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“A Year Without You,” for 30 days in the Museum of Ventura County’s Pavilion

Saturday, November 19th 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – A Year Without You Opening Reception – The RAD Foundation & artist Julie Dahl-Nicolle are collaborating to showcase “A Year Without You,” for 30 days in the Museum of Ventura County’s Pavilion. The collection of one hundred floral mixed media canvas paintings represents a sense of loss many have experienced for the last two years due to COVID-19. The collaboration aims to bring acceptance and understanding to loss all while giving hope & joy for the future ahead. The opening reception will invite guests to participate in hanging clouties – an homage to the Irish Rag Tree tradition. (Free, Drop-in Event)

Vol. 16, No. 03 – Nov 2 – Nov 15, 2022 – The Pet Page

∙ Cats respond preferentially to the voice of their owner

Indoor cats react when their owners speak in a high-pitched “kitty voice” – such as by moving their heads and ears more – but not when strangers do so.

Unlike dogs, which respond to speech directed at them whether it is from their owners or from strangers, cats only seem to respond when the speaker is their owner. This may suggest that cats and their owners bond through their own unique form of communication, says Charlotte de Mouzon at University Paris Nanterre in France.

De Mouzon and her colleagues tested the behavior of 16 cats, nine males and seven females, living in studio apartments either as single pets with a female owner or as pairs of cats with a heterosexual couple. The cats ranged in age from 8 months to 2 years old, and their owners were all veterinary students at the National Veterinary School in Alfort, near Paris.

The team recorded the owners calling their cats by name in a high-pitched voice, as they would normally. The owners were also asked to say things in French relating to one of four contexts. These included: “Do you want to play?”, “Do you want to eat?”, “See you later!” and “How are you?”. The team then recorded the pet owners saying the same phrases to people, now using the style of speech they would typically use with friends or adult family members.

Sixteen women – not known to the cats – also had their voices recorded as they said the same four things to adult humans and to cats that they saw in videos in de Mouzon’s laboratory, using the same styles of speaking as the cat owners.

The cats heard all the recordings in their own homes, with their owners present but not interacting with them. When they heard the voices of their owners, the cats tended to interrupt their behavior and begin doing something else, such as looking around, moving their ears and tails, or even becoming completely still.

Even when they heard strangers speaking to them in a high-pitched, affectionate manner, calling them by name and inviting them to play or eat, the cats essentially ignored them, says de Mouzon. However, that could be related to the fact that all the cats were exclusively indoor pets, with few opportunities to interact with strangers, she says.

The findings provide further evidence that cats have strong social cognitive skills and that they are “sensitive and communicative individuals”, she says.

“We know that they react to this kind of speech and it’s a good way for cats to know that we’re addressing them,” says de Mouzon. “So, we should feel confident about speaking to our cats with this kind of ‘baby talk’.”

Journal reference: Animal Cognition, DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01674

∙ Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor of telehealth at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says there are several foods people should avoid giving their pets, but especially any foods containing xylitol.

“Anything that contains xylitol should never be given to dogs,” Teller said. “It is extremely toxic and can lead to liver failure and death. It is a common replacement for sugar in many human foods, but it is so toxic to dogs that there has been legislation filed in Congress to require that any products containing xylitol be labeled as such. The bill is titled the Paws Off Act of 2021.”

Traditional holiday cooking and baking ingredients also can be dangerous for pet consumption. Some such items include chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate; grapes or raisins; fatty foods; macadamia nuts and walnuts; bones; alcohol; raw dough; seeds and pits from fruits (such as apples, apricots, cherries, peaches); caffeinated products; avocado; and onions and garlic.

“Any dangerous foods should be stored in a pet-proof cabinet, pantry, or container,” Teller advised. “Some pets are ‘counter-surfers’ and will jump up on a counter to steal something that smells irresistible.

Teller said that while some foods should be avoided in pet consumption at all costs, such as products containing xylitol and grapes or raisins, the effects of other foods are dose-dependent.

“One example is chocolate,” she explained. “If your healthy Labrador retriever gets a hold of a couple of milk chocolate M&Ms, then the risk is pretty low for any problems. However, if the dog eats a couple of squares of baking chocolate, there is a much higher risk of toxic effects and you should seek veterinary care. When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian.”

