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Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I love a good night of live music, but every now and then you leave a venue with such a smile engrained on your face that the muscles truly ache, but it feels so right. Such was the case when I caught one of Cadillac Zack Presents shows at Cantara Cellars this past week.

Jimmy Vivino, band leader Conan O’Brien Show. Photo by Seth Brandes

This one featured Jimmy Vivino, band leader for the Conan O’Brien Show. I knew the music would be stellar, but I still was not prepared for what would unfold. For starters, you could tell Vivino was just as anxious for a great night of live music; this was his first live performance since the pandemic hit. When told by the soundman he needed one more minute before starting, Vivino quipped to the audience, I’ve waited 15 months to play, I guess I can wait one more minute. Vivino would continue to talk to us audience members treating us like friends he hadn’t been able to hang out with for so long.

Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra of Canned Heat. Photo by Seth Brandes

The band was super tight with drummer Vince Fossett, bass player Rick Reed and uber talented Anders LaSource aka Sugarmill Slim on harp. And as much as I loved the blues classics they played, for me it was the classic rock tunes including “Are you Experience” by Hendrix and “Midnight Rambler” by the Stones that cemented that smile on my face. And while all that was fabulous including a killer guest performance by Debbie Davies, it was the unannounced appearance of Fito de la Parra, drummer for Canned Heat that made this night so extraordinarily cool. Imagine sitting there listening to killer renditions of “On the Road Again,” “Going up the Country” and “Let’s Work Together” with the original drummer of this iconic group when you realize, this man was not only at the Monterey Pop Festival, but he was at freakin’ Woodstock!! I’ll be smiling for quite some time.

Quick Notes: Pierano’s has been approved for a full liquor license; Made West Brewing is back up with live music on most Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; Pato Banton & the Now Generation play Mrs. Olson’s on July 1; Sick Boy returns to the Sewer on July 2; Tuesdays night Nardcore Nights continue at Rock & Roll Pizza in Camarillo with Free Love Project and No Remorse on July 6, and iDecline with Devil’s Daughter on July 13; Ventura Jazz Orchestra w/ Donna Greene perform at Poinsettia Pavilion on July 9; Cadillac Zack presents Guitar Shorty at Cantara Cellars on July 9; Rachel Flowers with Hans Ottsen and Adam Clark will be at NAMBA on July 10; Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts Theatre by the Beach tribute bands Smooth Sounds of Santana on July 10 ($2 cover); Tommy Marsh will be back in town for a couple of dates as Crooked Eye Tommy, first at Grapes & Hops on July 9 and then at Winchesters on July 11; Surfer’s Point Live just announced Scotty McCreery and Rodney Atkins for July 30, Sublime with Rome and Dirty Heads play October 9; and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real perform at the Ventura Theater on September 9.

Interview with Wyatt Hull of Hy Brasil

Pam Baumgardner: How did the pandemic affect you as an artist?
Wyatt Hull: The pandemic mostly changed the way I was making music at the time. I went from working songs out live in a studio with a band to recording in my kid’s nursery and emailing tracks back and forth to others.

So, you were productive during this time?
Wyatt: It was a roller coaster. At times I did absolutely nothing creatively, using the pandemic as an excuse, and then the pandemic and political unrest would inspire me at other times to write five songs in a week.

What’s your latest project.
Wyatt: There are a few. Tyrantula put out a pandemic single called “FUN,” Gypsy Death Star has an EP that is essentially ready for release, and I’m currently working on a new record with my Hy Brasil bandmate Nik Gonzalez for a project that we are yet to release the name of.

Who have you been working with on these projects?
Wyatt: Nik and I are currently working with producer Jonathan DeBaun on this new project. We record everything at our homes and email mixes back and forth until completion.

How about plans to market and get the word out?
Wyatt: At the moment we are choosing which management we want to go with for this new endeavor so that ball will be in their court we hope.

How is it you ended up providing songs for the Casamigos ad campaign (Casamigos is a tequila company co-founded by George Clooney)?
Wyatt: The director of the Casamigos video campaign asked me to write some music for the ads but they didn’t give me much time. This being said the songs were all written and recorded with local Ventura friends on the spot in one night live at the Captain’s Quarters Studio here in town.

What’s next for you?
Wyatt: Next for me is focusing on getting this new record completed and unleashed to the world as it showcases a new and heavier sound for Nik and I lyrically and musically. A lot of it reflects the insanity that was 2020 so the sooner we can release it the better.

You can find out more about Hyatt’s projects on Facebook.

