Hi: My name is Dumbo I’m a circus elephant who was born in 1941. I was ridiculed because of my enormous ears until a mouse helped me to achieve my full potential. I like to fly in the sky with the birds and entertain children.
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Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 – Mailbox
Folks:
The horrendous collapse of the condo tower in Miami, with over 150 people missing at this point is a modern tragedy. It is impossible to imagine the pain and suffering of the victims and the terror of those who wait to hear if any more can be found alive in the rubble.
But a tragedy is not an accident, nor an uncaused calamity. Scientists are now starting to claim that sea level rise is the culprit, which in turn is caused by human actions. The whole Florida coast in this area is subject to weakening and sinking from sea water intrusion.
There are sure to be more such reports in the near future. However this is not new news, since Trump’s Mar a Lago is also vulnerable to sea level rise, with the further contributing factor that Trump canceled Obama measures to fight sea level rise along the Florida coast.
Painful ironies never stop these days, and Trump is frequently the off-screen perpetrator.
Bob
Robert Chianese, Ph.D., Emeritus Prof. English, CSU Northridge
Past President Amer Assoc for Advance of Science Pacific Div
Fulbright Senior Specialist, columnist American Scientist magazine
to opinions
Cars on Main and California Streets
Please keep them off as the air is cleaner now and like cities and towns in the rest of the world we now have a great communal space and the merchants I talk to like it also.
Michael Salisbury
Dear Ventura Breeze:
In the June 2-15 2021 issue, page 17, the ‘Tree Town’ inset noted the recent planting of 8 Honey Locust trees, mentioning “Honeylocust canopy trees line Main Street from downtown to Five Points…”. This is incorrect. The vast majority of street trees along E. Main Street are Queen Palms (#207) and Jacarandas (#133) according to the 2020 City Tree Master Tree Plan, Appendix B Theme Street Tree Well Replanting (pg24/107). In fact, Queen Palms represent almost 5% of all Ventura street trees.
Oddly, the popular and attractive Queen Palm is absent from the 2019 City of Ventura Recommended Tree List.
Also strange is that even though Ventura has its own city Fire Department and an Urban Forestry Program, somehow the 2020 City Tree Master Tree Plan incorporates the Ventura County Fire Department Fire Hazard Reduction Program, a document which is ill-suited for determining appropriate trees along urban corridors.
Overall, it seems that the future of Ventura shall be without palms, which is a shame given their instant associate with beaches, sun, and fun, which really is Ventura in a nutshell.
Lucien Belmont
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement
~ Jack Rosenbaum
Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 – The Pet Page
∙SPAN Thrift Store is open to the public and looking for donations of adult clothing, household items and tools if you’ve got items you no longer use. SPAN Thrift Store regularly provides $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.
Three upcoming clinics in July are: Tuesday, July 6th at the Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036, a second one on Tuesday, July 20th at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main), and a third one on Tuesday, July 27th at Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015.
Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.
∙The White House announced the death of Champ, one of President Joe Biden’s dogs. Mr. Biden and first lady Jill Biden said in a statement that the 13-year-old German Shepherd “passed away peacefully at home.”
“He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years and was adored by the entire Biden family. Even as Champ’s strength waned in his last months, when we came into a room, he would immediately pull himself up, his tail always wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub.”
∙ The Humane Society of Ventura County is proud to introduce Humane Officer Jenna Utter, who was officially sworn in on June 10 by Judge Henry Walsh at the Ventura County Courthouse. A ceremony was later held at the shelter in Ojai, where Officer Utter’s badge was presented to her by Director of Investigations Jeff Hoffman, Senior Humane Officer Kendra King, and Jenna’s father, Steven Utter.
Officer Utter began her journey with the HSVC as an Adoption Counselor in November of 2019. Now badged, Officer Utter will continue training with Senior Officer King in the field, where she will be able to investigate cases of animal abuse and neglect. In addition to enforcing California’s anti-animal cruelty and neglect laws, Humane Officers educate the community about responsible pet ownership and offer resources to pet owners in need. Officer Utter has consistently proved her commitment to such duties and continues to represent the HSVC with class, kindness and pride.
