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Stuff-a-Sleigh toy and food drive supports local families in need

Bringing holiday cheer to Downtown Ventura.

In a groundbreaking holiday season collaboration, the Ventura Fire Department is proud to partner with the Ventura County Fire Department, Oxnard Fire Department, ABC7, Food Share of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura Partners, and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce to host Ventura’s first Stuff-a-Sleigh toy and food drive.

This initiative, geared towards supporting children and families in need, will be hosted on Friday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Main Street at Figueroa Plaza.

Community members are invited to participate by bringing a new, unwrapped toy, book, sporting equipment, and nonperishable food items to the event.

“This partnership and holiday donation drive offer our community a chance to unite, exemplifying the genuine spirit of the season through acts of goodwill and generosity for those in need this season,” said Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya. “We are honored to be part of this event and extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join us in making the holidays brighter for all.”

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Fire Departments of Ventura County will attend, offering the public an opportunity to engage with fire engines and interact with local firefighters and staff.

“The holiday season can be a trying time for many families, and the need for assistance is greater than ever,” said Jennifer Caldwell, Chief Development Officer at Food Share of Ventura County. “Strong partnerships and the incredible generosity of our community are the backbone of events like this. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season.”

Community members unable to join the Stuff-a-Sleigh event can participate in the Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive, happening through December 20, 2023.

How to donate new, unwrapped toys and food:

Drop off at the Ventura Fire Headquarters, located at 1425 Dowell Drive, or a participating business.
Contribute monetary donations online through the Ventura Fire Foundation. All proceeds are tax-deductible.
Purchase a gift on the Amazon Wish List registry.

Find a complete list of participating businesses, online donation information, and Stuff-a-Sleigh event updates at VCFD.org/SparkofLove.

Last Natural History Walk of 2023 with Lanny Kaufer

Topa Topa Bluffs as seen from Taft Nature Preserve by Alexandra Nicklin

Ojai author-naturalist Lanny Kaufer will lead the last of this year’s monthly Natural History Walks at Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve on Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. His group will explore trails through the wild parts of the property, identify and discuss native plants, and observe birds and animal tracks in the context of local ecology.

This event is a perfect fit with Kaufer’s mission to open a space for people to connect with the natural world, starting with the plant kingdom. The diversity of plant communities and native species make Taft Nature Preserve the ideal place. Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve was featured in an L. A. Times article on “The 16 Most Beautiful and Inviting Public Gardens in Southern California.” And it recently was included in the RedBook Magazine list of “The 12 Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the United States.”

Kaufer will have his mobile bookshop onsite after the walk, including his book, Medicinal Herbs of California, and Milt McAuley’s classic Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains, which features every plant the group will see.

The $35 cost includes a $10 donation to benefit the Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF), the non-profit steward of Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve. The donation portion of the fee is tax-deductible. This walk is presented by the CEF. They are handling all registrations. To register for the event, please visit https://www.taftgardens.org/events/, email [email protected], or call (805) 649-2333.

Registrants will receive an email from CEF with detailed directions. Please do not try to find the venue by using other maps or GPS. Allow plenty of time to find the venue and to make your way up the miles-long driveway.

Lanny Kaufer has been leading herb walks and nature hikes, as well as foraging and medicinal plant workshops, since 1976, focusing on ethnobotany, the academic term for the human uses of plants. His website is at HerbWalks.com. He is the author of Medicinal Herbs of California, published by Falcon Guides in December of 2021 and now in its third printing. Kaufer is the founder and director of the Ojai Herbal Symposium, recently held at Krotona Hall on November 11-12, 2023.

Lanny Kaufer 805-646-6281office
805-797-2072 cell [email protected]
Author, Medicinal Herbs of California
Founder/Director, Ojai Herbal Symposium

“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates

Ventura County Ballet brings the Nutcracker to VCMC Pediatric Oncology Patients

Dancers from Ventura County Ballet performed excerpts from The Nutcracker.

It’s always hard being sick as a child and missing favorite activities with friends and family. But there’s one special holiday tradition local kids don’t have to miss – The Nutcracker!

