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Vol. 15, No. 17 – May 18 – May 31, 2022 – Opinion/Editorial

Ventura City Manager Alex McIntyre has taken responsibility for a Brown Act violation committed by five members of the City Council during a March conference in Washington, D.C.

McIntyre said he was unaware that the council was not allowed to have what he deemed ‘social meetings’. “It was my fault for failing to understand this.” Five elected officials, McIntyre, and Deputy City Manager Barry Fisher, traveled to the nation’s capital as part of the National League of Cities Conference.
The Brown Act is the state’s open meeting law, it dictates how public meetings are conducted and notified to the public. It prohibits a majority of members of a legislative body from communicating or taking action on an item outside of an open meeting that has been notified to the public.

The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI checkpoint on Main Street, east of Callens Road on Friday, May 13, 2022, from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI collision statistics and arrests, with the primary purpose not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring residents from driving impaired.

The following is a list of the enforcement activities that took place at, or as a result of the checkpoint:

876 cars passed through the checkpoint
489 drivers were contacted and screened through the checkpoint
7 SFST’s (sobriety test) were conducted
6 drivers cited for VC12500(a), Unlicensed Driver

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Art City Studios supporters are trying to save it from development

On May 6 (I couldn’t attend because of a birthday party) Art City Studios hosted a reception for artist Ramon Bryne entitled “Composed in Stone”. At the event art lovers learned that the future of the art space is uncertain because after 37 years the property owner is trying to sell it so it could be developed. The selling price is $1.7 mill.

Founder Paul Lindhard is trying to stay optimistic hoping a way could be found to keep it the wonderful gallery that it is. The space, at 197 Dubbers St. has been home to dozens of sculptors and other artists for decades and is a great way to spend hours walking the space and appreciating the sculptures and other art objects there.

Supporters hope people will send letters to city leaders about saving this cultural resource. Or, perhaps a wealthy art lover could buy it. Depending on its zoning it might be impossible for the city to stop its sale and development. For more information visit www.artcitystudios.com.

What is the most important issue facing America?
A Inflation
B Ukraine war
C Baby formula shortage
D Lack of water
E Climate change
F COVID
G None of the above
If you selected G you are correct the most important issue seems to be abortion.

Even Columbia allows the procedure until the 24th week of pregnancy. It is also widely available in Cuba and Uruguay but not in our enlightened country. There is even some question if abortion is even mentioned in the bible which is the basis for preventing abortians

Margaret Kamitsuka, an emeritus professor of religion at Oberlin College, argues there’s significant ambiguity about abortion in the Christian tradition. She notes it’s never mentioned in the Bible. “Which is quite stunning,” she said, “because pretty much every other moral issue is talked about – from divorce to gluttony and robbery and so on.”

Read Representative’s Brownley’s article on page X regarding this that I certainly agree with.

The Supreme Court has become so political (forget the constitution) it is time to impose a term limit on justices. This idea (like abortion) is favored by a majority of Americans.

Guns In the News
A report from Johns Hopkins University found the number of people dying from gun violence in the United States reached a record high in 2020: an average of 124 people dead every day,

The analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions showed there were 45,222 gun deaths in 2020, a 15% increase from 2019. Gun homicides rose by 35%.

Suicides accounted for more than half of all U.S. gun deaths in 2020 – 24,292. How sad is that? I doubt if anny of those killing themselves purchased a gun for that purpose.

Authorities say the white 18-year-old male who fatally shot 10 people and injured three others Saturday at a Buffalo supermarket in the heart of the city’s Black community traveled from another New York county hours away.

Thirteen people — 11 of whom were African American — were shot, with three suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

The white male was actually live-streaming it online and had posted racists comments on social media. Good grief, what is happening in this country? So very sad and pathetic.

Seventeen people were shot Friday night in downtown Milwaukee just hours after three were shot a few blocks away, near the arena where the Milwaukee Bucks were playing in the NBA Playoffs.

Ten people were taken into custody in the shooting downtown, and nine firearms were recovered, according to Milwaukee Police Capt. Warren Allen.

