667.6500 or online at www.venturawater.net to schedule a free water conservation survey and learn how to reduce water use in and around your home or business. If you’re thinking of designing a new drought resilient landscape, apply now for our WaterWise Incentive program while funds are still available by visiting www.cityofventura.net/waterwise/incentiveprogram. To learn about Ventura Water’s plans for a sustainable water future, you can take an in-depth tour of our VenturaWaterPure Potable Reuse demonstration facility on Saturday’s from 9am to 11am through December 2015. Private groups interested in weekday tours can also be accommodated with advanced notice. RSVP to [email protected].
