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Vol. 11, No. 26 – Sept 26 – Oct 9, 2018 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Conejo cooks up Comedy Cacophony

For a high-spirited evening of fast-paced shenanigans, Is He Dead? now playing at Conejo Players Theater in Thousand Oaks, fills the bill.

America’s well-loved master storyteller, Mark Twain, offers the basis for this long-hidden work. Twain’s acumen as a playwright was the lesser of his talents, to his documented great disappointment. The work presented is minimally lifted by later adaptation by David Ives.

Written in 1898, the play is set in France 1846. The complicated and twisted plot mirrors some of the fun of its successful predecessor, “Charlie’s Aunt”, written in 1892. A popular style at the time was high farce employing many surprises, disguises and exaggerated characters. Is He Dead? uses these standard gimmicks and more.

The play is a classic melodrama typical of the time. A French artist, Jean-François Millet (Nicholas D. Johnson), finds himself unable to sell enough paintings to live comfortably. Following a visit from a prospective buyer, his friends Agamemnon “Chicago” Buckner (Nick Bemrose), Hans “Dutchy” Von Bismarck (Ezra Ells) and Phelim O’Shaughnessy (Robert Chambers) hatch a plot to declare the artist dead to elevate the value of his works. He wouldn’t be dead of course – he would pretend to be his sister, a widow, who would then reap the benefits of his new-found fame.

Chicago’s sweetheart, Cecile, played by Dawn Michelle and Jean-Franҫois’ paramour Marie, (Lauren Rachel), are appropriately devastated by the ruse that is kept secret from them. They befriend the “widow” causing much consternation throughout.

In the meantime, Bastien André (Kyle Johnson), in attempting to recoup a loan he made to the artist, falls hopelessly in love with the widow, as does the two girls’ father, Papa Leroux (Jim Seerden). Jean-Franҫois, now as the widow Daisy Tilou, must fend off both suitors.

Several of the actors fill several roles, adding to the frenetic action. Thomas Carbone embraces three quite different roles, for instance, all to exaggerated comic effect.

Erin Fagundes and Judy Diderrich portray Madames Bathilde and Caron, who hover sweetly and offer period atmosphere. Jeremy Zeller makes a brief appearance as the King of France. Of course, all is resolved in the end and the happy couples reunited.

The costumes are a highlight of this production. Obviously, much care went into their design and creation to carry the flavor of the piece. The setting produced awkward challenges for the lively foot action. I was confused by the “paintings” that appeared to be photographs on canvas. The second act with myriad doors for entrances and quick exits allowed more opportunity for freedom of movement.

Perhaps it reads better than it plays. The relentless overplay and shouting made it difficult for me to ferret the dialogue out of the din, thus losing some of what little of Twain’s signature humor is embedded in the piece. Several characters are written to use accents to help define their roles, adding to the listening challenge. Oddly, although set in France and featuring a French artist, that verbal touch seemed to be missing except as used lightly by Kyle Johnson as Mr. André.

Is He Dead? Continues through October 6. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. www.conejoplayers.org or 805-495-3715 for tickets. Adults $18, Students, Seniors and Military $16.

Tech support scam alert

The Ventura Police Department has received reports of residents becoming victims of a tech support scam. Residents are urged to review scam prevention measures to avoid becoming a victim of this scam.
Scammers use scare tactics to trick you into paying for unnecessary technical support services that supposedly fix your device, platform, or software problems.

Scammers may call you directly on your phone and pretend to be representatives of a software company. They might even spoof the caller ID so that it displays a legitimate support phone number from a trusted company. They then ask you to install applications that give them remote access to your device. Using remote access, these scammers can misrepresent normal system output as signs of problems.

Scammers might also initiate contact by displaying fake error messages on websites you visit, displaying support numbers and enticing you to call. They can also put your browser on full screen and display pop-up messages that won’t go away, essentially locking your browser. These fake error messages aim to trick you into calling an indicated technical support hotline.

When you engage with the scammers, they can offer fake solutions for your “problems” and ask for payment in the form of a one-time fee or subscription to a purported support service.

