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CAPS digital storytelling summer program 2024

ECTV Students in Control room.

The CAPS Digital Storytelling summer program returns this year with week-long sessions July 15-19 and July 29-August 2 for students ages 10-14. Guided by experienced videographers and storytellers, the summer camp crews collaborate in teams of four or five to create their own video productions. The fast paced and engaging creative program features hands-on, experiential learning in all aspects of media storytelling including story development, scripting, casting, staging, directing, camera training with HD camcorders and smartphones, video composition, lighting, remote and in-studio production, graphic design, editing and more.

Each weeklong session runs Monday – Friday, from 8:30am to 1:00pm with class sizes limited to 10-12 students. The Digital Storytelling program is held at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road in Ventura, between Loma Vista and Telegraph, on the eastside of Ventura College. The weekly fee is $250 for the week and includes five 4-hour sessions, a one-year family membership at CAPS, a CAPS Crew Member shirt, graduation certificate and a special Friday night film festival for friends and family. The registration deadline is June 1. Go to capsmedia.org/digitalstorytelling to sign up.

Prior to the summer program CAPS crews will be busy with multiple productions including recording and live streaming ceremonies for Ventura College graduates and all of the VUSD High Schools graduates. The Ventura College graduation is on May 17 at 10am. The VUSD graduations are June 11 – 13. On Tuesday, June 11 ceremonies begin at 10am with El Camino High School, Pacific High School at 12:30pm, Foothill High School at 2:30pm and VACE at 5:30pm at Ventura College. Wednesday, June 12 is Buena High School’s ceremony beginning at 4pm at Buena. The Ventura High School graduation is to be held on Thursday, June 13 at 3pm at Ventura High. All graduations will be live streamed by CAPS on the day of the ceremonies and recorded for broadcast on CAPS channel 15 in the days and weeks that follow.

Recently CAPS launched ReCAPS, the special weekly series featuring storytellers throughout Ventura County. Every Monday night at 7pm a new edition of ReCAPS premieres on CAPS Channel 6 and streams online, with stories and histories by local storytellers sharing their personal journeys. Recent ReCAPS storytellers include Moses Mora, Adam Hart, Jake and Jenny Dilbeck, and Carlos Ortega. In the coming weeks ReCAPS will feature Luis Sanchez, Lucas Zucker, Regina Hatcher-Crawford, Jim and John Proctor, David Endaya, Dustin Gardner and many more.

Congratulations to Phil Taggart, one of CAPS Media’s many artists in residence, who, along with his Arts In Exile crew won a 2024 WAVE Award for excellence in community programming from the Alliance for Community Media’s Western region.

Everyone in the community is invited to visit the CAPS Media Center on the first Monday of each month at 6pm for informal introductions. The evening includes a tour of the CAPS studio, information on CAPS membership benefits, and a creative overview of media production from concept development through production. Everyone is encouraged to drop by and discover what CAPS has to offer.

CAPS Media manages and programs cable channels 6 (Public) and 15 (Education and Government), and CAPS Radio KPPQ in Ventura, and manages the CAPS Media Center, at 65 Day Road, which is open Tuesday – Thursday, 12p– 8pm. CAPS provides unlimited creative resources and expertise to everyone in Ventura.

Eco Fest offered a variety of engaging activities

Vendors and advocates for plugging oil and gas wells Hayley Ehlers, Abrah Steward and Brooke Balthasar.

by Patricia Schallert

On April 28th, 2024, The Ventura Charter School  held their 13th annual Eco Fest. It  was an exciting and educational event that celebrated environmental conservation and sustainability. Held annually, this free festival welcomed the community and aimed to promote awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving our planet for future generations.

orbin Bray demonstrating the Bridgewalk built by Boy Scout troop 111.

The Eco Fest offered  a variety of engaging activities and exhibits for people of all ages. One of the main attractions at the festival was  the interactive exhibits, where visitors  learned about renewable energy sources, waste reduction techniques, and eco-friendly practices. From electric cars to rope bridge demonstrations, these exhibits showcased innovative ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Guests were also given the opportunity to bid in a silent auction, benefiting Ventura Charter School’s many diverse and inclusive academic programs.

