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Four-sided stage brings fun and excellent viewing for the whole family to Ventura

In a summer unlike any in recent memory, Southern Californians and their families are hungry for safe entertainment options – and CBF Productions is here to help. After a wildly successful June and July run with live concerts and movie nights, the founders of crowd-pleasing “Concerts in Your Car™” are ready to ring in August on their unique theatre-in-the-round stage at the Ventura County Fairgrounds to host the one and only Zoppé Circus.

Zoppé Circus, who have been delighting families with their colorful spectacle for 175 years, will be taking over the stage for Concerts in Your Car™ from July 31st to August 2nd. There are evening shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:30 PM, as well as matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 3:30 PM. The circus is fun for the whole family, “Whether you’re three years old or ninety-nine” – so bring the little ones along and enjoy a summertime evening out.

“Even with social distancing guidelines in place, we wanted to give families a way to get out, celebrate and have some fun!” said Vincenzo Giammanco, owner of CBF Productions. “We know it’s tough right now staying inside, especially for the little ones. That is why our team put our heads together and decided to develop a new type of experience that will bring excitement to the summer of 2020 despite the pandemic. And who doesn’t love a good circus?”

The events will offer room for 600 cars per show and are designed to comply with all official restrictions. The combination of an extra high, four-sided stage and five oversized screens will ensure that every seat is the best seat in the house. Sound will be distributed via FM radio. Tickets are sold in advance and online only and are priced starting at $39 per car with up to 5 people per vehicle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Food Share, Ventura County’s largest food bank.

While no food is available for purchase at the show, attendees will be provided with a comprehensive list of downtown Ventura restaurants that feature curbside pickup. With the fairgrounds just three blocks from the Ventura downtown district where many beloved local restaurants are located, the concert will provide a much-needed boost to local eateries. Images and video are available upon request.

This circus is just one facet of this summer’s schedule with CBF Productions. Other evenings presented at the fairgrounds include both live and recorded concerts, movie nights, and other themes to keep greater L.A.’s families safely entertained this year.

One of California’s largest traveling festival production companies CBF has been producing a variety of adult and family-friendly events for over 12 years. From their legendary Boots & Brews Country Music Festivals to Tequila & Taco Festivals, Winter Wine Walks and more, CBF showcases the best craft breweries, wineries, and tequilas in the state, combined with mouthwatering BBQ and local cuisine, alongside amazing entertainment.

For more information about CBF Productions or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.concertsinyourcar.com/.

Island Packers announces seasonal whale watching at its best

Board an Island Packers whale watching vessel.

With summer upon us, Island Packers is happy to announce that Summer Whale Watching excursions have been added to their existing scheduled trips to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.

Visitors to Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura’s top seaside attraction, can now board an Island Packers whale watching vessel and travel from Ventura Harbor through the Southern California waters off Santa Barbara Channel, known for their marine mammal diversity, to see breathtaking mammals that cavort in waters off of the Channel Islands.

Summer whale watching is available through August 30,2020. Cost is: Adults (12-54 years) $68, Seniors (55 years and older) $62, and Children (3-12 years) $55. https://islandpackers.com/blue-humback-whale-watching/

Passengers aboard non-landing Whale Watching trips may view several summer seasonal species include Blue Whales, Fin Whales and Humpbacks, as well as year-round residents such as Common Dolphin, seals and sea lions.

Historically, over 28 species of whales and dolphins have been identified within the waters of the Marine Sanctuary. A day spent on the ocean in the company of these creatures can be awe-inspiring and truly memorable.

While Whale Watching trips do not offer time ashore, they generally include a brief, narrated cruise along the shoreline of one of the Channel Islands. The boat departs at 10:00 a.m. and returns approximately 4 p.m. This trip provides further opportunities to view and photograph sea birds, seals and sea lions along with the beautiful backdrop of the Channel Islands. See this marine sighting link: https://islandpackers.com/marine-mammal-sightings/

If a 6 hour trip doesn’t fit your schedule, Island Packers also offers 3½ hour non-landing Wildlife Cruises along the shoreline of Anacapa. Passengers on this trip will see the famous Arch Rock that is the landmark for the Park as well as the seals and sea lions that make their home on the shore beneath the high cliffs. Visitors can also view the working lighthouse atop the island, and see numerous sea bird species that use the island as critical nesting territory. Common Dolphin and the occasional whale sighting may round out a prefect half-day excursion.

