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Beverage and food vendors for Pier Under the Stars

Diane Brown, Staci Brown and Pam Baumgardner enjoying a previous Pier Under the Stars.

Beverage and food vendors for Pier Under the Stars—the 25th annual benefit for the historic Ventura Pier on Saturday, October 6th, from 5-8pm are needed.

Each year more than 800 residents and visitors attend this beachfront culinary fair adjacent to the pier to sample the county’s best food and spirits provided by over 40 area businesses. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ventura’s premier wine, beverage and food event.

Restaurants, cafes, wineries and breweries serve their signature dishes and beverages from tented booths along the seaside Promenade while guests enjoy live music & dancing under the stars and an amazing silent auction. It’s a community celebration to honor the City’s 145 year old pier.

Vendors do not have to pay a fee to participate and it provides a great way for them to market their food and beverages to over 800 community members. Please contact [email protected] or call 805.804.7735 for details.

YMCA will host the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

The YMCA has always been America’s Number One Swim Instructor.

On June 21, at 2pm, Ventura Family YMCA will host the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, an event that seeks to break the record for largest Swim Lesson Worldwide. The 2017 WLSL event included 41,068 participants from 26 countries.

Tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the ninth year in a row to make noise that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™ A global event, The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), will take place over the course of 24 hours at an estimated 600 locations in more than 20 countries with the goal of generating 1 billion media impressions by 2019.

Participants can sign up for free online at ciymca.org/ventura or they can sign up at the YMCA at 3760 Telegraph Road. Registration is also available at the door.

“The YMCA has always been America’s Number One Swim Instructor. It’s our duty to participate in World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and tell the world the Swimming Lessons Save Lives,” Vanessa Tooch, Programs Director at the Ventura Family YMCA.
Since its inception, more than 235,000 children and adults have participated in WLSL lessons generating more than half a billion media impressions about the vital importance of learning to swim.

Tragically, in the U.S. drowning remains the leading cause of unintended, injury related death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children under 14. Research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged 1 to 4, yet many kids do not receive formal swimming or water safety training. This is in the best interest of your child’s safety. Private Swimming lessons may be worth looking into, if you and your child are discussing the idea of going swimming regularly. This way, they’ll feel a lot more confident in the water if they swim with other kids. Plus, they will have more fun when they know how to swim properly.

“Drowning is an epidemic for children under 14, especially during the summer time. Over two thirds of drowning incidents occur between May and August. These drownings are preventable. With the proper water safety training, children can learn how to swim and avoid dangerous situations in the water. World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is a critical opportunity that no parent should ignore,” Tooch explains.

Ventura Family YMCA will serve as an official Host Location Facility for the WLSL 2018 event. Parents are invited to learn more about this phenomenal event by visiting WLSL.org or ciymca.org/ventura. For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/Ventura or call 805.642.2131.

Water saving tips for your smart garden

Toro’s Scott Donoho teaches a free City Gardening Class at A Smart Garden in Downtown

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer

Every year, one Saturday morning a month except for December, the City of Ventura and Ventura Water hold free Gardening Classes offering informative lectures and Q&As, practical water-wise tips, and fun, hands-on experience. Classes cover everything from smart controllers to the benefits of permeable surfaces, how to install an ocean-friendly landscape and everything from A to Z about designing and maintaining water-wise landscapes and balanced garden eco-systems.

At a recent Drip Irrigation Workshop that took place at A Smart Garden in Downtown Ventura, I spoke to Toro Company’s Scott Donoho about irrigation best practices for residents. Here are some of his top tips.

The Most Important Thing You Can Do To Eliminate Water Waste – Check Your Irrigation System For Leaks

Outdoor water use accounts for upwards of 30-60% of the total household water use. As much as 50% of the water used outdoors can be lost to wind, evaporation, and runoff. One of the most important things you can do to eliminate water waste is to observe your irrigated areas after watering to see what you are losing to the sidewalk, driveway, or street. Make adjustments to the clock by adjusting the run times. Instead of having one long run time break them up into two run times to allow the water to be absorbed instead of trailing off onto impervious surfaces.

