All posts by admin

The history of visual art in Ventur

In May of 1999, the City Council established the Municipal Art Acquisition Program to document the history of visual art in Ventura. Much of the art acquire is displayed in public areas at City Hall to be enjoyed by all.

This piece is by Gayel Childress. Award-winning artist she works in watercolors as well as oils and monoprints. She is best known for her fluid interpretations of landscapes and figures that capture the essence of the moment with a superb touch of humor. Childress, who has studied with William Wright, Jan Kuntz, Robert E. Wood and Don Andrews, has shown her work in many one-artist shows and art exhibitions. Her paintings can be found in numerous private and corporate collections throughout the United States and Europe.

To prevent edible food waste, consider the following:

The fall and winter holidays are a time filled with family, friends, and shared meals. While enjoying these celebrations, it is important to keep in mind the journey your food has taken from the ground to your plate, and its life beyond the plate as well. 20% of the material Ventura residents send to the landfill from their homes is made up of food waste. Half of that is inedible food scraps, but the other half is preventable, edible food that could have been saved from going to waste.

Food sent to the landfill decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane has 84 times the warming potential as carbon dioxide in its first 20 years in the atmosphere. Not only is the methane created by food waste in landfills a considerable driver of climate change, but it is also representative of other resources lost, including, but not limited to, fresh water, energy, land, and labor.

Fortunately, Ventura residents have options to combat food waste in landfills. To prevent edible food waste, consider the following:

Plan your meal in advance. A lot of food waste can be prevented simply by not overpreparing too much food for your gathering.

Store leftovers properly. The way leftovers are stored can have a significant impact on how long those leftovers stay fresh. Visit SaveTheFood.com, use the FoodKeeper App, or check out our website for storage tips.

Get creative with leftovers. Leftover rolls can become bread pudding; mashed potatoes can become fritters – have fun with your leftovers so you enjoy eating the extra food before it starts to turn.

As for the inedible food scraps or food that does go uneaten before it turns, Ventura residents can utilize the residential food waste recycling program.

Bag up the scraps (any bag will do).

Toss it into your yard waste bin or your designated food waste container, depending on your waste service.

The food waste recycling program accepts all food, including cooked or raw meat and bones, bread, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Go ahead and toss that turkey carcass in there! The collected food waste will be recycled into soil amendment products that benefit our soil and environment.

Lastly, for those who want to ensure their food scraps stay as local as possible, City of Ventura residents are invited to join the Ventura Compost Co-op, where members can drop off their food scraps at Cornucopia Community Gardens to be composted on-site.

City of Ventura partners with Aera Energy to provide Thanksgiving meal kits

Aera is committed to improving the lives of citizens.

The City of Ventura and Aera Energy partnered to provide 120 Thanksgiving meals to low-income families enrolled in the Ventura Unified School District. Each Thanksgiving meal included a turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, a pie, and other traditional thanksgiving meal sides.

“Many of these families, identified by the school district, rely on this program each year to help make ends meet,” said City of Ventura Recreation Manager Emily Fox. “The holidays can be financially challenging for many. We’re grateful to local community partners that help us alleviate some of those burdens during this season of giving.”

Thanks to a more than $4,300 donation from Aera Energy, the City purchased ingredients for the Thanksgiving meal kits. Meals were packed into reusable bags by employees and volunteers from the City and Aera on Monday, November 21, at the Westpark Community Center. The bags were dropped off at schools throughout the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) by City staff and distributed to select families by VUSD staff before the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Aera is committed to improving the lives of citizens in the communities where we live and work,” said Aera External Affairs Advisor Amy Fonzo. “We see that rising costs for life’s necessities are making it even more difficult for people to justify spending their limited funds on a single Thanksgiving meal. We hope this food allows our residents a moment to pause and enjoy time spent with family over a hearty meal this Thanksgiving.”

Vol. 16, No. 06 – Dec 14 – Dec 27, 2022 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Sugar Bear, a shy but friendly 7-year-old Australian Cattle Dog X who is in need of a new home as I was abandoned by someone who no longer wanted me. I used to live with another dog, but someone took him when they moved out. If you have a dog in your home already, please bring him/her along so we can have a meet and greet. It’s unknown how I’d do with cats or children.

I hope I don’t have to wait long before I’m in a loving home. If you’re interested in meeting me, please fill out an online application. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.https://carldogs.org/
CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Meet Parker, a very social, 2-year-old house rabbit! He is fun, energetic and would love to be your side kick! If you’d like to meet Parker, email [email protected] and one of our Bunny Brigade volunteers will reach out to you soon!

Dr. Cephas Little Bard founder of the Museum of Ventura County.

Photographed at the Museum Research Library by Patricia Schallert.

Ventura Chamber Poinsettia Awards

Photos by Patricia Schallert

On December 8, The Ventura Chamber Poinsettia Awards was held at the Marriott Ventura Beach hotel. The Poinsettia Awards recognize outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals who make a difference in our community.

Recognized were the Small Business of the Year, Mid-Size Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Innovation award, Young Professional of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Hometown Hero Award, Environmental Excellence Award, Educator & Students of the Year, Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year, Jewel Key Award, and Citizen of the Year!

