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Vol. 14, No. 22 – July 28 – Aug 10, 2021 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Cookie, an energetic 5-year-old Shepherd X rescued from an LA Shelter. I was turned in by my owner because I didn’t care for the new dog that came into the home. Even though I was there first, I was the one who had to go. I don’t react to the other dogs at the kennel, so if you have a fur baby in the home already, please bring him/her along so we can do a meet and greet. Thankfully C.A.R.L. took me in and will help me find my true forever home.

If you’re interested in meeting me, please fill out an online application. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Adoptable Oliver is a sweet boy who adores snuggles from people and bunnies alike. Oliver would make an excellent candidate for a bunny date, as he loves to make friends with other shelter rabbits during Bunny Playgroup. The Ventura County Animal Services Bunny Brigade is pleased to be able to resume bunny dates for single rabbits. Email [email protected] and ask for ID #A771092. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive
Oliver A771092

Seven great vacation spots for seniors in the U.S.

by Jennifer Bell

Living in an independent senior living community and looking for some adventure? Now is a great time to get out and see the country. The U.S is widely diverse and has so many great destinations for seniors to visit.

1. Alaska

Alaska is like no other place in the US. From glaciers to the untamed wilderness, Alaska has it all. The best part is you can experience the best sights on an Alaskan cruise. Cruises allow you to enjoy the creature comforts of a hotel with views of glaciers, waterfalls, stunning coastline, and whales. For those that stay inland, there are 17 national parks for nature hiking and tours.

2. Sedona, Arizona

A bit further south than Alaska, you can find yourself in Sedona, Arizona, just a two-hour drive from Phoenix. Sedona has a great mild climate and is a great place to visit for any lifestyle. You can sightsee the amazing red rocks or relax at one of the spas or resorts. Its location offers excellent wilderness opportunities like hot air balloon rides, star gazing, and Jeep tours.

3. Key West, Florida

Want a taste of the Caribbean without leaving the country? Then Key West should be on your list. There are plenty of sights to see for the inner history buff, like the Hemmingway home and the Southernmost Point of the Continental US. There’s also plenty of opportunities to relax, and take in the sunsets too.

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is one of the oldest state capitals in the US. It boasts opportunities in and out of the city, from unique museums to golf. In this walkable city, you can experience a variety of art galleries and museums. The mild climate, much like Sedona’s, is one of the main benefits of the city. Live music and Turquoise are also big here and support the local economy.

5. U.S National Parks

Seniors have access to a lifetime pass to the U.S national parks for just $80 or $20 annually. This will grant you access to unique locations like The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, to name a few. A big plus is that traveling companions get in free with you, up to three adults.

6. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg and the surrounding areas like Jamestown are a must-see for any history fan. The living museum of Colonial Williamsburg transports you back in time to see how the colonists lived. The museum is staffed with historical characters to immerse you in the setting. The area is excellent for shopping and relaxing, among other things like golf are all nearby.

7. Hawaii

Hawaii is a beautiful tropical state full of opportunities for active seniors. From volcanoes and natural formations, there are a lot of opportunities to get out and explore. Historical landmarks like pearl harbor and the USS Arizona are also popular tourist attractions. If you want a fun, relaxing option, there are plenty of beachfront resorts for you to relax and put your feet up at.

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.

Most residential property did not suffer adverse market value conditions

County Assessor Dan Goodwin announced the certification and delivery of Ventura County’s annual assessment roll to Auditor-Controller Jeff Burgh Monday, June 28, on time and includes adjustments for impacts of the pandemic.

“My office has been following the economic impact of the pandemic closely. Restricted access to workplaces and other virus-related effects have taken their financial toll on many business’s property values,” said Dan Goodwin, County Assessor. The office was proactive in reviewing these property declines on commercial and industrial properties and with documented support from these businesses determined the appropriate temporary declines in values. Most residential property did not suffer adverse market value conditions during 2020.

