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How can I prepare for an emergency?

Fire Chief David Endaya, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Brock, and Fire staff at Station 1 during the official launch of Medic Engine 7 (ME7).

Emergencies can happen anywhere at any time, and the time to be ready is now. This September, in celebration of National Preparedness Month, the Ventura Fire Department is asking you to recommit to being prepared for a crisis.

Planning ahead can help you and your family stay safe during a natural disaster or emergency. You should have an emergency kit ready and stocked with enough water, food, and medication for you, your family, and pets for at least 72 hours. Your kit should also include items such as a first-aid kit, tools and supplies, hand-crank or battery operated radio, sanitation items, clothing, and any other unique needs. It’s also a good idea to keep a backpack or plastic tote with basic items at work and in your car in the event that there is a disruption in your ability to commute home.

During a disaster, you may receive critical information from VC Alert, the notification system used to deliver messages to your landline telephone number in the event of an emergency. Ensure that you and your loved ones stay informed and connected by registering to receive alerts on your cell and work phone, email, text, fax or instant messaging. Residents should not rely solely on this system, but should also follow instructions from public safety officials, and seek information from official sources such as details posted on city, county and government websites.

You and your family also need an emergency communications plan in place so that you know how to contact each other and where you will meet if you are not together when emergency strikes. Our dependency on technology has grown to the point that many of us can’t recite our kids’ or partners’ phone numbers. Take the time to think about which phone numbers you need to know (including an out-of-area contact as local phone lines may be jammed) and carry these contacts in your wallet or backpack. Remember, when cell networks are inundated, it will be easier to communicate by text message rather than a voice call.

Part of being prepared for a disaster also includes safeguarding important financial, legal, and insurance documents. Securing these items now will ensure that you can focus on safety, and not worry about searching for documents at the last minute. Learn your area’s evacuation route before an alert is issued and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

Chances are that after a large-scale disaster, a bystander or neighbor will be the first one to help you until emergency workers arrive. When we are prepared to help ourselves and our neighbors, we also increase our community’s disaster recovery success. I am proud to say that during the Thomas Fire, Ventura residents were and continue to be a powerful example of neighbor helping neighbor.

Emergency preparedness is a joint effort between citizens, businesses and city government, and we look forward to working with you to keep you and your family safe.

Register for VC Alert at www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/, and visit Readyventuracounty.org to learn how to prepare for a disaster.

New Tai Chi Balance Classes in Ventura 

Tai Chi focuses on improving the mobility and balance of older adults.

Three new senior Tai Chi classes are forming in Ventura over the next few weeks and registration is now open. Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is a 12-week program offered by Oxnard RSVP and focuses on improving the mobility and balance of older adults.

Classes are free, designed for those age 50 and older, and taught by certified senior volunteers. The evidence-based program consists of a simplified eight-form routine of Yang-style Tai Chi. Intended for beginners who can walk easily with or without assistive devices, it teaches participants balance skills and good body alignment by using coordinated and flowing movements. The classes have been proven to reduce repeated falls by 55%.

New classes are:

  • Emerging Spirits Center, 4601 Telephone Road, #113, Oct 2 – Dec 13, T/TH, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • The Bonaventure, 10949 Telegraph Road, Sept 18 – Dec 11, T/TH, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • CMH Wellness and Fitness Center, 2723 E. Main Street, Sept 11 – Dec 4, T/F, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

New participants are accepted only until the third class of each session. To achieve results, they should attend at least 75% of the classes. Call 385-8019 to learn more or to register.

A federal grant received by the City of Oxnard and its RSVP program funds the free exercise classes, which follow curriculum developed at the Oregon Research Institute (in Oregon) where studies showed improved strength and balance, increased mobility and reduced incidence of falls among seniors who participated in the classes.

RSVP is a volunteer recruitment and placement program, helping people 55 and older find volunteer positions that match their interests, talent and available time.  The Oxnard RSVP has almost 575 members and is sponsored by the City of Oxnard.  To learn more about being an RSVP member or to discuss other volunteer opportunities, call 805-385-8023.

Capture water with rainwater harvesting and greywater systems

Communities all across America are looking for alternative solutions to capture, store and reuse water.

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)

“Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse are two excellent onsite non-potable water reuse options,” said Laura Maher, Certified Greywater Installer and Water Harvesting Design Practitioner at Ventura Water’s “Rainwater and Greywater 101” gardening class held August 18th at the City’s Sanjon Maintenance Yard. The city holds free gardening classes once a month on Saturday mornings to inform and educate residents about water wise practices.