How to protect yourself from tech support scams:

  • If you receive an unsolicited email message or phone call from a software company asking you to send personal information or click links, ignore or report the email, or hang up the phone.
  • Do not share personal information, click links, or install applications when requested.
  • Do not trust unsolicited calls. Do not provide any personal information.
  • Download software only from official vendor websites. Be wary of downloading software from third-party sites, as some of them might have been modified to bundle support scam malware and other threats.

If you are victim of this scam:

  • Consult a computer professional.
  • Update or download legitimate security software and scan your computer.
  • Change any passwords that you shared with someone. Change the passwords on every account that uses passwords you shared.
  • If you paid for fraudulent services with a credit card, call your credit card company and ask to reverse the charges.
  • Report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

Make sure your children ride as safely as possible

The Ventura Police Department is supporting efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help parents and caregivers make sure their children ride as safely as possible every time they get in the car. If you feel your car is not safe for yourself to drive it and also to have your child present, it may be time to get a new vehicle, through leasing. A spokesperson for Intelligent Car Leasing expressed how leasing has become a popular opinion amongst car buyers and saves people money doing it this way.

“Using car seats properly that are age and size-appropriate is the best way to keep your children safe,” said Commander Rick Murray. “Car seats matter. They save lives when used the right way.”

In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of an infant being killed in a crash by 71 percent, and toddlers by 54 percent. While many children are buckled in properly in the correct car seats for their age and size, more than half (59 percent) are not.

Sadly, car crashes are the leading cause of death for children. In 2016, 35 percent of children under 13 killed in crashes were not restrained in car seats, booster seats or with seat belts. NHTSA data also shows that as children get older they are less likely to want to buckle up. Over the past 5 years, 1, 552 kids between the ages of 8 and 14 died in a car, SUV and van crashes – of those who died, almost half were not buckled up. Whilst the cause of the crash can be challenged by a personal injury attorney, the loss of life is irreplaceable.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review important safety tips to assure that every child is safely secured:

Get the right car seat: Rear-facing, forward-facing or booster seat depending on your child’s age, weight and height, and the manufacturer’s recommendations on the seat. Make sure you check out which car and booster seats are the most highly recommended and reviewed too.

Know the Law: California law requires a specific child restraint system based on child’s age, weight and height.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual: Pay attention to how you adjust the car seat’s harness for a proper fit.

Register your seat right away: Mail in the registration card that came with the seat or register online to receive important safety recall updates.

Rear-facing as long as possible: Keep a child in a rear-facing seat up to the top height or weight allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. Research shows that children are safest when rear-facing.

Forward-facing car seats: Once your child outgrows a rear-facing seat, keep your child in a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether as long as possible before transitioning to a booster seat. Tethers should always be used for forward-facing car seats. This reminds me of the accident my friend recently had, she hadn’t correctly fixed her car seat in her business vehicle and ended up in a car crash. Good thing she found a service in the US similar to motor trade insurance uk. Because of this, they got the support they needed.

Back Seat Safety: Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat and always be buckled up.

Car seat safety checks are available at every California Highway Patrol Office. The Ventura CHP Office offers installation on Tuesdays by appointment. Parents and caregivers can call 805-662-2640 to schedule.

City of Ventura files amended cross-complaint in Ventura River Litigation

The City of San Buenaventura (City) filed its amended cross-complaint in the Ventura River litigation brought by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper (Channelkeeper) against the City and the State Water Resources Control Board. The City did not start this case but it has no choice but to defend itself. The City’s filing brings into the litigation all water users in the Ventura River Watershed.

In the litigation, Channelkeeper singled out the City’s use of the Ventura River, even though there are many other water users in the Watershed. The California Court of Appeal agreed with the City in a ruling earlier this year that it could bring in other users given that Channelkeeper’s claims could impact the City’s long-held rights to Ventura River water.

The City is bringing in all water users in order to protect its water rights and to ensure that everyone is part of the solution in the event that cutbacks are needed for sensitive species and habitat. Legally, in order to determine water users’ respective rights, all users must be parties to the same lawsuit. For this reason, the City named many cross-defendants. This is not a step that was taken lightly and only because it is to protect the City’s ability to serve its community.

