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FOOD Share celebrates 40 years serving Ventura County at Blue Jean Ball event

FOOD Share founders Dan Wakelee, Jewel Pedi, and Virgil Nelson have done wonders for those in need of food.

Forty years ago, eight friends banded together to provide food to those in need in Ventura. Today, FOOD Share celebrates 40 years of service in Ventura County at the 3rd Annual Blue Jean Ball at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms on Thursday, September 20th from 5-9pm.  The food bank’s signature event will help raise the support necessary to feed the one in six Ventura County residents who is still food insecure.

“The need to help the hungry hasn’t changed in last 40 years but the face of hunger has evolved,” said FOOD Share President and CEO, Monica White. “The struggle to avoid hunger is real and affects thousands of working families, seniors, veterans and children right here in Ventura County. It’s not just the homeless that are food insecure in our community today. We simply couldn’t help everyone without the wonderful support of our donors, volunteers and the community.”

More than 20 local restaurants, wineries and brewing companies will be serving samples at the event along with entertainment, delicious desserts and a silent auction. “The name says it all: wear those blue jeans!” says Jennifer Caldwell, marketing director. “It’s an evening of reflection and appreciation as we celebrate FOOD Share’s 40 year history.”

Tierra Rejada Farm’s relationship with FOOD Share dates back to the 1970’s when the “pick-your-own” farm and roadside market was on Sunset Valley Road.  Whenever the farm was blessed with surplus crops, owner Rick Brecunier would call on FOOD Share volunteers to glean the crops for distribution to Ventura County’s hungry residents. The farm has once again generously donated the venue space at Walnut Grove to serve as the stunning backdrop for FOOD Share’s 3rd Annual Blue Jean Ball.

“What an incredible mission FOOD Share has served over the years.” said Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms owner Rick Brecunier. “We couldn’t be happier to host the Blue Jean Ball again for the benefit of FOOD Share. It’s very heartening to see the tremendous support FOOD Share provides to the community and we want to do everything we can to support their efforts.”

Individual tickets are available for $75 per person, and limited sponsorships are still available. Visit www.foodshare.com/bluejeanball for tickets and additional information.

Today, staff and volunteers distribute nearly 12 million pounds of food, or 10 million meals annually through its 190 pantry and program partners. As Ventura County’s food bank, FOOD Share provides food for 75,000 hungry friends and neighbors monthly. FOOD Share is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, as well as the California Association of Food Banks. For more information about FOOD Share, visit www.foodshare.com, on Facebook , Instagram, and Twitter.

 

Harvest Festival showcases more than 24,000 original works

The Festival collaborates with local non-profits to give back to the community.

Showcasing a colossal collection of handmade creations, the Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show, comes to the Ventura County Fairgrounds Friday through Sunday October 5-7 with more than 24,000 original works from hundreds of exhibitors nationwide. As an “all you can eat” gourmet buffet for the senses, the artful celebration boasts live entertainment, strolling performers, a Kidzone with pumpkin patch, demonstrations, contests, and more.

This marks the 46th season for the Harvest Festival, a treasured fall tradition recognized as the largest and most prestigious indoor showcase on the west coast. Multi-talented artists & crafters will showcase their originals of stunning jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, oils, hand-turned wood, ceramics, eclectic art pieces, seasonal décor, ornaments, and blown glass, among others. Patrons know with confidence that each of the works is made by hand and selected only after meeting criteria for excellence. Many of the artists can personalize items for that extra special holiday gift.

“We’ve been working for decades to create the quintessential shopping encounter that engages our patrons on every level,” says Nancy Glenn, owner of the Harvest Festival. “It’s all about sharing in an immersive experience you can’t get anywhere else. Whether you’re a DIY devotee, or an avid art collector, our presentation brings together emerging artists whose passions spark excitement and new trends.”

The Festival collaborates with local non-profits to give back to the community. Patrons who bring non-perishables for donation to Food Share receive $2 off admission.  Last year, close to 2,000 pounds were collected to help feed locals in need.

The Ventura Boys & Girls Club hosts the parcel check, while Kidstream and Macaroni Kid serve up fun in the Kidzone. The Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust will present a nature interactive in conjunction with the pumpkin patch, sponsored by Green Thumb Nursery.

Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show October 5-7. For more information

harvestfestival.com or call 925-392-7300.

Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm

Ventura County Fairgrounds; 10 West Harbor Blvd, Ventura

  • $9 for General admission tickets
  • $7 for Seniors (62+) and military
  • $4 for Youths ages 13-17. Kids 12 and under are free.

Donate cans to Food Share for $2 off tickets. Tickets are good for the entire weekend.

Local entrepreneur, volunteer and activist announces candidacy for Ventura City Council

Irene Henry is a hardworking citizen with a proven track record.

Irene V. Henry has announced her candidacy for Ventura City Council – District 1. Ventura’s Westside resident and civic volunteer since 1990, Irene Henry vows to be the voice for her District.

Irene Henry is a hardworking citizen with a proven track record.  She has volunteered extensively as President of Ventura Downtown Rotary; two-year President of Boys & Girls Club, leading a $1million capital campaign fund; a ten-year High School Volleyball Coach; and Ventura College Foundation Scholarship donor. She currently serves as the Ventura High School Rotary Interact Advisor and volunteers at the City Center.

As an engaged community member, Irene is committed to bringing Accountability, Balanced Growth (environmental sensitivity paramount) and Cohesiveness to the district and the city. Working towards solutions to the city’s vagrancy issues, making sure that we have a sound plan for our future water needs and making sure that we as a city maintain a cohesive focus in light of our first district- based election, are some of the issues that she’s ready to tackle.

“This is our first City District election and I will look to be the voice for District 1. At the same time, I will bear in mind that I will be working for the good of all of Ventura. Though we are Districts, we are still one, ‘Ventura Strong,’ ” remarks Henry.

For more information please visit https://bit.ly/2ME7GZV.

Ventura’s East End Eateries – Part 2: Hill Street Cafe

by Jennifer Tipton

Serving as a family restaurant since the 1980s, the Hill Street Cafe is located at 1050 South Hill Road.

The ambience is festive; the staff wears Hawaiian print shirts, there is garland strung with lights and foil birds and pineapples hang from the ceiling.

The booths are private with a little lace curtain along the top of the cushy vinyl seats, separating them from the next and there are more tables toward the back. Although there is a large outdoor patio, Hill Street Cafe is not dog friendly. Because of the location, parking is never an issue.

The menu at Hill Street reminds me of a little diner my father used to take me to on the east coast when I was small, sensibly called, “The Little Diner”. The meals there had a home cooked quality, but at Hill Street, they’ve also added some more distinguished selections.

The “Hillstreet Breakfast” menu has the traditional selections such as Bacon and Eggs, Steak and Eggs, Corned Beef Hash and Eggs … there are twelve of them and each is served with home fries, hash browns or fresh fruit and freshly baked biscuit, muffin or toast. Prices $7.75 to $12.95.

The eleven omelets offered include the “Hillstreet Special” with bacon, tomato and cheddar cheese topped with sour cream and guacamole. Omelet’s come with the same sides as the traditional breakfasts. Prices $9.25 to $10.45

From the griddle come pancakes (buttermilk or blueberry), short stack or full, Country French Toast and three different Belgian waffle selections. Prices $6.25 to $9.25

Two of the more distinguished breakfast selections are Eggs Benedict or Huevos Rancheros for $10.95.

A full page of sandwiches varies between the classic Rueben to a Fresh Garden Pita stuffed with vegies. There are eighteen sandwiches to choose from and each comes with your choice of Curly Fries, Steak Fries, Fruit, Coleslaw or Potato Salad. All from $9.75 to $10.75

The light lunches have a couple of those “not found at your average diner” choices like the BBQ Salmon or Grilled Orange Roughy and as the menu goes on there are the “typically found at the average diner” choices such as chicken fried steak or the always popular grilled liver & onions … well, you decide.

Salads and burgers galore and a dinner menu that offers Southern Fried Chicken and Old-Fashioned Pot Roast along with many, many others. Dinners come with homestyle soup or salad, baked or mashed potatoes, a variety of breads, rolls or a muffin and vegetable of the day. Dinners range $12.95 to $15.95

Service was outstanding, our server’s name was “Brigett”.

