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A Busy Season for CAPS Media

Nadine Piché, KPPQ Producer of the Month

As Ventura cruises into the summer, May and June are very busy and exciting months for CAPS Crews with a variety of productions including City press conferences for the upcoming X Games and grants for Ventura Water Pure treatment program, two State of the City presentations with a live and streaming presentation at the Museum of Ventura County hosted by the City of Ventura and one at the Crown Plaza hosted by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. CAPS is also recording and live streaming graduation ceremonies at Ventura College and at all VUSD high schools: Buena High on June 14, Ventura High on June 15 and El Camino and Pacific High Schools and VACE on June 16.

The fun continues in the coming months with CAPS producing multiple projects supporting Ventura County’s 150^th Anniversary celebration – 150 days of events starting in June and culminating with the State of the County presentation in October. CAPS is collaborating with the Museum of Ventura County to produce a series of programs for the county celebration including “Interviews with Innovators” with engaging discussions hosted by museum director Elena Brokaw featuring fascinating innovators throughout the county; “Feast or Flop” a tasty menu celebrating the savory unique heritage of agriculture and cuisine in Ventura County; “Ventura Voices” selected Oral Histories from the vast museum archives and more.

KPPQ Producer of the Month Nadine Piché, longtime Ventura resident and host of Ventura Vibe!, joined KPPQ – CAPS Radio in 2017. She heard about CAPS Media through her son who had taken a digital filmmaking class one summer. With her interest in podcasting she asked for recommendations on local resources. She learned about KPPQ. “I could learn right there. I hadn’t thought about radio. But of course! I took the introductory class. I wasn’t sure if radio was for me. There were so many buttons! But I stuck it out. And I’m so glad I did.” She produced her first show in the KPPQ studio in January of 2018. With so many great ideas she launched two radio shows/podcasts at KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM: A limited series titled Spotlight on Special Education and an ongoing weekly series, Ventura Vibe! Nadine says “Both shows taught me so much about production and the process of putting a show together. The best part of the process is connecting with people in the community and getting to ask lots of questions.” Ventura Vibe! currently airs on Mondays at 2pm, Tuesdays at 8am, Thursdays at 1pm and Saturdays at 3pm on 104.1fm and on myTuner. Both programs are featured on the KPPQ Podcast network, a plus for KPPQ community producers and listeners. You can find her podcasts at capsmedia.org/podcasts and tune in to KPPQ at 104.1fm or on the myTuner app.

CAPS’ channel 6 presents programming created by and for the public including community information programs, faith-based services and more. CAPS manages and presents government meetings at City Hall including city council, design review, general plan advisory committee and planning commission on channel 15 which also features education and information programs including those by El Camino High School students.

To learn more about CAPS, visit capsmedia.org. CAPS Media City Council Presentation 2023 video presents an overview of the organization. Additional information on the CAPS website includes links to programing and information regarding reopening of the CAPS Media center to the public.

They are Ventura citizens trying to make it

You can meet Des most days on the Promenade.

by Sheli Ellsworth

Destin (AKA Des) Starchile was fortunate. “I was adopted in San Antonio at a young age and my father was president of the Texas Cradle Society,” he says. “My parents were pillars of the community. As a child, I had numerous health problems and spent a lot of time recovering from surgeries on my legs.”

Starchile is now a local artist who enjoys painting pictures of animals and landscapes. “I’m always willing to paint someone’s pet for donations to cover supplies.”

His professional life has been varied. “Starchile says he earned his GED and even attended a police academy in Florida. “I was a private security guard, a gaffer, a roughneck in the oil field and a mechanic.” “As a young kid, my dad taught me the ins and outs of fixing engines.” Starchile’s father had been a driving force in his life until Starchile left home for government service.

“Five years ago, I was on my way to Hawaii with equipment to start my own motorcycle repair shop when the police confiscated my tools over on Mission Street.” Starchile says that he is a Christian and believes that God brought him to Ventura for a reason. “I don’t know the reason, but I pray and meditate every day, hoping for guidance. I went home to care for my mother after she fell and came away with the realization that my family worships the almighty dollar.”

He is unable to have a relationship with them. “I started painting to relieve my anxiety.” Starchile can often be found painting at the Ventura Promenade.