Due to a lower inflation factor about 209,000 properties received a modest increase of 1% instead of the usual 2% increase, which was set by a 1978 ballot measure known as Prop 13.  However, some properties may see a larger increase due to their recent sales history or new construction.

The Local Roll now contains a record $152 billion in assessed value. The County saw a tenth consecutive annual increase in total roll value with this year’s assessment roll increasing 3.6% over last year, which is remarkable given the challenges our community has faced. 

At this time, the Assessor’s Office is preparing to send assessed value notices to about 250,000 taxpayers in Ventura County by late July 2021.  There are several tax savings programs, which were also applied to disabled veterans, hospitals, churches, colleges, museums, and non-profit organizations such as low-income housing. This year, over $4.5 billion was exempted from the roll, an increase of 3.86% over last year.

For questions about the value notice or claims about assessed values that may be more than market value on January 1, 2021, please contact Assessor staff at (805) 654-2181 or visit the website at assessor.countyofventura.org. Assessment Appeal Applications can be filed with the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and September 15 by calling (805) 654-2251 or by visiting ventura.org/cob/aab.

Sensory kits were presented to every ambulance in the county

Sensory kits are designed to comfort those with disabilities. Photo by Richard Lieberman

On Monday, July 26, at 3:30 pm, at Gold Coast Ambulance, 200 Bernoulli Circle, Oxnard the Autism Society Ventura County presented sensory kits to every ambulance in the county The sensory kits are designed to comfort those with disabilities when in an emergency situation. This partnership has been long in the making.

The kits contain noise cancelling headphones, a sensory friendly pain chart and multiple fidget tools to soothe, regulate and relax. The Society is also dedicated to providing training and support for both caregivers and first responders in these situations.

An emergency can be a scary time for all involved. Autism Society Ventura County’s goal is to connect with and provide the training needed to both recognize and communicate effectively in order to prevent escalated situations within the neurodiverse community. Ventura County alone has an estimated 20,000 Autistic diagnoses, and we are dedicated to supporting all affected by Autism including Autistic individuals, caregivers and family members.

Autism Society Ventura County www.autismventura.org

Vol. 14, No. 22 – July 28 – Aug 10, 2021 – Music Calendar

Music Calendar
For more up-to-the-date listings go to VenturaRocks.com

Art City Studios
197 Dubbers Street, Ventura
Wed 7/28: Fantuzzi & Friends, Jason Brock

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Thursdays: Jim Friery; then Bluegrass Jam

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Road, Camarillo
Thurs 7/29: John Mayall
Sun 8/1: Milo Sledge Trio

Canyon at Oxnard PACC
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Sat 7/31: Which One’s Pink
Sundays: The House Arrest Band (1-4 pm)

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street, Ventura
Music 5:30 – 8:30
Thursdays: Bobby Apostol
Fridays & Saturdays: Warren Takahashi

Channel Islands Harbor
3333 Peninsula Road, Oxnard
Concerts 4-6 pm
Sat 7/31: UNDRCVR Band

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: McWorter Berghoff & Jones (7 pm)
Sat & Sun: Ken Devoe (Noon – 6 pm)
Sat 7/31: Teresa Russell

Crown & Anchor
2891 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks
Thurs 7/15: Teresa Russell (5 – 8 pm)

Four Brix
2290 Eastman, Ventura
Music 6-8 pm on Fridays, Sat & Sun 1 – 3:30 pm
Sun 8/1: Johnny & the Love Handles

Gigi’s Cocktail Lounge
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 7/30: Delta by the Beach w/ Randy Rich

Grapes and Hops
454 E Main St, Ventura
Music 8 pm unless other noted
Thursdays: LA Jazz Experience (7 pm)
Fri 7/30: The Salty Suites
Sat 7/31: Dive Bar Messiahs
Sat 8/7: Dianne Miller Band

