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Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – Movie Review

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
2 Palm Trees out of 4

by Manuel Reynoso

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a 2018 musical directed and written by Ol Parker, from a story by Parker, Catherine Johnson, and Richard Curtis. The film stars Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Andy García, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Cher, and Meryl Streep. Taking place after the events of Mamma Mia!, the film revolves around Sophie’s restoration and reopening of a hotel with flashbacks of Donna’s arrival Greece and her chance run in with the three possible fathers of her daughter.

Every once in a while I watch a movie that reminds me of another way a movie can be “good”. I’m not talking about Oscar-worthy performances or gripping narratives that cut deep and expose societal ills. I’m talking about fun. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again might not be a movie on your radar, but it’s more than enough for a fun date night. With great musical covers of our favorite Swedish pop super group, wonderfully tacky costumes and sets, and surprisingly good cinematography, there is plenty to enjoy.

That isn’t to say that Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is an amazing movie. For every bit of ABBA goodness, there’s equal amounts of the campy love story writing that one would expect, but that okay, that was really all I expected going into this. If you wanted a gripping drama on the struggles of a woman in a rocky relationship, trying her best to make it in this world, then you came to the wrong movie.

It’s wonderful seeing a movie that felt so alive with color and vibrant energy. The costumes ranged from wonderful, to wonderfully tacky. The locations were beautiful and everything felt so colorful. It felt like this film was partly made just for sake of an aged cast to finally cut loose and have fun. Amanda Seyfried and Lily James had a number of great musical pieces throughout the film. What really surprised me was the camera work on display here. There really was some great framing and camera work during this film. As a package, while it might be a little shallow for some, it’s still a fun time to be had. There’s nothing wrong with being in the shallow side of the pool from time to time, right?

In all, there’s really little to say about the movie. It’s a fun date night movie if there isn’t really anything else to interest you. If you are an ABBA super fan, then absolutely you should see these great performances. Otherwise, you aren’t missing too much. It’s a fun ride, with some catchy tunes. 1h54m PG-13

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – A View from House Seats

The company of the Rubicon Theatre Company’s Summer Musical Intensive production of Grease. Photo by Kirby Ward

by Shirley Lorraine

Youth productions sizzle in summer

Summer is the perfect time to engage kids of all ages into fun and fascinating learning experiences.

Many Ventura County theaters have regular summer programs for youth to enjoy being on stage and behind the scenes, learning the craft as they go. It is always exciting to watch talents bud and bloom.

Camarillo Skyway Playhouse stages periodic youth productions via the CSP Stage Door Players and Camarillo Young Actor’s Company. See their website for additional information. www.skywayplayhouse.org.

The High Street Theater in Moorpark concluded its summer youth production of Aladdin, Jr. just last weekend. Drat, just missed it. Be sure to calendar July 2019 for next year’s offering.

Elite Theatre in Oxnard is currently presenting Yearbook – a humorous glimpse with a positive spin into life in middle school. The play accentuates how teamwork, caring and compassion help guide the students through various typical situations. Directed by Michael J. McGraw and produced by the Elite’s Artistic Director L.J. Stevens.

Only two performances remain to catch this special production – Saturday and Sunday August 4 and 5. Curtain time 2 p.m. for both shows.

[email protected] General admission $15, Senior & Students $12, $10 under 10 years old. (805) 483-5118 or online at www.elitetheatre.org 2731 Victoria Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93035 (Victoria and Channel Islands)

The Ojai Art Center Youth Branch proudly presents The Little Mermaid, Jr., adapted from the Disney Broadway production. It is based on a Hans Christian Andersen story and features music, action and a cast of children from age 5 to 15. Directed by Gai Jones, the production continues its run through August 12.

General admission $15, under 15 $10. Friday 7:00 p.m, Saturdays 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays 2:00 p.m. through August 12. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery Street, (805) 640-8797, www.OjaiACT.org

Rubicon Theater’s Education & Outreach 2018 Youth Productions Musical theater students present the ever-popular 50’s musical Grease, celebrating its 40th year of delighting audiences across the globe. Enjoy a look into the past as the cast brings forth familiar songs such as Greased Lightning and Summer Love.