A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot near “The Bean” sculpture in downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park, authorities said. Police said the teen was shot in the chest at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday near the popular tourist attraction.

A mother was charged with shooting and critically wounding her two sons while they lay in their beds early Monday morning, one day before the family was set to be evicted from their home.

A father and daughter were allegedly shot with a rifle by the daughter’s boyfriend at their Oxnard home late Saturday morning. The incident was reported as a family disturbance shortly before 11:40 a.m. in the 100 block of James Avenue, said Oxnard Police Department Cmdr. Luis McArthur.

Officers found the daughter, 27, and her 61-year-old father with gunshot wounds. The woman’s 23-year-old boyfriend was arrested and a gun recovered, McArthur said.

Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub said at a news conference Monday afternoon that 38-year-old Trinh Nguyen shot her two sons and tried to shoot a neighbor ― her ex-husband’s nephew ― as he left for work around 7 a.m.

Six people were shot, killing three, at a DeKalb County condominium complex Sunday night, according to police.

Liberal Ventura Breeze

CMH providing excellent care

CMH Auxiliary work hard in sorting and packaging gifts.

The nurses and medical staff of the Community Memorial Health Services work hard to provide excellent patient care. As a result, CMH has consistently ranked among the highest-rated hospitals for patient satisfaction.

Recently, several CMH Auxiliary members assisted in sorting and packaging gifts to be distributed to various Health Services entities and the nursing staff in appreciation for all they do.

Helping out with projects is only one way the Auxiliary is involved. Members in their navy and white uniforms can be seen throughout the hospital–at the front desk, in the gift shop, escorting patients, and assisting in various departments. These volunteers make a difference!

Night includes live music, dinner and silent auction to benefit middle school music program

The Cabrillo Middle School Music Department is excited to be holding – once again – their annual fundraising event on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta in Ojai. The event features live music, dinner and a silent auction. All funds raised benefit the school’s music program.

This will be the first time the annual event is being held in two years due to COVID-19. Parent coordinators, the music program’s leadership and student musicians alike are more than excited about being able to hold and participate in this event again.

“This event has always been an important event for our program both from a fundraising standpoint and just a super fun event be able to showcase the students’ hard work,” said Cabrillo Middle School Music Director, Mr. Mario Boccali. “All the groups – professional and student – are delighted to perform, especially after COVID which put a lot of groups off the stage for so long.”

Attendees will be able to listen to jazz music from both student and professional groups including Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band A, The Thatcher School’s Jazz Ensemble, Ventura High School Jazz Band and professional jazz musicians including Sean Riddle, Josh Jones and Andrew Chermak.

The Music Department at Cabrillo Middle School is directed by Mr. Mario Boccali and Mr. Gabriel Garnett and works to bring together music-making and the academic learning of music in the areas of composition, performance, music history and music theory. The department offers a variety of ensembles for every student – from those who have never played an instrument to those who enter the program with years of experience. Students learn music fundamentals and how to work hard and succeed as a group to produce great results. The program aims to provide a positive and fun environment where music students have the opportunity to participate in clinics with music professionals and perform at music festivals and other fun events throughout the community. The school’s top groups perform at nationally adjudicated festivals each year on the annual Spring Tour.

An all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, the Cabrillo Music Boosters serves to support Cabrillo Middle School’s vibrant award-winning music program. The Music Boosters’ primary function is to support the music program in several ways, the most important being fundraising. The CMS Boosters help to pay for new instruments, uniforms, new sheet music, music tutors for beginning band students, and transportation expenses for festival performances. To donate to or learn more about the program, go to:

https://sites.google.com/view/cabrillomiddleschoolmusic/.

The event which is open to the public runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ticket price is $35 in advance, at $40 at the door. Admission includes dinner, music and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at https://sites.google.com/view/cabrillomiddleschoolmusic/home.

Vol. 15, No. 17 – May 18 – May 31, 2022 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
The Wilds: Seasons 2 – Amazon Originals

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

Season 2 of The Wilds opens with what Leah learned at the end of Season 1 where there was a second group stranded and trying to survive on another island just as they were, except it was a group of boys. Season 1 revealed the key individuals behind the experiment, as well as that it was a staged plane crash and that none of their parents were aware and thinking they had all gone off to some high end resort for spa days and paddleboard adventures.

