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Jeffry George hired as Rubicon’s Executive Director

Karyl Lynn Burns was all smiles introducing new Rubicon Executive Director.

Jeffry George recently served as Executive Director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre (WHAT), on Cape Cod, a post he held for six years, guiding the organization through significant financial and organizational realignment. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, Jeffry was responsible for administration, development, marketing, education, and community outreach.

He managed a seasonal staff of 45 and a volunteer program of 120. Jeffry also implemented an intern program for professional artists, with weekly seminars, career workshops and hands-on training through rotations in various departments.

While at Wellfleet, Jeffry led strategic planning efforts and provided leadership in consultation with the Harvard Business School CAP program. He secured $2.25 million in new donor funds.

Jeffry had primary individual responsibility for overseeing the construction of a new state-of-the-art, $6 million, 200-seat theatre completed in June of 2007, including serving as client representative to builder and architect and resident inspector for USDA-Rural Development (primary lender). Jeffry’s influence and guidance on capital projects will provide healthy returns for the future of the organization; it will also be of enormous help to Rubicon as the company begins to address building and infrastructure needs.

Says Jeffry, “I have admired Rubicon’s incredible artistic reputation for many years, and know many artists who speak of the company with reverence and respect. I am especially excited by Rubicon’s commitment to developing new works.”

“Throughout the interview process,” he continues, “I have felt drawn to the company and to the community of Ventura. I look forward to working with Artistic Directors and Founders Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’neil, Board President Doug Halter, Board Vice-President Walt Wood who helmed the search process, and others in the organization to lead Rubicon Theatre Company into a new era of sustainability and strength.”

He will also be working closely with Mary Jarvis and Development Director Amber Landis-Stover to reach out to the broader business community to invite new attendees and potential contributors to become a part of the Rubicon family.

Prior to his work at Wellfleet, Jeffry also served as Executive Director of Cantata Singers in Boston for nearly three years, a 60-member classical choral organization with an endowment of $2.5 million. As Managing Director of Theatre Aspen, he managed a four-show summer season, an education program for students ages 6 through 11, and was responsible for evaluating and implementing all administrative and financial policies.

During his long and successful career, Jeffry also served as General Manager of the 300-seat LORT/LOA Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton Florida. He has an in-depth understanding of the artistic and production process, having been both a Production Manager and Production Stage Manager at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ, and North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA.

Jeffry is an advocate for the importance of theatre in society and in people’s lives. He enjoys working collaboratively with various constituent groups to ensure that professional, quality theatre is accessible to the community he serves.

In his first 90 days, Jeffry will be focusing on building a Blue Ribbon Nominating Committee to advise the organization as we expand the Boards of Directors and Advisors based on an analysis of the organization’s leadership needs.

How to keep safe and green at home

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer

“Caution,” “Toxic,” “Danger,” “Keep out of reach of children,” are common words found on traditional cleaning product labels sitting on store shelves waiting for a purchase. However, exposure to harsh chemicals can not only potentially irritate our skin and burn our eyes, but research now indicates that long-term exposure may also result in significant adverse health consequences.

Aerosol sprays, cleansers, disinfectants, air fresheners, and a host of other common household products are also known to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. When these types of products are used, the air quality inside our homes can be up to 1,000 times more polluted than the air outside our homes.

Leaving the harmful chemicals behind for safer, non-toxic choices is wise in the best of circumstances, but especially if you or a family member has a health condition such as asthma or allergies, or if you have small children or pets, where contaminants can hang low in the air, or on the carpet or floor where babies and pets play.

The extent and nature of health effects depend on many factors, however, why risk exposure to harmful chemicals that can cause such potential ailments as “eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous systems,” if exposed?

When a product is legitimately labeled “safe” and “green” it will be certified by one of the nationally recognized independent standards and certifiers. Look for the UL logo (industries.ul.com), the Green Seal (greenseal.org), and Safer Choice imprint (epa.gov/saferchoice).

To help consumers navigate what products are eco-friendly, and which are not, there are also extremely helpful sites like ewg.com, which delves into product ingredients and rates household items in addition to offering healthy alternatives for everything from cleaning products to dishwashing liquids and detergents, to furniture and floor care, as well as other products. For personal products such as makeup, hair, nail, and other care, Ewg.org/skindeep also describes and rates items.

