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Mystic Whaler and Central Coast Ocean Adventures join the Southern California Plankton Watch

Awareness of plankton and blooms brought together scientists and informal educators.

Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation (CCOAF) and the schooner Mystic Whaler are now partners with the Southern California Plankton Watch.

Interest and awareness of plankton and blooms brought together scientists and informal educators in the Southern California Bight region to form a volunteer plankton monitoring network which led to the formation of the Southern California Plankton Watch. Mystic Whaler’s crew and educators received their initial training in plankton collection in February 2024. CCOAF/Mystic Whaler, along with local young people who come on board Mystic for experiential educational programs, will be assisting in collecting data for the Watch. This ongoing effort increases the number of eyes on the ocean for understanding changing ocean systems and early detection of blooms and sets into place a method for rapid response.

Founded in 2021, the Mission of CCOAF is to utilize adventure through sailing and the sea to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills for the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties with a special focus on youth. CCOAF offers year-round experiential educational programming aboard its 110-foot Schooner Mystic Whaler to schools, community-based organizations, and the public. Wwwcentralcoastoceanadventures.org

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – The Pet Page

•Animals have been known to help people in hospitals, schools, and fire and police departments. Annie is unique as she helps other animals calm their nerves for Jackson County Animal Control Officer Shawn Lutz.

“What she does is she helps me catch dogs that are scared of people who have been running for a while,” said Lutz. “She is a confident dog; she goes out, and she befriends them and brings them back to me so I can get them caught and off the street.”

Since 2020, Annie has been a ride-along partner for Lutz and a family pet. Lutz said Annie has helped retrieve over 70 dogs.

“The biggest thing is, every morning, my wife says make sure Annie comes home. I am assuming she wants me home as well,” said Lutz.

The bond between Annie and Lutz is special, and he said he could not imagine working without his partner by his side.

“She talks to me, we interact all day long, we really kind of read each other, I look out for her, and she looks out for me,” said Lutz. “It would be very awkward to not have her with me on a regular basis working the road.”

Annie is a big celebrity around town and at public events, but Officer Lutz said he still worries about her whenever she is called upon to work.

“I get nervous every single time,” said Lutz. “She has had a couple of times where she has been nipped over the years doing this job. I worry every single time she gets out of the truck, and she is working with me and helping me that she is going to have a negative encounter.”

As for Annie, she is just happy to be working alongside her best friend.

•Breakthrough Cancer Vaccine For Dogs Is ‘Truly Revolutionary’, Scientist Says

HEALTH By David Nield

A recently developed cancer vaccine for dogs is showing promising results in clinical trials, which have been running since 2016, and there’s hope that some of the benefits of the vaccine could be translated into human cancer treatments.

More than 300 dogs have been treated with the vaccine to date, and the twelve–month survival rate for canines with certain cancers has been lifted from about 35 percent to 60 percent. Tumors in many of the animals have also shrunk.

Known officially as the Canine EGFR/HER2 Peptide Cancer Immunotherapeutic, the treatment grew out of studies of autoimmune diseases, where the immune system damages the body’s own tissue rather than any invading threats. The vaccine is designed to get the immune system to attack cancer instead.

“In many ways tumors are like the targets of autoimmune diseases,” says rheumatologist Mark Mamula, from the Yale University School of Medicine.

“Cancer cells are your own tissue and are attacked by the immune system. The difference is we want the immune system to attack a tumor.”

Regression of lung metastases in a canine patient. Chest X-rays were taken three months apart. (Doyle et al., Translational Oncology, 2021)

As outlined in a 2021 study by Mamula and colleagues, the treatment gets the immune cells to produce antibody defenses, which attach themselves to tumors and interfere with their growth patterns.

Specifically, these antibodies hunt down two proteins: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Mutations causing overexpression of these proteins drive uncontrolled cell division in some human and canine cancers.

Existing treatments targeting EGFR and HER2 call upon just one kind of antibody. The new vaccine boosts its effects by creating a polyclonal response – one that involves antibodies from multiple immune cells, rather than a single one, making it harder for the cancer to become resistant to the drug.