While some traditional holiday eats and treats are dangerous for pets, others can be enjoyed together in celebratory moments. “These include most fruits (minus the seeds or pits), such as apples, bananas, blueberries, and watermelon. Most vegetables are healthy as well, including carrots, green beans, chickpeas, lettuce leaves, and cucumbers,” Teller said. “White rice and plain bread in small quantities are also acceptable. Cooked chicken, turkey or fish, without the skin or bones, is also safe for pets.”

“Any treats or human foods given to pets should not exceed 10% of their dietary intake,” Teller shared. “More than this and their diet may become nutritionally unbalanced. It is always a good idea to talk with your veterinarian to make sure foods that you want to give your pet will be safe, especially if your pet has an underlying health problem.”

Keeping your pet away from potentially toxic foods may also involve educating children and visiting relatives, or even keeping the pet out of the kitchen entirely. Keeping your pet’s safety top of mind will help ensure that the entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season.

If you find yourself in a situation this holiday season where your pet has consumed something potentially detrimental to their health, The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control can be reached at (888) 426-4435 and the Pet Poison Helpline can be reached at (855) 764-7661.

Pet Talk is a service of the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

Ventura County Potters’ Guild to host double event in downtown Ventura Nov. 5-6

The Ventura County Potters’ Guild will host a double event in downtown Ventura on November 5 and 6 (10am-6pm). There will be an outdoor market on Main and California Streets showcasing many local potters just in time for your holiday shopping. Handmade pottery makes a thoughtful, personal gift. Peruse the gorgeous mugs, bowls, vases, planters, sculpture and more. You will have your holiday gift list checked off in no time.

In addition, there will be a Bowl of Thanks fundraiser. Local potters are donating hundreds of bowls that can be purchased for $20 each. Funds raised will be donated to Downtown Ventura’s Family Reconnection Program,

Each bowl purchase is accompanied by a punch card allowing the purchaser to sample tastes from over 15 restaurants and pubs.  Bowls for pasta, ice cream, cereal, berries, loose change or your doggy (or kitty) will be available in all sorts of sizes and colors.

The Ventura County Potters’ Guild, a non-profit founded in 1957, continues its mission of promoting ceramic arts through its Gallery in Ventura Harbor, workshops, and monthly meetings.  www.venturapottersguild.org.

Apply to join a city board, commission, or committee

The City of Ventura invites residents to get involved in decisions that impact the community. There are currently 10 openings across several City boards, commissions, and committees. These positions assist and advise the City Council on various programs and projects. All applications are due by Friday, November 9, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.

There are four openings on the Local Construction Appeals Board. This seven-member advisory board meets annually in January with additional meetings as needed. The board decides on appeals made by the Building Official or Fire Marshal relative to the application and interpretation of the City’s building requirements.

There is one opening on the Mobile Home Rent Review Board. This five-member advisory board meets on the third Thursday of every quarter (February, May, August, and November) at 3:00 p.m. to receive, investigate, hold hearings on, and act on the issues relating to mobile home park rent stabilization.

There is one opening on the Historic Preservation Committee. This five-member committee meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. to make recommendations concerning the designation of historic districts, landmarks, sites, and points of interest significant to the heritage and development of the City’s Mills Act contracts. They also provide recommendations for applications affecting identified or potential historic resources.

There are three openings on the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee. This seven-member advisory committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m. to advise on parking management strategies and programs in the Downtown Parking District area. This includes capital budgets, hours of operations, parking pricing policies, valet programs, and employee commuter parking policies.

There is one opening on the Measure O Citizen Oversight Committee. Recruitment is open to residents who are not an employee or dependent of an employee for the City of Ventura. This seven-member committee meets quarterly on the first Tuesday of the month to review the projected revenues and recommended expenditures for the funds generated by Measure O. The committee also makes recommendations to the City Council as a part of the City’s budget process.

Vacancies occur either by the expiration of a term or resignations during the year. Per San Buenaventura Ordinance 2019-003, no citizen may serve on more than one committee, commission, or board. Dual appointments are not permitted.

For questions or to apply for a position, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 658-4787 or email [email protected]. To learn more about the City’s boards, commissions, or committees, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Recruitments.

