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Life Coaching – is it for you?

Dr. Bunny Vreeland has developed Life Enhancement Therapy. Photo by Isabel Lawrence

by Dr. Bunny Vreeland

Do you know what a Life Coach is? Who uses a Life Coach in Asheville,NC? How can Life Coaching be beneficial? You might consider Life Coaching if:

You are Stuck – If you have a big decision to make, for example, whether to get married, leave your unsatisfying relationship, change careers, move to a new geographical location, or go after a big dream of yours… Anything. You may be confused with the “voices” in your head, one says its too risky, one says go for it.

You are Lost – if you lack direction or feel guilty, a life coach will help you sort out what your true personal values are and help you get clear on what is important to you as you choose your direction.

You are Unhappy – Simply put, if you’re unhappy, you need a change, or… you need to change, or you’re under stress and need to sort things out.

You are Happy – This is the best time for a life coach because you’re more likely to be open to growth. As a side effect, being happy is a great motivator as well.

You just got out of a relationship – You’re starting over, broken-hearted. Working with a Life Coach will help clarify what you want, why it’s important to you, and how to get what you want.

You are comfortable – If you have a routine, a comfort zone. A Life Coach can help you step out of your comfort zone and bring back some excitement to your life by realistically challenging you with attainable steps.

You are Scared – We’re all scared. A Life Coach will help you name your fears, give you tools to take action, and help you feel differently about your fears.

I’m Dr. Bunny Vreeland. Being a Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Life Coach, I have developed something I call Life Enhancement Therapy – accessing the power of the conscious and the sub-conscious mind. I work with a mature clientele, to help them reach their full potential and desired lifestyle. You’re a mature adult, you want a mature coach.

When I began my training as a life coach, I undertook some NLP certification training which helped me learn more about the coaching skills I would need to be successful. With over 30 years of experience, I use a combination of Hypnotherapy, recently developed Motivational Coaching, Image Consulting, Counseling, and a whole lot of real-time life experience.

I’d love to help you break through the roadblocks, identify and smash those barriers that are holding you back, and attain your goals.

My approach is sensitive, thoughtful and creative, but determined. I assist each client in recognizing what makes them special and unique.

Real tools. Real skills. Real results.

Call me today at (805) 482-8111 and let’s start your journey!

Dr. Bunny Vreeland has been a professional model, an award-winning Color and Image Consultant, Radio & TV Show host, and, for the past 20+ years, a Board Certified, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Ordained Minister and the Founder of the Vreeland College of the Healing Arts, in Camarillo, CA, where she sees clients for Hypnotherapy issues, and teaches accredited Basic and Advanced Hypnotherapy classes on a regular basis.

Vol. 11, No. 20 – July 4 – July 17, 2018 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

There’s no denying it’s Summer what with the Fourth of July at hand and Surf Rodeo just around the corner, and what better to celebrate than with live music? The City’s 4th of July Downtown Street Fair, which runs 10 am – 5 pm, will not only have tons of vendors, and food, but there will be plenty of live music from The Mighty Cash Cats, Raised on Vinyl and 805 Rhythm. To avoid looking for parking, why not ride your bike? The City is providing a free bike valet on California near Main Street.

Along with their Saturday and Sunday afternoon music lineup, Topa Mountain Winery will host a fundraiser for Safety Harbor Kids on Friday, July 6 featuring Paul Barrere, Fred Tackette and friends of Little Feat; Shaky Feelin’ will open.

The Ventura Music Festival runs July 12th through the 22 at a handful of venues throughout the City. Just a couple highlights include the John Jorgenson Quintet at Olivas Adobe on Thursday, July 12; double Latin Grammy winner, Diego Garcia at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center on Friday, July 13; there will be a free concert with Jarabe Mexicano on Wednesday, July 18 at Mission Park. For the complete line up and ticket information, go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Dust off the cowboy hat and get your sunscreen ready for this year’s Surf Rodeo over the weekend of July 14th and 15th at Pierpont Beach at Seaward. There’s plenty to do between the vendors along Seaward, the surf competition, bikini cowgirl contest and the Cornhole tournament, but of course my favorite reason for going would be all the great music. Along with a bunch of amazing local bands, JD Drury is bringing Fishbone, the Long Beach Dub Allstars, Shwayze, and the Untouchables to town. Confidence is high this one will be for the books!