Dancers from Ventura County Ballet performed excerpts from The Nutcracker at Ventura County Medical Center’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Infusion Center on Tuesday, November 14. The free performance for young patients, their families and VCMC staff has become an annual event.

Ventura County Ballet’s full production of the world-famous Nutcracker ballet will take to the stage at Oxnard Performing Arts Center

Kathleen Noblin, Ventura County Ballet founder and executive director, explains, “Ventura County Ballet has always been committed to bringing the best in live dance to Ventura County audiences. As we prepare for our 25th Anniversary season of The Nutcracker, we are delighted to again bring a preview to VCMC.”

Noblin continued, “It’s our mission to bring world-class ballet to the community and to bring the joy of dance to children who might otherwise not be able to experience it. The young patients at VCMC not only enjoyed The Nutcracker excerpts but also met our dancers, tried on a pointe shoe and were up close and personal with the wonder of ballet.”

VCMC Hematology/Oncology Medical Director Dr. Francisco Bracho added, “We’re so grateful to Ventura County Ballet for bringing this special performance to us. Experiences like this are a wonderful way to help our patients and families have a sense of normalcy in their lives and respite from a focus on being sick.”

The performers were:

Clara – Kirra Anderson, 13, Cabrillo M.S., 8th grade
Fritz – Emma Hansen, 12, DeAnza Academy of Technology and Art, 7th grade
Columbine – Sylvie Watts, 14, Ventura H.S., 9th grade
Harlequin – Jonah Tillery, 16, Ventura H.S., 11th grade
Soldier – Carter Gillespie, 17, Newbury Park H. S., 12th grade

Ventura County Ballet is a non-profit organization bringing world class, professional dance performances to our community. They provide top quality performing opportunities and instruction to hundreds of young people as a springboard to universities and careers with dance companies. Through scholarships and outreach, they bring the joy of dance to children throughout our area. https://www.venturacountyballet.com/

The full production of The Nutcracker at Oxnard Performing will be on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1:00 and 5:00 pm, Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2:00 pm.

The Nutcracker is truly the lifeblood of Ventura County Ballet as it is for ballet companies the world over. It supports our entire season and enables us to bring a wide range of other works to local audiences. We hope as many people as possible will enjoy our 25th anniversary production of The Nutcracker as we return to the massive stage of Oxnard Performing Arts Center for the first time since 2019.

A Q&A with Beth Baumer and Neuroboxing Fight Camp to help those with Parkinson’s and neurological diseases

The non-contact boxing conditioning classes encourage participation.

Neuroboxing Fight Camp, to be located at Portside Ventura Harbor, is a non-profit exercise, neurological rehabilitation and physical therapy program. Who offer a free monthly support group dedicated to impacting the lives of those living with Parkinson’s and neurological disease in our community. Their non-contact boxing conditioning classes encourage participation from caregivers and family members.

Q. Do you have an annual fundraiser? Do you have year-round fundraising projects? Do you have any upcoming events?

A. I am going to start one. An annual cornhole tournament fundraiser hopefully at my new studio in Portside Ventura Harbor’s outdoor sand volleyball courts. I will have a soft opening, as well as a grand opening which will include a FUNdraiser event.

Q.Tell us about the history of your organization: How long has it been around? What was the inspiration for starting it?

I started NBFC in October, 2019. During the pandemic, I was able to keep it afloat with zoom classes and maintained loyal members. The inspiration is my father, Hank Laubacher who was diagnosed with PD in 2010. We noticed the need for a fitness program for the PD and neurological disease community in our area that was fun and engaging. I joined him for a few classes at Agoura Fitness and saw the profound positive effect it had on him and the other members.

Q. What is the philosophy behind your organization? Your mission statement?

A.Movement is Medicine. When faced with a Parkinson’s, neurological or central nervous system disease or impairment, it is essential to get out of your home at least 3 times a week to exercise, connect with others experiencing similar struggles and maintain an active social life. Give yourself the gift of health through fitness and community. You are never alone in your fight!

