The power of prayer fills the Ventura Family YMCA community room. IBF International Welterweight Champion, Chris Van Heerden, shared his stories of overcoming obstacles with the help of divine intervention and prayers answered.
The Ventura family YMCA began their annual Community Prayer Breakfast with songs of praise from Swoop Brown with Armed and Faithful, energizing the early morning crowd. With eyes closed, and hearts opened some shed tears as a sense of hope filled the room.
Events by Ana Baker
Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 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.
Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.
Contact Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.
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. 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street. There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.
First Wednesday, of each month, 6 – 10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 – 4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. Murphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gcmrc.com. For more information, call (805)229-7429.
Retired men enjoy a visit to a meeting of the Ventura Retired Men’s Group at the Ventura Elks lodge at 11:30 a.m. on the first or third Tuesday of the month. Stop in and introduce yourself for a complimentary lunch, interesting program, and a relaxing good time with your peers. Give Bob Likins a call at (805) 587-1233 for details.
Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety.
Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].
The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each
month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd.
Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening. They are a fun group.
Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]
When a child dies, The Compassionate Friends (TCF) can help a family move forward through the grief journey. The Compassionate Friends provides a safe and supportive place. Meeting twice a month, on the first and third Wednesday from 7-9 pm at the Poinsettia Pavilion. On the following dates: Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 19. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay, [email protected],
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence in the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Every Friday at 6 PM at Kaiser Health, 1000 Hill Rd. 2ndfloor lobby. Further information Deva (805) 814-5650.
Nov.23: 8:30-10:30am. Santa Clara River Holiday hike and nature walk hosted by the Nature Conservancy. Come join the Nature Conservancy and get outside to burn off Thanksgiving dinner. The hike will be along the Santa Clara River corridor where there isn’t much water but there are still signs of water and wildlife. Many birds use this area as a refuge. Bring good hiking shoes, water and binoculars (optional). 1368 Mission Rock Rd. Santa Paula. If you have any questions please contact Amy Davis at 770-853-4715 or [email protected].
Dec. 1, 2: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura Annual Arts and Crafts Fair will take place on Saturday, Dec 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2, from 9-2 p.m.
The fair features a large variety of items for every budget, including jewelry, crafts, knit and crochet, textile art, photography, mosaics, 2D and 3D art, and more. The fair will be held in Berg Hall at the church, located at 5654 Ralston St. All are welcome. Ample parking is available in the back of the church.
Dec. 2: Sunday 1-3pm Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.
Knights Of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa..Free admission, music on stage and jamming. Free parking in the rear. For more information call, (805) 517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA.
Dec. 2: Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra’s holiday concert at 3 p.m.
KuanFen, Artistic Director and Miriam Arichea, Choir Director. Hänsel & Gretel Overture, Engelbert Humperdinck, Nutcracker: Suite No. 1, Op. 71a, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Harp Concerto in B at Major, George F Handel, Composer; Elaine Litster, Harpist, “In the Bleak Midwinter”, Gustav Holst.
First United Methodist Church 1338 E. Santa Clara Street. Donation of $20 at door appreciated.
Youth 18 and under free. For more information call (805) 320-8856 or visit website www.CHICOVC.org.
Dec. 7: Friday 5-7pm, Lewis Goldstein Book Signing – Author Lewis Goldstein has an MFA in Art and Art History and is a full-time professor at Barstow Community College.With illustrator Arianna Grinager, he has published “Of Fleas and Fleadom-A Tale of Two Vermin” a graphic, epic poem in rhyme. Goldstein has also written Hey Zeus and Back to Eden and The Eco-Adventures of Adam and Eve. Check out Lewis and his books at Bank of Books 748 E. Main St. (805) 643-3154.
Dec. 8: Saturday, 4-8 pm. Live Music provided by the Joe Tourist Band. Join in for a fun filled evening of live music! Bank of Books 748 E. Main St.
Dec. 16: Join in for an afternoon of live music and celebration with four local bands at noon at the Hill Road Library. The Darling Kathleens, Nick Schlesinger, Jasper Ridge, and The Legendary Don Cheddy. They will share original folk-pop and Americana music with the community. This event is free and open to the public. The Hill Road Library is located at 1070 South Hill Road in Ventura. Hours of service are 10 – 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 2 – 6 p.m. Thursday, and 10 – 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
The SEEAG initiative will reach 10,000 children.
Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) was selected to receive a $218,684 California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Specialty Crop Block Grant for SEEAG’s “Ventura County Child Wellness Initiative,” a program that is designed to educate and inspire children to eat healthy by adding locally grown Ventura County specialty crops to their diet.
