Former Ventura Fire Captain John Van Mannekes passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from ALS.
Captain Van Mannekes joined the department in May, 1996 and retired in July, 2017.
He leaves behind his wife Rebecca and his children Jonathan and Jamison.
All posts by admin
2019 Mayor’s Arts Awards Recipients announced
Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere is proud to announce the winners of the 15th annual Mayor’s Arts Awards and invites the public to attend its reception on Friday, November 15, from 5:30-8:00 p.m., at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main St. The reception honors the achievements and contributions of five residents dedicated to the arts community in Ventura:
Artist in the Community – Larissa Strauss
Creative Entrepreneur – Stephanie Hogue
Arts Leader – Denise Sindelar
Arts Educator – Mario Boccali
Emerging Artist – Juan Manuel Cisneros
“I’m honored to recognize and celebrate those who contribute to the artistic and cultural vibrancy of our great city,” said Mayor Matt LaVere. “The arts play a vital role in our community, and Ventura’s reputation as an arts city wouldn’t be possible without the excellence exhibited by this year’s group of awardees.”
An Awards Selection Committee convened in September to review nominations made by the public and to make recommendations that were forwarded to the Mayor. The City would like to thank those who nominated individuals for these awards.
The City of Ventura Mayor’s Arts Awards was established in 2005 and recognizes the contributions to the cultural community by city residents, artists, educators, organizations, and business leaders. The special acknowledgement and celebration help cultivate greater visibility and understanding of the value of the arts, as well as grow new leadership and new patrons of the arts. For more information on the 2019 Mayor’s Arts Awards, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/maa .
Vol. 13, No. 2 – Oct 23 – Nov 5, 2019 – Events
by Ana Baker
Free Adult Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
Every Wednesday, from 6:30-8 p.m. Free for anyone who has lost a loved one.
Receive emotional and educational support.
Contact [email protected]
Free Joint Replacement Classes
2nd Monday of the Month (November 11), 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 (November 5), from 1-2:30 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes.
All 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 Poinsettia 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.
Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. www.BrainInjuryCenter.org
Support Groups for brain injury/ stroke survivors and their family/caregivers
Learn more about brain injury/stroke and available services. Meet others who are facing or have faced similar challenges. Meet new friends and connections, give and receive support.
Ventura – Encounter Church 6950 Ralston St., Bldg. #300 (805) 482-1312
2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 4-5:30 p.m.
Oct. 23: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Tips for deterring burglars, the 2020 census, and the Ventura senior strategic plan will all be discussed. Representatives from Ventura College and the police department will give brief updates. Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. collegeareacouncil.com/map Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.”
Oct. 25: Like to play acoustic music? 4th Friday of each month, 7- 10 p.m.
Songmakers.org welcomes instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters at all levels to join in a free song circle at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome! Info: Mike Wittlin, (805) 750-8281.
Oct. 30: The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) of the E.P. Foster Library invites kids and teens of all ages to a free, haunted library experience Horror in the Stacks: Soul Carnival on Wednesday, from 7:30- 9 p.m. 2nd floor of the E.P. Foster Library. Children under the age of 9 years old, must be accompanied by a parent, older sibling, or guardian. For additional information, contact Phillip Yocham, Youth Librarian, at (805) 648-2716.
Nov.2: On the “First Saturday” of each month the Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura conduct an introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9- 11a.m., in East Ventura (off Telephone Rd). For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522
Nov.16: Holiday Boutique & Back Yard Sale. Handmade items, jewelry and baked goods. Back yard, good household items. Saturday, 9-3 p.m. 8224 Hollister St. Presented by East Ventura Knitting Group.
Dec.8: A Family Christmas Spectacular! Christmas Celebration of Music and the Arts. Featuring live entertainment, special musical guests, Christmas Cookies and hot chocolate to follow. All ages, 4:30p.m. Community Presbyterian Church 1555 Poli St. Free.
The 13th annual Young Readers’ StoryFest
The 13th annual Young Readers’ StoryFest took place on Saturday, October 13, from 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m, at Ventura Unified School District’s Education Service Center, located at 255 W. Stanley Avenue. This free event featured story-telling, book giveaways and plenty of fun celebrating the joy of reading with activities for the whole family, food, the Ventura High marching band and activities to be enjoyed by all attending.