In addition to the exhibits, the Eco Fest also featured a wide range of topics such as sustainable gardening, water conservation, and climate change. Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical tips on how to achieve a greener and more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Summer Dalton, Amanda Kelley and Alison Beck Chairperson of the fundraiser committee.

Another highlight of the Eco Fest was the local vendors market, where guests were able  browse and purchase a wide range of eco-friendly products. From organic produce to handmade crafts made from recycled materials, this market supports local businesses that prioritize the environment. It is a great opportunity for visitors to support sustainability while discovering unique and environmentally friendly products.

The festival also featured live music performances, delicious food trucks offering organic and locally sourced options, face painting and games for children. With its lively and vibrant atmosphere, the Eco Fest created a sense of community and encouraged people to come together in support of our planet.

The Ventura Charter School Eco Fest,  held annually, is more than just a festival; it is a platform for individuals and organizations to come together and create positive change. It inspires and empowers the community  to take action towards a more sustainable lifestyle and showcases the incredible possibilities of living in harmony with our natural world.

Overall, the Ventura Charter School Eco Fest is an annual must-attend event for anyone interested in environmental conservation and sustainability while benefiting Ventura Charter School. With its engaging exhibits, informative workshops, silent auction and fun-filled activities, it is an excellent opportunity to learn, connect, and have a great time while making a positive impact on the planet. thank you to the fund-raising committee for all the work they put into making this festival a successful event.

Olivas Adobe Events

Music Under The Stars at the Adobe start on July 13.

Sunday, May 5- Olivas Adobe House Tours 11-3pm The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Annual Murals & Roses

Sunday, May 12 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mothers Day at the Olivas Adobe. Murals and Roses is a free art exhibit held annually on Mother’s Day at the Olivas Adobe. The exhibit showcases the historic Olivas Adobe Rose Garden and a series of colorful murals painted by renowned California muralist Marguerite Hardeman. Each year, up to fifteen of the murals are taken out of storage and displayed around the Olivas Adobe grounds in celebration of spring. Visitors can enjoy historic tours of the Olivas Adobe grounds and browse the site’s unique gift shop.

Sunday, May 19- Olivas Adobe House Tours 11-3pm The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Sunday, May 26- Olivas Adobe House Tours 11-3pm The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Earth Day

Yana and a friend enjoying Earth Day. Photos by Yana Khiyod and Patricia Schallert

The Earth Day celebration in the City of Ventura held on April 20th at Plaza Park was an exceptional display of community spirit and environmental consciousness.

Attendees were treated to an array of attractions, including electric cars, eco-friendly activities, live music, sustainable vendors, interactive displays, and captivating performances by local Mexican dance groups and vocalists.

Mia Lopez, embodying her Chumash heritage, bestowed a heartfelt blessing upon the festival’s opening, emphasizing the ongoing efforts for a better Ventura. Mayor Joe Schroeder echoed “the significance of embracing Mother Earth and promoting unity amidst diverse lifestyles is important.”

The event served as a unified platform for acknowledging the past and collectively moving forward towards a greener, more sustainable future. It was a celebration that left a lasting impact on the community, igniting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

150 Artisans Will Display Their Designs At 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival

Nicole Dembowich of NZ Designs Studio is creating mugs for the festival.

Artisans from California and beyond will display their creations at the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival, May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).

Known for its array of strawberry-themed food and beverages, the festival has also established itself as one of the top destinations for unique and eclectic artistic designs. Many of the 150 crafters at the festival incorporate strawberries into their paintings, woodwork, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, specialty foods, furniture, children’s toys and photography. “While strawberries are the main attraction, festivalgoers often head straight to the arts and crafts booths to check out what’s new,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths.

For Britney Mendoza, this will be the first time she will be displaying her candle designs at the festival. “The California Strawberry Festival is very nostalgic for me,” says Mendoza, who began her Thirty Four Charms business nearly a decade ago. “My family would attend all the time when I was a kid growing up in Oxnard. Spring is officially here when I see the festival come to town.”

