Ms. Saxton is also the President of Women Leading Government.
Carlene Saxton has been selected as the new Assistant City Manager after an extensive national recruitment process, with her start date set for April 15, 2024. Ms. Saxton brings diverse experience in private and public sectors, focusing on community planning and economic development.
Ms. Saxton joins the City of Ventura after serving as the City of Moorpark’s Community Development Director. She was previously the Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Palmdale.
“We are excited to bring a dynamic leader to our executive team with a demonstrated commitment to fostering positive relationships and understanding the pulse of communities,” shared City Manager Bill Ayub. “Ms. Saxton has a proven track record for streamlining government processes and bolstering economic vitality, which we believe will help contribute to the City’s sustainable growth and long-term needs. Additionally, her extensive experience in community development further strengthens our team’s ability to address housing and development.”
Ms. Saxton holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Valparaiso University and a master’s in development and planning from University College London. Spearheading groundbreaking initiatives, including comprehensive General Plan Updates, Zoning Code Revisions, and pivotal large-scale development projects, Ms. Saxton also instigated district establishment for tourism and enhanced infrastructure financing.
Ms. Saxton is also the President of Women Leading Government, helping women succeed in public service by enhancing career-building models that develop leadership skills and networking professional women in government.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve the City of Ventura as its Assistant City Manager,” said Saxton. “I am deeply passionate about public service and empowering connections with our community to collaborate and drive positive change for the future and our residents.”
The Assistant City Manager will support daily operations and manage highly complex administrative support for the City Manager’s Office and City Council members. Learn more about the City’s leadership team at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Leadership.
New Art City Theatre’s (NACT) inaugural playwrights’ festival will be held April 25 – 28, 2024 at the Museum of Ventura County. NACT is dedicated to the development of new theatrical works.
Festival ’24 is free to the community. “Too often, professional theatre is out of reach of people who’d love to see it. Keeping the festival free is critical to our mission,” adds NACT cofounder Beverly Ward.
For the festival, 175 works were submitted from all over the country. From a careful screening process, four plays were selected. The selected writers will engage in a week-long residency, collaborating with professional directors, actors, and dramaturges The plays will be cast and rehearsed with equity actors.
Each show will have two staged reading performances (matinee and evening). All works will be presented to live audiences who will provide structured feedback to the writer.
SWIMMING UP THE SUN – April 25, 1 & 7 PM
Written by Nicole Burton
A warm-hearted and inspiring journey into the heart of an adopted woman’s experience with relinquishment and the rollercoaster ride of a family reunion. Adapted from the author’s memoir.
RECONCILIATION – April 26, 1 & 7 PM
Written by Dan Noonan
In the face of triumph and tragedy, Tim struggles with faith. His surprisingly funny, achingly beautiful story will leave you breathlessly praying for his salvation
DROWNED CATS – April 27, 1 & 7 PM
Written by Greg LoProto
A regular family is living their regular lives when a devastating storm brings them together and helps them forge deeper connections. Powerful yet intimate, this is a story for now.
BLOWHOLE – April 28, 1 & 5 PM
Written by Aly Kantor
A nautical, radical, silly, scintillating, laugh-out-loud adaptation of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, set in a struggling whaling village during the doldrums of the American suffrage movement. A lark!
Audiences will have the unique and exciting opportunity to peek behind the curtain and witness the birth of theatre in the making. This program has been made possible in part through the sponsorship of The Field, and with funding provided by the generous donors who support the mission and vision of NACT.
New Art City Theatre (NACT) is a groundbreaking theatre company based in Ventura. Founded in 2023 by Kirby and Beverly Ward, renowned theatre professionals, the company is dedicated to the development of new works and offers a platform for emerging playwrights to showcase their talents. By giving equal access to diverse voices and inviting a broader audience to participate, NACT aspires to elevate all that is compelling about original theatre. For more information, visit www.newartcitytheatre.org, email [email protected] or connect on Facebook or Instagram.
