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Ventura High School football takes W in hometown rivalry game for tenth year in a row

Ventura High players celebrating their rivalry win.

by Maryssa Rillo

The Ventura High School Cougars took on the Buena High School Bulldogs on Friday, October 25th at Larrabee Stadium in their annual rivalry football game. The cougars have consistently defeated the bulldogs the past nine years. After Friday night’s win with a 49-28 score, Ventura High accumulated a decade worth of winning streaks against Buena.

“They’re very happy because they know there is a lot of tradition in beating Buena and they don’t want to let down the guys before them,” AB Marin, Ventura High School’s Secondary Coach said.

With slick handoffs by junior wide receiver, Cade Ledesma to senior wide receiver, Zack Rodriguez and rushes for touchdowns by senior half back, Jadon Cline, the Cougars were able to set up a 14-0 lead against the Bulldogs.

“My personal performance was, I know I could have done better, but other than that I felt very accomplished. I felt very happy and I couldn’t have done it without my guys,” Ventura wide receiver, Zack Rodriguez said.

Though, Ventura came into the game ready to win, Buena came in hungry and ready to fight. The bulldogs were led by their senior running back, Bruce Powell-Mathis who had two touchdowns against the cougars.

“I think we gave up too many points to Buena, but I am very happy with the way our offense played. They actually kept us in the game and kept us ahead,” Curt Garner Ventura’s Defensive Coordinator said.

Senior running back for the Cougars, Dane Kapler, was also able to find multiple pockets where he could rush the ball. Kapler had a touchdown on 16 carries Friday night.

“I’m excited. I’m excited for our guys. I feel like they came out and prepared all week to perform on Friday night, tonight, and they did that,” Ventura’s Head Coach, Tim Garcia said.

Friday night wasn’t only a big night for the Cougars because of the rivalry tradition, but it was also senior night. Friday night was the last rivalry football game and last league game at home for 24 Ventura High School seniors.

“I am very happy for the seniors. No one wants to be the class that loses to Buena, so they really want to keep it going. They haven’t lost to Buena,” said Coach Garner.

At the end of the game, Ventura High flooded the field with black and yellow as the team celebrated their victory with the Suzanne Brown Memorial Trophy while chanting, “ten more years.”

“It feels amazing. Team effort, everything was energetic, it was all outstanding. Ten years in a row. Big ole smile on my face,” Rodriguez said. “It added way more motivation. These next few years, these kids are going to grind their butts off to get another 10 years.”

Though this victory is huge, the season isn’t over yet. The Ventura Cougars take on the Channel Islands Raiders, away on Friday, November 1st. The team needs this last victory in order to make playoffs.

“Next week we are going to do the same thing. We are going to dominate we’re going to penetrate and we’re going to take a W,” Rodriguez said.

Ventura Friends of the Library celebrates 50 years of service

The Rubicon’s Broadway Juniors entertained at the library.

by Jill Forman

“Libraries were my salvation!” That statement was made by local author and speaker Ivor Davis.

In that spirit, knowing that a flourishing library system is vital to so many in the community, in 1969 a small group of Ventura citizens formed what they then called the Friends of the San Buenaventura Library. Fifty years later the current Friends group celebrated the original organization’s members and the accomplishments of the Friends with a big party at the Hill Road Library, which the Friends partially funded.

Around 100 people showed up to the event: Friends, their guests, local dignitaries and helpers. They were greeted by balloons, music, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and displays. The new Mobile Library/Bookmobile was parked outside for tours and information. A PowerPoint was playing on the library’s giant flat-screen with photos, documents, letters, newspaper articles and so on from the Friends’ archives. The original documents were displayed in scrapbooks that had been loving assembled for 50 years. One of the original Friends, Hazel Clymer, was on hand and enjoyed seeing a news photo of herself from the early days.

Hill Road Café furnished finger food on the patio; Ivor Davis served up drinks along with good cheer and smiles. Guitarist John Bardi strummed lovely, relaxing music. Guests checked in, chatted with Board members and local folks such as Councilmember Christy Weir, Mayor Matt LaVere, Library Director Nancy Schram, Senior City Librarian Irma Morales, and each other. Door prizes displayed were oohed and ahhed over as guests decided which one to put their tickets toward.

And then it was time for the show. Mark Lager, Library Technology Manager, served as Master of Ceremonies. After a welcome, he introduced the Broadway Juniors, directed by Miriam Arichea. These seven teens sang songs picked especially for the occasion to honor the Friends, such as “Thank You for Being a Friend” and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” The partygoers loved it.

