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Turning Point Foundation receives HUD awards

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced nearly $3.16 billion in Continuum of Care program awards for over 7,000 projects that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people experiencing homelessness, as well as costs related to planning and data collection. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge made the announcement today with the Chatham-Savannah Interagency Council on Homelessness in Savannah, Georgia. The Chatham-Savannah Continuum of Care was awarded $4,104,782.

“Now, more than ever, we are doing all we can to get people off the street and into permanent homes with access to services. That is why we are making sure the service providers on the frontlines of this crisis have the resources they need,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “At HUD, we have served or permanently housed 1.2 million people experiencing homelessness in the last three years alone, building on President Biden’s efforts to keep Americans housed. The historic awards we are announcing today will expand community capacity to assist more people in obtaining the safety and stability of a home, along with the supports they need to achieve their life goals.”

When HUD announced the availability of these grants, the agency encouraged communities to use proven solutions to address homelessness, such as approaches that first connect people to housing, often with supportive services, rather than requiring people experiencing homelessness to first complete a treatment program or achieve sobriety as a condition to accessing housing. HUD also expanded the Continuum of Care program’s eligible activities to support protections available through the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 and to address the unique challenges Continuums of Care face when serving people experiencing homelessness in rural areas. The new eligible activities will allow for greater support for underserved populations.

HUD remains committed to policy priorities of ending homelessness for all persons, placing emphasis on racial equity and anti-discrimination policies for LGTBQ+ individuals, engaging persons with lived experiences of homelessness in decision-making, and increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Turning Point Foundation Our Place Safe Haven 2023 $168,977
Turning Point Foundation Rapid Re-Housing 2023 $172,132
Turning Point Foundation Stephenson Place Permanent Housing 2023 $37,905
Turning Point Foundation Wooley House I Permanent Housing 2023 $46,726
Turning Point Foundation Wooley House II Permanent Housing 2023 $39,857

“The British are coming! The British are coming!”

On March 23, at 1pm, Ventura “historian” and author Ivor Davis will introduce his new 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me On Tour” book—and promises to reveal all– despite the consequences. The true story behind the story.

Sixty years ago an unlikely quartet from England—Liverpool to be precise—invaded America—and conquered the nation in what turned out to be a bloodless revolution.

We are talking, of course, about 1964, the historic year that John Paul George and Ringo showed up in America—and without spilling a drop of blood were triumphant as they re-wrote rock and roll history. And in doing so, thousands of young women—from sea to shining sea– fell at their feet as the Beatles offered to hold their hand!

Ivor Davis had an exclusive front row seat as this invasion exploded. Embedded with the raiders, he will reveal behind the scenes details of this astonishing coup at Portside Ventura Harbor located at 1196 Portside and Schooner Dr. His presentation is free.

How the USA surrendered to these four lads from Britain, without a single shot being fired!

Breeze publisher Sheldon will be the moderator for the presentation and would love to have you attend. There will be a Q&A after.

A Night to Remember

Mission Church is hosting the ninth annual A Night to Remember, a free prom for students with disabilities, to be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Friday, March 8th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Night to Remember was started in 2012 and after a brief pause during the Covid pandemic is finally back!

“There is nothing quite like this night and experience for both our guests and volunteers. It’s like a picture of heaven on earth,” explained Mike Hickerson, Lead Pastor at Mission Church. “When everyone is out on the dance floor together, we all recognize that we’re not that different from each other, and it just feels like something is right in the world.”

The night includes dresses and tuxedos, hairstyling, makeup and corsages or boutonnieres, limo rides and a walk down a red carpet cheered on by paparazzi. Each guest is accompanied by a student host from the community, given a formal photo, special food and treats and a night of dancing with a professional DJ.

“This event is not just a special night, but a night that has impacted our community all year long; we have watched our guests make friends with other students in their high schools and continue those friendships for years to come,” said Taylor Hunt, NTR’s Event Director. “It’s amazing what can happen when a community gathers to celebrate people who are often overlooked and under celebrated. We are so excited to bring Night to Remember back!”

Vern Stewart: Living Life On His Own Terms

“A diagnosis is not the end,” says Stewart.

by Mira Reverente

Vern Stewart is used to the dizzying twists and turns of life.

He majored in art but ended up working as a fund manager, catering to over 400 investors and making multi-million dollar deals. He spent a majority of his career working in the Bay Area but he’s now living in Ventura.

He was working out five to six times a week when he received his Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis 10 years ago and his life came to a brief halt, at the age of 62.

Determined to overcome and continue living life on his terms, he immersed himself in countless doctors’ appointments, physical therapy and endless research.

“A diagnosis is not the end,” says Stewart, 72. “Some medical professionals deliver the diagnosis and think maybe that their work is done and that’s it because they haven’t found a cure for it.”

One of his first questions to his neurologist was “Will I live 10 to 15 more years?” The answer was a resounding “yes” and since then he has vowed to live life to the fullest, stopped seeking money as a reward and focused on friendships and family, which includes two adult children.

There are medications, surgery, clinical trials, support groups, classes and lifestyle modifications one can do in dealing with PD. The symptoms are so diverse but with a good support system and medical team, one can find medications and treatment that can work for them. Stewart underwent surgery called deep brain stimulation (DBS) where electrodes were implanted in his brain to reduce debilitating movement symptoms of PD.

Among the lifestyle modifications that Stewart undertook was a plant-based diet and taking supplements. “I cook more now. It’s just one more thing I can control – what I put in my body,” he says. A physical therapist also helped him re-train his body and re-learn everyday tasks like bathing and walking.

