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Washington Elementary School Update

by Stephen Schafer,
President, San Buenaventura Conservancy for Preservation

I wanted to update you about the National Register of Historic Places meeting in Sacramento on August 2. The nomination was postponed and no action was taken by the State Historic Resources Commission (SHRC). The video of the meeting can be accessed on the Conservancy website: SBConservancy.org

The SHRC wanted to review the 20-page comments that were received from Ventura
Unified School District about 60 hours before the SHRC meeting. The Commission tabled
the decision until their October meeting in Sacramento. The Conservancy has requested
the public records and now has a copy of the VUSD’s 20-page comments and will be
reviewing and responding to the comments in October. More about the meeting in
the VCReporter Aug. 8 article by Alex Wilson 34 letters of support were received by the SHRC by the July deadline. Now that the meeting is postponed, more letters would help further support the nomination. Support from the community is still vital. Donations to support the Conservancy’s mission are always appreciated. We encourage you and your fellow neighbors/friends who believe in this nomination to please send comments to SHRC staff by 10/20/2024.

Email support letters to: [email protected]

National Register Bulletin 15 is a book of guidelines covering how and what to nominate to the National Register. It has examples of significant historic places and places that do not qualify. On page 19 it has this statement: HISTORIC ADAPTATION OF THE ORIGINAL PROPERTYA property can be significant not only for the way it was originally constructed or crafted, but also for the way it was adapted at a later period, or for the way it illustrates
changing tastes, attitudes, and uses over a period of time.

More details about the August 2 SHRC meeting here in the VCReporter article by Alex Wilson (7- 8-2024)

The Conservancy is still confident Washington Elementary School will be listed on the NRHP in October. If you have questions  or want to see the Lego Washington School
exhibit that was shown in Sacramento please join us August 21 for the Conservancy’s
Heritage Happy Hour at Gloria’s Kitchen, 2881 Loma Vista @ 5:00pm.

Thank you for your interest in protecting irreplaceable historic places and cultural
sites in our community.

That’s a Wrap! Ventura Music Festival 2024

What a 2024 festival it was! For its 29th season the Ventura Music Festival opened at the city’s most historic outdoor party site. In the high-walled adobe courtyard where the Olivas family hosted a celebration for the election of President Abraham Lincoln came another Kentucky-Indiana resident, Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper. A full house of
patrons picnicked, danced and drank from our new cantina to the amazingly intricate
strings of the Bluegrass Fiddler and Group of the Year. New to bluegrass and bluegrass cognoscenti alike exclaimed it was an extraordinary night to hear America’s unique brand
of folk music combining old-time mountain music, square dance fiddling, blues, gospel,
jazz, and popular music!

The festival then moved to the intimate Ventura College Performing Arts Center for a sold out show by the adventuresome Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (or LACO) performing J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerts that display his groundbreaking new sounds and possibilities for Baroque music in his most lively and colorful solo and orchestral format and setting—music of the spheres to entrance the ears!

Tap-tastic is the only way to describe the counterpoint rhythms of renowned pianist and composer Conrad Tao and visionary dancer and choreographer Caleb Teicher. Each tap of the heels and striking of the keyboard brought the appreciative audience into a sixth sense of awareness of how sound moves in its both solemn and slapstick moods.

To complete weekend one, VMF Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta and pianist-composer Greg Anderson took us on a romp through Baroque Music with stunning solo moments from masterpieces of the era—Bach’s Chaconne, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Handel’s Pastorale Sinfonia. The brunch beforehand was a great success for those with a second taste of the senses–for music and for cuisine. Our new lobby bar for every concert lubricated our audiences for enhanced social gathering opportunities, music appreciation and a relaxed, less formal atmosphere!

Weekend two exploded with the high energy of festival favorite Perla Batalla. She brought her multi-culture ensemble to meld with her entrancing voice and a delight a full house of rapt listeners to cover a world-wide range of music that has shaped her life. From Leonard Cohen and Mexican and Spanish canciones to American Songbook and Jazz, each song was delivered with lively reminiscences of a born storyteller with a rambunctious sense of humor. Truly a lovefest of music enveloping musicians and audience alike!