The Greek
Ventura Harbor Village
Thursdays: Kenny Devoe (4-6 pm)

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Sat 7/31: Old School

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura
Music 6:30 pm except Sundays at 3 pm
Thurs 7/29: Daniela Cardillo
Fri 7/30: Keyth Garica

Libbey Bowl
210 Signal Street, Ojai
Wednesdays: Ojai Summer Band

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street, Ventura
Sun 8/1: the Devil’s Box String Band Duo (3 pm)

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor Village
Music 8-11; Sundays 5-8
Fri 7/30: The Tossers
Sat 7/31: Operation 90s
Sun 8/1: CRV
Fri 8/6: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 8/7: Dive Bar Messiahs

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl Street, Ojai
Fri 7/30: Eliya Frantz w/ Ester Sophia Ray
Sat 7/31: Lola & the Back Beats
Sat 8/7: Dan Navarro

Peirano’s Market & Deli on the Terrazza
204 E. Main Street, Ventura
Sun 8/1: The Swillys (11 am)

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 7/30: HE
Sat 7/31: Jayden Secor

Relm
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 7/30: The Fabulous Hangovers
Sat 7/31: Eliya Frantz
Fri 8/6: Matthew Grant

Rock & Roll Pizza
305 Arneill Road, Camarillo
Tues 8/3: Bootleg Brigade, Last Point
Tues 8/10: Sick Boy

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard
Sat 7/31: CRV

Simi Civic Center Plaza
On Tapo between 118 & Alamo, Simi Valley
Sat 7/31: Ticket to Ride

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunters & Friends
Thursdays: Delta by the Beach
Sundays: 805 Allstarz

Winchesters
632 E. Main Street, Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 7/29: The Swillys
Fri 7/30: Blue Motel Room
Sun 8/1: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Thurs 8/5: Karen 805
Fri 8/6: Mark Masson
Sun 8/8: Spencer the Gardener

1901
740 South B Street, Oxnard
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Fri 7/30: Corey Hugh
Sat 7/31: Saratonein
Fri 8/6: The Murphy’s
Sat 8/7: David Cipriani

11th Annual Backpack Gift~Away Event!

Kids & Families Together (K&FT) along with Heart 2 Heart will be hosting the 11th Annual Backpack Gift~Away Drive-Thru event on Saturday, August 14th, in Ventura for foster/resource, kinship, adopted and bio-families currently working in programs with Kids & Families Together. This will be a fun family event that will provide backpacks filled with age appropriate school supplies, along with other donations for the caregivers. As families leave the event, a box lunch will be provided allowing them the opportunity to enjoy a nice afternoon picnic together at the beach or a local park.

This year’s theme is Pirates & Mermaids! As with prior drive-thru events, dressing in costume or decorating your vehicle is strongly encouraged. Our goal is to serve 150 children, who are currently “in care” at this event and send them back to school with confidence and the supplies they need for a fun and successful school year!

There are many ways to help support this event through financial giving, donations of school supplies or becoming a volunteer!

Ways to Donate:

Visit our Amazon Wishlist to purchase school supplies: https://a.co/hGx10tB

Donations can also be mailed to: Resource Family Support, Kids & Families Together, 864 E. Santa Clara Street – Ventura, 93001.

• Collect backpacks/supplies and schedule a drop-off/pick-up.
• Donate and we will purchase what is needed: igfn.us/form/wU82SQ
• Text to donate: FAM (on 91999)

For more information contact: 805-643-1446 ext. 108/131,
email: [email protected]

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Jill Forman

Ventura Friends of the Library book sale and community event

There will be a giant book sale on Saturday July 31 and Sunday August 1 at the lovely Dudley House Historical Museum, 197 North Ashwood Avenue (corner of Loma Vista.)

Quality used books will be arranged by genre/category and will be displayed in car trunks, on outside tables, and downstairs in the Community Room.

