My name is Jennae. I’m half Corgi half crazy (is that a dog breed?).
I’m 5 plus or minus. She likes to attack Charlie and piss him off so he’ll chase her. She is the fastest dog you ever saw, even with those short legs.
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Prepare for sticker shock on your water bills
by Venturans for Efficient & Responsible Government (VREG)
The Ventura City Council stated building a pipeline for state water was Ventura Water’s number one priority. We’re pleased with the result. VREG promoted and encouraged state water over Direct Potable Reuse (DPR).
Water is a regional problem. Ventura should be a leader in working with all surrounding water agencies and cities to solve the problem.
Even with the Council’s decision, though, Ventura Water projects will cost Ventura’s 32,000 water customers $538 Million. Spread the costs over ten years, and Ventura Water will charge each customer $140 extra per month. Spread over five years, it will cost customers $280 per month extra. Moreover, those costs don’t include the State Water delivery costs we pay for the water we use.
There’s no way around it. Plan on skyrocketing water costs in the coming years.
The League of Women Voters of Ventura County returns from National Convention
League of Women Voters of Ventura County (LWVVC), a nonpartisan political organization, was represented by Betsy Patterson, President, Pat Butler, Membership Director, and Matty Park, Director at Large, at the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) 53rd National Convention held June 28 – July 1 in Chicago, IL. More than 1,000 League leaders from 49 states and the District of Columbia attended leadership workshops and heard from guest speakers about League priorities.
Founded in Chicago in 1920, the League of Women Voters is active in all 50 states with more than 750 chapters across the country.
“Convention was an incredible opportunity to connect with and learn from League leaders who are actively working in their communities to empower voters and defend democracy,” said Betsy Patterson.
The Convention kicked off with A Conversation on Redistricting where attendees heard from Ruth Greenwood and Nick Stephanopoulos. Greenwood served on the legal team for the plaintiffs in the United States Supreme Court case Gill v. Whitford which the Court remanded back to the lower courts.
Over the four-day Convention, delegates voted on the priorities that the national organization should focus on for the next biennium. The Campaign for Making Democracy Work® includes ensuring a free, fair, and accessible electoral system for all eligible voters by focusing on Voting Rights, Improving Elections, and advocacy for the National Popular Vote Compact, Campaign Finance/Money in Politics, and Redistricting.
The final night of Convention, attendees heard from Elaine Weiss, author of the Women’s Hour at a banquet where Leagues were recognized with awards for their work on Strengthening Democracy .
“Hearing Elaine Weiss recount the final push for women’s suffrage in this country reminded me how important the League of Women Voters is to this day,” said Pat Butler. “The number of women in elected offices does not reflect the demographic makeup of women in our communities. This is an important midterm election year and the League is committed to making sure the voters in California continue to have the resources they need to participate in November.”
About League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. With more than 93 years of experience and almost 800 local and state affiliates, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations.
Contact: Betsy Patterson Tel: 805-798-4685
Email: [email protected]
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, a mineral that was used extensively in practically anything for its heat-resistant properties. After the dangers of asbestos were known, its use has been strictly regulated. Unfortunately, plenty of damage has already done and mesothelioma has a latency period of 20-50 years, making seniors the primary demographic diagnosed.
How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Doctors use several methods to test for mesothelioma, however, a biopsy is the only true way to confirm a diagnosis. This usually comes after a series of other tests and scans once symptoms arise. Since mesothelioma is a rare disease it is not uncommon for it to be misdiagnosed as the flu or pneumonia.
Anyone who believes to be or knows they were exposed to asbestos at some point in time, should immediately notify their primary care doctor about their exposure history. After seeking medical assistance, you may want to get in touch with a company similar to Prodan Construction to get your property tested for asbestos before it causes anymore of an issue. It is always best to be safe than sorry.
Speaking to a doctor will ensure mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are not ruled out as the cause of the symptoms. If you believe that your home or place work requires an asbestos check, it may be worth checking out somebody like EDP asbestos consultants as they may be able to help you carry out an asbestos survey.
