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Vol. 13, No. 17 – May 20 – June 2, 2020 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Before I get to more interview with local artists, I have a couple of updates on a few of our venues, musicians and events.

QUICK NOTES

Both Bombay Bar & Grill and Sans Souci are open again serving up food and libations, they both have limited hours and earlier in the day, in other words, no closing down the bar at 2 am, and they’re only providing takeout/curbside service; Ventura Music Festival has launched “Music Connects” a digital weekly series and they’re looking for musicians who would like to participate (www.VenturaMusicFestival.org); I’m sorry to report the passing of one of the Estrada Brothers, Henry Estrada (saxophonist), passed from a long-term illness at home this month; and the City of Ventura has officially cancelled the Music Under the Stars series for the summer. As with the fair, I wish I knew who they had lined up and who we’ll be missing out on this year, but I guess it’s just as well.

DRIVE-IN CONCERTS II

Speaking of the fair, in my last column I wrote about drive-in concerts and I mentioned a couple of locations that might work including the fairgrounds parking lot, and lo and behold we have a promoter stepping up to the plate. It great to hear Vincenzo from CBF Productions (the good folks who bring you the Winter Wine Walk, Boots & Brews Music Festival, Tequila & Taco Music Festival and more) was already on it and working on a concert series to be held this summer and as soon as the first few weeks in June, and I’m hearing Ventura won’t be their only venue. Keep tuned to www.ConcertsInYourCar.com for bands, dates and ticket information. There’s no doubt about it, there are a number of hurdles to overcome, but if anyone can pull something like this off, it would be Vincenzo.

MAIN STREET VENTURA EXPERIMENT

There are discussions afoot in the City to shut down Main Street from the mission to Fir Street to allow merchants and restaurants to spill out onto the sidewalk and street to provide social distancing for pedestrians and their customers. I’ve seen an artist’s rendering and I have to say, “I like it!” My comments are few but include a couple of small stages for singer/songwriters (solo or duo) to enhance the experience; perhaps one on each block. Other cities throughout the country are considering the same idea to help ease out of this shut down and get people out enjoying their downtown safely while supporting local businesses.

Now on to interviews!

BRIAN BRINGELSON OF ANCHOR & BEAR

How are you Katy holding up during this Stay at Home mandate?

Brian: We’re doing fine here thankfully. Healthy, happy, but honestly a bit anxious as well.

Are either one of you still working?

Brian: No we’re both not working and of course no shows to play.

Do you find you’re playing music more…or less now?

Surprisingly it’s about the same. Before all of this we had at least three shows a month and rehearsals twice a week. But since all of this happened, we’ve both been writing a lot and making videos. In addition, I’ve started a side project with an old friend from high school. I record guitar, bass, and vocals at home and then send him the tracks to add his drums to. It’s been really inspiring and keeps me sane. Katy by the way has been finishing up her soon to be released new EP for her project Bearkat. So, we are keeping busy with music.

Any inspiration from this weird time we’re going through in history?

Brian: Yes, lots of writing/recording/making videos, (but) nothing really about the current state of how things are going. I think I write to distract myself from all of it.

Tell me about the live streaming events you’ve been hosting.

Brian: We’ve had a few (concerts) on our Instagram where we play a couple of songs and try to interact with the people leaving comments. They’ve been really rewarding in the sense that we get to connect with our friends and share our music. We also recently just had a simple chat with our bassist Zeke Berkley on Instagram live and lots of our friends joined in on that as well. They’re certainly not a replacement for a live show, but they’ll have to do for now.

Anything else you want to share?

Brian: Katy and I miss playing shows soooo much. And that includes rehearsing with our friends/band mates: Zeke and Paul. We also miss seeing all of our friends that work at Topa Topa Brew in Ventura, Ojai, and Santa Barbara. I’d like to encourage Breeze readers to pick up some beer at one of their locations. And that goes for all of the excellent venues we’ve been lucky enough to play in the last year: Peirano’s – Ventura, The Nest – Ojai, Lucky Fools Pub – Moorpark, MadeWest – Ventura, to name just a few. These places need our support. Besides being some of the only places to hear/play live music, they also provide so much to the community.

SINGER/SONGWRITER KARYN 805

How are you holding up?

Karyn 805: I’m coping very well right now. I think I’ve gone through a variety of emotions during this time: disbelief, fear, sadness, stress, acceptance, and finally a realization that this time may be a gift to slow down a bit more, enjoy the small wonders around especially in nature and have more time to write more songs and to check in with family and friends through Zoom or FaceTime.