Some of the best, safest choices to opt for consist of DIY mixes created at home using such items as baking soda (deodorizes, cleans, scours), lemon juice and white vinegar (cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, even stains), olive or coconut oil (for polishing wood), hydrogen peroxide (a disinfectant and stain remover), and the list goes on. Google homemade DIY eco-friendly cleaners and a host of informative websites pop up.

Here are just a few DIY recipes you may want to try:

• Air Freshener – small bowls of fragrant dried herbs or your favorite blends of essential oil. Sites like Scentsy sell essential oils which you may want to take a look at if you’re looking to give this DIY recipe a go.

• Wood Polish– olive or coconut oil make excellent polishing agents

• Dish cleaner – castile soap, Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds

• Window cleaner – 2 tsp. white vinegar with one quart of water in a spray bottle (use a cotton cloth to wipe)

• Title and Tub Cleaner – baking soda on a damp sponge (for tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first using vinegar sparingly around tile grout as it will cause the grout to break down).

• Steam Cleaner – If none of the above sound like a good solution. You may want to find the best tile steam cleaner in your area. Go onto eBay, Amazon or go to your home depo and see what they have in stock to help. A Steam Cleaner can be very useful around the home including the bathroom, kitchen and living quarters.

Keep it safe. Keep it green.

Vol. 11, No. 23 – Aug 15 – Aug 28, 2018 – Ojai News & Events

The Ojai Photo Club will feature photographer and educator Tim Meyer as its presenter for August. The free event, “A Brief History of Portraiture,” will be held on August 21 at 7 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St..

Meyer will offer a fast-paced journey through the history of portraiture, spanning more than two millennia and including a wide variety of art media. With a lifetime of experience in photographic portraiture, he will discuss different artistic approaches to creating portraits, from 600 BC to the present. He will illustrate how these styles have influenced human portrayal and how they continue to have an impact on contemporary photography.

For more information and to view Meyer’s portfolio images go to https://tmeyer.myportfolio.com

Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend.

The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. More information is available at www.ojaiphotoclub.com/

The co-owner of popular Ojai eatery, Azu Restaurant & Bar, located in downtown Ojai, has been awarded the California State Legislature’s Small Business Award for District 37 at an awards ceremony held in Sacramento. Nominated by Assemblywoman Monique Limon, the restaurant’s co-owner, Elizabeth Haffner, was honored for her leadership in connecting the Ojai business community with the Economic Development Collaborative’s Small Business Development Center to access disaster funds and relief services immediately after the Thomas Fire, and for long-term recovery assistance. Attending the event with Assemblywoman Limon and Haffner were Azu restaurant co-owner Laurel Moore, EDC’s Clare Briglio, SBDC’s Ray Bowman and Alondra Gayton.

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie on Sunday, August 19, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at The Ojai Retreat to center on evolving a consciousness of peace and love for the planet. The morning will be devoted to contemplation, inner reflection, quiet walks, wisdom talks, sharing and sacred songs. The Ojai Retreat is at 160 Besant Road. People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend.

Randee Vasilakos, RScP, will assist and anchor the morning in a consciousness of prayer and healing.

The retreat is by donation; $20 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com. Rev. Karen is the author of Into Me See: A Book for Daily Inspiration, available on Amazon and her website.

On Sunday night, August 26th, 2018 Ojai Jazz Concerts presents The Nick Mancini Trio
at the Ojai Art Center 113 South Montgomery St.
The concert starts at 7 pm ends at 9:30 pm. Tickets are $35 online and $40 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm. If you have any questions, contact Rich Tell at 805-746-0936. For the tickets at Eventbrite, visit www.ojaijazzconcerts.com.

United Way amplifies recovery assistance for those Impacted by Thomas Fire

Relief in the form of $1,500 from the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund is on its way to the primary residents of households whose homes were destroyed or majorly damaged in the December blaze, United Way of Ventura County has announced.

In the latest round of funding, The American Red Cross of the Central Coast has identified more than 600 households whose homes were destroyed or majorly damaged, as classified by FEMA and CAL FIRE. United Way is distributing the funds to victims with the assistance of the Red Cross and 2-1-1 Ventura County. Similar to Phase I distribution, there are no income restrictions associated with this financial assistance.