Imaging Scans
Most people initially undergo a basic chest X-ray. If an abnormal growth is detected, doctors will recommend a more detailed imaging scan such as a PET scan, CT scan or MRI.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are also available, but they do not confirm the presence of mesothelioma. Research is underway to determine if blood tests can aid in early diagnosis for at-risk former asbestos workers.
Biopsies
If cancer is suspected, doctors will recommend taking a biopsy or a sample of tissue. Biopsies can confirm mesothelioma cancer cells.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
The leading treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Many specialists prefer to combine two or more of these treatments, which is an approach known as multimodal therapy. Numerous studies show this approach improves survival rates.
o Surgery
Surgery can be used for diagnostic or aggressive and potentially curative purposes. It offers the best chance of long-term survival for pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients eligible for surgery.
o Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life and extend survival, but it can carry unpleasant side effects.
o Radiation
With fewer side effects than chemotherapy, radiation can help shrink tumors and relieve pain. It can be performed at all stages.
o Multimodal Treatment
A combination of two or more traditional treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Studies show multimodal therapy can improve survival.
o HIPEC
Heated or Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a multimodal treatment that involves heating chemotherapy drugs and delivering them to the abdomen after surgery.
For more information visit The Mesothelioma Center. They are a 100% free resource center for those suffering from mesothelioma and their families. They have the most up-to-date information on asbestos and mesothelioma as well as offer 1-1 consultation with their Patient Advocates who will help find local treatment centers, doctors, and support groups.
Vol. 11, No. 23 – Aug 15 – Aug 28, 2018 – A View from House Seats
by Shirley Lorraine
Old standard still thrills
Actor’s Repertory Theatre of Simi blasts it out of the park with their revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s lively musical, Oklahoma! The long-running, high-stepping production retains the same charm and appeal it originally brought to the stage in 1943. Still one of the most popular musicals ever, Oklahoma! has the audience singing along, tapping their feet, and cheering for the heroes.
Based on the book Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs, the story is set in 1906 in what was then Oklahoma Territory. The action centers on a small western town and the colorful characters who call it home. The main story portrays the courtship of young Curly and Laurey as they dance around their mutual attraction. Secondarily, a romance between smitten Will Parker and flirty Ado Annie takes a rocky path. Underlying the frivolity is a dark side provided by rough-hewn ranch-hand Jud, who pines for Laurie.
Directed by the multi-talented Will Shupe, the production features a range of actors who two-step their way through with style and energy. Choreography by Becky Castells is tight and impressive, given the number of people on stage and the high energy and intricacy of the reels. The cowboys and the farmers of all ages kick up their heels while the cadre of young girls flounce and preen flirtatiously.
A large live orchestra directed by Matt Park provides all the right notes as the familiar music fills the theater.
The voices of leads Joe Hebel and Sara Owinyo give Curly and Laurey solid tones that do more than justice to Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ and Many a New Day, among other favorites, in fine fashion. Owinyo has a clear and beautiful voice reminiscent of the original Laurey, Shirley Jones. Hebel is strong and clear as well, although at times vocally overpowering in volume. The combination of strong voices, microphones and a full orchestra could be dialed down a few notches and still be more than adequate, in my opinion.
Ado Annie is playfully portrayed by Alissa Horner, who is matched with Conner Stevens as Will Parker. They complement each other well as they sing out All Er’ Nothin’ and I Cain’t Say No.
Traveling peddler Ali Hakim is larger than life in the person of Ceron Jones and David White channels his dark side as the brooding Jud Fry. The role of feisty Aunt Eller as personified by Kathleen Silverman is a hoot and a force of nature.
Director Shupe has opted to retain all the original script, including a few songs and dance sequences that are frequently cut. Kudos for giving the audience the full experience. Dancers Michael Dumas and Ashley Maimes executed a lovely dream dance sequence that added depth to the story.
Also delivering notable performances are Ted Elrick as Ado’s father, Mr. Carnes, and Ciara D’Anella as Gertie Cummings. A large ensemble fills in all the spaces left with gusto.
For a superior touch of nostalgia coupled with outstanding performances, Oklahoma! is one to catch before it’s gone.
Oklahoma! runs through September 2 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 p.m., Sunday matinees begin at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $25 Adults, $22 Students/Seniors 60 & Above, and $18 Children 12 & Under. (805)583-7900, www.simi-arts.org.