Vol. 16, No. 03 – Nov 2 – Nov 15, 2022 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Paca, a shy, sweet 6 year old Chow that was rescued after my owner passed away. My house sold quickly and was gated up. It’s unknown if I escaped and couldn’t be caught or someone turned me loose to fend for myself. Either way I was out on my own for two months in very hot weather. As you can see I’ve been shaved down. After being scared and on my own, my fur became matted and I needed to be shaved. But don’t worry, my beautiful fur will grow back.

CARL volunteers are working on getting to know my likes/dislikes and helping me with leash training. I’m happy to explore my new world when I go out for my regular walking route. I have not been reactive to other dogs. I’m shy of strangers. A huge heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful people who helped rescue me and who donated towards my care.

If you’re interested in meeting me, please fill out an online application to meet me.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.

Home


CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Meet Frida, an adorable 1-year-old shorthaired, indoor rabbit. She’s a social girl who seeks attention. She loves other bunnies and enjoys playing with her little toys. She’s litterbox trained and has the most darling personality! If you’d like to meet Frida, email [email protected] and one of our Bunny Brigade volunteers will reach out to you soon!

 

What can you do to prevent Alzheimer’s?

Although there is no effective treatment or proven prevention for Alzheimer’s and related dementias, in general, leading a healthy lifestyle may help address risk factors that have been associated with these diseases.

Control high blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, has harmful effects on the heart, blood vessels, and brain, and increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Treating high blood pressure with medication and healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising and quitting smoking, may help reduce the risk of dementia.

Manage blood sugar. Higher than normal levels of blood sugar, or glucose, can lead to diabetes and may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Making healthy food choices, getting regular exercise, stopping smoking, and checking glucose levels can help manage blood sugar.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk for related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Being active and choosing healthy foods can help maintain a healthy weight.

Eat a healthy diet. Aim for a mix of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood, unsaturated fats such as olive oil, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and limit other fats and sugars.

Keep physically active. Physical activity has many health benefits, such as helping to prevent being overweight and having obesity, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

Stay mentally active. Lots of activities can help keep your mind active, including reading, playing board games, crafting or taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, working or volunteering, and socializing.

Stay connected with family and friends. Connecting with people and engaging in social activities can prevent social isolation and loneliness, which are linked to higher risks for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Treat hearing problems. Hearing loss may affect cognition and dementia risk in older adults and can make it more difficult to interact with others. Protect your ears from loud sounds to help prevent hearing loss and use hearing aids if needed.

Take care of your mental and physical health. This includes getting your recommended health screenings, managing chronic health issues such as depression or high cholesterol, and regularly checking in with your health care provider.

Sleep well. Sleeping well is important for both your mind and body. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Talk with your doctor if you are not getting enough sleep, sleeping poorly, or think you may have a sleep disorder.

Prevent head injury. Take steps to prevent falls and head injury, such as fall-proofing your home and wearing shoes with nonskid soles that fully support your feet. Consider participating in fall prevention programs online or in your area. Also, wear seatbelts and helmets to help protect you from concussions and other brain injuries.

Drink less alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to falls and worsen health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, memory loss, and mood disorders. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that men should not have more than two drinks a day and women only one. Learn more at NIAAA’s Rethinking Drinking website.

Stop tobacco use. At any age, stopping smoking can improve your health and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and lung disease.

Researchers cannot say for certain whether making the above lifestyle changes will protect against dementia, but these changes are good for your health and are all part of making healthy choices as you age.

Vol. 16, No. 03 – Nov 2 – Nov 15, 2022 – Opinion/Editorial

I’m sorry to say that after much thought this will be my last editorial. I’ve enjoyed this very much but time for my old brain to relax a little. I thank those who loved reading me and even those who hated it.

∙ I wrote this prior to making my decision. Now there is no reason to not read the Breeze.

I think this is the definition of a dichotomy. A reader emailed me that the reason he doesn’t read the Ventura Breeze is because he doesn’t like what he reads in my column. Does that mean he just reads my column?

Perhaps what he meant to say is he no longer reads the Breeze because of my column.

On occasion, I may say some things that are deemed controversial.

