City of Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava joined the car caravan.
Local health care advocates working with the California Nurses Association hosted a local car caravan recently urging state legislators to pass California Guaranteed Health Care for All (CalCare), similar to Medicare for All on the national level.
Activists and nurses hosted car caravans in 23 cities across the state as part of the nurses’ kickoff day of action, highlighting the need for universal health care during the Covid-19 health care crisis. At least 2.7 million Californians currently lack health insurance.
CalCare would guarantee health care as a human right in the state of California by providing comprehensive, high quality health care to all. The California Nurses Association has been leading the fight for guaranteed health care for decades and is actively working to introduce a new single-payer bill in the state legislature.
“CalCare has fully comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, hearing, vision, mental health, prescription drugs, long term care, and more,” said event organizer, Jude Wilson.
According to CNA president Zenei Triunfo-Cortez, “The nation has long looked to California for inspiration and guidance in the national fight for universal health care. We’ve come closer than any other state in history to passing guaranteed health care for all our residents. The nurses will always do what it takes to protect our patients, and we know CalCare will save lives.”
The CARL Thrift Store is a great way to help CARL raise needed funds.
by Carol Leish
“CARL makes a lifetime commitment to every dog in their program,” according to their website: www.carldog.org. “CARL was established in 1996 in Ventura County,” according to, Talisa Garcia, volunteer since 2018, who is a board member and the captain of the Outreach Team. “It was started as, and continues to be, a no-kill, all breeds rescue.”
Services provided by CARL, according to Garcia include: “Having a boarding facility that is located in Santa Paula to board both dogs and cats. We also have both kennel and foster sanctuary dogs. The focus is to make sure that all dogs are given the best life that we can give to them during their time in the rescue facility. Many of our dogs do get adopted into their forever homes.”
“During the pandemic,” according to Garcia, “we have been struggling with the loss of supporting finances. Our boutique thrift store in Ventura was initially closed because it was deemed non-essential. The store provides funding for our rescue, allowing CARL to save more homeless dogs. Another source of funding is our pet care center located in Sant Paula, which provides boarding for dogs and cats. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, and a huge drop in people going out of town, our boarding center has seen a significant loss.”
Ways of helping out CARL during the pandemic include, according to Garcia, “Shopping or donating now at our thrift store, which is now open. Store hours are: 11am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday. Their address is 2750 E. Main St., Ste. B, in Ventura. Their phone number is (805) 677-9111. Recyclables can be dropped off at 901 Mission Rock Rd. in Santa Paula. Cans and plastic bottles are turned in and the money raised goes back into the upkeep and maintenance of the kennel grounds. The community can sponsor a dog monthly, and the steps to do this can be found on the website: www.carldog.org; or, by calling (805) 644-7387. Signing up to foster allows the rescue to take in more dogs looking for homes. Using Amazon Smile to benefit CARL is another simple way to help our rescue. CARL also has an Amazon Wish List, that is also on our website.”
Remember that, according to Garcia, “CARL is committed to any/every dog in the program. Once a dog is adopted out, and for whatever reason they need to come back, CARL welcomes them back with open arms, no questions asked. Not only does CARL have adoptable dogs, it also has both kennel and foster sanctuary dogs. Dogs are given the best life that we can give to them during their time here.”
Monica White is the Non-Profit Leader of the Year.
Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) is pleased to announce the 2021 Journey to Leadership Awards honorees, recognizing five outstanding community leaders for their contributions to Ventura County. Save the date – Thursday, April 29th the community will join together to honor these local leaders through an online celebration.
Business of the Year – PODS Moving and Storage
Educational Leader of the Year – Dianne McKay, Ventura County Community College District Board Member, Area 2, and President, Mustang Marketing
Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Monica White, President and CEO, Food Share of Ventura County
Public Sector Leader of the Year – County of Ventura COVID Response Team
Alumnus of the Year – James Joyce III, Cohort XVII, Founder, Chief Visionary Officer at Coffee with a Black Guy
“The VCLA Board of Directors is pleased to honor this year’s award recipients, as well as all of the great work being done by the many VCLA alumni, facilitators, and supporters in our community,” said Brad “Brick” Conners, VCLA Board President. “Our honorees epitomize the spirit of collective responsibility and cooperation the VCLA curriculum strives to instill in each graduate.”
This event is supported in part by Ventura County Community College District, AMR/Gold Coast Ambulance, Assured Partners, Bill & Elise Kearney, Casa Pacifica, County of Ventura, Tolman & Wiker/Assured Partners and Ventura County Credit Union.
