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Vol. 16, No. 14 – Apr 5 – Apr 18, 2023 – Music Calendar

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Anna’s Cider
801 E. Main St., Santa Paula
Sat 4/15: Van Allen Twins

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
8585 N. Ojai Rd., Ojai
Sun 4/16: Alexander Hersh w/ Dominic Cheli

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 4/7: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

Café Fiore
66 S. California St., Ventura
Wed 4/5: Bryan McCann
Fri 4/7: Instone
Wed 4/12: Donna Butler
Fri 4/14: Little Alice

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 4/7: Kelly’s Lot
Sat 4/8: 805 Social Club
Fri 4/14: The Jukes
Sat 4/15: Under Cover Super Group

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet
Sun 4/9: Heart and Soul
Sun 4/16: The House Arrest Band

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 4/7: Los Amigos
Sat 4/8: Fan Halen
Sat 4/15: Jayden Secor (11 am); Los Amigos (7 pm)

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 4/8: Beau Red & the Tailor Maide
Fri 4/14: Shawn Jones
Sat 4/15: Char-Man, Camino Muerto

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 4/7: On Tap
Sun 4/16: Clear Sky Trio

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Thurs Happy Hour: Tom Etchart & Friends
Friday Happy Hour: Fred Kaplan
Wed 4/5: Ian Rapien Quartet
Thurs 4/6: SicNarf
Fri 4/7: Charles Ruggiero
Sat 4/8: Mid Life Crisis (2 pm); Paul McCallum and Friends (8 pm)
Wed 4/12: Kaisa Maensivu Trio
Thurs 4/13: The Brian Bromberg Acoustic Trio
Fri 4/14: Danny Janklow & Elevation Band
Sat 4/15: Jen Staves & the Bluzfish (2 pm); Rodolfo Zuniga & Surfaces (8 pm)

Harbor Cove Café
1867 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
10 am – Noon
Saturdays: The Cool Hand Ukes

The Haven at Whitesails
4308 Tradewinds Dr., Oxnard
Sun 4/9: Brandon Ragan
Sun 4/16: Freda & Friends Sound Club

House of Dance
3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura
Sun 4/16: Los Amigos

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 4/7: Heart and Soul
Fri 4/14: CRV

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 4/7: Preston Smith
Sat 4/8: The Salty Suites
Sun 4/9: Emily Coupe
Fri 4/14: Amino Cruz
Sat 4/15: Kimo Moya
Sun 4/16: Jake McClelland

The Lookout Bar and Grill
2800 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard
Wednesdays & Sundays : Gary Ballen

Madewest Brewing
1744 Donlon St., Ventura
Sat 4/15: River Ripley

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 4/7: Bryce Vine
Sat 4/15: Bobby Shmurda, Art is Sin, Ballaholic

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sun 4/9: Déjà vu Too

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 4/5: Robert Van
Fri 4/7: Jim and Mark duo
Sat 4/8: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Fri 4/14: Tour Support
Sat 4/15: Michael Falcone

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 4/8: Pato Banton, Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes
Sun 4/9: Teresa Russell
Sat 4/15: Morie & the Heavy Hitters

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Sat 4/8: Dave Cipriani
Fri 4/14: The Listening Room

Ojai Underground
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Mon 4/17: Larry & Joe

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 4/7: Ventura Irie-ites Posse
Sat 4/8: Jess Bush
Fri 4/14: Shaky Feelin’
Sat 4/15: Sam Morris

Onyx
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 4/14: Steve and Sally Williams

Orozco’s de Ventura
839 E. Front St., Ventura
Saturdays: V.I.P.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Fri 4/7: Good Riddance, Swingin’ Utters, Sweat
Mon 4/17: Gordon Lightfoot, Max Gomez

Poseidon Brewing Company
5777 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Fri 4/7: CocoKnots

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 4/7: Doc Rogers
Sat 4/8: Teresa Russell
Sun 4/9: Vinny Berry
Fri 4/14: Cinnamon Whiskey
Sat 4/15: Soul Machine
Sun 4/16: Teresa Russell

Sam’s Place (The Vine)
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends

Ric’s Restaurant Sports Lounge
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support w/ Kurt & Bob

San Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 4/7: The Rocketz

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 4/7: Doc Ventura (4 pm); No Biggie (8 pm)
Sat 4/8: Sin Chonies
Sun 4/9: Jose Valdez feat. Ruben Estrada
Fri 4/14: Jake McClelland (4 pm); Pull the Trigger (8 pm)
Sat 4/15: Goleta Sound
Sun 4/16: Los Amigos

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sun 4/9: Caliente 805
Sun 4/16: Freddy & Friends