Hill Street Cafe serves beer, wine, champagne and has loads of specials from the weekend brunch with all you can drink mimosas to kids eat free all-day Saturday! Seniors always get 5% off and dinner specials change daily. We were there August 29th, our server, Brigett was outstanding and the special was Turkey and Stuffing. (Thanksgiving in August?)

New Stewardship Manager joins VLT team

Dan is passionate about land conservation.

Dan Hulst recently joined the VLT(Ventura Land Trust) team as the new Stewardship Manager. He will work closely with Kate Furlong, VLT’s Stewardship Director, on open space restoration and stewardship projects, VLT’s outdoor environmental education program and social media outreach.

Dan, the youngest of 9 siblings, grew up in Northern California, in the small town of Waterford. (pop. 8,000). He attended Central Catholic High School in Modesto and went on to graduate from San Diego State University in 2014 with a B.S. in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship.

In 2016, Dan moved to Ventura and began volunteering with Ventura Land Trust. He has donated his time and talents over the past two years and has served as active member of stewardship committee for the past year.

Dan is passionate about land conservation and the preservation of land for public use. He enjoys spending time in the ocean, the mountains, and just generally being outside. He hiked the 210 mile John Muir trail each of the past two years. Dan is thrilled to finally align his employment with his passion, and hopes to make a difference for a community he deeply cares for.  Welcome Dan! Say hello to Dan at [email protected].

Museum of Ventura County Portrait Drawing Course

The Museum of Ventura County announces its first Portrait Drawing Course. The course will be a six-week class held on Monday evenings, 6 to 8 p.m. from Sept. 17 through Oct. 22. The instructor will be Ryan Carr, Ventura County artist, and the Museum’s first artist-in-residence. For more information, call 805-653-0323 ext 330.

This six-week instructed course will offer a detailed exploration into the various techniques and methods used to create portraiture. There is a class limit of 25 people, to ensure quality instruction and feedback time for participants. 

Working with live models, each of the six sessions will focus on a different subject pertaining to the art of portraiture.

The course cost is $145 for nonmembers, $130 for members and students with ID and the registration deadline is Sept, 10. Registration and payment http://bit.ly/2NgSe2o

Vol. 11, No. 25 – Sept 12 – Sept 25, 2018 – Opinion/Editorial

• Our readers will be happy to know (I think) that I will no longer be making comments regarding national politics. Will be tough, but I think I can do it.

• The street at the new triangle project (231 apartments) off of Sanjon, which is being graded now, will be called Vista Del Mar Place. Since we already have a Vista Del Mar Drive, I think this will be very confusing. People living on Vista Del Mar Drive just say they live on Vista Del Mar. I assume, the people living on Vista Del Mar Place will also say the same. I’m sure many visitors will get lost trying to find their way to these streets when the project is completed.

• On this issue’s cover, we have an article titled “Ventura rebuilds”, written by City Staff. I know that some of you will disagree with this article, so I hope to receive your comments. I think Ventura is trying hard to work through an overwhelming amount of home plans to be checked and processed. Certainly, more than city staff can handle.

•The US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously ruled that prosecuting homeless people for sleeping on public property – when they have no access to shelter – violates the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The decision will protect the homeless in the Western United States.

The decision tells local governments that the key to getting homeless people off the streets is to provide housing, both short term and permanent, as well as treatment and services.

I know that Venturans are constantly blaming the Ventura Police Department and Ventura City Council for not dealing with our homeless situation. This is somewhat pointless because there is little that can be done about it until there is housing available. Our police and council are just as concerned about this and are working on providing some shelter solutions.

Many, many cities are struggling with homelessness brought on by rising housing costs and income inequality.

•Plans for new veteran’s housing in Ventura is proceeding with the City Council voting 6-0 to select a developer for the 122-unit project.

They chose Community of Friends/U.S. Vets Development Team to build the project on 9.6 acres that the city owns next to the existing 60-bed Veterans Homes of California. Combined, the two facilities will provide 182 units of veterans housing, still less than half of what was originally planned for the site.