The 66-year-old Starchile lives in a tent and has been homeless for the last five years. He is a self-described artist, writer and Texas hippie. When asked if he would consider living in government housing, Starchile says that the state’s 5150, rules and curfews would keep him from embracing most housing programs. When asked if he is ever afraid, Starchilde says the only time he feels threatened is when the police stop him.

A philosophical approach has helped Starchile cope with homelessness. “Basic things like brushing teeth can be a challenge. There is the way we want things; the way they should be; and the way they are.”

For his wonderful art see the Art Scene:
https://venturabreeze.com/2023/05/31/local-artist-des-starchile/

Vol. 16, No. 18 – May 31 – June 13, 2023 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Zozo, a 7- month -old Terrier X rescued from a shelter when my time was up.

The shelter said I was fearful, but who wouldn’t be not knowing which day might be your last. I know the volunteers and kennel staff will help me acclimate to my new surroundings and help me feel safe and loved.

Since I’m just a puppy, children in the home must be at least 6 years of age. Please be sure you’re ready to take on a puppy as it’s similar to having a newborn in the home.

If you’re ready and able to give me a lifetime of love and wonderful memories, please fill out an application to meet me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. https://carldogs.org/
CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Meet Cleo (A808223), a spunky 2- year-old! Cleo is an indoor rabbit looking for a home with a more experienced bunny parent. She’s got lots of personality and would love to be the center of attention. We are so excited to see her blossom in a gentle and caring home. To adopt, email [email protected].

Our bunnies are all indoor, litterbox trained house rabbits. Find them all at vcas.us/rabbits.

Pet Link: www.vcas.us/viewan-2/?ida=A808223

Vol. 16, No. 18 – May 31 – June 13, 2023 – As I See It

Congratulations to Ana Baker for going back to school and obtaining her AA degree from Ventura College while holding a full-time job. Now it’s on to California State University Channel Islands. Staci and Sheldon helped her celebrate.

The Ventura Fire Department is currently hiring Lateral Firefighter-Paramedics. Learn more and apply online at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/Jobs.

I apologize for not responding to birthday wishes sent to me on Facebook. I seldom look at Facebook. Thanks for your good wishes.

The Museum of Ventura County has announced the installation of three new exhibits, which will require temporarily closing the doors of the main campus at 100 East Main Street from May 29th through June 21st. Reopening on Thursday, June 22nd.

The Ventura City Council has approved (with recommendations and conditions) moving forward with the next steps for a major housing project proposed at 2325 Vista Del Mar by KB Development. The council voted 5-2 in favor of future action for 394 residential. Councilmembers Mike Johnson and Liz Campos voted no.

I agree with the two no votes, but perhaps for different reasons. With the hotel down the street near completion, plus whatever will be built in place of the Golden China when it is torn down , the traffic from Vista Del Mar to Seaward will be huge and not very manageable.

The vote means city staff will prepare a development agreement with the developer KB Home. The project will also require approval by the California Coastal Commission.

KB has agreed to a railroad crossing and funding traffic studies and also to pay for required upgrades. The city’s 2005 general plan identifies the acreage for high-density residential use.

Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for leading the insurrection to keep then-President Donald Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election. The sentence is the first handed down in over a decade for seditious conspiracy. “What we absolutely cannot have is a group of citizens who – because they did not like the outcome of an election, who did not believe the law was followed as it should be – foment revolution,” District Judge Amit Mehta said before handing down the sentence.

“I’d like to start by just saying that I’m a political prisoner, and like President Trump, my only crime is opposing those who are destroying our country,” Rhodes told Mehta in court. He is confused about who is trying to destroy our country and our democracy.

Jean Carroll, who this month won $5 million in damages from former President Donald J. Trump, is now seeking a “very substantial” additional amount in response to his insults on a CNN program just a day after she won her sexual abuse and defamation case. Ms. Carroll’s filing in federal court seeks to intensify the financial pain for Mr. Trump.

The Ventura Planning Commission approved a proposal for a six-story mixed-use building in downtown. The project, which has 94 multi-family residential units, including 13 very low-income units, is located at 211 Thompson Blvd. and Figueroa Street. In a 4-2 vote, commissioners approved the major design review, a coastal development permit and a lot line adjustment.

