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Ventura Police Community Outreach Specialist recognized at state and international level

Ashley Bautista selected by the International Association of Police Chiefs for the 40 Under 40 Award.

Ashley Bautista has been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the California Peace Officers’ Association for her community outreach efforts with the Ventura Police Department. Ashley is a Senior Community Outreach Specialist with the department. She is also the

police liaison for the Ventura Police Community Foundation spearheading fundraising efforts for police equipment and community crime prevention programs. In June 2019, she took on an additional role as the Acting Communications Manager for the City of Ventura.

In August, she was selected by the International Association of Police Chiefs for the 40 Under 40 Award. The award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment to their profession. The award will be presented in Chicago in October. In August, she was the recipient of the California Peace Officers’ Association’s (CPOA) Inaugural 12 under 12 Award. She was selected for Region VII which covers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The award recognizes 12 individuals from the 12 CPOA regions with 12 or less years of service who represent the future of the law enforcement profession.

“In a time where the national narrative of policing in America is challenged, new and innovative approaches to bring together communities and law enforcement are as important as they have ever been. Ashley Bautista has transformed this narrative in our community,” said Police Chief Ken Corney.

Ashley joined the Ventura Police Department in July 2014. She previously served as an Associate at Paladin Principal, LLC a regional public affairs firm. She represented the Gold Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the World Affairs Council Central Coast Chapter as the Executive Director of both organizations. She also assisted in crisis communication for a variety of government, nonprofit and business clients during her time with Paladin.

“As the owner of Cole Pro Media, one of the leading firms across the country in helping law

enforcement tell their own stories using social media, there is no better partner than Ashley in this

process. She gets it, she cares, and she’s the real deal. She gives her life every day to the community of Ventura and to this great profession that protects all of us 365 days a year,” said Laura Cole, Cole Pro Media President. Since her time with the Police Department she has increased the following on social media to over 80,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor combined. Her innovative social media campaigns have been featured on the national level. She provides presentations to community groups and high school groups on crime prevention, traffic safety and cyber safety. She also hosts the police department’s annual citizen’s academy providing an opportunity for residents to learn about police operations. She has become a resource for governmental agencies in providing community outreach strategies. She is passionate in her efforts to create a strong sense of connectivity between the police department and the community.

“I appreciate Ashley’s hard work, dedication, passion and responsiveness. She is a significant part of the

heart, compassion and devotion of our police force,” said Ventura community member Lori Steinhauer.

She was awarded the Ventura Police Support Crime Fighter of the Year in December 2016. She was nominated for employee of the year for the City of Ventura in January 2017 and January 2019. She was selected for the cover of the Ventana magazine as a “Woman of Substance” in March 2016. She has also been recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times, a tri-county central coast publication, as the “Top 50 Women in Business”, “Top 40 under 40” and “Who’s Who in Civic Leadership”. She holds a bachelor’s degree of Political Science from the University of San Diego a minor in Media Studies and her master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University. She is also a graduate of the 2019 Ventura County Leadership Academy. The academy brings leaders together from various professions to address complex issues county-wide.

“I have put my heart into what I do because I am motivated to make Ventura a better place for my four sons. I am motivated to prevent crime; motivated to help apprehend suspects, who continue to victimize the most vulnerable; and motivated to change the negative perceptions about police officers. The men and women who serve our community are remarkable people and it’s an honor to be their advocate. Building the bridge between the police and the community has been an incredible

experience,” said Community Outreach Specialist Bautista.

The goal of this year’s ride is to raise $1 million, with $821,945 raised so far

California Coast Classic coming to Ventura.

The Arthritis Foundation’s largest fundraising ride, the 19th Annual California Coast Classic presented by Amgen, a 525-mile eight-day bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles will be rolling into Ventura on September 27.

One in every four Americans is living with arthritis — that’s more than breast cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and autism combined. It’s the number one cause of disability and a growing health crisis affecting more than 54 million adults and 300,000 children. The Arthritis Foundation is leading the fight to conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community connections.

250 bicyclists, both with and without arthritis, from California, other parts of the United States and internationally ranging in age from 18 to 70-plus. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $3,500 to participate in the CCC.

A 525-mile eight-day bicycle tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise $1 million for the Arthritis Foundation. Funds raised help to bring life-changing tools and resources to those with arthritis, their family and friends; provides support to the 300,000 kids and teens with arthritis through the national Juvenile Arthritis Conference, JA Camps, and other educational activities; to accelerate the path to better treatments and a cure; and to break down barriers to optimal arthritis care.