Quick notes: The Garage is kicking it up a notch with Hard Six and Stock Shot on Friday, July 6, it’s a full line up starting at 5 pm on Saturday, July 7 with Char-Man, Slow Season, Sweet Reaper, Glam Skanks, The Pullmen and The Birth Defects, and then the following week on Friday the 13th it’s Negative Approach, Stalag 13, Take Offense and Skullcrack; Shawn Jones returns from his most recent European tour with a show at Grapes and Hops on Saturday, July 7, and again on Saturday, July 14, at The Star Lounge; on Saturday, July 7, Art City Gallery and Studios is hosting a Summer Jam with Herbal Rootz, Bomba Fiya, Crying 4 Kafka and more, they’re asking for a $10 donation at the door; the Second Sunday Supper at Plan B Winery will feature reggae with Soltree on Sunday, July 8; and finally, it’s “Latin meets Jazz” with Justo Almario, internationally renowned jazz saxman at the Hong Kong Inn on Tuesday, July 10.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

State water preferred to filtered toilet water to drink

by (VREG) Venturans for Responsible and Efficient Government

The City Council will make a monumental decision on water July 9, 2018. They will set Ventura’s water priorities for decades to come.

They will be asked to decide between State Water and Direct Potable Reuse as the first supplement to our existing water supply. Should Ventura be first with an untested, unproven, unregulated water system with DPR or be safe with State Water? We will also learn whether they will listen to the Water Commission or ignore their recommendations.

The Ventura Water Commission rejected the Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) idea as Ventura’s primary resource. They made it clear that the city should look to State Water as a primary to supplement our existing water supply.

Two legal agreements jeopardize Ventura’s water supply. The first was a Consent Decree requiring Ventura to cease putting 100% of its treated wastewater into the Santa Clara River estuary. The Consent Decree doesn’t specify where to place treated water or how to use it. It only states it cannot go into the estuary.

One exception is if a scientific panel were to decide the environmental health of the fish and wildlife in the estuary need that water, Ventura might release 50% into the inlet. In February 2018, Stillwater Sciences issued a final report on discharging treated water into the Santa Clara River estuary. It recommended diverting 40%-60% of the wastewater, not 100% as initially presented to the City Council.

The second was a new contract between the City of Ventura and the Casitas Municipal Water District executed by the City Council in May 2017. The new contract obligates Ventura to reach Water Balance by 2020 to maintain its current water rights.

The new Casitas Water contract does not specify the amount of water Ventura’s entitled to receive. The new agreement does not allow any use for the East End of Ventura.

A major problem with Direct Potable Reuse (DPR), or Ventura WaterPure as it has been named, is that Ventura would be the first city to used recycled wastewater as drinkable. Only Windhoek, Namibia and a small town in Texas are attempting to drink their filtered toilet water. Neither place had other water options. This town might want to consider installing reverse osmosis filters in the homes of residents instead. If you’d want to see some of their RO reviews, Water Filter Way has a large catalog of different options.

In Ventura’s quest to make wastewater drinkable, an August 2016 report by a state-appointed panel of experts concluded it was “technically” feasible to use DPR, but there are serious health risks. Here are some fundamental problems outlined:

1. Guidance and regulations currently do not exist for DPR

2. Of specific concern are chemicals adversely affecting the development of fetuses and children, plus any as-yet-undiscovered compounds.

3. There are no standards to guard against Cryptosporidium, and Giardia to maintain a risk of infection equal to one in 10,000.

