On July 9 a celebration for our veterans, past and present, was held at the Olivas Adobe. It featured a salute to arms, old guns and do it yourself photo booth and docent-led tours.
The Olivas Adobe historic site features the home of Don Raymundo Olivas. Built in 1847, this Monterey-style adobe home, Historical Landmark No. 115 from the Rancho-era, celebrates Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage.
by Cindy Summers
Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura Police Department and are not the opinions of the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Residential Burglary Arrest
On July 15, at approximately 7:00 pm, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received a 911 call from a resident who had arrived home to find the suspect, later identified as 35-year-old vagrant Angelita Reynosa, inside the house. When the homeowner entered the house, Reynosa exited and fled on foot. Arriving officers located Reynosa on Telegraph Rd. Reynosa had removed a screen from an open window and ransacked the home before fleeing with the victim’s property.
Reynosa was arrested and booked for First Degree Residential Burglary at the Ventura County Jail.
Stabbing-Homicide
UPDATE SUSPECT IDENTIFIED
Update: The Ventura Police Department has concluded a three-month investigation into the stabbing death of Jose Contreras. The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Ventura resident Dillon Mansell. He is currently in federal custody for a violation of federal probation. He now has a warrant for his arrest and will be returned to Ventura to face charges of murder and commission of a crime as a gang member.
Mansell has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, gang involvement, assault on a police officer, drug charges and weapons violations.
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On April 16, at approximately 1:00 an, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a stabbing that just occurred in the 200 block of East McFarlane Dr. Responding officers located one male adultsuffering froma stab wound to his upper extremities. The victim, Jose Contreras 31 years of Ventura, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Detectives are currently investigating this incident. The ensuing investigation revealed that the suspect and victim knew each other and were at a gathering at a residence on East McFarlane. An argument ensued resulting in the victim being stabbed. Thisinvestigation is ongoing and may be gang related. At this time there are no suspects in custody.
Anyone with any information who may have witnessed this event is asked to call Detective Nuñez at 805-339-4328.
I See You by Helena Pasquarella
At Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory The Artful Lens
Runs until August 26.
Next First Friday Reception, August 4, 6 – 9pm
Juror: Michael Corrigan Mishou
The Artful Lens is a photography exhibit featuring the works of BAA members and non-members. Congratulations to our Merit Award winners Lindsay Thomson, David Orias, Gerry Wilson, Daniel Gold, and Helena Pasquarella!
The entrance to Studio 99 is around the back of the Bell Arts Factory building, off of Wall St. Public hours are Friday and Saturday, noon – 4pm
On July 7, 2023, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health of the first detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Ventura County. The virus was detected in wild birds collected by the Division, for the State’s dead bird surveillance program, during the third week of June from the cities of Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura.
WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. The Division monitors and controls mosquito breeding sources throughout Ventura County. All mosquito breeding sources in the area where the birds were collected will be inspected and treated if evidence of mosquito breeding is observed.
The Division also advises the public to take the following precautions to minimize exposure to WNV: Eliminate standing water from your property; make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes; when outdoors wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and limit activity especially at dawn and dusk, when outdoors apply insect repellent.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or skin rash that can last for several days to months. One in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death. If residents feel they are experiencing symptoms, it is strongly recommended to consult their primary care physician.
WNV can not only affect humans but can also affect horses. For information on WNV in horses, owners should contact their veterinarian. To report any potential mosquito breeding sources in Ventura County the public can call the mosquito complaint HOTLINE at (805) 658-4310. The Division also provides mosquito eating fish to the public to use in non-maintained swimming pools, ornamental ponds and similar water features. To request mosquito-eating fish call (805) 662-6582. To report wild birds that have died recently call the California Department of Public Health at (877) WNV-Bird (877-968-2473). To obtain information about mosquito control and surveillance efforts in Ventura County please visit the Division’s website: https://vcrma.org/vector-control-program # # #
History Is Now, 2023 is an extensive selection of photographs by FOTM Founder Donna Granata
The County of Ventura and Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library (FOTM) are presenting the History Is Now, 2023 photography and art exhibition at the County of Ventura Government Center – Hall of Administration, Atrium Gallery, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. Open now through September 5, 2023 as a part of the County’s 150th Anniversary events, the exhibit celebrates the many artists who have made an impact in Ventura County over the past 150 years.
History Is Now, 2023 an extensive selection of photographic portraits, by FOTM Founder Donna Granata, featuring artists from the organization’s extensive archives. From the cutting-edge work of Ojai artist Cassandra C. Jones to the weavings and tapestries of Zapotec weaver and textile artist Porfirio Gutíerrez, these portraits vividly demonstrate the depth and breadth of Ventura County’s arts community. Each image was created after in-depth documentation and study of the artist and their work as part of the Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library’s mission and programming.