The City is committed to environmental sustainability and will continue being a good steward of its local water resources. The City believes that all water interests, City residents, other water users, and environmental needs, must cooperate and compromise in using and preserving this precious resource. The City wants to be pro-active and is working to develop solutions to the competing interests in the Ventura River Watershed. The City would prefer to resolve these issues without litigation, and recognizes that only by all interests working together can we resolve these critical challenges.

Background on the City of Ventura’s Ventura River water supply

One of Ventura’s key water supplies is provided from the Ventura River at Foster Park. Water from the Ventura River is diverted through the City’s Foster Park facilities and treated at the City’s Avenue Water Treatment Plant. The extraction facilities include a subsurface intake and three shallow wells within the Ventura River riparian corridor. The City has maintained water rights on the Ventura River for more than a century.

Things left undone

VUSD Board Member John Walker has seen many changes in 29 years.

Having been the longest serving Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board Member has been a privilege for John Walker. During those 29 years he has seen many changes to the district. For the most part, he says, “I think I have met my mother’s admonition to leave things better than when you found them.” During his tenure he has seen two new schools built, school modernizations, moving and consolidation of the district office, a focus on the arts, hiring four superintendents and well documented student academic growth among other things. However, as he nears his exit time in November, there are things that he says he worked to accomplish, but never quite made it due to budget constraints, political climate or simply lack of board consensus.

Having served on the Board of Directors for the California School Boards Association for eight years, he was fortunate to be at the state forefront, seeing new education reforms, legislation and the ever-changing budget climate. Those meetings inspired him to want the best for the children of VUSD. John is now hopeful that the new VUSD board will at least visit some of those things the board has previously discussed that he felt were important to the district and the community.

One of John’s highest priorities was the nationally touted International Baccalaureate program. It is a rigorous, high achieving program embraced by the county’s largest school districts, but not yet in VUSD. This academic program offers a wide range of options for students to succeed, while developing students who want to create a better and more peaceful world. The board and district studied the program about five years ago but funding waned.

Secondly, Walker believes that “employee salaries are important to attracting and retaining the best.” His experience in human resources taught him the importance of employee retention. “Districts often promote and train their best employees only to lose them to neighboring districts who can pay more. This is particularly true now with the recently implemented state-wide school funding formula which provides significantly more money to districts with higher at-risk populations” he says. Our salary norm over the years has been to be in the 40 to 60 percentile county-wide. “I believe we need to be continuously in the top third to retain our best teachers and support employees. We were never quite there over my tenure, in spite of how hard we tried. This is going to take prioritization of resources and some creativity.”

Lastly and most importantly, equal learning opportunities for all VUSD students should be a high district priority. Most pointedly, one of the district’s high schools Foothill can offer a student seven periods per semester or 56 courses in a typical four-year high school career. Conversely, the remaining two traditional high schools offer less with six periods per semester for most students, or 48 courses in a typical four-year span. That means some district students have more options than others for courses such as additional academic electives, leadership and the arts. Walker believes it gives those students a competitive advantage in applying for college. “As a district we need to bring all our high schools to the same standard as Foothill Technology HS. All students deserve the same opportunity.”

John wishes the board well in its future endeavors but vowed to remain active and involved in the district whenever opportunities arise.

A cure for Alzheimer’s will be developed in their lifetime

Most Americans believe a cure for Alzheimer’s will be developed in their lifetime

A new Harris survey finds a majority are willing to take part in medical research .

A new survey released by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute (BAI), Novartis, and Amgen, in association with Alzheimer’s Disease International, finds that most U.S. adults (54%) are worried that they may develop Alzheimer’s, and a majority believe it is likely a cure will be developed in their lifetime (55%). The survey aims to raise awareness about how volunteers can take part in clinical studies to benefit Alzheimer’s research during World Alzheimer’s Month.

Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia and affects 5.7 million Americans. This number is projected to increase to nearly 14 million by 2050i.The survey, conducted online by Harris Poll among more than 1,000 U.S. adults, revealed that 89% believe the solution to tackling diseases lies in medical research and 77% are willing to participate. However, many (67%) have no idea how to get involved in medical research.