Don’t forget to tune into the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ-LP out of CAPS Media for music highlighting artists out of the 805 and artists who come to the 805 to play including the new music from Ray Jaurique, Scott Detweiler, Dylan Garica and Jason Brock. I think I’ll have to drop in a Canned Heat tune this next week as well.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows 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.

VUSD Board of Education hires new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Mr. Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will serve him well in this position.

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education, in their April 27 regularly scheduled Board meeting, voted in favor of Superintendent Rice’s appointee, Mr. Brett Taylor, as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Mr. Taylor will begin his new role on June 7, 2021. Mr. Taylor will be replacing Dr. Jeff Davis, who is leaving the District to become the new Superintendent of Oak Park Unified School District. 

Mr. Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will serve him well in this position. He has worked in education for more than 20 years, most recently as the Director of Alternative Education at the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). In addition to this experience, Mr. Taylor brings years of site leadership experience with him, having served in the roles of Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean, Teacher, and Department Chair, in VCOE and Oxnard Union High School District. Having held many roles within a District, Mr. Taylor is uniquely poised to hold the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources position. He is well-known countywide for his strong ability to build positive relationships with District personnel and education associations, his extensive experience in collective bargaining, both traditional and interest-based, his knowledge in recruitment and equal opportunity employment procedures, his ability to foster a shared vision for the organization, and his extensive experience in conflict management and resolution. 

“I believe that Mr. Taylor’s background and work ethic, including his excellent reputation for collaborative leadership and his ability to think long term, will make him an excellent addition to our VUSD team,” stated Superintendent Rice.   

“I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity at Ventura Unified School District and look forward to meeting all the hard-working educators and support staff who positively impact the students of Ventura. The job of retaining and recruiting the absolute best people to work with our students… it doesn’t get any more important than that,” stated Mr. Taylor.

Vol. 14, No. 20 – June 30 – July 13, 2021 – Community Events

by Ana Baker

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Presents the upcoming exhibit: “71%: Honoring Vital Waters”

Saltwater is seventy-one percent of the Earth’s surface, and our seas are considered the lungs of the planet, generating much of the oxygen we breathe. It is no surprise that humans have always been interwoven with the ocean as it plays a practical, recreational, and spiritual role in many cultures throughout history.

Through the unique artwork of mixed media artist Shannon Celia and abstract expressionist Mary Neville, CIMM’s May 2022 exhibition will delve into our complex relationship with the ocean – Saluting those who protect the aquatic ecosystem we depend on to exist while exploring the art, food, fun, and culture derived from the sea.

CIMM will host an opening event on May 12th, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. with local catering, beverages, and a Q&A panel with the artists.

July 24: Saturday, Ventura County Handweavers and Spinners Guild IN PERSON “SO Happy To See You” meeting at new our location: Studio Channel Islands Art Center Community Room, 2222 Ventura Blvd., Old Town Camarillo. Combined Board/General Meeting & Show & Tell 9-10:30 a.m. Welcome to a meeting of a creative community with the specific purpose to advance, foster & promote the art of handweaving, spinning & related crafts through charitable and educational activities. Program Presentation 10:30-11a.m. “Angora Rabbits” followed by a “Stay & Play Afternoon”. For more info on our monthly Programs and Workshops visit us at: www.vchsg.org.

July 24: The Bank of Books 748 E. Main St. 643-3154. Laura Keane, Sat. 1-3p.m.

The Tippy Tree by Laura Keane. This whimsical adventure follows two children on a nighttime moonlit nature walk where they discover the Tippy Tippy Tree. The tree sings out in a magical rhyming song that teaches the alphabet, shapes, colors, and animals, while lulling children to sleep. The book’s colorful illustrations contain images hidden amongst the branches, serving as a fun picture search to keep little ones engaged while reading.

Establishing a good bedtime routine that infuses reading with settling down for bed is an excellent way to prepare children for good sleep habits later in life. This story will inspire the reader as well as the audience until the very end and become a bedtime favorite.

August 3: 5:30-7:30. Dead Letters is almost here, and you are invited to the launch party!

Please join a bunch of friends of Sheila Lowe(and Sheila) at Orozco’s de Ventura Mexican restaurant to celebrate the release of my new Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Mystery, Dead Letters (#8). We’ll be outside on Orozco’s wonderful patio (no mask required!) with amazing Mexican food, prizes, networking, live music by Charles Talmadge, and of course, books galore.

And that’s not all! Local authors James F. Gray, AJ Llewellyn, and Connie Hood will have their books available, too.

RSVP requested: [email protected] (If you’ve already contacted me, no need to do it again). 805-351-7833.

Orozco’s de Ventura 839 E. Front St.

