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Community Leaders dance for their favorite charities at the 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival.

Victor Rodriguez, Yesenia Peña, Dr. Marlene Batista, Marco Aguilar, Sommer Frisk, Erika Martin, Jesus Garcia, Diana Terre and Ben Escobar. Ernesto Martinez, Salena Bracamontes, Veronica De La Cruz and Adan De La Torre are ready to dance.

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)

In the vein of the hit television series, “Dancing with the Stars,” on Sunday, July 28 at 1:00 pm during the 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival presented by the Oxnard Downtowners, seven community leaders paired with local top dance instructors will compete in the “2019 Dancing with Our Community Stars Dance Contest and Charity Fundraiser.” The salsa competition, sponsored by Union Bank and La M 103.7, raises money for the dancer’s favorite charities.

“‘Dancing with Our Community Stars’ is one of the most anticipated events of the festival,” says Kellie Meehan, festival executive director. “Our competitors give it everything they’ve got to wow the crowd, and all will raising money for wonderful local causes.”

Who’s competing?

Victor Rodriguez, dances with his instructor Yesenia Peña, for Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit where he sits on the board. Rodriguez, an immigrant whose family settled in the Cabrillo Village farmworker community in Saticoy, is passionate about providing affordable housing and assists with the organization’s mission providing comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities for individuals and families most lacking in opportunity in Ventura County.

Veronica De La Cruz, a sales manager for Union Bank, dances with instructor Adan De La Torre for Clean International, an organization dedicated to ensuring that every person around the world has access to sustainable clean water and sanitation.

Sommer Frisk, regional vice president of Cumulus Broadcasting, dances with instructor Jesus Garcia for Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust. As one of the nonprofit’s board members, she works to support programs that permanently conserve the working landscapes located in the foothills above the City of Ventura.

Agustín “Aluche” Ballesteros (aka the cheerful and funny “Solovino” on La M 103.7 FM), dances with his instructor Erika Martin del Campo for MERITO Foundation, an organization committed to protecting the ocean by facilitating education, conservation and scientific research opportunities to multicultural youth and their communities.

Salena Bracamontes, who owns and operates two all-women State Farm offices in Ventura County, dances for Project Understanding. Bracamontes, who sits on the board, assists with Project Understanding’s mission to provide hope by developing and directing resources to transform lives and community through justice, mercy, and compassion.

Dr. Marlene Batista, Director of English Learner Services at the Oxnard School District, dances with instructor Marco Aguilar for Partnerships for Safe Families, the designated child abuse prevention council in the county.

Ben Escobar, the owner/operator of Affordable Auto Glass, dances with instructor Diana Terre for a topic close to his heart — American Society for Suicide Prevention — I’ve Got Soul. Escobar, who lost a close friend as well as a nephew to suicide, hopes to raise awareness of the resources available to those contemplating or struggling with depression.

Dancers will be competing for two awards. The “Judges Choice Award” presented for the best routine and the “People’s Choice Award,” which will be awarded to the dance team that raises the most money for their designated charity (donations made at OxnardSalsaFestival.com).

The festival, which draws approximately 35,000 annually, also features live bands, a salsa tasting tent, vendor marketplace, kid’s play zone, community stage, food vendors, and more. Festival hours will be Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Park Plaza in historic downtown Oxnard. Festival admission and parking are free. Main stage open seating is $5 and the salsa tasting tent is $5 per person (includes salsa and chips).

For more information on the event, visit OxnardSalsaFestival.com.

Back to school donation drive

Each child will receive a backpack and age appropriate school supplies.

It’s that time again for families to start shopping for back to school supplies and for some, it is a financial hardship! Kids & Families Together, in partnership with Heart 2 Heart, is hosting their 9th Annual Back to School Donation Drive for foster/resource, kinship, and adopted children in Ventura County. We know school supplies can be costly on a tight budget. They want to help these families by easing their financial burden, as well as providing a fun family event. The goal is to help children start their new school year off fresh with confidence and hope! With your generosity, along with help of local businesses and community partners, they will be able to provide these supplies to at least 250 children and youth in need. Your support will help promote their learning, self-esteem building, and help motivate our youth to stay in school.