Mayor LaVere spoke about the importance of a vibrant library system to a community. The emphasized that libraries are not a thing of the past, that all are welcome and all have access. He stated he is proud to be the mayor of a community that values and utilizes its libraries.

Director Schram thanked the Friends for their hard work and dedication; she said that Hill Road could not have opened without their financial contribution, over $200,000. The Friends also pay for the Summer Reading programs, and many other programs. She gave Mary Olson, Friends President, a certificate from the County library system of thanks for 50 years of service and advocacy.

Olson gave a brief overview of the history of the Friends. She emphasized that libraries are dynamic, offer more services than most people realize, and that everyone is welcome.

Door prizes were eagerly awaited, and local celebrity Ivor Davis made the ticket-drawing fun. There were wine and cheese baskets, a beautiful hand-made wooden salad bowl, tickets to theater and music events, books, etc.

Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation honor veterans

The Ventura College Foundation supports veterans through scholarships.

The Ventura College Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation honored veterans, active military and their families at the fourth annual Ventura College Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, Monday, November 4 held at the Cafeteria in the Campus Student Center on the Ventura College campus. California Resources Corporation, the state’s largest oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations in Ventura County, sponsored the event to honor and recognize the service of active military and veterans.

Speaking at the event were:
Dr. Kim Hoffmans, Ventura College President
Jordana Ybarra-Telias, Veterans Resource Center Program Coordinator
Anna Heaton, Ventura College student and veteran
Jesse Rodriguez, Ventura College student and veteran

“Anna and Jessie are two of more than 380 veterans at Ventura College,” says Ventura College Foundation’s executive director Anne Paul King, “Many of our veterans will be attending the luncheon.”

The Ventura College Veterans Resource Center offers personalized services to veterans, active duty military and eligible dependents through application assistance for college admission and course registration, academic counseling, access to veteran’s benefits, and a study area with computers, printers and scanners. Donations can be given during the luncheon.

The Ventura College Foundation supports veterans through scholarships that cover the cost of such items as parking and health fees, textbooks, transportation to and from school and general school supplies. “The idea is to award a scholarship large enough to replace a 10 to 15 hour a week job for a semester so veterans can focus on their studies,” says King. “Tuition can be taken care of through our two-year VC Promise program, meaning just about all college-related costs are paid for our full-time students.”

To learn about donating to the Veterans Resource Center, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org or call the Ventura College Foundation at 805-289-6461

$200,000 raised by WEV to support local entrepreneurs

Kathy Odell, WEV CEO Elect; Andy Winchester; Caleigh Hernandez, Marianne Partridge, and Marsha Bailey, WEV Founder and CEO at fundraiser event. Photo by Sarita Relis Photography

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) raised more than $220,000 to support local entrepreneurs at their Empowerment is Priceless event held October 25th at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The non-profit’s 14th annual breakfast fundraiser recognized WEV’s 2019 Trailblazer, Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year award winners. 300 guests interacted with featured WEV clients who shared their personal experiences as entrepreneurs.

Each year WEV presents the Trailblazer Award to a woman who is a pioneer in her industry, exemplifying courage, vision and the tenacity to overcome barriers. This year, WEV honored Marianne Partridge, editor-in-chief and co-founder of The Santa Barbara Independent who was also the first female senior editor of Rolling Stone Magazine.

WEV’s Business of the Year award honors a business owner who demonstrates the unique, inspiring and powerful impact made by local small businesses from the WEV community. Caleigh Hernandez, owner of RoHo, is WEV’s 2019 Business of the Year award recipient.

Andy Winchester, Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor at Wells Fargo Private Bank and Co-Vice chair of WEV’s Board of Directors, was honored as the 2019 Volunteer of the Year.

For 28 years WEV has been working to help women entrepreneurs succeed. “Nearly three decades later, we have proven that business ownership can provide not only a viable pathway out of poverty, but can also build family wealth and stability, as well as contribute to the economic well-being of our communities,” said WEV Founder & CEO Marsha Bailey.

Our local heroes

Ventura Police Chief Ken Corney with hero Sal Flores at Westside Park.

The 2nd Annual Heroes Among Us event hosted by the Ventura Police Community Foundation was supported by CAPS Media. We not only produced heartwarming presentations about the nominees and why they were nominated for such a prestigious award. Our camera crew was there recording the event for those who could not attend.