“In veterinary oncology, our toolbox is much smaller than that of human oncology,” says veterinary oncologist Gerry Post, from the Yale School of Medicine. “This vaccine is truly revolutionary. I couldn’t be more excited to be a veterinary oncologist.”

For now, the vaccine remains a post-diagnosis treatment option rather than any preventative measure, but it’s already helped dogs like Hunter: he’s now cancer-free, two years after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

Typically, only about 30 percent of dogs with osteosarcoma will survive beyond twelve months. Around one in four dogs will get cancer during their lifetimes, so the potential impact of the treatment is huge.

Considering the similarities between dog cancer and human cancer, from genetic mutations and tumor behavior to treatment responses, the researchers suggest the vaccine will also help our understanding of cancers in humans.

The Yale University team isn’t the only ones making progress with canine cancer treatments, either. Researchers are also trialing various immunotherapies for dogs with melanoma and lymphoma. However, as with human cancers, not all dogs respond to treatment, and it’s difficult to predict which ones do.

“Dogs, just like humans, get cancer spontaneously,” says Mamula. “They grow and metastasize and mutate, just like human cancers do.”

“If we can provide some benefit, some relief – a pain-free life – that is the best outcome that we could ever have.”

The research has been published in Translational Oncology.

Some dogs help other dogs.

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – As I See It

• The time has finally come for me to bid farewell as Publisher/Editor of the Ventura Breeze.
The May 1 issue will be my last as Publisher/Editor. It has been an incredible journey spanning
17 years, filled with cherished memories, remarkable experiences, and the unwavering
support of our beloved Ventura community.

When my daughter Staci and I started this venture 17 years ago, we embarked on a journey
fueled by hope and enthusiasm. We didn’t know how Ventura would receive our humble
publication, but today, it is heartening to see how it’s become an integral part of life in Ventura.
I’m always delighted when strangers approach me to express their love for The Breeze and tell
me how much joy it brings them.

This journey has been nothing short of exhilarating and inspiring, and I owe it all to you—our
devoted readers, amazing staff, contributors and loyal advertisers. Without your unwavering
support and enthusiasm, The Ventura Breeze would not be what it is today. It has been an
honor to serve you, and I hope that you’ll continue to find joy and enrichment in the pages of
The Breeze for many years to come.

As I transition into a new chapter of my life, I want to assure you that while my tenure as
Publisher/Editor may be coming to a close, my commitment to the Breeze remains steadfast.
My opinion column may not appear regularly, but rest assured, it will make appearances from
time to time, whenever inspiration strikes.

Moreover, I’m delighted to announce that the Breeze will remain within the family, with my son
Mark Brown stepping into the role. Mark has decades of experience in both print and digital
publishing and can be reached at [email protected]. I’m confident that the
Breeze will continue to play an important role in the Ventura community for years to come.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering
support, encouragement, and readership over the years. The memories we have created
together will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Sheldon Brown

• Recently, more than 50 golfers, mostly seniors, filled the Ventura City Council chambers and
urged city leaders to hurry up repairs to the 92-year-old Buenaventura Golf Course that has been
closed for 15 months because of flooding from storms.

Of course, it would be good to make the necessary repairs, but it always comes down to financing.
I’m sure some of the council members are golfers and agree. Hopefully funding can be provided
soon (see Mailbox on page 2 for an opinion regarding this).

•Tickets for the 2024 Ventura X Games are now on sale. Organizers say they will make this year’s
event even better than last year. The games will return June 28-30 to the Ventura County
Fairgrounds for the second year, bringing many of the world’s best action sports athletes to
compete for BMX, skateboard, and motocross medals. This is great for Ventura because it is
attended and watched by “millions” of fans. I attended last year and was amazed (and scared) by
what some of these athletes do as they fly through the air.

• City Council announcement regarding City Attorney. In a closed-session meeting on April 13,
2024, the Ventura City Council unanimously decided to dismiss City Attorney Andrew Heglund from
his employment, effective April 13. “The City Council voted 7-0 to terminate the City Attorney’s
employment, due to a personnel matter,” stated Mayor Joe Schroeder. Miles Hogan was appointed
as acting City Attorney, effective April 13, 2024. Hogan has been part of the City Attorney’s office
since 2016, initially serving as Assistant City Attorney II and later promoted to the Senior Assistant
City Attorney in April 2022.