In partnership with River Community Church, there is an amazing location where each child will receive a backpack and age appropriate school supplies. They will be providing the back to school donations at the annual event on August 10th in Ventura which will include fun activities, a reading tent, touch-a-truck, donations of clothing/household goods and snacks will be provided.

A few ways you can help is through volunteering, finding sponsors, direct donations, shop at Amazon wishlist: http://a.co/30t9ROg and hosting a donation bin at your location.

It takes a loving village to raise these children and they hope you will be a part of that village!

Donations can be dropped off at:

Kids & Families Together, Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm, 864 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura and at community locations throughout Ventura County. See website for a complete listing of drop off locations: https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/backpack-gift-away-event/

“Kids & Families Together is a local nonprofit who provides support, education and counseling services for individuals and families in foster care, kinship, adoption, and birth families in Ventura County. Our mission is to strengthen relationships by providing safe, supportive help that keeps family members emotionally connected to one another. For over a decade, Heart 2 Heart has been assisting foster and kinship families with durable goods to help with the children in their care such as bedding, clothes, diapers, small furniture and seasonal items such as back to school supplies. We also host families for special events throughout the year, such as our back to school event. We are here to let them know their community supports them as they raise children who cannot be at home.”

If you would like to volunteer, make a donation/schedule a pick-up or host a donation bin, please contact: Jeni Futvoye, (805) 643-1446 ext. 108 or email [email protected].

Ventura Harbor Beaches to be summer enjoyed

The dramatic effect of the Ventura Harbor’s dredging efforts is seen in this photo. Photo by John Higgins, Harbormaster

The annual Ventura Harbor dredge efforts have significantly replenished the scenic harbor public beaches of both Surfers Knoll and Harbor Cove with cleaner sands and more recreation space for harbor beachgoers this summer.

Utilizing the federal funds available to dredge in 2019 with the support of Congresswoman Julia Brownley’s office to ensure federal funding approval, the dredge removed 470,000 cubic yards of sand from the Harbor’s entrance and sand trap area to the landside. “On behalf of the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners, I would like to thank and recognize Congresswoman Brownley for her continued commitment to the Ventura Harbor dredging program,” said Brian Pendleton, Deputy General Manager of Ventura Harbor.

Not only has this enhanced the harbor’s beaches off Spinnaker Drive but, for nature and bird lovers, the beach replenishment has led to the emergence of more nesting grounds, for endangered bird species such as the snowy plover.

“The contrast between the beach contour before and after the dredging is remarkable,” said Harbormaster John Higgins. “The wide, soft sandy beaches after the dredge are more naturally beautiful and inviting than ever.”

And upon these fresh sands Ventura Harbor offers a wealth of recreational options to kick off Memorial Day weekend.

Starting with safety, the Ventura Harbor will provide lifeguard services again this summer, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, at Harbor Cove and Surfers Knoll beaches. The Ventura Port District Commission unanimously approved the just-over-$88,000 State Lifeguard contract, inclusive of a third lifeguard tower added this year. The Port District and Harbor Patrol place a high priority on public safety and always advise beachgoers to swim by guarded lifeguard towers.

In addition to swimming, surfing and sunbathing, beachgoers will have a variety of other summer recreational options available, as well. Among them: beach volleyball, on public sand courts at family-friendly Harbor Cove (commonly referred to by locals as “Mothers’ Beach”), provided by local coach Jack Richards of Rincon Volleyball Club; sea-glass searching; kite-flying; popular YOGAqua classes, on stand-up paddleboards in the calm waters of Harbor Cove Beach; and, new this summer, Paddle Into Fitness lessons, also at Harbor Cove.

