All posts by admin

Amgen Tour of California returns to Ventura

Stage 2 of the tour last year was just a prelude to this year’s bigger and better cycling spectacle.

by Mira Reverente

Expect to see a lot of fast bikes in the next few days when the 2019 Amgen Tour of California makes a comeback to our sunny, coastal city.

In 2018, the tour started Stage 2 at the picturesque Ventura Pier, in what can be described as an enticing prelude to this year’s bigger cycling spectacle. This year, both the men’s and women’s races will finish stages at the celebrated Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Sisters Kendall Ryan of the United States riding for Team Tibco – Silicon Valley Bank lines up next to Alexis Ryan of the United States riding for Canyon/SRAM Racing before Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM on May 18, 2018 in South Lake Tahoe, California. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for AEG.

There’s so much to look forward to for the tour’s 14th year – 19 men’s teams, 13 women’s teams, five returning champions, potential 2020 Tokyo-bound Olympians and even local sisters competing in the women’s race.

“The tour was passing through Ventura in 2016 and we made this video featuring students from Cabrillo Middle School that had so much online engagement,” says Marlyss Auster, president and CEO, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau.

“The organizers were impressed with Ventura, and that started the whole discussion,” says Auster, describing the long process of being designated a host city.

This year promises to be bigger and better with ballet folklorico dancers, mariachis, cowbells galore for spectators and still-to-be announced surprises to regale the crowds and cycling aficionados.

Says Auster, “We are eager to showcase Ventura pride while having the international spotlight.”

While the local organizing committee is tending to planning, logistics and marketing, a pair of volunteer coordinators are busy recruiting and coordinating volunteers for the big day on Thursday, May 16.

Kate Faulkner, president of the Channel Islands Bicycle Club, is co-coordinator with Leslie Ogden. Together, the duo have their sights on recruiting approximately 300 volunteers to help local police with crowd control and the safety of both riders and spectators.

“It’s very exciting finding all these groups who want to get involved in putting together a world-class event,” says Faulkner, a Ventura local and bike safety advocate.

Volunteers usually come from local schools, service groups, bike clubs and non-profit organizations. “With the women’s race starting at 12:10 pm, we’re hoping some students will be let out early to volunteer,” says Faulkner.

Aside from the intense volunteer involvement, another source of pride for Venturans is the participation of sisters Alexis and Kendall Ryan.

“I used to see them riding their bikes around town when they were kids,” says Faulkner. “They rode everywhere together.”

Kendall, 26, who rides for TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank, won Stage 1 of the women’s race last year. Alexis, 24, rides for Canyon-SRAM.

If you want to catch a glimpse of the Ryan sisters, there is a free, special presentation sponsored by the Channel Islands Bicycle Club at the Ventura County Museum, on Wednesday, May 8. Doors open at 6:00 pm but the program starts at 7:00 pm.

Otherwise, head to the Ventura County Fairgrounds before noon on Thursday, May 16 to catch the start of the women’s race. Expect the men to get to the Fairgrounds sometime after 3:00 pm, from Pismo Beach where Stage 5 starts.

Both the men’s and women’s races will conclude in Pasadena on Saturday, May 18.

Kevin Clerici, chairperson of the local organizing committee states, “We want the world to see that we are a bike-friendly community. People will hopefully come and stay, and bike here in the future.”

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/host-cities/ventura.

Oscar Pena has retired

During his career at the Port District, Peña has been extremely active in the community.

After serving a distinguished career with the Ventura Port District General Manager Oscar F. Peña officially retired on April 30, 2019.  Peña has been at the helm of Ventura Harbor for 20 years. The Ventura Port District employs 35 full-time employees and generates $8 million in annual revenue.

Ventura Port District Board Chairman Chris Stephens stated, “Under Peña’s leadership the Port District has grown into an economically diverse and fiscally sound community asset in which the City can be proud.”

A Ventura resident for 27 years, Peña cites several key accomplishments during his 20-year employment. With Peña at the helm, the commercial fishing industry in the harbor now houses more than forty purse seine vessels which export California Market Squid to a global market. This commercial fishing industry creates 215 jobs in the Ventura region and can generate approximately $20 million annually into the Ventura County economy. 