∙Freshpet Inc. is voluntarily recalling a single lot of Freshpet Select Small Dog Beef & Egg Dog Food for possible Salmonella contamination. This lot was supposed to be destroyed, but it was inadvertently shipped to retailers in limited geographic markets between June 7, 2021 to June 10, 2021. There have been no reports of illness or adverse reactions reported to the company to date in association with this issue.
No other Freshpet products or lot codes are affected by this recall. These products may have been sold at Publix supermarkets in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, and at limited Target locations in Arizona and Southern California. Most of the dog food was intercepted at retailer distribution warehouses and was not delivered to retail stores.
The recalled item is FreshPet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe that is packaged in 1 pound bags. The sell by date of 10/30/21 L2 is stamped on the package. The UPC number is 627975012939, and the lot code is 1421FBP0101.
Salmonella can sicken dogs eating this product. Symptoms may include lethargy, diarrhea which may be bloody, fever, and vomiting. Infected but otherwise health dogs can be carriers and can infect other animals or people. If your dog has been ill, see your veterinarian.
People can get sick from contaminated pet food in several ways. Dogs can shed the bacteria in their feces, which can contaminate their coats and the surrounding environment. Or if a person handles the food and doesn’t wash their hands properly, they could get sick. Human symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include a fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that can be bloody.
∙Daily Paws Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?
By Brendan Howard
The common refrain from the nation’s nutrition experts for decades, “Eat your fruits and vegetables,” can be just as true for dogs. While veterinary nutritionists still encourage dog parents to pick a complete and balanced diet to feed daily, they also give a thumbs-up to smart, healthy dog treats, according to board-certified veterinary nutritionist Sean Delaney, BS, DVM, MS, DACVN, whose website builds safe, complete recipes for veterinary clients.
“Fruits like cantaloupe are a rich source of dietary fiber that support gut health,” Delaney says. “And they provide natural antioxidants that likely fight oxidative damage believed to be a leading cause of aging.”
Cantaloupe has sugar, of course, but the melon is 90% water, so it has a fairly low glycemic index. That means there is less sugar per pound, and your veterinarian may recommend high-water fruits like cantaloupe if your dog is dealing with obesity or diabetes.
There’s nothing particularly toxic about cantaloupe. It’s mostly water and sugar. The big issue is the rind, according to Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, a veterinarian toxicologist who works with Pet Poison Helpline.
“Large amounts of cantaloupe may cause gastrointestinal upset, but it’s fine to eat,” Schmid says. “The rind, however, may be hard to break down and pass.”
That’s most likely to happen if a dog got into a bunch of discarded cantaloupe rinds in the trash, but even a small amount of rind can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach upset. Ditch the rind and keep it out of your pup’s reach.
Seeds, too, are indigestible and can cause stomach upset, so scoop out that middle part of the cantaloupe. (We don’t usually eat that goop either.) The leaves and the vines of the cantaloupe plant, which are nontoxic, may still cause blockages or upset stomachs as well.
There’s also always a small chance that cantaloupe, or any human food, won’t agree with your particular dog because they eat too much of it or have a food allergy. Check with your veterinarian if a bad bout of diarrhea or vomiting doesn’t resolve quickly after introducing a new food or treat to your dog’s diet.
∙Maintain a regular routine to keep your dog from feeling stressed.
If you need to change your schedule, gradually do so. The Washington Post/Getty Images
Veterinarian Kurt Venator, chief veterinary officer at Purina, told Insider that dog owners should try and keep their schedules as consistent as possible.
“Having a predictable routine lets your dog know what will happen next, which reduces stress,” Venator said. “Changing their environment or routine can trigger anxiety in dogs.”
A dog-friendly daily routine should include exercise, playtime, and regularly spaced meals.
If you’re anticipating changes to your schedule, it’s better to ease into them, like gradually shifting your dog’s mealtime by 15 minutes each day.
The Riddle of the Cindy Lee Mellin
by Richard Senate
A saleswoman at Macy’s at the Pacific View Mall told me that the department store was haunted. Footsteps were heard when there was no one there, someone humming, and clothes moved on the rack. Not only did she say it was haunted but she even knew the name of the ghost. It was a former salesgirl named Cindy Lee Mellin who worked at the store when it was The Broadway.