4. Reverse osmosis is unable to detect and remove low molecular weight compounds such as halogenated solvents, formaldehyde, and 1,4-dioxane.

5. The inability to identify solvents on the Proposition 65 list that reverse osmosis membranes cannot remove.

The cost of DPR wastewater is high. According to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the wastewater and water costs will total approximately $368 million. Then it will need to be pumped north to the desalination/Reverse Osmosis plant that will cost another $170 million.

By comparison, the pipeline for State Water is estimated by the Ventura Water Department to cost $27 million. State water can be injected directly into the Ventura water system. The water is reliable and used throughout Southern California.

We only hope that the City Council has the leadership and strength to change course and not feel bound by this misguided concept of past water leaders.

Protecting public health is paramount. We don’t need to build a desalination plant/RO facility now or in the next five years.

Vol. 11, No. 20 – July 4 – July 17, 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 805-415-8842 for more information.

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 805-642-1359

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.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets 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.

Bill Garner 805- 320-1601 or [email protected]

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. from our area.

Contact Richard Hatcher at 805-644-2733.

First Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum. Now exhibiting Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10-4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gemre.com or 805-229- 74294 for more information

Join the 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/

July 6: Ormond beach Nature walk and Beach cleanup. 9-11am. The Nature Conservancy is hosting a nature walk and beach cleanup. Come visit Ormond beach with a naturalist and discover the flora and fauna of the wetland and beach habitat. Focus will also be to collect trash from fireworks from July 4th. Clean up supplies will be provided. The walk is 1 1/2 to 2 miles. Wear durable walking shoes. Bring binoculars, if you like. 301 McWane Blvd. Oxnard. Please contact Amy Davis [email protected] or 770-853-4715 regarding questions.

July 11: The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is pleased to present their meeting from 1 -3p.m. at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street. They are focusing on “making exercise fun” like it used to be when the bell rang for recess. Lisa Oliver, Manager of Title Boxing, will inform and demonstrate Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact boxing program specifically created for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Amber Stevens, Associate Executive Director at the Ventura Family YMCA will share her thoughts. For more information call Patty at 805-766-6070 and see the Breeze senior section.

July 11: There will be a 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.

July 12: Oceanview Toastmasters announces their new home at Lexington, 5440 Ralston St. Located in the Bijou room 2nd floor. The meeting starts at 6:45 p.m. on 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Guests are most welcome. If you’ve ever considered attending a Toastmasters Meeting, please come and meet the friendly members. You’re welcome to sit and enjoy the speeches, and if you want to improve your speaking skills, here is an opportunity. There is no charge for guests. For more information Ed Blumenstock at 805-746-5732.

July 13: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution July luncheon meeting will feature a special program ” Second Amendment in California: A Brief History and Future Trends “, presented by Mr. Robert Arabian. The luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave. All SAR and DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join us. If you choose to have lunch, cost is $20. For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays 805- 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 805-216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, please visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.

July 15: 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 David Walter on “Watchmaking”. Anyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. Watches, clocks and tools will be on display and for sale.

Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Ventura College. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

July 17: Discover the Santa Clara River watershed. 8-10 am. Meet at the gate at the south end of Hallock Dr. Santa Paula. Start your day off right by exploring land along the Santa Clara River that the Nature Conservancy has restored. Be prepared for an adventure! There is not really an established trail. It is a little rugged so please wear durable hiking shoes. There are no facilities at this location. Please contact Amy Davis [email protected] or 770-853-4715 regarding questions.

Aug.10: Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project in Oxnard “Night in Oaxaca.” Night in Oaxaca is their largest annual event, and benefits all MICOP’s 19+ programs. The night will feature a menu of Oaxacan cuisine, traditional dance performances, and a celebration of the extraordinary group of indigenous youth scholarship winners. Friday, at the Olivas Adobe in Ventura, 4200 Olivas Park Dr. from 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found at https://NIO2018.bpt.me.