With the commission’s approval, the project can move forward unless it’s appealed. A City Council approval is needed if the commission’s decision is appealed. The project exceeds the maximum allowed height of four stories because it provides a certain number of affordable units. The state allows applicants to request a size increase under the Bonus Density Law as a way to encourage new housing developments to incorporate subsidized affordable units in exchange for more density.

The State has basically removed cities rights to conform to its own planning and zoning standards. If State guidelines are not followed the city could face potential lawsuits.

Ventura College Foundation distributes over $670,000 in scholarships

Scholarship recipients come from all different backgrounds with different education and career goals.

The Ventura College Foundation presented 439 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year totaling $670,406 during its 34th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 18, at the Ventura College Athletic Center.

Of the 235 scholarship recipients, many received multiple scholarships with an average amount of $2,417 for continuing students and $3,557 for students transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. At minimum, each student received a $1,000 scholarship.

Scholarship recipients come from all different backgrounds with different education and career goals.

Three-scholarship recipient Mea Ann Alanes, 26, was born in the Philippines. A first-generation college student, she will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara this year pursuing a double major in Sociology and Anthropology. A single mother and former foster youth, she has overcome her share of challenges including food and housing insecurity.

“My mission and passion are to improve the health of our low-income families, single mothers, and financially insecure students,” says Alanes. ”These scholarships will provide me with the breathing room and stress-free environment that I need to focus on my academics.”

“Scholarships are critical for students in their ability to continue their education,” says Nicole Kreutz, incoming chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors. “Scholarship funds help offset tuition, books costs and other expenses. Every amount helps.”

For Richard Clark, 36, his college journey began after seven years in the U.S. Army and then as a personal trainer. He enrolled at Ventura College thinking he might study physical therapy. “I needed to add credits so I took a criminal justice course and loved it,” says Clark. “That changed everything.” Clark will transfer this year to CLU majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Cyber Security. He hopes to intern with the FBI.

The GI Bill will pay a portion of Clark’s tuition costs and his two scholarships (including a Ventura College Foundation Veterans Scholarship) will cover other expenses. “After being away in the Army for so long, I thought it was too late to go back to school,” says Clark. “Ventura College is amazing, especially the Veterans Resource Center. Staff helped me select which classes to take and showed me all the available financial support.”

Jimmy Flores, 23, grew up in a tight-knit Latino community in Santa Paula. He attended Santa Paula High School. “Soccer is a big deal in town and I was fortunate to be on the school’s team,” says Flores. “After graduation, I didn’t want to disconnect right away so I began volunteering as an assistant coach. I found that I enjoy teaching and encouraging teenagers. It’s very rewarding.”

Flores plans to become a physical education high school teacher and coach. He will be attending Cal State Northridge in the Fall, majoring in Kinesiology with a Physical Education emphasis. He is the first in his family to attend a four-year university. “My volunteer coaching takes away from the number of hours I can work. The scholarship will allow me to focus on my education and coaching goals.”

“The drive to succeed shown by our scholarship recipients is truly inspiring,” says Kreutz. “We know they will make a positive impact in their fields.”

The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include Edison International, Miracle Mile Advisors, Searle Creative, Bank of the Sierra, Ohana Pet Hospital, Trinity Wheeler Photography, HZ Main Events Design & Consulting, DJ’s Catering, LetzChat, and L&T Catering.

Scholarship applications will be accepted for the next academic year beginning in the Fall. For more about the Ventura College Foundation and donation opportunities, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org.

Vol. 16, No. 18 – May 31 – June 13, 2023 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Calendar Girls Bloom on Conejo Stage

To usher in Spring, Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks bursts forth with humor, pathos and the solidarity of friendship in their current production of “Calendar Girls.”
A delightful lightweight romp based on a real event, Calendar Girls centers around a stalwart and staid British women’s organization, the Women’s Institute Association, referred to as the WI.

Their fundraising goal for the present year is to raise money to purchase a settee for the currently dismal waiting area in a hospital cancer wing in honor of one of the members’ husbands who recently succumbed to the disease.