Additionally, artwork from the FOTM’s Learning To See award-winning, in-school, cross-curricular program will be included in the exhibition allowing the public to see first-hand how FOTM integrates its research into lesson plans that emphasize critical thinking, innovation, and diversity.
Artists talks are scheduled for August 3, 2023, and August 17, 2023 and guided tours of the exhibition are available by appointment, with priority given to youth groups. General exhibition hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Jack has a strong, determined attitude along with an almost businesslike work ethic.
by Joseph Seemayer
Jack Zoltan is an 18-year-old surfer who is a standout at Ventura County beaches including the Ventura Harbor and The Point to name a few. As a competitor, Jack is committed and focused. His goal is to continue to improve as an athlete while competing against some of the best in the nation. To help achieve this goal, Jack began working with a coach about two years ago. That coach is well known, former professional surfer and Ventura resident, Mike Lamm.
Mike Lamm competed on the US Bud Pro surfing tour in the 1980’s. His passion for coaching developed during his time as an amateur and professional. Today, some of Mike’s notable coaching achievements include world tour professional Lakey Peterson, who he has coached to two National titles, a U.S. Open Jr victory and a silver medal in the ISA surfing games. In addition to Lakey, Mike has coached professional surfer Tia Blanco, an ISA gold medalist and Nick Rozsa, who he coached to the number one position on USA team and US Open Pro Jr finalist.
Locally, Mike also coaches one Jack’s biggest role models and best friend, professional surfer and Ventura native, Dimitri Polous. Jack shares that Dimitri pushes him to be a better surfer and person every day.
Some of Jack’s strengths include his focus, determination and willingness to work hard. “Jack has made massive gains and improvements in his surfing skills during this last year”, Mike states with satisfaction. As Jack’s coach, Mike said it was evident that Jack has the natural athletic ability that a coach looks for in a new student. Mike explains that Jack possesses “the intangible X-factor that coaches look for to have to have students flourish”.
Jack has a strong, determined attitude along with an almost businesslike work ethic. Mike continued, “He’s there at the crack of dawn and on time. Jack would really listen and put in the maximum amount of effort into each of his sessions”, according to Mike. All traits that are necessary to help an athlete continue to grow and achieve competitive success.”
When Jack finishes his training in the water, he then continues with running and time at the gym. “Jack really puts in the work to consistently improve”, which is mandatory for Mike.
Mike continued with Jack’s improvement as a competitor, “Jack was the only Californian competitor, in an all-Hawaiian final at the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) US National championships this year.” Besides his finals appearance and eventual fourth place finish in National Championships, Jack finished this past season ranked 4th in the nation for the NSSA Explorer juniors division, 1st in the Gold Coast Explorer juniors division and 5th Southwest Open mens divisions. An impressive season finish for this young athlete.
Since 1978, the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) mission has been to encourage and assist its members in their interest to learn and develop the fundamentals and skills of surfing competition while competing in structured and quality events. Nationwide, there are more than 80 NSSA events that culminate with the annual National Championships, regarded as the highest profile youth surfing event in America.
The NSSA is one of the few national youth sports organizations that requires its participants to maintain academic standards in order to compete. Since the beginning of the NSSA program, the philosophy has been that athletics and scholastics go hand in hand.
Under his coach’s guidance and with the assistance of his sponsors, Body Glove, Roberts Surfboards, Smilyn Wellness, On a Mission and A Frame Surf Shop, Jack plans on continuing competitive surfing professionally in the World Surf League (WSL) North American qualifying series.
In addition to Jack pursuing a promising professional surfing career, Jack will also be joining the Sundowners Wildland Fire Crew out of Lake Casitas.
Photos by Michael Gordon and others
The Rotary Club of Ventura once again hosted the 4th of July Fireworks Show and Family Picnic at the Ventura College athletic fields. The event was held on Tuesday, July 4th with the fireworks
show beginning at approximately 9 pm. Begun in 1994, the Ventura Rotary Fireworks event marked its 30th Anniversary in 2023.
Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons were all welcome at the parade. Photos by Janie Tran and Shirley Lorraine
The City of Ventura’s 46th annual 4th of July Street Fair & Pushem-Pullem Parade was held on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Ventura’s Downtown District.
The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, began at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continue into the Street Fair in Downtown Ventura.