August 7: “Fly Fishing Event”

The Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura will again be conducting our “First Saturday” introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. The “First Saturday” is on the 7th. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you learn and enjoy this great sport. If you do not yet have a fly rod, do not worry, just come, and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9 – 11a.m., in East Ventura, off Telephone Rd. For every one’s safety we ask all those attending to please comply with any current recommendations by the Ventura County Health Department.

For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522

www.sespeflyfishers.org

Elder abuse is intolerable. It’s Up to each of us to stop it

by Chair-Elect of NCOA’s Board of Directors and President & CEO of Greenlee Global, LLC

Key Takeaways

We all deserve to lead happy and healthy lives free from abuse as we age, yet older people are mistreated more often than we think.

Older adults are mistreated more often than we think due to the lack of supports in our communities.

It doesn’t have to be this way. In support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) today, get involved in creating a stronger society that safeguards our communities and prevents abuse.

It could be happening to your neighbor, your aunt, or someone you know from church. It could be physical, emotional, or financial. Almost always, it is silent.

It is elder abuse, and it is more prevalent than you might think. Studies have found that at least one in 10 older adults living in the community experienced some form of abuse in the prior year. In almost 60% of incidents, the perpetrator is a family member.

Elder abuse is a hidden crime that robs older adults of their dignity, money, health, and in some cases, their lives. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a chance to shine a spotlight on this global challenge—and work as individuals and as a society to stop it.

While elder abuse is silent, there are warning signs. Some may be clearly visible—such as bruises or bedsores. Others may show up in unexpected ways. An older adult who was engaged and alert may become depressed and uninterested in people and activities they used to love. There may be sudden changes in the person’s finances that cannot be explained.

Each of us plays a role in understanding and reporting elder abuse. If you know of an older adult who is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911. If you suspect abuse, contact your local Adult Protective Services office by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

While each of us as individuals needs to be vigilant, government needs to step up. In 2010, NCOA advocated for passage of the Elder Justice Act, the first comprehensive legislation to coordinate elder abuse prevention at the federal level. But it has taken more than 10 years to finally secure significant funding for it.

In response to the pandemic, the 2020 year-end funding bill included $100 million in emergency funding for elder justice programs. The American Rescue Plan signed by President Biden in March invests another $276 million per year in the Elder Justice Act over the next two years.

These resources are sorely needed and will be used quickly. But more work remains. NCOA continues to follow the lead of the Elder Justice Coalition in endorsing key bills to address financial exploitation, empower financial institutions, and strengthen activities on the judicial side of this effort. That includes the Stop Senior Scams Act and Elder Abuse Protection Act already introduced in the 117th Congress.

Abuse of any person at any age is intolerable. We must do all we can to ensure that every American is safe.

The Buenaventura Art Association is sad to announce the passing of BAA Honorary Lifetime Member Margy Gates.

According to her bio and other reports, Margy drew her first portrait at the age of 4.

She went on to earn a master’s degree in fine art from Claremont Graduate University, where she studied with iconic painters of the time, including Millard Sheets and Phil Dike.

In 1978, she and her husband, Charlie, and two of their three teenage daughters moved aboard a 39-foot sailboat in the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. When her children graduated from high school, Gates and her husband lived for the next 24 years aboard a sailboat near the Whale’s Tail Restaurant in Oxnard.

Margy was a gallerist for more than 35 years. She opened her first gallery in the 1980s in the Marine Emporium Landing on Harbor Boulevard in Oxnard. Later, she moved next to Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut on Los Altos Street.

Finally, she opened her Sea Gate Gallery on Ocean Drive in Oxnard. The 10-by-10-foot space, nestled between a real estate office and the Rudder Room bar, was previously a hot dog stand. After 15 years, she closed the gallery in 2015.

Margy was one of the resident artists at BAA’s Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts in 2016 and 2017. Her daughter, Alison, hosted Margy’s shifts at the gallery and maintained her display space while Margy painted at home.

John Nava’s brilliant Jacquard tapestry at Museum of Ventura County

John Nava’s 87”x330” brilliant Jacquard tapestry can be viewed at the Museum of Ventura County. He stated “The Promenade near surfers’ point is, in fact, a magnetic gathering place for our community, a place where all sorts come to stroll, to surf, to rest in the sun. We find ourselves immersed in this beautiful nexus of shore, and sky completing the composition. I wanted to make Ventura’s own Arcadian image.”

City adopts $303.3 million budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

The Ventura City Council adopted a balanced $303.3 million operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 at its Budget Hearing on June 21, 2021.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the General Fund will have a balanced budget of $124.1 million, allowing the city to deliver several upcoming projects, advanced planning work, pandemic recovery, and core services and programs.