Q. What do you and your employees and/or volunteers enjoy most about their work?

A. The wonderful friendships and camaraderie shared amongst our members and coaches. Watching our fighters walk out of class with sweat on their brow, flush on their cheeks, smiles on their faces and a livelier pep in their step.

Q. Do you have a special message to share with the neighborhood or community?

A. Please share our service to anyone local you know who could benefit from joining our program! We are also always looking for volunteers to assist in classes and to help perform assessments of our members. Family, friends and caregivers are always welcome to participate with their Neuroboxer. We will also be offering general boxing and kickboxing classes open to anyone!

Q. Can you share a funny or interesting story about your organization? How do you make your workday fun?

A. At NBFC we are major music lovers. Our playlists make the classes super entertaining and motivating! A few of our members are musicians and have worked in the music industry so we get special treats from them when they show up with a playlist. We also love to use our voices, as those living with PD can struggle with projecting their speech. Mike, T Rex, loves to make some noise while doing our high kicks and always gets the group cracking up. Eric loves to dance and sing along to the music, giving his buddies high fives and doing flex offs which keeps the laughter going.

Q. Where can people contact you in order to volunteer or get involved?

Visit our website: www.neuroboxingfightcamp.com
Venmo: @neuroboxingFC
Zelle: 805-223-6955 Also our contact # to call or text
Email: [email protected]

Lost Olivas cannon ball

by Richard Senate

In 1928, when Mayor Max Fleishmann was restoring the Olivas Adobe he had purchased, they found a small iron cannon ball stuck in the wall of the old kitchen thick adobe wall. It was seen as a curious artifact and presented to the mayor. He gave it to the Historical Museum in Santa Barbara, where he had a large residence and polo grounds.

The museum put it into a glass case with the story of its discovery and the mystery of how it ended up in the wall of the adobe. Some speculated it was fired by John C. Freemont’s troops in the Mexican War, but no reports tell of such an action. In 1988 a story was uncovered from an Olivas descendant in a nursing home that after the great robbery at the Olivas Adobe in 1855 Don Raymundo purchased a small cannon to defend the house from other attacks. His sons got to playing with the piece and accidentally set it off, firing a ball into the kitchen, where it went through two walls before coming to rest.

Don Raymundo then sold the cannon to saloon owner (and later Ventura mayor) Angel Escandon. An ardent supporter of President Abraham Lincoln (as was Raymundo) he would fire off the cannon to announce a Union victory in the Civil War. Today the County Museum of Art and History owns the “Escandon Cannon.” Is the story true that the small cannon was the one that fired the ball into the kitchen?

The Adobe contacted the Santa Barbara Museum to see if the item could be borrowed to see if it fit in the Escandon Cannon. They were told the cannon ball donated by Max Fleishmann was lost, along with all data on the item! After years of being displayed, the exhibit was taken down and the small cannon ball was simply tossed into a carboard box full of other small cannon balls found all over the state and at Civil War Battlefields and donated to the museum. If the piece had a label it had fallen off over the years.

No one had a record or photograph of the small iron ball. The mystery of its origins was just unimportant to them. Poor museum record keeping means we can never know which of the cannon balls in the box is the curious piece. Perhaps because it was from Ventura, it was not seen as important to the people of Santa Barbara?

Ventura Bike Depot: A Legacy of Passion, Service, and Community Involvement

Ventura Bike Depot, a hidden gem, has been enriching the cycling experience for locals and visitors alike for nearly two decades. Ventura Bike Depot, established in 2003 by Shelley Sund, has become an iconic destination for bicycle enthusiasts and a testament to the power of community involvement.

Shelley Sund, originally from Seattle, is not just the founder of Ventura Bike Depot but a true cycling visionary. She brought the first Italian Quadricyles by Jomark to California back in 1984 and later trademarked the Pedalina, a name synonymous with quality and innovation. Before transforming the current location into a full-service bicycle shop, she opened a dozen rental locations, laying the foundation for what would become a cycling institution in Ventura.