The route follows California’s beautiful coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles. During the 8-day ride, participants will overnight in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, Oceano, Buellton, Ventura, and finish in Los Angeles. At each overnight stop, the majority of the riders camp out, some will stay at a hotel, and at the campground a hearty meal is served and riders share memories from the day, participate in a raffle for donated prizes, and honor a different person each night who is living with and surviving arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure (arthritis.org).

The California Coast Classic Bike Tour is the winner of the 2019 Best Charity Bike Tour Award by Gran Fondo Guide. It began in 2001 and is the flagship fundraising bike tour of the Arthritis Foundation, raising over $1 million dollars annually. The money provides educational resources for adults and children, supports advocacy, funds kids’ camps, and much more. Beginner and experienced cyclists are welcome and encouraged to join the journey down the coast of California.

The Tour will arrive in Ventura on Friday afternoon around 2-3 p.m., September 27, Day 7 of the 8-day tour. The riders will be staying at the San Buenaventura State Beach.

 

Here’s the schedule for that Friday night

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm        CCC Social Hour

6:00 pm                         Daily Announcements

6:30 pm                         Dinner

Here’s the schedule for that Saturday morning before they start to trickle out on their way to Los Angeles.

6:30 am – 8:30 am        Breakfast

Direct Relief Organization donates emergency vehicles to Ventura City Fire

Ventura City Fire Department receives a pickup and a sports utility vehicle.

Santa Barbara based Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by emergencies, is equipping many of California’s first responder agencies to help save lives. After the devastation of the Thomas Fire and Montecito mud & debris flows, the organization recognized the need of local agencies for additional emergency response vehicles and equipment. The organization has since donated life-saving equipment to several Southern California emergency service providers, including Ventura City Fire Department.

“Given the overwhelming scale and tragedies of debris flow and fires in California, Direct Relief was looking to help in anyway it could both in the immediate aftermath and for the future, and while outside our normal course of support, the benefit of being in a position to help our local Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) first responders with a purpose built vehicle was clear,” said Andrew MacCalla, Vice President Direct Relief, Emergency Response.

Direct Relief recently donated both a pickup and a sports utility vehicle to Ventura City Fire Department to help support emergency response efforts in Ventura, and for the greater operational response area of Ventura County. The Ford F-150 4×4 pickup will be used for surf & ocean rescues, as well as supporting wildland fire, flooding, and urban search & rescue operations. The pickup has been outfitted with storage compartments, overhead racks, an air compressor system, Opticom traffic preemption (to change traffic signals during emergency response), a mobile data computer (for GPS location/regional dispatching), dual sirens, LED response & scene lighting, and two-way mobile & portable radios. The Ford Explorer SUV is outfitted as an additional command vehicle. It will be used by the Training Battalion Chief as a secondary mobile incident command post to respond when the primary on-duty Battalion Chief is already committed to another incident, or when an incident is so large that it requires multiple chief officers to be in place to take command of various geographic local areas, as occurred during both the Thomas & Woolsey Fires.

“We appreciate the generous support of Direct Relief in supporting our first responders and our community. This specialized equipment is critical for protecting life during a serious disaster,” said Mayor Matt LaVere.

Students partner with City of Ventura to improve hillside

On Tuesday, September 3rd, the City of Ventura, Councilmember Lorrie Brown, the Ventura Botanical Gardens, the Serra Cross Conservancy and California Lutheran University partnered with more than 500 college students to improve the hillside area of Grant Park which was damaged during the Thomas Fire.

Steven De Fratus and Lorrie Brown mulched the day away.

Steven De Fratus, Community Partnerships Supervisor coordinated the project with Councilmember Brown.

“We raked mulch in the area impacted by the fire. It was a creative way for us new freshmen to really get to know each other and help out our community. Helping our community is important to me and I think this is a great way to do it,” said freshman Erica Weis.

The students spread mulch, removed debris and cleaned areas surrounding the trails. For the past 12 years Volunteer Ventura has partnered with Cal Lutheran for the “You’ve Got Served” volunteer effort to improve various areas of Ventura.

“I am an alumna of CLU and it was great to work alongside CLU students to help improve our community during this important service project,” said Councilmember Lorrie Brown. “The more we can work together the better our community will be. The students worked so hard during this project. They truly helped to make a difference in Ventura.”