“This budget provides the resources to support the ongoing services our residents have come to expect. It was prepared in support of the City Council’s established budget principles and strategic annual goals, which were both identified earlier in the year,” stated Ventura City Manager Alex D. McIntyre.

The FY 21-22 budget allows for technology investments, homeless services, public safety enhancements, upgrades to the fire department’s alerting system, investments in downtown Ventura for Main Street Moves, support for an economic development strategy, and additional staffing support for business technology innovation, community development, and human resources.

The budget also includes funding from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA). City Council approved a plan to use ARPA funds for one-time expenditures for community beautification, a one stop shop permit center, parking improvements at Mission Park, Main Street Moves, facility improvements and repairs, fire station enhancements, and upgrades to the City’s information and technology systems. The City will receive $16.3 million in one-time funding over the course of the next two years.

The City continues to invest in Ventura’s infrastructure, and added nine new projects to the 2020-2026 Capital Improvement Program. Projects include Promenade repair improvements, citywide bridge preventative maintenance, parking lot light improvements for Paseo de Playa and the Pier, stormwater mitigation, sidewalk ADA improvements, water and wastewater service repairs, and coastal facility improvements. Eight of the projects in the six-year workplan are funded by Measure O.

“The City remains focused on recovering from the recent pandemic and continues to use multi-year forecasts and budget principles to ensure long-term financial viability,” said Finance and Technology Director Michael Coon.

The City Council also recently adopted the Fire Department Operational Performance Study on April 21, 2021, which outlined a need for facility improvements and three additional positions to optimize service delivery. As a part of the FY 21-22 budget, $3.5 million has been set aside for fire station facility upgrades and additional operational enhancements. The City will present a strategic plan for fire operations during the mid-year budget review in January 2022.

In support of the Council’s current goals, the City completed a comprehensive Information Technology (IT) Strategic Plan and scoping for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which was presented in May 2021. The IT Strategic Plan assessed the City’s existing technologies, operational requirements, and service delivery needs, and outlined a strategy to address unique business need requirements by the public and customer relationship management through new and improved interfaces.

For additional information about the City of Ventura’s budget or financial documents, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/FinancialTransparency.

The National Alzheimer’s Project Act called for a coordinated national plan to accelerate research and improve care

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias change the way people remember, think, and act. These diseases can be devastating for the individuals who have them and for their families and caregivers. Taking action against Alzheimer’s and related dementias is a priority for the federal government.

The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), signed into law in January 2011, called for a coordinated national plan to accelerate research and improve care and services for people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their families.

As the economic costs of care continue to climb — along with costs associated with loss of independence and quality of life — we are more driven than ever to discover, develop, disseminate, and implement solutions that will improve the lives of those with dementia, their caregivers, and their communities.

Prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025

Optimize care quality and efficiency

Expand supports for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families

Enhance public awareness and engagement

Track progress and drive improvement

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death for Americans. In 2017, it accounted for an estimated 120,000 deaths.

An analysis conducted by NIH-supported researchers found that total social costs from health care and caregiving spending for a person with probable dementia in the last five years of life was an estimated $287,000, compared with $175,000 for an individual with heart disease and $173,000 for someone with cancer.

Agencies across the federal government support efforts to carry out the National Plan.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is made up of Institutes, Centers, and Offices that conduct and fund research into all aspects of human health. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) leads NIH’s efforts in clinical, behavioral, and social research in Alzheimer’s and related dementias through efforts aimed at finding ways to treat and ultimately prevent the disorder. NIA collaborates closely with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), which manages a research portfolio targeting Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias. NIA and NINDS work with Institutes and Centers across NIH to fund related projects. NIH also collaborates with the Department of Veterans Affairs to leverage health data from millions of older veterans to contribute to Alzheimer’s research.

NIH-funded research is conducted both in NIH laboratories and at institutions and small businesses around the country. A cornerstone of NIH’s Alzheimer’s research is a group of more than 30 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers across the U.S. These centers conduct research to advance scientific discoveries, provide research resources for the broader research community, and work to translate research advances into improved diagnosis, treatment, and care. NIA also supports several large infrastructure programs designed to support drug development, scientific collaboration, data sharing, and clinical research.

In addition, NIA and NINDS have announced the development of a groundbreaking new research center on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research (CARD) will bring together scientists from multiple NIH Institutes and Centers to support basic, translational, and clinical research on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The center’s efforts will complement and enhance the work of thousands of researchers working across the globe to find a treatment or cure for these diseases.