The beautiful weather (the winds stopped) found community leaders reading books throughout the day in each of six story tents presenting different selections at each booth including “Science & The Environment, The Arts and Pets&Animals. The kids attending were also invited to read at the booths.
Every child who visited the event received a free book and books could be purchased by buying one and getting two. Children and families were also to sign-up for library cards at the event by presenting a photo identification plus proof of resident address at the library booth.
The Ventura Breeze was there and regarding the event Kay Giles,Ventura Education Partnership stated to all who attended “ Thank you so much for participating in the 13th annual StoryFest! We had a wonderful day and beautiful weather, such a relief after the wind on Thursday and Friday. We appreciate your time and energy, hosting a booth and offering activities for children attending the event.”
Senior Strategic Planning Committee is looking for seniors to do an online survey
Ventura has a Senior Strategic Planning Committee that would love to hear from you.
There is a survey online where people can express their opinions, they can also fill out a paper form in a few places around town, and they can even write a letter.
Here is the link to the city site that tells people where and how they can express their opinions until October 30th: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1662/Senior-Strategic-Plan
You have to live in Ventura to express your opinions, but you do not need to be a senior.
Ventura City Council approves water plan, huge increase anticipated
by Richard Lieberman
At a recent meeting of the Ventura City Council a plan to make sewage plant output to bring wastewater to drinking level standards was approved. The council approved a $200 million plan to obtain more drinking water for the city and reduce the amount of sewage water released into the Santa Clara River estuary.
The $200 million plus plan will be used to build a new plant that will take wastewater once slated to be emptied into the estuary and treat it to drinking water standards. After treating the wastewater, it will be injected into the City’s underground wells. Once injected the treated water will be mixed with the City’s underground wells. The water will then be pumped from the wells and become part of the City’s drinking water. The water will be treated by the usual treatment process for drinking water.
Known as “indirect potable reuse” the process is already in use in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Commonly known as “toilet to tap” which refers to using treated wastewater as drinking water without putting it into the ground first. In 2015 a small pilot project was tried in Ventura. The current plan calls for adding direct potable use after 2030.
The council passed the plan unanimously but will still need a variety of new permits based on various environmental groups including Heal the Bay and Wishtoyo foundation.
The two mentioned environmental groups sued the city in 2010 based on the damage treated wastewater was doing to the estuary at the mouth of the Santa Clara River.
“A lot of voices came together on this,” former councilman Brian Brennan told the council, as he urged the council to approve the project. “I know a lawsuit and a settlement kind of forced this down this road, but a lot of people came together and came up with solutions.”
Currently the city releases approximately 7.4 million gallons of treated water per day into the estuary. In 2025 when the plant comes on-line the amount of water distributed to the estuary will dramatically be reduced and should be down to 1.9 million gallons per day. The city further plans to reduce the estuary discharge to less than 500,000 gallons per day by 2030.
Ventura has enough water in normal years, but during drought periods, demand exceeds supply by as much as 30%.
According to a consultant’s report, the new treatment plant cost $190 million to $206 million to build, including the cost of additional wetlands protection and a pipeline to carry brine into the ocean, but not including the price of the land. Operating the plant will cost an additional $5.6 million per year from 2025 through 2029 and $6.7 million per year starting in 2030.
The city is looking into federal grants for about $20 million of the cost, the rest will come from water bills or other city funds. Susan Rungren, the general manager of the city’s water department, said she would return to the council at a future meeting with a funding plan.
“This is a huge project, “councilman Jim Friedman said. “It’s momentous from a cost standpoint. We need to prepare the ratepayers for what we are looking at. The cost of water is definitely an issue, and if it’s an issue now, you ain’t seen nothing yet.”
Stop the Stigma of mental health issues
Elaine Parenti Vista Del Mar Hospital Case Manager, Mark Stadler Crisis Intervention Team and Maya Lazos Vista Del Mar Hospital Community Liaison debuted ‘Stop the Stigma’
by Carol Leish
“In recognition of World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2019,” according to, Maya Lazos, Community Liaison, at, Vista del Mar-Behavioral Health Care Hospital, “we debuted the, ‘Stop the Stigma’ at the photo booth at the Ventura Chamber of Commerce ‘Haunted at the Harbor’ Business Expo. The interactive photo booth allows us to have a conversation with the community about issues regarding mental health.”