Season 2 focuses on the boys’ experiences while also taking viewers into deeper stories of the girls and how they were ultimately rescued. The dynamics as far as the characters in the groups were very similar and at the opening of Season 2, both groups had been rescued and were in a facility where they were being intereviewed about the situations that happened during their island survival experiement and told their parents would be arriving to get them.

The idea was that no one was to learn it was an intentional experient and that each group had two covert insiders to somewhat guide the groups and report information back to the research headquarters when necessary. The islands were rigged with hidden cameras and mics everywhere, known only to the insiders, who always seemed to have helpful ideas or find random stuff to aid in their survival. Leah was the only one who suspected Nora of being involved in something ultimately controlling their situation. The problem there was that every time Leah found some proof, it disappeared before she could share it with anyone else, which made her appear to others and herself to be becoming unhinged.

On the boys’ island, they also lost one member right from the start as well as having to defend themselves against a dangerous predator that the research team actually had no idea was on the island. The boys teamed up in a coordinated attack and were able to catch and kill the predator. Though seeming to be carrying on well, an incident unknown to the group once revealed altered their dynamics permanently, thus causing them to fail the experiement.

A brush with death rattled all the girls as each of them engaged in their individual struggles to find peace and the truth. Martha had a psychotic break and stop moving or eating for over a week, even causing bed sores on her legs. Rachel stuggled with losing her hand and her sister Nora in a shark attack, while Fatin made a unsettling discovery in Nora’s journal pointing to the fact that Leah may have been right all along and in the truth all alone.

The researchers brought both teams back to the facility at the same time. The girls surviving 50 days was considered a success, while the boys only lasting 34 days was considered a failure, and research coverts who presented themselves as law enforcement there on their behalf interviewed them one at a time to try and discover what happened to them all out there in the wild. Unfortunately and unknown to any of them, none of them would be seeing their parents anytime soon.

Seasons 2: 8 episodes – 60 min

Vol. 15, No. 17 – May 18 – May 31, 2022 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Ojai Actors Explore Inner Space

Have you ever had an out-of-body experience in which you know you are somewhere important, but cannot seem to pin down where? I had one such experience just recently when I went to see All in the Timing by David Ives at the Ojai Art Center Theater.

This unusual offering was presented in five one-act plays that challenge the brain. As I understand it, the author has written a plethora of one-acts and various productions choose which to present.

Director Steve Grumette’s previous experiences with Ives’ works led him to pitching his enthusiasm to the theater wing of the Art Center. Each of the five pieces is a mind-bending adventure into vocabulary, possibilities, and aspects of the central theme of “what if.”

What if, for instance, a conversation could be instantly re-written if the current one just is not working? Using an age-old improv technique of “new line,” a bell rings and the actors try again with a different response or a new expression or a new action. In the second act titled “Sure Thing” a couple meet in a restaurant and keep changing verbalizations until ultimately a suitable stopping point is reached. Some conversations play out like that. Some stop attempting to make sense of it all and don’t get that far.

The author certainly does have a way with words, flinging them about with abandon. At times, I found it to be more than my Friday night brain could absorb. In the act Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread, the four actors begin with a single line each. As the action progresses, they are reduced to a single word, trading the words as they move about. Singing and dancing to the rhythm of the syllables, the words become soup. The act was written to parody the minimalist style of prolific composer Philip Glass.

The ensemble includes Grummette himself, Anna Kotula, Daniel Ruark, Larry Swartz and Sherry Owen. What a challenging actor’s exercise the collection of one-acts presented. The actors, however, were up to the task, freeing themselves from verbal restrictions, encouraging the audience to allow the depth of the concepts to whirl around in inner space. Whether a person ultimately funnels the whirling thoughts to a reasonable ending seems to be up to the individual.

The wide range of theatrical offerings this season surely has something for everyone’s tastes.