Ventura Council Member Cheryl Heitmann shares “As the City’s liaison to the Port District for many years, Mr. Peña has established effective working relationships with public agencies, the private sector and tenants throughout the harbor.” 

 

As a former commercial real estate executive in the private sector for 20 years, Peña contracted with the Port District to provide property management and leasing services at Ventura Harbor Village in 1992 and improved occupancy levels from an initial 60 percent to nearly 96 percent today.

After seven years of providing property management and leasing services to the District, the Ventura Port District hired Peña as the new General Manager of Ventura Harbor in July ,1999.

Past member and Board Chair of the Ventura Port District, Ed McCombs states, “Mr. Peña has led the Port District from bankruptcy to its current solid financial state, positioning the Ventura Harbor as a major asset of the City.” 

In 2001, Peña was instrumental in encouraging Island Packers, the primary concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, to relocate their business to a more prominent location, significantly enhancing the visibility and charters to the Channel Islands National Park.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed working with tenants in the harbor and a dedicated staff that has contributed to the District’s success over the years.  Needless to say, many volunteer board members have provided the leadership needed to make the Ventura Harbor what it is today,” states Peña. 

Peña has been extremely active in the community serving with both the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and Ventura Conference & Visitor Bureau boards.  Under a new short-term agreement, Peña’s expertise will be utilized as the Business Operations Manager for the Port District, where he will oversee real estate transactions and special projects until a complete transition is made.

Upon retirement, Peña will focus on rebuilding his home which was destroyed in the Thomas Fire, remaining active in the community and spending time with family.

Brian Pendleton, currently the Deputy General Manager for the Ventura Port District, was appointed at the April 18th Board of Commissioners Meeting as the next General Manager for the Ventura Port District. 

Chuck Cecil Host of the “Swinging Years” radio show has passed on at 97

Chuck Cecil at his home studio in Ventura.

by Richard Lieberman

Chuck Ceci,l whose radio show “The Swinging Years” had run for more than 50 years has died at age 97. He died on April 30th still broadcasting his syndicated radio show. In 1942 he briefly hosted his first radio show for a small radio station. Shortly after he was drafted and served in WWII, where he worked in pilot training.

After the war, Cecil settled down in Oregon and re-started his radio career. He became the announcer for “Baldy’s Band” a popular band. He married the group’s vocalist, Edna Brown, in 1947. In 1952 he joined Los Angeles radio station KFI and he worked at KFI from 1952 until 1973.

Cecil joined Los Angeles radio station KGIL-Am and KPRZ and worked at the station from the 1960s through the 1980s. At the same time, Cecil hosted the “Big Band Countdown” for Armed Forces Radio which spread his love for jazz around the world.

During the same period, he launched the show he was most known for “The Swinging Years” in 1956 while still at KFI. He retired, hanging up his earphones in 2016. At its peak, the show was aired on hundreds of radio stations nationwide.

The Breeze interviewed Cecil at his home in Ventura a few years back. He described to the Breeze how his show “The Swinging Years” was now produced at his home utilizing a vast library of recorded jazz titles which at one time held more than 30,000 78, 45 and 33-RPM records. He also had amassed a library of over 356 interviews with band leaders, singers, and band members.

The show has continued in syndication until his passing. In recent years Cecil had discovered a new audience of jazz lovers via streaming media.

Here at the Breeze we will miss our dear friend and will always remember his contributions to the world of jazz. Our heartfelt condolences to his widow Edna Brown and family. Goodbye, Chuck, we know we will hear from you again.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

During the month of May, Ventura Police Officers will step up enforcement.

The warmer weather means a lot more motorcycles will be out on the road across California, and in an attempt to minimize the need for a Motorcycle Accident Attorney, May has become Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The Ventura Police Department is taking the opportunity to remind drivers and motorcycle riders to share the road and look out for one another.

“Motorcycle riders are out in the open and are harder to see,” Traffic Unit Sergeant Michael Brown said. “Drivers and riders should take extra precautions by keeping their distance and watching their speed.”