The staging features 28 Ventura County students ages 15-24 and is directed/choreographed by Beverly Ward and Jamie Torcellini.

The anniversary production corresponds to Rubicon’s 20th anniversary of providing quality theater to Ventura County as well as in-depth educational opportunities for volunteers of all ages.

Performances are Friday August 3 at 7 p.m, Saturday August 4 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday August 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m., Wednesday August 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday August 9 at 7 p.m. and Friday August 10 at 7 p.m. 1006 E. Main St, downtown Ventura, (805) 667-2900 or www.Rubicontheatre.org

Whichever production you go see, know that your support of youth theater programs across the county will provide the cornerstone for future talents. Help keep Ventura County theater alive and well for years to come.

As the daughter of a PTA President, Deborah followed in her mother’s footsteps

Deborah Meyer-Morris candidate for VUSD School Board.

A graduate of Simi Valley High School, West Ventura County has been Deborah’s home, since she and her husband, Jeff, moved to Oxnard in 1994. Deborah is a graduate of CSUN and Loyola Law School, class of 1991, attending at night in downtown LA while working a full time job with CIGNA/INA. Together they raised two daughters, both graduates of Ventura High School.

As the daughter of a PTA President, Deborah followed in her mother’s footsteps becoming involved in PTA when her children entered elementary school. Deborah embodies the PTA motto, every child, one voice. She possesses the industriousness of a former PTA President of the Oxnard Council of PTAs and Anacapa MS PTO, the passion of a parent of children with exceptional needs, and the unique skill set of an attorney capable of doing the deep policy work needed to put students first. She realizes that teachers are the voices of their students, and with professional development and collaboration with parents, collectively, they can empower each student to reach their own potential. Deborah sees that without systemic policies, oversight, review and inquiry of existing policies and procedures, and finally without their uniform implementation, educational equity will remain an illusion, not a reality.

Incorporating her extensive community leadership experiences in Oxnard School District and VUSD, Ventura County 4-H, Girl Scouts of the Central Coast, Channel Islands Ice Center, among others, Deborah brings years of youth mentorship, service learning and more than a decade of fundraising experience to the table. Deborah understands that the school board is the “what”, and the superintendent is the “how”, and it is only through collaborative governance that true community representation is accomplished.

Change is hard work, and unpopular, not to mention time consuming, but ultimately the only way to implement consistent policies and procedures is to honestly look at the District’s past policies of less than uniform adherence to important laws and dictates. Providing educational equity means acknowledging past failures inherent in existing policies and bias, so that each student actually has access to all of the outstanding choices and unique educational programs the District has to offer. Deborah has been a tireless advocate for all students, with an emphasis on underserved diverse student groups, including special education students, English language learners, and those of diverse races and cultures.

While the move to district elections within the City of Ventura and the school district will not entirely eliminate politically connected candidates endorsing each other, it is now possible for candidates like Deborah to campaign without large campaign budgets and political ties. Deborah’s platform is full of fresh ideas and political truths. The District is at a crossroads, the District knows this and in the wake of declining enrollment is rebranding itself. However, without taking an honest look at areas that need improvement and finding constructive ways to improve its educational product and delivery system the District cannot realistically begin to meet the needs of its diverse student population – several of which are clearly underserved based on cultural marginalization, as documented by state test results available on the CDE Dashboard.

Stakeholders of VUSD need Deborah. Follow Deborah on Facebook at deborah4vusd4.

Innovative online platform developed for Thomas Fire will transform global disaster recovery

Greg Monterrosa, HUB 101, honoree Emily Barany and State Senator Kevin De Leon.

On Sunday, July 22, Emily Barany, co-founder of ThomasFireHelp.org was honored by the Democratic Club of Ventura County. Emily was presented with the “2018 Outstanding Entrepreneur Award” in recognition of her business acumen and her leadership in developing ThomasFireHelp.org.