“The ‘Stop the Stigma’ campaign allows people to post/share it on their social media,” according to, Maya. “We will be bringing out this campaign to several different events each month.” These events in October include: 1) October 17: A Mental Health Fair, between 11:00am—1:00pm, at Oxnard College; 2) October 22: A Health Fair, between 9:00am—1:00pm, at Ventura College; 3) October 24: Prescreening of a documentary, ‘Roll Red Roll,’ with a panel discussion, geared to expand awareness of the rape culture, between 6:00-7:00pm at the Museum of Ventura County, in Ventura; and, 4) October 24: A ‘Stop the Stigma’ photo booth, at the Latino Business Expo., between 4:00-8:00pm, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Maya said that, ‘Unfortunately, in 2018, there were 95 suicides within Ventura County. Thus, Vista Del Mar recognizes the need for additional mental health services that are accessible and provides awareness and education in order to reduce the barriers to care. And, one such barrier can be the stigma associated with seeking treatment.”
She mentioned that through various educational opportunities within various community events, some of which are provided by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, “We, at Vista del Mar, are committed to breaking down barriers to treatment.”
For further information regarding services provided through Vista del Mar, which is at 801 Seneca St., Ventura, call: (805) 653-6434. For outpatient services, which are provided at: 801 S. Victoria, Ste. 303 Ventura, call: (805) 653-6434. Also, look at their website www.vistadelmarhospital.com.
If you want the ‘Stop the Stigma’ campaign at one of your events, contact: Maya Lazos, Community Liaison, at either: (805) 794-1009; or, [email protected].
If you want the ‘Stop the Stigma’ campaign at one of your events, contact Maya Lazos, Community Liaison, at either: (805) 794-1009; or, [email protected]. Realize that mental health issues are just as important to address; understand; and, to receive help for, as issues regarding physical health.
Local Love at its Best!
The Guy Martin Band and John Baffa will be at the CD release party.
Local musicians in partnership with Totally Local VC’s Local Love Project to produce a holiday album to help California wildfire survivors. The album will feature top Ventura County musicians coming together to re-‐imagine classic carols such as “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and more. Proceeds from the album sales will benefit the Local Love Project a Ventura County based disaster relief non-Profit 501C3.
On Nov.8, the Local Love Project will host a CD release party and 2nd Annual Thomas Fire Remembrance Event at the Mason Lodge in downtown Ventura. The event will feature music by many of the musicians that contributed to the album. It will be an be an evening of music, love and a time for our community to come together in remembrance of the Thomas Fire. Thomas Fire Survivors who are signed up with the Local Love Project or can show proof of loss will be given free admittance into the event.
Tickets and more info at http://www.totallylocalvc.com/local-‐love-‐at-‐its-‐best-‐a-‐ holiday-‐cd-‐to-‐benefit-‐fire-‐survivors/
Contributing artists include, Raging Arb and the Red Heads , Guy Martin Band, Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, RJ Mischo, Alastair Greene, Doug Pettibone,Sugaray Rayford, Bobby Hart Band, Ventura High School Choir, Charles Law and Jagged, Dirty Rice, The Midtones, The Vonettes, Towse, Boom Duo, Kellys Lot.
Kat Merrick is the Executive Producer of the CD.
Producer John Baffa has been in the professional audio business for more than 20 years; primarily as a recording engineer. He founded TV Tray Recording Studio in 2003, working literally from the top of a TV tray as he learned the ins and outs of recording. From those humble beginnings, the studio grew and developed over the years; building an impressive list of clients and projects spanning a huge range of genres.
Producer Ralph Carter is a multi instrumentalist (Bass, Keyboards, Guitar, Percussion), a songwriter, composer, producer, and music educator. Currently living in Ventura, today Ralph is recording and producing local artists, (Franck Goldwasser, Jon Gindick, Leslie Bixler) in his Ventura studio. His first big break was in 1980, playing with Danny “Kootch” Korchmar opening for Linda Ronstadt on the “Mad Love” tour. On the heels of that he hooked up with Eddie Money, writing and recording some of Eddie’s greatest hits (“Shakin,” “No Control,” “Where’s The Party”).
