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Vol. 17, No. 17 – May 15 – May 28, 2024 – As I See It

by Shelon Brown

Ventura Councilmember Liz Campos accused a former city executive of bullying her. The City Council voted to accept a city-led investigation that found she wasn’t bullied.
Campos accused former acting City Manager Akbar Alikhan of bullying her during a closed-session meeting in May 2023 when he allegedly didn’t let her leave the room until she took a certain position on an issue.

The City Council voted on April 9 to accept the results of a city-led investigation into Campos’ allegations, which determined she was not harassed or bullied. The probe was headed by a consultant hired by the city and not by the city.

Alikhan, who left Ventura last year and is now the deputy city manager in Thousand Oaks, denies Campos’ accusations. “The results of the investigation clearly shows any such allegations were patently false,” Alikhan said.

The council voted 5-1 to receive and file the report. Councilmember Mike Johnson voted no because he said he wasn’t given the full investigative report and felt the investigation was incomplete and should continue.

•Ventura and Oxnard colleges will each get new presidents in July after Ventura County Community College District trustees unanimously approved contracts for the top roles during a Tuesday night board meeting.

Claudia Lourido-Habib, currently the president of Porterville College will take over as president of the 11,700-student Ventura College from the retiring Kimberly Hoffmans on July 8. She’ll earn $288,660 in salary and $94,610 in benefits annually during a three-year contract.

• “Three years ago, we were a great nation,” Trump said at a rally in Michigan. Biden was president three years ago (ooops).

In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Trump said of the upcoming presidential showdown, “If everything’s honest, I’ll gladly accept the results. I don’t change on that. If it’s not, you have to fight for the right of the country.” If this doesn’t scare you, you just don’t get it.

Trump has claimed that because his jury is 95% Democrats it is just another witch hunt. That means that 11.4 jurists are Democrats and one is 40% Democrat and 60% Republican, so maybe it will be a hung jury.

•Jeff Asher is a New Orleans-based crime data analyst who has worked at the CIA and Department of Defense. As early data showed murders declining nationwide, he wrote that the U.S. was experiencing a major drop in killings.

“Murder plummeted in the United States in 2023, likely at one of the fastest rates of decline ever recorded. The decrease in murders is “potentially historically large,” USA TODAY was told, and it’s not just killings that are declining. Preliminary 2023 FBI data “paint the picture” of a big decrease in overall crime.

•An LA Times survey asked should LeBron James return next season, or should he and the Lakers part ways? The results: Part ways 59.2%. Remain 40.8%.
I’m 100% for him leaving. He is like a petulant spoiled 10-year-old who always needs to get his way. Often on defense the Laker’s only have 4 players because he is still at the other end of the court arguing about not getting a foul call.

He is much more concerned about his huge ego than anything else. And how can he be the GOAT having won just 4 NBA championships in 20-years?

•A TV ad stated that their product has “30-years of clinical research.” Of course, they didn’t say what the researched showed. Truth in advertising “30-years of clinical research showed that our product doesn’t work.”

•I had a tooth extracted and part of the instructions was; “No smoking for the first 24 hours.” So, after 24 hours I started smoking and remembered I never smoked. Very bad instructions.

Vol. 17, No. 17 – May 15 – May 28, 2024 – Ventura Music Scene

The Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura Fairgrounds for the second year in a row. Enjoy live music which is included in the price of admission from Drew Dolan, Smooth Sound of Santana, Surf City All-Stars, Petty or Not, Conner Cherland, Will Breman, Rey Fresco and more. Tickets for Saturday, May 18 and Sunday May 19 can be found at CaStrawberryFestival.org.

The Rubicon concert series, Ventura Live, continues with a special event coming up on May 26 called The Palomino Nights Country and Rhythm Revue benefit concert. There will be performances by Mark Masson & Jam Grass, Beau Ted & Tailor Maide, the Van Allen Twins,
Buck Moon, Josephoenix and Jay Ponti. The evening is sure to get your toes tapping and your heart racing to the sounds of bluegrass
and true-blue country standards. Proceeds support Rubicon’s leadership and acting programs to empower economically challenged young people. Find out more at RubiconTheatre.org.