Saturday book sale hours will be 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. In addition, there will be a plant sale, benefiting the Dudley House, Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the front garden. The Downtown Lions Club will cook up a hot dog lunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, to benefit the Lions’ Sight and Hearing projects.

Sunday the book sale continues 12 noon – 3 p.m. As a bonus, Dudley House docents will be offering free tours of this historical treasure on Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Come one or both days, find that perfect summer read, have lunch, celebrate the season and our community, and support local organizations!

Library events back in person

In the last column I covered the book groups at Foster and Hill Road branches. In case you missed it, here is the information again:

Foster meets the first Saturday of the month 10-12. August’s book is The Roundhouse by Erdrich. Information: [email protected].

Hill Road meets the last Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. August’s book is I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by McNamara. Information: [email protected].

Ukelele Jam is also back! Mondays 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Foster.

The Mobile Library is spreading joy and reading all over the place this summer. Too many appearances to cover here. On the VCLSA website, their schedule is available under the Events tab. Or ask your local librarian.

Summer Reading Challenge

Register: https://vencolibrary.beanstack.org/
Create a profile for each family member.
Log reading minutes or books, complete activities, earn badges, and become eligible for prizes.

Lego Challenge – bilingual program

Pick up a set of bricks and the flyer at your local library. Build something, name it, take a picture and submit it. 50 bricks! Keep them! FUN! Through August 22.

Book donations at Hill Road

We are grateful but overwhelmed. Please limit yourself to one bag of donated books at a time.

Friends of the Library bookstores open for business

Foster store has moved to a larger space on the first floor. Tuesday – Saturday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Lots more books!

Hill Road book sale shelves are available during library hours. Adults’ and kids’ books, fiction and nonfiction, DVD’s, CD’s and puzzles.

Volunteers needed

The Ventura Friends of the Library is looking for a few good volunteers. They are the heart and soul, not to mention the hands and backs, of our organization. The used book warehouse, the book store, the periodic sales and many other facets of the Friends depend on the good will, and effort, of our volunteers. Plus it’s a lot of fun. If you’d like to join us, contact [email protected].

City Center Project has 100% success rate

Innovative City Center Project, with 100% success rate, has moved one step closer to ensuring homeless Ventura County families become self-sufficient. 253 homeless parents and children in Ventura County are now independent and free of government assistance.

The City Center, led by Executive Director Jim Duran and his team of case managers, therapists and mentors, have worked tirelessly to equip homeless families with children to rebuild their lives and become independent. They recently started a fundraising campaign to buy The City Center building at 837 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura, raising over $900,000 of the full purchase price of $3.95m.

With a 100% success rate – no graduates have ever returned to homelessness. The City Center has become a best practice model in its field and Jim Duran intends to replicate this successful model to other cities in the future. “6,394 Ventura County students were identified as homeless in Ventura County in 2019/2020 according to Ventura County Office of Education – this is unacceptable, every family and child deserves shelter and the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” said Jim Duran, Executive Director of The City Center. “Our program is unique, we are the only homeless program providing comprehensive mentoring and training to our residents to allow them to be successful and independent within 2 years.”

The City Center is more than a 30-room transitional living motel. Residents have a safe place to stay for one to two years, they receive in-depth goal outlines and an individualized plan to support them with counseling, mentoring, financial coaching and employment assistance. They learn life skills necessary for self-sufficiency, acquire transportation and obtain employment. Families graduate The City Center debt free, with a savings account and no longer needing government assistance. Additionally, 30% of residents leave with college degrees, trade school degrees and/or certificates of completion in their field. Over the past seven years, 78 families have graduated from their program, representing 253 people that are no longer homeless.

While the funding required to complete the purchase at $3.95m is steep, Duran is confident that the local and business community will support the initiative. “There has been much talk in the community and local government about the homeless problem in Ventura, and we have worked hard to achieve viable solutions for those most vulnerable – families with children,” said Duran. “With our 100% success rate with no graduates returning to homelessness, our support has grown over the years, evidenced by the hefty donations already made and used towards the down payment on the mortgage. We are hopeful that Ventura County businesses and community will support this campaign”.

