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Girl Scouts welcome new board member

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast welcomes their newest board member, Maria Ventra.

In her role, as the local SoCalGas representative of Ventura County, she serves on several community boards, BGCGV, El Concilio, American Red Cross of Central California, United Way of Ventura County and the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA). She is deeply rooted in the Ventura County community.

She has received prestigious recognitions for her professional accomplishments and commitment to the community over the past few years, a few of those including the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “Top 50 Women in Business” Editor’s Choice and Hispanic Lifestyle recognized her as a Latina of Influence.

Maria says, “As a young girl, I always wanted to join Girls Scouts and now I am finally one! Removing obstacles of joining the Girls Scouts and broadening its reach for all girls and teens along the Central Coast is of paramount importance.”

A complete listing of Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast Board Members can we found at www.girlscoutsccc.org/board.

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast serves over 9,000 girls across six counties and is committed to making the Girl Scout Leadership Experience available to girls in ways that impact their lives both in the moment and into the future. To join or volunteer in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or Ventura County, visit: girlscoutsccc.org.

We were all ‘Home Schooled’ whether we realized it at the time or not…

Submitted by Mike Tracy

Most of us over 65 were Home Schooled in many ways…

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

“If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”

My mother taught me RELIGION.

“You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”

My father taught me about TIME TRAVEL

“If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”

My father taught me LOGIC

“Because I said so, that’s why

My mother taught me MORE LOGIC

“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”

My mother taught me FORESIGHT

Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”

My father taught me IRONY

“Keep crying and I’ll give you something to cry about.”

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS

“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM

“Just you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”

My mother taught me about STAMINA

“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”

My mother taught me about WEATHER

“This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY

“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times, don’t exaggerate!”

My father taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE

“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

“Stop acting like your father!”

My mother taught me about ENVY

“There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION

“Just wait until we get home.”

My mother taught me about RECEIVING

“You are going to get it from your father when he gets home!”

My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE

“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.”

My mother taught me ESP

“Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

My father taught me HUMOR

“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT

“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”

My mother taught me GENETICS

“You’re just like your father.”

My mother taught me about my ROOTS

“Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”

My mother taught me WISDOM

“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”

My father taught me about JUSTICE

“One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

Ventura Breeze Photo Contest Winners

First place went to Michael Hoffman.

The Ventura Breeze photo contest has been completed. Thanks to all who submitted their
wonderful photographs. The six Breeze staff members who selected the winners had an
extremely hard time with their selections because of the high quality of the submissions
In the color category:

Michael HoffmanTwo of his photos were tied for first so we selected both of them for first.

Karen Ruff

Second place went to Karen Ruff.

Dr. Mark Babbitt

Third place went to Dr. Mark Babbitt.

Aubrey Jenson

For black and white only first place was selected: Aubrey Jenson.

The Museum of Ventura County collecting history today

The Central Coast of California offered an obvious appeal to followers of modernism.

As Ventura County residents react to new policies and recommendations aimed to restrict the virus’ spread, the Museum is working to document and preserve the materials and stories that demonstrate how our county is continuing to communicate, work, commute, learn, teach, create, pray, celebrate, mourn, and give aid to others.

Tell us your story or consider what objects or recordings best represent the experiences and observations that have stood out to you most. How are you and your family members spending your time? What do you regard as your biggest challenges? Was there a moment when you realized a historic event was taking place?

The stories and materials we collect will allow all of us to study and share these experiences in the future. Learn more at www.VenturaMuseum.org.

The Museum of Ventura Count is excited to share an in-depth look at the California Cool: Mid-century Modernism on the Central Coast exhibit online for the first time. Step back in time to a cooler and more sophisticated era of design with this online tour, offering a thorough look at many of the artifacts and artwork featured in the exhibit that was originally on display September 2019—February 2020. These artifacts include the Nelson Coconut Chair, pottery by renowned ceramicist Otto Heino, and special items from the collection of Eric Huff. Visit www.VenturaMuseum.org to view California Cool Mid-century Modernism on the Central Coast and other virtual tours.