I kept waiting to find out what the music would be for X Games hailed as sports & music festival last summer to no avail, but I’m pumped to announce there will be live music included in the price of admission for X Games Ventura 2024. As a press time, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated rap artist Wiz Khalifa will perform on Friday, June 28 and eight-time Grammy nominated Kaskade will offer up electronic dance music on Saturday, June 29. More to come as they roll the artists out.

Shout Outs: Firstly, congratulations to local musician Jayden Secor for graduating Magna Cum Laude with both a music production degree and a business administration degree from Cal Lutheran; and secondly, I couldn’t be more proud of Gaby Montiel for being selected by Successfully, a global outlet, which highlights a handful of people for 2024 from around the world from all different walks of life who inspire.
I hope you take a moment to look up Successfully.World to read her story.

Quick Notes: Angry Ferret in Moorpark is celebrating their 3rd anniversary with DVR on Saturday, May 18; Gigi’s has a free show with Popperz and Dogsled out of Houston, TX, on Thursday, May 16; locals Romper open for Stiff Little Fingers and Ricky Warwick at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Thursday, May 23; and reggae legends, Burning Spear play the Ventura Music Hall on Tuesday, May 28.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com

Vol. 17, No. 17 – May 15 – May 28, 2024 – Music Calendar

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

The Angry Ferret Brewery
11990 Hertz St., Moorpark
Sat 5/18: DVR

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 5/15: Jerry Breiner & Bobby Campbell
Wed 5/22: Déjà vu Too

Beatric Wood Center for the Arts
8585 N. Ojai Rd., Ojai
Sun 5/19: Donna de Lory, Joss Jaffe

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9; Sundays 4-7
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm ); Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Fri 5/17: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 5/18: Déjà vu Three
Sun 5/19: Epitome of Dreams
Fri 5/24: Mack and D
Sat 5/25: Karen Eden and the Bad Apples
Sun 5/26: Ken Devoe

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night

Café Fiore
66 California St., Ventura
Wed 5/15: Donna Greene
Fri 5/17: Instone
Sat 5/18: The Dirty Lowdown
Tues 5/21: Open Mic and Jam
Wed 5/22: Donna Butler
Fri 5/24: Little Alice
Tues 5/28: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 5/17: Ray Jarique and the Big Band
Fri 5/24: NDR CVR SPR GRP
Sat 5/25: Ignition

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

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 5/17: Funk n’ Soul
Sat 5/18: Mirage
Fri 5/24: Recharged
Sat 5/25: Electrico

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 5/18: Allison De Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves
Thurs 5/23: Omar Velasco, Will Worden
Sat 5/24: New Pleasures

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 5/18: Vinny Berry
Sat 5/25: Red Rhythm

Enegren Brewing Company
444 Zachary St., Moorpark
Sun 5/19: Eve’s Barbee Land

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 5/24: Mid Life Crisis
Sun 5/26: Jayden Secor

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 5/17: Faultline, the Rawn Side of Town
Sat 5/18: Doc Rogers Band
Fri 5/24: Operation 90s
Sat 5/25: Robert Heft

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Thurs 5/16: Popperz, Dogsled, The Hajj

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 5/15: Native Vibe
Thurs 5/16: Sabine Pothier Trio
Fri 5/17: The Pickle Mafia
Sat 5/18: The Pickle Mafia (2p); Poncho Sanchez (8 & 11p)
Wed 5/22: TD Lind and the Aviators
Thurs 5/23: The Hollywood Jazz Orchestra
Fri 5/24: Barrelhouse Wailers
Sat 5/25: Debbie Davies (2p); Derek Frank (8p)

House of Dance
3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura
Sun 5/19: Barrelhouse Wailers

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 5/17: Pull the Trigger
Sat 5/18: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 5/25: Jumper Cables

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 5/16: Drea Van Allen
Sat 5/18: The Sweet Lillies
Sun 5/19: Mark Masson & Friends
Thurs 5/23: Jacob Marquez
Sat 5/25: Van Allen Trio (2p); Keyth G & the Universouls (6p)