For YOGAqua reservations, visit yogaqua.com. For Paddle Into Fitness reservations, visit paddleintofitness.com.

The Ventura Harbor and its beaches have become among the most popular summer destinations in the city. Beach restrooms and open-air showers are available, as well as free parking in the dedicated beach parking lots and along Spinnaker Drive. As an added service, a beach ADA wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-served basis; for availability, call ahead to Harbor Patrol at 805-642-8538.

The Ventura Harbor beaches are just steps from the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center offering free entry daily, and the popular Ventura Harbor Village, with its many food, entertainment, and retail amenities.

For more information on Ventura Harbor beaches or lifeguard services, visit venturaharbor.com.

New group invites the community to participate

Laura Covault and Layla Perez are dedicated to reworking traditional theater.

by Jill Forman

Laura Covault and Layla Perez are the founders and co-owners of this new theater company, Unity Theatre Collective and hope to inspire Ventura to support, attend and take part in their productions. “We are looking for people to join our merry band of players.”

Their first offering, a gender-bending take on Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” just completed its run at the NAMBA center in downtown Ventura. A unique interpretation: some of the characters changed gender in the second act, couples re-assorted, and it all came to a riotous happy ending. Tea was served to the audience at small tables, and the actors brought audience members into the production by chatting with them and running through the area. The troupe of young players brought energy and novelty to their portrayals, and the full house (on the night I went) enjoyed it as much as the performers.

Covault and Perez see this working of the play as a good way to look at gender role expectations, “…to get across messages without being preachy.” They admit laughingly to always having “big ideas” and being excited about them.

They are dedicated to “…reworking traditional theater to make people rethink assumptions about gender, race, age, and culture.” And they want the citizens of Ventura to join them. “Our mission is to embrace the community, for them to be a part of our company: act, write, be technicians, give us ideas, bring forth issues to be addressed.” Hence the “Collective” in their name.

When asked why they decided to take on the difficult and quixotic task of starting a new theater group, there is more laughter. They feel Ventura is appreciative of art and creativity and they wanted to do more to help foster that appreciation. “There is a pool of talent in the area, people who have the ability to do theater but no ‘home’ to do it. We want them to have the ability to put themselves out there and fulfill their passion.” The core values of Unity are social change, insight, empathy; the plan is “… to be there for the community, to have fun and find a way to be creative.” They are open to new ideas from community members.

They feel fortunate to be involved in the educational aspect of theater. Covault is a Professor of Performing Arts at CSUCI; Perez is a stage manager there. Perez works at Salzers, which she says helped inspire her.

They initially raised money with one-night presentations, and with the help of friends and family generated enough to put on their initial offering. They will need to fundraise again and are working on plans for that. Also, they are planning to become an official nonprofit and then can apply for grants. They want to create opportunity for those who would not normally attend theater, who see it as elitist or too expensive – free plays? a touring company? coordinate with local schools? Whatever will engage more people and make them want to join in the fun and work.

Upcoming productions will be announced in the next month. Website: www.unitytheatrecollective.com. Facebook: Unity Theatre Collective. Instagram: #theatreforallpeople.

Ventura’s Safe and Clean team

Ventura’s Safe and Clean team, in collaboration with the Lift Up Your Voice to End Homelessness Project, are conducting clean ups on a regular basis in partnership with the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force, Police Cadets, and homeless individuals. Homeless individuals have been encouraged to pick up their trash and put the bags on the main Santa Clara River Bottom trail.

Over 175 bags of trash were brought to the trail and collected by the Safe & Clean team during the last clean up. This type of collaboration is an important step in addressing homeless issues while providing important street outreach to connect individuals with needed services to potentially start the journey out of homelessness.

USYVL fall registration open… register now!

The USYVL volleyball league operates in a coed format for boys and girls.

Registration for the USYVL’s Fall Season is currently in open. Don’t miss out on the exciting Fall 2019 season. Register before September 1 deadline!