Ventura Botanical Gardens Board President Tracy Long was also on hand helping to pitch in.

Previously Cal Lutheran’s students and city staff have removed arundo and invasive ice plant in the Ventura Harbor Wetlands located off of Spinnaker in the Harbor.

The Gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members get in free (with $45 annual membership) and others pay $7. On Tuesdays, admission is free. Dogs are welcome Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

NBA star James Ennis encourages students to aim high

Ennis graduated from Ventura High and Sheridan Way.

by Amy Brown

Homegrown NBA superstar James Ennis III recently returned to his former elementary school, Sheridan Way Elementary in Ventura, to visit with students and inspire them to reach high—literally and figuratively. He brought school supplies, sports equipment, and gave the kids a pep talk for the coming school year and beyond. “It was great to see so many smiles on their faces. Back then I wish I’d had an NBA player come here!” said Ennis.

Ennis grew up in the avenues in the Westview Village housing project with his five siblings. He shared that he wanted to donate to Sheridan Way because he felt it was important to give back to the community. “I came from low poverty, it feels good to be home again. I wanted to give back once I made it to the NBA,” said Ennis. “I want to be a good role model—if you set the bar high, you can accomplish your goals.”

At 6’7”, the Philadelphia 76ers’ small forward is anything but small, but that didn’t stop him from enthusiastically diving in to play basketball with the elementary students during his visit to the school. He also posed for photos and signed autographs.

“It was really amazing having someone famous talk to us,” said Sofia Tadeo, a 4th grader at Sheridan Way. “It’s pretty cool he went to school here; when he talked to us, he said we just have to work hard to achieve our goals.”

Ennis graduated from Ventura High and attended both Oxnard and Ventura colleges. He ultimately transferred to Cal State Long Beach, and was initially drafted into the NBA in 2013 by the Atlanta Hawks. He shared that education had been important to him, helping him to learn to work hard and have discipline. Asked who some of his early influencers were in Ventura, he responded that Felix Cortex at Ventura High had been one of his favorites, and that Coach Joey Ramirez at Ventura College had had a big influence on him, treating him like more than just a rising basketball star, but also like a person.

Asked if there was one message he wanted to leave with the students and kids growing up in the difficult area that he did, he replied, “I tell them anything is possible, and that there’s a lot of talent in the 805!”

Ventura County School Board Member Matt Almaraz attended the event as well, and stopped to shoot some hoops with the kids while Ennis spoke to visitors. “It’s pretty phenomenal that someone who came from this same area, this same school, is now a professional basketball player,” said Almaraz, who served years ago as a Youth Program Director at the Westpark Community Center where Ennis had played growing up. “I know the hardships these kids go through, and for someone to come back who’s made it, it’s really special to see.”

EV electric shows Ventura County

Kent and Cathy Bullard have been living the future since 2011 when they first bought an electric vehicle. Photo by John Hankins

by John Hankins

The public and free markets are now strongly favoring all-electric vehicles, and local residents who already have them and/or hybrids are anxious to share their experiences and answer questions face-to-face.

You can do that during the two National Drive Electric Week events in Ventura County on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Government Center and Sunday, Sept 22, at Channel Islands Harbor, sponsored by the Sierra Club and EV Advocates of Ventura County.

There are over a dozen models at both events with at least 50 local owners participating, with nearly a million miles driven by them. Tesla, Bolt, Volt, Ionic, Leaf, Jaguar, Nissan and BMWs are just some of the models that are likely at the events. Car showcases are growing in popularity with companies similar to CarsRelo shipping cars all over the country so consumers can check out the latest cars to hit the showroom. These September events are happening all over the country; details at:

https://driveelectricweek.org

“EV drivers can provide better information than any other source because it is real world,” said Russell Sydney, a co-founder of EV Advocates whose cars are charged from his solar panels. “Another big advantage is seeing so many different vehicles in one place.”

Green Tech Media reports sales increased by 81% in 2018; Market Watch estimates “more than 30 million are likely to buy an electric car as their next vehicle.” Car makers are listening, as General Motors just announced it’s now working for a zero-emissions future, along with Volvo, Aston Martin, Jaguar and so many more, while European countries plan to ban gas/diesel cars sooner than later, as does China and India.

While the initial debut of electric cars was impressive due to Tesla’s superior engineering, patrons were initially worried about the amount of public charge stations. That is being fixed so quickly that in the next generation you may pass a gas station and say, “How quaint.”