It can be said that when it rains in Ventura, it pours. This rainy season has given us another set of challenges here at Ventura Water. Water and wastewater crews worked 24-hour shifts responding to broken water lines and increased flows in the sewer system. Thanks to one concerned resident, we were alerted to an exposed water line and were able to isolate the line without service interruption. We also lent support to our Public Works coworkers, cleaning debris, and pumping down flooded areas. The best part is you probably didn’t even know it. This is the goal, so that our customers rarely experience disruptions. No matter what obstacles we encounter, Ventura Water’s purpose stays the same; to provide local, reliable, and quality service for all generations.
We are guided by four quality standards: Safety, Reliability, Professionalism, and Stewardship. These are demonstrated routinely by the Ventura Water team, and it is an honor to work with them. One of our teams, the Sewer Collections Department, was honored this past month with the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Tri-Counties Section Collection System of the Year Award and has been nominated for the State level award. The dedication is so great with this team that when the awards ceremony was held, half of the team was out clearing debris from a pump station that had been inundated by high surf events.
Friendly and upbeat, Mike Christie can easily put strangers and acquaintances at ease with his ready smile and his repertoire of jokes.
He readily talks about his day and what brought him to Neuroboxing Fight Camp at Portside
Ventura Harbor. “A friend told me about these no-contact boxing classes for people with Parkinson’s, back in 2020. I was one of the first students ,” says Mike, 75.
More than three years later, he’s still attending classes five times a week, with one class solely devoted to strength training. The Camarillo resident looks forward to the classes and meeting like-minded people going through the same thing – Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other neurological conditions.
He adds, “I no longer feel alone. Here I am surrounded by people who are in the same boat as I am and there’s so much support out there.” He even started attending monthly support groups where there is a lot of talking and sharing of coping mechanisms like Tai Chi.
Mike recalls being diagnosed in 2020 although the tremors started ten years prior. The tremors progressively got worse and he eventually sought and received a diagnosis from a neurologist at UCLA.
Pre-Parkinson’s, Mike was inspecting vehicles upon arrival at Port Hueneme, a job he had for 13 years. Prior to that, was managing a cabinet shop in Orange County. He retired at 62 and didn’t think another job was in the cards for him.
This Oregon transplant finds the SoCal coastline equally breathtaking and led to his fondness for collecting sea glass, which he finds immensely relaxing and satisfying in its simplicity. He says, “You walk amidst these rocks and you find these simple, beautiful pieces. You can get lost in the process and not notice that several hours have gone by.”
“It’s an outdoor activity I enjoy doing. I can spend hours or an entire day on a beach by the rock formations, just searching for sea glass,” he says of his decades-long hobby. He likes the local beaches like Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard but also looks forward to the pristine beaches of Maui, which he usually visits once or twice a year.
While he doesn’t do much with sea glass except to collect them for decorative purposes and careful storage, he has on occasion had the more vibrant pieces turned into necklaces and gifted them to close friends and family members.
His PD diagnosis hasn’t stopped him from traveling. Aside from Maui, he has visited Israel and Australia. “I still live life the way I want to and it hasn’t stopped me at all. I’ve gotten used to it that sometimes I no longer notice the tremors,,” says the father of one and grandfather of six. He does practice great care in navigating staircases and curbs, but very simple modifications. He also finds enjoyment in going out to dinner occasionally and not having to whip up home-cooked meals.
His neurologist in Oxnard was trying to convince him to do surgery when he was ready but he decided it wasn’t for him, after much thought. He credits his spirituality and his past stint as a pastor for his current mindset of acceptance and contentment.
When asked what he would tell folks who get a PD diagnosis, Mike put it simply – “If you experience the usual symptoms, try to get an early diagnosis so you have access to more treatment options. Don’t put it off and continue or start exercising to get a handle on it right away.”
It’s time to mark your calendars! The Parkinson’s Foundation and the Ventura County Neurofitness Center are hosting a Bingo/Talent Show to support fundraising efforts for the Parkinson’s Foundation. The event will be held Friday, March 15th from 7-9pm at the Ventura Marina Community Clubhouse located at 1215 Anchors Way in Ventura. The event will include 5 regular games of Bingo, a talent show, desserts, coffee & water.
Doors open at 6:00pm with regular bingo games starting promptly at 7pm. Entry fee is $10 per person plus $5 buy-in for bingo. Every game has a minimum $100 prize value (Amazon, Wood Ranch gift cards). Talent show starts at 8pm immediately following the bingo games and will feature the many talents of our local community.