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main St., Ventura
Music 1-4 pm
Sundays: In Stone

Lucky Fool’s Pub
75 E. High St., Moorpark
Fri 5/17: Natalie Wattre
Sat 5/18: Jager Malone
Sat 5/25: Doc Rogers Band

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Tues 5/21: Gogol Bordello
Wed 5/22: St. Vincent, Momma
Thurs 5/23: Stiff Little Fingers, Ricky Warwick, Romper
Fri 5/24: Sky Ferreira

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 5/15: Robert Van
Thurs 5/16: Tom McMorran
Fri 5/17: Tour Support
Sat 5/18: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Wed 5/22: Warren Takahashi
Thurs 5/23: Tom McMorran
Fri 5/24: Tour Support
Sat 5/25: Sound Effect

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 5/17: Operation 90s
Sun 5/19: James Brothers
Fri 5/24: CRV
Sat 5/25: Crosscut 805
Sun 5/26: Brittney & the B-sides
Mon 5/27: Los Amigos

Moofish Café (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Fridays & Saturdays 8-10: Dueling Pianos

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wed 5/15: MDC, Neurotics, War Tomorrow, iDecline
Sun 5/19: Teresa Russell
Sat 5/25: Doc Strange Band, Sunnie Daze

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 5/24: The Listening Room

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 5/17: Mariee Siou
Sat 5/18: Chris Pierce
Fri 5/24: Brendon Willing James’
Sat 5/25: Alan Thornhilll, Bud Foster, Bernie Larsen
Sun 5/26: Nathan McEuen

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Sat 5/18: Dan Grimm Band
Sat 5/25: Top Shelf Brass Band

Onyx
2390 Las Posas, Rd., Camarillo
Fri 5/17: George Krikes
Sat 5/18: Jake Needham
Fri 5/24: Ray Jaurique Trio
Sat 5/25: Vinny Berry
Sun 5/26: Dave Cipriani

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Thurs 5/16: Gipsy Kings

Poseidon Brewing
5777 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Fri 5/24: Ronda Ray

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri & Sat 8 pm; Sundays 2 pm
Fri 5/17: NDR CVR SPR GRP
Sat 5/18: Teresa Russell
Sun 5/19: Doc Rogers
Fri 5/24: Holgers Heroes
Sat 5/25: All Access

Ric’s Restaurant Sports Lounge
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support
Wed 5/15: The Elecktric Love-in

Rubicon Theatre
1006 E. Main St., Ventura
Fri 5/17: The Folk Legacy Trio
Sat 5/18: The3 Folk Legacy Trio
Sun 5/26: Palomino Nights

The Showroom
550 N. A St., Oxnard
Fri 5/17: Mitchell Brown, Slurred Oath, Ian Macphee, Foreign Body Sensation…
Fri 5/24: Take and Take, Godlesszilla, Grudgebot, Fox and Gear, Groind

The Six
419 E. Main St., Ventura
Thurs 5/16: Medicine Hat

The Sportsman
4426 Central Ave., Camarillo
Fri 5/24: Messy
Sun 5/26: Swing Shift
Strawberry Festival
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sat 5/18: Los So Lows, Past Action Heroes, Surf city All Stars, Conner Cherland…
Sun 5/19: Petty or Not, Twisted Gypsy, Upstream, Will Breman, Rey Fresco…

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 5/18: Ignition
Sun 5/19: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 5/25: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 5/26: Caught Red Handed

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

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 5/16: OnePeople
Fri 5/17: Lowered Expectations, The Sea Hunters, Frank Barajas
Sat 5/18: Spencer the Gardener
Sun 5/19: The Renegades
Thurs 5/23: Urban Dread
Sat 5/25: The CocoKnots
Sun 5/26: Heart & Soul
Mon 5/27: Heathers on Fire

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Fri 5/17: Looking West
Fri 5/24: Jayden Secor Band
Sun 5/26: The Trivle Omdobble
Tues 5/28: Ventura Music Jams

Topa Topa Brewing
2024 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sat 5/25: Katie Shorey