Since the demand for public charging stations is increasing, there is a petition asking local governments to streamline the process. Sign it at:

www.electricdrive805.org/streamlined-permitting

Most EV drivers find the cost per mile to be only about a third the cost of petroleum on public chargers and possibly less from their home with or without solar panels. A dollar buys you 25 miles worth of range at a city of Ventura public charger, but for that same range it will cost you $2.50 or more for a gallon of gasoline.

While all this may be new to most people, Kent and Cathy Bullard of Ventura are living the future. They have had electric vehicles since 2011 with a Nissan Leaf and now a Tesla Model 3. She commutes to work from Ventura to Thousand Oaks and asserts, “I’ll never go back to gas, there’s no reason.”

Details of the events:

Drive Electric Ventura, Tuesday Sept 17, 10am – 2pm. This will be not only be a showcase but has opportunities to Ride and Drive with dealers; sponsored by Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance. Held at the Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave. More information or to RSVP:

http://driveelectricweek.org/1976

Drive Electric Oxnard, Sunday Sept 22, 9:30am – 3pm at the Channel Island Harbor next to the Farmers’ Market (show and shop!), 3610 S. Harbor Blvd. This is the big show, sponsored by the Sierra Club and EV Advocates with help from Community Environmental Council. More information or RSVP:

http://driveelectricweek.org/1592

First 5 Ventura County offers classes and family support services

First 5 Ventura County held a celebration ribbon cutting. Photos by Michael Gordon

On Sept., 5 First 5 Ventura County (F5VC) had their official ribbon cutting for the First 5 Neighborhood for Learning, Powered by Interface (NfL) at Will Rogers Elementary. The NfL is an early education hub and resource center for Ventura’s children and families.

Each of the 13 NfL locations in Ventura County offers Parent and Child Together classes and family support services. To celebrate First 5 Ventura County’s early learning initiative and the groundbreaking NfL model for supporting children prenatal to five and their families, First 5 Ventura County held their a ribbon cutting on Thursday, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Representatives from County Supervisor Steve Bennett, Assmeblymember Monique Limon, and Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson’s office were on hand to celebrate this vital community resource.

The County of Ventura’s new Mobile Library was also there for families to explore. The Mobile Library offers a full range of library services including: Free Wi-Fi, Wireless Printing, Laptop lending, 3D Printing, STEM & Makerspaces activities, Storytimes, and children’s books.

Those in attendance joined Executive Directors Petra Puls (First 5 Ventura County) and Erik Sternad (Interface Children & Family Services) in celebrating Ventura County’s award-winning Neighborhoods for Learning model, and learned more about the essential services and classes being offered to Ventura children and families.

Student drug abuse and anti vaping programs honored

Dan Hicks, Dawn Anderson, Gabe Teran, Maritza Garcia, Catherine Puccetti and Amber Macias at the honors presentation.

The Ventura County Office of Education’s Department of Comprehensive Health and Prevention Programs (CHPP) was recently honored for its efforts to teach students about the dangers of opioid use, vaping and other risky behaviors. The department received the Pillar of Prevention award from Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH). The award was established to honor exceptional contributions to the field of prevention by those who are working to preserve and protect community health.

The award recognizes CHPP’s programs designed to promote student health, including:

Direct in-school drug awareness and vaping presentations for students

Youth leadership and mentoring programs to discourage dangerous behavior

Prevention trainings for school administrators, educators, and counselors

Interpretation of California Healthy Kids Survey data to inform other agencies

As part of the Safe Schools initiative under the County’s Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Workgroup, CHPP Director Dawn Anderson and her team led the development of opioid-specific drug education and the creation of the “Buzz Kill” graphic novella used in to discourage prescription drug abuse among students. They also developed programs to raise awareness of prescription drug and heroin abuse among parents. Most recently, Ms. Anderson worked to make the medication Naloxone (Narcan) available at VCOE school sites to potentially save lives in the event of an opioid overdose.

The Pillar of Prevention award was presented to VCOE by VCBH Prevention Services Manager Dan Hicks at Monday’s meeting of the Ventura County Board of Education. “It’s been said that prevention is a team sport because meaningful change takes real collaboration,” Hicks said. “There are lots of agencies with strong efforts, but VCOE has demonstrated an amazing combination of data-driven programming and a focus on community health this year that really stands out in the middle of the opioid crisis. Dawn and her staff are the folks everyone wants on their team because they use their resources to get results—they’re bending the trend of youth drug use.”