During the month of May, Ventura Police Officers will step up enforcement specifically geared toward stopping drivers and motorcycle riders for traffic violations that increase the risk of crashes.

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, Californians enjoy a hobby that can be challenging, and does not have the same protections as drivers in the event of a crash. In 2017, 576 people were killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, a nearly 17 percent increase from 2015.

The Ventura Police Department offers the best safety practices for drivers and motorcycle riders:

Drivers:

  • Check your mirrors and blind spots. Make sure your vehicle’s rear and side-view mirrors are adjusted properly.
  • Use your signal when changing lanes. If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, make sure the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
  • Slow down behind motorcycles and keep your distance.
  • Never share a lane with a motorcycle.
  • Be aware of motorcycles lane splitting, which is legal. Give riders enough room to pass.
  • Always look twice at intersections and allow enough space for a motorcycle to clear the roadway before making a turn.

Motorcyclists:

  • Always wear a helmet, bright colors and protective gear.
  • Use your turn signal at every lane change or turn.
  • Turn lights on even during the day.
  • Keep your distance.
  • Consider the width of lanes, roadway and weather conditions when lane splitting.
  • Avoid lane splitting next to larger vehicles such as big rigs, buses and motorhomes.
  • It is more dangerous to split lanes at higher speeds. It is safer to split between the far-left lanes.

The Ventura Police Department encourages all motorcycle riders, new and experienced, to enroll in the California Highway Patrol’s motorcycle training course. For more information, or to find a training site near you, visit www.californiamotorcyclist.com.

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

Ventura College Foundation announces recipients of 20th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Awards

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Ventura College Foundation’s Phoenix Scholarship program awarded scholarships to 29 students at a ceremony held Thursday, April 18 at the college’s Wright Event Center.

Scholarships were given to re-entry students based on their applications, essays, and recommendations from counselors, faculty and employers. Over $68,000 was handed out to students at the ceremony.

One of the recipients was Anna Heaton, 25. She began attending college right out of high school but decided to leave to join the military. Heaton is now taking advanced math and science-based courses at Ventura College and plans to transfer to UC Davis next year. She has her sights on medical school. “I’m fascinated with neuroscience,” says Heaton. “I would love to be a surgeon as well as do neuroscience research.”

When Heaton first returned to school, she says she didn’t realize scholarships were available. “Receiving the support from the foundation, the Veterans Resource Center and professors keeps me motivated. I know people believe in me,” says Heaton. “Scholarships provide a tremendous sense of security. I’m grateful and honored.”

VC math instructor Janine Bundy and VC student Anna Heaton receiving her scholarship.

The Phoenix Scholarship Program was established in 1999 by Ventura College Foundation board members to support Ventura College re-entry students. Phoenix Scholarships are designed to assist students who have minimal or no resources to pay for their education and have chosen to return to school after a break in education or to learn new skills. The recipients are selected based on each student’s academic goals and progress, together with their financial need.

“Students re-entering college face many challenges including family and work commitments. It’s sometimes difficult to stay focused,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Even with all they have going on with their lives, they shine academically.”

This year’s scholarship winners are Jennifer Anderson, Courtney Carlos, Eric Chagolla, Kelly Chow, Kevin Cross, Michael DiNardo, Thomas Galindo, Sandra Grotsky, Amber Hansen, Anna Heaton, Meagan Hill, Michelle Jacobs, Jessica Maciel, Angelica Magdaleno, Juan Montecinos, Christina Montrose, Melissa Obille, Jessica Orozco, Francisco Ramos, Crystal Richardson, Suzanne Rodriguez, Kristina Romero, Patrick Rose, Valerie Salazar, Paola Sanchez de Acosta, Mayra Smith, Clare Tobias, Jonathan Waters and Evelyn Wembakpete.

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.VCgiving.org.

Help fight Medicare fraud

Medicare fraud wastes a lot of money each year and results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. There are con artists who may try to get your Medicare Number or personal information so they can steal your identity and commit Medicare fraud.

Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card. Give your Medicare Number only to people you know should have it. Medicare, or someone representing Medicare, will never contact you for your Medicare Number or other personal information unless you’ve given them permission in advance. Learn more about the limited situations in which Medicare can call you.