Guitarist Jason Vieaux and bandoneonist Julien Labro brought us on a haunting, then moody, now exhilarating journey through the songbook of tango masterAstor Piazzola and his friends. Astonishingly intricate Pat Metheny masterpieces completed this starlight evening of Jazz shot through with the sublime.

The festival concluded joyously with the return of Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe, truly the rockstar piano dualists of the classical music world. Their delightfully funny patter between a huge range of music composers set us up for brilliant renderings of every kind of masterpiece from Mozart, Dvorak, Bach, Vivaldi and Bizet to the modern anthems of John Williams (Star Wars Fantasies), Sigur Ros ad Tears for Fears.
www.venturamusicfestival.org

Vol. 17, No. 24 – Aug 21 – Sept 3, 2024 – Scamp Club

Meet Lucy and Daisy!

Lucy is a beautiful 12-year-old white cat with one blue eye and one brown eye. She was adopted from Greyfoot Rescue when she was 6 months old. Lucy is a sweet and friendly lap cat who loves being petted. She is adored by her family and their friends.

Lucy’s sister, Daisy, is a 2-year-old bundle of joy and energy. This friendly 60-pound goldendoodle loves to go for hikes, walks, and car rides. Daisy’s motto is “life is good” when she has toys or a stick to chew on.

Lucy and Daisy are the devoted companions of Lisa Edwards and Bill Meyer of Safe Travels RV Services.

Vol. 17, No. 24 – Aug 21 – Sept 3, 2024 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi, I’m Udon, a handsome 2-year-old Husky/Shepherd mix in need of a new home after my owner sadly passed away. I have a brother named Ramen—we look alike, but you can tell us apart because my left eye is brown, and my right eye is blue, while both of Ramen’s eyes are brown. I’m great around people, children, and other dogs. I know how to sit, give you my paw, and take treats very gently. I walk well on a leash and do fine in a crate during car rides. I need sturdy fencing, as I can get over a 4-foot fence when I’m bored or lonely. My favorite things are being with my person, playing with toys, cuddling, and getting belly rubs. A CARL volunteer describes my energy level as calm and confident.

 

Hi, I’m Otis, a very sweet and loving 3-year-old Shepherd mix who was found as a stray. No one came to claim me, so I’m now waiting for my forever family to take me home. I love people and older children. I walk great on a leash and do well in playgroups with other dogs during pack walks. I can be a little reactive to other dogs on the way out of the kennel, but I might be okay with another dog at home if we’re well matched. If you already have a fur baby, please bring them along for a meet and greet.

 

Hi, I’m Burtha, an energetic 3-year-old Chihuahua mix rescued from a high-kill shelter where I was found as a stray. Once I get to know you, I love to be held and stay close to my person. The best home for me would be an adult-only household where I’d be showered with love and attention. I need daily exercise and enjoy my version of fetch—sometimes, I even bring the toy back to be thrown again! I like car rides too. I’ll try to dart out open doors at home, so care needs to be taken when opening doors if I’m around. I can jump onto countertops, so be mindful to keep things I shouldn’t eat out of reach. I will sit and stay for a treat, but I do need leash training.

Hi, I’m Gwen, an affectionate nearly 2-year-old Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier mix in need of a new home due to landlord rules. I’m mostly white with tan speckles on my ears and a little tan around both eyes, which I think makes me look very cute. I’m super friendly, love to play, enjoy pup cups, car rides, running, and taking naps. I’m used to sleeping in bed with my owner, so I hope you’ll let me do that too. I’m good with little dogs, but I’m not so sure about big dogs. I haven’t been around many children, but I’ve been okay with the few I’ve met. I’ve never been around cats.

All of these amazing pets are being cared for by the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (CARL). Could you provide a forever home for one of these wonderful animals? To read full pet bios and submit an application, visit www.CARLDogs.org or call 805-644-7387.

 

A Haven for Seniors: Nutrition, Activities, and Community at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center

by Patricia Schallert

The Ventura Avenue Adult Center (VAAC) is a vibrant community hub offering a variety of classes, drop-in activities, the Westside Cafe Senior Nutrition Program, facility rentals, and a range of free and affordable services for older adults. Central to the center’s mission is its commitment to providing exceptional food services to elderly residents, serving nutritious and delicious meals that support their health and vitality.