The SEEAG initiative will reach 10,000 children including low income, Title 1 students in grades second through fourth during school and after school through its Farm Fresh Mobile Classroom. Students will learn about the nutrients and health benefits of Ventura County specialty crops such as berries, celery, citrus, tomatoes and avocadoes. A different crop will be highlighted each month.
According to a UCLA study (A Patchwork of Progress), about 35% of fifth, seventh and ninth graders in Ventura County are overweight, which puts them at risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and asthma.
Through the Ventura County Child Wellness Initiative, SEEAG will introduce hands-on activities to increase children’s knowledge of, preference for, and consumption of fresh California fruits and vegetables. Students will learn to prepare healthy after-school snacks using locally grown crops. SEEAG will partner with local growers to donate fruits and vegetables that students will take home to share with their families. Recipe cards and information about local farmers’ markets will further support healthy eating at home.
“A CDFA representative visited us in April and saw firsthand the impact our programs were making,” says Mary Maranville. “SEEAG has been putting on these kinds of programs for 10 years. The knowledge they bring to students and the students’ positive response are what make it all worthwhile. These kids are learning a different, healthier way to eat that we hope will stay with them throughout their lives.”
Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program based in Ventura County teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this program, over 20,000 elementary school students in Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey.
For more about SEEAG and learn how to sign up for its programs, go to www.seeag.org.
Have I been hacked?
Just like driving a car, sooner or later you may have an accident no matter how secure you are. Below are clues to help figure out if you have been hacked and, if so, what to do. The sooner you identify something bad has happened, the more likely you can fix the problem.
Clues You Have Been Hacked
How to Respond
Conservation groups have scored a key courtroom victory for endangered Southern California steelhead harmed by operation of the Vern Freeman Dam on the Santa Clara River.
In a 152-page decision issued by Honorable Judge David O. Carter, the court found United Water Conservation District violated the federal Endangered Species Act by clearly causing past, ongoing, and future harm to steelhead as a result of the dam’s barrier to fish movement and diversion of water. Finding that United “dragged its feet” on critical solutions, and that “United has proved itself unable and unwilling to tackle the two key problems repeatedly identified as perpetuating harm to steelhead,” Judge Carter ordered measures needed to prevent the harm from continuing and to allow for steelhead recovery.
The 1,200-foot-wide, 25-foot-high Freeman Dam’s ineffective fish ladder, combined with United’s diversion of the Santa Clara River’s flow at the dam, prevent steelhead from returning to their prime upstream spawning habitat in the river and migrating to the ocean.
Southern California steelhead are a federally protected, endangered anadromous fish that mature in the ocean but return inland to spawn in freshwater upstream. The Santa Clara River historically supported thousands of steelhead and is critical for the recovery of steelhead throughout their range.
The court’s ruling requires United to immediately ensure the river has sufficient flows for steelhead to swim the 10.5-mile stretch of river to and from the ocean. In addition, by January 2020, the court’s ruling requires United to fully design both a 400-foot wide notch and a hardened ramp solution to allow fish to migrate past the dam, and to construct the fish passage option acceptable to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Filed in federal court in June 2016, the lawsuit was decided after an 11-day trial with testimony from some of the most esteemed steelhead and fish passage experts.
The groups were represented at trial by lead counsel Christopher Sproul of Environmental Advocates; Jason Weiner, senior attorney and general counsel of Wishtoyo Foundation; Geneva EB Thompson, staff attorney for Wishtoyo Foundation; and Heather Kryczka of Environmental Advocates.
The Wishtoyo Foundation is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with over 700 members consisting of Ventura County residents, Chumash Native Americans, and the general public that enjoys, depends on, and visits Ventura County’s inland and coastal waterbodies to protect, preserve, and restore the ecological integrity and water quality of Ventura County’s inland waterbodies, coastal waters, and watersheds. www.wishtoyo.org
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.6 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
by Cindy Summers
Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura Police Department and are not the opinions of the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Vehicle Pursuit Arrest
On November 11, at approximately 10pm, officers responded to the Victoria Village shopping center in regard to male who was acting erratically and driving his vehicle in circles outside the Vons supermarket. When officers arrived, they observed the suspect, 49 year old Ventura resident Joseph Jack driving a pickup truck in the parking lot while smoking a controlled substance.