Emily is the owner of Visionality, a business consultancy that has supported the work of nonprofit organizations in the region since 2011.

In the immediate hours after the Thomas Fire began in December 2017, ThomasFireHelp.org was born as Emily’s fourth and perhaps most impactful venture. The online platform that began as a scrappy “Craigslist” of recovery has become a meaningful leader in recovery efforts for survivors of the not only the Thomas Fire, but the Montecito Mudslide and Holiday Fire.

Today, Emily and the ThomasFireHelp.org team is working with Greg Monterrosa of Hub 101 at California Lutheran University to incubate her fifth company. Emily Barany said, “Our new company will be a global tech platform that revolutionizes the way communities recover from disaster.” She continued, “It is recognition from organizations like the Democratic Club of Ventura that prove to me that I am on the right path.”

“At its core, the Democratic Club of Ventura is a group of individuals who make a difference together. Through grassroots activism, we strengthen our voice and build relationships that help achieve our goals, “ said Diana Sparagna, President of the Democratic Club of Ventura. “We are excited to recognize Emily Barany, the founder of ThomasFireHelp.org.

The 2018 Outstanding Entrepreneur Award recognizes her life-long entrepreneurial spirit and the outstanding work she has done to cultivate a grassroots recovery campaign that has helped innumerable survivors of the devastating Thomas Fire, as well as our neighbors affected by the Montecito mudslide and Holiday fire.

In addition to the recognition of Emily’s leadership, the award also includes a cash donation to ThomasFireHelp. The award will be matched dollar for dollar by the Gene Haas Foundation. Earlier this month, the Gene Haas Foundation, recognizing the potential for the ThomasFireHelp.org model to be an international leader in disaster assistance awarded the team a $25,000 Challenge Grant. To help the ThomasFireHelp team meet the challenge visit: https://www.thomasfirehelp.org/financial-donations

Emily competed in “Dancing with our Community Stars” at Oxnard’s Salsa Festival, July 29. She danced on behalf of ThomasFireHelp.org. Every dollar donated counts as a vote for Emily and will be matched by the Gene Haas Foundation Challenge Grant. https://oxnardsalsafestival.com/dancer/emily-barany/

If you are a survivor of the Thomas Fire, Montecito Slide or Holiday Fire and need assistance or would like to offer help, visit: www.ThomasFireHelp.org.

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hula is a fun-loving, sweet dog. She came to the shelter with her sister when their previous owner could no longer keep them due to housing issues.Ever since then, Hula has patiently been waiting for her new person to find her. But that hasn’t dampened her spirits!

She loves going for walks and even gets to go on weekly bike runs with one of the volunteers. In the play yard, Hula is a joy to watch chasing her favorite tennis ball and exploring her surroundings Her previous owner reported that Hula was house trained, enjoys car rides and baths, and described her as “very loving, likes to cuddle, and likes to lounge”.

Ventura County Animal Services – Simi location – 570 W. Los Angeles Ave. Hula A440985.

Hi: I’m Parker a very sweet 4 year old Dachshund mix rescued from Animal Services. I’m very affectionate, love walks, treats and being with people. If left alone, you may want to crate train me instead of leaving me outside in the backyard. If left alone outside I will probably dig out unless the bottom of the fence is reinforced. It’s unknown how I’d do with other dogs, but when walked near other dogs I seemed to do fine. Once I settle in I’ll get to participate in playgroups at C.A.R.L.’s kennel facility. If you’re looking for a companion to accompany you everywhere, stop by and meet me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Recipients of the 2018 Fainer/Tauber, MD Awards announced

Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 Fainer/Tauber, MD Awards on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the Lloyd- Butler Estate in Oxnard, the title sponsor of this year’s celebration.