Are you actively playing and writing?

Karyn 805: I have continued to play music daily, but now I have more time to create new songs (which is my passion) and work on new covers. Before the “Stay at Home” policy there was less time for this because I was performing regularly and spending a lot of time going over my sets.

Since the policy was enacted, I’ve written 3 songs – two deal with Covid 19; one is called “Corona” and it echoes my first impressions and emotions regarding this whole Twilight Zone experience; the second one, “It’s Just Who I Am” is a tribute to all who work in the medical field: nurses, doctors, and all the staff. I have three doctors in the family and when my daughter-in-law Nina volunteered to go to NYC to help on their front lines, I asked my son how she has the strength and courage to do this, he answered, “It’s just who she is.” That said it all, and his words and her bravery gave me the inspiration to write that song. She has shared it with her friends who are on already in this “war zone” fighting this pandemic. I just hope they realize how much they are appreciated. The other original, “Siren’s Song” is a bluesy, seductive tune which I had fun coming up with a nice riff on my guitar at the end.

How do you think this pandemic will change Ventura?

Karyn 805: I think the music scene will change in the near future. Of course, musicians need to perform, many are doing live-streaming, but there is nothing like performing to a live audience! (I miss this!) It will be hard for venues like restaurants to make enough money to pay musicians when they are limited in the number of people they can have. However, with a bit of creativity, there will likely be solutions. We all need to be innovative until we have a safe vaccine at which time the music scene can get back to what has been normal.
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BILL ROTELLA, SINGER/SONGWRITER, AMBER & SMOKE

How are you holding up during this Stay at Home mandate?

Bill: I’m holding up as well as can be expected. We in Ventura County are fortunate to have coast lines and trails to help us weather these challenging times. I’m taking advantage of this time I’ve been afforded to create music.

Are you still working?

Bill: Yes, I just filmed a show for Beverly Hills TV and I’m streaming two concerts for the Beverly Hills Virtual Art Show this month. I’m also streaming shows for the Center For Spiritual Living and for BIG BIG SLO productions in San Luis Obispo.

Do you find you’re playing music more…or less now?

Bill: I’m always writing, recording, playing no matter what’s happening but I’m performing far less due to venue closures.

You have new music right? Any inspired by the recent state of affairs?

Bill: I just wrote and released a new song born from quarantine called “River of Smoke.” It is the title song of my new album “River of Smoke ~ a Retrospective” which was released May 1. I recorded the title song, and many songs on the album, with Ventura County’s Doug Pettibone. Doug and I recorded together in the late ’80s at renowned Sound City recording studios in Van Nuys.

Have you hosted any livestreams or Facebook events?

Bill: I hosted 7 episodes of “Live @ 5” on Facebook. It was a happy hour hang more than a concert. It was a cool way to stay connected with friends and fans and they really dug reconnecting not just with me but with each other. My last show had 700+ comments, like they were in a bar chatting with each other. We toasted, did rock ‘n’ roll trivia, I shared some vinyl with them and sang songs from my new album as well as some nuggets from my favorite artists. However, I must admit it was pretty strange creating conversation with a distant and silent audience while singing into an ipad …from my living room. Now with the new album released and more time on my hands (those shows require prep!) I will resume “LIVE @ 5” in June. My streaming capabilities will be upgraded by then.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

Bill: Music brings people together. If ever we needed to be reminded of the magic of music this is that time. Some say you don’t know what you have ’til it’s gone (live music venues) but I think many people have always valued live music venues. They just really miss connecting with each other and experiencing music together. Listening to good live music collectively is just a great moving experience. I am grateful that VenturaRocks.com allows us to keep sharing and delivering music during these unprecedented times. They are in service to our community. Thanks for allowing me to share my music. Everyone please stay safe. Together we will get through this.

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.

Rumor Alert

There is a rumor that the County of Ventura is removing positive covid patients from their homes. That is not true. If a person cannot safely isolate at home and they would like an alternative location, then a different location is offered.

Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin stated “What I would like to say to those people who interpreted what I said as forcibly pulling people from their homes if they become COVID positive is that if I conveyed that, it was a mistake on my part and I apologize for that. I am sensitive to that as well. We have no intention of taking people from the environments they feel safe and comfortable in. To demonstrate our past actions, because they speak louder than words, we have managed over 600 people in our county with COVID-19 and we have not forcibly removed anyone from their home or wherever they wanted to be. We have removed about 7 of our seniors who were living in Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF) and had them admitted to one of our hospitals. This was to protect the other seniors and to observe those hospitalized for worsening of their symptoms. If COVID establishes itself in a LTCF (a nursing home), it can kill dozens as it did in Washington State. We also placed two homeless people who were COVID positive in a motel because they wanted to return to a crowded camp in the river bottom. Virtually everyone wants to stay in their home. It is safest when such a person can have their own room and bathroom but many of our COVID cases have not been so fortunate. When that is the case, our Communicable Disease nurses find ways of keeping them in their home such that it is still safe for the others who are there.”

Shared Streets for Health and Safety During COVID-19

The City’s Public Works Department have launched a Shared Streets for Health and Safety During COVID-19 initiative to help make neighborhood streets safer to walk and bike through the creation of wider spaces using current traffic lanes and sidewalks. This effort in intended to help pedestrians and cyclists practice physical distancing while enjoying healthy outdoor activities and sharing the street with slower-moving vehicles.

During COVID-19, five streets will have “Local Traffic Only” signage posted in neighborhoods to provide more space for physical activity on traffic lanes with slower-moving vehicles. This includes Olive Street, San Nicholas Street, Preble Avenue, Mound Avenue, and Darling Road.

“This initiative provides additional street space for more than just cars. It enhances pedestrian and bicycle safety while maintaining access needs for those who live in the area,” commented Phil Nelson, Ventura Public Work Director. “Sidewalks are typically too narrow to exercise proper physical distancing around others who use the same path. Oftentimes, people walk into the street, which can be dangerous for pedestrians when vehicles are driving by in the same or adjacent lane.”

Traffic patterns will not change on the “Local Traffic Only” and “Shared Streets” configurations. Emergency services will continue to have full access to the street network. Designated street signs for this temporary initiative will include signage or barricades, indicating one of the following designs:

“Local Traffic Only,” open to motorists traveling to a specific destination on that street.

“Shared Street,” open to cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles. Motorists are encouraged to drive slowly and be extra cautious.

“Repurposed Street,” temporary parking restrictions or lane changes in select locations to widen key walking and biking corridors.

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the five pilot phase streets as well as share ideas for other areas in the Shared Streets initiative.

Some examples of cities that have successfully implemented similar models include Alameda, Oakland, Burlington, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Pittsburgh, and more.

For more information on this initiative, the pilot phase, or to let us know if you would like your street considered, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov.

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

by Marilyn MILLER Program Officer Division of Neuroscience (DN).

The coronavirus has the research community adjusting on the fly to keep our science moving until we can safely return to our labs. One of the cool things about genetics research is that the big, beautiful data that drives the Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) research field can be accessed and studied remotely. So, now’s a great time to announce the release of the latest genomics data set from the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP).

It’s been a while since I first blogged about the NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS), and it has been growing strong ever since. Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, NIAGADS is the data coordinating center for the ADSP and a key national repository for the field. It is a vital tool as we seek to better understand genes that increase risk for — or protection from — AD/ADRD, and ultimately to unveil potential new therapies to help prevent or delay the disease.

The ADSP was inaugurated in 2012 to study the genetic architecture of AD/ADRD using next-generation sequencing technologies to identify rare variants in large populations. The ADSP is helping researchers identify new genomic variants that increase risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and better understand why some people with known risk factor gene variants do not develop AD. Through large, diverse studies and participant populations, the ADSP also helps sequence data to extend previous discoveries that could illuminate new pathways to therapeutic targets.

Through the NIAGADS Data Sharing Service (DSS) website, researchers can now access robust sequencing data of the protein-coding regions (exomes) of 19,922 samples from 9 different studies with multi-ethnic data sets. To access data, qualified investigators can submit Data Access Requests by following the instructions. The DSS site also includes a list of contributing cohorts and a breakdown of the subjects by condition and population background.

NIA supports additional projects through the ADSP Follow Up Sequencing Program. Project researchers will contribute DNA and phenotypes to ADSP for additional whole-genome sequencing. The next major data release — consisting of around 17,000 complete genomes (including the 4,789 genomes that were released in 2018) — should be available at NIAGADS DSS toward the end of the year.

Education program helps families understand dementia behaviors, communication

In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is exceptionally demanding. The level of assistance provided by caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias tends to be extensive, compared with caregivers of other older adults.