Zeus, the father of the
Olympic Gods, turned
mid-day into night, hiding the light
of the dazzling Sun;
and sore fear came upon men.
~Archilochus (c680-c640 BC), Greek poet

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

“Deer” Delves Deep in Ojai

Prepare to be amazed, analyzed and shocked at the current offering of the Ojai Art Center Theater. Deer, by Aaron Mark, directed by David Henderson is billed as “A bloody comedy where love and hate collide.” It is a journey many will identify with, shed tears over, laugh about, cheer on and be repelled by all at once. It is quite a full evening and well worth it. This one pulls out all the stops and then some.

The play opens with a couple who have been married a long time out on a journey to their cabin in the mountains for a week of respite and rediscovery. Their daughter has recently moved along with her life, leaving them alone. What should be a relaxing week away at their hideaway in the Poconos quickly becomes the stuff of nightmares.

The drive to the cabin is filled with a steady stream of chatter from husband Ken (Taylor Kasch) which is received by resolute and angry blank stares by wife Cynthia (Cynthia Killion). They are each coping with the grief of an empty house and facing a future of potentially meaningless existence.

In the dark of night on the lonely country road, driver Cyn hits a deer. Convinced that the poor (clearly dead) animal can be revived, she insists on taking it to the cabin to nurse it back to health. Ken knows this is a pipe dream but is unable to sway Cyn in her desire to nurture something.

What follows is emotional combat at its best that highlights the mostly unstated, repressed underlying resentments and desires of the couple. It sounds devastating, but in the hands of these two highly skilled actors, it is a seething black comedy that will captivate you.

The story line has some twists and turns that may catch you off guard. Just when you think one thing may happen, there is an abrupt veer you did not see coming. Therein lies part of the fun. Just sit back and watch the action unfold.

The script is raw (definitely not recommended for children) which allows true feelings to come to the surface. It is quite a ride. The deer becomes an integral third-party player in this battle, prodding the couple to cope with down deep issues that come bubbling to the surface like hot lava. The deer (lovingly called Doe-Doe) even gets biographical credit as a cast member, as well she should.

John Mirk’s set design of the cabin interior is beautiful and functional. My mind could not help but connect symbolisms in the A-frame interior and the pointedness of the characters’ conflicts.

Bravo to the OACT for producing this brave work. Bravo to director David Henderson. Bravo to Cynthia Killion and Taylor Kasch who each gave a performance to be remembered.

There is only one more weekend to catch this extraordinary production. Make a reservation now for this Friday, Saturday or Sunday. www.ojaiact.org/ 805-640-8797.

 

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
The Greatest Hits – Hulu

3 out of 4 palm trees
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

Many people have the experience of hearing a song that takes them back to the past, but for Harriet (Lucy Boynton) this became her reality. Since the death of her boyfriend Max two years earlier, every time Harriet heard a song relating to their relationship she literally traveled back in time where she tried desperately but unsuccessfully to change the events that led to his death. When triggered Harriet would fall unconscious, so had to wear headphones when out in public.

Harriet’s friend Morris (Austin Crute) worked at a record store where Harriet could safely search through albums looking to find the song that would allow her to save Max in the past. To help cope with the tragic loss of her boyfriend from a car accident they were both in, Harriet was attending a grief support group but was generally just as an observer. A new guy named David (Justin Min) joined the group and Harriet gave him an invite to a fundraiser for Morris’ record store.

David did show and when chatting with Harriet looking over album covers he said “I love how music can pull you back to some moment in time” which was the sentiment Harriet was actually living. David found an album to buy, but Harriet also wanted it so they jokingly agreed to joint custody of the record with David agreeing to call her for details if she would give him her number. Then Harriet returned to her apartment to continue listening to albums in search of rescuing Max.