“Even though we have a reliable municipal water service, it’s important to embrace integrated water resource management strategies for a more sustainable water culture,” added Maher.

Communities all across America are looking for alternative solutions to capture, store and reuse water. According to a 2014 Government Accountability Report, 40 out of 50 state water managers expect water shortages under average conditions in some portion of their states over the next decade.

“Rainwater harvesting is a simple, low-cost water reuse system that can increase your backyard harvest while reducing storm runoff. It also recharges the aquifers and can lower a homeowner’s water bill. Greywater, on the other hand, is water that is gently used from laundry machines to landscape (L2L) or from bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and showers.” Furthermore, alongside something like b 52 advanced nutrients, it can be used to fuel a hydroponic growing system, which in turn can help further reduce household costs by providing sustainable edibles throughout the year.

“Passive rainwater harvesting in the ground is the easiest method of ensuring extra water in your landscape,” continued Maher. “With the installation of a bioswale, a gently sloped contoured drainage course filled with vegetation or compost that will divert, slow, spread, and sink water into the landscape. Installing a bioswale can be done by a homeowner, or it can be crafted and engineered by a landscape professional. “

Installation of bioswales also helps decrease urban runoff, the number one source of ocean pollution, from lawns, gardens, streets, and hardscapes.

“For residents interested in learning more about how to install a bioswale, I recommend visiting ventura.surfrider.org and sign up for some free ocean friendly garden workshops where they’ll get some great information as well as hands-on experience.”

Other means to capture water on the landscape would be to install a rain barrel or depending upon a homeowner’s intended use, a cistern.

“A living roof, where the roof of a home is partially or completely covered with vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane, is a more, but somewhat costly option,” said Maher.

“A greywater, laundry to landscape system is also relatively easy to install but still more complicated than installing a bioswale or rain barrel,” said Maher. “The only type of a greywater system that can be installed without a permit in Ventura County; however, is the L2L or laundry to landscape.”

Installing a greywater system does come with a set of mandatory regulations — no pooling of water, no runoff, no human contact, and no daylight (systems are installed subsurface). Additionally, because of the sodium content in most soaps (and borax), homeowners are required to use only soaps without sodium.

“When installing a greywater system, its best to know the codes,” said Maher. “It’s important that the greywater doesn’t contaminate the groundwater. For example, using soaps with sodium aren’t good for the landscape. Plus, nutrient-rich greywater can cause unwanted algae blooms in our watershed. Homeowners should send greywater strait to the soil and into mulch basins. Never store untreated greywater for more than 24 hours because it will become anaerobic (and give off a nasty odor). It’s also illegal.”

Contact Maher at [email protected]

Find out more about rainwater and greywater, visit: grewateraction.org

Find out more about upcoming free gardening classes, visit: venturawater.net and navigate to the gardening class icon.

 

Tickets on sale for “Pier Under the Stars”

Restaurants, cafes, wineries and breweries serve their signature dishes.

Tickets are now on sale for Pier Under the Stars—the 25th annual benefit for the historic Ventura Pier on Saturday, October 7th, from 5-8pm. Each year more than 600 residents and visitors attend this beachfront culinary fair adjacent to the pier to sample the county’s best food and spirits provided by over 40 area businesses. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ventura’s premier beverage and food event.

Restaurants, cafes, wineries and breweries serve their signature dishes and beverages from tented booths along the seaside Promenade while guests enjoy live music by The Colette Lovejoy Band & dancing under the stars and an amazing silent auction. It’s a community celebration to honor the City’s 145 year old pier.

The sell-out event hosted by Pier into the Future–-a non-profit organization- “is a much anticipated community gathering of friends that raises funds for our beloved Pier”, said Pier Into the Future Executive Director Jenise Wagar-Hernandez. The organization was founded by a group of dedicated community leaders, in partnership with the City of Ventura, to establish an endowment fund to maintain and enhance the historic Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. The organization has contributed over $769,000 to the City of Ventura over the last 25 years to enhance the Pier.

General admission tickets are $75.00 and include food and beverage tasting and a commemorative Pier wine glass. A limited number of VIP tickets are offered at $150.00 each. VIP tickets include all of the benefits associated with General Admission, plus early entrance to the event at 4:30 pm and a reserved seat at a VIP table along the promenade.