Taqueria Jalisco
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Fridays: Jim Friery

Topa Topa Brewing
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 4/5: Davey Miller Jazz

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Sat 4/8: Milo Sledge Trio
Sun 4/16: Steve and Sally Williams

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Davey Miller Trio
Fri 4/7: Breaking Bored
Sat 4/8: Adam Lenhard (4 pm); Crosscut 805 (8 pm)
Sat 4/9: closed
Fri 4/14: Operation 90s
Sat 4/15: Steve and Sally Williams (11 am); Jetlemons (8 pm)
Sun 4/16: Ken Devoe

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera

Ventura Harbor Village
1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sat 4/8: Surfer Joe Band
Sun 4/9: Barrelhouse Wailers

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 4/5: Moonshine Bandits
Sat 4/8: Creed Bratton
Sun 4/16: Inna Vision, Gonzo

Waterside
3500 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 4/8: Déjà vu Too

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 4/6: Brandon Ragan
Fri 4/7: LA Jazz Connection w/ Davey Miller
Sat 4/8: Los Elektrick Love-in
Sun 4/9: RJ Mischo
Thurs 4/13: Will Breman
Fri 4/14: Teresa Russell
Sat 4/15: Vanise Terry
Sun 4/16: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Tues 4/18: Open mic w/ Jenna Rose

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Fri 4/8: Steve and Sally Williams

Vol. 16, No. 14 – Apr 5 – Apr 18, 2023 – Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Someone you relied on might resist your request for help. Get the facts behind their decision before jumping to conclusions. You might be in for a surprise.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a good time for the winter-weary Bovine to start plans for spring redecorating. Indulge in something super beautiful for your home. You deserve it.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) An inner conflict might keep you from taking the first step toward healing an old wound. Seek the advice of a trusted friend for help in dealing with your uncertainty.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Change can bring confusion. You need to take a strong stand to make sure your rights are respected despite all the fuss and fury going on around you.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your financial situation continues to improve, although you still need to watch those expenses. Something from the past could affect a current situation.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Problems adjusting to a new job and unfamiliar surroundings might tempt you to give up. But hang in there — things get better in time.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Decision time is near. Talk out your doubts with trusted advisers. If your misgivings still outweigh your enthusiasm, it’s best to rethink the whole deal.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A situation has you puzzled. Be patient. The answers you seek will soon come from a source very close to the person at the center of your curiosity.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your usually active social life is in super-high gear through this week. Your hectic party-going pace eases into a period of quiet time by the weekend.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You need to start narrowing down those several new options that have come your way to just the two or three you really want to pursue.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) It’s a wise Water Bearer who nurtures a fading friendship back to vibrant health. At work, a once-shelved idea is suddenly being reconsidered.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might feel swamped by a flood of work-related obligations, but the support of a trusted associate helps you get through each one successfully.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are a caring person who often puts your own needs aside to help others. You have a gift for cultivating beautiful gardens.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Ventura County Library is offering a series of family-friendly sustainability-themed programs.
English/Spanish interpretation services and children’s activities will be available for all the
programs at the Piru Library, Saticoy Library, and Soliz Library branches. The upcoming topics
are:

Home Weatherization 101
Thursday, April 6, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Piru Library (3811 Center Street, Piru) 805 521-1753
Thursday, May 4, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Saticoy Library (1292 Los Angeles Avenue, Ventura)
805 671-5148

How to Get Green Business Certified
Thursday, April 13, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Soliz Library (2820 Jourdan Street, Oxnard) 805
485-4515
Thursday, May 11, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Piru Library
Thursday, May 18, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Saticoy Library
These programs are made available through a Sustainable California Libraries Grant from the
California State Library, and in collaboration with the County Executive Office’s Sustainability
Division.

Micaela Ellis, teen author, will visit E.P. Foster Library on Saturday, April 8, 11:00 am to noon
to present her book, Autism Over The Years and share her perspective on life as a child with
autism. She hopes to educate others on the challenges that people with autism face and the many
opportunities for growth and learning that are available to children like her when they are
respected and understood.

Nathalia brings Bilingual Music for Families to Hill Road Library on Tuesday, April 25 at 3:30
pm. Get ready to dance and sing in English and Espanol with Nathalia, a multi-talented singer
songwriter based out of Los Angeles. From rock to cumbia, jazz to reggaeton, Nathalia’s songs
are produced in a number of different musical styles and written with the whole family in mind.
This event is open to all ages.

Book Clubs at the Library
E.P. Foster’s Young Reader Book Club meets on the fourth Saturday of each month, from 1:00
to 2:00 pm, for children ages 9-12 (4th or 5th grade reading level). For more information, call
(805) 648-2716.