Information on sponsorship opportunities to support VCLA’s Journey to Leadership virtual event can be found at www.vcleadership.org or by contacting VCLA Director Pattie Braga at [email protected].
The Ventura County Leadership Academy connects and cultivates a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through an immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. VCLA’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathway toward impacting our region. – www.vcleadership.org – 805-253-2683
Foto: The Bauerle Family supports Gold Award Girl Scouts in their pursuit of higher education.
While there are a variety of scholarships that Girl Scouts can pursue, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast is excited to announce a new, local opportunity just for girls within the Central Coast region. Each spring, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast will present The Bauerle Family Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship Fund to support girls in their pursuit of higher education. The Award will be presented to top applicants who have demonstrated personal excellence in academic, community, and Girl Scout life.
Karen Bauerle began her Girl Scout journey as a Brownie, the level for second and third-grade girls, and her mother served as her and her sister’s troop leader for nine years. Girl Scouts can be a true family affair, and soon enough even her father was very involved with the troop. Later when Karen had a daughter of her own, she could not wait to share her enthusiasm for the program and started a troop of their own. She has since been a troop leader for ten years, served as a Service Unit manager, and now assists with recruiting and mentoring through Girl Scouts.
The Bauerle Family has remained actively involved with the Girl Scouts, working both to serve the greater community and the organization’s membership. Karen is passionate about starting new troops and passing them on to mentored leaders. She currently leads three troops with immense support from her husband, Randy, who recognizes the value that Girl Scouts can bring to girls’ lives. Their daughter Ashley is currently working on her Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized for tackling meaningful issues in a way that drives lasting change in their communities and beyond. Recognizing that there were no current Gold Award scholarships, Karen and Randy decided to follow in the footsteps of these proactive Girl Scouts and take action.
Recipients of The Bauerle Family Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship Fund will receive a one-time scholarship of up to $1,500. To be eligible, girls must be a Gold Award Girl Scout (or in the process of earning the award), a registered Girl Scout in the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast council, a graduating high school senior, and enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college or university for the 2021-2022 academic year. High school students are eligible to apply and if selected for the award, receipt of the scholarship is contingent upon enrollment for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Applicants will need to fill out an electronic application and submit, including a transcript and resume, via email to [email protected] on or before April 16, 2021. For more information and to download the application visit www.girlscoutsccc.org/goldawardscholarship.
“All Gold Awardee girls are welcomed and encouraged to share their Girl Scout journey and apply for our scholarship toward their college futures,” said Karen.
We are so grateful for the Bauerle family and their contributions to both the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and our Gold Award Girl Scouts. As our girls work to educate and inspire, drive meaningful change, and make the world a better place, we are so grateful that with the Bauerle’s support they will be able to continue their efforts on a larger stage – first in higher education, then the world.
Today, as adults 65 and older account for approximately 80% of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families announced a letter sent to President Joe Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer outlining specific measures to strengthen COVID-19 assistance to seniors. This letter follows the Task Force’s request to the Biden Administration to appoint a geriatrician or expert in aging services to the President’s COVID-19 Advisory Board.
Topline Policy Recommendations to Assist Older Americans:
Streamline the vaccination infrastructure with seniors in mind and provide the clear, necessary guidance and funding to support states in this effort.
Prioritize seniors of color in vaccine engagement.
Strengthen senior-specific nutritional and housing support to meet the rising and unprecedented needs of isolated and food-insecure adults.
Expand and better train the workforce that cares for older adults.
Prioritize incarcerated seniors for compassionate release and vaccine engagement.
“The American Rescue Plan outlines a strong national directive to fight the pandemic, focuses on high-risk and hard-to-reach populations, and addresses racial inequities in the pandemic response. We are especially encouraged by the plan’s emphasis on improving vaccine distribution for seniors, a constituency that has borne the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic,” said the Task Force Members in their letter. “While the American Rescue Plan has many important provisions to help older Americans, it is imperative that our response matches the severity of this crisis and the toll it has taken on this population.”
COVID hits seniors hard. Many of us have underlying medical conditions that make a diagnosis of COVID very risky in terms of recovery. But the lockdown from the pandemic has another risky side: mental health disorders.
Whether we’re living at home, in a retirement center or a care facility, our isolation has been very stressful.
A survey conducted in June concluded that seniors were less negatively affected than other age groups when it comes to mental health. They say we have better emotional regulation, which means we don’t react as strongly to negative events.
