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Vol. 15, No. 01 – Oct 6 – Oct 19, 2021 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offers ongoing Adult Bereavement Support Groups for anyone who has lost a loved one. The groups are free and open to the community. All classes held online through zoom:

  • Mondays 3 – 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays 10:30 – Noon
  • Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Thursdays 6 -7:30 p.m.

Please call (805) 389-6870 or visit lmvna.org/grief for details or to register.

The Ventura Investment Group has reconvened and is meeting in the rear room of Denny’s Restaurant at the corner of Telegraph and Ashwood each Monday at 10:30 a.m. All people interested in investment are welcome.

“Tiny Beautiful Things” runs at the Ojai Art Center Theater through Oct. 24, Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. The play follows Sugar, an online advice columnist who uses her personal experiences to help the real-life readers who pour their hearts out to her. Lynn Van Emmerik stars as Sugar. Ashley Osler, Elektra Cohen, and Isabel Roth play letter writers. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors and Art Center members, available at https://ojaiact.org/tbt. In compliance with the Ojai Art Center, CDC and County of Ventura Masks and proof of vaccinations are required of all audience members.

October 12: Ventura County Writers Club is hosting renowned author Ken McAlpine at their next general meeting held at 1605 Burnley St. in Camarillo at 7p.m.

Everyone has an untold story and McAlpine will be speaking about “Why to be a writer. How to be a writer.” He will be sharing the wisdom, lessons learned during his 30 years’ long writing career and the valuable advice from writers. Ken McAlpine is the author of 10 books, both fiction and non-fiction. His three-book series (Juncture, Nexus, Departure), a tale part cerebral Jaws, part Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and part Warning, were recently optioned by Inspiration Media for either film or television development. Most important, he lives in Ventura with his lovely wife Kathy, who is far and away his better half.

Oct. 16: New West Symphony Presents Delights and Dances. Live, In-Person Performances Saturday, at 3pm at the Performing Arts Center at Ventura College.

After a yearlong, around-the-world virtual tour, the New West Symphony (NWS), with Grammy-winning conductor Michael Christie as Artistic and Music Director, returns to the stage to experience the joy of live classical music performances once again. “Delights and Dances” is a 70-minute program with no intermission. Proof of vaccination and masks are required at all venues. General Admission Tickets ($40) and Information www.newwestsymphony.org/delights-and-dances

The Channel Islands Chapter of Better Investing Model Club (a real working investment club that serves as an educational element for the Non-Profit national Better Investing® (501 c 3 organization) is again meeting in person in Ventura for a lunch meeting on the 3rd Wed of each month. New and prior members invited to enjoy “stock talk” and fellowship. To receive an invitation and directions to online or in person attendance, please contact our host: Arla at (805 987-2000 or [email protected].

Oct. 23: The first ever Sespe Flyfishers rummage sale will be Saturday, 9am to 3pm at Church of the Foothills, Ventura. There will be a bit of fur and feather from every creature that walks or flies, along with dubbing, threads, tinsels, tools, hooks, fly lines, ready tied flies, signature collector flies, and many rare and beautiful things. All at prices so low that you will want to bring your credit card! There will even be some things that are free! There may never be another event like this, don’t miss it. There will be no early admission. For more information, visit website at Sespeflyfishers.org or Contact [email protected].

Oct. 23: The Kiwanis Club of Ventura Suburban is proud to announce a unique wine – tasting event on Saturday, at the Ventura Elks Club, 2126 Knoll Drive from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. The event, called “Uncorked for Charity” features local home wine makers, a winemaking demonstration by Patrick Kelly, founder and owner of Cavaletti Vineyards, chances to win local and commercial wines, and a delicious spaghetti dinner. Tickets: $35 a person. To purchase tickets or for more information go to www.uncorkedforcharity.com; email [email protected]; or call 608-338-8062. Proceeds will go to support Kiwanis Club of Ventura Suburban Youth and Community Projects and scholarships.

Civil Grand Jury in session – public complaints welcome

The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is a panel of 19 local citizen volunteers established to investigate complaints about government mismanagement, verify that public funds are properly accounted for and legally spent, and investigate the policies, practices and processes of county or city departments. Civil Grand Jury investigations can be generated from public complaints.

Complaint forms in English or Spanish may be downloaded from the Grand Jury website http://grandjury.countyofventura.org and submitted by fax to (805) 658-4523, or you can also mail your written complaint to:

Ventura County Grand Jury, 800 S. Victoria Ave. L#3751,Ventura, CA 93009

For more information about the Grand Jury and how it works for you https://ventura.org/grand-jury/

Vol. 15, No. 01 – Oct 6 – Oct 19, 2021 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi, I’m Jezebel, a sweet Shih Tzu X in need of a new home as my owner can no longer care for me. I love attention and getting puppy massages. Although I’m supposedly 16 years old, everyone who meets me doesn’t see it. I walk well and enjoy going for my strolls. The only health related issue is dry eye, but it’s nothing some drops can’t fix. I would do best in an adult only home. It’s unknown how I would do with other animals, but I have not shown any dog aggression while with C.A.R.L. If you’re looking to add a golden gal to your home, give me a chance.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