Menus are thoughtfully crafted to cater to different dietary needs and preferences, ensuring seniors receive the nourishment they require. Beyond sustenance, these meals foster social connections and a sense of community, as seniors come together to enjoy shared meals and participate in activities like sewing, knitting, exercise, and art classes.

By emphasizing well-being and happiness through nutritious food, engaging activities, and companionship, senior centers in Ventura significantly enhance the lives of older adults in the community. Alice, a long-time regular at the VAAC since 2010, expressed her appreciation for the center: “With its friendly staff and inviting atmosphere, the senior center in Ventura fosters a strong sense of community and overall well-being, making a positive impact on my life and the lives of older adults in the area.”

Gian Morehead, who works closely with the food services program, underscores the importance of offering nutritious and enjoyable meals, both on-site and for homebound seniors. The program meticulously packages and delivers a two-week supply of meals to over 150 homebound seniors, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition while also promoting social interactions and a sense of community through shared meals.

Ventura Avenue Adult Center
550 N. Ventura Ave.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm
Phone: 805-648-3035
Website: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1821/Senior-Resources

Upcoming Holiday Luncheon Events:

  • Halloween: Monday, October 31
  • Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 17
  • Winter Holiday: Friday, December 23

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Local film historian and composer Ross Care brings Walt’s People #29 – The Ross Care Letters to the Ojai Library on Saturday, August 24, at 2:00 pm. This book is a collection of Disney studio artists’ reminiscences of working with Walt Disney on classic films ranging from Snow White and Fantasia in the early 1940s through later films such as Sleeping Beauty in 1959, including artist Eyvind Earle’s commentary on his unique and innovative designs . Several of these artists would also work as Imagineers in the creation of Disney’s unique theme parks. A book signing will follow the presentation, with copies available for purchase.

Local Ojai author Joseph M. Puglia will visit the Ojai Library at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 31 to give a talk titled “North American Trade Beads.” The history of beads dates back 40,000 years, and they have been made by every culture. They express culture, social circumstance, political history, religious beliefs, wealth and trade. Dr. Puglia’s focus will be on North American trade beads, exploring their roles in indigenous cultures with an emphasis on artistry. He will share his collection of trade beads dating back to the Lewis and Clark era. Dr. Puglia is a former college professor who taught English, Philosophy, Social Science, and History of Western Expansion. He also taught high school English on the Cheyenne Reservation at Lame Deer Montana. Currently, he is a writer soon to publish his fifth novel.

These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

At E.P. Foster Library the Graphic Novel Guild, recommended for 3rd – 6th graders, explores exciting stories with amazing artwork and a creative activity related to the story. Space is limited. Sign up at the 2nd floor desk and pick up a copy of the selected book: NEW KID. Tuesday, August 27 @ 4 – 5 pm.

When visiting E.P. Foster Library, please drop in to 2nd Look Books, the Bookstore of Ventura Friends of the Library

Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm. We have non-fiction and fiction, from $.25 paperbacks to current bestsellers, and a comprehensive children’s section from board books for toddlers to novels for young adults. We also have jigsaw puzzles. All proceeds benefit the libraries of the city of Ventura.

Hill Road Library Book Club meets monthly on the last Tuesday at 4:00 pm. The August Club Selection is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Tuesday, August 27, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selections. To join the mailing lists for this book club, please email [email protected]

The Ventura County Library has announced the One County, One Book community reading title selection for 2024: Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder. Copies of Rough Sleepers will be available to borrow at your local Ventura County Library branch. This will be the September selection for the Hill Road Library Book Club. One County, One Book programming will take place during the month of September, culminating with the second annual Ventura County Celebration of Books featuring the subject of Rough Sleepers, Dr. Jim O’Connell. This event will take place on Saturday, October 12, on the campus of California State University, Channel Islands.