In 1956, Dr. Leo Tauber, along with two other physicians founded VCMRF, whose mission is “To improve, in partnership with others, access to needed health care for the most vulnerable and underserved residents of Ventura County.” Since that time, the Foundation has been a leader in recognizing the achievements and dedication of the county’s doctors and health care professionals, through the David Fainer, MD and Leo Tauber, MD awards. By acknowledging the work of the health care professionals county-wide, VCMRF brings awareness of the exemplary work taking place every day in the health care community to help drive innovation in patient care and access to care for all residents, especially the county’s underserved population.

The 2018 honorees include:

  • Physician Beverly Valles Torres, MD, MPH
  • Nurse Rashidah Khan, RN
  • Community Service Award Michael Boyko
  • Oral Health Specialist Catherine Chien, DDS
  • Vision Care Specialist William Shaffer, OD Behavioral/Mental Health Professional Richard Deamer, MD
  • Allied Health Professional Kristine Supple, PA-C, MPH
  • Trailblazer Award Michael L. White, LMFT

The $225- plate event ($195 for past award winners) includes a champagne reception, entertainment by Allegato (jazz) Music, dessert, live and silent auctions, formal dinner and the awards ceremony. Funds from the event will benefit oral health and vision care services for low- income children and seniors, homeless outreach for those less fortunate, and survivorship wellness retreats for low-income women undergoing cancer treatment at local hospitals through the InnCourage program.

For more information please contact Victoria Chandler at the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (805) 641-9800, email at [email protected], or visit website at vcmrf.org.

Child Hope Services and Foster VC Kids invite all to an inspirational and informative Summit

Community members are invited to attend the Foster Care Summit, designed to encourage and equip individuals who have a heart for foster care and adoption.

Child Hope Services and Foster VC Kids will host the Summit, August 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Oxnard, 1925 Eastman Avenue, Oxnard. The Foster Care Summit is free and community members are invited to learn about opportunities to support children and youth in care — either by becoming a resource, foster or adoptive family, or by supporting those who do.

Currently, Ventura County has approximately 800 children and youth in need of support, guidance and hope to help them thrive while separated from their families of origin. Ana Navarro, Caregiver Support Specialist/Placement Stabilization for Foster VC Kids says, “If you are inspired by the thought of helping local children and youth feel safe, cared for and supported, this Foster Care Summit is for you. “

Based on their own personal experiences with the foster care and adoption process, Heather and Daniel Fowler founded Child Hope Services in 2014 to support other families who are bringing children into their lives. Daniel says, “People are humanitarians at heart. There is a role, and opportunity, for everyone in the community to have a positive impact on the life of a child or young adult. You can be a world-changer.”

The Foster Care Summit will include presentations from:

Special guest Jason Johnson, a foster and adoptive father, writer and renowned speaker on orphan-related issues. He is the Director of The National Church Ministry Initiative with Christian Alliance for Orphans and author of All in Orphan Care.

Guest speaker Chelsea Cameron, a child of adoption herself will reflect on her choice to choose adoption. She will also share topics on loving well, building bonds and connections with children that are not her own.

Foster VC Kids about the training and support available to those interested in becoming a resource family who nurtures the safety, permanency and well-being of Ventura County’s youth and families.

Child Hope Services regarding the organization’s mission to support and cover foster families and foster youths with the practical resources needed in the critical first moments of foster care placement, along with supporting their long-term practical and relational needs.

For more information go to www.fostercaresummit.org.

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton

On July 24th, during another heat wave, I asked 6 Venturans –
“What do you like to do when the weather warms up in Ventura?”

Lisa Hawk
age 54
works at Salon Panache
“I like to go to work where it’s air-conditioned and hope for a little ocean breeze when I’m at home!”

 

Dale Fitzpatrick
age 62
retired clerical worker
“I like to go for a walk near the ocean or go see a movie where it’s air-conditioned, actually, I like to do as little as possible!”

 

Brian Fitzpatrick
age 65
retired lawyer
“Yes, we go to air-conditioned places, but it never gets that bad in Ventura. If we really want to bake, we could just drive 15 minutes to Ojai!”