• From the Ventura Police, stolen from unlocked vehicles:

Wallet, purse, money, 3 Nikon cameras, football equipment, cell Phone, $20 in cash, social security card, surfboard (from pickup truck bed), Apple mini iPad, Apple iPhone X, credit cards and $600 in cash.

So, lock your cars and even if locked, remove valuables. Be smart.

• These are the candidates for the city council elections in November (for our new city council districts) Irene Henry, Marcos Cuevas, Kevin Clerici, Sofía Rubalcava,

incumbant Erik Nasarenko, Spencer Noren, Ed Alamillo, Mike Marostica, Alec Gasca and Lorrie Brown.

There will be several opportunities to get to know them better (several are noted in this issue).

Very important that you vote so that you have a council member representing the district you live in where you live. Then, you’ll know who to complain to.

• Car manufacturer Bugatti has unveiled its stunning Divo super sports car – a vehicle that the French luxury brand is listing for $5.8 million. I was very disappointed that they would not accept my credit card as payment, but even if they would, they are already sold out.

• A very strange situation existed between Union Pacific and the Coastal Commission. About 5 years ago, Union Pacific installed some fencing on the east end of Vista Del Mar to keep people from crossing over the tracks as a shortcut to the beach. There have been deaths at this location (the trains always win). The Coastal Commission recently discovered this situation and requested that Union Pacific obtain permits for what they consider to be a structure.

The odd part is that the Commission is opposed to the fence because they want people to have access to the beach. Seems to me that there are other ways to get to the beach that aren’t dangerous. The fences have been removed which now provide a nice clear view of the awful graffiti on the buildings next to the tracks.

•A jury has found Plains All American Pipeline guilty of one felony count of causing the oil spill by Refugio State Beach in 2015 for failing to properly maintain its pressurized pipeline. The jury also found them guilty of eight misdemeanors by failing to immediately report the spill. The sentence has not yet been determined.

Glad to hear that. Too often the companies behind oil spills go unpunished.

•Ventura surfers (and others) can be very proud. On August 20, surfing became California’s official state sport. I was hoping it was tennis, so I could be proud of being a tennis player. Sure glad that our legislators have nothing better to do then waste time on this topic.

•Women can now drive in Saudi Arabia. This has upset many men there, especially the clerics. One cleric stated, “allowing women to drive would invite promiscuity and could damage their ovaries. Woman possessed only half a brain and half of that was used for shopping.”

I completed disagree – it takes at least ¾ of their brains to go shopping. I had better hear from you ladies.

New library card design art contest.

Calling all children and teen artists!!!  The Ventura County Library wants you to design the new children and teen library cards.  The contest will run through September 29.  Only children (ages 5-12) and teens (ages 13-17) are eligible to participate, one entry per person.  All entries must be submitted on a regulated contest form.  You may pick up a regulated contest form with contest rules at any Ventura County Library.  For library locations please visit www.vencolibrary.org

Ventura County Library: Inspiring our community to explore, discover and connect.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

Vol. 11, No. 25 – Sept 12 – Sept 25, 2018 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 415-8842 for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play.  Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun.  There is a game every day of the week.  Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

 

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading cardiologists, nutritionists, and dietitians etc.

Contact Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.

Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. For more information: www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

Ventura Investment Group meets on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events.  Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, etc. 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street.  Visitors and potential members are welcomed.

Ventura Retired Men’s Group at the Ventura Elk lodge at 11:30 a.m.  on the first or third Tuesday of the month. Stop in and introduce yourself for a complimentary lunch, interesting program, and a relaxing good time with your peers. Give Bob Likins a call at 805-587-1233 for details

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 6-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety.

Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

Are you a stamp collector? The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd. Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening. Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

When a child dies, The Compassionate Friends (TCF) can help a family move forward through the grief journey. The Compassionate Friends provides a safe and supportive place where grieving parents, grandparents and siblings over age 16 can come speak openly about their child, express feelings about loss. Meeting twice a month, on the first and third Wednesday from 7-9 pm at the Poinsettia Pavilion.  Sept 19,Oct 3, Oct 17,Nov 6, Nov 21,Dec 5, Dec 19 For more information, contact Laura Lindsay, [email protected],

Sept.14: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
September luncheon meeting will feature the chapter’s annual awards program.
11:30 a.m. Friday in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave. All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, visitors are welcome to join us.  If you choose to join us for lunch, cost is $20 per person.  For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, call Bill Bays (805) 650-3036 or Robert Taylor (805)216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, visit t http://pattonpatriots.org.