New Medicare cards

To help protect against identity theft, Medicare has mailed new Medicare cards to people with Medicare. Your new card has a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number.

Learn more about your Medicare card

Learn how to protect your Medicare Number and other personal information

Spot and report Medicare billing fraud

Protect yourself and Medicare against fraud by reviewing your Medicare claims for errors, looking for other types of fraud, and reporting anything suspicious to Medicare.

Learn how to spot fraud

Learn how to report fraud

Learn more tips to help prevent Medicare fraud

Protect yourself, your loved ones, and Medicare from fraud

Find out what you need to know if you’re in, or thinking about joining, a Medicare health or drug plan

Learn more about protecting yourself from fraud by contacting your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Find the SMP in your state.

Celebrate local agriculture at the “2019 Farm-to-Fork Dinner Series”

The dinner events also involve Ag students from Ventura High School.

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)

Thursday, May 16th kicks off the 11th annual Totally Local VC’s “2019 Farm-to-Fork Dinner Series.” The celebrated, always sold-out dining event, takes place at unique Ventura County locations combine culinary creations featuring in-season produce from some of the area’s top chefs, local wines and brew, and other fares.

“We’ve been a sell-out from the very first event,” said Totally Local VC’s Kat Merrick. “Additionally, no two events are ever alike. We choose different agriculturally related farms and locations throughout the county, and that adds to the uniqueness of each dinner,” said Totally Local VC’s Kat Merrick.

The dinner events, which feature local chefs, farmers, and purveyors also involve Ag students from Ventura High School. Assisting with the dinner series serves to give the students a hands-on opportunity into their desired career choice and what it’s like working in the kitchen, as servers, and assisting with the event set-up.

For this year’s dinner located at Wicked Wire Ranch, Chef Michelle Keeney of La Dolce Vita will be preparing delectable dishes made with seasonal, local fare to be paired with local wines from Strey Cellars and libations including a signature cocktail from Mixologist Jared Krupp of 1901 Speakeasy. Rincon Brewery, Channel Islands Distillery, and Beacon Coffee provide additional libation.

As part of the Farm-to-Fork tradition, no menus are shared prior to the dinners. Pastry chef for the night is Anastasia Chavez of Ojai Beverage Company. Artist Frances Leon leads the music program, playing Latin Guitar. Ventura Rental Party Center supplies event furniture.

“We chose to host this event at Wicked Wire Ranch because it serves as a prime example of what beauty mother nature can bring from the ashes. My family lost our home and ranch in the Thomas Fire and watching the green grass and wildflowers take over the hillsides, and all the wildlife coming back gives hope that we will all be okay as we work toward recovery, said Merrick.”

Proceeds from this event will benefit Totally Local VC’s Love Project, also founded by Merrick, whose mission is to activate and organize members of the 805 community in the aftermath of a disaster to provide support and relief.

The Farm-to-Fork at Wicked Wire Ranch dinner commences on May 16th at 5:30 pm, costs $145.00 per person. Tickets are available at totallylocalvc.com.

Ventura High School shines at Grand Nationals

The Ventura High Wind Honors Ensemble will be performing their last free public concert of the year on May 23.

The Ventura High School (VHS) Honors Wind Ensemble returned from the Dixie Classic Grand Nationals in Atlanta, GA as winners. The VSH group, made up of 52 students, was selected to perform in the prestigious grand finale of this two-day event that saw15 schools and 19 performing groups. Ventura High School is the only group from California to appear in the last 20 years. They performed at Grand Nationals four years ago and again this year.

The team had two weeks to prepare for the Grand Nationals. They performed March from Symphonic Metamorphosis by Paul Hindemith, Sunrise at Angel’s’ Gate by Philip Sparke, and Rocky Point Holiday by Ron Nelson. This festival splits up groups based on music ability before participating, and the event requires several years of superior ratings at national invitational festivals as prerequisites. Based on their performance at the national level, the Ventura High team placed into Division 6, the Professional/Collegiate Level and performed in front of hundreds of musicians in Atlanta’s Symphony Hall. Ventura High earned Superior ratings, which translates into Gold, and they scored above a 96%. In addition to the group’s success, Noah Laber received recognition as Outstanding Soloist.