This year’s Street Fair featured artisan vendors, a car exhibit, food trucks, live entertainment, a kids’ activity area, and more.
A complimentary Bike Valet, courtesy of the City of Ventura Transportation Division and Bike Ventura, was located at the corner of Main St. and Chestnut St.
The Classic Car Exhibit featured over 80 beautiful vehicles. Live entertainment, included local bands and community group performances were enjoyed by the large crowd of attendees.
Drones are much more pet-friendly than fireworks.
400 drones will take flight on July 20, 21, and 22 to amaze and dazzle Ventura community members and X Games fans for the city’s first-ever drone show. The show is presented by Visit Ventura, in partnership with Go Drones, and will include 3D images to celebrate the X Games in Ventura.
Offering community members something fun, free, and sustainable they can participate in has always been a priority — it’s a happy coincidence that the Visit Ventura Drone Show fits all three categories.
“It’s going to be amazing to see 400 drones light up our sky,” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura. “So much of the X Games is a celebration of Ventura, our beach town community. We’re excited to bring everyone together for such a cool event that’s also eco-friendly.”
Drone shows are entirely customizable to the event unlike other air spectacles. Because each drone is individually illuminated, virtually any image created on a computer can be replicated in the sky during a drone light show.
At the size of a football field and a half, viewers can see the show up to five miles away depending on weather. Coupled with 3D imagery in the sky, the Visit Ventura Drone Show will immerse viewers like nothing else the community has seen before.
Not only are drone shows a beautiful spectacle in the sky, they are also more eco-friendly than fireworks. Drone shows eliminate fire concerns and other negative impacts on the environment. Plus, they are much more pet-friendly than fireworks; there are no loud booms during the show that would upset animals.
“In the dance of innovation, Go Drone Shows is excited to collaborate with the visionary spirits of Ventura and the X Games to continue to push the envelope of sustainable entertainment, uniting adrenaline and artistry in an unforgettable partnership,” said Eddie Fernandez, VP of Business Development at Go Drones. “Each show will be different from the night before, telling a story that is authentic to the story and spirit of both the X Games and Ventura. We look forward to bringing this unique experience to such a historic event.”
The Visit Ventura Drone Show will last approximately 15 minutes and will occur Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at around 8:45 pm during the finals weekend. The drones will launch behind Ventura City Hall on Thursday and beyond Surfers Point beach on Friday and Saturday.
Thursday night’s drone show directly follows the free, all-ages community event in Downtown Ventura. The Kickoff Skate Jam on July 20 will transform the intersection of Main and California streets into a unique, fan-friendly obstacle course and include music, X Games athlete meet and greets, and other family-friendly activities.
Lunch is served at the Adult Center for a suggested donation of $3.
by Carol Leish, MA
The Ventura Avenue Adult Center offers classes, drop-in activities, the Westside Café Senior Nutrition Program (It is a delicious and nutritious lunch with a variety of food.)
And a variety of free and affordable programs and services for people over the age of 60. Janine Cobian is the Recreation Supervisor. Tom Musgrove and Cheryl Bucklin are Recreation Coordinators.
Drop-in activities, which are free, include Bridge (Mondays from 9 am-11:30 am); Bingo (Fridays 12:30 pm-2:30pm); and, Sewing (Thursdays from 10 am-Noon). Gardening, which is at Kellogg Garden in Ventura, is also free. Free computer classes focus on various things, such as: basic use of the computer; using email; and, using the Word program are from 8am-Noon on Tuesday’s and Thursdays. Free ping pong games occur on Wednesday’s from 1 pm-2 pm if enough people want to play at a time.
Exercise classes, including Tai Chi and Bone Builders have a reasonable price range and a waiting list of people who want to take the classes. Ballroom Dancing, also for an affordable price, is offered Wednesday’s from 10 am-11 am. An Acrylic Class, for 4 weeks on Wednesday from 1 pm-2:30pm is for $150. For more information about various programs and availability of classes, please call: 805-648-3035
Janine Cobian has been working for the City of Ventura as a Recreation Supervisor for the Senior Services Section for 18 years.
“The City of Ventura, with a collaboration with Stiix Billiards, enables Ventura residents 60 years old and older to play billiards for free. Stiix Billiards is located at: 2520 E. Main St. phone number is 805-641-2020. According to Cobian. “ All Ventura residents over age 60 must do is show that they are residents of the City of Ventura in order to play.”
For fun activities and a good meal at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, come by Monday-Friday between 9 am-3 pm. The address is: 550 N. Ventura Ave. Ventura, CA 93001. The phone number is: 805-648-3035. Look at the website at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/vaac.