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays: Tuesday Blues Day w/ Hot Roux & guests
Wed 5/15: Dueling Pianos
Sat 5/18: Cyamak Ashtiani (1p); Joe Delia (4p)
Sun 5/19: Gabby Hanna (1p); Victoria Ave Band (5p)
Sat 5/25: Kris Simeon (1p); Looking West (3:pm); Adam Lenhard (6p); Mark Masson (8p)
Sun 5/26: Adam and Sam (1p); Jack Keough (5p)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered Expectations
Wed 5/15: Tribal Me
Sat 5/18: VIP
Wed 5/22: Up Country, Django Djam
Sat 5/25: Whole Hog

Ventura Harbor Village stage
1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sat 5/18: Jayden Secor
Sun 5/19: Lynnzee Fraye Band
Sat 5/25: Morrison Drive
Sun 5/26: Looking West

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 5/16: Frenship, The Ivy
Fri 5/17: J Boog
Wed 5/22: Living Legends
Thurs 5/23: Fortunate Youth, Dubbest. Nick Sefakis
Fri 5/24: Krooked Kings
Sun 5/26: Xavier Rudd, Bobby Alu
Tues 5/28: Burning Spear, Kabaka Pyraid

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 3 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 5/16: Karyn 805
Fri 5/17: Nautical Thrust
Sat 5/18: Whole Hog
Sun 5/19: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Thurs 5/23: Matthew Clark
Fri 5/24: Dianne Miller Trio
Sata 5/25: Ellis Bryant Trio
Sun 5/26: Mark Masson’s Jam Grass

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B Street, Oxnard
Sat 5/18: Debbie Davis
Fri 5/24: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer

Vol. 17, No. 17 – May 15 – May 28, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story – Hulu

4 out of 4 palm trees

Billy’s wife Susan felt he was lost for a while until beauty found him. Billy and Susan moved to the Scottish Shetland Islands, Britain’s last outpost before the Arctic, for a better life. It was where Billy was born and said he felt he had been away from for too long. They moved to an old house by the sea and started fixing it up, but before they knew it routine life caught up with them again.

One morning after a storm a starving young otter showed up on the pier. Otters were generally shy around humans, signaling she must have been very desperate. They had recently seen a mother otter killed on the road near their house, so assumed it was hers. She seemed vulnerable and alone, reminding Billy of a time in his life he felt that way so sought to help Molly.

Molly got stronger and began to spend more time with Billy greeting him on the pier and climbing into his boat. He made Molly a home under the rowboat where she could stay around and have appropriate shelter. Molly was a river otter that needed to regularly wash the sea water from her fur so Billy set up freshwater tubs and Molly liked to dry off by rolling around inside Billy’s coat.

That spring, Billy spent much of his free time fishing for Molly, though his wife Susan expressed wanting to get some haddock too. Molly was getting stronger by the day, though it was costing them a fortune. Billy knew Molly had to learn to fend for and feed herself, so he began spending time with her fishing in the seaweed just off shore.

Billy said it seemed like Molly had a switch in her head that all of a sudden she would just be off away to places unknown. While Billy was off at work, his wife Susan would follow Molly down the coast on her morning walks and knew Molly had a whole other life of her own, but kept that from BIlly, who seemed to want to think Molly was dependent upon him. Susan understood that they were just a small part of Molly’s life, but kept that from Billy.

Billy seemed to be getting back to working on their house, but his wife discovered he actually built a house for Molly, complete with pics of Billy, his wife and dog and a camera feed with alerts when Molly was inside. With winter on the way, Billy knew had to stop feeding Molly for her to adjust to the normal life of an otter. They went on one last morning boat ride where Molly climbed into the boat to greet Billy before she jumped out and swam away upriver.

Molly visited a few more times over the next couple of weeks, and then she disappeared for over 2 months. One stormy night Billy got an alert from the Molly Cam. When Billy went out to greet Molly she rolled in the snow like it was water, so happy to see Billy. Molly had a surprise for them all as she was pregnant and the little house made a perfect home for her to give birth to her baby.