 

Shane Winton
age 28
fisherman, carpenter, tree trimmer
“Surf! I’ve been surfing my whole life, I grew up on Pierpont. And on the side, me and my dad build custom slabs (boards). My favorite place to surf is the Dredge at Marina Park, no wait – make that Mondos!”

 

Justin Shelton
age 46
works at Lowe’s
“I like to take my 4-year old son, Vincent to the mall where it’s air-conditioned. We walk around, and I let him play in the little play area there and hopefully he falls asleep on the way home. I try to time it to where it’s nap time!”

 

Dalia Padilla
age 25
works with life insurance company
“I like to go to the beach right by the Pier, it’s my 4-year old daughter Natalie’s favorite beach because it’s got a playground there. We try to go twice a week if possible, but not so much lately, I could go into labor any minute! I’m overdue, my due date was July 16th … “

Writer’s note: By the time the next issue of the Ventura Breeze comes out on August 1st, we wish Dalia and her family all the best as Natalie’s baby sister has surely arrived by then!

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – Mailbox

General Plan Update

The 2025 General Plan update must include robust public participation now that we know more about urban planning than we did in 2005. Pretty pictures sold us on plans that have had a major impact on some areas of the community, especially the Avenue. The Avenue also taught us a lesson on the importance of park space.

We also learned that the transect model can be manipulated in unexpected ways to allow urban density in rural areas. Soon we will see the impact of dense development along our rural edge on Wells Rd in Saticoy. We cannot ignore the impacts of these decisions.

We have existing parcels to develop without expansion, yet we still approved an annexation in Saticoy for a development for which we may not have sufficient water. This is not “infill.” This land should have provided needed park space in Saticoy.

I hope all community councils submit their ideas to Council and staff to outline the changes they would like to see in their area. Let’s substitute top down experimentation with bottom up experimentation. The College Area started this exercise by submitting ideas for Telegraph Road parcels based upon the needs in our district. I urge other councils to submit their vision for the open parcels in their area including traffic, schools & services issues.

Let’s review our 2005 General plan assumptions, definitions & land use designations to remove the erroneous ones and vet new ones for the 2025 update. The refinement took a stab at this issue, but now we have the opportunity to begin anew to correct past and recent errors. Let’s embrace this opportunity.

Let’s also immediately correct obvious discrepancies in our land use & zoning identified by the refinement effort.

I urge residents to get involved and take an active part in shaping your community.

Kathy Bremer Ventura

(Note: I am writing as an individual not representing the city or any organization).

The Breeze:

Realtor Dolly Bovee went above and beyond what is required of a Realtor and ensured that our business dealings went smoothly. She used much of her personal time and natural ease with people to cause timely response from all involved.

In our opinion Ms. Bovee is professional, honest, thorough and effective. We have learned, as seniors there appears to be a different attitude in how our business is both conceived and handled.

Sincerely,

Rafe and Yvonne Hernandez

Editor:

I have been intending to write, since I read the Letter to the editor, most recent edition, from Jared Verhoeven, critical of a small rate increase by E J Harrison and Sons and touting a huge trash company, not locally owned. EJ Harrison has a long record of excellent service over many many years to our community. They are constantly looking for better ways to operate and a leader in innovation.

Furthermore, they have been incredibly generous to so many not for profits ranging from Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Community Memorial Hospital to name just a few. I am a firm believer in local owners that live in our community and are fully invested in delivering great service at a very reasonable rate. It deeply hurts me to hear them being accused of gouging in their rates. You would not get this from a huge company like Waste Management. The Recycling market is commodity based and ever changing. We can each do our part to help keep rates down by following recycling guidelines.

Best regards,

Mike Merewether

Editor:

I want to acknowledge and thank both Ventura Police Department and California State Parks for their posting of Illegal Vagrant Camps on the Beach South of Surfers Knoll yesterday. This area was previously the site of two moderate-sized brush fires.

One of the illegal camps posted contained a non-ambulatory female who would not be able to flee on her own should another fire occur. This action taken by both agencies will lessen the chances of future fires and ensure Public Safety.