As the official concessionaire to Channel Islands National Park, Island Packers has been providing island transportation and wildlife viewing in the Santa Barbara Channel for over 52 years. Captains and crews aboard all trips have many years of experience finding and viewing wildlife. Their thoughtful narration informs guests about the history, human impact, and unique characteristics of the channel and wildlife encountered. Advance reservations are recommended. View the website for schedules and rates or book online at www.islandpackers.com or call 805-642.1393.

What Is Ventura Willing To Spend? Part 2

by Venturans for Responsible & Efficient Gov’t (VREG)

According to the Carollo Report, the next phase of VenturaWaterPure carries a price tag of $320 million. Do you spend another $320 million if Ventura Water can meet its three goals for less regardless of the money already spent? And if you do, how will a family afford a 260% water rate increase?

Today’s Plan

The current VenturaWaterPure plan calls for the construction of an advanced water purification facility, new pipeline infrastructure and three injection wells. This current plan also requires the addition of 20 to 27 more positions, with salaries, benefits and pensions. The Carollo Report indicates that much of the costs and liability that Ventura Water plans to take on as an independent project could be shared and reduced on a more regional basis.

What’s The Alternative?

It is not too late to reconsider some of the alternatives suggested in the Carollo Report. The redirection of the first part of the planned $270 million project does not mean the end of VenturaWaterPure. VenturaWaterPure can be completed at a savings of $270 million and meet all the city’s goals.

The alternative is for Ventura Water to construct a pipeline to the United Water settlement ponds near the intersection of 118 and Vineyard Avenue. The water can then percolate into the Oxnard plain basin. Ventura Water had always planned to inject the well water into the Oxnard plain basin under its current plan.

The United Water alternative plan eliminates the need for Ventura Water to construct the advanced water purification facility, pipeline infrastructure, brine line and three injection wells. That is a savings of $320 million. It would require the construction of nine miles of a 24-inch pipeline with a cost of about $50 million, so the net saving is still $270 million.

There will need to be negotiations with United Water to complete the water transfer loop. Given the recent Groundwater Management act legislation (GMA), agencies transferring water to other agencies require cooperation in water exchanges. In that process, Ventura Water can obtain additional water allocations to add to the water supply.

Why Would There Be Any Objection?

The possible resistance to redirecting the tertiary treated Santa Clara Estuary wastewater to the United Water Saticoy Spreading Grounds is that Ventura Water may fear losing control of their water resource. This concern is unfounded, however. All water injected into any wells, may be drawn out by any water user with access to the Oxnard plain basin.

Improves The VenturaWaterPure Program

Saving $270 million by redirecting the Santa Clara Estuary tertiary treated wastewater to the United Water Saticoy spreading grounds does not derail the other Ventura Water goals. With the continued construction of the State Water Project, State Water will provide an additional water resource to compliment the river, groundwater and recycling programs in place. The State Water will also improve the water quality for the east end of Ventura. Additionally, the tertiary treated wastewater to the United Water Saticoy spreading grounds would remain available to be drawn out of the Oxnard Basin just as it would be if injected into any wells currently planned.

The challenge in 2012 was to comply with the Federal Court Decree. The chosen solution was to convert the estuary into drinkable water. Ventura Water created VenturaWaterPure to persuade citizens that the cost to move the water away from the estuary was justifiable because we could then drink it. Fixated on controlling all water resources sounded good eight years ago, but reality governs in the end. It was too costly then, and today’s COVID-19 economic circumstances have revealed that fact, something Ventura Water has yet to consider.

Utilizing the regional resources to accomplish the same goals at a lower cost is better for Ventura. With this one primary change, VenturaWaterPure will succeed, and the citizens will save as much as $137 per month or $1,644 per year on their water bill.

Call or email your City Councilmember to tell them you want to save $270 million and not have your water rates nearly triple.

Vol. 13, No. 21 – July 15 – July 28, 2020 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Gentry a handsome almost 5-year-old German Shepherd in need of a new home. I was rescued from Animal Services and I’m thankful to be getting a second chance at finding my forever home. I’m house trained and love to play ball. I have a significant prey drive and get quite excited around other dogs in general, therefore I need to be the only pet in the home. I’ll need an adult only home with a very experienced dog owner who is willing to work with me.