Molly raised her cub in the tiny home for several months, and when it was time for them to leave, Billy got a wetsuit and snorkel and experienced Molly’s world with her. Billy realized through Molly that there was a whole other world to discover and connect to. This heartwarming documentary not only shares the unique relationship between a human and otter but also contains beautiful aerial footage of Molly in her natural environment and the breathtaking surrounding areas.

Runtime: 1h 17m

CAREGIVERS Nonprofit Seeking Volunteers to Assist Homebound Seniors

Founded in 1984, CAREGIVERS serves hundreds of seniors throughout Ventura County — one of the largest aging populations in the nation. The local nonprofit, a public benefit organization, has a mission to promote the health, well-being, dignity, and independence of frail, homebound elders through one-on-one relationships with trusted volunteers. CAREGIVERS provides non-medical, in-home support services and transportation with a goal of preventing premature placement into board and care facilities and making it possible for elders to continue to live in the comfort and security of their own homes. Examples of assistance that volunteers may provide include cleaning up around the house, such as washing windows, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, yard maintenance, home organization, and much more.

CAREGIVERS programs are carried out by over 300 giving, caring volunteers who are recruited and trained from our local community. Kayla Meza, a student at California State University, Channel Islands, plans to go into the healthcare field and recently completed a semester with CAREGIVERS as part of her service-learning course. “Throughout the semester, I have had the privilege of assisting three seniors, one of whom I have built a great friendship with. One of my seniors has some health conditions that prevent her from doing everyday tasks such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, laundry, and cooking. The little help — an hour per week for each of them — that I provide goes a long way for my seniors, and they are always very appreciative of the time I dedicate to them.”

Currently, CAREGIVERS is in great need of additional volunteers. They make every effort to match a carefully screened and trained volunteer to a homebound elder who needs basic assistance and companionship in order to foster a long-term, one-on-one relationship between them. “The organization only asks about 1.5 hours of help per week,” explained Meza. “As of today, Ventura County CAREGIVERS really needs volunteers in Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and Camarillo. They also have opportunities to serve as Team Leaders to high school volunteers throughout Ventura County. There are many homebound seniors who need assistance, and unfortunately, the number of volunteers cannot keep up with the number of seniors needing help. If you decide to volunteer for Ventura County CAREGIVERS, I promise you will not regret it.”

All Adult Volunteers and Youth Leaders must pass a LiveSCAN background check, which is paid for by CAREGIVERS. To learn more, visit www.vccaregivers.org, email [email protected], or call 805.658.8530.

Vol. 17, No. 17 – May 15 – May 28, 2024 – The Pet Page

• Volunteers from All For Love Animal Rescue (AFLAR), a local animal rescue organization, spearheaded a project to make 50 brand new, custom-made beds for rescue dogs who are in boarding, waiting to be adopted. The issue arose when rescue volunteers discovered that the nighttime hutches, essential for the dogs’ shelter and protection from wind and rain, were not big enough to accommodate the bigger size dog beds. That left bigger dogs, like AFLAR dog Chevi, without a proper bed inside. 

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, AFLAR volunteers embarked on a mission to address this pressing concern. Volunteers Mandy Rodriguez and Kirstin Rizk identified the challenge presented by Chevi’s need for a suitable bed. Realizing that the problem extended far beyond Chevi’s individual needs, Lupe Flores, an AFLAR volunteer known for her passion and problem-solving prowess, spearheaded efforts to design and construct custom-made beds that would fit the unique dimensions of every single hutch at CARL, a local rescue and boarding facility which houses many rescue dogs. 

Volunteers from All For Love Animal Rescue making custom-made beds for rescue dogs.

This ambitious project quickly gained momentum as volunteers from AFLAR and CARL rallied together, determined to make a difference. Through a remarkable display of community support and fundraising efforts, the necessary resources were swiftly secured. Within a day, donations poured in, surpassing expectations and enabling the project to commence without delay. Additionally, donors had the opportunity to sponsor a bed and include a special message of their own, further personalizing their support for the cause. 