As members of the WI of Knapely Village in Yorkshire, the ladies are less invested in the traditional than they are in finding new ways to achieve the same ends, having more fun in the process. When the subject of their annual calendar comes up, members of the group opt to stray from the usual fare of churches, bridges and other landscapes. Instead, a handful of forward-thinkers decide to take a chance on a more intimate layout using themselves as models with props representative of the group’s standard focus of baking, knitting and gardening. Cleverly framed behind these items, the ladies bare “most” to the delight of all.

With the encouragement of a specific cause, the ladies engage a young photographer (David White) to make the project a reality. The success of the project ultimately surpasses their wildest dreams.

Although the action is set in England, director Deidre Parmenter opted to forego the accents which worked well for this ensemble. The cast delivers a spun-candy froth with emotional undertones that periodically bring the audience back to terra firma and the task at hand. The meaning behind the effort struck a chord with many in the audience.
Cast members include Lynn Thorne, Dana Weisman, Joanne Zahorsky-Reeves, Rita McCaffrey, Carla Ames, Mary Alice Brady as the “calendar girls”. Erin Fagundes, Robin Rassell, Jeff Ash, Daniel Krause, Elena Mills and Katie Gordon fill in the rest of the story, each adding flair to their roles.

All the participants embrace their characters with enthusiasm and spice that emphasize the realism they are portraying. The cast works as an ensemble, providing unique skills and body language, and each one adding to the storyline in both minor and major ways. Every character has at least one moment to shine in the spotlight, securing the feeling of unity and friendly rivalry that belonging to a women’s group can elicit.

The staging employs a complicated wheeled setting change involving a church meeting room interior and an outdoor garden with a view, a plethora of props and myriad costume changes which keep the actors and crew on their toes throughout.
This staging has added value in the contribution of original music by Kyle deTarnowsky which accents the scenes and mood changes nicely, filling in otherwise blank pauses providing a nice finishing touch to a solid and endearing production.

Calendar Girls runs through June 17 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. www.ConejoPlayers.org or (805) 495-3715.

Smiles and mouths full of food at the Strawberry Festival

Overflow crowds attended the Strawberry Festival at the Fairgrounds. Photos by Patricia Schallert and Yana Khiyod

Grace Thompson wife of festival co-chair Mike Thompson with what might be Mike.

Yummy treats, live music, rides and a great time was enjoyed at the California Strawberry Festival held on May 20 & 21 at Ventura County Fairgrounds celebrating its 37th year.

Attendees didn’t mind the long lines as the Festival was held after a three-year absence and at a new location.

Several local bands entertained the guests, some who danced while waiting to eat the many foods available. Much more than just strawberries.

Housing Trust Fund VC’s Annual Compassion Campaign sets another fundraising record

Housing Trust Fund VC CEO Linda Braunschweiger speaking to the packed house.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (www.housingtrustfundvc.org) set another fundraising record at its 4^th Annual Compassion Campaign. With a strong showing of community leaders in attendance, the organization exceeded last year’s record setting fundraising high. Supported in part by Keystone Sponsors City National Bank and HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), the Museum of Ventura County provided the perfect back drop for this year’s theme, HOME MADE: Fund It + Build It + Live It, which featured three museum-quality exhibits that immersed guests into a learning experience, which highlighted through sight and sound what it takes to fund, build, and live in safe, equitable, and affordable homes in Ventura County.

An evening highlight was an intimate conversation on a living room styled stage hosted by Housing Trust Fund VC CEO Linda Braunschweiger. She spoke with Elenore Vaughn, Executive Director of the City of Santa Paula’s Housing Authority, Jennifer Harkey from the County of Ventura’s Continuum of Care, and John, a U.S. veteran and resident of Oakwood Court senior affordable apartments – the second ever funded development by Housing Trust Fund VC in 2016. “It’s inspirational to see the recognition of two Santa Paula Housing Authority residents at this event who still reside in the first two developments funded by Housing Trust Fund VC. It validates the work we all do to help low-income families obtain housing that truly changes lives for the long-term,” commented Vaughn.

The evening was emceed by David Kohlmeier, President & Chair of the Board of RAIN Communities, who shared his powerful story of finding himself and his then five-year-old son homeless, even as he had a paying job. Now a proud homeowner, Kohlmeier credits organizations like RAIN and Housing Trust Fund VC for giving people like him and John a supportive hand up so that they can contribute to the collective prosperity of our community.