The Breeze contains about 40,000 words in total, so why deprive yourself of all the good news about Ventura because of 300, or so, words I might write – that leaves 39,700 words that aren’t controversial.

∙The Veterans Affairs Clinic that opened last month in Ventura has been named for Capt. Rosemary Bryant Mariner. She was one of the first six women to earn wings as a Naval aviator in 1974. She had a 24-year Navy career. The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) to name the new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Ventura after Captain Mariner.

President Joe Biden signed the legislation on Oct. 11 authorizing the clinic’s naming.

∙Albuquerque Cosper Head (that’s his name) has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for assaulting former Metro police officer Michael Fanone during the January 6 Capitol riot. I’m very glad those responsible are getting what they deserve but most are not receiving long enough sentences.

∙Steve Bannon, a former adviser to former President Trump, has been sentenced to four months in prison and fined $6,500 for contempt of Congress charges after he declined to hand over documents and appear before the January 6 committee. What will happen if Trump refuses to appear?

∙There is no evidence of widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines. Exhaustive reviews in key states upheld Democrat Joe Biden’s win, while judges – including some appointed by Trump – dismissed numerous lawsuits challenging the outcome. Trump’s own attorney general, William Barr, called the claims bogus.

∙ President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color. It’s about time a president did this. Folks spent years in prison for possessing what you will soon be able to purchase at a shop in Ventura.

∙The pastor of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, Fr. Tom Elewaut, voiced his concerns to Ventura County officials about “inaccurate, inflammatory testimony” targeting the legacy of St. Junípero Serra that led to the removal of the Franciscan missionary’s likeness from the county seal earlier this year (and removal of his statue across from city hall).

∙I keep seeing antifa capitalized as if it is an organization. It is a political movement not an organization (a way of thinking). A person can’t join antifa and become a card carrying antifaite.

∙Ventura’s own Supervisor Matt LaVere will provide oversight for the Oxnard-based Fifth District pending the governor’s appointment of a successor of the late Carmen Ramirez.

The remaining four members of the county Board of Supervisors, including LaVere, approved the oversight duties along with giving him authority to be a steward for concerns of the district’s constituents.

It’s not clear how long it will take Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint a new supervisor with key decisions on oil and gas issues and litigation pending before the board. County officials say it could take months.

∙Even in a rough year for just about every US tech titan (and others), the wealth erased from the chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc. Mark Zuckerberg’s stands out. His fortune has been cut in half and then some, dropping by $71 billion so far this year, the most among the ultra-rich tracked by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. At $55.9 billion, his net worth ranks 20th among global billionaires.

I feel sorry for him – it’s tough to live on $55.9 billion. He might need to get a side job to keep food on his table at his 40,000 square foot home.

∙This would be funny if it wasn’t so sad. A state corrections officer who works at the California youth correction facility accidentally shot himself in the leg in the fairgrounds parking lot after attending a gun show there. The man’s job meant he was authorized to carry a weapon at the show.

A new law prohibiting firearm sales at the Ventura County Fairgrounds takes effect in a few months.

∙San Francisco police witnessed Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and an intruder struggling over a hammer before he was attacked, officials said. Responding to an emergency call at the couple’s home officers saw the attacker and Pelosi both holding the hammer when they entered the room.

The man, who allegedly attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband early Friday, posted memes and conspiracy theories on Facebook about Covid vaccines, the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. An acquaintance told CNN that he seemed “out of touch with reality.” Perhaps his reality is becoming that of many Americans who are attempting to destroy our democracy.

David DePape, 42, was identified by police Friday as the suspect in the assault on Paul Pelosi at the speaker’s San Francisco home. Paul is expected to have a full recovery

∙ A 12-year-old girl from Texas shot her father as part of a plot with her friend to murder their families and run away from home.

The girl and her friend had planned the murder plot for weeks, the Parker County Sheriff’s Office said. They had allegedly plotted to kill their families and their pets before fleeing together to Georgia. But the girl’s friend never went through with the plan. Some friend.

Gun violence isn’t just happening in America. At least 17 people are dead and 24 others are injured after a gunman opened fire at a school in central Russia. It happened at a school in Izhevsk. The shooter killed a guard and multiple children. Russia’s Investigative Committee said the shooter was wearing a t-shirt with “Nazi symbols” during the attack.