Hill Road Library’s quarterly Wise Owls Book Club for adults who enjoy reading children’s
literature, meets on Tuesday, April 11, 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The book selection is: The Last
Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera.

The Hill Road Library Book Club will discuss Bird Brother: A Falconer’s Journey and the
Healing Power of Wildlife by Rodney Stotts on Tuesday, April 25, 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
To join the mailing list for Hill Road Library book clubs, please email
[email protected] .

Visit Hill Road Library to pick up the latest book club selections.
Rising from the Ashes home tour will take place on Saturday, April 22, 12:00 to 4:00 pm.
The Thomas Fire of 2017 caused devastation, but not defeat. The Ventura County Library
Foundation invites you to witness the resilience of Ventura as you tour some of the beautifully
rebuilt homes and hear the stories of rebirth. Mid-Century Modern, Mediterranean, Spanish
Colonial, West Pueblo, Modern and French Country styles are represented.

Proceeds will help fund important literacy programs, including the Mobile Library. For more
information and to buy tickets, go to https://www.vclibraryfoundation.org/events.

Vol. 16, No. 14 – Apr 5 – Apr 18, 2023 – As I See It

For the second time, the Ventura County Fairgrounds Board of Directors has turned down a proposed development including a baseball stadium at the fairgrounds. The developers said the project would also expand and renovate the state-owned facility. Directors rejected the proposal unanimously in October.

At the hearing, held on Feb. 22, most of more than 500 people attending expressed opposition to the project.

Either way the fairgrounds is in desperate need of a major refurbishing so hopefully money might be available in the future to do this.

Rainfall:
This year 25”
Normal 13”
Last year 8.5”

The Ventura City Council has ended its investigation into employee spending and reimbursement practices.

In September, the council ordered a review of city expenses after it was revealed city manager Alex McIntyre had left an excessive tip (nice guy) and purchased wine with a state-issued credit card on a 2021 trip when he paid for a meal for eight in Sacramento. He spent $323 for the meal, $115 for a bottle of wine (I drink $2.50 wine) and left a $234.60 tip.

McIntyre apologized and explained he overtipped because he didn’t realize the tip was already included. He later told the council he reimbursed the city for the wine and tip. McIntyre ultimately resigned on Dec. 12.

Even though the infractions haven’t amounted to much, it’s important that the council thoroughly understand what they can spend on city credit cards. The city needs to provide better training to employees on allowable expenses.

In the meantime, the San Bruno City Council hired Alex McIntyre as its interim city manager. The San Bruno (population 42,000) council unanimously approved McIntyre’s contract.

McIntyre joins Peter Gilli, Ventura’s former community development director, who is employed by San Bruno.

Forty-one-year-old Sandra June Dillard, the Ventura woman who had pleaded guilty to the first degree murder of a homeless woman in a homeless camp in Ventura, has been sentenced to thirty two-years-to-life in prison.

She also had a prior serious conviction and had also pleaded guilty to grand theft of a Firearm and Felony Battery on a Peace Officer in separate cases. She was already in the Ventura County Jail in connection with several other open cases. Why are people with these backgrounds not in prison to begin with? What happened to 3-strikes and you’re out?
Finland was chosen the world’s happiest nation for the sixth consecutive year in the annual World Happiness Report. The list is largely based on Gallup World Poll evaluations on matters such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption. Finland’s strong feelings of communal support and mutual trust were factors in helping the country again grab the top spot.

The USA came in at number 15. And, with the way this country is being divided (“feelings of communal support”) more and more every day, it wouldn’t surprise me if we continue to fall on the list.

Is nothing sacred? Two men accused of stuffing fish with lead weights and fish fillets in an attempt to win thousands of dollars in a fishing tournament pleaded guilty to charges including cheating. Next, people will lie about the size of the one that got away.
As you know, 3 three adults and three children (9-year-olds) were shot and killed at a private Christian school in Nashville. The 28-year-old female shooter was killed by police.

I know some people think the solution to gun violence is for everyone to carry a gun. Even if true (I certainly don’t think so), why was it necessary for this lady to own 7 guns, several which hold 30 rounds.

President Joe Biden has signed an executive order aiming at increasing background checks to buy guns, promoting more secure firearms storage and ensuring U.S. law enforcement agencies get more out of a bipartisan gun control law enacted last summer.

Palette Knife Workshop With Beth Summers

Palette Knife Workshop With Beth Summers Co-host Michelle Nosco.
With a palette knife, colors remain brilliant.

You may choose to paint along with Beth (materials provided) or just observe. Michelle Nosco, will provide one-on-one instruction.