The book is written as a 31 day devotional
Chaplain Harold Christmann presented his newly published book of devotionals at a book signing event held at the Ventura Townehouse Active Senior Living Community located at 4900 Telegraph.
Chaplain Christmann is a retired Navy Chaplain . The book, Moments of Divine Intimacy has been released by Christian Faith Publishing and is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble on line for $12.95.
The book is written as a 31 day devotional. Each day of the month, Christmann describes a special moment when God touched his life through a new insight of truth or a demonstration of God’s supernatural power of healing.
Chaplain Christmann has suggested that these experiences will be helpful to those seeking a more intimate relationship with God or who are looking for some tangible evidence of God’s reality.
The theme of the book is that everything God has done through Jesus Christ, death and resurrection has one purpose, to make intimacy with God possible.
Chaplain Christmann has a Bachelor of Arts degree and two Masters degrees. He has been certified as a clinical prison, hospital and hospice chaplain. Chaplain Christmann retired with the rank of Commander in the Navy Reserve and is a Vietnam Veteran.
Chaplain Christmann is available for speaking engagements. He can be contacted by email gg.godsgift10 @gmail.com.
Channel Islands YMCA welcomes two to the Board of Directors
The Channel Islands YMCA is proud to announce the election of Lucy Thoms-Harrington and Daxter Gulje to its Board of Directors.
Mrs. Thoms-Harrington has been on the Board of Managers for the Lompoc Family YMCA for over 15 years where she has served as past Board Chair, Campaign Chair and Board Development Chair.
Thoms-Harrington is an independent business consultant assisting businesses expand their markets and product portfolios. Prior to this position she was the Product Line Director for Raytheon Vision Systems in Santa Barbara.
Thoms-Harrington earned her Master in Business Administration from Pepperdine University and her Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo where she met her husband, Tim.
She has a daughter, Hope, who attends Stanford University.
Mr. Gulje is the Director of Enterprise Sales and Strategy for RightScale, which is a SaaS-based cloud management platform.
Gulje attended UC Santa Cruz for his undergraduate degree, discovering a knack for computer engineering at the dawn of the modern Information Age. Parlaying those skills into a career as an IT Director for UC Santa Barbara, changing career direction from engineering to sales. He has spent the last 15 years leading sales teams of local tech companies like Curvatore and RightScale.
Gulje occasionally appears on KEYT 3 & KKFX 11, to help explain breaking technology stories and their impact.
Clearwater at Riverpark
Clearwater at Riverpark invites local community to Honor Active Aging Week with Wellness Festival
Clearwater at Riverpark is hosting a community event on Saturday, September 29th from 11 to 3 pm to advocate for Active Aging Week. Festivities will embody Clearwater at Riverpark’s Empowered Living philosophy that encourages residents to pursue their passions through a wellness lifestyle.
Active Aging Week influences millions of people every year during the last week of September to spread awareness for the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA). Highlighting the benefits of active living in adults over 50 years old; this weeklong campaign puts a spotlight on all areas of life —physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental. Individuals worldwide participate in various ways to experience wellness activities for older adults while creating a supportive environment.
“The Wellness Festival is intended to inspire our residents and the greater community.” said Britt Martin, lifestyle director of Clearwater at Riverpark. “I’m excited about Active Aging Week. There are many ways to live a healthy, vibrant lifestyle and offering a community wellness festival where the older active adults can explore on their own, puts the power in their hands to choose what is best for them.”
The event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. Guests will appreciate the beneficial and healthful choices at Clearwater at Riverpark’s Wellness Festival, such as:
A mindful market of local, homemade, and wellness focused product
Community vendors
Dogs to adopt from C.A.R.L. organization
Healthy food trucks
Wellness speakers
Giveaways
In addition, throughout the week residents of Clearwater at Riverpark can engage in on-site activities aligned with Active Aging Week by dedicating each day to a dimension of wellness from their Empowered Living program. The exclusive schedule offers a beach clean-up, meditation journey nutritional class, tai chi session and more.