September 2018 marks the 7th World Alzheimer’s Month and represents a chance for people to raise awareness, fundraise and find out more about how they can participate in research.

“We believe that a focus on prevention is vital to safeguard future generations,” said John Tsai, M.D., Global Head Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer for Novartis. “This survey highlights that greater awareness and support is needed to ensure people have the knowledge about clinical research studies to make a well-informed choice about getting involved.”

BAI, Novartis, and Amgen are sponsors of the API’s Generation Program, which is evaluating investigational treatments to help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. The program is enrolling volunteers aged 60-75 who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s but do not currently have or show signs of the disease. Information can be found at www.generationprogram.com.

The API Generation Program is the first to incorporate both genetic testing and counseling into the study screening process. Prospective participants referred to the program will be required to learn their APOE test results. Only those who learn they have one or two copies may be eligible to participate in the study.

Information about clinical trials is widely available online and from local patient advocacy groups. Details of Alzheimer’s clinical studies can be found on the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry www.endALZnow.org/.

The U.S. survey was a part of the larger global survey about Alzheimer’s disease, including 10,000 people across 10 countries. The U.S. findings were consistent with global results.

The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Novartis and Amgen, among 1,010 adults 18+ living in the U.S. The survey was conducted between July 25 and August 21, 2018. Figures for age by gender, income, education, race/ethnicity, region, size of household, marital status, and employment status were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

Vol. 11, No. 26 – Sept 26 – Oct 9, 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.

Child Annoyance Arrest

On September 9, at approximately 6pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from the mother of a juvenile who was reporting that her son and his friend were being chased by a suspect later identified as 32 year old Ventura resident Tyler Spann. During the chase, the juveniles smartly ran to the McDonalds located on Telegraph Rd. Once at McDonald’s they were picked up by one of their parents who began following Spann and informed the Command Center of his location.

As officers arrived, the youths told the officers that they were at the intersection of Telegraph and Colton when Spann approached them on a bicycle. Spann tried to engage the two in conversation by asking them questions, the content of which scared the two juveniles. Fearing for their safety, the two youths started to run away from Spann. Spann took chase after them and was able to stop one of the two. Once Spann caught up to the youth he made a sexual gesture towards the youngster. Again, fearing for his safety, the youth took off running until he made it to the McDonald’s.

Additional officers in the area stopped Spann in the area of Telegraph and Hoover. Once detained, Spann failed to listen to the officer’s directions and started fighting with the officers. After the struggle, two officers suffered minor injuries that did not require medical attention. Neither of the two juveniles was injured, and Spann had some minor abrasions. Spann was taken to a local hospital for a medical clearance and booked into Ventura County Jail for felony resisting arrest, felony delaying a peace officer and misdemeanor child annoyance.

According to the Ventura County Superior Court records, Spann has been convicted of felony battery on a peace officer in July 2017, felony resisting arrest in November 2015, misdemeanor resisting a peace officer in February 2015, and felony resisting a peace officer in December 2014.

Felony Child Endangerment and Resisting Arrest

On September 17, at approximately 11:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call reporting a subject that was seen climbing to the rooftop of a 4 story building in the 20 block of S. California St. using the outside fire-escape. It was reported that the subject, later identified as 27 year old vagrant Maryann Salazar, was holding a small child. Officers responded to the scene and located Salazar, who was holding her 9-month-old male child on the roof of the building. Salazar refused to give her child to the officers. Fearing for the child’s safety, the officers had to forcefully remove the child from Salazar.

Salazar resisted the officers and was taken into custody without further incident.

The child was not injured, but as a precaution was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center to be medically checked. Child and Family Services was contacted and will take custody of the child upon his release.

Salazar was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony child endangerment and resisting arrest.

According to the Ventura County Superior Court website, Salazar has an open case from 2017 for assault on a peace officer and resisting arrest.

Ruptured Gas Line (fire report)

On September 19, at approximately 6:30pm, Ventura City fire crews responded to a reported gas leak. The first arriving crew discovered a large diameter distribution gas line was ruptured during installation of fiber optic line by a private contractor. Fire crews isolated the area and restricted entry while simultaneously using monitoring equipment to detect gas levels and controlling ignition sources.