The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org.

Two new members join Ventura College Foundation Board

The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors has added two new board members. The new members are and Michael Schouten.

Catherine Bojorquez

Bojorquez is vice president of business and administrative services at Ventura College. She has worked in education for over 19 years, providing oversight in the areas of finance, technology, facilities, maintenance, transportation and food services.

“Education is a great equalizer that develops students’ strengths and talents, helping them to achieve their dreams for themselves and their families,” says Bojorquez. “I interact with students, faculty, classified professionals and administrators every day. They share their challenges, successes and hopes. As a board member, I hope to be a liaison between the board and the many faces at Ventura College and a voice for the needs of our students and campus.”

Michael Schouten

Schouten is president of the Associated Students of Ventura College. While growing up in Santa Paula, education was not always a top priority. “I wasn’t big on education but that changed when my mom quit her job as a waitress and completed a medical assistant program,” says Schouten. “I saw the new opportunities education gave her.”

The foundation’s Ventura College Promise program enabled Schouten to attend Ventura College tuition free during his first year. He takes advantage of the foundation-funded David P. Bianco textbook lending library so he has access to schoolbooks at no charge. While at Ventura College, Schouten has been awarded an academic scholarship by the Ventura Downtown Lions Club – Fred W. Smith Scholarship. “Ventura College, its faculty and the foundation’s many mentors have provided me with the opportunity to explore what I want to do with my life,” says Schouten, who hopes to transfer to U.C. Berkeley and major in political science or economics. “I want to bring the student perspective to the board and suggest new ways the foundation can help students including addressing the personal side of what it means to be a college student.”

“Having Cathy and Michael’s input on the board is important,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Their views on student issues give us an on-the-ground look at how our programs impact students.”

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or [email protected] or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org

Vol. 12, No. 25 – Sept 11 – Sept 24, 2019 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

The Jewish New Year, 5780, a time for reflection and recommitment as well as the tradition of dipping of apples in honey, begins on Erev Rosh HaShannah, Sunday, September 29h. Congregation Am HaYam invites all Jews to join with them in observances.

S’Lichot Services take place Saturday, September 21st at 6:30 pm. Erev Rosh HaShannah begins Sunday, September 29th, at 7 pm. Services on the first and second days of the holiday, Monday and Tuesday, October 1st and 2nd, begin at 9 am.

Kol Nidre, the holiest night in the Jewish calendar, begins on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:15 pm. Yom Kippur services on Wednesday, October 9th, begin at 9 am.

CAH is associated with United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism and is located at 4839 Market Street (rear). Ample free parking is available. Please call 805-644-2899 for ticket or other information or see www.amhayam.com.

Free Adult Grief & Bereavement Support Groups

Every Wednesday, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free for anyone who has lost someone within the last 2 years. Receive emotional and educational support.

Free Joint Replacement Classes

2nd Monday of the Month (September 9), held from 4-5 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you what to expect pre and post-surgery.

Living with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes Classes

1st Tuesday of the Month (October 1), from 1– 2:30 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes.

Held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 109. Call (805) 642-0239 for more information.

The Compassionate Friends of West Ventura County is a support group for those who have experienced the loss of a child. Parents, grandparents, and siblings (over age 14) are all welcome. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 at the Pointsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga room, 3451 Foothill Road. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay at (805) 836-9100.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Free dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 p.m. Call Rick (805) 415-8842 for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play.  Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun.  There is a game every day of the week.  Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events.  Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments.  The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street.  Visitors and potential members are welcomed.  There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7 – 9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety.

Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each

month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd.

Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening.

Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at Lemon Wood Mobile Park, 850 Johnson Dr. They have excellent speakers, leading cardiologists, nutritionists, dietitians from our area. Contact Richard Hatcher at (805) 644-2733.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence in the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Every Friday at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston (enter through side door off parking lot). Further information Deva 805-814-5650 or Maryann

BCNN (Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers) is a non-profit women’s club. A purely social club to provide a venue by which women in our area can meet each other. We have a variety of activities in which members can share common interests. You can see a listing of some of our activities at http://www.bcnnwomensclub.org/.

Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa St. Parking is on Santa Clara Avenue. dues are $30 per year. Speaker Kurt Buckley, will present “My Comino”. He will introduce the audience to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Ventura County Cribbage Association Grass Roots Local Club meets weekly. Located at Pizzaman Dan’s 444 E. Santa Clara on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. More information at Kerry 805-643-7683

Ventura Retired Men’s Group meets for social interaction, a buffet lunch and an interesting program on the first and third Tuesday each month. If you’d like to sample a free introductory meal and relaxing ocean breeze at Poinsettia Pavilion, stop by and introduce yourself in the pavilion Santa Paula room at about 11:30 a.m. on any meeting day.

Sept.11: The Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for bicycling for health, recreation, transportation and advocacy. Over 300 members and are based in Ventura. While members are mostly adults, welcome cyclists of all ages. Check out our activities www.cibike.org.

Monthly meetings are free and open to anyone in the community at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a social with beer and wine. Presentations start at 7p.m. Following the half-hour social, there will be a presentation by Dr. Gregory Tchejeyan on how to avoid knee and hip injuries while bicycling. Dr. T is a renown orthopedic surgeon and triathlete 805-587-1233.

Sept.13: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution

April luncheon meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m., Friday, in the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road. The Chapter will present its annual awards program. If you choose

to join for lunch, cost is $20 per person. For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays (805) 650-3036 or Robert Taylor (805)216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, please visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.

Sept.15: The Climate Reality Project: Ventura County, CA Chapter, General Meeting Get updates on the Ventura County General Plan Update, the Clean Power Alliance, and other issues related to the Climate Reality Project. E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room
651 E Main St at 2 p.m.

Sept.15: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11a.m. There will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed.

There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1 p.m. which will be on a topic related to timekeeping.

More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Sept.16 & 23: Gold Coast Concert Chorus – new season! A non-audition, community choir gathering singers of all ages and levels of experience! New singers are always welcome! Registration times remaining for December concert, “Harmony and Hope”, are September 16th and 23rd at the Church of the Foothills from 6:15pm to 6:45pm. Rehearsals will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Looking forward to seeing you there! www.goldcoastchorus.org

Sept.19: Ventura’s new Community Development Director, Peter Gilli, will be the featured speaker at the Thursday meeting of the East Ventura Community Council. Mr. Gilli will talk about plans for development in the near future and issues of concern. In addition, a representative of the Ventura Police Department who will report on crime and safety.

The council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue. Books in good condition are always accepted on behalf of Ventura Friends of the Library. The meeting starts at 7p.m. at the Connect Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson, [email protected]

Sept. 19: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Men and women are welcome, and there is no age requirement. Assistance League is “Transforming Lives, Strengthening Community” through several philanthropic programs: The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. Find more information on the Website: assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, like us on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected]. Telephone: 805-643-2458 Monday – Thursday, 8 – 2 p.m.

Sept. 19: Law firm Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce will co-host The Mix, a sunset networking event of food, drinks, raffles and more, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 1050 S. Kimball Road, Ventura. The event is free to attend and open to all. Bring plenty of business cards. RSVP to http://bit.ly/FCOP_Ventura_Chamber_mixer.

Sept. 25: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Representatives from Ventura College and the police department will give brief updates and other issues of community interest will be discussed. The Council meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. CACC represents citizens in Council District 3, neighborhoods between Dunning/Lemon Grove and Hill Road, north of Hwy. 126.  collegeareacouncil.com/map Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.

Sept. 29: Rancho Days at the Olivas Adobe, hosted by the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, the docents of the Adobe. Lots to do including kids Outreach roping and gold panning, candle making, woodcarving, a cactus walk, informational tours. Featured entertainment includes Richard Senate Storytelling (Ghost Stories), Mariachi, Folkloric las Islas, California State Old Time Fiddler Association and the Frontier Gunfighters walking around maintaining order on the old Rancho Olivas. This is a donation requested event, $5 Family or $3 per Adult and $1 per Child. The Olivas Adobe is located at 4200 Olivas Park Dr. Sunday from 11- 3 p.m.

Oct. 13: The Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, Dr. KuanFen Liu Artistic Director celebrates the opening of its 17th Season with American Landscapes, performing Ashley Broder’s Channel Islands Orchestral Suite, a world premiere and other compositions. 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1338 E. Santa Clara St. There will be a pre-concert presentation by William Hoyer, Biologist that begins 1 hour before the concert.

Donations of $20 are appreciated. Youth 18 and under are free. For more information call 805-246-7316 or visit website www.CHICOVC.org.