“I’m energized by the growing support for affordable housing in Ventura County,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger. “As we know from the recent Homeless Point in Time count, the need continues to solve housing insecurity and we hope that providing educational guest experiences like our signature Compassion Campaign can shed light on what we all can do – it can be as simple as earmarking donations to Housing Trust Fund Ventura County.”

The event’s immersive exhibits were sponsored by Community West Bank, McCarthy Construction Companies, and the City of Ventura. Additional Compassion Campaign 2023 sponsors include Ventura Investment Company, Bank of the Sierra, CBC Federal Credit Union, First Citizens Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, Amcal Somis Ranch, Blois Construction, County of Ventura, Cannon Constructors, Landscape Development, Limoneira Company, Port of Hueneme, Premier America, Staples Construction, VC Community Foundation, and Ventura County Credit Union.

To support funding more affordable housing across Ventura County, please visit: www.housingtrustfundvc.org/donate-now.

Vol. 16, No. 18 – May 31 – June 13, 2023 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Missing – Netflix

When her mother Grace (Nia Long) went on a vacation with her new boyfriend Kevin (Ken Leung) to Colombia, June (Storm Reid) did as many teenagers would do and had a great time partying with her friends, but when she went to pick her mom and boyfriend up from the airport they never arrived. June contacted the hotel where they had been staying and was told that they left but had left everything including all their luggage and belongings at the hotel, so she contacted her mom’s friend Heather (Amy Landecker). They contacted the U.S. Embassy in Columbia and spoke with FBI Agent Park (Daniel Henney) who told them that unfortunately the issue was not within their jurisdiction, but that they would try to help in any ways they could to locate June’s mother.

Stuck in a sea of bureaucratic red tape, June used her tech savvy skills and set out to find her mother. She was able to locate images of the hotel online, which showed security cameras, but the manager said the tapes were overwritten every 48 hours and would have to be looked through in person. This was obviously impossible with June in L.A., so she used the TaskRabbit app and hired a Columbian local named Javier (Joaquim de Almeida) to be her boots on the ground in her search. Javier found out that Grace and Kevin were seen in a hardware store nearby purchasing a padlock, and when June searched nearby tourist sites, she found a place called the Walled City Love Lock Bridge.

June searched through live cam footage in the area, and saw her mom’s new boyfriend propose to her on the bridge, but unfortunately a short time later as she followed them on webcams throughout the city she saw them both abducted by several men who grabbed them and drove away in a white van. June knew she needed to find out more about her mom’s relationship with her new boyfriend and after hacking both their email accounts discovered that several years ago Kevin had gone to prison for several years in Texas for conning women while using multiple fake names. June immediately contacted Agent Park, but he said he was already aware of that information and that Kevin served his time and was currently using his real name.

As June dug deeper into Kevin’s information, she found out that he had actually contacted another woman who looked similar to her mother just prior to the trip and assumed they were having an affair. When June shared the information with Agent Park, he told her that legally they could not use any information June got from Kevin’s hacked email and asked that she just be patient and let them handle the situation. Agent Park said they was much more going on than June was aware of that he was not able to share, but asked June if she knew if her mother had ever gone by any other name. June said she didn’t know anything about that, but told him she had tried to reach out to the other woman and discovered she had also been missing for two weeks.

June kept digging through emails, credit card accounts, uber tracking and the online dating app where Grace and Kevin met which all raised more answers than questions. June also had to contend with an international media frenzy over her mom’s disappearance when the video of them being abducted went viral. The whole story blew up around the world when it was discovered that her mom had other identities than Grace Allen, and appeared to at some point in her past had disappeared to start a new life. This was news to June who only knew her life to be that her father passed away when she was young and her mom raised her as a single parent.

This would not be the last thing to surprise June in this ever changing story which would result in her learning her mom’s friend Heather was more that just a friend and that it seemed a possibility through the evidence they discovered that Grace may not had even been in Columbia, that she may never have left L.A. and that June’s own life may be in danger from the past.

Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 51m

Have a proud and Happy Juneteenth!

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.

In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

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