Over the course of three intensive weeks, a dedicated team of 14 volunteers generously contributed their time to bring the vision to life. Special thanks to all the volunteers who worked weekdays and weekends, and meticulously measured, cut, and assembled 50 custom beds, ensuring that every dog in need would receive the comfort and warmth they deserve. The impact of this project extends far beyond providing comfortable bedding… It also alleviates the burden of constant laundry caused by wet blankets during the rainy season. 

“This special project embodies the spirit of compassion and collaboration that defines our rescue community,” remarked Maripat Davis, President/Founder of AFLAR. “We want to give sincere thanks to our volunteers for their incredible dedication, and we’re also very grateful for the support of our community.” 

To continue making a difference in the lives of abandoned animals, AFLAR invites community members to consider volunteering. From walking dogs to participating in projects like this one, there are countless ways individuals can contribute to the well-being of animals in need. 

For more information about AFLAR and how you can support their mission, please visit them at www.allforloveanimalrescue.org or email [email protected].

•Commercially prepared pet food and treats can provide nutritious diets and delicious rewards for pets, but it’s important to handle them with health and safety in mind. That’s because—just like people food—they sometimes may be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria, which can cause serious illness in both the pets that eat them and the people who handle the food and treats.

Animals that become infected after eating contaminated food also may pose a risk to the people with whom they come in contact. The people most at risk from these infections are the young, elderly, pregnant, and immune-compromised.

Contamination is especially a concern when it comes to raw food products, but can happen with cooked/processed products as well. Fortunately, there are simple precautions pet owners can take to minimize the risk of illness from contaminated pet food and treats in both their pets and themselves.

Purchase only products that are in good condition at the time of sale. Avoid packages that are damaged, such as dented cans or ripped and torn bags.

Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with clean running water and soap after handling pet food and treats. Use hand sanitizer when handwashing isn’t an option.

Wash pet food and water bowls, scoops, feeding mats, and other items used in feeding your pet frequently. Use hot, soapy water.

Use a dedicated spoon or scoop to place pet food in the bowl. To avoid contaminating the pet food do NOT use the unwashed bowl as a scoop.

Promptly seal and refrigerate any unused or leftover wet or moist pet food or treats in a refrigerator set at 40°F or below, or discard it.

Use leftover, refrigerated wet/moist food and treats as soon as possible and according to label directions.

Store dry pet food and treats in a cool, dry place at less than 80°F.

If possible, store dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, dedicated, airtight container. If the original bag is not used, save the part of the bag with the complete product name, date of manufacture, lot number, and expiration date or best-by date. This information is helpful in an investigation where contaminated pet food is suspected. It also can help you avoid feeding out-of-date food.

Keep all pet food out of reach of very young children, who may be tempted to put it in their mouths.

Dispose of spoiled or old pet food by putting it in a securely tied plastic bag, inside a covered trash receptacle. This is to keep other pets and wildlife from getting hold of the food.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League ~ CARL is looking for volunteers to enrich the lives of our rescue dogs at our kennel in Santa Paula until we can find a caring and loving home. Volunteers assist with walking, transportation, outreach, events, etc. To learn more and apply, visit carldogs.org/how-to-help/volunteer.

CSFM Rope Rescue Technician course

The class consisted of an exceptional group of students and instructors.

by Patricia Schallert

From April 15 – 19, the Ventura City Fire Department put 17 students through the CSFM Rope Rescue Technician course at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. This course, which is the second in a series, builds upon the students’ existing skills and focuses on the art of rope-based rescue. Throughout the training, the students and instructors were immersed in intricate scenarios, and were challenged with advanced techniques in order to execute successful rescues.

The training provided to the students was far from restrictive, preparing them for a diverse range of rescue scenarios. Engineer Eric Caddock, from Ventura Fire Station 5C, expressed his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized that “the expertise of the Ventura Fire Department extends beyond the confines of a single environment.”

Eric added, “Training covers a wide array of settings, from challenging industrial landscapes featuring cranes and towers, to the natural hillsides, deep valleys, and barrancas. “Our firefighters are equipped with the necessary skills to rescue individuals who find themselves stranded on steep slopes in hiking parks”. Additionally, we devote our efforts to aiding those whose vehicles have encountered mishaps down embankments, necessitating the use of a robust rope system to safely retrieve them.” It’s quite incredible to note that VFD has even conducted rescues from the heights of a crane ride at the Ventura County Fair!