Paul Crabtree, owner of Colorburst Studios, will display earrings (including strawberry designs), barrettes, necklaces and bracelets made from Niobium and Titanium.

Nicole Dembowich of NZ Designs Studio is creating mugs, berry bowls, sponge holders, trinket trays, pitchers, olive oil bottles, serving trays, butter dishes, garden stakes and more that will all be strawberry-themed. This will be Dembowich’s third year participating at the festival.

The California Strawberry Festival, which attracts 50,000 visitors over two days, features more than 50 food and beverage booths, many with a strawberry dish or drink made from fresh strawberries. Other attractions include live entertainment on multiple stages, Strawberryland for Kids, carnival rides, a Ninja Nation obstacle course and a $5 “build-your-own” Strawberry Shortcake Experience.

Festival general admission is $15, active military with ID and family and seniors 62 and over, $10, youth ages 5 to 12, $8, and children 4 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.CAStrawberryFestival.org or upon entry to the festival. A limited amount of parking is available onsite for $20 per vehicle.

Festival-goers are encouraged to use the free shuttles, which will run every 15 minutes to the festival from nearby locations in Oxnard and Ventura. Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For more about the festival visit www.castrawberryfest.org or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

California State University, Channel Islands Broome Library Lecture Series
Faculty from disciplines across the CSUCI campus participate in these unique and informal lectures at local libraries throughout the county as a way to engage with the broader public and participate in community outreach. Events are free and open to the public.
Who Wrote Shakespeare?
Hill Road Library Tuesday, May 7, 5:00 pm
Ojai Library Wednesday, May 8, 6:00 pm
Shakespeare’s plays are known world-wide and have shaped our languages and literary imaginations for centuries. But is Willam Shakespeare truly the author of the works we know as “Shakespeare’s”? English Professor Bob Mayberry will host a presentation and discussion of the myths, legends, and theories surrounding the authorship of what we know as “Shakespeare” as part of the Broome Library Lecture Series. Professor Mayberry has taught classes on English, poetry, composition, swearing, and even baseball literature during his 16 years at CSU-CI,
Hill Road Library is located at 1070 S. Hill Road, Ventura. For additional information,
contact Linda Cherry, Hill Road Librarian, at [email protected]
Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. For additional information,
contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

Get a Vehicle Day Use Pass for California State Parks at your library.
In partnership with California State Parks and the California State Library, free State Parks vehicle-day use passes are available for circulation to help Californians access beautiful parks, lakes, beaches, and monuments in the State Parks system free. The Library Parks Pass is valid for vehicle day use at 200+ participating state park units of the California State Park System operated by State Parks. The pass is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, group use or sites, special events, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees. Passes circulate for 21 days and are renewable if no other customers are waiting. For more information, go to https://www.vencolibrary.org/library-things/parks-pass or call 805 626-READ.

The Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore in E.P. Foster Library
2nd Look Books is now open 7 days a week,Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
New donations arrive every week and the stock in our store is regularly refreshed.
We also invite you to visit our online bookstore for local sales for unique items, including Manga, Vintage, Art and Architecture. Find the link at our website: https://venturafriendsofthelibrary.org. Orders are picked up at our bookstore in E.P. Foster Library, 651 East Main Street, Ventura.
With our extended hours, we could use more volunteers to staff the store. If you would like to help, please stop by the store and speak to a volunteer or email [email protected].

Win a gorgeous mug by gallery artist Kristen Clawson.

The Ventura Pottery Gallery invites you to join a special Mother’s Day Market Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 from 11 – 6 . Over 40 local artisans will exhibit hand-crafted pieces perfect gift giving. You’ll find mugs, vases and more in every price range.

Enter our free raffle when you visit the gallery starting April 19 to win a gorgeous mug by gallery artist Kristen Clawson.