Before a femur injury he was also pedaling away on his e-bike. He also learned how to paddle board to work on his balance, to take advantage of one of the many offerings of his waterfront community. “My instructor was the sweetest thing but she was a bit hesitant to teach me given my condition but I persevered,” he says. He supplemented the lessons by immersing himself in YouTube videos and learning everything there is to know about paddle boarding.

He also signed up for boxing classes in his community called Neuroboxing Fight Camp, a program geared towards people overcoming PD and other neurological diseases. He finds the camaraderie and the positivity in class contagious and invigorating. He explains, “Other people’s stories inspire me and I hope mine does the same thing for them.”

He also enjoys the solitude that living in a coastal town can sometimes bring. “You have to be at peace with solitude,” Stewart says of his current state of mind. “I read a lot and spend a lot of time in the kitchen.”

The power of solitude as espoused by Buddha and John Muir, propels Stewart on most days, as well as the need for self-reliance. He wants to reach more people and encourage them through their Parkinson’s journey. “It is so tempting to shut yourself out and withdraw from your social circles, but there is help out there,” he says.

*Vern can be reached by email: [email protected]. He lives at Portside Ventura Harbor where Neuroboxing is located so walks to the sessions.

Editor: If you are a senior (over 70-years), or know of one, who would like to share their retirement, or job, with us please let us know at [email protected].

Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company Presents Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

John Rubinstein as Eisenhower at the Rubicon.

As part of its 25th Anniversary Season, Rubicon Theatre, the region’s award-winning not-for-profit professional theatre company, announces Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, a riveting, one-person play starring Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God). The production is set to open the week of President’s Day and runs from February 21 through March 10, 2024, at The Karyn Jackson Theatre in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District.

Fresh from his acclaimed off-Broadway run, Rubinstein delves deeply into the role of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in this fascinating tour-de-force written by Richard Hellesen and directed by Peter Ellenstein. Entertainment Today hails the production as a masterpiece and praises Rubinstein’s brilliant portrayal, stating, “Not since Give ‘em Hell Harry has a show offered such insight into an American President. Moral courage radiates through Rubinstein’s powerful presence.”

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is based on the speeches and letters of our 34th president. Set in 1962 at his Pennsylvania farm, Dwight D. Eisenhower looks at his place in history – and the price of leadership – looking back at his Kansas upbringing, decorated Army career, victories in World War II, and the legacy of his presidency. The play offers an inspiring glimpse into the heart and mind of an extraordinary leader.

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground opens Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., with low-priced previews February 21 through 23. The run continues through March 10, with performances Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (talkback following), Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $30 – $79.50, with discounts available for subscribers, students, veterans, active military and Equity members. To purchase single tickets, or to subscribe to Rubicon’s 25th Anniversary Silver Season, call Guest Services at (805) 667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.

A Valentine’s Card

Jeffrey Russell 

Dearest Ventura….
You’re our coastal beloved,
Romantic Pacific view,
A Valentine’s Hug.

where…..

Sand crabs applaud,
Starfish embrace with a squeeze,
Seals giggle and clap,
Your love is deeper than the ocean.

for….

Between the tides….
There’s a beachfront city,
Natures holiday hug
A Happy Valentine’s Day.

Your secret Admirer….

I have found the one I love…
.
anonymous

SBA offering disaster assistance to Ventura businesses and residents affected by Dec. 2023 storm and flooding

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is offering disaster assistance to Ventura businesses and residents affected by the Dec. 2023 storm and flooding.

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by the December 2023 Storm and Flooding that occurred Dec. 21 – 23, 2023, announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services, on Jan. 9, 2024.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Kern, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help California’s small businesses and residents impacted by the storm and flooding,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” said Associate Administrator Francisco Sánchez of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience. “Beginning Saturday, Jan. 13, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Sánchez continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated below until further notice. No appointment is necessary.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center
South Oxnard Branch Library
4300 Saviers Rd.
Oxnard,

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to apply for property damage is March 11, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 10, 2024.

The French Architect at the Olivas Adobe

Did Don Raymundo take the Frenchman back to his adobe home?

by Richard Senate

Family stories and legends may well hold more knowledge than we think and provide insights into the past. One such legend is that of the young French architect who may well have designed the Olivas Adobe.  The story tells how Raymundo, his sons and Vaqueros drove their herds of cattle north to the Gold Camps in the Sierra Nevada  Mountains selling them for gold to the hungry miners.  It was a cold hard journey but highly profitable.

As they road back they chanced upon a sick Frenchman seeking a warmer climate. Feeling sorry for the man Don Raymundo took him back to his adobe home to recover his health. The family helped to nurse him back to health.  Having no money, the Frenchman, who had been trained as an architect in France, offered to help in the expansion of the adobe home.

So the story goes, the kitchen was roofed in curved roof tiles. These were removed and replaced by wooden shingles. The young man helped, lifting the tiles and talking to Raymundo’s daughters, and blowing them kisses as they giggled. Their mother, Teodora, wisely did her best to keep them away from the Frenchman. When the house was done, the Frenchman returned to the gold camps to make his fortune.

It is not known if Raymundo gave him any money to help his prospecting, but it would be like him.  He never returned to visit the hacienda. Did he die in the camps? Did he return back to France? It is unknown. We do not even have a name for the young man. Is the story even true? Clearly, something happened to inspire the tale.  It does hint that Raymundo could speak French.  We know that the house was remodeled with a  second floor in 1855. Could that be the year that the Frenchman visited?  Maybe we shall never know what happened, but we have this charming story of a scene from the Gold Rush.