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Finding the Light exhibit at Museum of Ventura County

The Trestle, 2011 Oil on Canvas by Andrea Vargas

Light is essential to human life. It allows plants to produce the air we breathe. It lets us see. It regulates our sleep and affects our mood. Beyond influencing shape and color, artists use light to impart meaning to viewers. These works from MVC’s collection showcase how light can elicit emotion, tell stories, and convey meaning.

Finding the Light is the first exhibit installed in the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Gallery. This gallery has been created through a generous endowment from the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund and is designed to showcase the Museum of Ventura County’s permanent collection.

Finding the Light features works by artists Norma Krahn, Patricia Chidlaw, Guy Webster, Henry Chapman, Steohen Schafer, Cahrlotte Watts, Richard Ross, Tony Jankowski, Bill McEnroe, Carlisle Cooper, Andrea Vargas, Ginger Osgood Worthley, and Susan Petty.

At the Museum of Ventura County on Main. Runs through Sunday May 28.

Plein Air Open Competition at Studio 99

Afternoon at Bryce – Thomas Decker

Plein Air Open Competition at Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory

Original artwork by local artists, both Buenaventura Art Association Members and Non-Members.Featuring new works by Laura Jespersen,

coordinator of Plein Air Ventura County

Exhibit runs thru February 25, 2023

Three Ventura businesses honored as part of the City’s new Business Recognition Program

Mayor Joe Schroeder pictured with representatives from Island Packers, Cafe Ficelle, and Scrubs on the Run.

Café Ficelle, Island Packers, and Scrubs on the Run were among the first three local businesses recognized by the City Council during its meeting on January 23, 2023, as part of the City’s new Business Recognition Program.

The program, a partnership between the City’s Economic Development Division and Ventura Chamber of Commerce, was created to honor local businesses for special achievements in the areas of growth, environmental stewardship, community enrichment, business resiliency, and industry innovation.

“The City of Ventura is committed to promoting a vibrant economy that supports local businesses,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “It’s truly inspiring to see the hard work of our many business owners. Their commitment to innovation and growth is a testament to the spirit of Ventura and I am proud to celebrate their successes.”

Three business owners will be honored every quarter during a City Council meeting and presented with a certificate of recognition. To be eligible for the Business Recognition Program, businesses must be:

Located in the City of Ventura

Open for at least five consecutive years

A for-profit business

Have at least two employees

Business nominations are open to the public and accepted on a rolling basis.

Learn more about the Business Recognition Program, eligibility requirements, and the nomination process at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/BusinessRecognition.

Super Bowl LVII is a win-win when you score a sober ride home

Whether you’re rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ventura Police Department reminds football fans to designate a sober driver if drinking at a Super Bowl LVII watch party.

Throughout the Super Bowl LVII weekend, February 11-12, 2023, the Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“We want the football fans in our community to enjoy Super Bowl festivities, but we also want responsible drivers on our roads,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “We want to deter, detect, and stop community members from driving under the influence. Choosing a safer way to go is something we can all root for.”

The Ventura Police Department reminds residents that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs may also impair your ability to drive safely. Know the potential side effects of certain drugs.

Funding for Super Bowl Sunday enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A New Year of Hope for Alzheimer’s

The start of a new year often brings time for reflection, as well as vision for the future. As we reflect on the productive and promising discoveries in Alzheimer’s research in 2022, we are driven to a newfound hope for what is to come in 2023.

Most notably may be the improvement that we began to see in Alzheimer’s treatments.

In November, pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen announced positive results from their global Phase 3 clinical trial of an Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab, slowing the rate of cognitive decline in study participants by 27% over 18 months. These are the most encouraging results we have seen to date for an Alzheimer’s treatment.

Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for this drug, which is now the second FDA-approved drug in 18 months that changes the course of Alzheimer’s disease.

One other discovery found that a daily multivitamin may slow brain aging. Research published in September last year in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found that taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement every day for 3 years resulted in a statistically significant cognitive benefit.

This is the first positive, large-scale, long-term study to show that multivitamin-mineral supplementation for older adults may slow cognitive aging, which may have the potential to significantly impact public health.

At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) last summer, new research results found that eating a large amount of ultra-processed food can significantly accelerate cognitive decline.

Also at AAIC 2022, researchers reported that experiences of structural, interpersonal and institutional racism are associated with lower memory scores and worse cognition in midlife and old age, especially among Black individuals.

Lastly, research published in December in JAMA Neurology showed that individuals with hearing loss who used hearing restorative devices had a 19% decrease in risk of long-term cognitive decline.

While advancements are happening, the significant impact of Alzheimer’s remains. Over a recent 20-year period, deaths from heart disease went down 7.3%, while deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 145%. In 2022, Alzheimer’s and other dementias cost the nation $321 billion.

With even more FDA decisions expected on Alzheimer’s treatments in 2023, this is a very exciting time in the fight to end this disease. Thanks to increased research funding from the federal government and nonprofit organizations there is great hope and the new year is sure to bring more advances and discoveries for people living with, and at risk for, Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia.