“The clinicians and judges told me that no one else is doing what our students are doing, it is remarkable and uplifting to see this caliber of training and performance,’ stated Ventura High School Music Director Paul Hunt.

In addition to performing, the students received a private clinic with a musician from Emory University and were able to watch the Atlanta Symphony perform.

“We are incredibly proud of our student musicians, our music Director Mr. Paul Hunt, and the entire music team for this extraordinary accomplishment. They consistently bring out the very best of their superior rated musicianship and character by working tirelessly with each other note-by-note, measure-by-measure, day in and day out. They are a total exemplar of our programs and community,” stated Principal Carlos Cohen.

The Ventura High Wind Honors Ensemble will be performing their last free public concert of the year on Thursday, May 23 at the Ventura High School Auditorium at 7 pm. For more information on Ventura High School and their outstanding Music Program visit https://www.venturausd.org/ventura/home.aspx or contact Music Director Paul Hunt at [email protected].

Weapons of Mass Percussion

The Buena Drumline performs its championship-winning piece ‘The Web We Weave.’ Photo by Damien Masterson.

by Amy Brown

Summer Elliott joined Buena High School’s Winter Drumline in 2017 as a freshman, and today he is one of its four Captains, playing the marimba, and serving as Front Ensemble Captain. “Even at the beginning of my first season, I knew that one day I wanted to be a captain, and this year that dream came true,” says Elliott.

Other dreams were recently realized for the entire group, fresh back from their championship first place win in the San Bernardino Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) Championship finals competition. The 34-member Drumline competed against 49 Southern California schools at what is the largest percussion competition in the western United States. And they had the chance to perform their exciting, award-winning piece “The Web We Weave” one last time on their home turf at the Buena High School gym on April 30th to a large and enthusiastic crowd.

The Drumline’s Percussion Director Paul Curci, a Buena alum from 2003, shares that the last time the group won first place in the SCPA competition, he was a sophomore back in 2001. According to Curci, this year the Drumline has the fewest seniors of any year, so this season was expected to be a ‘rebuilding’ period, and the whole team, and especially the underclassmen, really stepped up. “This is an incredibly talented group of young people, with real drive,” says Curci. “It says really good things about Buena’s future.” Buena’s Drumline has been competing in championships every year. “The SCPA is one of the most competitive areas for this in the world. That is not hyperbole—it’s an actual statement. To advance to finals, which is the upper echelon of the groups, is an honor in and of itself,” he says.

Creating a championship, precision Drumline takes a profound level of talent, combined with commitment and hard work. Their season begins in early January and continues through April. Each week there were eight hours of scheduled rehearsals, and in addition to these mandatory hours, members were expected to put in their own practice time, outside of rehearsal. “The students’ work ethic is one of clearest factors that stands out, the entire team shows up to put in the work to see their vision, they know what that process is,” says Curci. “They take advantage of every moment to see that vision through. They come with their game face on, so to speak.” Curci shares that while it is a somewhat clichéd phrase, that it truly does ‘take a village’ for a group like this to succeed at this level. The Buena Music Association support, parents’ participation in the grueling work and performance schedules, and the drive and commitment of the musicians themselves all blended together for the winning formula.

“While it may be a huge commitment and exhausting at times, the hours that we put in build musical skills, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime,” says Elliott.

Dab Art is pleased to present Excelsior!

William Waggoner, Lightning Strikes – Not Once But Twice, 2019, Oil on Canvas, 22 x 35 in.

Dab Art is pleased to present Excelsior! Appropriately titled after the late great Stan Lee. His personal catch phrase and a word used to indicate superior quality, Excelsior! is an illustration based group show featuring 18 marvelous artists. Until June 17.

Paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and comic based works are presented together in an unusual but visually intoxicating display of social commentary.

Confronted with the visceral realities of history, human and cultural tragedies in a world of turmoil, these distinct group of creatives are transformed into a cast of artistic antiheroes.

1793 East Main Street,805 626 8876 www.DabArt.me