David called and asked Harriet to meet for coffee and she shared she needed to wear headphones due to a medical issue. She explained she lost her boyfriend and just couldn’t seem to get herself back together. David’s parents passed months apart, but unfortunately when sharing the music from her headphones Harriet heard familiar music from the street and slipped into the past. She retreated to the bathroom for a bit to recover, then walked out while David sat confused.

Harriet called David and asked if she could make up for the coffee shop by inviting him to a dance party hosted by Morris. Harriet knew it would be a safe place where she could have her headphones off because Morris was sensitive to the songs that triggered her time travel. When David asked how she could only be without headphones at record store fundraisers and drag queen dance parties, she simply said she was just haunted by music.

At the next grief support meeting, David invited Harriet out for a drive in his convertible but a song came on the radio and she had an episode. Once she recovered Harriet explained she got a traumatic brain injury leaving her in a coma for a week after the accident, and after waking she found she traveled to the past whenever hearing a song related to her boyfriend. She told David the whole situation, but it all seemed too much for him and he left.

Harriet reached out to David who gave things another try by surprising Harriet by taking her to a silent rave on the top of a building in the middle of the city. Afterwards David decided to share some of his life by bringing Harriet to the family thrift store. As it turns out, Harriet had seen David before, the day of the car accident at the thrift store they visited just before, though she didn’t have any interaction with him, just observed a brief conversation between David and his mother.

In a stack of records in the shop Harriet found the one she was looking for that was playing the day of the accident. David said he didn’t believe the time travel stuff, but Harriet was actually able to prove to him she saw him the day of the accident. This reality brought the opportunity for Harriet to save Max, but it would mean erasing her past with Max and her present with David.

Runtime: 1h 34m

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Mailbox

“How Long?”

Wiliiam Gohlke

Tom Watson, eight-time golf major champion said,  “A great golf course both frees and challenges a golfer’s mind.”

The City of Ventura is fortunate to have two such golf courses (Buenaventura and Olivas Links) that not only provide recreation but are revenue generating assets.

Unfortunately, Buenaventura suffered severe damage in 2023 from flooding during the winter rainstorms. At present, it appears to be on track to being repaired as only a nine-hole course. However, nine holes will impact revenue by 75% according to the City’s own Golf Administrative Report dated 2017.

Olivas Links was redesigned by Forrest Richardson and reopened in 2007. It was immediately recognized as one of the “Top Ten Municipal Courses” by Golfweek. The city directed Mr. Richardson to make the course a “destination venue for golfers,” not only county residents, but for non-resident golfers. According to 2022-2023 Parks and Recreation data the course has admirably accomplished this goal with 30% of rounds played by non-residents who pay higher green fees than residents. Unfortunately, Olivas is not able to realize its full revenue potential due to unsightly dilapidated temporary trailers that are 17 years old.

Harry Vardon, a six-time British Open Champion golfer said, “More matches are lost through carelessness at the beginning than any other cause.”

This is certainly true when we become aware of how much money has been expended to rent these trailers. That amount is approximately 3 million dollars according to a reliable source. If a decent clubhouse and cart storage structure had originally been built, both structures would now be paid off and additional revenue generated from food and merchandise sales.

How long before our current Ventura Mayor and City Council members recognize the need to improve this infrastructure? This investment will not only enhance revenue lost to Buenaventura downsizing but will maintain the course as a “destination venue for golfers.” The National Golf Foundation indicates that 26 million people play golf in the United States. Most importantly, our junior golfers and future golfers of tomorrow have expanded by 40%. Golf is growing and Olivas requires first class infrastructure facilities.

 

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Most people know by now that the Skull and Roses 2024 festival has been cancelled. The letter that went out to ticket buyers tried to explain the promoter’s sad circumstances and I was feeling for the guy until I got to the bottom of the letter and read (and I quote), “REFUNDS: While tickets and hotels were sold on a non-refundable basis, we sincerely wish that funds were available to refund all purchases. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case at this time.” The promoter plans to post updates as more information becomes available. I’m hearing from a lot of ticket buyers that they have already received notice that their tickets will be refunded via the ticket outlet. But what about all the deposits for hotels and airfares people invested in to be there? How about the vendors (some of which never got fully paid for last year)? I’m probably the biggest non-deadhead around, but I love the deadheads who attend these events and my heart goes out to them, and all the vendors who trusted the promoter. Let’s hope he keeps his word and does what is necessary to make good on all his debts, no matter how long it takes and can we please try to keep bankruptcy out of the equation.