But the study was done when we were only a few months into this new way of living. (Even the study mentions that as a caveat.) Now eight more months have passed. Holidays without family. Missed doctor appointments. We’ve had to take a crash course in online chat to be able to see and talk to friends and family. Our regular meetings and social outings are canceled. The news has been a daily onslaught of the increasing numbers of positive cases and deaths.
A more recent study from Portugal unearthed the truth, however. After reviewing 41 pieces of research from around the world, scientists concluded that “anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality and physical inactivity” have been prevalent among seniors during our lockdowns.
If you’re struggling, ask for help. In some communities, hotlines have opened up to deal with this kind of stress. Look online for “mental health hotline” and your state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set up a web page in December. Search online for “CDC Coping with Stress” and look at all the offerings on the page. There is a national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Or you can just pick up the phone and dial 211. It’s a referral for community services.
It’s a slow-mo rollout if you ask me, but I’m not here to complain about the lack of live music. In fact, I support venues taking it as slow as they need to in order to ensure our safety and to prioritize their efforts so they can stay in business. Be patient. VenturaRocks.com is listing live music when venues/musicians submit it, but it will take time to recover. Meanwhile…
I’ve become social media buddies with Chulz Torrez over the past couple of years, following her posts, playing her music on my radio show on KPPQ-LP, and corresponding via email. She recently sent me new music and revealed she was working on another new release so I thought this would be a good time to reach out to her so Ventura Breeze readers can get acquainted with her and her music, plus having Martha Davis in your corner as a mentor is quite extraordinary!
Pam: How did you get started with your music career.
Local artist Chulz Torrez hasn’t been able to perform live since the pandemic.
Chulz Torrez: My Grandma Marylou was a pianist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. Most of my family used to be local musicians in Ventura County since the 1960s and even still till this day. My Grandma’s love of music, dancing, parties, good food, and togetherness, is what led me to know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to have a career in anything that had to do with music. I would sing at her side while she played the piano. Although I was born with health issues including Spina Bifida, both my grandparents would always push me and give me confidence to never let anything get me down. I took every opportunity to sing everywhere and anywhere. I tried to play the piano and guitar and took lessons at Henson’s music, but my back hurt too much, so my Grandma said to do what came naturally which was singing! I admired her so much. She played piano and any instrument she picked up by heart with no professional training! I have so many beautiful memories. I continue to keep my grandparents’ memory alive through music. In the early 1990s I started singing for award assemblies, the YMCA in Ventura, the Boys & Girls Club of Oxnard. I would sing for all our family parties. I would sing my favorite song “Angel Baby” anywhere that anyone would let me sing. In the late 1990s I started singing back-up vocals for local Spanish bands, different musicians, and hip-hop artists in Ventura County. In 2000, I met my partner in music Hexcercist. He’s been my producer, my mentor, and my best friend. Thanks to Hexcercist I’ve been able to make music and have lifelong relationships with amazing musicians such as the brilliant Kevin Simonett & also you Pam. I’m continually grateful for each & every relationship I do have, thanks to music.
How do you stay connected here in the 805?
I haven’t been able to perform live since the pandemic but I have been trying to get more involved with social media and learning really hard how to use it all. I have been doing tons of videos and learning TikTok. It’s really fun. I’m practicing to start doing a live stream on Twitch soon as I can. My Twitch name is Chulz1. I’m also hoping when shows come back I’ll get the chance to perform live again. Maybe open up for Martha Davis & The Motels which would be my dream come true.
Which brings up this amazing subject of how Martha came to be one of your mentors.
Chulz: I’m so proud and honored I get to call Martha Davis my best friend for so many years. Martha taught me everything there is to know about music. From song writing structures, singing choruses, and how to do amazing harmonies. Martha taught me music is universal. It doesn’t have to be one genre. Music can be anything you desire, it could be Rock, Hip Hop, and R&B. If the song is amazing and makes you feel good it doesn’t matter about the genre, or what you write about, it can be about anything if you use your imagination and put in the hard work, you can succeed at anything in life. Martha is such an amazing and kindest person. She cares so much and helps those in need. Martha brings happiness anywhere she is. She’s taught me so many positive life lessons. I can’t believe how lucky I truly am. I got to record at her studio and film my first music video for my song called “Sapphire Rain” at her ranch. It’s a fun story. I got to house sit while she went touring. It was fate! Her puppy Eva got to make an appearance in my music video. We were so lucky it even rained when we shot the music video. I wish you could see the behind scenes of the music video because I was in charge of the pets and all the birds were mimicking my music and lyrics!
