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Advanced Imaging Technology for Early Detection of Cancers and Dementia the subject of seminar

The field of radiology is constantly evolving and new technology helps medical professionals diagnose diseases earlier, when treatment is most effective, and with more accuracy than ever before. How technology and the different types of imaging can be used to identify diseases like cancer and dementia in the early stages will be the focus of a free seminar on Wednesday, July 18, in Ventura.

Community Memorial Health System will host the event as part of its 2018 Speaker Series. The guest speaker at this seminar will be Dr. Irwin Grossman, a board-certified radiologist. He received his medical degree from State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine and completed residency training at Los Angeles County University of California Med Center and Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Grossman is the Medical Director of the Grossman Imaging Centers and an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

The July 18 seminar will begin at 6 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 N. Brent St. Registration is free but reservations are required. For reservations, visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvpor call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Vol. 11, No. 21 – July 18 – July 31, 2018 – Movie Review

Ant-Man and the Wasp Review:
2 Palm Trees out of 4

by Manuel Reynoso

Ant-Man and the Wasp is a 2018 superhero film based on the Ant-Man and the Wasp. The sequel to 2015’s Ant-Man, and the twentieth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Peyton Reed and written by Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Paul Rudd, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari. Starring Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly.

Still riding high off the wild ride that Avengers: Infinity War was, I was actually looking forward to watching another Marvel movie, but perhaps going in expecting things like impactful themes, nuanced villains, and meaningful dialogue was unreasonable for an Ant-Man movie. It certainly was a fun watch with plenty of witty jokes and well done action scenes, but it felt like just more of the same Superhero movies we’ve been going to see for the last decade. Along with some questionable directing and massive overuse of sci fi techno babble, I walked away painfully underwhelmed.

Now that isn’t to say Ant-Man and the Wasp was a complete disappointment. The manipulation of size lead to some fun fight scenes and car chases. Paul Rudd continues to be his hilarious self and really has the only redeeming dialogue in this film. There is enough here for me to not completely write this film off. Ant-Man and the Wasp could be especially fun for families with small children, but that’s where my praise ends.

There were plenty of strange directing decisions that threw me off, but none more than the director’s strange over reliance of Chekhov’s gun. Chekhov’s gun is a pretty basic storytelling device: essentially you introduce an interesting item, and then the audience gets the payoff of seeing said item move the plot along. Usually used sparingly in a film, apparently Ant-Man and the Wasp find this this technique hilarious, because they do it over and over and over again. So many times our attention is put on a random item, like there is going to be some incredibly clever usage of it, with the resulting payoff being completely vapid.

I wish my complaints ended here, I really do. I should have enjoyed the film more, but so much of the dialogue is just a slog to get through. I just couldn’t get myself through all the sci fi mumbo-jumbo speak. Hearing whole conversations consist of random science terms with the word quantum slapped on is just not engaging at all. Usually I expect a film to lay it all out in the beginning and get it out of the way, but instead we have to hear about quantum this and quantum that. The amount I cared by the end was literally at the quantum level itself.

Don’t get me wrong if you can look past my gripes, you can still have a good time. Perhaps I went into this with the wrong mindset; maybe I should have just enjoyed it for what it was, a light hearted action romp with some witty jokes, but it really wasn’t all that special of one.

Rated PG-13 1h58m

Ventura Botanical Garden’s fundraiser at Dexter’s Camera

The Ventura Botanical Garden’s held a fundraiser at Dexter’s Camera on July 7. Guests such as Ginny Claborn, Maggie McKinney, Randy Encinas, Doug Halter, Mary Kay Doubek and Jeanne-Marie Olmo enjoyed tacos, wine, music and nature through the lenses of some of our most talented local photographers. Guests also learned how to help the VBG through plant and stone step sponsorship opportunities. The VBG remains closed because of the devastation caused by the Thomas Fire, so all the financial help they can get is great.