To address these issues, the Alzheimer’s Association® will provide a free three-part educational workshop to discuss common issues faced by families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Topics to be discussed during the workshop are:

· May 21: Part 1 – Communication, relationship changes, personal care, and hospitalizations

The Alzheimer’s Association is the premier source of information and support for the five million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Through its national network of chapters, it offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers and represents their interests on Alzheimer’s-related issues before federal, state and local government and with health and long-term care providers.

Part 1 of this series will be held as a webinar. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to alz.org/CRF.

Vol. 13, No. 17 – May 20 – June 2, 2020 – Mailbox

Printed courtesy of the LA Times and the writer.

Publisher

Retired DeputyPO ,who is dependent upon swimming to maintain heart health

needs access to private pool to continue aerobic workouts. Previous orthopedic injuries make it impossible to reach goals….. public pools and condo facilities are all closed. Can you help?

Mike Lilly – text Mike 805-218-2186

Breeze:

It’s a virus. Tiny, almost invisible; it lives in our bodies and can make a bunch of people very sick and cause a lot of those people to die.

Not bad for something tiny and invisible.

But we’ve taken on viruses in the past, and we are still around. We will find a way out of this pandemic eventually. People will sicken and many will die, but most of us will still be around when the virus yells, “uncle.” or whatever viruses yell when they give up.

Try to do the smart and easy things that help. No kissing no hugging, wear a mask.

Try funny masks. Maybe they make you laugh and that is better than crying.

Eat ice cream bars. OK they are not medicine, but they sure make me feel better. Maybe for you, too.

Fight the good fight.

Esther Cole

Sheldon:

I appreciate your publication because it gives a glimpse of Ventura, particularly the senior section. Happy to contribute.

Patricia Schultz

Sheldon

It’s about time that I can thank you and the staff at Ventura Breeze for the faithful service you give to the people of Ventura. So glad you give us a chance to let you know how we can help. Just a small way to show how much we appreciate this fine paper. Hope it can stay afloat for many more years.

Gratefully Dolores Bray

All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.
~ James Allen

Stroke

A stroke is serious, just like a heart attack, so it’s important to know the signs of stroke and act quickly if you suspect someone is having one. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and causes more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease. Older people are at higher risk. You can take steps to lower your chance of having a stroke.

Know the Signs of Stroke

Knowing the symptoms of a stroke and acting quickly could mean the difference between life and disability or death.

Call 911 right away if you see or have any of these symptoms:

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden problems seeing in one eye or both eyes
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or trouble walking
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Other danger signs that may occur include double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting.

A stroke happens when something changes how blood flows through the brain. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. If blood can’t flow to a part of the brain, cells that do not receive enough oxygen suffer and eventually die. If brain cells are without oxygen for only a short time, they can sometimes get better. But brain cells that have died can’t be brought back to life. So, someone who has had a stroke may have trouble speaking, thinking, or walking.

There are two major types of stroke. The most common kind, ischemic, is caused by a blood clot or the narrowing of a blood vessel (an artery) leading to the brain. This keeps blood from flowing into other parts of the brain and keeps needed oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells. Blockages that cause ischemic strokes stem from three conditions:

Some risk factors for stroke, like age, race, and family history, can’t be controlled. But you can make changes to lower your risk of stroke. Talk to your doctor about what you can do. Even if you’re in perfect health, follow these suggestions:

Control your blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked often. If it is high, follow your doctor’s advice to lower it.
Stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk for stroke. It’s never too late to quit.
Control your cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, work with your doctor to lower it.
Eat healthy foods. Eat foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
Exercise regularly. Try to make physical activity a part of your everyday life.

Someone who has had a stroke might be paralyzed or have weakness, usually on one side of the body. He or she might have trouble speaking or using words. There could be swallowing problems. There might be pain or numbness.

Stroke may cause problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory. Someone who has had a stroke might feel depressed or find it hard to control emotions. Post-stroke depression may be more than general sadness resulting from the stroke incident. It is a serious behavioral problem that can hamper recovery and rehabilitation and may even lead to suicide.

For More Information on Stroke

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
1-800-352-9424 (toll-free)
[email protected]|
www.ninds.nih.gov

National Stroke Association
1-800-787-6537 (toll-free)
[email protected]
www.stroke.org

Vol. 13, No. 17 – May 20 – June 2, 2020 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Brazil, a handsome 11 year old Chow rescued in memory of Blake Donovan. I spent a year at the shelter in LA, then I was transferred to C.A.R.L. While at C.A.R.L. I’ve participated in playgroups and I’ve done fine with the other dogs. I’m less active and more reserved and independent. I’m grateful to have been rescued and I know the C.A.R.L. volunteers and staff will shower me with love and attention until I find my forever home.