The Central Coast of California offered an obvious appeal to followers of modernism. The extensive access to the coast and higher elevations afforded by the region’s many beaches and foothills, and the mild Mediterranean climate, served as a central reason for indoor-outdoor living. But the Central Coast offered more than geography and climate. The different regions of the Central Coast offered other unique appeals, as well.

The Museum is also collaborating with CAPS Media, who are collecting stories from this time in video format for their #VenturaStories project. Do you have a great story to share? Something clever, funny or inspirational of your family, friends, kids, pets, neighbors or something else? Every week CAPS Media will air and stream locally produced videos sent in by the public. CAPS Media is looking for positive, feel-good stories that are entertaining, inspiring, enlightening and informative. This project gives you the special treat of seeing your masterpiece on television on Channel 6 and streaming online at capsmedia.org. Find out more at www.capsmedia.org/venturastories.

Earth Day 2020

Christy Weir stated “There has been no better time to think globally and act locally.”

by City Council Member Christy Weir

Fifty years ago, in 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson had witnessed the destruction from the Santa Barbara oil spill the previous year and was committed to raising public consciousness about air and water pollution. His partner in the bipartisan founding of Earth Day was Congressman Pete McCloskey, Republican from California. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans demonstrated at massive rallies for a healthy, sustainable environment. Having seen decades of toxic dumping, pesticides, loss of wilderness, deforestation, extinction of wildlife and polluting factories, they marched and protested across the country.

Overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans subsequently led to four years of landmark environmental legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act, Clean Air Act , Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

For many individuals, state and local governments and businesses, air pollution was accepted as a byproduct of prosperity. Then, because of the Clean Air Act regulations, vehicle emissions dramatically decreased, and clean, renewable sources became an economically feasible option for power generation. But despite clean air initiatives over the past 50 years, the burning of fossil fuel has increased by over 100% in the U.S., contributing to greenhouse gases and climate change. Coal-fired power plants which emit harmful chemicals, including mercury, lead and carbon monoxide, continue to foul the air. Ninety-five percent of the world population are exposed to concentrations of particulate matter which exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.

Deforestation negatively impacts our climate and air quality as well. About half of the forests in the eastern part of the United States were cut down for timber and farming from 1600-1900. Since 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has protected our forests, and cities across the nation have instituted tree-planting programs to improve air quality and provide shade and carbon sequestration in urban areas.

The Endangered Species Act has been instrumental in saving the bald eagle, humpback whale, grey wolf, and grizzly bear from extinction, in addition to protecting hundreds of other threatened species. However, biodiversity since 1970 has continued to decrease. Currently the total worldwide biomass of mammals is estimated to be 60% livestock, 36% human, and only 4% wild animals. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms, and habitat loss from climate change, mining, pollution and urban sprawl endangers thousands of species on our planet.

Since 1970, single use plastics have become ubiquitous as a part of our consumer-driven, “convenience” culture. Think about fifty years ago—no plastic bags, no plastic water bottles or coffee cup lids. The average American now generates about five pounds of trash per day and waste generation rates are rising around the world. Over the decades, cities started recycling programs, and plastic, paper and glass were collected and diverted from landfills, sold to be reused. Much was shipped to China, the biggest market for recyclables. But in 2018, burdened by too much waste, China essentially shut down their acceptance of plastics and most paper, forcing many cities to send all their trash to landfills. (EJ Harrison in Ventura County continues to have other markets for their recyclables.)

Over the past two months, air pollution has decreased by an estimated 50% worldwide. Children in cities which have been smothered in smog for decades are able to breathe clean, fresh air, and see clear blue skies.

On this Earth Day 2020, let’s envision and celebrate a future that is less wasteful, less toxic, more healthy and sustainable. We can all do our part by limiting consumption of products that contain palm oil, buying local produce, using less plastic, planting trees, walking and riding bikes more and driving less. There has been no better time to think globally and act locally.

Junipero Serra statue wearing a mask

Just as it was during the Thomas Fire the Junipero Serra statue is wearing a face mask.

The statue is located across from the Ventura City Hall

Father Junipero Serra was the founder of nine missions including the San Buenaventura Mission in 1782.