“Rebuilding and recovering from the Thomas Fire will take years, and many victims may just be finding out they are in more difficult situations than they had thought,” said Eric Harrison, CEO, United Way of Ventura County. “Recovery has been a community effort, and we know residents will find these funds useful as they continue through the long-term process.”

Recipients of this latest round of funding will also be assessed for inclusion in Long-Term Recovery, the next phase in the United Way’s recovery efforts.

Identified households will be receiving a phone call from 2-1-1 Ventura County to assist with accessing services available from a variety of long-term recovery agencies and, in some cases, verify addresses if they have not been provided. Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to inquire about United Way’s amplified assistance and services from long-term recovery agencies.

To date, the United Way Thomas & Fire Flood Fund has raised more than $4.5 million.

Applications will remain open through August.

Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org.

Vol. 11, No. 23 – Aug 15 – Aug 28, 2018 – Person to Person

Person to (Little) Person
by Jennifer Tipton

I asked several of our younger Venturans, ages 3–9, “What is your favorite thing at the fair?”

Annabelle Eckert
age 5
“I like the carnival games, especially the Balloon Water Race and I like every ride! My favorite fair food is a hotdog!”

 

 

Tom Eckert
age 9
“I like the Tilt-A-Whirl, it doesn’t even make me dizzy, and my second favorite is The Storm, it goes round and round really fast! I like cotton candy and caramel apples with peanuts!”

 

Henry Kantor
age 9
“My favorite thing to do at the fair is probably go on rides and play carnival games, but if I had one choice, I would probably pick go on rides. My favorite ride would probably be Wacky Worm, it’s also known as The Caterpillar, it’s pretty much a ride that goes up, there’s bumps and you tilt sideways, it goes around 3 times but sometimes they forget to stop it, like happened to me today, I went around 6 times! I also can’t wait to get an Icee!”

Elijah Morales
age 3
“I like to win fish, today I had 5 tries – that’s a lot! I like the roller coaster and my favorite fair food is yogurt.”
I had to ask, “yogurt at the fair?”
Elijah’s mom smiled, “lemonade and corn dogs” and Elijah jumped up in agreement.

Ayleen Morales
age 8
“I like to play games like The Kiddie Summer Boats and ride The Tornado, it’s not scary but do I like scary rides! My favorite fair food is pepperoni pizza!”

 

Bianca Topliss
age 3
“I like to go on rides, especially the Carousel and the Pirate.” (a play area) “My brother who’s 6 can help me but I can go across the rope bridge all by myself! I also like the chicken nuggets and ice cream.”

 

Ariella Coady
age 6
“I like everything! I like to be way up high on top of the Ferris wheel and all the games. I mostly like the corn dogs and lemonade!”
Riley Coady
age 4
“I like the dinosaur T Rex when you first come in, it’s huge! It’s not scary cause I like dinosaurs, I watch all the Jurassic movies! I am scared of the Ferris wheel cause it’ll make me dizzy! I like the fish tacos!” (kid after my own heart)

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces Cohort XXIV

The Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA), founded in 1994, delivers on its mission of connecting people and issues to strengthen our county by developing, educating and inspiring a diverse group of leaders who aspire to enhance the quality of life in Ventura County. The curriculum of the year-long Academy is delivered through ten full-day interactive sessions and exposes the cohort members to critical issues in the region as well as current leaders in their fields of expertise. One of the sessions takes place in Sacramento where the cohort is given a detailed overview of the legislative process and the opportunity to meet with government officials. Other session topics include education, public safety, health care, housing, transportation, economic development, arts, environment, infrastructure and agriculture. Cohort members also complete an immersion activity in the community; examples of past immersion activities reflect the diversity of the cohort members’ interests, such as a police ride along, shadowing an elected official, volunteering at a non-profit organization, and others.

VCLA infuses personal leadership development throughout the curriculum with the goal of ensuring that its graduates recognize that leadership is a relational process and that leading at any level within any organization is a choice one must intentionally make.