Featured photographers included Adam Bartoshesky, Steve Cattanach, Eric Eiser, Randy Encinas, David Gonzales, Dylan Gordon, Dan Holmes, Phil Ranger, Joey Ready, Trent Stevens, and Spencer Westbrook.

Vol. 11, No. 21 – July 18 – July 31, 2018 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Santa Paula Stars Shine in Constellations

It is not often that a completely fresh viewpoint comes to the stage. Santa Paula Theater Center’s current offering of Nick Payne’s Constellations takes its audience into rarely explored territories mixing art and science. The excursion takes the audience on a fascinating ride into mental space to explore what could happen in a parallel universe or universes, where endless strings of slight variation on a singular incident are possible.

Constellations soars through the sky with lightning speed as the two actors, Jessi May Stevenson and Ron Feltner as Marianne and Roland, continually rewrite their relationship from many different angles. The age-old question of how an incident could have concluded with a different outcome is given a great deal of thought. The variations are achieved through the application of the principles of string theory, relativity and quantum mechanics. It sounds heavy, but the situations are so relatable it is easy to see oneself in at least one of them.

It took me a few moments in the beginning to understand why the scenes were being repeated. Once I understood that new characters were emerging with slight tweaks to the scenario, I enjoyed the play with a different level of understanding. It is a deep piece that shimmers on the surface and simmers at the core.

A simple, unadorned setting allows the actors to transform themselves in attitude, demeanor and presence via light pools highlighting the subtlety of how one minor change can alter the outcome of a given situation. I found myself pondering the efficacy of taking the time to “what if” threads to gain some insight as to possible resolutions before proceeding. Could happen.

Directed by the very talented David Ralphe, Stevenson and Feltner appear seamless as they transcend time and space, each becoming a slight variation of themselves on a dime. Both delve deeply into their souls to pull out myriad nuances of emotions. The action is enhanced by the projection of distant stars and nebulas with gentle underlying music.

Presented with no intermission, the audience is given an unbroken glimpse into the ever-changing nature of relationships which is as vast as any universe.

On another note: the night I attended was the inaugural evening utilizing SPTC’s new air conditioning! With the recent and continuing heatwaves in play and years of using the program as a fan, the AC is a very welcome addition.

Be sure to visit the theater’s website often for updated news on concerts, specialty performances and noteworthy happenings. www.santapaulatheatercenter.org. There is always something interesting going on. One-time concerts especially tend to sell out quickly.

Also take notice that Sunday performances for this production are at 4:00 p.m. You won’t want to be late.

Santa Paula Theatre Center, 125 W. S. Seventh St, Santa Paula
Friday & Saturday eves 8 PM, Sundays 4:00 PM through July 29
Adults $24, Seniors/Students $22. Not recommended for 17 and under. www.santapaulatheatercenter.org/805-525-4625

Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance launches kWh Countdown Program

The Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, in partnership with the Community Environmental Council, are launching their newest pilot program, kWh Countdown, funded by the California Energy Commission.

kWh Countdown offers two services for businesses located in the cities of Thousand Oaks, Ventura, and Moorpark:

Free energy benchmarking to all business that enroll

A limited number of comprehensive energy audits to businesses that demonstrate a willingness to invest in energy efficiency projects.

“kWh Countdown is designed to help businesses save money on utility bills and invest in energy efficiency projects with confidence,” said Sue Hughes, VCREA’s Executive Director. “Business owners often bypass cost-saving energy efficiency projects because of uncertain payback periods or lack of technical expertise. kWh Countdown aims to reduce the uncertainty surrounding energy efficiency projects by clearly explaining the benefits of energy efficiency.”

Selected companies will receive free American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers level II energy audits, valued at over $5,000 each. These energy audits provide businesses with a detailed analysis of potential energy efficiency projects, including payback periods, funding sources, and packages of projects that best align with the individual company’s goals and objectives. Due to the cost of providing such a high-level assessment, a limited number of these audits will be conducted. Auditing services will be completed by TRC, Inc. a Southern California-based energy company that was selected through a competitive Request for Proposal process.