I did some research on the salesclerk and discovered that on the night of January 20th, 1970 she vanished from the parking lot. Co-workers saw she had a flat tire and a young man was helping her jack up the car. They thought it was Cindy’s father. That was at 10:30 at night—from that time on she has never been seen again. When she didn’t come home, her father went looking for her and found her car, still jacked up with the flat tire still attached and the spare on the pavement next to it. All the doors were open as well as the glove compartment. The flat looked like it had been slashed with a knife.
Even after all these decades the case is still unsolved and the 19-year-old woman is listed as “endangered missing.” In the investigation that followed they questioned a man matching the description given by co-workers who worked at a near by gas station. After questioning, the man was released and mysteriously vanished.
Because of his flight some believe he might well have been the killer. Some even speculate he might have been linked to the infamous Zodiac Killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay area. Both of Cindy’s parents have passed away now without answers or closure. Playing armchair detective the victim may well have known her kidnapper and killer. He must have known her car so he would know which car tire to slash. He may well have stalked her in the department store. We may never know Ms. Mellin’s fate but it seems she has good reason to haunt. Maybe her ghost can give us the name of her killer or where her remains may rest. It is one of the great unsolved cases in Ventura history.
VMF’s live July 24th concert presents Time for Three: a string trio who sings
by Richard Newsham, VMF consultant
It’s “time” for “three of a perfect pair”—three musicians who flawlessly “pair” their impeccable voices to astonishing bow techniques on strings (two violins and one double bass)—in other words, a string trio who sings! Charles Yang, Nicolas Kendall and Ranaan Meyer bring their sensationally uncommon blend of vocals and instruments to the 2021 Ventura Music Festival live concert on Saturday, July 24, at 8 pm, at Pacifica High School Performing Arts Center, 600 E Gonzales Rd, in Oxnard.
Time For Three (TF3) celestially navigates the busy intersection of bluegrass and jazz Americana, modern pop and classical music. To experience this “classically trained garage band of fervent travelers” live is to hear the various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music (including Leonard Cohen, Jack Johnson and Bach’s Chaconne”) fold in on themselves and emerge anew. This unequalled ensemble of energy, intensity and artistry makes every audience—from PBS and NPR to Carnegie Hall and Yoshi’s jazz club—feel transportive joy!
Besides five albums, TF3 has commissioned new works from Pulitzer-Prize winning composers Jennifer Higdon and William Bolcom; and scored, with Ben Sollee, Robin Wright’s directorial debut “Land” that premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
“This remarkable group is not to be missed, and its members play and sing with joy, mastery, creativity and supreme artistry in all that they do,” says music critic Leah Hollingsworth. “Truly, no one else is like Time for Three.”
Tickets and details for this 100% vaccinated event at www.venturamusicfestival.org.
Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 – Forever Homes Wanted
Hi: I’m Nani, an almost 3-year-old Siberian Husky who is looking for a fun and active family. I’m great with other dogs, both big and small, and would benefit from a fur sibling as I don’t enjoy being left home alone. I love people and exploring. I’m also great with children.
Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.
Torbie (tabby/tortie!) 5-year-old female. When she first came to us she was very shut down and afraid. She melted our hearts with her soulful eyes. She is still shy, but is coming out of her sshell. We found out she likes a gentle petting and has the softest purr. If you are looking for a mellow and sweet feline friend… this is your girl!
Come meet her during our cat adoptions from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Sundays!
Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Dr. Gati #A773987
Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 – Harbor Patrol Blotter
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Wed |
2:32pm, dispatched to a lift assist in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted a hospice patient move to their bed, no medical. |
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Thursday |
9:45pm, while on patrol, officers observed a large group (500) of juveniles at Surfers Knoll. With assistance of Ventura PD, the crowd was dispersed. |
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Friday |
8:00am, dispatched to a traffic accident on 1363 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded and assisted VFD, VPD and AMR with a patient whose vehicle was rear-ended and sustained moderate injuries and major vehicle damage. |
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Saturday |
6:03am, dispatched to an unconscious person at VWM B-dock. Officers responded and assisted a female with a spider bite, transported to hospital.