This event is open to the public and 100% of the proceeds go directly to support the Parkinson’s Foundation and its mission to improve care and advance research toward a cure.
“We are partnering with the Parkinson’s Foundation to raise money for our relentless pursuit of a cure for Parkinson’s,” said Dr. Vanessa White, Director of the Ventura County Parkinson’s Support Group. Dr. White added that she would love for you to be a part of this fun-filled night you won’t want to miss,” and she “hopes to make this an annual event” held in conjunction with the Foundation’s Moving Day event (scheduled for Saturday, April 13th this year from 9-11am at the Ventura County Fairgrounds).
Seats are limited to 200 attendees and this exciting event will fill up fast—please arrive early with your friends and family and the bingo fun will start promptly at 7pm—all for a good time and an even better cause. For those unable to attend this event, but would still like to support the Parkinson’s Foundation, please visit the A-Team page (on the Parkinson’s Foundation website—Ventura County Moving Day—http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/ATeam_2024) to make donations directly through the Parkinson’s Foundation website.
A local nonprofit provided more than 50,000 volunteer hours last year, serving 1,282 vulnerable senior citizens and those with disabilities in Ventura County.
This year, Ventura County Caregivers, together with its national partner, National Volunteer Caregiving Network, will celebrate 40 years of success serving the community with volunteer caregiving. Volunteers provide non-medical, in-home support services and transportation for homebound, frail elders, preventing their premature placement into board and care facilities and making it possible for them to continue to live in the comfort and security of their own homes.
In Ventura County, it is estimated that there are 30,000 seniors and people with disabilities in need of some help that volunteers can offer to help fill the gaps. The Ventura County Caregivers organization helps fill the need for volunteers to serve homebound elderly and people with disabilities.
“More than 90% of those we serve can age in place in the comfort and security of their own homes. This is huge for seniors, and thanks to our dedicated volunteers, donors and supporters, we will continue to serve Ventura County for another 40 years and beyond,” explains Tammy I. Glenn, Executive Director of Ventura County Caregivers.
The 40-year-old organization’s demonstrated model of success depends upon local volunteers who deliver groceries, pharmaceuticals, and provide personal transportation to critical medical appointments like dialysis and chemotherapy.
“Our mission is to promote the health, well-being, dignity, and independence of frail, homebound elders through one-on-one relationships with trusted volunteers,” explains Joe Morgan, Caregivers Board Chair.
Helping to pass the torch of volunteering to the next generation, the Caregivers Volunteers intergenerational program “Building Bridges” brings high school students into the homes of frail elders to visit and to assist them. Under adult supervision at all times, students help with some of the more physically demanding tasks that frail elders cannot do for themselves.
“Communities don’t realize how essential our volunteers are until aging, lack of mobility or disability sets in, or we become homebound in a pandemic. It’s highly likely every one of us will need a helping hand one day. Thanks to the generous support of local and corporate donors, volunteer caregivers are vetted, trained and coordinated to be there when you need us most,” added Glenn.
For more information on how to become a Caregiver volunteer, visit vccaregivers.org or call 805-658-8530.
Sydney is a German Shepherd mix 10 months old.
Loves chewing on furniture, blinds and socks; long walks, all kinds of chewing toys and treats and snuggles best of all.
Rescued by Mira from Westside German Shepherd Rescue in LA.
• According to the American Medical Veterinarian Association(AMVA), there are certain signs in a pet’s health that point to a dental problem.
“If there’s an issue can present with bad breath, it can present with loose teeth. It can present with swelling in the jaw, behind the eye, or anywhere else in the mouth. Inflamed gums. Most dogs and cats will eat despite them having tremendous periodontal disease and things like that. So that’s not always the first thing we look for,” Dr. Sherri Dubuc, chief of staff said at Emerald Shores Pet Hospital Resort and Spaw.
“It’s easy to clean my teeth.”
“The smaller the dog, the toy breeds generally have genetically poor teeth, so they actually should have their teeth cleaned every year, year and a half. Once they get to be about two or three years old. Larger breed dogs don’t build up as much plaque. They don’t get as much dental disease, and you can usually space that cleaning out three, sometimes even four years,” Dubuc said.