The members of this year’s cohort include:

Ashley Bautista, Community Outreach Specialist, City of Ventura Police Department

Carol Ramirez, Business Office Director, Vista Del Mar Hospital Kat Selm, Stewardship Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy

Monica White, President/CEO, FOOD Share

For more information about the Ventura County Leadership Academy please contact: Melissa Baffa (805) 665-3504 or [email protected].

Vol. 11, No. 23 – Aug 15 – Aug 28, 2018 – Community 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

The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. This regular congenial social event, besides a healthy, satisfying meal, supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke, hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics. Hear more from Steve at 642-1359

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

 

Cross Town Hikers 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. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events. Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments. The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street. Visitors and potential members are welcomed. There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

Are you a stamp collector?

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets on the first and third Mondays each

month at 7:30pm at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd.

Admission and parking are free.

Contact Bill Garner / (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

Mended Hearts of Ventura

Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant.

The first Tuesday each month at Lemon Wood Mobile Park,

850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians etc..

Contact Richard Hatcher at (805) 644-2733

August 16: East Ventura Community Council. Mark Toohey, Southern California representative for the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) will speak on “Preparing for California’s Next Big Earthquake.” His presentation will include information on the likelihood of a major earthquake occurring.

Former Ventura City Councilmember Jim Friedman and current Councilmember Erik Nasarenko will be introduced as candidates running to represent new City Council Districts in November.

In addition, a member of the Ventura Police Department will report on crime and safety.

The council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue

The meeting starts at 7:00 pm at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road.

For more information, contact

John McNally, Chairperson, EVCC: 805-804-7558

August 16, 17, 18 and August 23, 24, 25.: Fractured Actors proudly presents The Speakeasy Project, a comedic and provocative evening of world premiere theater and live music, directed by Shannon McNally Ham. Step into Sweet Jay’s, a Prohibition-era lounge, for bold new one-acts by Los Angeles playwright and theater critic Jason Rohrer. A ragtag crew of witty mobsters, government officials, talking animals and the first all-female voyage into space are accompanied by a world class band of Ventura County musicians, including Shelby Figueroa and James Dorward, performing modern pop songs with a cool jazzy twist.

All shows start at 8:00 PM. Ventura Vineyard, 1956 Palma Dr.

Tickets ($15) and Speakeasy password are available at venturavineyard.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/135023 Call (805) 650-2510 for more information.

August 17, 9-11am. Birds and Beach nature walk at Ormond Beach hosted by The Nature Conservancy. Come and join in for this free nature walk. Will be exploring the area around the seasonal wetland to the beach looking for treasures along the way. The walk is fairly level (except walking in the sand) and roughly 1 1/2 miles. Please wear durable walking shoes. Bring Binoculars if you have them. Meet at Ormond Beach at the end of Arnold Rd. Questions contact Amy Davis at 770-853-4715 or [email protected].

August 19: 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 11:00 there will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed. There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1:00 pm.

The program this month will be a presentation by Dave Coatsworth on “Collecting American Pocket Watches”. Dave is a nationally recognized collector of American pocket watches and is the moderator of the American Pocket Watch section of the NAWCC Message Board.

Anyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join the chapter. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. Watches, clocks & tools will be on display and for sale.

More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

August 22: “The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Representatives from Ventura College, including the new interim president, will make a presentation. In addition, Jennifer Harkey, Program Administrator with the Continuum of Care Alliance, will describe the many nonprofits devoted to reducing homelessness. She will also explain how we can support these efforts and become a part of the solution. Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.

August 28, 8:30-10:30am. Adaptations and survival along the Santa Clara River hosted by The Nature Conservancy. A free hike along the Santa Clara River Will discover how the plants and animals adapt or die in this dynamic, harsh landscape. The walk is 1 1/2 – 2 miles over varying terrain

Please wear durable hiking shoes. Be aware there are no facilities at this location so please bring water or whatever you need. 1368 Mission Rock Rd, Santa Paula (meet at the end of the road). Questions contact Amy Davis at 770-853-4715 or [email protected].

August 29: Beyond the Extra Mile, by Dennis Fitzgerald local investigator of Port Hueneme Police and Ventura’s DA office, Dennis Fitzgerald brings over 40 plus true, fast paced and riveting crime stories to life. Come hear directly from Fitzgerald of his personal experience of the protests on the streets in the 60’s to drug busts, amazing detective work and more.