The award ceremony recognized and honored community individuals or groups who have displayed dedication and made a positive impact to the city of Ventura. The organization has raised funds to supply the Ventura Police officers with bulletproof vests in every car and much more.

Last week CAPS Media and the Ventura College film department started a film studies collaboration. Utilizing CAPS equipment and studio VC students learn the basic skills of studio production, camera and editing skills throughout the semester to supplement their ongoing film studies. These students of all ages are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from the pros right next door.

The ECTV high school students continue to produce their award-winning program and are incorporating radio and audio production into their training. Several of the students are supporting events outside of CAPS using their expert camera and editing skills. Several ECTV graduates are continuing to pursue film and television studies in college.

CAPS has added the College Area Community Council meetings to our scheduled recordings. The community members throughout the city are pleased to be able to catch the monthly meetings on CAPS and streaming online if they are not able to attend. These meetings are broadcast the following Thursday at 8pm on channel 6. Some community council members post the meetings on social media as well. It has proven to be a great way for citizens to meet their city council representatives and keep abreast of issues and events important to their area and the city at large.

CAPS Media’s The Perfect Firestorm – The Thomas Fire Story was screened at the Ojai Film Festival Sunday November 3rd at 1pm to an enthusiastic crowd. The documentary will screen on Friday November 8th at 1pm at the Sane Living Center at 316 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023. The festival wraps November 10th. The public is encouraged to attend. Details can be found at www.ojaifilmfestival.com. David Endaya, Ventura City Fire Chief said “The Perfect Firestorm is an amazing achievement that has had a tremendous impact on so many people in and around this community.  Being recognized by the Ojai Film Festival is well-deserved.  Thank you to CAPS Media for capturing this historic event in such a meaningful way.” For everyone at CAPS Media, The Perfect Firestorm is our way of giving back to the community.

Join our growing community of CAPS Media Member/Producers. If you have an interest in community television or radio production, or are just curious, drop by the CAPS Media Center on the first Thursday of the month and learn how to become a member of CAPS and join our community of enthusiastic and engaged Member/Producers. Go to CAPSMedia.org for more information.

Eco-Conscious Indie Films at the Ojai Film Festival

Susan Kucera spoke about her time with Jeff Bridges.

The Ojai Film Festival continues the tradition of focusing on environmental films with the 20th Anniversary Edition: Focus Earth. Throughout the ten-day festival filmgoers will find double screenings of eco-conscious indie films. A day of special events focuses on the environment, including discussions, seminars and panels about the planet we share. This full day of eco-films starts at 10 am on Sunday, November 10 and continues into the evening.

The documentary Living in the Future’s Past, described as a “beautifully photographed tour de force,” headlines the event. Susan Kucera directed the film, narrated and produced by Jeff Bridges.

In an interview with Clean Technica, Ms. Kucera spoke about her film and collaboration with Jeff Bridges. “What Jeff and I wanted to do was think about how we think. A lot of people watch the film and they go, ‘Aha! I see how everything works and it’s not so weirdly scary,’ which makes transition more interactive and more full of exciting possibilities.”

Dr. Sheila Laffey, filmmaker, producer and professor in the Santa Monica College Film and Animation Academy, highlights the festival’s Environmental Films as Educational Tools seminar series. Dr. Laffey will offer specific Eco-Shorts, plus animations and methods for classrooms and small group use on Sunday, November 10 at 1 pm.

In session two, Director Sylvie Rokab joins Ms. Laffey to present the eco-doc Love Thy Nature, narrated by Liam Neeson. In an interview with Eluxe Magazine, Ms. Rokabdescribes how she chose the title Love Thy Nature to convey the sense that loving (our) nature is so critical to our wellbeing, and the wellbeing of our world, that it might as well be a universal truth just like ‘love thy neighbor.’” She said, “We have a myriad of new scientific studies that show a contact with nature makes us healthier, smarter, calmer, more connected, and happier human beings…we are inextricably wired to nature – physically, neurologically, emotionally, and spiritually. And yet, in our increasingly urban and technological world, too many of us have completely lost touch with nature – living in grey cities, working in sterile offices, leading stressful lives, and eating toxic foods.”

Indie films in the Focus Earth series include Ay Mariposa, a stunning documentary feature about two women and a rare community of butterflies standing on the frontlines in a battle against the US-Mexico border wall. Ay Mariposa screens on Friday November 8 at 10 am and Saturday, November 9 at 1 pm.