12:55pm, dispatched to a male not breathing, no pulse in the 1691 Spinnaker parking lot. Officers responded and found a patient overdosing, beginning assessment. AMR medics further assessed, transported patient to local hospital. 7:10pm, while on patrol in Fireboat, officers educated the skipper of a Boston Whaler in violation of speed/wake ordinance in the main channel of harbor. |
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Sunday |
10:10am, while on patrol officers contacted a paddler on a surfboard in the turning basin of the harbor. He was educated about the no paddleboard or surfboard ordinance in the harbor and not in possession of a lifejacket.
1:08pm, while on patrol in Rescue B17, contacted an individual on a motorized foilboard near the fuel dock. Educated about registration/PFD/Speed violations. |
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Wed |
11:30pm, while on patrol in the vehicle, officers discouraged a large RV towing a SUV from making a right turn on to Spinnaker Drive and heading into the harbor. The vehicle had no working lights and was looking for a place to park for the night. Educated the driver of the oversize vehicle ordinance in the city. |
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Thursday |
6:25pm, dispatched to a drowning at Surfers Knoll. Officers responded in the fireboat and observed the patient was on the beach and CPR in progress. They returned and responded in the vehicle to assist multiple agencies with the call. Patient transported to local hospital and later discovered to be recovering well. |
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Friday |
1:03pm, received report of a stingray strike near the Surfers Knoll groin. Officers responded with hot water to treat the puncture wound with Lifeguards. |
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Saturday |
7:50am, contacted by individual concerned about a person screaming in the L/R restrooms. Officers investigated and found an individual having internal issues and refused any medical assistance, advised to contact 911 if anything changes.
10:30am, contacted a group conducting competitive paddling class at the L/R. Advised to secure a permit for such activities in the future through Port District. 5:00pm, received request from TowBoat US to assist with a sinking vessel they are towing into the harbor. Officers assisted with Rescue B17, dewatering the vessel as it was towed. Further, officers on land blocked off the east side of the launch ramp so the vessel could be put on a waiting trailer. The vessel was found abandoned at Point Mugu and was a panga possibly used in a smuggling event. |
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Monday |
5:39am, observed weather advisory for large South Swell and continued strong rip currents from the swell along all Harbor beaches.
7:17pm, dispatched to a seizure patient at VWM E-dock. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call. Patient transported to hospital for evaluation. |
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Tuesday |
11:15am, dispatched to a lock-out in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and were able to gain entry into the unit for the owner. No medical. |
Tree Town
The Jacaranda Mimosifolia tree is native to Argentina and Brazil and has been planted extensively in California coastal communities beginning in the 1890s.
Its fern-like foliage makes it an excellent shade tree, and its striking purple blossoms adorn Ventura each June and July. Once established, Jacaranda trees can grow to 50′ and are moderately drought-tolerant, requiring watering only during prolonged dry periods.
Ventura Tree Alliance, www.venturatreealliance.com
Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 – Ojai News & Events
Ojai Film Festival goes live!
Festival dates: November 4-14, 2021
November 4 – Opening free film in Libbey Park
November 5-8 – Screenings and Festival programs
November 9-14 – All festival films available online VOD
The Ojai Film Festival will present its 22nd consecutive event celebrating independent films from around the world LIVE here in Ojai, November 5-8, 2021.
Last year the Film Festival’s board engaged in a sharp learning curve culminating in the creation of the 2020 Online Virtual Film Festival. Now, after months of studying the projected COVID infection rate data and intense discussions at each meeting, the board decided to plan an in–Ojai, multi-screen event for November 2021.
The COVID pandemic certainly changed our world. Face masks, social distancing, the closure of almost all our public gathering places…sheltering in place for over a year. Small wonder observers of the social order commented widely on the need for us humans, fundamentally social animals, to socially interact. After mastering, to some extent, online electronic communications – Zoom, Facetime, Skype, etc. – we’re ready to see, touch and interact with others. As the COVID numbers drop we continue to inch out of the shadows.
The Festival enjoys an international reputation as an important celebration of independent films. It receives submissions for both its film competition and screenplay competition from over forty countries and each November regularly screens over sixty films and presents “the Libbey” trophy award in ten categories. Jon Lambert, the Festival’s president commented: “We are excited to be able to present our curated films once again to live audiences where they can be discussed and argued about in a festival setting.”