The OACT’s season continues with the ever popular ‘The Music Man” opening June 24. What a perfect staging for the summer. This will be one to bring the entire family to enjoy. The evening performances begin at 7:30 through the summer and downtown Ojai thrives on the weekends, so parking can be challenging. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the beauty of Ojai.

The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 S. Montgomery Street. www.ojaiact.org (805) 640-8797

The Romance and Charm of “Sobre Las Olas”

by Patricia Schallert

“Sobre Las Olas”, a charming, antique motor yacht has berthed in the Ventura Harbor (At the Portside Ventura Harbor docks) since November, 2021. “Sobre Las Olas”, translates to “Over the Waves”, was built in the 1920’s and its craftsmanship reflects an era long past. Once owned  by JP Getty, this vessel reflects exceptional attention to detail and continues to be a source of joy and historical appeal for the current owners and now the Ventura community.

The yacht was built around the same time Black Tuesday overwhelmed the country in the 1920’s. The original owners were forced to sell it  and JP Getty was an eager buyer. He held on to it until 1932 where it began to change hands several times before being purchased by the current owners. At present time, “Sobre Las Olas” is one of the largest antique classic yachts on the West Coast.

Strolling the decks of this rare beauty, one is left in awe and a special feeling of charm and wonder. The interior is stunning and there is ample indoor and outdoor space to enjoy with guests and one’s imagination. It feels adventure ready and her elegance is apparent.

The decks and railings are teak and the beautiful Honduras mahogany is all original in the dining salon. Smaller touches, like the dining salon’s lighting fixtures, are also all original.

The interior is gracious, clean and smooth with a  superstructure over the back deck. A new galley was constructed and the lounge area has been renovated, with cabinets, windows and lighting refurbished to keep the living area comfortable for guests.

She comfortably sleeps 12, with a master stateroom, 3 bathrooms, a crew’s quarter for 5, a guest cabin for 2, a master cabin, a pilot cabin, and an additional cabin in the back of the hull. The owners are committed to keep the yacht’s original design intact even as they modernize various areas throughout yacht.

Her engines are original 1929 Atlas Imperial diesel engines and two of four are left in existence. A similarly constructed engine from the same era currently sits in the Smithsonian Institute.

Her appeal is timeless throughout the meticulously handcrafted workmanship. Her classic lines and vintage charm have been only enhanced by her extensive updates over the years, making her the perfect blend of old and new. Since it has been in Ventura, the community has embraced it as heads are turned when strolling by on the promenade or sailing by on more modernized vessels.

The waltz “Sobre Las Olas” (or “Over the Waves”) is the best-known work of Mexican composer Juventino Rosas (1868–1894). It “remains one of the most famous Latin American pieces worldwide”, according to the “Latin America” article in The Oxford Companion to Music.

Editor’s note: This is the second article in the Breeze featuring an historically important yacht berthed in Ventura. If you know of a local yacht that might also be historical to be featured in the Breeze let us know at [email protected].

Fundraiser held to benefit the City Center

On Saturday, April 30, under a beautiful Ventura evening “La Dolce Vita, Silent Auction Dinner Dancing” was held celebrating and benefiting the families and children at the City Center. The fund-raiser event was held in the beautiful back yard at a magnificent home located on Barnard Way in Ventura.

The evening featured a cocktail party, snacks, great food, live music, dancing and fund-raising auctions. It was attended by several hundred enthusiastic caring people.

Pastor Jim Duran, Executive Director of the center was the MC for the event. He stated “ Not one of our “graduates” have gone back to being homeless. All of our residents start out being homeless. The City Center is the only transitional housing center that does not receive government funding.”

He went on “Thank you for being at tonight‘s event and for all your support! It is because of your donations we are able shelter homeless children in a safe place they can call home. While providing their parents the life skills they need to graduate our program and to be self-sufficient.  This program exists because of the caring people in our community and the desire of giving a hand up not just a handout.”

He stated “Residents must find work and put a portion of their salaries into an account.” He spoke of a resident that left the facility with $19,000 and another with $25,000. Of the approximately 80 residents living there now, 50 are children.