Tickets are available on line at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800.838.3006. Visit www.pierintothefuture.org for more information.

A generous increase in its mini-grant educational program for schools

The Ventura County Arts Council is pleased to announce a generous increase in its mini-grant educational program for schools in the upcoming year 2019. Grants of $500 to

$1000 will be available to bring standards-based arts programs into k-6 classrooms in

Ventura County. New this year, applications are online at www.vcarts.org and are due by

October 25. Applicants will be notified by Nov. 15 and projects must be completed by

June 1, 2019.

Local non-profit organizations, artists and schools are encouraged to apply. Please note:

25% of the amount requested from the Ventura County Arts Council must be matched by

the school. All funded programs must take place during schools day. Only one application per school, arts organization, or artist will be funded.

The mini-grant can be used to pay for artist services, tickets to an arts-based performance or transportation to an arts event. Projects will be selected on the criteria of

1. Learning experiences structured by the California Arts Content Standards

2. Utilization of local artist resources

3. On-going learning that uses this project as a springboard for continuing arts education and/or integration with other content areas.

The Artist-In-The-Classroom Project from the Ventura County Arts Council is not eligible for this grant. Upon notification of acceptance the applicant will receive 75% of the funds with the remainder paid out after the project is completed and an evaluation is turned in. Questions should be directed to the Ventura County Arts Council at [email protected] or 805-658-2213. The Mini-Grant Educational Program is funded by the John and Beverly Stauffer Foundation.

Two Trees Recovery

Hikers enjoying the view at the hilltop of Two Trees. Many volunteers hike with you at different intervals for safety. The hike is difficult but you can take as much time as you need. It’s a fun way to be involved in our wonderful community, get exercise and have fun!  If you’re interested in hiking up to Two Trees you can sign up for a hike by visiting the Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust at VenturaConservation.com or give them a call at (805)814-2503. 

Havana Nights in Ventura

Ventura artist Tony Jankowski has donated this gorgeous original painting “Channel Island Surf” to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura for their Auction.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura presents their 51st Annual Great Futures Gala & Auction Havana Nights on Saturday, November 10, from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm at the
Four Points by Sheraton, Ventura Harbor Resort.

Please join us for an evening of good food, good people, and good conversation, all for a good cause! Supporting your community’s youth!

With a cocktail reception of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a spectacular silent auction, you’ll be in for a great time before heading into the ballroom where even more fun will be had! Fine dining, hearing from this year’s honorees, and bidding on the all-exciting Live Auction.

Honoring community leaders: John “J.D.” and Amber Drury.
Reservations: $150 per person | Table of Ten: $1,450
Attire: Semi-formal. Havana/Tropical clothing welcome.
RSVP by October 29th at [email protected] or 805-641-5585.

The Boys & Girls Club Greater Ventura provides a positive place for all youth, especially those who need us most, and quality programs to help them become healthy, responsible, confident and productive members of our community. They provide critical youth development services to 1,200 members every year.  Your contribution provides Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyle programs to the youth of our community! http://www.bgclubventura.org/

Get ready to share your voice

“Voting is one of the most sacred privileges we have as Americans.”

by Elizabeth Rodeno

In preparation for the elections in November CAPS Media will be producing a series of programs and forums. The events will feature the voices and positions of the candidates for City Council, Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura Community College District Trustee candidates through our long running Video Voter program. CAPS will offer candidates the chance to share their campaign platforms with the community. The comprehensive voter information program is an important part of our mission to create an informed and educated community through electronic media. Go the Schedules tab on the CAPSMedia.org website for dates and times of all our election programs.

Don’t forget the dates of Vote By Mail are October 8-October 30. There are Ballot drop boxes at County Government Center, City Clerk offices during their regular business hours, Clerk-Recorder East County Office at the Civic Arts Plaza, or any polling place on Election Day. Ventura County has texting program where citizens can register or confirm voter registration by texting “Ventura County” to 2VOTE (28683).

 

“Voting is one of the most sacred privileges we have as Americans. To be able to cast our vote in a peaceful and safe environment makes us the envy of the world.”  Mark Lunn, Clerk-Recorder, County of Ventura

While you are watching Channel 6 stay tuned to catch other member programming featuring travel, art, science, and more. Both channel 6 & 15 also stream online 24/7. In addition, go to the video tab to watch episodes of our Thomas Fire Story Project.