Vol. 16, No. 06 – Dec 14 – Dec 27, 2022 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday 11/22	4:16pm, dispatched to a fall patient at the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to assist a female, AMR transported to hospital
Wednes 11/23	8:00am, while on patrol in the vehicle, officers deployed a rescue swimmer at South Beach to assist an inexperienced bodyboarder without fins and a surfer on a wavestorm caught in a strong rip current. The pair were assisted to shore, educated on rip currents and safer areas to learn to ride waves. 10:48am, received 911 dispatch of a disabled 35ft sailboat near #2 entrance buoy. Officers responded in Fireboat, towed vessel to the Derecktor boatyard. 6:30pm, contacted a kayaker without lights or a lifejacket in main channel while on patrol. Escorted female to her boat at VWM E-dock. Eventually the owner of the vessel contacted patrol, advising she didn’t have permission to be on his boat. Contacted VPD and had the ex-wife removed from the boat.
Thursday 11/24	9:25am, received distress call from US coast guard, unknown location. Officers searched offshore and throughout the harbor on two separate vessels. After investigation, the distress call was from an aground sailboat at Santa Cruz Island
Friday 11/25	3:45pm, while on patrol in the Fireboat, observed a 10ft inflatable with 1 POB disabled near Harbor Cove. Officers took the vessel en tow to VHV C-dock.
Saturday 11/26	9:12am, received a report of a naked female panhandling near the boatyard. Officers responded and found the subject as described. She was convinced to put her clothes back on and to leave the area. 5:20pm, received report of a naked female walking around Harbor Village. Officers responded and found the same female from earlier. She again was convinced to put her clothes on and was assisted out of the harbor.

Monday 11/28	1:25pm, observed commercial vessel speeding in harbor, issued warning. 2:05pm, on patrol received found property, pair of dentures found on the beach. 8:30pm, dispatched to difficulty breathing. Patient smoked too much marijuana.
Tuesday 11/29	10:58pm, while on patrol in Fireboat, contacted two fishermen with illegally placed hoop nets. Issued warning and educated pair where to legally fish.
Wednes 11/30	9:00am, while on patrol, observed 3 large sand caves in the berm at South Beach. Officers destroyed the caves with shovels. Sand caves are dangerous. 10:17pm, received several requests from individuals looking for permission to camp in their vehicles at the launch ramp or Spinnaker Dr. Advised of the no camping ordinance in the harbor, and gave advice on possible areas to park.

Friday 12/2	10:36am, while on patrol in Fireboat, dispatched to medical in Ventura Marina Community. Officers notified dispatch of delayed response. After docking, officers responded in vehicle and assisted VFD/AMR with the call. 2:41pm, received request to assist bird rescue with an injured pelican near the Santa Clara Rivermouth. Officers responded, but were unable to locate bird. 3:40pm, received report of a Hazard-to-Navigation, a mattress, in the Harbor Entrance. Officers responded in Fireboat and searched but were UTL hazard.
Saturday 12/3	11:23am, received report of a deceased sea lion floating near VHV C-dock. Officers responded in Rescue B19, found the sea lion, towed out to sea.
Sunday 12/4	10:05am, observed then removed a large tree from the Pierpont Basin that most likely came down the barranca. The tree was pulled out at the launch ramp with the truck after officers towed it there with the Fireboat. Removing various other debris/hazards from the Basin that came down the barranca at the keys entrance.
Monday 12/5	12:16pm, received report, a naked female transient on a vessel in VWM without permission. Officers assisted VPD with the call. The subject was arrested.

Mural unveiling celebrates Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s history and mission

Local Oxnard muralist, Anthony Macri Ortiz brought their 40th anniversary mural to life.

On November 29, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) unveiled a larger-than-life mural honoring the deep history and farmworker origin story of Cabrillo EDC.

The nearly 550 square-foot mural features elements representing important milestones, including founding Executive Director Rodney Fernandez, the multi-faceted history and origin story of Cabrillo EDC, as well as the organization’s values and principles. The mural is featured in the stairwell entrance to Cabrillo EDC’s corporate offices in Ventura at 702 County Square Dr.

“We hope whoever sees the mural will feel immense connection to the history of Cabrillo EDC and the passion and work that goes into making sure everyone has safe, affordable housing,” said Margarita H. de Escontrias, Chief Executive Officer of Cabrillo EDC. “Community is central to the work that is done at Cabrillo EDC. Our mission and values are focused around building an engaged community and providing comprehensive housing services and resources for seniors, farmworkers, veterans and families in the Ventura County community.”

Cabrillo EDC partnered with local Oxnard muralist, Anthony Macri Ortiz to bring their 40th anniversary mural to life. From start to finish, the mural took about a month to complete. “Anthony truly understood our goal of honoring Cabrillo’s roots and creating a piece to promote awareness about the importance of developing housing that positively impacts the community’s health, education, public safety, social services, and economic development,” said H. de Escontrias.

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has been making dreams come true, one home at a time, since 1981. Proud to be the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County, Cabrillo’s success is the result of decades of passion, dedication and vision. With a mission of providing comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities, Cabrillo facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity. At Cabrillo, home is more than a place to live – it is the cornerstone of the community’s economic, environmental and social wellbeing.

Vol. 16, No. 06 – Dec 14 – Dec 27, 2022 – Cartoons

Moose and Molly

Tiger

Crock

Mother Goose and Grimm

Sam and Silo

Marvin

Holiday Candlelight Tours at Olivas Adobe

Photos by Patricia Schallert

On Dec. 11, Holiday Candlelight Tours were presented at the Olivas Adobe

from 5:30 – 7:30pm. Attendees experienced how old California celebrated the holiday season at Don Raymundo’s two-story rancho home. Toured the decorated rooms, set in holiday tradition, and listened to living history vignettes. And browsed the gift shop for last-minute gifts.