Book Signing and Q&A . Wednesday, , 6:30 pm

Bank of Books, 748 E. Main St. Ventura

Contact: (805) 643-3154 or [email protected].

Sept. 11:  Lifesource Women’s Bible Study from 9-11:15 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church 1555 Poli St.

Every Tuesday morning following the school calendar.

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

Oct.13: CSU Channel Islands Foundation and Rabobank present the President’s Dinner & Concert featuring Chri Botti. An annual fundraising event that promotes higher education and raises funds to create opportunities for students at CSUCI. Saturday at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Camarillo. Tickets: VIP- $175, General Admission- $60. Purchase tickets at: GO.CSUCI.EDU/PC18.

Ventura County Reproductive Rights Network

The Ventura County Reproductive Rights Network (VCRRN ) is hosting its signature Write For Your Rights event to bring together our community’s collective voice during a time when threats to reproductive rights are at an all time high. Attempts to block Planned Parenthood’s funding on the federal level continue in Congress, while women’s health still remains at risk at the state level. Write For Your Rights gives Ventura County the opportunity to tell our local and national legislators that we stand in support of women’s rights and believe reproductive rights are human rights.

The event will be from 12:30 – 2:30pm on Sunday, August 26th at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura (5654 Ralston Street). VCRRN will have letters on a range of reproductive health care topics prepared for the public to sign. In past years, they have collected as many as 1,500 letters during a WFYR event.  By bundling the letters, they are sending a strong message from our community to our elected representatives.

The event is free of charge and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Ample parking is provided in the lot in the rear of the building

The Ventura County Reproductive Rights Network is a countywide umbrella of organizations and individuals committed to educating the community about reproductive health issues and mobilizing its members in support of reproductive freedom, rights and access. In addition to the annual Write for Your Rights event, every January the VCRRN gathers signatures for its annual Roe v. Wade signature advertisement and event to raise social awareness about the ongoing assault on reproductive freedom.

Vol. 11, No. 23 – Aug 15 – Aug 28, 2018 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

7-27 11:50am, received a request to assist Ventura PD with two individuals fighting in the entry feature at Spinnaker/Harbor. Officers responded and found the two fighting because one large transient asked the man in his vehicle for money and he told him to get a job, the transient punched him in his face and the fight continued into the street. The transient was arrested for assault.

7-28 10:40am, received a request for traffic control for TowBoat U.S. They are towing a large sailboat out of the harbor. Officers responded and blocked traffic for the tow. The vessel was safely towed out of the harbor.

7-29 11:25am, while on patrol, officers contacted a small vessel with 8 persons onboard and no lifejackets on the boat. The vessels voyage was terminated and the boat was escorted back to the Ventura Keys.

7-30 8:45am, received request to lower flags to half-mast due to the passing of local fire captain.

    1. 1:16pm, received a request for the beach wheel chair for a 92 year old female. Officers delivered the chair to the individual at Surfers Knoll.

3:21pm, received a report of two Personal Water Craft operating in violation of 302(b) VHO – speeding in the keys area of the Harbor. Officers responded, contacted the operators of the two vessels issuing warnings for the violation.

3:40pm, picked up a found baby bird at the fuel dock. Bird rescue was contacted and they retrieved the bird for further care and rehabilitation.

8-05 9:59am, dispatched to a fall victim at the Holiday Inn Express. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with a 71 year old female experiencing extreme back pain. The patient was treated and transported to local hospital.

8-06 12:38pm, dispatched to a sick person in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with Ventura FD and assisted an elderly male.

6:55pm, received a report of a large fuel spill in the mid area of the Harbor from a tenant in Ventura Isle Marina. Officers responded and found small patches of a light sheen. With assistance from Tow Boat US and Patriot services who were in the area with another operation, officers were able to retrieve some of the sheen with an absorbent boom.

8-07 7:10am, while on patrol in the vehicle, officers issued a written warning to a couple who have been camping on the beach near Surfers Knoll. They were encouraged to take down the tent and to not camp in the Harbor.