Adjust Your Irrigation Schedule So You’re Not Watering Your Hard Surfaces

If you discover that the hard surfaces around your yard (your driveway, sidewalk, patio) are saturated, or that water is flowing from your yard into the street, check your irrigation system to make sure water is directed into your landscape. Additionally, adjust your irrigation clock and make any necessary adjustments.

Repair and Design Your Landscape Before Making Irrigation Changes

Find out what isn’t working with your irrigation and make the appropriate repairs. Then, think about the changes you may want to make in your landscape and the uses you’ll require. If you’ll be making small changes and feel confident about making them, do it yourself. However, if you decided to remove your turf, or make other significant changes like cutting down big trees with the help of professionals like The Local Tree Experts, consult with a C-27 Licensed California Contractor to discuss your ideas and to plan out what type of an irrigation system will work best for your needs. It might require you to get a new shed from places similar to easyshed.com.au if you have to have a drastic redesign but it is well worth it.

Eliminate Plant Stress and Over-Watering

Since Ventura has a mandatory limitation allowing residents to water only twice per week, if you start to see stress in your plants (i.e., they are turning brown or look wilted), it may be that you are watering too little.

If you see that the top layer of your soil is always saturated, it may be that you’re watering too much.

As a reminder, the City of Ventura remains in a stage 3 water shortage event. The following activities are prohibited and are considered a violation of the City’s Water Waste Ordinance.

Be mindful to:

  • Never allow water to run and be wasted during outdoor use
  • Limit the use of potable water irrigation to two days per week
  • Fix water leaks (Don’t allow water leaks to persist for more than 48 hours)
  • When using a handheld hose, use an automatic shutoff nozzle
  • Don’t operate fountains unless the water is recirculating
  • Never hose down hardscape surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks
  • Don’t irrigate your outdoor landscape during (and within) 48 hours of measureable rainfall.

Sustainability Now News is a new column in the Breeze by Award-Winning Screenwriter, Author, Producer, TV and Print Lifestyle Journalist Maryann Ridini Spencer with a focus on the environmental, social, economic, and cultural pillars of sustainability covering green practices, programs, news and events, industry leaders, green business, and healthy living ideas.

Museum of Ventura County hosts prominent Cuban artist and educator Pedro González Pulido

The Museum hosted the U.S. premiere of an exhibit of paintings by prominent Cuban artist and educator Pedro González Pulido on Friday, June 8. The event featured a reception and screening of the documentary “Hearing is Believing” by Ventura filmmaker Lorenzo DeStefano, which inspired Pulido’s work. World-renowned musician Rachel Flowers, from Oxnard, is the subject of the film and performed her music at the opening reception. Proceeds benefit the Flowers family, the Museum of Ventura County and Hearing is Believing Productions.

Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co. celebrates summer with world’s largest cornhole tournament

The nation’s largest cash cornhole tournament will take place in beautiful beachside Ventura as part of Spencer Makenzie’s 9th annual End of Summer Block Party. This California-classic multi-day party will feature the coast’s best food, cold drinks & craft beer, and a free concert with the best local bands on Saturday evening, as well as DJs spinning great music throughout the tournament for players and spectators alike.

Cornhole team registry for the tournament will open [date needed]. Registration is $190 per two-person team, with over $36,000 in guaranteed cash payouts going to winning teams over the course of the weekend. Early signup is encouraged, as space is limited to 192 teams and will sell out. There are no age restrictions. Ventura County residents will compete for an additional $2,500 in prize money. The Throw Down Tournament is sanctioned and hosted by the California Cornhole Association.

For those who want to play cornhole just for fun, an open-to-the-public court will be on site, in the midst of the excitement but without the high stakes. Spectators are encouraged to visit the recreational courts to see who will become 2018’s unofficial “King of the Court”.