The Thomas Fire broke out the evening of December 4, 2017 in Santa Paula. It quickly swept over the hills of Santa Paula and Ventura into Ojai and Fillmore, making its way into neighboring Santa Barbara County. The Thomas Fire eventually became the largest fire in California history, consuming over 281,000 acres, destroying over 1,000 homes and causing the evacuation of over 100,000 people in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
The Local Love Project activates and organizes members of our community to help us in providing items necessary to our neighbors impacted by recent disasters as they work to restore their lives. Totally Local VC’s Local Love Project is a 501C3
Project, visit http://www.totallylocalvc.com/category/local-‐love-‐ project/
Community Memorial Hospital needs volunteers and honors one
Wonderful CMH volunteers. In the inset is Trudy Cook, Gary Wilde and Mary Cathcart.
Volunteer Mary Cathcart was awarded Volunteer of the Quarter at the monthly Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board meeting on October 14. Mary was honored for her dedicated service and most recently began a new service opportunity with the hospital’s GI Lab and Infusion Center. Mary is often seen at community events, the Ventura swap meet, churches and other events, helping to recruit much needed new volunteers. Her warm personality, bilingual skills, and enthusiasm for the work she does as a volunteer made her the perfect candidate for Volunteer of the Quarter.
Mary stated “Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) is in need of additional volunteers to join their Auxiliary, especially now that the new hospital is open. It is a wonderful feeling to give back to our community. If being a volunteer in one of 15 services at CMH interests you, please pick up an application at the front desk of the hospital.”
Volunteers only need to put in a minimum of 6 hours a month. Thank you for your consideration to join a terrific team at CMH.
Riding and doing good things together
The club attracts a mix of avid cyclists, newbies, retirees, working folks and social cyclists from all over Ventura County.
by Mira Reverente
The allure of cycling and fitness brought members of the Channel Islands Bicycle Club together. Over 300-members strong, the club meets for rides every Saturday, usually at the Mission Park in Ventura.
“The length and route of the Saturday rides depend on the members’ time and availability,” says Margaret Mathews, public relations chair of the non-profit club. “Some would ride further if they’re training for long bike rides and races, but it’s always fun and social.”
The club attracts a mix of avid cyclists, social cyclists, newbies, retirees and working from all over Ventura County. “We like to promote the health aspect of cycling and highlight it as an alternative means of transportation,” says Mathews who joined the club about 10 years ago with her husband.
Beyond Saturday rides, the members advocate for safe streets, bike lanes and tirelessly work with government and non-profit agencies to advocate for bike safety.
Every year, on the 3rd weekend of August, the club also partners with the Kiwanis Club of Ventura to produce the Cool Breeze Century, which is going on its 26th year next summer. “It’s a really cool event with over 1,000 riders and a few hundred volunteers,” says Diane Stein, co-volunteer coordinator of the ride.
For the past five years, Stein has been coordinating the volunteers at the rest stops, ensuring that the rest stops are adequately staffed and riders have everything they need for a smooth and safe ride through Ventura, Ojai, Goleta and the coast.
Says Stein, “It’s a good problem to have but we’ve never had a shortage of volunteers. Both clubs pull their weight and then some. Several members also ride and volunteer or the other way around. It’s really a pleasure to put the event together due to this abundance of help.”
Proceeds from Cool Breeze go towards a grant program, to help Ventura public schools start bicycle safety programs for 6th grade students. Says Mathews, “We believe that teaching children at a young age to be safe cyclists will hopefully carry over and teach them to be safe drivers.”
The giving nature of members propels the club to seek other ways to make a positive impact in the community, such as their recent $20,000 donation to help construct the San Antonio Bridge from Ventura to Ojai, for both cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy. “I don’t believe there was a bridge there before,” says Mathews.
Their contributions to the environment are growing by leaps and bounds. The club is the first bicycle organization to adopt a bicycle path. The cleaning of the Emma Wood- Fertig bicycle path can also be attributed to them.
Through bike rodeos, the club partners with grassroots organization Bike Ventura to teach underserved children safe cycling and basic rules of the road. “It’s all over, not just one venue. We go to different venues and schools,” says Mathews.
At large bike rides and festivals, members volunteer as bike valets, helping riders safely store their bikes during registration or festivities.
Last year, they partnered with Giant Bikes and Bike Ventura, and distributed bikes to people affected by the Thomas Fire.
The Channel Islands Bicycle Club meets every second Wednesday of the month, starting at 6:30 pm, at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St, Ventura.
For more information or to join: www.cibike.org.