In the inspiring new documentary, The Condor and The Eagle, viewers discover four Indigenous leaders who embark on an extraordinary trans-continental adventure from the Canadian plains to deep inside the heart of the Amazonian jungle. Catch it on Wednesday, November 6 at 4 pm or on Saturday, November 9 at 1 pm.

Another high point in our Focus Earth series hits close to home with The Perfect Firestorm: The Thomas Fire Story. This film chronicles the devastating wildfire that whipped through Ventura County and burned over a quarter million acres before firefighters finally contained it on January 12, 2018. This screens on Friday, November 8 at 1 pm. www.ojaifilmfestival.com

 

Vol. 13, No. 3 – Nov 6 – Nov 19, 2019 – Ojai News & Events

Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Rudolf von May will visit the Ojai Library at 1pm on Saturday, November 16, to deliver a presentation entitled “Natural History, Amphibians, and Biodiversity Conservation in the Andes-Amazon Region.” Dr. von May comes from CSU Channel Islands (CI) as part of this season’s CI Library Lecture Series.

CSU Channel Islands hosts dozens of free public lectures at libraries throughout Ventura County as part of this program.

Jill Swaim will visit the Ojai Library on Wednesday, November 20, at 6pm to deliver a presentation entitled Road Scholar: Adventures in Lifelong Learning. Do you love to travel? Do you enjoy learning new things, exploring interesting places, and meeting people who share a love of adventure? Join us for a lively discussion of the many programs offered by Road Scholar, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire adults to learn, discover, and travel.

These programs offer a chance to expand your mind while being in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Author Robert Kerbeck will visit the Ojai Library at 3pm on Friday, November 22,to talk about his new book, Malibu Burning: The Real Story Behind LA’s Most Destructive Wildfire.

Malibu is known as an earthly paradise of multi-million-dollar mansions, movie stars, and unimaginable natural beauty. But all that changed on November 8, 2018.

Go deep behind the scenes of the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Alongside his wife and son, Robert Kerbeck battled the fire that threatened to take their home. He knows first-hand how the Malibu fires affected everyone—from the rich and famous to the firefighters who often risked their lives.

Lori Mohr will visit the Ojai Library at 1pm on Saturday, November 23, deliver a talk entitled “Uptown, Downtown: American Art for a New Century.” Ms. Mohr comes via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program.

America at the turn of the 20th Century was being reshaped by engineering, nowhere more dramatic than in New York City. Skyscrapers, cars, and telephones stood as signs of a changing culture. Tagged “apostles of ugliness” for their depiction of working-class life in Lower Manhattan, Ashcan artists such as Robert Henri, George Glackens, and George Bellows created a new art rooted in the raw, unpolished, day-to-day world of dockworkers, nightclub performers, saloonkeepers, and street vendors.

These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

The Art of Michael O’Kelly Part 1 of 2

The mural took him more than a year just to draw.

by Amy Brown

Michael O’Kelly sold his first piece of art at age nine while on a family vacation. He was waiting for his family to come down to the hotel lobby in St. Ives in Cornwall, after getting up early one morning, and he passed the time carefully drawing a kingfisher diving off a branch. A lady who had been watching him said, “That’s beautiful. Would you sell that to me?” O’Kelly laughingly reports, “Well, I was brought up not to talk to strangers, so…I said ‘yes’!” He asked for the price of breakfast: a half crown, and with that, made his initial foray into the world of the professional artist.

He said that from the age of 14 through about 23 years old, that he was taught by Thomas Keating, (a friend of O’Kelly’s sister), whom he deems the greatest art forger in the world. He continued drawing and painting during his 20s, while he was a classical guitarist. He then left the UK with a scholarship from the British counsel to continue his education at the University of Mexico, working on a post-graduate thesis on pre-Columbian music and dance.  Later he worked at the local anthropology museum as a resident artist, going out on digs and drawing artifacts.

He first got interested in ceramics while in Latin America, because of architectural history there, along with the plethora of murals. “One of the things I loved about doing the digs and drawing artifacts, was that I came to realize some of the oldest things made on the planet by human beings are ceramics—it was pretty amazing to find that out,” he said. “When I had the opportunity to get involved with ceramics in 2000, I jumped at it, and wanted to find out how to do it, how to turn it into an aspect of my career—it was really exciting. I still feel that way about it.”