Besides the income from the auctions when Jim Duran asked for donations from the crowd the first one was for $10,000.00.

The City Center and its staff, case managers, therapists, and mentors are dedicated to helping homeless, often single parent families with child transitioning from homelessness to independence. They do this over the course of many months.

The residents and their care team put in a lot of hard work, and it is all worth it. Though the housing is temporary it is a safe place to call their own during that time, a place they can find some needed stability in their life. The City Center is a place where they can concentrate on getting their life under control.

Residents are given more than just spiritual and life skills as mentioned by Jim, residents are empowered to become financially stable through a savings program and employment requirement. With this help and structure, they find themselves back on their feet and on their own. All it takes is a willing heart, and a determined spirit.

The Center is located at 837 E. Thompson in Ventura.

Rubicon Season opens with “Twilight Los Angeles”

Opening night at the Rubicon included many local dignitaries.

by Richard Lieberman

The Rubicon Theatre Company of Ventura opened it’s 2022/2023 season with a play by Anna Deavere Smith “Twilight Los Angeles, 1992” a production that depicts the events of the 1992 L.A. riots. The production premiered on the 30th anniversary of the Rodney King verdict and the L.A. riots. April 29, 1992, the day the verdict in the Rodney King trial, triggered one of the most explosive events of the 20th century.

The one man play chronicles the events leading up to and during the tumultuous L.A. riots. Starring Chris Butler and written by Anna Deavere Smith. Based on interviews conducted by Anna Deavere Smith all words spoken were by the real people involved.

Butler portrayed over fifty people involved in some way with the events leading up to, during and after the riots. His energy and accuracy in describing the events is unappareled in a real-life production.

Opening night at the Rubicon included many local dignitaries and politicians including Steve Bennett California State Assembly member, Doug Halter City of Ventura Councilmember, Erik Nasarenko Ventura County District Attorney, former state senator Hannah Beth Jackson, Regina K. Crawford, President of NAACP Ventura County, Joe Spano award winning actor and many others.

Steve Bennett California State Assembly when asked about the season premiere and how the new season will unfold said “I am very optimistic because I think people are desperate to get back out to these types of things where you can be together with people and watch live theatre” he said. Bennett added “Live theatre just touches you in a way that no other medium does. I am very hopeful and optimistic about the Rubicon theatre.” He also added “I think it is good for us to be reminded and I think it is a real compliment to the Rubicon that they are the ones that get to have this opening here with such an incredible actor.”

Doug Halter City of Ventura Councilmember was instrumental in the creation of the theatre and had this to say about his role and the upcoming season, “In 1998 I heard that the Ventura Pentecostal Church was for sale. I was surprised and impressed, the church had some 10,000 square feet of space with three stories and a great ocean view. I recognized that the church would be a perfect building to house a community theatre in its ground floor sanctuary,”

“I mentioned this to Karyl Lynn Burns, and she said “it has been my dream to create a local theatre here in Ventura” he added.

“I am very optimistic and looking forward to the upcoming season, all the credit goes to the wonderful artists and volunteers that make the Rubicon successful and fill a need for the arts and theatre in Ventura,” he said.

Karyl Lynn Burns Producing Artistic Director stated “We have created an environment where commitment and risk are encouraged, and where artists are nurtured and respected, “she said. She added “As a result the company has gained a reputation for invigorating interpretations of the classics and for supporting the developments of new work. Rubicon presents at least one World Premiere each season, as well as readings of works-in-progress,”

“The upcoming season will continue to honor the legacy and the traditions of our local community theatre” she added.

“Twilight Los Angeles” runs at the Rubicon until May 15.

Ventura Land Trust holds ribbon cutting ceremony at Harmon Canyon Preserve

Organizers of the event hope to raise an additional $1 million dollars.

by Richard Lieberman

In an effort to raise an additional $1 million for the Harmon Canyon Preserve the Ventura Land Trust held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Harmon Canyon Preserve, located off Kimball and Foothill roads on Earth Day, April 22. The preserve covers an area of 2,100 acres of Ventura hillsides.