Ventura Pottery Gallery is located at 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105 in the Ventura Harbor. The Gallery is open seven days a week from 11-6. More information can be found www.vcpg.org. Can’t make it to the Gallery? Please visit our Online Store at www.venturapotteryonline.com

Vol. 17, No. 16 – May 1 – May 14, 2024 – The Pet Page

• By Elana Spivack

It’s unfair that some humans are allergic to humankind’s best friend. An adorable dog or cat ought to bring joy to those around it, not miserable sniffling and sneezing. But between 10 and 20% of the world population is allergic to cats and dogs, marking a significant portion of people who are sensitive to two of the world’s most popular household pets.

Hypoallergenic cats and dogs are a purported solution. But what does it mean to be hypoallergenic — and does such a trait really exist?

The most common ones appear in their saliva and shed skin, or dander. People with allergies to these proteins experience immune reactions, meaning their immune system responds as if they’re bacteria or viruses, deploying a bevy of unpleasant symptoms like sneezing, itching, or coughing.

Some cats and dogs are deemed hypoallergenic, which means they’re “relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, but still can,” Koch says. Dog breeds believed hypoallergenic include hairless terriers, poodles, bichon frise, and schnauzers while cats include the Cornish Rex and hairless sphynx, according to Koch. These animals supposedly don’t shed as much, or might be hairless altogether, but that might not make a difference when it comes to allergies. Koch says that dogs can produce allergens in their blood, prostate, and anal glands, while cats make allergens in their skin oil glands, anal glands, blood, and male cats produce them in urine.

Salivary allergens are especially problematic because as cats and dogs groom themselves, they spread these proteins all over their body. These compounds can also hang around in the air for several days. Even if you get a hairless cat or dog, an allergy to their saliva can make them a menace to your immune system.

• Ask the Vet

Q: I was at the vet’s office last month with my Lab for her annual check-up, and he was talking about a vaccination for Lepto. I’ve never heard of Lepto before. Can you tell me more? Does Betsy (my Lab) need it? E.R., Farragut

A: Leptospirosis, or “Lepto” for short, is a bacteria that can affect most animals, wild and domestic. The bacteria is spread in the urine of infected animals. Dogs can contract the disease by coming into contact with infected urine in standing water, streams, lakes or recently contaminated soil. The bacteria can enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes or a small cut in the skin or paw pad.

In rural areas, Leptospira can be spread by wildlife, such as deer, opossums and skunks. In urban areas, rats are the primary carriers, with notable outbreaks occurring in Chicago and New York City. All dogs have the potential for exposure, unless he/she is the rare dog that lives inside only and uses a litterbox.

Dogs that contract Lepto typically develop a high fever. They become weak and dehydrated, and often have vomiting and/or diarrhea. Dogs often are jaundiced; the yellow color is visible on non-haired skin, gums and/or the whites of the eyes. In most cases, acute kidney failure develops, and some dogs also develop liver failure. Blood and urine tests are required for diagnosis. Although we have effective antibiotics, treatment can be lengthy and expensive if the kidneys are severely affected. Thus, early detection, diagnosis and treatment is important.

There has been an increase in cases across the country the last 10-to-15 years, so many veterinarians are talking to clients about the vaccines. The AVMA recently came out with the recommendation that vaccine should be used for all dogs.

With increased incidence, vaccination technology for Leptospirosis has also improved; it’s a better vaccine with fewer side effects. Current vaccines include protection for the four most common subtypes.

Unfortunately, there are more than 400 subtypes, so complete protection is not possible. Please have a conversation with your veterinarian regarding Betsy’s medical history, lifestyle, exposure and any past vaccine reactions.

• US insurers paid out $1.12 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2023.

The number of dog bite and related injury claims was 19,062 in 2023, an increase of more than 8% from 2022 and a 110% increase over the past decade, with the total cost of claims at $1.12 billion, reported Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at the Triple-I.

On a positive note, the average cost per claim decreased from $64,555 in 2022 to $58,545 in 2023, she said, noting that California, Florida and Texas had the most claims. “Education and training for owners and pets is key to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

The National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition provides the following tips to prevent dog bites:

Make sure your pet is healthy. Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. If you haven’t been to the veterinarian in a while, schedule an appointment for a checkup to discuss your dog’s physical and behavioral health.