I know my special someone is out there and I hope it’s not long before I’m a cherished member of a loving family. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Harrison is one sweet dude. He will melt into your hands for love and throws his whole body into his head rubs. It’s really adorable. You need to meet him to fully appreciate what a great kitty he is. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive. Harrison  A755576

Focus On The Masters a Special Events Panel Discussion by Writer/Curator Kevin Wallace

What is Steampunk? What is Dada? Before it became the full-blown subculture it is today, Steampunk started out as a science-fiction sub-genre in the 1970s. Its fundamental inspirations go all the way back to 19th century Victorian writers, such as Jules Verne (author of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) and H.G. Wells (author of The Time Machine). Dada, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “a movement in art and literature based on deliberate irrationality and negation of traditional artistic values.”

Join us as we explore these cultural phenomena with experts from both genres. As writer, curator and Director of the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, Kevin Wallace will weigh in on the side of Dada. Beatrice Wood is recognized as the “Mama of Dada.” Our Steampunk expert is Dr. Katherine L. Morse, a research computer scientist and half of the award-winning, San Diego-based writing team of “The Adventures of Drake and McTrowell.” Together, they craft serialized steampunk tales and can be seen cosplaying their alter egos at conventions all over the West.

You won’t want to miss this fascinating discussion in preparation for our annual fundraiser for arts education. This year’s them is Steampunk Dada Electric Carnival and will be streamed live on August 22nd!

Steampunk Dada Panel Discussion

Sunday, July 19, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Streamed Live on Zoom!

Learn more and register for free on our website: www.FocusOnTheMasters.com.

Sponsored by Michael Rohde

Vol. 13, No. 21 – July 15 – July 28, 2020 – Mailbox

Some historical artifacts were erected to celebrate great accomplishments, some were to remind all the pain and suffering they caused.  If anybody reading this was there with Father Junipero Serra, or has immediate family members who were there, or first person recording of events inflected upon family members; you may well have a right to demand removal of the statue.  If anybody reading this was not there with Father Junipero Serra, what right do you have to deprive later generations of the reminders of what happened during his stay in Buenaventura?

This all boils down to a single statement, uttered over 72-years ago:

“Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”~Sir Winston Churchill

If the statue is deemed to be moved by the prevailing political winds, then perhaps the best place to house it is in front of the Mission he helped to create.  There it will be a religious artifact and protected by Federal Law.

Michael Gordon

Editor:

I would suggest two solutions to the Father Serra controversy

1. If the statue is to stay in Ventura a plaque underneath should acknowledge his contribution to our history but should also note that he was complicate in the abuse of the indigenous Chumash people.

2. If it is removed I suggest sending it to whatever town was his home  – in Spain – they will have a special place for it I’m sure.

Sincerely

Paul Whitehead

Breeze:
I enjoy reading a physical paper instead of an on-line paper. Keep up the good work.
Richard Beauregard

Keep Father Serra Standing

As I write this letter the City Council is holding a hearing regarding the statue of Father Junipero Serra that stands in front of Ventura’s City Hall. By the time this letter is in print, he may not be there, but I hope he will be. I am hearing the protestors (several very young and not even of voting age) speak and cry out as if they personally were subjected to what they perceive happened with the building of our great City and it’s Mission by Father Serra.

There are thousands of “reminders/tributes” throughout the world of the suffering of all of our ancestors over the centuries. We have learned from their historically recorded mistakes and most of the time have successfully stopped the suffering and improved quality of life for generations.  We have also been gifted by many of these historical figures with an advancement of the human condition.

What is happening all over our great Country right now is setting a dangerous precedent. To tear down our history is to deny our past and destroy the opportunity to overcome oppression and celebrate a future that embraces the lives of all races equally. For more than 31 years Father Serra has stood in front of Ventura’s historical City Hall. Most of the protestors today were not even born then and they have not been taught to respect the history and freedom that thousands of men and women of all races died protecting.

Now is the time to teach, not tear down. Where will it stop if we capitulate to this “movement” overtaking the civility of our Nation and throughout the world? Shall we tear down the Roman Coliseum next? What about the Pyramids? I recently heard a wise man say this: Unless you are ready to surrender everything, you’d better not surrender anything.