Date: Saturday, April 22. 1 – 4pm
Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory. 432 N. Ventura Ave.
Buenaventura Art Assoc. members $20
Public – non-members $25
Observers (no materials, members or non-members) – $10
(Materials include an 8×10 canvas panel, acrylic paint and an array of palette knives.)

Register https://baa.wildapricot.org/event-5224212

Vol. 16, No. 14 – Apr 5 – Apr 18, 2023 – Community Events

Do you want to Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. All levels of play, and we

will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. All are always welcome. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or [email protected].

April 8: Micaela Ellis, the teen author, will visit two Ventura County libraries, Ray D. Prueter Library, and E.P. Foster Library, to deliver a presentation on her book, Autism Over the Years. In her presentation, Micaela will share her experiences as a young adult navigating autism in today’s world. She hopes to expand community perceptions and educate others on some of the challenges that autistic people may face, as well as share the many growth opportunities that are available to children and young adults like her when their needs are respected, understood, and celebrated.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. at E.P. Foster Library at 651 Main Street.

April 15: Flamenco in the 805 is back! Namba Performing Arts Space will host the 5th annual Flamenco showcase at 7 p.m. The show will open with the dance students of Wendy Castellanos and feature over 25 dancers from all over the 805 and the globe. The second half will feature Ana Quintero singing timeless gypsy melodies and Gerardo Morales on Flamenco guitar. At the same time, dancers Ryan Rockmore and Wendy Castellanos set the stage ablaze with thundering rhythms, entrancing movements, and heart-wrenching expressions. Get ready, Ventura! This is the pure essence of the Andalusian song. This. Is. Flamenco! 47 S. Oak St. Tickets $25 Ticket link. flamenco-805.ticketleap.com/flamenco/ Note: Seating is minimal, so purchase your tickets early.

April 16: The Ventura Senior Men’s Group has Ian Johnson, a Ventura County fire station chief speaking.  I’ve asked him to cover the relationships between the multiple fire authorities when we have a significant fire.  Ian says he has many stories about fighting the Thomas Fire.  The group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Men of all descriptions are welcome to stop to sample our shenanigans. Contact Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820

April 16: Anyone interested in timepieces, both antique and modern, can join the Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors for a watch/clock marketplace, lunch, and a presentation on a horological topic.

Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation. 11am , Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Rd. nawcc-ch190.com.

April 25: Hill Road Library, 3:30pm . Bilingual musician and artist Nathalia will visit to perform bilingual music for families and children of all ages.

Nathalia is a multi-talented singer-songwriter based out of Los Angeles. Nathalia has been a featured guest on Univision’s ‘Despierta America’ and CBS’s ‘The Talk’, and her music has been featured on a number of parenting blogs and online radio stations. Get ready to dance and sing in English and Español!

These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Hill Road Library at 805-677-7180. The Hill Road Library is located at 1070 S. Hill Rd.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

April 26: The College Area Community Council will hold a Zoom meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Council meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month and include speakers and discussion on neighborhood and community interest topics, including public safety and economic development. An invitation and link to the meeting will be sent to everyone on the CACC mailing list. CACC represents citizens in the area bounded by Mills Road on the west, Hill Road on the east, city limits on the hillsides on the north, and the 126 Freeway on the south. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list, or to access a link to the Zoom meeting.”

Her favorite time of day to paint is in the morning

by Patricia Schallert

Betsy Laban, originally from the Duarte area, was born in Los Angeles but lived most of her life in Duarte. She moved to Ventura with her husband Mike, in July 2022 to be closer to the water.

Growing up, Betsy had been obsessed with art and took as many art classes as she could find, including drawing, painting, sketching, ceramics  and even  paint by numbers. She found many art classes through the Parks and Recreation Programs, art galleries and several  community colleges from Duarte to Santa Barbara. She just wanted to study art in all  forms and mediums.

Betsy’s was influenced by Van Gogh, her husband’s underwater photography, ceramic art and Impressionism. With Impressionism, she visited galleries and would look closely at the way the artist would use their brushes, create lines and strokes on canvas and then she said she would “stand back to see how those small strokes and lines would come together to create masterpieces.”

Her favorite time of day to paint is in the morning. It’s quiet and the morning sunlight always, is at its best.

Betsy’s favorite medium is acrylic. “I was drawn to working with acrylic paint on canvas when the world took a time out to deal with the pandemic”.  Acrylic paints are “more forgiving than water colors or oil painting.” And so during the Covid pandemic, she began to focus more on her painting skills and started with cute “Atomic” cat images, went into silhouettes and her personal art style then began to creep into her work.