Vol. 11, No. 20 – July 4 – July 17, 2018 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Beautiful music and intriguing story onstage in Ojai

An exploration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s laborious journey in penning variations to an otherwise mediocre waltz by Anton Diabelli is now on stage in 33 Variations at the Ojai Theatre Center Playhouse.

The commission of variations to his work by more well-known composers was in hopes of elevating Diabelli’s own work to greatness. Things didn’t quite work out that way as Beethoven, who originally turned down the commission, became enamored by the work and ultimately devoted a great deal of his own life to it.

Ably directed by Richard Camp, the audience is guided through a fascinating trip through time, motivation and determination as well as learning how Beethoven struggled with his own muses and ultimately his loss of hearing while still composing great works.

The play by Moises Kaufman highlights the focused research by musicologist Dr. Katherine Brandt (Tracey Williams Sutton) whose life ambition is to unravel the mysteries behind the genius’ work. To delve deeply into the writings, she must spend time in Bonn, Germany pouring through archives of Beethoven’s notations.

Archivist Dr. Gertrude Ladenburger (Lynn Van Emmerik) slowly warms to Dr. Brandt, ultimately providing assistance, friendship and emotional support for the project and for the researcher. Dr. Ladenburger is at first disapproving of the “intruder” into her beloved archives, but gradually warms to a fully likeable character as their bond grows.

Adding to the Doctor’s plight is her declining health due to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) as well as a strained relationship with her daughter Clara (Andra Belknap). Clara reluctantly falls for her mother’s nurse (Devin D. Dornbos) and together they learn to cope with the many difficulties that arise.

Brandt’s journey takes place in the present, while explanatory actions are also staged in the 1800’s to show interactions between Beethoven (Cecil Sutton) and Diabelli (Sean Love Mason) that may have taken place. Beethoven’s loyal henchman Anton Schindler (R. Shayne Bourbon) provides additional insights into the creative mastermind behind the music.

Underscored throughout with Beethoven’s compositions played by highly talented pianist Aaron Embry, the result is simply mesmerizing. The evening would have been exemplary with just the concert. However, the play fills in the blanks we didn’t know were there and adds depth on many levels to make the music even more enjoyable.

Ms. Williams Sutton’s portrayal of the obsessed and brilliant Dr. Brandt is stellar. She easily brings forth the singlemindedness of Dr. Brandt as well as her inner strength in the face of myriad challenges.

As the musical genius Beethoven, felt to be the greatest composer of all time (quite a role to fill!), Cecil Sutton brings forth the eccentricities of creativity with passion.

In the role of Anton Diabelli, a composer of lesser renown, Sean Love Mason gives a glance into the type of man he may have been.

A simple yet highly effective set designed by Steve Mitchell as well as well thought out period costuming by Mary Crane and Tracey Sutton adds just the right shell for the action.

Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery Street, (805) 640-8797, www.OjaiACT.org

General admission $20, Seniors &Art Center Members $18. Everyone 25 and under (must show I.D.) gets in for only $10. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2:00 p.m. through July 15.

Vol. 11, No. 20 – July 4 – July 17, 2018 – Movie Review

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
3 Palm Trees out of 4

by Manuel reynoso

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a 2018 documentary film directed by Morgan Neville and edited by Jeff Malmberg and Aaron Wickenden. The film about the life of Fred Rogers and the themes of his television show.

A documentary on the life of a truly wholesome individual. Every minute of it is a bombardment of one man’s sentimentality and passion for children. I’ve haven’t seen so much hope and so much inspiration emitting from a single person. While he was fallible and with his own moments of weakness, he set his course in life to be the best person he could be for the sake of children everywhere. With this much positivity, I have to ask, where are all these tears coming from?

Now maybe I’m overly sensitive, but that can’t explain the sniffles I heard all throughout the theater. No, this documentary was something special. So much of it was spent talking about feelings, whether those of Mr. Fred Rogers or the feelings of children. It really is special to see so much respect for something that isn’t taken seriously so much of the time. It touches people, and it left both me and my girlfriend a quivering mess. That’s where the power in this documentary lies, in its ability to reach others and remind ourselves of the vulnerability of childhood.