Why I Work at CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly

Debbie Lasley, CAREGIVERS Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.

by Debbie Lasley, CAREGIVERS Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

I’ve always found solace in the company of elderly people. There’s a comfort and connection that comes naturally to me—I often feel like I have an old soul. When I applied for my position at CAREGIVERS a year ago, drawing on my experience with senior volunteers, I anticipated enjoying the role. Little did I know how profoundly it would impact my perspective on the aging population in Ventura County.

Many seniors here are homebound, lacking the company of family or friends, and facing profound isolation and frustration. The realization of my job’s significance hit me hard. My role involves seeking out volunteers to support these seniors, from providing essential transport to medical appointments, to weekly check-ins, picking up prescriptions, and helping with household chores and groceries—simple tasks we often take for granted.

As I approach these later years myself, I can’t help but wonder about my own future. Will my children be there for me? What about those without children? These questions weigh heavily on many of our volunteers too. They choose to dedicate their time now, knowing they may one day rely on similar support.

When asked why they volunteer, their answers are poignant. “Someday I will appreciate having someone help me, so I am investing in my future needs,” remarked one. Another shared, “I didn’t spend enough time with my parents when they were alive, so I want to give back now.” Whatever their motivation, we always welcome more helping hands.

Recently, I spent three hours with a senior suffering from MS and other ailments, living alone with her ailing cat. Despite her sharp mind, her body fails her daily. Her story as a single mother facing relentless job discrimination due to her illness was deeply moving. Her struggles, and those of countless others I’ve encountered, underscore the immense challenges they endure alone. Leaving that visit in tears, I was overwhelmed by the desire to do more. If this article can connect even one person with a senior in need, it could mean one less lonely soul. The impact of being there for someone in their time of need cannot be overstated.

Our communities are calling for your help! Even a couple of hours a week could be invaluable. The idea that there’s never enough time to volunteer is a myth—a few hours can transform a senior’s life. Join us today and see the impact you can make firsthand!

Please join me in making a difference. To learn more, visit www.vccaregivers.org, email [email protected], or call 805-658-8530.

Vol. 17, No. 24 – Aug 21 – Sept 3, 2024 – Police Reports

Attempted Kidnapping Arrest

On August 7 at about four-thirty in the afternoon, the victim was walking
west on Ramona St near the intersection of Olive St when a vehicle drove past her, made a U-turn, and the driver got out of the car. The driver, later identified as Diago Jimenez, 20-year-old Oxnard resident, walked up to the victim and grabbed her by the shirt. The victim, who does not know Jimenez, shouted for help. Jimenez then released her,
returned to his vehicle, and fled the area. The victim called 911. During
the investigation, Jimenez’s vehicle was located on security footage, and he was identified as the person who had attempted to kidnap the victim.

On 8/8/24, Ventura Police Department detectives took Jimenez into custody. Jimenez was later transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail for Attempted Kidnapping.

Vita Art Center announces Three New Exhibitions

Michael Deragon, Collage, Complicated Creator, 18×24, 2024

Vita Art Center is proud to present three new exhibits opening on Saturday, August 31 running through October 26. The exhibits feature WATER, Benjamin Provo: Ceramics, and Collage. Each exhibit explores distinct themes through various artistic mediums, offering visitors a rich and immersive experience in contemporary art.

WATER brings together six artists – Rick Stich, Colin Fraser Gray, Cheryl Ann Thomas, Maria Adela Diaz, Bill Dewey, and Marie McKenzie – who delve into the multifaceted essence of water. Stich’s drawings, inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s “A Deluge,” capture the dramatic beauty of water’s turbulence, while Gray’s work, influenced by a near-drowning experience, conveys its dynamic movement. McKenzie’s kelp oil paintings highlight environmental concerns, emphasizing the fragile balance of marine ecosystems. Diaz’s video art addresses the Latin American diaspora, shedding light on the often-invisible roles of women. Thomas’s ceramics evoke life’s transience, and Dewey’s close-up wave photography offers an intimate view of water’s power and grace. Together, these artists create a cohesive narrative celebrating water’s profound impact on life and art.