Once again, the USYVL is bringing another fun-filled season of volleyball to your community. All kids and parents are invited to come out and enjoy recreational volleyball practices and games while building self-esteem and confidence. This is a great opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their kids while helping to teach them the value of teamwork mixed with fun!

The 8-week league in Ventura at Arroyo Verde Park will run beginning from September 11 – November 2. The USYVL is an instructional volleyball league that operates in a coed format for boys and girls ages 7-15. The organization’s mission is to provide every child with a chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, supervised, low-pressure environment. “Every Child Plays” and learns the game, while emphasizing on sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork.

So come out and have fun! They offer multiple child discounts. For information on registration, volunteer positions, and a location near you, please log on to www.USYVL.org or 1-888-988-7985.

Ventura Unified School District making news

The District is pleased to announce that Karin Just and Mike Wise will be serving in new roles as Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Principals for the 2019-2010 school year. Mr. Wise will take over as the Principal of Loma Vista Elementary School and Mrs. Just will assume stewardship of Citrus Glen Elementary.

“After a rigorous interview process, Mrs. Just and Mr. Wise both stood out, demonstrating strong leadership skills and success in the field of education. We are fortunate to have exceptional staff within VUSD who are ready to progress into the role of Principal,” stated Dr. Jeff Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

Mrs. Just has 18 years of experiences as a professional bilingual educator, including 15 years as a classroom teacher. She has also assisted the VUSD elementary school sites as a Language Arts and Multi-tiered Systems of Support Teacher on Special Assignment for VUSD.

Mr. Wise is completing his twelfth year in the field, and his seventh year as a school site administrator. Mr. Wise currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Buena High School and previously served as an Assistant Principal at Monte Vista Middle School in Camarillo.

“Both professional educators bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise with them. We are excited for them to start this new chapter in their careers and build upon the excellent work that Mrs. McMullen and Dr. Martinez have provided to both schools,” stated Superintendent Dr. Roger Rice

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education has voted to restructure current positions and vacancies providing for new job descriptions that will focus on three priority areas.  At the May 14, Board of Education meeting, it was announced that Rebecca Chandler will serve in the new role of Chief Innovation Officer; Cheryl Burns will assume the role of Assistant Director of Student Support Services and Hector Guerrero will serve as Director of Educational Options. 

Rebecca Chandler will focus her attention on promoting new and compelling career education programs and pathways; fostering innovation across the District and programs, and raising funds through grant-writing and business partnerships. 

Cheryl Burns is currently serving as principal of El Camino High School will now focus her attention on the social and emotional learning initiatives presently taking place in the schools.

Hector Guerrero, the new Director of Educational Options, currently serves as Principal of DATA Middle School in VUSD and will now serve as site leader at El Camino High School.

Ms. Marissa Cervantes will serve as the new Principal of DeAnza (DATA) Middle School. 

Ms. Cervantes has 15 years of experience in the field of education. 

Ms. Cervantes, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, holds a B.A. in Sociology, an M.S. in School Counseling, and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from California State University, Northridge, as well as, an Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Channel Islands. She also received the Association of California School Administrators Region XIII Co-Secondary Administrator Award in 2015.

For more information visit www.venturausd.org or call 805-641-5000.

Vol. 12, No. 21 – July 17 – July 30, 2019 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The Ventura Music Festival’s annual free concert will be held once again at Mission Park with Incendio (high octane Latin guitar) on Thursday, July 18, show starts at 5:30 pm. The festival’s final performances will be held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center with Joey Alexander Trio on July 19; Ranky Tanky on July 20 and Rastrelli Cello quartet on July 21.

The Ventura Fair opens August 2; this is just a reminder, if you want to take in more than 4 concerts (which are included in the price of admission), you should consider getting a WOW pass before the fair opens which gets you entry everyday saving you beaucoup bucks. See full lineup and ticket information at VenturaCountyFair.org.