My name is Zorro, I was found running the streets. I am a 12-year-old Pit Bull Terrier Mix male. I lived for a while with someone who found me, and although I wasn’t a fan of their cat, I did get along with their little pug! So, I may be happy living with a family who has dog! I love playing with stuffed toys, giving kisses, and getting petted by my favorite volunteers. Because I’m just a good boy!! Please visit me and help me make my great escape into a forever home. Kennel: 050

Shelter: Camarillo Animal Shelter 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo Animal ID: A774467

Fundraising event for Nasarenko’s campaign District Attorney

Photos by Richard Lieberman

On Sunday, September 26, a fundraising event for Eric Nasarenko’s campaign for Ventura County District Attorney was held at Café Ficelle in Ventura. A crowd of well wishers and Ventura officials gathered at the café to show their support for Nasarenko’s current campaign for District Attorney. Among those attending were ex- Ventura police chief Mike Tracy, Darin Schindler current police chief, Ken Corney ex-police chief and former city council member Christy Weir who all enjoyed the wonderful finger food provided.

 

City Council Member Jim Friedman on proposed opening of area behind Ventura Auto Center:

We asked City Council Member Jim Friedman (District 5)to comment on the proposed opening of the area behind the Ventura Auto Center:

After years of discussion, planning and deliberation going back to 2004, the Ventura City Council unanimously approved terms for a development agreement that would open up the area behind the Ventura Auto Center for future commercial development. This area, known as Focus Area One, has been confirmed and reconfirmed as an economic development priority by the city councils since 2005.

Slated for big-box retail and other compatible uses, Focus Area One is seen as an area for increased sales and property tax revenues. As city expenses increase, finding additional sources of revenue is critical if the city is to continue to provide the level of services that resident have come to expect.

The challenge with Focus Area One is that it is in a flood plain and in order to develop it, a levee along the Santa Clara River between Ventura and Oxnard must be built. Additionally, the long planned for extension of Olivas Park Drive needs to be constructed. On the city’s traffic circulation since the late ‘70s, the extension of Olivas Park Drive would improve traffic flow in the area and make retail investment in the area more attractive for retail developers.

This development agreement is a great example of a public private partnership. Essentially, the city will be responsible for the road construction and the land owners will be responsible for the construction of the levee. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $35 million dollars with the city being responsible for approximately two-thirds of the cost. City traffic mitigation fees which have been collected on development projects since the 1980’s will be used to fund the construction of the road extension. The landowners are dedicating land for the road extension at no cost to the city.

This agreement couldn’t have come at a better time as the city continues to be challenged with rising costs and employee retention. The city currently has 81 vacancies which makes providing services difficult at times. The city of Ventura competes with other cities for employees, so when revenues are insufficient to provide competitive salaries and benefits, service levels decline and residents are negatively affected.

This project can be a huge shot in the arm for city revenues, but it is clearly not enough. I believe city leaders must work to make doing business with the city of Ventura easier, not harder as some prior councils have done. The city of Ventura is fast becoming a retirement community that will ultimately not be able to provide adequate services to its residents.

The city must be more progressive when it comes to economic development. Short of raising taxes and fees, economic development is essential to helping the city deal with the challenges of losing its competitive edge with other cities and providing essential city services. Providing strong public safety services, smooth streets and sidewalks, parks and recreational amenities all cost money. Failure to step up economic development efforts will surely have a negative effect on the quality of life in Ventura.

Jim Friedman

Board Chair, Vice-Chair and Board Members announced by Ventura College Foundation

Ellyn Dembowski has been on the foundation board for 12 years.

The new foundation board chair is Ellyn Dembowski, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway in Ventura. She has been on the foundation board for 12 years. “As we get closer to Ventura College’s 100th anniversary in 2025, I’d like to see us take the opportunity to educate the community about what the foundation does,” says Dembowski. “We want to get the word out that students can attend Ventura College tuition-free. The foundation helps with a critical book lending program and provides scholarships to pay for other school and living expenses. We help students and their families build for the future.”

Vice-chair is Nicole Kreutz, vice-president/credit officer at Citizens Business Bank. Born and raised in Ventura, she is a Ventura College alumni. Kreutz has served on the foundation’s board for about five years, most recently as treasurer. “The foundation impacts students every day. We offer scholarships and other financial assistance that takes the financial burden off students’ shoulders. It’s one less thing they have to worry about. They can stay focused on their studies.”

Joining the board are Dr. Robert “Bob” Beilin and Ed Summers. Beilin, a licensed marital family therapist in Ventura County, previously served on the board for five years. “I wanted to come back to continue my commitment to making higher education accessible to students who otherwise could not attend college, especially members of underserved populations,” says Beilin. He hopes to create a diversity committee made up of students and community members of underrepresented groups to assist the board with becoming more diverse and developing inclusive programs.