The class consisted of an exceptional group of students and instructors belonging to the esteemed California Regional Task Force 7. Comprised of the courageous firefighters of Ventura City Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, and Oxnard Fire Department, this task force tackles the most challenging urban search and rescue missions across the state of California.

With the generous support of federal grant funding and the cooperation of agencies within Regional Task Force 7, VFD is able to provide this valuable training. While  firefighters already train extensively every day to handle a variety of emergency situations, this specific course spanned a duration of 5 days.  The skills acquired by the students during this intensive program will continue to be honed and utilized throughout their entire careers.

Under the guidance of the remarkable Firefighter Miguel Martinez, students learned the crucial role of guiding and tending to the basket. Miguel’s expertise ensured that the basket remained free from any obstacles and the safety of the victim was prioritized at all times.

These words from Eric Caddock, Engineer from Ventura Fire Station Fire Station “The extensive training and capabilities of the Ventura Fire Department. With their unwavering commitment to excellence, they consistently rise to the occasion, providing invaluable aid and support in a variety of challenging situations.”

Celebrate spring at the Pollinator Palooza

The community is invited to attend the second annual Pollinator Palooza event on Saturday, May 18, 2024, between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston Street. Free arts and crafts activities and educational programs will be available for participants of all ages to learn about the significance of pollinators!

“We’re thrilled to welcome new and returning community members to this fun family-friendly gathering,” said Recreation Manager Emily Fox. “We’ve built upon last year’s success and have partnered with incredible community groups to showcase the vital role of pollinators in everyday life.”

Get ready to buzz with excitement as participants explore the fascinating world of pollinators through a wide range of engaging and informative activities, including:

Creating bee wax candles
Learning about beekeeping while painting bee boxes
Constructing a seed ball to help our vital pollinators thrive
See native plants and register for a Milkweed plant giveaway
Attending pollinator story time and puppet theatre
Making sun prints, butterfly crafts, and chalk art
Meeting real-life pollinators
Making a mini bee house
Learning from a UC Master Gardens expert
Touring the City’s Cornucopia Community Garden
Participate in our community bike ride at 1:00 p.m.

This event is hosted by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, with support from the Ventura Water Department, and Environmental Sustainability Division.

Community partners include Bike VC, Channel Islands Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, East Ventura Community Council, MiniNature Reserve, University of California Master Gardeners, Rincon-Vitova Insectaries Inc., Santa Monica Mountain Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Bee Rescue, and the Ventura Land Trust.

Find event details and more at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Events.

Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign kicking-off

Ventura Conty District Attorney Eric Nasarenko reading to Take5 and Read to Kids children.

The eighth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 3rd at preschools and various locations throughout Ventura County. More than 50 local celebrity readers will be reading to young children. First 5 Ventura County hosts the free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 years and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing/

This year’s impressive lineup of readers includes Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Jacqui Irwin, Supervisors Jeff Gorell, Matt LaVere, Kelly Long, and Janice Parvin, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, and many more.

Members of the public with children age 5 and younger are invited to attend Take 5 and Read to Kids! storytimes with a celebrity reader at select First 5 Ventura County Neighborhoods for Learning (NfL) sites as well as local libraries during their regularly scheduled storytimes:

Ventura locations:

  • Sheridan Way Elementary (NfL classroom), 573 Sheridan Way, Ventura, May 3rd at 9:30 a.m.
  • E.P. Foster Library on Monday, May 6th at 10:30 a.m.
  • Hill Road Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.

First 5 Ventura County encourages parents, caregivers, and community members to become champions of early literacy by taking at least five minutes each day to read with a young child. “Talking throughout the day with your young child, reading together, telling stories, and singing all help develop pathways in the brain that will later be used to recognize letters, read, and think critically,” Supervisor and First 5 Commissioner Matt LaVere added.