I’d get to go with Martha to her shows and meet all these amazing stars. I got to go with her to rehearsal in some amazing studios in L.A. I even got to sing back up with her. I’ve had an amazing life that other people only dream of and I know how grateful and lucky I truly am. I’ve had the time of my life. Martha and I have had some amazing adventures and priceless memories. I miss her Thanksgiving get togethers and her cooking but she did teach me some amazing recipes that I use all the time. Hopefully we get to visit her or see her on tour here in Ventura, CA soon!
That’s so amazing, you are one lucky gal for sure! I understand you have a new album in the works.
Chulz: My new album is called Burning Hearts Valley. Hexcercist produced all of the incredible music. The album is coming as soon as I’m finished recording it. Most of the songs are complete it’s just so hard due to the Pandemic. I’m waiting for the new studio to be completed so I can use my new microphone. It’s a beauty. This will all be worth the wait. Burning Hearts Valley is true to life stories I put into song. Songs about love and the loss of someone dear to me my Grandfather Frank Torrez who passed away due to cancer. He was my number one supporter. Luckily my grandpa was alive when I published my first album in 2011. We had a release dinner and we got to celebrate together which means the world to me, he was so proud. Burning Hearts Valley is my Ventura County Anthem. It reminds me of our community of Ventura County, of how much I love it, and love representing. I want to continue making music for everyone who wants to listen. I’m also working on a few projects. I’m doing a four song EP called Chulz 805 Popstar Outlaw; I wanted to do a Rock, Hip Hip, with elements of Shadow Country album. I am also happy to announce, I’m going to be collaborating with some of my fellow 805 musicians. That’s gong be so fun. I can’t wait! I will also be shooting a music video for Evil Eyez with my talented friends The Seventh Dimension Dance Studio in Santa Barbara.
When do you anticipate it will be wrapped up, and what plans do you have to market it?
Chulz: Burning Hearts Valley should come out by May 2021, if all goes well; fingers crossed. I am also going to release new singles starting in April this year. All my music is and will be available on Spotify, I-Tunes, and on all media platforms.
Anything else you’d like to add Chulz?
Chulz: Our future looks bright. Be on the look-out for my friend, an up-and-coming young rocker, Des Rocs; he’s opened for the Rolling Stones and Muse. He’s so talented, I’m grateful to witness his genius and musical journey. I’m just so thankful and humbled for all my relationships thanks to music, like Pam Baumgardner. Pam you’re my true inspiration. All of these years you’ve believed in me and my music. You believe in so many artists and give musicians a chance to be heard on the air waves! It’s a wonderful dream come true. I appreciate all of your continuous support and look forward to continuing to produce music for every person out there. Never give up on your dreams. With hard work, discipline, confidence, and perseverance, dreams really do come true. Please take care and stay safe. Sending love to all of my fans and supporters, thank you for sharing this amazing musical adventure with me throughout all of these years I’m forever grateful!
For more information on Chulz, follow her on Facebook, chulzmusic1; Twitter, chulz1music; Instagram, Chulzmusic; YouTube, Chulz143.
Don’t forget to tune into the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ-LP out of CAPS Media at 104.1 FM here in Ventura where you can hear from local artists like Chulz Torrez. My show airs Tuesdays at 5 pm with repeats on Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon. You can also listen via the MyTuner app on your smart device or online at CapsMedia.org/radio.
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows (online or live) 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.
Previous research has led to findings that support links between a positive mental outlook and physical health benefits such as lower blood pressure, less heart disease, and healthier blood sugar levels. In a recent study of mood changes in older adults, scientists also have discovered that healthy brain function may result in maintaining a positive outlook.
For this study, which was funded in part by NIA and published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in September 2020, scientists proposed a potential neurobiological connection between an older adult’s mood with changes, over a period of time, in white brain matter and cognitive ability. White matter is where information is transmitted from one brain region to another. As we age, changes can occur in the white matter that may lead to thinking, walking, and balance problems.
The scientists first examined measures of executive function, the ability to perform complex tasks such as planning or decision-making that require attentional focus, and then imaged the white matter of the brain. They found that the integrity of the white matter and stable executive function appear to be important for maintaining healthy mood states in late life.