The first statue was created by John Palo-Kangas in 1936. It was replaced in 1989 by a statue made from the wood carving by the late Wilbur Rubottom that is on display in City Hall atrium.

Photo by Bernie Goldstein

Beyond video calls, helping seniors battle loneliness, boredom during social isolation

“I’m sure our grandkids will enjoy using our recipe books.”

by Maura Horton

There are more than 52 million Americans who are age 65 and older, and many of them are currently staying at home isolated to help reduce their exposure to coronavirus. Not being able to engage in normal activities like going to the gym, club meetings, out to eat with friends, shopping and visiting in person with family members can lead to boredom, loneliness and depression. Now that self-distancing has been recommended through the end of the month at least, it is going to take creativity to help older adults stay engaged and connected. Phone calls or family video chats are a great place to start, but even those can start to drag with everyone sitting at home and not really having anything new to discuss.

Now that everyone has been forced to slow down and has more free time at home, this is the perfect time to tackle projects that have been on the To-Do list for years but never seem to get done. For example, have grandparents and older members of the family share and create family mementos.

  • Write letters to kids or grandkids about things you’ve always wanted to say or stories you want to share.
  • Grandparents should dig out photos of their children when they were the ages of the grandkids. Show the grandkids these photos and then share stories about what their parents did when they were their age.
  • Set up virtual lessons for your kids or grandkids of things you always wanted to teach or they always wanted to learn but there was never time for – teach them how to knit or sew, give cooking lessons, share the wisdom and love of certain activities you may have.
  • Get out all your favorite family recipes and create a recipe book for your kids or grandkids.

You can also adapt activities you would normally do in person and find ways to do them virtually through video chats.

  • Play games virtually like checkers and tell your grandkids where to move the pieces.
  • Have dinner together. While you may not be able to visit a favorite restaurant or sit together at the same table right now you can get together on video chat and share a meal together virtually.

While it can be hard to be physically separated right now there are many ways that we can all still connect with each other. It just might take a little more creativity than jumping in the car or booking a reservation at the same restaurant you always meet at. Look at this time as a gift to do things you may normally never otherwise get to do together and turn challenging times into memories that will be cherished for years to come.

The Care Coach, is a voice of guidance and experience for caregivers. She was her husband’s primary caregiver during his decade long battle with early onset Parkinson’s disease. Follow Maura on social media @carecoachadvice.

 

 

Serenading those from balconies

Steve has played keyboard and accordion with a variety of bands in Ventura.

Steve likes to perform for seniors. The Ventura Townehouse entertains their residents by presenting live musicians several times a week. Because of the virus they can’t play inside as always so they have Steve Ormond, and others serenading them from outside.

They got creative and told residents to come outside so they could see live music from their balconies.

Steve has been an elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District for 31 years, always teaching the primary grades. Music has always been an important part of his classes as a method of teaching all subjects to his young students. A piano, accordion, guitar, ukulele, banjo, and plenty of rhythm instruments are always on hand.

For the last twenty years, he has played keyboard and accordion with a variety of bands in Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara County, including Dixieland, jazz, classic rock, Latin, folk and klezmer.

He stated “I have performed regularly at assisted living and memory care facilities throughout three counties. Performing for these residents is exceptionally rewarding for me. I can’t put a monetary value on the feeling I get from seeing people smile, tap their feet, dance or sing along—especially when performing for memory care residents.”

Samantha Crisp, Director of Marketing said “We love to be creative and keep up the residents love for music and I give Anne, our Activities Director credit for this genius idea. No one has ever done this before but the Townehouse. We love doing new things for our residents. We liken this to pulling a rabbit out of the hat for our residents. We do that more times than we can count.”

CAPS Media crews producing coronavirus updates

Are you ready for your television premiere?

CAPS Media crews are working closely with Ventura City and Ventura County officials to provide accurate and updated information on the coronavirus emergency. CAPS Crews are covering all County updates at the Government Center with videos posted at vcemergency.com/videos. CAPS is also creating Spanish language translations of the county messages for posting at vcemergency.com/covid19-sp/videos-sp.