Betsy is now painting ocean and sea life. Being an observer of ocean life, she has found  it has a “calming effect” she says. From the beach, she watches sea animals, the birds as they dive into the water, and the ocean waves crashing into the shore.  She hopes to bring that calming feeling to her underwater paintings. Her husband is passionate about diving and photography and will bring back amazing photos from his deep-sea diving experiences. She uses those photos as her inspiration for her octopus, sea horses and jellyfish.

Her dream project was to have her paintings in an art gallery and currently her work hangs in the Art is Passion Gallery in Portside Ventura Harbor.
Betsy work can also be seen on her web site:

www.pinklotusart.com or  pinklotusartstudio@gmailcom.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver burden is growing in California

The Flores family in Los Angeles. Ricardo (father) suffers from Alzheimer’s. His wife is Lidia and son is Arturo.

Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia face unique challenges and as dementia symptoms worsen, caregivers can experience increased emotional and physical stress making it more difficult to care for their loved ones. Many caregivers rely on direct care workers for in-home care allowing their loved one to continue living at home and help prevent or delay nursing home placement.

The Alzheimer’s Association recently released its annual 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, revealing the latest burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on California caregivers is growing.

Today, there are more than 11 million family members and friends serving as dementia caregivers, including 1.34 million caregivers in California.

Fifty-nine percent of unpaid caregivers report emotional stress due to caregiving and 39% of unpaid caregivers report physical stress due to caregiving.

The prevalence of anxiety among dementia caregivers is 44%, compared to caregivers of people with stroke (31%). Dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer compared to caregivers of people without dementia or non-caregivers. In California, 61% of caregivers reported at least one chronic condition.

The prevalence of depression is higher among dementia caregivers (30%-40%) when compared to caregivers for other conditions such as schizophrenia (20%) or stroke (19%). In California, 18.6% of caregivers reported depression.

Seventy-four percent of caregivers report they are “somewhat concerned” to “very concerned” about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver. In California, 13.1% report frequent poor physical health.

The new report also looked at the number of direct care workers needed between 2020 and 2030 – an estimated 1.2 million more direct care workers are needed, which is more new workers than in any other single occupation in the United States.

In 2020, there were approximately 766,000 of home health and personal care aides in California. By 2030, California will need 985,800 of home health and personal care aides, a 28.7% increase.

“This new report clearly shows that dementia caregivers need more support now and in the coming years,” said Meg Barron, Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Executive Director. “The Alzheimer’s Association provides support for all caregivers through our 24/7 Helpline, local support groups, care consultations and additional local resources that can help relieve some of the burden they’re facing. Most importantly, caregivers need to know they are not alone and we are here to help.”

The Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter offers free care consultations, education classes and support groups in both English and Spanish. Their Ventura office is located at 2580 E Main Street #201, and their 24/7 Helpline is 800.272.3900 for around-the-clock support and information.

Make everyday tasks easier

To-do lists can help remember everyday tasks.

Many people with early-stage dementia continue to manage their everyday activities. But it’s important to look ahead to a time when performing daily tasks will be harder. The sooner you adopt new strategies to help you cope with changes, the more time you will have to adjust to them. Here are some tips:

A “memory” bench with papers organized into piles on the seat.
This “memory bench” is used by a person living with dementia to organize the things she needs for each day.

Organizing your days. Write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar. Some people have an area, such as an entryway table or bench, where they store important items they need each day.

Paying bills. Setting up automated payments is an easy way to pay your bills correctly and on time without having to write checks. Talk with your utility providers, insurance companies, and mortgage company or leasing office about automatic bill payment. Also consider asking someone you trust to help you pay bills. That person could review your financial statements and ask you about anything unusual.

Shopping for meals. Many stores offer grocery delivery services. You can also order fresh or frozen meals online or by phone. Meals on Wheels America (1-888-998-6325) can deliver free or low-cost meals to your home, too, and this service sometimes includes a short visit and safety check. Other possible sources of meals include houses of worship and senior centers. If you make your own meals at home, consider easy-to-prepare items, such as foods that you can heat in the microwave.

Taking medications. Several products can help you manage medications. You can try a weekly pillbox, a pillbox with reminders (like an alarm), or a medication dispenser. You can buy these items at a local drugstore or online. You may need someone to help you set these up. Or try an electronic reminder system, such as an alarm you set on your phone or computer.

Getting around. If you drive, you may become confused, get lost, or need increasing help with directions. Talk with your doctor about these changes. Take seriously family and friends who express concerns about your driving. Some people decide to give up driving and learn how to use public transportation. For non-drivers, other forms of transportation may be available in your area, or you might want to consider a car or ride-sharing service.