Spencer Makenzie’s 9th annual End of Summer Throw Down will take place from Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26, 2018. There is no charge to attend the all-ages End of Summer Block Party and Throw Down. The Throw Down will take place at Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co., located at 806 East Thompson. For more information, please visit www.spencermakenzies.com or call (805) 643-8226.

Originally founded in 2007 by John Karayan and his wife Jennifer as a festival concession, the Karayan’s named their award-winning restaurant after their two children – their son Spencer and their daughter Makenzie. With the goal of offering fresh, healthful food at consumer friendly prices, its reputation was quickly established at such popular Ventura events as the Ventura County Fair, the Aloha Festival and the C Street Long Board Classic.

Thought to have originated in Germany in the 14th Century, the game surfaced in the Ohio Valley in the 19th Century. Also known as corn toss, bean toss, dummy boards, doghouse, soft horseshoes and Baggo, cornhole became widely played at tailgate events, contributing to its nationwide popularity.

City of Ventura 4th of July Street Fair & Pushem-Pullem Parade

The City of Ventura 4th of July Street Fair celebrates its 43-year-old tradition on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, from 10 am to 5 pm in Ventura’s Downtown District, with the theme, “Ventura Strong”. The Independence Day celebration will showcase handmade arts and crafts by more than 200 artisans along eight blocks of Main Street from Fir Street to Mission Park, plus children’s activities, international foods and three stages of entertainment.

Children and adults are invited to dress up for the Pushem-Pullem Parade, sponsored by the Ventura East Rotary Club that assembles at Cemetery Memorial Park (Main and Crimea Streets) at 9 am and begins to parade down Main Street at 9:30 am. Participants will receive a free commemorative button while supplies last.

Visit the Information Booth on Main and California Street from 10:30 am-1pm to purchase tickets for the Ventura Fireworks Show & Family Picnic at Ventura College presented by the Ventura Rotary Club.

Returning this year, and greener than ever, the Street Fair will feature eco-friendly products, information and activities as the Community Environmental Council hosts the “Environment Education Street”. A variety of electric cars will be on display and vendors will have information to educate citizens about how to conserve, protect, and sustain our planet. The City of Ventura Transportation Division will be hosting a Community Bike Ride on July 4th, that will begin at Arroyo Verde Park at 8:30 am and will travel four miles at a family-friendly pace to the Street Fair. Complimentary bike valet service will be available on California Street.

Park for free in the Downtown parking structure, city lots or the Ventura County Government Center and use the courtesy shuttle that runs to the Street Fair every 30 minutes (no smoking or pets allowed, except for service animals). Admission to the parade and Street Fair is free thanks to presenting sponsors, the City of Ventura Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships Department and Ventura County Credit Union, as well as sponsors Ventura Harley Davidson, Players Casino, The Wharf, Ventura County Star, KHAY and Sports Radio 1450, KDAR Radio and Gold Coast Broadcasting.

For further details visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/streetfairs. This release is available on the City of Ventura website www.cityofventura.ca.gov.

Save the dates: Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series at California and Main

Downtown Ventura and Darvik Productions are presenting the new Summer Movie Series on every last Friday in June, July, August and September to enjoy a free outdoor movie screening at 7pm right at California and Main streets. The first film is Back to the Future on Friday, June 29 at 7pm. July 27 is Home Alone for Christmas in July, August 31 is The Goonies and September 28 is Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Summer camp registration underway

It’s that time of year when end of year class parties, graduations, teacher gifts, and KIT yearbook inscriptions are taking up children’s time, but not for long! That last school bell is about to sound signaling the start of summer fun. Registration is now underway for City of Ventura Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships (PRCP) summer camps offering full and partial-day camps, keeping youth and teens engaged in a variety of activities each week of summer break.

These camps include; traditional, aquatic, nature and history, sports camps, beach, and creative camps. View the Summer Camps booklet and register online or call 805-658-4726.