For more information and free support services, contact the Alzheimer’s Association. Their Ventura office is located at 2580 E Main Street #201, and their 24/7 Helpline is 800.272.3900. Visit them online at alz.org/cacentral.

Volunteers needed to train as instructors for senior exercise program

Volunteer leaders are needed to teach with RSVP’s popular senior exercise program, Bone Builders. No experience is necessary to become an instructor, the first training step is to attend a class and observe. Interested volunteers then attend a free training session to learn the program and prepare for teaching.

Trained instructors make a difference in the lives of those enrolled in classes, as well as contribute to their own well-being by engaging in a regular exercise program. RSVP exercise programs are free and open to the public. Classes operate in RSVP’s four-city service area of Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme. Call 805-385-8019 for more information about trainings.

Training Schedule

RSVP Bone Builders

This is an osteoporosis exercise and education program in which participants use light weights to build bones while also improving their balance and making new friends. There are

currently 21 classes scheduled in RSVP’s four-city area, but several have lengthy wait lists. By training more instructors we will be able to add more classes and accommodate the community’s interest in this program. Volunteer instructor trainings are scheduled for:

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Volunteers attend one day of training before being paired with an experienced instructor to practice and ready for leading their own class. All trainings run from 9:00am to 3:00pm in Oxnard. Lunch is provided.

RSVP is a volunteer engagement program, helping people age 55 and older find volunteer positions that match their interests, talent, and available time. It both recruits and places volunteers with nonprofit partner agencies as well as overseeing the two distinct exercise programs designed for seniors. Volunteer positions are available in RSVP’s four-city service area of Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme.

Oxnard RSVP has about 300 members and is locally sponsored by the City of Oxnard with grant funding from the federal AmeriCorps. To learn more about the benefits of being an RSVP member, for help finding a volunteer position, or more information about the trainings, call 805-385-8019.

Caregiver Spotlight

Vol. 16, No. 10 – Feb 8 – Feb 21, 2023 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

Do you want a 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. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or [email protected]. All Welcome.

Livingston is pleased to announce a new free 10-week grief support group program for our LGBTQ+ community. The group will meet every Tuesday from February 7th through April 11th. The group will meet in person at our Camarillo Grief Center. Space is limited. All support groups are free for the community. Please get in touch with Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program for reservations at 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Visit www.LMVNA.org for more information.

Feb. 7, 21: Please join the Ventura Senior Men’s Group (VSMG) on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Be 55+ and not gainfully employed. All topics except religion or politics are on the table. Our meeting agenda is 11:30-12 p.m. Social-12-12:45 p.m. lunch. Food Affair by Stacy. $25 but free to first-time visitors. 12:45-1 p.m. Business meeting, 1-1:30 p.m. Speaker (local organizations and information). February 7 topic is capitalizing on the real estate market in Ventura County. February 21 topic is the many features of Ventura, including fun places to visit, sights to see, special events, and great places to eat. Need transportation? Call Lyle Hotzler 805-341-9820

Feb.11: Plant & Collectibles Sale at the Dudley House Museum on Saturday, 8 – 2 p.m. Bromeliads, orchids, and succulents will be on sale along with various collectibles. Vendors, please call Charlie at 805-746-4317 for details. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets at 197 N. Ashwood.

Feb. 12: Olivas Adobe Sunday, 11- 3 p.m. Quilts from the mid-1900s, 1940s, 1960, and a modern quilt will be on display through the end of February. History is made and preserved with each layer and stitch. Olivas Adobe Historic Park is open to the public Sundays 11 – 3 pm, free.

Small Adobe exhibit: The Olivas Adobe in focus, a look at the historic site through the lens of the Thousand Oaks Photo Group. Docent lead tours are offered for a small fee. The gift shop is open, as well as the small adobe with art and gifts for sale.

4200 Olivas Park Drive www.cityofventura.ca.gov/olivasadobe.

Feb.14: Ventura Audubon Society’s February Program “Sea to Summit: The Marvelous Hummingbird” will be held via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Join us from Alaska to the high Andes of South America for the historical magic of hummingbirds! Speaker Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand, BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus), in coastal Alaska, Central America, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ecuadorian Amazon. Pleasthrought https://www.venturaaudubon.org/monthly-speakers for more information and the Zoom Link

February 14: The San Buenaventura Women’s club is meeting on Tuesday, at the Poinsettia Pavilion for lunch ($20 – Noon) , program and business meeting. Guests welcome. Reservations required. (805) 320-2702. Special program is Mer by the Seaside Chinese dance troupe.

Feb. 18: The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents Free Family History Program

online with Zoom. Saturday, 1- 4 p.m. Presenter: Cyndi Ingle, Tracking Your Digital Breadcrumbs: bookmarks, toolbars, notes, and other applications. Cyndi Ingle, a genealogist for more than 42 years, is the creator and innovator behind the award-winning and globally recognized. All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation at

https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/. CyndisList.com.

February 19: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road.