Research participants included 716 community-dwelling adults who were assessed to have normal cognitive and neurological function. Mood was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The neuropsychological assessment included tests of executive function, memory, and processing speed (the time it takes to comprehend information and respond). A subset of 327 participants also underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within six months of completing the GDS and neuropsychological assessments.
The investigators found that mood improved with increasing age until around the early 70s, at which point the positive effect of age on mood plateaued, and eventually reversed. Stable white matter integrity, along with stable executive function and processing speed, appeared to protect against this reversal of positive mood.
Because the study was observational, these findings cannot be interpreted to show causation. Further research is needed to determine whether the brain-mood relationships are bidirectional. Another caveat is that the participants were mostly white and highly educated. Observed relationships between mood, age, white matter integrity, and cognition need to be evaluated in racially and educationally diverse groups. The researchers also suggest that future studies of the links between brain health, cognition, and mood should be large-scale, longitudinal, and use methods to allow capture of the full range of neurodevelopment. Results of such studies could inform interventions across a variety of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions.
This research was supported in part by NIH grant R01AG032289.
4:57am, receiving reports of a possible boat fire near Anacapa Island. Officers monitored radio coms between US coast guard and fishing vessels in the area. No boat fire was found, oil rigs burnoff or just the light boats in the area could have given reporting parties the illusion of a boat fire in the area.
Wednes 2/3
6:57am, received a report of an injured or sick seabird near Surfers Knoll. Officers found the injured Grebe, retrieved it for rescue volunteers to treat
Friday 2/5
10:51am, received dredging information from Manson construction. Pipe will begin arriving today. The dredge should arrive around 2/10 and begin shortly thereafter. The dredge cycle should last until March 15th.
Saturday 2/6
9:33am, received multiple reports of an injured pelican. Officers responded, found the injured bird and retrieved it for rescue volunteers to treat.
11:21pm, while on patrol in the vehicle, officers observed a vehicle with emergency lights flashing. The owner was intoxicated and had lost his key to turn off the lights. The individual is a crew member on one of the commercial vessels. He was helped to his vessel and the car lights flashed through the night.
Sunday 2/7
8:35am, receiving multiple reports of a transient possibly endangering himself near the launch ramp. Officers responded, found the individual and checked his welfare. The transient was alerted of concerns, complied and left the area.
Wed 2/10
10:35am, officers en route in the Fireboat to conduct traffic control for the Manson Dredge, H.R. Morris entering the harbor. Maintenance dredging of Ventura Harbor should last a month clearing the main channel, sandtrap and replenishing South Beach / Surfers Knoll areas of mass erosion.
Friday 2/12
12:34pm, dispatched to persons stuck in an elevator in the Ventura Harbor Village. Officers responded with VFD and found two children trapped. Responders were able to undo release tab on the door and release the kids.
Saturday 2/13
1:33am, dispatched to stage for a possible gun shot victim near Surfers Knoll. Officers responded with VPD, VFD and staged. Gun shots were heard but no injured persons were found after an extensive search of the area.
Sunday 2/14
10:25am, received report of a vessel taking on water at VWM A-dock. Officers responded with Tow Boat US on scene, dewatering and locating the source. Later in the day it was reported the leak was mitigated and pumps left onboard.
Monday 2/15
7:24am, observed an inbound vessel operating dangerously close to the dredge and North Jetty. Officers established contact on VHF 16 and were able to assist the large yacht navigate safely through the area. Any vessel navigating near the dredge H.R. Morris, should contact on VHF 16, then 67 for passing instructions.
Tuesday 2/16
11:15am, while on patrol in Rescue B-17, officers conducted a wellness check on a vessel that was taking on water in VWM a few days ago. No issues were noted with the vessel and it is scheduled to be hauled out tomorrow for repairs.
1:13pm, while on patrol in Fireboat 1, officers observed a seabird caught in a fishing line. Officers attempted to capture the bird to untangle the line, but the bird was able to free itself and fly away.
Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do each day to maintain and improve your health and keep doing things you enjoy as you age. Make exercise a priority with the following tips:
Find ways to fit exercise into your day. You are more likely to get moving if exercise is a convenient part of your day.
Do activities you enjoy to make it more fun. Be creative and try something new!
Make it social. Find a virtual “exercise buddy” to help keep you going and provide emotional support.
If there’s a break in your routine, get back on track. Start slowly and gradually build back up to your previous level of activity. Ask your family and friends for support.
Keep track of your progress. Make an exercise plan and don’t forget to reward yourself when you reach your goals.