Youth scholarships are also available for qualified candidates. For more information view the Youth Scholarship Application and follow the directions. See you at camp!

Registration is now open for National Night Out

Ventura neighborhoods are invited to participate with many other neighborhoods across the country in celebration of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. The deadline to register is August 1, 2018.

National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event that is sponsored nationally by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Ventura Police Department. This is the 35th anniversary of National Night Out with over 38 million people across the country expected to participate.

National Night Out is designed to: 1) Heighten crime and drug awareness; 2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships; and 4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and watching out for one another.

From 5 pm to 9 pm on August 14, 2018, residents in neighborhoods throughout Ventura are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend an evening outside with neighbors and police.

Neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of events ranging from small potlucks and BBQs to block parties. Some additional event ideas include, but are not limited to, ice cream socials, disaster preparedness, games, contests, discussing neighborhood issues, discuss or plan a Neighborhood Watch Program. It is an opportunity to be creative, have fun and celebrate your neighborhood.

Registration is free and gives the police and city representatives an opportunity to attend local neighborhood events as time and circumstances permit. Submit the online registration form today at www.venturapd.org! Please call the Community Outreach Unit at 805-339-4317 with questions.

Ventura Water making waves

Susan Rungren began her career with the City of Ventura in 1999.

Ventura Water has announced that Susan Rungren has been selected as the Assistant General Manager for the City’s water and wastewater utility. Rungren will fill a key management position that supports the City Council’s priority of maintaining a sustainable environment by diversifying and protecting Ventura’s local water resources.

In her new role, Mrs. Rungren will shepherd key future water supply projects such as the State Water Interconnection Project and the VenturaWaterPure project that will maximize the reuse of recycled water. She will work closely with Ventura Water, the Public Works Department, as well as stakeholders and community organizations to meet long term water supply demands.

Mrs. Rungren began her career with the City of Ventura in 1999 as the Utilities Engineer for the City’s Water and Wastewater Divisions and has served as the Water Resource Manager for the last seven years. She is a licensed Professional Engineer with professional affiliations including the Association of California Water Agencies of Ventura County and the Association of California Water Agencies. Rungren has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University.

Deputy Mayor Matt LaVere said, “Expanding local water supplies, and improving water quality are key ingredients to diversify and protect Ventura’s 100% local water resources. We are pleased to have Susan’s water industry expertise and experience as we look to create and build a more sustainable water future for Ventura.”

Ventura Water was awarded the statewide winner of the Community Engagement and Outreach Project of the Year by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) for educating local youth about water sustainability. The winning program is in collaboration with the MERITO® Foundation, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful watershed experiences to multicultural youth.

The program has provided an opportunity for more than 500 local youth to learn about the value of water through hands-on water quality testing and field data collection at Ventura’s wild life ponds. Additionally, Ventura Water hosted a water conservation challenge for participating elementary schools wherein students were tasked to develop a water conservation plan.

The MERITO® program strives to connect the classroom experience with field interaction for students to better understand the relationship of water treatment technologies and the role that it plays in preserving the environment. Since 2005, MERITO® has reached over 10 million people through ocean conservation outreach projects, immersed over 15,000 students on earth and ocean science and issues, and has raised the capacity of more than 300 teachers and 100 Marine Protected Areas practitioners in the areas of ocean science and resource protection.

“Students learn water quality sampling and testing techniques, how wastewater is treated and purified to near drinking water quality standards, and about future plans to implement a new potable reuse facility. It gives students a new appreciation for what most people take for granted,” said Kevin Brown, Ventura Water General Manager.

Field trips to the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility helped students to explore a wide range of environmental issues and water infrastructure. “In this type of an atmosphere, students can establish connections between fresh water and ocean water, as well as ascertain the water conservation issues particular to their local watersheds. They also learn about stewardship and how water quality plays into the health and sustainability of our environment,” said Rocio Lozano-Knowlton, Executive Director and Founder of MERITO® Foundation.