Shelley’s commitment to her community is commendable. She is a member of Bike Ventura, a vital local cycling organization, and a dedicated supporter and donor of both Ventura Land Trust and Brock Hills HOA. As an activist, she has lent her voice to the Cycle California Coast, Channel Islands Bicycle Club, National Bicycle Dealers Association, and the League of American Bicyclists, making a significant impact in the cycling world.

What truly sets Shelley and her team at Ventura Bike Depot apart from competitors is their unwavering dedication to customer service. With a genuine passion for cycling, they take pride in bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who walks through their doors. Their motto is simple: no gesture is too small when it comes to adding joy and care to people’s lives. They take the time to understand each rider’s unique needs, preferences, intended distance, and frequency of use before recommending a specific bicycle.

Ventura Bike Depot has always been at the forefront of the cycling industry. Shelley introduced electric bikes into their rental fleet when she was running six locations simultaneously, recognizing the potential of this revolutionary technology.

Continuing to push the boundaries of bike experiences, Ventura Bike Depot now offers bike wine tours, allowing enthusiasts to explore the picturesque California coast in a unique way. It’s no wonder that they have consistently been voted as the #1 Bike Shop in Ventura County.

Ventura Bike Depot is more than just a bike shop; it’s a hub of passion, community involvement, and top-notch service. With Shelley Sund’s unwavering dedication, it continues to be a symbol of Ventura’s thriving cycling culture. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a new way to explore the city, Ventura Bike Depot is the place to be.

Even the birds celebrated Veterans Day

They need help all year long

Marcie Youtz is supporting homeless VUSD children.

After learning how many students were experiencing homelessness in VUSD (over 400), Marcie Youtz approached the school district officials about accepting contributions to support the homeless children, she realized forming a 501c3 charity, 805 Community for Children was a necessary part of the process in order to have the donations be tax deductible for the contributors.

Marcie Youtz, Realtor, and lifelong Ventura Resident, is retiring from driving a school bus after 20 years of serving the kids of VUSD.

805 Community for Children provides not only much-needed essentials such as food, toiletries, showers, and clean laundry to students in need, it also aims to imbue their lives with some sense of normalcy by also providing some of the “extras” so many of us take for granted. Birthday parties, Equine therapy, prom essentials, sports funding, and so much more. A student being funded to play sports in school has an amazing impact. The feeling of belonging to a team does incredible things for a child.The non profit often gets a few donations in November and December but the rest of the year, donations from the community are scarce. They need help all year long, not just the holidays. Please consider helping.

Please visit the website to donate . www.805communityforchildren.com

Vol. 17, No. 05 – Nov 29 – Dec 12, 2023 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Fly the Friendly Skies at Conejo

The Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks winds up their season with a fun-filled, jazzy, sexy, high-stepping musical in Catch Me If You Can now running through December 3. Remember the popular and surprising memoir by the same name from the 1980’s? This is the mostly true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr. who, before he was 21, successfully reinvented himself numerous times all to his own personal advantage. Assuming personas of a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, a lawyer and others gave him the opportunity to travel the world in style.

The story is as unbelievable as it is true. The musical version takes a few liberties that differ from the book.. When arrested at Miami airport, Frank Jr. (Ezra Ells) implores the FBI agent, Carl Hanratty (Mark Lopez) to allow him to tell his version of the story to the audience. Thus, the show begins.

Young Frank Jr. easily followed in his father’s footsteps. As Sr. states “people only know what you tell them”, a line Jr. builds his career on. We learn how it all started and some of where these impersonations took him. We learn of AFBI gent Hanratty’s dogged determination to find this brilliant young man with the ability to disappear easily. Ultimately though, Jr. tires of the high life, falls in love and decides to end his jet-setting ways.

Abagnale is at last captured and incarcerated for his admittedly brilliant crime spree. In a true twist of fate, upon his release he was then offered a job with the FBI. Due to his extensive knowledge of cheating, cons and banking, he became a special consultant and has since written several books on how to spot cheats.