Just a head’s up, Spencer Makenzie’s Annual End of Summer Block Party falls over the weekend of August 23 – 25. Don’t miss their free concert which will fall on Saturday with Johnny and the Love Handles, Dave Rae and Madex.

I am loving all the local punk bands supporting T.S.O.L. at the Ventura Theater on Friday, July 26; just a few of the bands include Stalag 13, Ill Repute, The Grim, and The Robot Uprising.

Tequila and Taco Music Festival returns to town over the weekend of July 20 and 21 at Plaza Park with Bruno and the Hooligans, a tribute to Bruno Mars, along with Instone, Sambada, Adelaide and Upstream. Find out more at TequilaAndTacoMusicFestival.com.

Music Under the Stars series continues on Saturday nights at Olivas Adobe with Sound Effect (sold out) on July 20 and Rodeo Drive on July 27. Know this, all final shows for the rest of the summer are sold out.

Quick Notes: Munch at the Museum this month features Sandi Ellen Anderson on Thursday, July 18 (11:30 am – 1:30 pm); Pyrate Punx has a show at Hong Kong Inn with False Confession, 3 Day Holocaust, Civil Conflict and Trash on Thursday, July 18; Alpine Camp Band plays Leashless Brewing’s Vtown Get Down Festival on Saturday, July 20; Bad Religion sold out for their show at Ventura Theater on Friday, July 19; Ventura’s Psychedelic Summer debuts at Oak and Main on Friday, July 19 (dress up!); Jen Staves returns to Ventura with her Bluzfish Trio on Sunday, July 21 at Plan B Wine Cellers; Actor Jeff Bridges performs his music at Discovery on Wednesday, July 24; The Garage welcomes Tanglers out of Vancouver on Friday, July 26; And the Caverns return to town with a show at Saloon on Friday, July 26.

Many thanks to JD Drury and his crew for pulling off another amazing Surf Rodeo. Of course, I miss them at Pierpont Beach where I could park at home and walk over, but loving the vibe at the Pier.

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. 12, No. 21 – July 17 – July 30, 2019 – Ojai News & Events

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie at The Ojai Retreat on Sunday, July 21, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for her Mid-Month Devotional Retreat, this month celebrating “Happy Independence Day!”

“You are a genius creator,” Rev. Karen says, “and if you don’t like your life, you can change it by changing your own inner dialog. In doing so, you will free yourself from limiting beliefs and circumstances and begin to see that you have the power to create a new way of being in the world!

The Ojai Retreat is at 160 Besant Road, Ojai. The retreat is by donation; $20 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com. Rev. Karen is the author of Into Me See: A Book for Daily Inspiration, available on Amazon and her website.

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present Thollem McDonas, an internationally renowned pianist, keyboardist, composer, improviser, singer-songwriter, activist, author and teacher. Thollem will play pieces from his recent solo piano album, Meeting at the Parting Place, as well as an electric piece titled 13 Billion Years To Tomorrow that integrates the concepts from new scientific discoveries. Thollem will be joined by Ojai artist Emily Hay, a flutist, vocalist and pianist who incorporates the complexity of contemporary classical technique with the spontaneity and experimentation of free improvisation.

The performance will take place in Logan House at the Center on Saturday, July 20th at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 and are available on the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts website, by reservation at 805-646-3381, as well as at the door. The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in upper Ojai.

Anyone who likes to dance is invited to attend a DJ Dance Party at the Ojai Valley Museum this month.

Dance to music by DJ Matriarchy on the museum’s outdoor patio. The set list is sure to include some favorite songs. The DJ will get everyone on their feet and onto the dance floor for a fun evening.

All ages are welcome and encouraged to enjoy a hot summer night under the stars at the Ojai Valley Museum.

The event is Saturday night, July 27 from 7:30-9:30pm. Admission is $5 at the door and free for museum members.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Ave; 805 640-1390. For more information, please visit OjaiValleyMuseum.org.