Officers attempted an enforcement stop on Jack who refused to comply and continued to drive in a large circular pattern. After several minutes, officers successfully deployed a tire deflation device which flattened all four tires on Jack’s vehicle. Jack eventually stopped but remained in his vehicle and continued to ingest the controlled substance. Jack refused to exit the vehicle after numerous requests causing officers to approach and attempt to remove him. A window to the vehicle was broken and Jack physically resisted officer’s efforts to take him into custody. A Ventura K9 was inserted into the cab of the truck where Jack was taken into custody after a brief struggle.
Jack was placed under arrest and treated for minor injuries he sustained as a result of the K9 deployment. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony evading police, driving while under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.
Lewd acts with a minor arrest
In October of this year, Ventura Police Major Crimes Detectives began investigating a sexual assault involving Daniel Luna and a juvenile female, age 15. Over the course of the following two weeks, Detectives confirmed that 41 year old Ventura resident Daniel Luna had been involved in ongoing lewd acts with the victim since February of 2018.
On November 13, at 740am, Detectives arrested Luna and served a search warrant at his residence in the 400 block of Thompson Blvd. Detectives recovered evidence linking Luna to the crimes. Luna was interviewed by Detectives then transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for multiple felonies related to lewd acts with a minor.
This investigation is ongoing, anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Josh Butler at (805) 339-4466.
Vehicle Burglary Arrest
On November 16, at 3:25pm the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a subject rummaging through a vehicle. The witness told the dispatcher that the vehicle belonged to a friend of his and that the person inside the vehicle was unknown to him. The witness also told the dispatcher that he confronted the individual and she (31 year old vagrant Raylene Juarez) told him she had permission to be in the vehicle. After the confrontation, Juarez exited the vehicle and left the area.
As officers arrived at the scene, they began searching the area eventually locating Juarez a short distance away. They stopped Juarez, and the witness was able to positively identified her as being the person who was inside the vehicle. Juarez was found to be in possession of property from the vehicle. Officers contacted the owner of the vehicle who told them he did not know Juarez and confirmed that the property in her possession came from his vehicle.
Juarez was arrested without incident and booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony vehicle burglary. A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Juarez has been arrested 13 times this year and has three open cases pending. The majority of these arrests are drug-related.
by Mat Almaraz School Board
As a parent volunteer for the past 14 years, and as a 20-year volunteer for American Youth Soccer Organization in this community, I am invested in this School District.
My 2 brothers and 4 sisters had my same experience going thru the same schools I did. I have had the amazing experience of going thru this amazing school system thru Portola, Anacapa and Buena. My passion comes through my volunteer work, my 41-year residency, having attended VUSD schools myself, and for the education of my children, 14 nieces/nephews and my future grandchildren.
My investment in the community:
• Two term PTO President at Mound Elementary. I assisted in creating a new science technology magnet for the school
• Member of Parent Advisory Committee for Mound Elementary and DATA Middle School
• Member and Membership Chair DATA Middle School PTSA
• School site student representative for Buena High School 1995 and School site member for Mound Elementary
• Member of Inaugural Foothill Technology High School Booster Club
My goal is to give parents a voice on the Board and in the classroom as well as continue the district’s innovative, unique great programs and support for all VUSD students. Also, to look at new ways to insure safety and security for our children.
My experiences through my life, the 9 different VUSD schools my children or my nieces and nephews have attended through VUSD, will guide me in continuing to steer VUSD to a great future. As my statement goes to all parents, Get involved, be involved and stay involved !!
Thank you and as Chris Prewitt would say. “Make it a great day”!!! Miss his inspiration and voice daily. But his love carries this district on. True hero.
Thank you,
Matt Almaraz Area 5 Board Member Trustee
This election cycle has brought an unprecedented number of firsts, not only was this the first district election, the winners represent the first city council female majority. In addition, Lorrie is the very first African American council member elected. These are statistics worth celebrating, however, this is not what got her elected.
Lorrie was elected because she galvanized support among a base of voters who have followed her and increased their support over the last five years. In 2013, she brought in approximately 6,883 votes and in 2016 about 10,000. This past November she won with 65% of the vote. She struck a chord with the voters and offered a fresh approach with balanced perspectives.
Brown explains her district as the NorthBank/Johnson Corridor because the district line begins at the 101 freeway and travels along the Northbank of the river on the east until it hits Rameli. Rameli takes it to Telephone, then cuts over to Montgomery. It is then topped at the 126, encompassing those who live around Kimball Park and the Government center. The district shares Victoria with District 2 on the West border and touches District 5 on the East border.