CAPS crews are collaborating with the City of Ventura Police and Fire departments and with the Ventura County Fire department to create additional messages for the community and for internal use for emergency responders. Rest assured, CAPS Crew members are taking every precaution to be safe during these productions. All of the CAPS informational videos are being distributed on multiple platforms including City and County websites, CAPS Media, Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites.

The current emergency hasn’t slowed down the determined DJs and producers at CAPS Radio at 104.1fm. CAPS Media Radio Station Director Elizabeth Rodeno has launched a campaign to have listeners, DJs and producers record brief audio diaries about what their lives are like during the distance socializing era. Broadcasters from Australia to Ventura submitted audio shorts about local community organizations and activities. Kat Merrick, Pam Baumgardner, Kathy Good, Nadine Piche, Craig Rosen, Mary Egan and other KPPQ DJs are providing personal insights, public service information, fitness and health tips and more.

If you have a message to share on KPPQ, Ventura’s public access radio station, record your 30 to 60 second daily entry and email it to [email protected]. Tune into 104.1fm to hear the latest updates from the city and county.

Special thanks to everyone who submitted videos for CAPS Media’s #VenturaStories project – they’re great. In a week or so we will launch the first edition of the series.

Everyone has a Story to share. Be Creative – make #VenturaStories a family project with kids, pets, cooking, hobbies, sports, art, music, games and more. If you want to thank someone for a special act of kindness – #VenturaStories is a great way to do it. Teachers and students – do you have a fun or fascinating school project? Share it on #VenturaStories. Ventura Artists – demonstrate your unique talent with a #VenturaStories video. The series is also a place to share safety, health and shelter-in-place tips and messages during the current emergency. We’re looking for positive, feel-good stories that are entertaining, inspiring, enlightening and informative that we can share on television on Channel 6 and stream online at capsmedia.org.

For more info on #VenturaStories go to capsmedia.org/venturastories where you will find story ideas, production tips and other information. Keep in mind that #VenturaStories are best when they are short (3-5 minutes or less) and positive. Commercials and advertising are not acceptable and cannot be aired.

When you’re ready for your television premiere, submit your work of art to #VenturaStories online at capsmedia.org/venturastories where you will find simple instructions on how to upload your video. CAPS Media will determine which videos air and when they will air and stream. CAPS Media reserves the right to not air or distribute any videos for any reason.

Due to the Coronavirus emergency the CAPS Media Center is closed to Members and the public until further notice. CAPS Member/Producers can submit programming via the online portal at capsmedia.org for broadcast and streaming on CAPS public access television Channel 6 and on CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.1FM. All of us at CAPS Media hope everyone is Staying Safe and Healthy during this challenging time.

Ventura Breeze Honor Roll

Thank you so much to the following (and anonymous folks) who contributed
to keep the Breeze alive. You are very special to all of us.

Adela Trainor
Alison Carlson
Anne Reisinger
Anonymous
Antonio Figureida
Bob & Cheryl Wheeler
Carol Spector
Catterall Ceramics
Cheryl & Dennis Heitmann
Cheryl Serr
Christian McCusker
Connie Perez
Dan Osborn
Deborah Beattie
Debra Baile
Donna Miller
Ed Wehan
Elizabbeth Harper
Fancy Pantz Face & Body Art
Helga and Egmont von Websky
I A Vinas
James McPhie
Jean M Bennett-Sheaks
Jean Nussman
Jill Forman
Jill Wilson
Jocelyn Hotzler
Jodeen Frank Sales
John Darling
John Herndon
Julia F. Campbell
Ken McAlpine
Kurt Triffet
Lynn Wooster-Roemer
Mai Pham
Marla Brown
Martha Jaffe
Michael Estrada
Michael Merewether
Nelson Wallace
Patti Channer
Patty Jenkins
Priscilla Holmes
Sandy Powell
Sharon McKinney
Sharon Rishel
Siri Weber Feeney
Stephanie Joyce
Steve Noll
Susan Hancock
Suz Montgomery
Terri & Jim Capito
Terry Quick
Tina Figurski