It became such an important aspect of his career that he went on to create many works of art in that demanding medium–including the beautiful ceramic mural highlighting Ventura’s history for the city’s 150th anniversary. The mural is near the San Buenaventura Mission, is 50’ long by 9.5’ high and took him more than a year just to draw. “Our son died while I was working on the mural and I nearly quit,” said O’Kelly. “It was a big responsibility, however, with about 100 private sponsors, so I found a way to make it work by incorporating him into the mural; it was a way of dealing with part of the grieving process.” O’Kelly said that homages to his son are tucked away five times in the piece, and that he now includes something honoring him into every piece of art he creates. “You really have to look hard, but they’re there” he said.

See part 2 in the Nov. 20 Ventura Breeze

Vol. 13, No. 3 – Nov 6 – Nov 19, 2019 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

A very special project benefiting those affected by the Thomas Fire is the local Love project Holiday album featuring so many local artists and their holiday favorites. The brainchild behind Local Love Project of course is Kat Merrick who undertook this amazing endeavor earlier this year gathering the musicians, arranging studio times, producing the CDs, virtually everything it takes to pull off an enterprise of this scope. The end result is a holiday CD that will not only enhance your holidays but will benefit fire survivors. You’re invited to attend the CD release party and 2nd Annual Thomas Fire Remembrance, all to benefit fire survivors on Friday, November 8, at the Masons Lodge (482 E. Santa Clara Street) with live performances from Guy Martin, RJ Mischo, Fish Fry and the Vonettes, the Bobby Hart Band, Raging Arb and more. If you can’t make the launch party, you can still support by purchasing a CD online at www.TotallyLocalVC.com.

The San Buenaventura Mission is the site for a special free concert of Missa Cellensis by Franz Josephy Haydn featuring the Ventura College choir, singers and chamber orchestra.  This one is free to the public and starts at 7:30 pm, Friday, November 8.

Quick Notes: there’s a new jam night at the Blue Room in the Harbor called “The Get Down Jam” on Thursdays starting at 9:30 pm; Tommy Marsh’s the Session welcomes Keeshea Pratt on Thursday, November 7 at Grapes and Hops; Cantara Cellars in Camarillo is celebrating their one-year anniversary with Double Trouble and Ignition on Saturday, November 9 (2-10 pm); stop in for Jodi Farrell’s Performance Workshop on Saturday afternoon, November 9, at Namba; Radioactive Chicken Heads, the world’s most notorious band of genetically modified poultry punk rock mutants play Oak and Main on Saturday, November 9 and then The Dickies will play the venue the following Saturday, November 16; Noble Fabrication is hosting a 2019 Auto Show with art and live music from S.O.B.s, and Wired to benefit Food Share on Sunday, November 10 noon to 5 pm; the Ventura County Concert band play their annual free patriotic concert at Ventura High School’s auditorium Sunday afternoon, November 10 at 3 pm; Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts roll into town from Colorado with their outlaw country style for a date at The Red Cove on Thursday, November 14; Boom Duo’s CD release party will be held at Leashless Brewing on Friday, November 15; and the Channel Cities Jazz Club present The Barrelhouse Wailers on Sunday afternoon, November 17 at the Golden China.

And finally, congratulations to Kelly Z for celebrating 25 years performing (solo and as Kelly’s Lot). Her performance at the Mint was amazing, and I hear she plans to take the show on the road starting with Ventura very soon.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected]. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Vol. 13, No. 3 – Nov 6 – Nov 19, 2019 – Police Reports

Robbery

On Oct.31, at 5:45pm, the Ventura Police Department received a 911 call of an armed robbery at the House of Smokes. Ventura Patrol officers arrived and searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.

The officers learned that two black males entered the store and approached the clerk behind the counter. One of the suspects brandished a semi-automatic handgun at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk gave the suspects and unknown amount of money and the suspects left in an unknown direction.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or has information on the crime is asked to call the Police Department at 805-650-8010.

Battery and Elder Abuse Arrest

On Nov.1, at 7pm, a Ventura Police Volunteer (VIP) witnessed Julian Munoz, 31 attacking a 71- year-old elderly male victim in the 200 block on Main St.. The VIP called into the Ventura Police Command Center, and officers were dispatched to the location.

Through the course of the investigation, the officers learned that Munoz had attacked the victim. Once the victim fell to the ground Munoz continued his attack. The victim suffered moderate non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for medical care.

Munoz was arrested for felony elder abuse and misdemeanor battery. No officers were injured during the arrest. Since 2017 Munoz has been arrested three times for resisting a police officer, twice for vandalism, and once for petty theft.