Dizzyingly packed with production numbers featuring a bevy of beauties in revealing outfits, the first act pulsated with excitement. Choreographer/Director Miriam Durrie-Kirsch kept the action at a lively level, incorporating tap numbers with go-go, with waltzing. Fun to watch and well executed. Superb costuming by Beth Eslick made it easy to sit in a way-back machine and relive the 1960’s. A superbly appointed movable set allows for maximum use and flexibility.

The leading roles are all solid. Ells gives it his all as young Abagnale, singing, dancing and making eyes at all the ladies. Lopez shines in the second act with several of his songs. One duet with Frank Sr. is a standout. The second act delves into more story and character songs than chorus numbers, so I found the lyrics much easier to understand and appreciate.

Devery Holmes as mother Paula and Jim Holmes as Father Frank Sr., as well as Lauren Brown as Brenda, portray their roles with class and clarity, a welcome contrast to the action of the big production numbers.

Catch Me if You Can, the musical, is a nostalgic nod to musicals of earlier years – fun, upbeat, silly, full of characters and lots of dancing. Quite a spirited evening.

www.conejoplayers.org /805-495-3715. Closes December 3.

Vol. 17, No. 05 – Nov 29 – Dec 12, 2023 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Bye Bye Barry – Prime Video

3 out of 4 palm trees
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

The day that Barry Sanders was supposed to show up for training camp in 1999 he sent a fax to announce his retirement and refused to speak to the press or any management. At the height of his career he just walked away, when at the time considered the best running back ever to play the game and on the verge of breaking every record there was for his position. For those who truly knew Barry, this was just the quiet way he always went about doing things throughout his life.

Barry was a Heisman trophy winner from Oklahoma State, drafted in Round One of 1989 NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions. After the draft Barry just disappeared and didn’t seem to want to be in the spotlight. In his first interview he explain he wasn’t a shy person but he felt that people in his situation were not respected by the press. Barry expressed that the press needed to respect his judgment and the way he was as a person because every individual was different and he was aware of people in the NFL who didn’t really care to deal with the press.

Barry’s first few seasons under head coach Wayne Fontes were winning seasons, but never reached the playoffs or superbowl. In 1997 Barry was working with a new coach in his ninth year in the NFL and by the end of the season was set to break the record of over 2000 yards rushing in a season as a running back (only two other players in the history of the NFL). The Lions last game of the season was against the Jets and they needed to win the game to get into the playoffs.

In the first half Barry was only able to get 20 yards, but took off in the second half and in the middle of the game the ref handed the game ball to Barry to let him know he had the 2000 yard rushing record. Barry humbly shook the ref’s hand and just quietly went over to the sideline and tossed the ball to his father. One of Barry’s teammates Herman Moore asked for his shoes, asking him to sign and date it and still has those shoes to this day.

The Lions also beat the Jets, though Barry’s teammate Reggie Brown was injured and paralyzed, similar to what happened to his other teammate Mike Uttley in 1991. Shortly after Barry mentioned thinking about quitting football to one of his childhood friends due to the dangers involved and the grind. In1998 Barry began to lose his drive and passion due to a losing season for the Lions and many of the other Lions players going to other better teams. Unknown to anyone else, Barry had decided to quit football.

In 1999, Barry Sanders boarded a plane to London the day the Lions were starting training camp after sending a fax to announce his formal retirement from football. Barry chose London having been there before and feeling it would be a good place to get away from all the craziness that was happening back in the US. Barry called to tell his mom, though his father was very angry thinking that Barry threw everything away.

Shocking the world, Barry faxed a statement to his local paper that his desire to be out of the game was greater than his desire to remain. If he played another season he would beat Walter Payton’s rushing record, but Barry was never one to care about records. Today Barry would say that the main reason was losing the drive to continue as his heart just wasn’t in it anymore.

In 2004, Barry Sanders was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, thanking his father for all his support. Barry’s father passed away from cancer in 2011, and Barry continued to live in Detroit and became a beloved member of the city.

Runtime: 1h 33m

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