All this wouldn’t have been possible without some really impressive technical know-how. Editing tends to be what carries a documentary, and Won’t You Be My Neighbor has some really impressive editing from beginning to end. It’s carries the familiar fast pace editing style of a documentary while also having a patient and methodical rhythm to it. While these two styles feel like they should be at odds with each other, it ends up delivering the soft and patient feel we associate with Mr. Rogers. It’s that success that makes this documentary so pleasant and easy to watch.

As for the documentary itself, it’s absolutely interesting. Whether you grew up with Mr. Rogers in your household or not, the man really leaves a colossal impression on you. All of his triumphs, his losses, and his insecurities are all laid out for you in a deeply personal story, that at times may come off a tad bit aggrandizing. It’s also very safe with the content it shares. Lots of what the film goes over has already been highlighted before. So previous fans of Mr. Rogers may see a lot of what they have already known.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor really boils down to a feel good documentary. To the point where it might even leave you in tears. It’s not groundbreaking, but it is still an exceptional piece of work. There is so much to love about Fred Rogers, and whether you already fell in love with his quirky, quiet demeanor, or you are learning about him for the first time, there is something for everyone to love in this film. Rated PG-13 1h34m

Vol. 11, No. 20 – July 4 – July 17, 2018 – Opinion/Editorial

• Santa Clarita has approved new rules that bans individuals from sitting on sidewalks and sleeping in cars on public streets. The rules are intended to block homeless people from living in public spaces. At the same time, they also approved spending $1 million to help build a homeless shelter and create a long-term plan to combat the issue.

These signs would be good to have in Ventura.

I’m not sure if it is legal to ban people from sitting on the sidewalk, but taking the next step and providing shelter makes it worth taking the chance. Officials from Anaheim, Huntington Beach and Santa Ana have proposed new shelter sites to help solve their growing homeless situation.

Providing shelters is what is needed – it seems to me. Complaining about (and counting) the homeless does nothing to correct the homeless problem in any city. Pursuant to this, the Ventura City Council has approved spending $600,000 in the new $306.5 million operating budget (roughly a 10% increase over last year) to help pay for the acquisition of a year-round transitional shelter and $250,000 for operating expenses including agencies that work with the homeless community and provide social services and other necessary programs, especially for the approximate 30% of the mentally ill homeless. The funds are expected to be matched by Ventura County which has agreed to provide matching funding to cities opening their own shelters.

The council also directed staff to return with gap funding to continue extra police patrols (and extra security cameras) put into place after the April homicide on the Promenade. The city has been paying police overtime for the additional enforcement and will likely continue that until new full time officers are hired.

Many citizens are still confused, saying, “How come we still have vagrants on the Promenade if there are additional police present.” The police are there to diffuse any illegal activity that might take place (being homeless on the Promenade is not illegal)), and to deal with unruly people, such as a mentally ill homeless person who might be yelling at people. They might also try to get the mentally ill and homeless some help, but there is very little of that currently available.

• In a previous issue, I reported that the temporary ban on leaf blowers had been lifted. Not true – the City Council has not made a final decision. It’s the dreaded “fake news”.

• Ventura resident, Sadiki Shakur, 24, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm for his role in the 2016 shooting that killed one man and injured another. He entered the plea in Superior Court as part of an agreement with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. Shakur was initially charged with murder and attempted murder. If convicted of these crimes, he could have received a sentence of 84 years to life in prison. As part of his plea agreement Shakur is expected to be sentenced to only 16 years.

•Speaking about the North Korean leader, Trump stated; “He speaks, and his people sit up at attention. I want my people to do the same.”

News item – “North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly ordered a high-ranking army officer to be executed after he was accused of giving extra food and fuel rations to troops and their families.”