Respectfully,

John Higgins Harbormaster – Harbor Patrol Ventura Harbor

Art does not reproduce what we see. It makes us see.
~ Paul Klee

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 2018 – Police Reports

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.

Residential Burglary and Possession for Sales Arrest

On July 13, at approximately 10am, officers responded to a call regarding a suspicious subject knocking on multiple residences’ doors in the area of the 100 block of Gay Drive. When officers arrived, 23 year old Ventura resident Allen Minot was seen walking away from a residence. The investigation revealed he entered the house, removed property from the residence and hid it nearby. He was also found to be in possession of a large quantity of prescription drugs (Xanax). Minot’s vehicle was parked nearby, and the second suspect, 27 year old Moorpark resident Kevin McNicol, was seated in the vehicle. He was found to be in possession of heroin.

At the conclusion of the investigation, McNicol was arrested for the misdemeanor charge possession of heroin and booked into Ventura County Jail. Minot was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for residential burglary and possession for sales of Xanax. Officers recovered the stolen property and returned it to the victim.

Arson Arrest

On July 18, at approximately 10:23am, a passerby on Brannan St. in East Ventura notified the Fire Command Center that black smoke was pouring from a window of a single story single family residence and it was unknown if anyone was inside. Fire personnel arrived on scene and forced open the door to the residence and commenced a fire attack. The fire was located in a bathroom off the master bedroom. The fire engulfed items within the bathroom and blew out the window. Firefighters knocked down the fire in approximately 12 minutes. A search of the home was made and a dog and cat were located trapped inside a room and were brought to safety. No one was home at the time of the fire.

Robbery

On July 19, at approximately 10:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream parlor reporting a robbery that just occurred.

The suspect, 35 year old Ventura vagrant Scott Russell, entered the business and demanded money from the clerk while claiming to be armed with a gun. The clerk gave Russell the money from behind the register. Russell then fled on foot from the business. Officers arrived on scene a few moments later and located the Russell a short distance away. After a short foot pursuit where Russell was dropping money taken from the business, he was taken into custody without incident.

Residential Burglary and Prowling Arrest

On July 20, at approximately 12:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from an alarm company reporting a residential alarm at a residence in the 2200 block of Vista Del Mar Rd. Shortly after receiving the first call from the alarm company, several neighbors of the residence called 911 reporting a subject was found breaking into the same location and was being detained in the backyard. Officers responded to the scene and detained the subject, later identified as the suspect 25 year old vagrant Santos Velasquez.

During the investigation, officers learned that Velasquez had entered the garage of an additional residence in the 2200 block of Vista Del Mar Rd. and used a tool in an attempt to force his way inside. When he was unsuccessful, Velasquez forced his way into a window of the second residence and activated the alarm. Nearby neighbors heard the alarm sounding and saw Velasquez inside. He was detained by the neighbors as he tried leaving with stolen property.

Velasquez was seen prowling on the property of other residences in the area prior to the burglary.

Foot Pursuit Concealed Weapon Arrest

On July 21, at approximately 8:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call reporting that a wanted subject, 27 year old Ventura resident Oscar Espino, was seen walking on the Promenade going towards the Pier from Surfers Point parking lot. As the first officer arrived on scene he spotted Espino on the pier. Espino knowing that he had been seen by the officer actively tried to evade the officer.

As more officers arrived, a lengthy foot pursuit ensued that lead officers from the pier to the Harbor Blvd parking structure. During the foot pursuit Espino refused to comply with orders from the officers to stop. Espino eventually made it to the intersection of Harbor and California where he was cornered by both VPD officers and a State Parks Ranger. Again, Espino refused to comply with verbal commands and he was forced to the ground and taken into custody. A search of Espino after the arrest, officers discovered that he was carrying a concealed machete hidden inside his pants.

Espino was arrested for felony possession of the dirk or dagger and misdemeanor resisting or delaying an officer as well as his warrants.