I’m currently in a foster home but only until the end of May. They said I’m house trained and love going for walks! I get so excited I can barely contain myself! I also love to sit outside in the yard and watch the birds and other critters. I even like to snuggle on the couch too!! If you let me of course.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

One year ago this month, 59 bunnies from the same household were surrendered to Ventura County Animal Services. Adoptable Nathan was one of over two dozen baby bunnies who went into foster care until he was old enough to be neutered and brought back to the shelter. To learn more about adding Nathan or another adoptable bunny to your family, please email the Bunny Brigade at [email protected]. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive – Nathan A710045

Vol. 13, No. 17 – May 20 – June 2, 2020 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday 4-28	10:15am, while on patrol in Fireboat 1, officers observed a thick fog bank move in. The fog signal was activated, and a vessel was escorted from the Ventura Pier back to the Ventura Harbor entrance.
Thursday 4-30	8:18pm, received a report of a vessel in distress at the breakwall. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19, found the 19ft lake-type vessel on the rocks. The vessel was towed then escorted to the launch ramp safely.

Saturday 5-2	8:45am, dispatched to an overdose/poisoning at Ventura West Marina. Officers responded with VFD/AMR/VPD. Patient transported to local hospital.
Sunday 5-3	9:03am, received a report of an injured sealion, a line around its neck on the NPS docks. Officers investigated with CIMWI (channel islands marine wildlife institute). The mammal was located and it was determined that it was healthy and could still hunt so no action taken at this time.
Monday 5-4	6:15pm, received a report of a large group of juveniles partying on the beach near Surfers Knoll groin and disturbing the peace. Officers responded, found the group and advised not only not social distancing, but not actively moving. Individuals advising they were displaying their right to protest, advised we could display our responsibility to enforce with citations. They reluctantly left the area.

Wed
5-6

11:55pm, received report of the bottom trawler Sea Dragon activated their Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPRIB) near Ventura Harbor from the US coast guard. Officer’s responded in the vehicle to search Beaches South of the Harbor. The vessel was discovered aground at Surfers Knoll with 2 POB’s. Multiple agencies responded, rescued the pair and TowBoat US was on scene to begin the salvage operation of the fishing vessel.

Saturday
5-9

2:10am, received a report of an intoxicated individual operating suspiciously around VWM D-dock. Officers responded and found the individual detained by security at the dock. After an investigation, the vessel was lacking sufficient safety equipment and the individual was intoxicated. His boat was secured at the dock and he was escorted to his vessel on VWM C-dock.

3:25am, dispatched to a water rescue, suicidal victim who ran into the ocean near San Pedro. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19 along with VPD, AMR and VFD. Upon arrival, the patient was found in shallow water screaming and crying. The patient was convinced by VFD rescue swimmer to head in and received treatment for hypothermia and was transported to local hospital.

1:50pm, received a report of a sailboat on the rocks of the Portside development. Officers responded with vessel assist to observe and escort the vessel off rocks.

Sunday
5-10

7:30am, officers observed a sick cormorant on the beach near Surfers Knoll. Officers assisted bird rescue with the injured animal. It was captured and will be nurtured back to health. No significant issues observed, just cold and wet.

7:59pm, dispatched to an ocean rescue at Ventura Pier. Officers responded in Rescue boat 19 and assisted State Parks and Ventura fire. No injuries reported.

Monday
5-11

8:25am, while on patrol officers were searching for any debris left over from the fishing vessel Sea Dragon, that went aground five days prior. A few debris were observed and passed on to the salvage company in charge or removal.

8:05pm, receiving several inquiries about the bioluminescence event, specifically when does it start. Officers advised the red tide has receded and that when there is red tide it is usually in low visibility, such as darkness.

New version of walking the dog

by Ivor Davis

Bicycling on Ventura path by the Pier recently I ran across this brave lady who gave new meaning to the phrase “walking your dog.” She was actually as you can see– walking with the dog on her shoulders—and it was a pretty large pooch. And a warm day!

I took her photo–said I would send her a copy–but got the wrong email address.

If you can run this photo, then maybe she can get her picture.

Anyway, I am sure all her friends will recognize her–mask or not!

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