To learn more about The City Center and information on ways to support them, please visit

https://www.gofundme.com/thecitycenter

Vol. 14, No. 22 – July 28 – Aug 10, 2021 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers

Jolt – Amazon Originals

2 out of 4 palm trees

Though Lindy (Kate Beckinsale) seemed like your everyday beautiful, witty woman, beneath the surface she secretly battled uncontrolled murderous impulses. She struggled her entire life to deal with her rare neurological disorder and as a child was committed to a facility to keep others safe from her sporadic rage-filled impulses. She was under continued specialized psychiatric care since her childhood with Dr. Munchin (Stanley Tucci), who developed a special vest fitted with electrodes that Lindy could use to shock herself back into control when she felt rage coming on.

Through therapy and the use of the vest, Lindy and Dr. Munchin agreed that she was ready for and actually needed to start interacting with other people again to help with her therapy. Lindy had been distanced from everyone since she was a child, so the concept of friendships and relationships was completely foreign to her.

She finally met a man named Justin (Jai Courtney) who she had an immediate and unusual connections with on their very first date. Lindy felt confident enough to bring Justin back to her place and reveal her specialized tech vest to him, which he embraced without pause and after their second date she had come to know a feeling of normalcy with Justin she had never had her entire life.

When Justin didn’t show for their third date, Lindy called his apartment and the phone was answered by Detective Vicars (Bobby Cannavale), who informed her that Justin had been murdered. This seemed impossible to Lindy, and she asked for proof by requesting to go to the morgue to see his body, which Vicars denied. This put Lindy on the radar of Vicars and his partner Detective Nevin (Laverne Cox) causing Lindy to be their prime suspect due to her violent past.

Wanting to find Justin’s killer, as well as prove her innocence, Lindy started her own investigation using her uncontrolled violence all along the way. She started by breaking into the police evidence room and stealing the evidence box for Justin’s case. Finding a lead from his wallet, Lindy set out to follow the chain of clues until she found Justin’s killer. Her search was frequently interrupted as Detectives Vicars and Nevin pursued her as the prime suspect, as well as now adding breaking into the police department and theft of evidence property.

Nevin was convinced that Lindy was guilty due to her past, but Vicars believed she was innocent and on several occasions came to Lindy’s aid to help her avoid capture and continue her revenge-filled quest to find who murdered her boyfriend. The clues eventually led Lindy to well-known master criminal and villain Gareth Fizel, who mocked her thinking she was no match for him and his powerful criminal empire. Lindy was in revenge mode though and there was no stopping her.

After Fizel met his demise, Justin appeared in the penthouse to reveal to Lindy that he had faked his death to spur Lindy into action to kill Fizel, learning that Justin was CIA and Fizel was his target. Justin revealed that had actually known about Lindy’s condition from the start and had worked with Dr. Munchin who told him everything about Lindy’s condition. Discovering that she was played by Justin and Dr. Munchin, Lindy set out on a new revenge-filled quest that ultimately revealed she was part of a CIA program all along since childhood,

Rated: R (Language Throughout, Strong Violence, Sexual Content)
Runtime: 1h 31m

Volunteer Opportunity!

The CMH Auxiliary is in need of volunteers and there are openings in most departments for those who are looking for an opportunity to serve the community in a volunteer capacity. After the pandemic shut down so many activities, many of us are seeking ways to become more involved and to reconnect with other people. Being a volunteer at CMH not only provides that contact with others that we’ve been missing, but also a chance to perform much-needed service for our health workers. If you are interested in joining the Auxiliary, you may contact the front desk at the hospital, leave a message for the Auxiliary at 805-948-4299, or ask any volunteer wearing the navy and white uniform.