Sept. 14: Land & Sea Food Truck Feast Friday from 4-7 p.m. Located at the Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center Marina Park. Bring family and friends to Marina Park for a free picnic-style gathering. Take a family sailboat ride, 2-4 members with a center instructor for $10 and learn more about what the City of Ventura’s local sailing center has to offer you. Food trucks, kids’ activities, and more will be on hand to round out the evening.

Sept.15: The Los Padres Ski and Social Club will be participating in the Coastal Clean-up day on Saturday, from 9 am to noon. Meet at the entrance to Marina Park, on the corner of Pierpont and Greenock Lane. Join in on this worldwide coastal clean-up event and, in doing so, get to know some of the LPSC members. You might just decide to become a member yourself. Look for members wearing their black LPSC shirts.

The Coastal Clean-up organizers will provide some clean-up supplies. You should wear closed-toe shoes, have gloves and a bucket.  For more information http://www.vccoastcleanup.org/

Sept. 15: The Nature Conservancy is hosting the annual Coastal Cleanup Day in partnership with the Ventura County Coalition for Coastal & Inland Waterways. Ormond beach, 301 McWane Blvd, Oxnard from 9-12 p.m. TNC will provide clean up materials, bags, gloves, trash grabbers. Please wear durable shoes and sun protection. There are no facilities at this location. Must be 14 or older to volunteer. Please visit www.vccoastcleanup.org/our-sponsors for more details.

Sept. 15,16: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a two-day course, Boater Safety and Seamanship. This will qualify you for the California Boaters Card. Register by e-mail or contact:  Bill Wicks, [email protected] (805) 647-8786 (805) 320-6028

Station Channel Island Auxiliary Training Deck 4202 S. Victoria Ave. Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 -5:30 p.m. Course Cost: $60 (includes book)

Register by Saturday the 15th.

Sept. 16: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11a.m.  The program this month will be a presentation by Bill Robinson on “Early American Clocks”. Bill is a long-time collector of American clocks from the first part of the 19th centura..  $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5. Watches, clocks & tools will be on display and for sale. www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Sept. 18: Life Source Women’s Bible Study from 9 – 11:15 a.m. Community Presbyterian Church , 1555 Poli St. Every Tuesday morning following the school calendar.

Study  James by Beth Moore and Hosea by Jennifer Rothschild

Cost for two books and registration is $45.00. Scholarships and childcare available with prior notice. 805-648-2737 for more information or cpcventura.org

Sept.20: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara Street. 10 a.m. Men and women are welcome, and there is no age requirement.

Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. Find more information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, email [email protected].
805-643-2458 Monday – Thursday 8 – 2 p.m.

Sept.22: Ormond beach and wetland hike hosted by The Nature Conservancy. Come visit Ormond beach with a naturalist and discover the flora and fauna of the wetland and beach habitat. See the endangered Snowy Plovers and beach comb on one of the least visited beaches in Ventura County. Meet at Ormond beach at the end of Arnold Rd 9-11a.m. Amy Davis at 770-853-4715 or [email protected].

Sept. 26: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m.  Representatives from Ventura College and the police department will give brief updates and answer questions. The Council meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center.  collegeareacouncil.com/map or (805) 644-8695 for more information.

Sept.30: 8:30-10:30a.m.  Get out and go Adventure Hike hosted by The Nature Conservancy.   The Nature Conservancy has done a restoration here and the Santa Clara River may be still flowing a little.  Be prepared to get dirty and have an adventure. Durable hiking shoes, water, or walking stick. There are no facilities at this location. There is a gas station on the corner of 126 and Hallock Dr.  250 S Hallock Dr. Santa Paula, Amy Davis at 770-853-4715 or [email protected].