Patty Jenkins

Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one’s thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants.
~ Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)

To Art, or Not to Art?

BAA Artists in the Time of Corona:

Another selection from our member artists of what is occupying their thoughts and hands during these troubled times.

Good news!! Buenaventura Gallery opens!!  Beginning July 10 // Fridays & Saturdays only

For the time being, open hours will be Fridays and Saturdays only, 11 am to 4 pm, and by appointment. As we figure out what is needed for staffing (and with more volunteer help!) open days and hours could increase.

Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts is already open with hours of Friday thru Monday, 11am to 6pm.

Both galleries require customers to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Occupancy is limited to 4 customers at a time at HVG&G and will be limited to 10 at BVG. Hand sanitizer, gloves, and spare masks will be available.

Lorna Amundson: Several of our members have been taking advantage of online classes and seminars. Lorna has been studying with her mentor, Joe Cibere, via weekly ZOOM classes.

Mary Lambert: Mary says she is mostly still playing around with watercolor. Here are some of the greeting cards she’s been painting.

Ventura Potters’ Guild Gallery

A unique old Italian technique to check out at the gallery

If you have never visited the Ventura Potters’ Guild Gallery (VCPG) it is time to discover this crown jewel nestled in the Ventura Harbor Village.

Many of the gallery artists have spent their lifetime studying ceramics. While honing their craft, gallery members have backgrounds that range from corporate executives, entrepreneurs, government workers to full time artists and ceramic teachers. But ceramics has always been their passion.

How does a group of seasoned artists who have followed their passion for clay from young to old get back into business during the Covid-19 outbreak?

Most of the artists have home studios where they create and fire their own work. During the Covid-19 outbreak, members have been experimenting and creating new and exciting works of art.

A unique old Italian technique to check out at the gallery is Sgraffito. The past President of the Ventura County Potters Guild, Genie Thomsen, whose teaching experience includes 22 years with The Adult Education Program through Santa Barbara City College, 15 years at Ventura College and 5 years at The Simi Senior Center, now has the time to explore her Sgrafitto technique. Sgraffito is a form of decoration made by lightly carving through a layer of colored slip to expose the underlying clay. Genie’s forte is sea life and images from nature. “I have always been interested in the Sgraffito technique, so this has been perfect timing for me to explore the concept.”

The VCPG Gallery is located at 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105 in the Ventura Harbor.

Hours: Mon. – Weds. 12:00 pm – 4 pm

Thurs. – Sun. 11:00 am – 6 pm

For more information visit: www.venturapottersguild.org

Aging without Injury

One in four older adults who are 65 years of age will live into their 90s. Although risk of injury increases as we age, aging without injury is possible. Older adults can take specific steps to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe from injury.

The month of May was designated as Older Americans Month to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of older Americans in every community.

Age Safely

People age 65 and older are at higher risk for injury. Common injuries include:

Falls―the leading cause of injury and injury death among adults 65 years of age and older.

Motor vehicle crashes―the second leading cause of injury death for older adults.

Traumatic brain injury and concussion―commonly result from falls and motor vehicle crashes. Older adults age 75+ are at greatest risk.

Older women using stretch bands

Keep moving as you age.

Safety Tips for Older Adults

Every older adult can take steps to stay safe from injury and remain independent longer. Caregivers can help encourage these steps or assist in carrying them out:

Speak up and talk to your doctor about fall risk. Discuss whether you have fallen, worry about falling, or feel unsteady when standing or walking.

Keep moving and engage in activities that improve balance and strengthen legs (such as Tai Chi) that can help prevent falls.

Have an annual wellness and eye exam. Annual wellness visits are important to maintain health and to prevent future problems.

Have your medications checked by your doctor or pharmacist. Medicines may have side effects that cause sleepiness or dizziness which increase the risk of car crashes and falling.

Use the Medicines Risk Fact Sheetpdf icon to see if any of the medicines you or your loved ones currently take are creating greater risk for injury.

Check your home for safety. Most falls happen at home.

Use the Check for Safetypdf icon checklist to find and fix potential hazards in the home―both inside and out.

Create a personalized MyMobility Plan to help with the challenges that may come with age. Older adults who make a plan are more likely to take action to maintain their mobility and independence as they age.

Celebrate the older Americans in your life by sharing these tips and suggestions to stay injury-free, safe, mobile, and independent longer.