Summers comes to the board with 30 years of experience in banking and community involvement. He served as a board member for such business organizations as the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA) and the Economic Development Collaborative- Ventura County (EDC-VC) and was a city council member for the City of Ventura. “I would like to help spearhead stronger relationships between industry and the college,” says Summers. “A study showed that 50 percent of the workforce is going to need an advanced technical education experience. Community colleges will play a vital role in offering the technical training that will prepare our future workforce.”

Rob van Nieuwburg, the outgoing board chair, expects a bright future for the foundation and Ventura College. “I’ve seen firsthand how the foundation and its donors have been able to change lives of students as they pursue their education,” says van Nieuwburg, who was board chair for five years. “It’s what keeps us motivated.”

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates financially independent from Ventura College. It transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative and vital resources and financial support. The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential, civic engagement, careers and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college, local workforce, and our community. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus in the East Lot. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or [email protected] or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.

Vol. 15, No. 01 – Oct 6 – Oct 19, 2021 – Mailbox

Editor:

Conserving water is not enough to fend off our impending crisis. You can empty a bucket with an eye-dropper or kick it over, either way, it will stay empty if there is no water to refill it and the County of Ventura is doing nothing to create a new supply of potable water. All they are doing is praying for rain.

As a boots-on-the-ground, lifelong, environmentalist, I never liked the idea of desalinating ocean water, but then, I never expected the Climate Crisis to grow as rapidly as it has, so I have changed my mind on the subject. Desalinization needs to start now. I know it can be expensive and can have negative impacts on the environment if not controlled but what is the expense and environmental impact if we run out of water? If you hated seeing people fighting over a roll of toilet paper, wait till you see what they will do over a bottle of water.

Ventura County could easily follow the lead of the plants in Carlsbad and soon-to-be Huntington Beach which are designed to produce over 50 million gallons of drinking water per day. Both projects were developed in partnership with Posiedon Water who are always looking for new projects to start. Posiedon works on a Public-Private Partnership model where they play a lead role in identifying and optimizing the allocation of risk among all parties, thus mitigating some of the county’s need for research while lowering the upfront cost of such a project.

Respectfully,
John Darling-Ventura

Advice is given freely because so much of it is worthless.
~ James Geary

The finished canoe measures 28 1/2 feet in length and weighs 100 pounds.

Just prior to maiden voyage at Harbor Cove Beach.

Ventura resident Jon Huber is no stranger to Hawaiian outrigger canoes. The seventy-four-year-old is a senior member and past president of the Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club (VOCC). Paddling the club’s outrigger canoes several days a week has been a routine part of his schedule for years.

The club maintains various sizes of outriggers, but the mainstay of its fleet is the full-sized version known as the OC-6 (Outrigger Canoe – six person). The club’s OC-6 canoes are approximately 40 feet long and weigh 400+ pounds. The forebears of these contemporary fiberglass canoes were made of indigenous wood such as Hawaiian Koa and were the centerpiece of Polynesian culture. Huber long dreamed of building a wooden outrigger by hand, but the time was never right for the intensive, multi-month endeavor. That is, until the pandemic forced many people, including Huber, to stay at home.

Huber embarked on the project in May, 2020. In preparation, He studied existing outriggers, materials, and construction techniques. Ultimately, he originated his own unique design that combined the superior characteristics of existing canoes with his own knowledge of the specific ocean conditions that it would be intended for. Once started, the construction project took six months to complete. The result was a four-seat (OC-4) outrigger canoe made of a repertoire of wood for various parts of the canoe, including Western red cedar, Douglas fir, white oak and cherry.

The finished canoe measures 28 1/2 feet in length and weighs 100 pounds. While a group of VOCC members actively assisted in the construction, Huber did the lion’s share of the work. Simply put, it was Huber’s vision, craftsmanship, and perseverance that brought the project to a successful conclusion.

Once built, a major challenge was transporting the canoe from the backyard construction site to the beach without causing structural damage. The canoe was strapped atop a truck and gingerly “motorcaded” to the beach. Once transferred, the canoe underwent a series of tests to validate its seaworthiness. First, it was floated inside the harbor to test its watertight integrity, flotation balance, and freeboard. Then the canoe was taken out on the ocean for sea trials, during which its maneuvering characteristics were evaluated in various wind and swell conditions. Observation focused on the canoe’s geometry, specifically how it pitched, rolled, and yawed. As a final evaluation, the canoe was deliberately capsized. This was done to verify that when, not if, the canoe flipped over, it could be recovered quickly and safely.

Generally Hawaiian outriggers are given Hawaiian names. And so it is with Huber’s canoe, which he named “Keoni” meaning “John” in Hawaiian. New canoes are frequently dedicated with a formal blessing ceremony performed in time-honored Polynesian tradition. The club plans to have a shore-side blessing soon. In the meantime, Keoni has taken its rightful place among the club’s larger canoes as they ply the picturesque waters of Pierpont Bay.