Year after year the Festival has relied on over one hundred film-loving volunteers to sell tickets, usher patrons, conduct Q&A’s and host visiting filmmakers. One result of the fourteen-month shutdown has been that our volunteer base diminished. To continue the tradition of this major cultural event we must identify new people. We also need folks with management skills, such as a people-oriented person willing to act as the Volunteer Coordinator, and an Operations Manager who will keep things running smoothly during the October lead-in and the November festival.
For his directorial finale for the Ojai Art Center Theater Tom Eubanks chose “Family Furniture,” what he calls, “A story of renewal.” Ojai ACT in a state of renewal themselves, stages this, their second in-person show of 2021, June 25 through July 18.
The New York Times called “Family Furniture” by A.R. Gurney “…a tender, sepia-toned play about a traumatic passage in the lives of a tight-knit, well-bred clan….” Brother and sister Nick and Peggy cope with their mother’s possible infidelity, their father’s apathy, and their own complicated love lives.
Tickets for the weekend performances June 25 through July 18, no show July 4th, are $20 general admission, $18 seniors and AC members, and $10 for those under 25. For more information go to https://ojaiact.org or call (805) 640-8797.
On Sunday, July 25, at 4pm Moscow born wonderful pianist, Natasha Kislenko, returns with fanfare to the Ojai Art Center to resume in person concerts. Natasha will perform solo works from the classic piano literature, and cellist Virginia Kron will join her for the much loved Beethoven Op.69 Sonata in A Major for Piano and Cello. $20 no change donation recommended ~ just drop your donation in box at the entrance. This will be an indoor event with no seating restrictions. Non-vaccinated attendees must wear face masks, but for fully vaccinated folks, masks are optional. The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 S. Montgomery St. in Ojai. For more information contact (805) 640-1158.
United Way welcomes new chair and members to Board of Directors including Ashley Bautista, Public Information Officer, County of Ventura
Dr. Greg Gillespie, Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District will assume the duties as Chair of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Ventura County on July 1, 2021. Dr. Gillespie will serve in this capacity through June 30, 2022. Dr. Gillespie succeeds Midge Campbell-Thomas, Market President of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Ms. Campbell-Thomas will serve as Immediate Past Chair and Treasurer. The United Way’s volunteer Board is a dynamic group of community leaders representing diverse fields of expertise including business, education, financial, legal, and healthcare.
“It’s an honor to be able to serve as Chair of United Way’s Board of Directors during this unique time,” said Dr. Gillespie. “I am looking forward to serving with my fellow board members and United Way staff in our commitment to helping Ventura County residents achieve their full potential in education, financial stability, and health.”
New members added to the Board of Directors include Ashley Bautista, Public Information Officer, County of Ventura; Nancy A. Grygiel, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Amgen, Inc.; Tim Harrington, Regional Account Executive, Deluxe Corporation; Eduardo Lucero, Vice President of Production, Reiter Affiliated Companies; Dr. Cesar Morales, County Superintendent of Schools, Ventura County Office of Education; Marisela Rios, Senior Director of Finance, Medtronic; Manan Shah, Vice President and General Manager of California Individual Business, Anthem; and Kathryn M. Stiles, Director of Community Well-Being, Adventist Health Simi Valley.
Outgoing Board members included Antonio Castro, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Ventura Unifed School District; John C. Lindsey, President and CEO, Lindsey & Lindsey Wealth Management; Laura K. McAvoy, Partner, Musick, Peeler & Garrett, LLP; Michele Newell, Public Affairs Specialist, Aera Energy, LLC; Matthew A. Shrope, Agency Owner, Farmers Insurance; Jesus Torres, CEO, LEAD Public Strategies; Mark Varela, Chief Probation Officer, County of Ventura; Rigoberto Vargas, Director, Ventura County Public Health; and Trish Williams, Chief Risk Officer, CBC Federal Credit Union.
“We are truly grateful for the leadership and support of our outgoing Board members,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. “We’re excited to welcome a diverse group of new Board members as we look ahead to continuing our work improving the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors in need and making a lasting impact in Ventura County.”
Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org.