Prioritize proper socialization: Socialization involves gently introducing your dog to a range of settings, people, and other animals, and ensuring these experiences are positive. Whether it’s quietly observing the bustle of a park, meeting new people in a controlled manner, or getting used to the sights and sounds of your neighborhood, each positive experience builds confidence. Socialization should be a lifelong journey, and not just for the puppy phase.

Take it slow. If your dog has been mainly interacting with your family since you brought them home, don’t rush out into crowded areas or dog parks. Try to expose your dogs to new situations slowly and for short periods of time, arrange for low-stress interactions, and look for behaviors that indicate your dog is comfortable and happy to remain in the situation.

Understand your dog’s needs and educate yourself in positive training techniques. Recognize your dog’s body language and advocate for them in all situations. This will give your dog much needed skills and help you navigate any challenges you might encounter.

Be responsible about approaching other people’s pets. Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you. Sometimes dogs want to be left alone, and we need to recognize and respect that.

Make sure that you are walking your dog on a leash and recognize changes in your dog’s body language indicating they may not be comfortable.

Always monitor your dog’s activity, even when they are in the backyard at your own house, because they can be startled by something, get out of the yard and possibly injure someone or be injured themselves.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Vol. 17, No. 16 – May 1 – May 14, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

A different viewpoint on death and humor

Few comedies open with a beating and a hanging. The Santa Paula Theater Center’s “Hangmen” by Irishman Martin McDonagh does. From there the comedy is in the hands and ears of the receivers (you, the audience).

Nominated for four Tony awards and recipient of a Laurence Olivier Award in 2003, the play takes on human foibles and the urge to compete, even in areas where competition is uncommon.

The Irish satire is set in 1965, in an old pub owned and operated by Harry, (Richard Kuhlman) well known as the second-best hangman in the country. The death penalty has just been abolished in the United Kingdom and poor Harry is now out of a job. Still, he competes for bragging rights with Pierrepoint (John Webber), acknowledged as the number one hangman. Harry’s cronies (Bill Walthall, Scot Blanchard and Donnie Stroud) solidly back him up, but only as far as a pack of drunken sods who are continually provided with pints of drink can do.

A young, inexperienced journalist (Eric Umali) meets with Harry to get his side of the story. How does he feel being out of a job? While Harry maintains he will not comment, eventually he does, and then some.

Harry’s wife Alice (Jolyn Johnson) and teen daughter Shirley (Emily Redman Hall) do most of the bar duty. Jeff Ham makes appearances as several characters.

Harry’s assistant, Syd (Derek Petropolis), would love to take Harry’s attitude of superiority down a peg and plots with Mooney (James James), a connivingly menacing stranger. Mooney’s actual intent is unclear. Insisting he is menacing, not creepy, Mooney intrigues Shirley into meeting him elsewhere, whereupon she disappears for a period, causing Harry and Alice a great deal of angst. Mooney ultimately taunts the group into placing him in a noose which turns deadly as the group attempts to hide this action from the inspectors.

The highly competent cast carries off their well-rehearsed Irish accents beautifully. So well, in fact, that the accents, combined with unfamiliar Brit-speak language, created a challenge (for me, at least) to follow and find the humor. Credit is given to Erin De Horta as dialect coach.

The detailed interior pub set is impressive. Two 1960’s clothed dancers (presumably a directorial addition) assist with minor scene changes, providing a tinge of the aura of the era. The dancers are Martha Benevides and Keke Navarro.

Artistic Director Jessi May Stevenson has assembled a cast of talents who perform admirably. Action is tight and natural.

While the play may have fared well in the United Kingdom, I personally did not find it to be the comedy I’d hoped for in this “all comedy” SPTC season. Brit humor can be an acquired taste. There was sporadic laughter at specific well-timed lines, However, the underlying premise is one that is not inherently funny, in my opinion. Perhaps I just needed a pint or two.

Hangmen continues through May 12, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. www.santapaulatheatercenter.org or (805)525-4645.