His people had better sit up at attention.

• The City of Ventura owns a very large property portfolio, which they have done a terrible job managing. Ventura owns over 250 properties.

The Brooks Institute situation, where they walked away from space that was being remodeled on the fourth and fifth floors of 505 Poli St. is a good example of things gone wrong. Unqualified staff failed to require the school to pay a security deposit. The space, with unfinished construction, still remains empty.

When Brooks signed their lease, several non-profits (like Focus on the Masters) had to move to another floor or location, all of which turned out to not be necessary.

To solve the problem, the city has hired an in-house property management specialist, Charlotte Modugno, and consolidated all of the city properties and agreements to the public works department.

Other city leased properties include patios used by several restaurants that are located on city property.

City Councilmember Christy Weir asked for more information on 505 Poli St., which has 12 leases and much empty space. The building includes nonprofits, start-up companies and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. I certainly hope that Charlotte does a good job so that city properties are professionally managed and proper rents are charged.

•A new study validates Einstein’s theory of general relativity in a distant galaxy for the first time.

This study supports my current understanding of gravity (which is non-existent) and provides more evidence for the existence of dark matter and dark energy — two mysterious concepts that scientists know about only indirectly by observing their effects on cosmic objects. Seems simple to me – if there is no proof who could argue?

Einstein’s theory of general relativity, published in 1916, explains how gravity is the result of a concept known as the fabric of space-time. Simply put, the theory predicts how much the mass of an object — in this case, a galaxy — curves space-time. Just look in the sky and you can see gravity bending.

•I’m glad to see that the Pierpont Inn has secured some permits to continue with the remodel of the main building. Construction was stopped about 3 years ago because the owners hadn’t secured the required permits. Hard to believe that a major hotel chain could be stupid enough to build without them. Hopefully the new construction will bring this iconic building back to its original beautiful interior. The rooms at the hotel have remained open.

H.O.P.E. after the Thomas Fire

by Jennifer Tipton

Ventura County Behavioral Health has collaborated with a long-term community mental health team called California HOPE of Ventura County, a federally funded and trained community-based counseling program created to support the community after the Thomas Fire.

H.O.P.E. is an acronym for: Helping – Outreach – Possibilities – Empowerment.

The long-term effects of a disaster on mental health come in many stages, the difficult reactions one may experience can occur months after the initial disaster. Individuals that may initially appear unaffected, might later become overwhelmed and unable to effectively cope.

Reactions to a disaster such as the Thomas Fire are emotional, behavioral, cognitive and psychological and do not manifest in any certain order at any specific time.

Family and friends can help to identify these individuals and implement active listening and validation as effective ways to help survivors cope with their loss.

California HOPE services are free and confidential with the goal of implementing effective coping skills.

Services include: Individual and group counseling for

survivors, family and friends / Assessment and referrals /

Distribution of educational materials.

Counseling goals include: Helping disaster survivors understand their current situation and reactions / Reducing stress and providing emotional support / Assisting survivors in creating a wellness and recovery plan / Promoting the use or development of coping strategies and personal resilience / Providing friends and family members with education to support those affected / Connecting survivors to other resources.

Several support groups began mid-June in Ventura, Ojai, Santa Paula and Fillmore with more anticipated. The program is long term, just as the recovery process is long term.

We at the Ventura Breeze encourage those affected by the Thomas Fire to reach out to these services as needed.

If you or someone you know needs support, please contact HOPE of Ventura County at (805) 833-9495 or [email protected] .

Vol. 11, No. 20 – July 4 – July 17, 2018 – Scamp Club

I picked his name (Champ) myself and I love him so much. I love all animals including my ole girl Shorty who is not doing well these days. I love Finn, the horse I ride and Coco, my great gramma, Gigi’s cat.

My name is Lily, I am 8 years old and entering 3rd grade at Our Lady of Assumption school.

Champ and I both like to shop, especially at Target.