Companies that are not selected to receive free high-level energy audits will still receive a benchmarking analysis. Benchmarking uses an online platform called ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® to compare a building’s energy usage to that of similar buildings. This evaluation provides businesses insight to their energy usage and helps identify opportunities for energy conservation. Additionally, commercial buildings over 50,000 square feet with no residential accounts are mandated to be benchmarked by Assembly Bill 802. kWh Countdown helps buildings owners meet this benchmarking requirement.

If your business would like to participate in the program, visit www.kwhcountdown.org and fill out an online application or contact Heather Allen at [email protected].

Vol. 11, No. 21 – July 18 – July 31, 2018 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

7-04 Fourth of July. 8:15am, while on patrol in the fireboat, officers observed a kayaker in distress in the main channel of the harbor. The kayaker was taken aboard and the kayak towed to the launch ramp and released.

1:36pm, received a report of a disabled PWC at the harbor entrance. Officers responded and took the vessel with 2 POB’s en tow to Harbor Cove Beach.

3:12pm, received a dispatch to a medical alarm in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call.

10:00pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue, a vessel in distress off Pierpont beach. Officers responded in the fireboat and found a 45ft vessel adrift in 15ft of water. The vessel was safely escorted back to the Harbor.
7-05 3:30pm, received a report of a PWC on the beach North of the Ventura Pier and unable to re-launch it. Officers coordinated with State Parks to assist with the re-launching of the vessel and safely escorted back to the harbor.

5:20pm, received a report of 3 overdue canoe paddlers from Hokolua club. Officers did a brief search and found the group near Marina Park.
7-06 9:40am, officers responded to the Ventura Pier to assist State Parks lifeguards with the Junior Lifeguard Pier swim.

5:10pm, received dispatch to a person complaining of chest pain near Surfers Knoll on the beach. The patient was treated and transported to local hospital.

8:25pm, received a dispatch to an unconscious person near the 805 restaurant. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call.
7-07 3:50pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue at Marina Park, swimmer in a rip current. Officers responded and assisted State Parks with the call.

4:18pm, received a dispatch to a 9 year old with difficulty breathing at Harbor Cove. Officers responded and assisted State Parks, VFD/AMR with the call. The young patient was transported to local hospital with parents for evaluation.

7:31pm, received a dispatch to an unknown medical. Officers responded and found a 28 year old male who was intoxicated, not a medical. The individual was eventually arrested for public intoxication.
7-08 12:59pm, received a request for assistance from State Parks for a water rescue at the South Jetty. Officers responded, taking one victim on board and after assessment dropped the patient/victim at Harbor Cove beach with lifeguards.

1:32pm, received a dispatch to a male suffering from hypothermia at Harbor Cove. Officers responded and assisted the individual who was recently rescued.

3:10pm, received a report of a fuel spill near VWM C-dock. Officers responded and searched the area but were unable to locate a source.

9:15pm, received a dispatch to a 61 year old male complaining of chest pain in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the patient who was transported to local hospital for further evaluation.
7-09 1:20pm, received a dispatch to a medical alarm in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call.

3:20pm, received a request for medical assist from a SUP paddler who fell.

Housing Authority receiving $1 Million from Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) has partnered with Montecito Bank & Trust to win over $1 million in new funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco’s (FHLBank San Francisco) Affordable Housing Program (AHP). These funds will support the financing of HACSB’s future development sites at Willett Ranch and Rancho Verde in the City of Ventura. Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has provided over $1 Billion in grants to support affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for lower-income households. FHLBank San Francisco announced the awards through its 2018 AHP program on June 26, 2018, funding more than 65.9 Million for seventy projects in seven states, including these two HACSB development projects.

HACSB is proud to continue receiving funds through this program, which prior to this year’s award has already infused over $2.4 million into other HACSB developments. This year’s projects represent critical housing developments to support vulnerable Ventura households. Willett Ranch will create 50 new, affordable housing units for low- and very low-income seniors in Westside Ventura. Case management and financial literacy education will be available to residents to help them maintain housing stability. Part of a larger planned residential community, the complex offers three neighborhood parks, pedestrian friendly streets, and architecture styles that incorporate elements that promote social interaction. Willett Ranch received an award of $750,000 in this year’s competition.