Meanwhile, no need to go cold turkey on Grateful Dead covers as several of the bands have already secured shows around town. You’ll want to check out The Six who hosts the Deal on Thursday, April 18; the Crowne Plaza’s outdoor bar will host The Peoples Dead and Hyryder on Friday, April 19, Winchesters has Cats on the Bandstand Friday, April 19; and Tony’s Pizzeria has The Alligators, Shaky Feelin’ and Hyryder on Saturday, April 20. I’ll add to the VenturaRocks.com calendar as I hear about more of these last-minute gigs.

Though the guys don’t look a day over 25, Army of Freshmen will play the Ventura Music Hall for their 25th Anniversary Show. Opening will be Nerf Herder on Saturday, September 14.

DW’s Café has been trying out live music; still to come this month the Urban Soul Band, Vanise Terry Trio, and Bossman Music. DW’s is located at 2855 Johnson Drive, Ventura.

Quick Notes: Bacon Brothers just added to Libbey Bowl schedule for Sunday, June 30; The White House will host a special dinner music event with The Kings of Queen on Wednesday, April 17; Tommy Quale’s Petty “Round the Campfire” at Namba on Saturday, April 20; Psychedelic Summer plays the Crowne Plaza’s Aqua Beachfront Bar on Sunday, April 21; Salzer’s Records will have an in-store acoustic performance by Def Leppard’s Phil Collen on Sunday, April 21; and The Robot Uprising’s final show will be on Saturday, April 27, at Vaquero y Mar playing with All-a-Blur and 5th Street Saints.

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.

Celebrating Excellence: Boys and Girls Club Winners Shine

As each winner took the stage, they shared their personal journeys.

by Ross Williams

In a heartwarming ceremony that captured the essence of community spirit, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura honored their winners of the 2024 Youth of the Year. The event, held at the Bill LeFevre Center on Johnson Dr, served as a platform for our local youth to showcase their remarkable talents, achievements, and aspirations, igniting hope and inspiration among the attendees. The banquet and award ceremony, brought together families, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of these young individuals.

It all starts with the youths being recognized by Staff at their local Boys and Girls Club as “Kid of the Week.” They are chosen for good behavior, character and service to either the Club or the community.

From there, every month each of our four clubhouses selects an elementary, middle school and high school youth to be honored as their “Youth of the Month.” At the end of the year, from this pool of winners, each clubhouse elects one of these top winners in each age group to be honored with their clubhouse’s “Youth of the Year” award.

As each winner took the stage, they shared their personal journeys, highlighting the obstacles they overcame and the triumphs they have so far achieved. Their stories resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting the diversity and strength of Ventura’s youth population.

Among the honorees was Charlotte Summers, whose life experiences have ignited a passion for medicine as she now wants to become a nurse at a Children’s hospital when she grows up. Another remarkable individual, Aurora Phillips, showcased the club’s exceptional leadership and the experiences that the Club has provided. “I am happiest here. The Boys and Girls Club made my childhood better.” Kristin Brown discussed the confidence that the Club had instilled in her and the friendships that she was able to cultivate and Jaylene Aguirre discussed her passion for tennis and all of the programs that have become available to her because of the Boys and Girls Club.

In addition to recognizing individual achievements, the event underscored the collective effort invested in nurturing the next generation of leaders. Parents, mentors, and volunteers were acknowledged for their unwavering support and guidance, underscoring the importance of community involvement in youth development.

The future of Ventura shines bright with promise, fueled by the passion and potential of its youth. The Boys and Girls Club winners of the 2024 Youth of the Year embody the resilience, compassion, and determination needed to overcome challenges and build a better tomorrow.

Their stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, education, friendship and community support. As Ventura continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world, these young trailblazers stand as beacons of hope, leading the way towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.