Benjamin Provo makes a compelling return to his artistic roots with an exhibition that reflects his journey from the business side of the art world to a deeply personal exploration of material, surface, and self-expression. As a self-taught artist with a background in ceramics, painting, and mixed media, Provo’s work is informed by his studies of archaic Greek, Judaic, and Levantine pottery. His recent creations use traditional vessel forms to explore mark-making, poetry, and texture, aiming for direct engagement with viewers. This body of work is Provo’s heartfelt expression of love, loss, and the joys of life, presented with unfiltered authenticity.

Collage showcases the works of ten Southern California artists—Mike Blaha, Michael Deragon, Scott Gordon, Colleen M. Kelly, Dan Levin, Gail Pine, Paddy Reynolds, Ilene Segalove, Jacqueline Woods, and Wren Stepan—who utilize collage as a central component of their studio practice. This exhibition traces the history of collage from its revolutionary origins with Cubists like Picasso and Braque to its evolution through the Dada movement and beyond. The featured artists build on this storied tradition, pushing the boundaries of collage with contemporary techniques and themes, resulting in a vibrant exploration of identity, culture, and abstraction.

Vita Art Center, 28 West Main Street. For more information visit, www.vitaartcenter.com or call 805-901-4677.

Focus on the Masters For the Love of Art 30th Anniversary Celebration! 

Focus on the Masters Benefit for Arts Education

FOTM Education Director Aimee French teaching Learning to See 3D Assemblage lesson at Elmhurst Elementary.

Point Broadcasting presents, Focus on the Masters (FOTM) Arts Archive & Library, For the Love of Art 30th Anniversary Celebration Benefit for the Arts Education on Sunday, September 15, from 3 pm to 6 pm, at The Victorian House, 211 E. Main Street. The Garden Party celebration will begin with an art preview gathering of event sponsors and FOTM members from 2 to 3 p.m.  All proceeds benefit FOTM’s award-winning arts education programs including the Learning To See Outreach, a sequential in-school and community outreach art program for at-risk youth and Title 1 schools.

“Our 30th Anniversary is such a tremendous milestone!” exclaims Founder and Executive Director Donna Granata. “Our gathering will be celebration all of the extraordinary artists, volunteers, patrons, collaborators, Board members and staff who have played an important role in developing our rare resource library and archive.”

The FUNdraising garden party will be full of “art for all” including FOTM’s famed $30 Mystery Boxes filled with all kinds of art related treasures worth at least $50, a fine art raffle, silent auction, and fun activities including a photo booth, hat decorating contest, scavenger hunt, quick draw, and more!

FOTM has served the community for over thirty years through their educational arts programming. Since that time, their Learning To See program has brought compelling lessons to over 275,000 students throughout Ventura County.  The integrative lessons are inspired by the artwork and life stories of extraordinary FOTM documented artists.

Program director Aimee French explains, “The local artists featured in every Learning To See lesson serve as strong role models.  Students learn that every artist has their own story and that they persevered in pursuit of their passions.  As our students dive into each hands-on lesson, they gain confidence in their own and others’ unique expression.”

“The arts must be incorporated into our daily lives – now more than ever.” Comments, FOTM Founder, Donna Granata.  “Art builds empathy and understanding of our fellow human beings.  No two artistic expressions are alike – just as no two human beings are alike.”

“Each artists’ documentation culminates with the Artist Spotlight interview held in front of a live audience.” Granata adds. “The Spotlight gives the public an opportunity to hear the artist’s story firsthand, as they share their evolution and development. Sharing and listening to personal stories is so inspiring!”

FOTM Tickets for the event are available at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or by calling 805.653.2501. Members $150, non-members $175.

The FOTM Archive & Library houses a rare collection of resource materials chronicling our cultural community including over 2,500 hours of oral histories, videotaped interviews, a digital library of the artists’ work, publications, and ephemera.  FOTM’s resources are available to the museum community, scholars, historians, and the media. The FOTM Archive & Library is open to the public Monday through Thursday 10am to 4pm and by appointment. Library services are available by appointment only.

Major sponsors of For the Love of Art include Point Broadcasting, the Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts, James & Mary Galbraith, The Victorian House, and Stirred Event Planning.   For a complete list of sponsors and donors please visit www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.