Space is limited. To reserve your space or learn more, please call 805.366.3446 or email [email protected] Clearwater at Riverpark is located at 750 Clyde River Place in Oxnard, California.
Clearwater Living® is committed to providing the most superior customer service and living experiences that celebrates individual relevance, from our residents and their families to our family of associates. Clearwater is growing through strategic acquisitions, development and operational management of senior living communities throughout the western United States. Every Clearwater Living community includes cutting-edge technologies and care practices that improve the daily lives of residents. To learn more about Clearwater Living, visit ClearwaterLiving.com.
Also Baby’s Badass Burgers Food truck will be there on September 14th and October 12th from 11:30am-2:30pm.
Do coffee drinkers live longer?
by Matilda Charles
A new study looked at data to determine whether consuming coffee lowered the risk of premature death.
This was not a small, short-term study. The data was collected for over a decade on a half-million people who’d been part of the U.K. Biobank study. It looked at all manner of health information and daily living, such as health history, smoking, drinking, exercise and coffee consumption, as well as exams and tests. Researchers then looked at all their information in terms of longevity in coffee drinkers.
Here’s what they found:
Risk reduction rose depending on the amount of coffee consumed. One cup a day gave an 8 percent lower risk of early death, compared to those who didn’t drink coffee. That rose to a 16 percent lower risk for those having six or seven cups. At eight cups or more per day, however, the rate fell to 14 percent.
It didn’t matter what kind of coffee was consumed. It could be ground coffee, instant or filtered. For reference, you can find a full list at thefullmooncafe.com if you’re looking for all the different ways you can have coffee.
It didn’t matter whether the coffee was regular or decaffeinated.
Since both regular and decaf coffee had the same results, it’s not the caffeine that helps reduce the risk of death. Bottom line is that, with all the many chemicals in coffee, they just don’t know what part of coffee is helping.
A word of warning: Just because a study says coffee helps reduce risk of death, it doesn’t mean we should double or triple the amount we drink. That’s an individual thing and should be discussed with your doctor. If, for example, you already are on medication for high blood pressure, even the small amount of caffeine in decaf coffee could have an impact on how effective your medication is.
(c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
Cabrillo hires Soto as Director of Property Management & Resident Services
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation announces the addition of Luz Soto as its Director of Property Management and Resident Services. Soto returns to Cabrillo, where she previously served as Director of Property and Asset Management from 2005 to 2013.
Soto oversees Cabrillo’s residential portfolio, which includes 26 affordable communities that serve nearly 1,200 low-income families.
“With more than 20 years of property management experience, Luz’ strong leadership skills ensure the successful operations and management of Cabrillo’s rental portfolio,” said Cabrillo Chief Executive Officer, Margarita H. de Escontrias. Using the assistance of apartment rental management companies, when it comes to finding a place for you and your family, hopefully, this process will be a lot less stressful.
Overall, Soto is responsible for the oversight of property budgets; the timely turnover of vacancies and delinquencies; and all legal matters related to tenant-landlord laws and fair housing issues. She will also manage Cabrillo’s Resident Services program, which provides ongoing resources as well as social and educational programs to provide a ladder of opportunity for residents. It is important for residents to know what they can about property management, so they are aware of the changes that happen around them which in relation to the property they live in. See more details at https://www.pcfmanagement.com/glenwood-property-management for more information.
Most recently, Soto served as Senior Vice President of Property Management and Resident Services with Abode Communities, where she managed 35 affordable housing developments with 2,319 homes that served 6,300 low-income people.
Prior to 2005, Soto worked as the District Property Manager for the Brackenhoff Management Group, where she managed a 1,300-unit tax-credit portfolio throughout California. She also worked with Goldrich & Kest Management, Inc., where she oversaw a residential portfolio consisting of 8,000 units, including HUD Project-Based Section 8, Tenant-Based Section 8, and Sections 202, 811, and 236.
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to provide comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities through a community-building approach that facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Incorporated in 1981, Cabrillo’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Although this continues to be important, today there is a more widespread need for affordable housing in this region. As such, Cabrillo now provides housing for low- to moderate-income residents and families, including farmworkers, seniors, veterans and individuals with special needs.