If oral surgery is needed, the pet will be under anesthesia in order to get a full glimpse at the problem. Dubuc said proper treatment and check-ups can help keep your loved one around longer.
“Having periodontal disease can lead to bone decay, infections in the jaw or the bone. It can lead to heart disease. Vegetative endocarditis can be a result of periodontal disease. It can actually shorten their lifespan if they have a bad enough infection,” Dubuc said.
The AMVA said brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is the best way to prevent frequent vet bills or major dental problems.
• RescueCon, OPAC’s one-day event bringing creativity and community together to celebrate and facilitate animal rescue and adoption, returns on Saturday, March 23 from 11 am to 4pm. This year’s event features animal welfare influencer, the Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw), and is free and open to the public. Festivities will be held at Community Center Park East, just behind the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. More information can be found at: theopac.org/rescuecon
With 1.3 million Instagram followers, “Kitten Lady” Hannah Shaw is this year’s special guest. She’s a renowned animal advocate, educator, and author, dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable animals, particularly kittens. With a background in animal rescue and welfare, Shaw has become a leading voice in the field, inspiring a global community to care for and protect animals in need. Hannah will be leading two workshops: “Saving Kittens’ Lives” and “Community Cats 101.” While Kitten Lady talks are free, there are limited VIP tickets with preferred seating available through Eventbrite which include a Meet & Greet.
A few of the special activities for 2024 include:
Pet adoptions from Ventura County Humane Society, Canine Animal Rescue League, Humane Society of Ventura County, Santa Paula Animal Rescue, the Bunny Brigade, and others
Kid’s Area with jolly jump, hands-on and educational activities
Nonprofit exhibitors including National Search Dog Foundation, Cassie’s Cats, Animal Guardians Horse Rescue, California Coastal Horse Rescue, Harleys Heart Kitten Rescue, Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, and others
Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. RescueCon is one way to increase animal adoption, promote animal welfare and help create a strong rescue community. The event will also help shed light on other animals in need in our community, including marine animals, wildlife, farmed animals, and others.
RescueCon has been made possible thanks to generous support from the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Animal Welfare Fund.
• Guinness rescinds Bobi’s title as world’s longest-lived dog. Bobi, a Portuguese mastiff, probably was not 31 years and five months old when he died, according to Guinness World Records, which pulled the previously awarded title of world’s longest-lived dog from the dog. “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and no concrete evidence has been provided to prove his age,” said veterinarian Danny Chambers, a council member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
• Licking: cats are absolutely obsessed with it. In fact, research suggests an adult domestic feline can spend up to 8 per cent of their waking hours grooming their body with their tongue. Licking can also play an important social role with felines, with adults often licking each other just before copulating.
But what about humans: why do cats lick people? The good news: there’s no evidence to say your cat considers this any part of a pre-mating ritual. The bad news: scientists and cat behavioral experts aren’t completely sure why your cat might mop their little tongue against your face or hand.
However, while there’s no overarching and definitive explanation for this behavior, there are several theories about why domestic felines lick humans. Spoiler: your cat doesn’t come off well in any of them.
Why do cats lick people?
There’s no one reason why your cat might lick you. However, there are three main theories as to why domestic felines engage in this behavior:
They’re displaying they trust you.
They’re accessing biochemical information from your skin.
They’re marking you as another one of their possessions.
The trust theory
Yes, there’s a chance a cat may lick you to show they trust you. Or at least to show they don’t consider you as serious competition.
“This type of licking is similar to a cat-to-cat behavior known as allogrooming, which is basically mutual grooming. A cat will learn this from its mother when they’re a very young blind and deaf kitten. It’s basically to clean the kitten and strengthen social bonds,” says Dr David Sands, an expert in animal psychology with over 25 years of clinical experience.
“Because of these maternal origins, adult cats will only lick other cats they trust and are not in competition with. And this trusting grooming behavior may be transferred to a human.”
“After all, cats are not sitting there saying ‘I’m a cat and you’re a human being’. To them, animals are either in competition with them or not. And licking shows you’re not in competition.”