“We know that the first five years of life lay the foundation for success in school and life. For young children, early exposure to books is beneficial for long-term academic achievements,” said Health Care Agency Director and First 5 Commission Chair Barry Zimmerman. Studies have proven that when you talk, read, and sing to children starting at birth, you promote and support early language and literacy development.

Brain research shows that the prenatal period and first five years of a child’s life are critical for developing lifelong social, emotional and learning skills. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 (a tobacco tax) in 1998 which established First 5 county commissions throughout the state to improve health and education programs for children prenatal to 5 years.

For more than 25 years, First 5 Ventura County’s investment, expertise and leadership have made a significant, positive impact on early childhood in our community. F5VC’s early education and childhood development programs – Neighborhoods for Learning and Help Me Grow – strengthen families and help ensure Ventura County’s 55,000 children age 5 and younger reach their full potential. About First 5 Ventura County, www.first5ventura.org

CAPS digital storytelling summer program 2024

ECTV Students in Control room.

The CAPS Digital Storytelling summer program returns this year with week-long sessions July 15-19 and July 29-August 2 for students ages 10-14. Guided by experienced videographers and storytellers, the summer camp crews collaborate in teams of four or five to create their own video productions. The fast paced and engaging creative program features hands-on, experiential learning in all aspects of media storytelling including story development, scripting, casting, staging, directing, camera training with HD camcorders and smartphones, video composition, lighting, remote and in-studio production, graphic design, editing and more.

Each weeklong session runs Monday – Friday, from 8:30am to 1:00pm with class sizes limited to 10-12 students. The Digital Storytelling program is held at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road in Ventura, between Loma Vista and Telegraph, on the eastside of Ventura College. The weekly fee is $250 for the week and includes five 4-hour sessions, a one-year family membership at CAPS, a CAPS Crew Member shirt, graduation certificate and a special Friday night film festival for friends and family. The registration deadline is June 1. Go to capsmedia.org/digitalstorytelling to sign up.

Prior to the summer program CAPS crews will be busy with multiple productions including recording and live streaming ceremonies for Ventura College graduates and all of the VUSD High Schools graduates. The Ventura College graduation is on May 17 at 10am. The VUSD graduations are June 11 – 13. On Tuesday, June 11 ceremonies begin at 10am with El Camino High School, Pacific High School at 12:30pm, Foothill High School at 2:30pm and VACE at 5:30pm at Ventura College. Wednesday, June 12 is Buena High School’s ceremony beginning at 4pm at Buena. The Ventura High School graduation is to be held on Thursday, June 13 at 3pm at Ventura High. All graduations will be live streamed by CAPS on the day of the ceremonies and recorded for broadcast on CAPS channel 15 in the days and weeks that follow.

Recently CAPS launched ReCAPS, the special weekly series featuring storytellers throughout Ventura County. Every Monday night at 7pm a new edition of ReCAPS premieres on CAPS Channel 6 and streams online, with stories and histories by local storytellers sharing their personal journeys. Recent ReCAPS storytellers include Moses Mora, Adam Hart, Jake and Jenny Dilbeck, and Carlos Ortega. In the coming weeks ReCAPS will feature Luis Sanchez, Lucas Zucker, Regina Hatcher-Crawford, Jim and John Proctor, David Endaya, Dustin Gardner and many more.

Congratulations to Phil Taggart, one of CAPS Media’s many artists in residence, who, along with his Arts In Exile crew won a 2024 WAVE Award for excellence in community programming from the Alliance for Community Media’s Western region.

Everyone in the community is invited to visit the CAPS Media Center on the first Monday of each month at 6pm for informal introductions. The evening includes a tour of the CAPS studio, information on CAPS membership benefits, and a creative overview of media production from concept development through production. Everyone is encouraged to drop by and discover what CAPS has to offer.

CAPS Media manages and programs cable channels 6 (Public) and 15 (Education and Government), and CAPS Radio KPPQ in Ventura, and manages the CAPS Media Center, at 65 Day Road, which is open Tuesday – Thursday, 12p– 8pm. CAPS provides unlimited creative resources and expertise to everyone in Ventura.