The regular meeting starts at 11:00. There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch. An informational meeting and a presentation on a topic on clocks or watches will start at 1:00 pm. Anyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join our chapter. Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation.

Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Ventura College location. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Feb. 25: Local Ventura County author Olaf Engvig will visit the E.P. Foster Library at 2 p.m. on Saturday to deliver a talk on his book The Ships That Built the West: The Scandinavian Navy, WAPAMA, and VÆRDALEN. These events are free and open to the public. This informal and fun lecture focuses on material from Engvig’s latest book. Mr. Engvig will sign and sell his book at a discount after his presentation. Contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

The E.P. Foster Library is located at 651 East Main Street. Service hours are 10 – 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday.

February 25: The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA) will be conducting an in-person boater safety class on Saturday February 25, 2023, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The class is taught by Auxiliary instructors experienced in recreational boating. Location is the Coast Guard Auxiliary Training Room 4202 S. Victoria Ave in Oxnard.The course, Boat America, is a boating certificate class that offers an introductory and interesting boating safety course.

Mar. 4, 5: The Ventura Gem Show: 60th Annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry Arts & Fossil Show

Saturday the 4^th, 10 – 5 p.m. Sunday the 5^th, 10 – 4 p.m. Fifty gems, minerals, fossils, lapidary & jewelry arts exhibits. Proceeds support a $1000 scholarship to a local college student & also support our free educational outreach efforts for schools, teachers, homeschoolers & youth groups. We are located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd. Admission: Free (note, however, the Fairgrounds charge a parking fee).

Website: www.vgms.org

This is ‘not your Gramma’s Bingo

CAREGIVERS Volunteers Assisting the Elderly is launching a new series called “Bevvies & Bingo”! This is ‘not your Gramma’s Bingo’ and the inaugural event is on Friday, February 24th.

CAREGIVERS Volunteers Assisting the Elderly and The Shores present:
Classic Rock Bingo! + Bills Birthday Bash

This is classic rock bingo and a birthday bash for Bill from The Shores. If you don’t know Bill, then you should join, and get your bingo on plus get to know this rockin’ dude. Our emcee hailing from the Van Halen rock era will ensure the set list is ready, and things will be rockin’ so get ready to jump!

February 24th 12pm-4pm (space is limited so be sure to RSVP at (805) 658-8530)

Jokes, drinks, and Classic Rock! Fantastic prizes, and not to be missed raffle too! The Shores will be hosting a rockin’ happy hour special and snacks for purchase.

Classic rock themed…because we know you were born to rock! Be ready to have a good time, wear that favorite concert T or rock band shirt.

Proceeds Benefit: Caregivers Volunteers Assisting the Elderly (non-profit organization)

Cost: $10 cash at the door for each set of playing cards.

Registered Caregivers volunteers are free. Bring a plus one (guest) and they are free too!

One set of playing cards and one non-alcoholic beverage included in each ticket.

Open to friends, and the public for $10 (for each set of playing cards). One non-alcoholic beverage included for each ticket/set of playing cards.

Additional playing cards can be purchased for $10 if you want to play multiple cards in each game.

Facebook event with all details can be found at

https://www.facebook.com/events/876920963593411

The Breeze interviewed ex-ex-council member Jim Friedman

What years did you serve on the Ventura City Council?

I served as a council member from December, 1995 thru 2003. I served as Mayor from 1998 to 2000. After a 15-year hiatus, I was elected again in 2018 and completed my term at the end of 2022.

Why did you run a second time?

It was a unique opportunity to serve my community again, but this time, it would be as the city’s representative in my neighborhood district, District 5. The city council voted to change voting in our city to districts in 2017, so I had an opportunity to be the first elected city councilmember to represent my neighborhood district. I really enjoyed my first eight years as a council member, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to serve again and hopefully make a positive difference in our community.

You are the only person to have run and served under the “at large” and “district systems.” What are your thoughts and the pros and cons of each?

Campaigning in the district system was much more rewarding than at large. I walked almost every home in District 5. It proved to be a wonderful opportunity to personally meet the voters and find out what was on their minds.

When I ran city-wide, walking neighborhoods was not done very often. The city is simply too large to walk every home, so voters had to get to know me through numerous community forums and mailing pieces that my campaign sent out.

The biggest negative to districts is that the talent pool is more limited, but that’s the price to be paid for local neighborhood representation. I was originally concerned that districts would bring about Chicago style politics (if you vote for this in my district, I’ll vote for what you want in your district). I can say that I never saw that happen and I sincerely hope that doesn’t change in the future.

What are Ventura’s major concerns?

Money, or I should say, the lack there of. Just about everything everyone wants in our city costs money and without healthy revenues coming from economic development, residents will continue to complain about the level of core services that the city provides.

Will you be serving Ventura in the future in some capacity?

After serving 12 years on the City Council and six years on the Port Commission I am looking for a more spontaneous lifestyle, so for now, I am not committing myself to any appointed or volunteer positions. It’s time to spend more time with my wife, family and friends.

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