Rancho Verde Apartments will create 24 new affordable housing for low- and very low-income farmworkers and their families in East Ventura. A new 4-acre public park will be located across the street and residents will also benefit from onsite amenities such as a community building, garden, courtyard, barbeques, and picnic area. The project is designed to meet LEED for Homes Gold standards, with solar energy production and a greywater system designed to meet 100% of the property’s irrigation needs. This project, which is also recipient of USDA Rural Development funds, received an award of $276,000 from FHLBank San Francisco.

HACSB’s Chief Executive Officer Denise Wise said, “This Housing Authority partnership with Montecito Bank & Trust contributes significantly to our efforts to provide affordable housing in an increasing costly Ventura rental market. These AHP funds will assist our community in housing agricultural workers and provide seniors a comfortable, affordable home for years to come.”

The HACSB is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura, with 376 public housing units, more than 1,500 Section 8 vouchers, and over 450 non-profit affordable rental units. The agency is actively working to increase the supply of affordable housing and to improve the quality of life for hundreds more of the low-income residents throughout the City of Ventura.

Vera (Castanon) Hirrel

Vera loved to share stories about her granddaughters and great-grandsons with everyone she met.

Vera (Castanon) Hirrel, 62, passed away peacefully in her home in Oxnard, California on July 3, 2018 with loving family by her side. Born on September 30, 1955 in Riverdale, California to the late Nellie Castanon and Nick Castanon, Vera spent most of her adult life living in Ventura County. Vera was known for her generosity, vibrant personality, contagious laugh,and devoted love for her family. She had a close-knit group of friends and loved to spend time with them, especially at Santa Barbara Polo Club on Sundays. Vera was an amazing cook and she could often be found in the kitchen preparing the favorite dishes of her kids and grandkids. She was enamored by her granddaughters and great-grandsons and loved to share stories about them to everyone she met.

Vera is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Shells Petals Florist) Liotta(Tanino); son, Philip Hirrel (Laura); granddaughters,Haley French (Jordan) and Cassidy Hirrel-Hill; great-grandchildren, Colton French and Connor French; sister, Margaret Rodriguez, brothers, Nick Castanon, Jerry Castanon, Frank Castanon, Lawrence Castanon, and Abel Castanon.

A beautiful celebration of her life was held Sunday, July 15th at the Ventura Beach Club.

Vol. 11, No. 21 – July 18 – July 31, 2018 – Forever Homes Wanted

Remy is just as wonderful as can be. If you ask to meet him, you’ll see that he is sweet, gentle and loves to get head scratches from you. Look into his eyes and you’ll see a heart of gold under his black fur. His story is a bit of a sad one: Someone dropped him off at a pet store and left him there.

The employees had no choice but to bring him to the shelter. He is still hopeful that there’s someone out there who will love him and make sure he is never abandoned again. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Dr. Remy A650841

Hi: I’m Cole 2 a cute 3 year old Chihuahua X who was rescued from Animal Services. I’m grateful to be given a chance to find my forever home.

I’m currently in a foster home with 2 other small dogs. I respond best to a calm structured environment. I am a bit fearful and anxious, once I get to know you I am a fun and sweet dog but I do take a while to get used to new people and dogs. It should be on my terms, at my own pace. I have received training and I’m walking well on leash. I am beginning to be comfortable with one of my foster siblings, but needed to be separated for 3 weeks. On walks when encountering bigger dogs I do show some anxiety and will bark and pull, but my foster mom is working with me on not doing that.

I would do best in a quiet home where someone is home most of the time. At this time it is not recommended that I go to a home with children. While I love attention from the person that I trust, I am not a lap dog.

If you’re a patient, loving person who is willing to continue with my training, please stop by and meet me. I can’t wait to start a new chapter in my life making wonderful memories with my special someone. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.