In her own words “First, I would like to thank everyone for their support of my campaign! When I walked the neighborhoods, residents seemed to be most concerned about sidewalks, trees, water rates and the Johnson Corridor and I have had these concerns myself for years. Montalvo needs sidewalks, residents want groceries not more convenience stores, Johnson drive needs revitalizing after the loss of Toys R Us and Kimball Park is still not finished.”
Lorrie as council woman elect has a big job ahead. She brings an unprecedented amount of experience to the council, bringing a decade of experience working in the public sector and a successful career in economic development, administrating public budgets for special district programs responsible for funding many city services.
She says, “I am ready for this job.”
The councilwoman elect has not only marched to victory but has demonstrated what it means to lead, even in the face of insurmountable odds, she remained a leader during tough circumstances and continued to move forward. As cited by the VC Star on November 7th, the third time proved to be a charm for Brown. This is the type of dedication the council needs.
Brown communicated that she plans to take action on the issues that matter most to her constituents and wants to: work to protect the integrity of the General Plan updates, including inclusionary housing, water infrastructure, traffic and transportation. She plans to be the voice for unpopular concerns and do everything she can to improve the city’s overall experience for merchants and residents on the Eastside and beyond. She feels this can be accomplished by seeking new ways to increase revenues.
Brown said “I believe it is very important to acknowledge that the current council has managed the tough job of keeping the City of Ventura relevant and as we move into our future we must find ways to continue to respect the natural habitat that surrounds us while identifying opportunities to be proactive, responsive and pragmatic. We need to continue to define ourselves independent of the current models that exist, which means moving Ventura’s vision forward.”
Brown would like to invite the community out to see the three new council members sworn in December 10th at 6p.m at the City Council meeting. Not only will there be three new council members there will be a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor sworn in.
by Shirley Lorraine
Classic Christie mystery intrigues
Santa Paula Theater Center closes out its 2018 season with a classic Agatha Christie drawing room murder mystery now through December 16. A lesser known work, the play version was an adaptation of an earlier novel of Christie’s own by the same name. Several key points were assigned new identities and adjustments made to the original setting.
The result is a charming, albeit wordy (quite common to the time and style), mystery featuring Christie’s trademark fascinating characters, all of whom harbor secrets. A murder is committed, everyone is a suspect, and the surprising truth ultimately comes to light.
Director Fred Helsel has assembled a seasoned cast which carries off each distinct characterization with aplomb and conviction. This is truly an ensemble piece wherein each character tantalizes the audience with snippets of information to be pondered and pieced together.
The setting is London, England, year 1948, at the home of Sir Henry and Lady Angkatell (Ronald Rezac and Peggy Stekete) who have invited several friends and relatives to enjoy a weekend in the country. Things begin to go awry as their son Edward (Trent Trachtenberg) clashes with guest John Cristow (Chip Albers) and his seemingly dim wife Gerda (Joy Goldowitz). Also present is cousin Henrietta Angkatell (Jordawn Howard), Cristow’s mistress and Midge Harvey (Morgan Bozarth), a family friend.
The house is maintained by long-time family butler Gudgeon (Doug Friedlander) and a new housemaid, Doris (Jadzia Winter). As one character so well states “The thing about murder is that it upsets the servants so”. After all, they must maintain the manor.
The plot thickens when actress Victoria Craye (Vivian Latham), a former mistress of Cristow, rents a house on the same lane. When Cristow is found shot, Inspector Colquhuon (Andy Brasted) and Detective Sergeant Penny (Eric McGowan) arrive to piece together the puzzle.
One should pay close attention to the subtle hints in the dialogue as the play progresses. As all the characters employ English accents and due to the quirks of the vocabulary of the era, this can be a challenging aspect for some. There are so many plot twists and turns it wouldn’t be out of line to make notes for reference at intermission.
The exquisite setting by Taylor Kasch, beautiful period costuming by Barbara Pedziwiatr and just the right touches of mood music attributed to Helsel and Allan Noel add to the overall charm of the piece.
The play is filled with underplayed humor. Only one character, that of Lady Angkatell (Peggy Stekete) seems purposely designed to trigger laughs, which she does easily. Sir Henry (Ronald Rezac), her long-suffering devoted husband, gently guides her to saner pastures when needed. Both are a delight. All the characterizations are definitively outstanding.
By today’s standard of fast-paced, non-stop action that quickly telegraphs details, the elaborate exposition in this play may seem a bit extended to some. However, it is a classic style well worth the journey. Settle back and enjoy the wordplay.
The Hollow continues Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through December 16. Adults are $24, seniors and students $22, children 12 and under $18. (805) 525-4645 or www.santapaulatheatercenter.org for ticket and seating information.