Residences and businesses in the affected area were notified and advised to shelter in place. Scene managers worked with Ventura County OES and American Red Cross on a contingency for the evacuation of a 75 unit apartment building adjacent to the rupture.

Ventura Police assisted with traffic and scene control and evacuation planning. Ventura Streets, Signals Water and Public Works Departments responded to assist. Gas Company construction crews responded and excavated 4 separate holes to control the gas flow.

Bicycle Theft Arrest

On September 23, at approximately 7:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from an alert citizen who had just witnessed a theft of two bicycles. The bicycles were attached to a car rack on the back of a vehicle. The witness saw the suspect go up to a car and cut the lock securing the bikes to the rack. The suspect then took the bikes and rode away from the area.

Ventura patrol officers arrived in the area and began looking for Covarrubias eventually finding him in on Ralston St and Saratoga Ave. He was still in possession of the bikes as well as burglary tools. A second officer contacted the victim who was not aware that the theft had occurred. The victim was able to identify that the bicycles were his and that Covarrubias did not have permission to have them.

Covarrubias was arrested and taken into custody for felony grand theft, and misdemeanor possession of burglary tools. No one was injured during this incident.

Senior troupe to put on show about avoiding senior scams

The troupe brings laughter and excitement to frightening and frustrating topics.

In collaboration with the Ventura County Adult Abuse Prevention Council (VCAAPC), please join Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura for a fun, free and educational program on avoiding senior scams.

The Stop Senior Scams (SM) Acting Program uses theater to dramatize senior scams. Members of the troupe, ranging in age from 60 – 97 years-old, write and perform skits based on their own personal experiences. It is a memorable way to equip those who are vulnerable with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.

​Using popular songs like the Rolling Stones “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, “Getting to Know You “, from the Rogers and Hammerstein musical “The King and I”, Abba’s “Money, Money, Money”, and the Supremes “Stop in the Name of Love”, the troupe brings theatricality, laughter and excitement to a commonly frightening and frustrating topic.

The program was founded in 1997 by director Adrienne Omansky who was a teacher of older adults and adults with disabilities.  The Stop Senior Scams (SM) Acting Program has been recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Assembly, according to Nancy Cole, an eldercare manager and board member of VCAAPC.

Also on hand during the event will be vendors who provide a variety of services to the senior population. Attendees will be able to ask questions and receive materials from these corporate sponsors.

This not-to-be-missed program takes place on October 11, 2018 from 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura. Seating is limited so please call to reserve a seat. Cypress Place Senior Living is located at 1200 Cypress Point Lane. For more information or to RSVP, please call 805-650-8000.

Cypress Place Senior Living is a premiere senior community in Ventura County. The beautiful senior living campus features an Active Senior Living community and adjacent Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care community connected by a lushly landscaped courtyard.

To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

The Ventura County Adult Abuse Prevention Council is a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to the prevention of elder and dependent adult abuse. To learn more about VCAAPC please visit their web site at vcaapc.org.

Genesis Programs helps seniors overcome an invisible epidemic in Ventura County

Genesis Programs launched its outpatient substance misuse, specialty program, for those over the age of 60 on September 26th. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Ventura Office location located at 1732 Palma Dr.

It’s common for a health care provider or a loved one to overlook the possibility of substance abuse in seniors. The difficulties with diagnosis (as well as social stigma) are instrumental in the staggering increase of substance abuse for adults aged 60 and older, particularly with the misuse of alcohol and prescription drugs.

Genesis is an intensive outpatient treatment provider, with a strong dedication to the community. With over two decades of experiences and a keen eye for those in need, Genesis takes the lead in providing treatment for substance misuse in older adults.

Genesis stated “Genesis Programs is a for profit, however we offer a huge sliding scale to fit all budgets, we help all who walk through our doors regardless of how much they make. Our goal with the new program “Genesis Over 60 Track) is to focus on helping seniors who are going un-treated and to bring more awareness to this growing epidemic in the US. We also partner with many non profits with the same vision, such as APF (Addiction Policy Forum).”