The award winning ECTV program has begun. Phil Taggart has a great group of students, new and old, to mentor. They are getting up to speed in the studio, writing scripts and prepping guests for another year of enthusiastic storytelling. CAPS Radio, otherwise known as KPPQ-LP held its quarterly community meeting with a great group of members and friends. Anyone interested in making great radio and sharing it worldwide? KPPQ is now available on the MyTuner app as well as streaming on capsmedia.org. There is something for everyone. Last week we held a very productive advanced session for our veteran broadcasters. Training sessions are the fourth Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

Learn to produce your own television program. Get orientation and training class information on CAPSMedia.org. Sign up for our mailing list and like us on social media. Get engaged, become a member of CAPS Media Center and share your story.

Vol. 11, No. 25 – Sept 12 – Sept 25, 2018 – Movie Review

Crazy Rich Asians
Review: 3 stars out of 4

by Manuel Reynoso

Crazy Rich Asians is a 2018 romantic comedy directed by Jon M. Chu. Screenplay by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim. Based on Kevin Kwan’s 2013 novel of the same name. The film stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Nico Santos, Lisa Lu, Ken Jeong, and Michelle Yeoh.

Having discovered her fiancé’s family is one of the richest families in Singapore, Rachel Chu has to navigate the intricate power dynamics of the super rich.

I haven’t seen a romantic comedy in quite some time, so much so in fact I forgot what makes them enjoyable. Whether it’s the beautiful locations, the melodrama, or the inevitable cheesy ending, Crazy Rich Asians hit all these hallmarks. Crazy Rich Asians also has the advantage of being fresh for audiences. An all Asian cast placed in Singapore and revolving around modern Asian culture, 3 distinct things that are not going to be familiar to most western audiences; and that is where so much of this film’s strengths come from, it feels genuine. Maybe even more importantly, it’s actually funny.

Crazy Rich Asians had an interesting production history that I would directly attribute to this film’s success. By securing funding from outside the US, and optioning the original story for $1, Kevin Kwan retained strong creative control over the adaptation of his book. Kevin’s pursuit to bring an all Asian cast to the big screen and create a film culturally significant to Asians is laudable. Even turning down a seven-figure payday from Netflix, Kevin was directly responsible for this films success and cultural impact.

I can’t claim to have an understanding of Asian culture, but I can say the portrayal of Asian culture in this film was wildly entertaining. Every bit of this film was turned up to eleven, and the glitz and glamour never stopped being entertaining. The sets were beautiful and really did justice to showing how unique Singapore is. With the titular character being Asian American, there is a lots of drama played off of this fact. At times, romantic comedies can slog around halfway through, but the film stays pretty consistent in quality.

Crazy Rich Asians might be a high point for me in the romantic comedy genre, but some of my usual gripes of the genre are still present. Flashy and wild parties are fun to see, but that makes up a bulk of the films plot. Frequently the film defaults to trying to be all fun and games; I would of liked a bit more fleshed out drama. Maybe asking for more depth from a romcom is the wrong mindset to have, but without a doubt Crazy Rich Asians make a great date night film.

Funny, endearing, and novel, plenty of reasons to make the trip to see this film. Crazy Rich Asians brings fresh ideas and solid execution to the romantic comedy genre. Now if romantic comedy is a steer clear for you, I don’t see that changing for this. It hits all the usual beats and is very predictable in that regard. Nonetheless, If you are looking for a fun date night movie, or for a wild destination wedding without the price tag, Crazy Rich Asians is worth the price of admission. Rated PG-13 2h1m

CMH Auxiliary Shout Out Corner

The Auxiliary of CMH enjoys bringing good news and updates about the wonderful volunteers in the auxiliary department. There have been many past and present volunteers who have given of their time and talents that made them successful volunteers. Many are no longer alive and others have retired. They may be gone but not forgotten. Bells! Whistles! And fireworks to all for a job well done.

The Auxiliary is inviting others to join their ranks as they continue to need new volunteers. All departments could use help in making CMH number one. Applications for volunteers may be picked up at the front desk of the hospital.

The Shout Out Corner also congratulates Tanushree Pal, age 17 who received a $1500 Marie Caraballo Scholarship award. She plans to attend UCLA and study pre-med. She was valedictorian of Buena High School, class of 2018, member Society of Women Engineers and has earned many more merits with honors.