Recently the final phase of fundraising for the Harmon Canyon Preserve was conducted by the non-profit Ventura Land Trust. The trust held a kickoff for the campaign with the ribbon cutting ceremony featuring local officials.

Organizers of the event hope to raise an additional $1 million dollars. The funding will go toward maintaining plant life, establishment of new oak trees, and the creation and maintenance of new trails.

The anticipated funds will also be used to remove invasive species like the wild mustard that has invaded the habitat and is growing throughout the canyon. The funds will also be used to clear out downed branches.

The Ventura Land Trust’s goals are to keep the trails open, operating, and available to the public permanently.

“We recognize that is a big promise but it’s something we are committed to for the people of our community and the wildlife,” said Mellissa Baffa Ventura Land Trust executive director. She added “$10.6 million has been raised for the preserve so far. The money comes from a mix of government and foundation grants as well as private doners.”

Harmon Canyon Preserve was opened to the public in June 2020 said Leslie Velez, outreach director for the Ventura Land Trust. From the 1800’s through June 2020, the property had been privately owned, she said.

“The canyon preserve designated for habitat conservation and public access, has been attracting 65,000, people a year since its opening for biking, hiking, and recreation,” Baffa said. “It’s our hope and anticipation that some of those tens of thousands of people that have fallen in love with this space will join the campaign and help to support it”.

Harmon Canyon Preserve is a living laboratory, teaching participants how to identify plants and animals and facilitating hands-on fieldwork projects. Hundreds of volunteers work hand in hand with Ventura Land Trust in the stewardship of Harmon Canyon Preserve each year building trails, removing invasive plant species, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.

The history of the canyon dates back to its original habitants, the Chumash. A Chumash speaker, elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, tribal chair of the Barbareno/Ventureno Band of Mission Indians said, “opening the space was important. We lost a lot through colonization of our people. So, we are coming back to that. We are reconnecting that relationship that Indigenous peoples have to this earth and to this land,” Tumamait-Stenslie said.

Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava remarked” the preserve offers Spanish-language signs that help make it accessible and inviting for all communities.”

“I know that Harmon Canyon also offers Spanish language tours so that people who maybe never thought of themselves as hikers or mountain bikers or preservationists can have access to this place and see how beautiful it is and want to come back,” said Rubalcava.

Memorial Tree for Midge Stork

Joe Cahill, Chris Grant, Kevin McDermott, Barbara Brown and Christy Weir were all smiles as Chris Grant and Kevin McDermott planted the Coquito Palm.

The Ventura Tree Alliance, in partnership with the Ventura Botanical Gardens, planted a tree to honor founder Midge Stork — her philanthropic life and her profound contributions to our community and to the development of the Gardens. Midge Stork was one of the five founders and continued as a major force behind the creation, funding and initial development of the Gardens.

The tree chosen to plant in her honor is a Chilean Wine Palm, also known as the Coquito Palm for its small coconuts that first fruit when the tree is thirty to sixty years old. It is arguably one of the world’s most magnificent palms and is often depicted in Chilean historic paintings. The indigenous people of Chile also used its image as a pictograph for the word “huge”. The tree can grow to 80 feet in height and live to be 1500 years old.

This spectacular tree is considered a vulnerable, threatened species, due to the destruction of the tree in its native environment from over-harvesting of its palm honey for wine. Harvesting Chilean Wine Palms for the honey kills the tree. The Ventura Botanical Gardens is part of a global conservation program for this species.

The tree was planted on Earth Day, April 22, 2022. The Ventura Botanical Gardens and the Ventura Tree Alliance hope that visitors will stop by on their walks through the Gardens to pay homage to this tree as a remembrance of Midge Stork, an illustrious tour-de-force of Ventura.

The Ventura Tree Alliance works to enhance Ventura’s urban canopy, to beautify Ventura and contribute to counteracting climate change. The goals are to inspire, engage and support Venturans in planting and caring for trees through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and fundraising.

To find out more, visit VenturaTreeAlliance.com or VenturaBotanicalGardens.com and join us on Facebook.