The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) in coordination with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is issuing a warning that the annual quarantine of mussels taken by recreational shellfish harvesters is effective May 1, 2018. This quarantine is due to hazardous levels of toxin causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) that may be present in mussels along the Ventura County Coast.
The quarantine applies to all species of mussels taken by the public anywhere on the California coast including all bays, harbors, and estuaries. Commercially-harvested shellfish are not included in the annual quarantine.
By complying with the mussel quarantine and advisory, exposure to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and Domoic Acid Poisoning (DAP) can be prevented. PSP affects the central nervous system producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating shellfish that contain PSP toxins. This typically is followed by disturbed balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.
Symptoms of DAP can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, and dizziness. These symptoms disappear completely within several days. In severe cases the victim may experience excessive bronchial secretions, difficulty breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, permanent loss of short- term memory, coma and death.
There is no known antidote to the toxins, and cooking cannot be relied upon to destroy them. Supportive medical care, however, has proven effective in managing the
Husband-and-wife duo Kirby and Beverly Ward step into a new role at the Rubicon.
This summer at Rubicon, Broadway performers and husband-and-wife duo Kirby and Beverly Ward step into a new role as the Directors of Education and Outreach. Over the last decade, audiences have seen them in main stage productions of She Loves Me, King Lear and Return to the Forbidden Planet, but now they’ll be teaching performing arts to youths within the community.
The summer program was created and led by Brian McDonald 15 years ago and has enjoyed a stellar reputation for presenting high-quality productions and exceptional performances from young people. Some students have gone to work as professional actors both locally and in New York City. Kirby and Beverly Ward are thrilled to continue the summer program and have already conducted auditions for Madagascar Jr., Julius Caesar, and Grease (the musical celebrates its 40th anniversary). They have been “over the moon” at the level of talent and enthusiasm exhibited by the kids.
The Wards have seen firsthand how a youth program like the Rubicon’s can change lives. They grew up studying at San Diego Junior Theatre – a place that not only turned out some amazingly talented theatre professionals but also countless doctors, lawyers, designers, engineers and more. For them, they want to inspire confidence, and a sense of community for the kids who train at Rubicon.
Of the kids who auditioned some need some financial assistance. It is the Rubicon’s goal to see every one of these extraordinary kids get the opportunity to participate, and in so doing we need the community to lend their support. By providing scholarships, a real difference will be made in these young people’s lives. There are options at many levels. No amount is too small (or too big!) to ensure every student can experience this program and be enriched by it.
To donate to the Education scholarship fund please call the Box Office from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. only on show days. 667-2900.
To donate online please visit rubicontheatre.org/donate or by mail at Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001.
2018 Summer Youth Productions:
The Grunch on June 30 performed by kids ages 5-11
Madagascar, Jr. on July 6-8 performed by kids ages 11-14
Julius Caesar on July 20-22 performed by kids ages 15-24
Grease on August 3-5 and August 8-11 performed by kids ages 15-24
Tully
Review: 3 Palm Trees out of 4 by Manuel Reynoso
Tully is a 2018 American comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. The film stars Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass, and Ron Livingston.
Tully follows the life of Marlow, an overworked, underappreciated mother of 2, and her budding friendship with her new night nanny, Tully.
Diablo Cody has never shied away from portraying every cut and bruise that the normalcy of life so effectively leaves us with. Tully pulls back the dainty veneer placed on motherhood and really lets it all hang out for us. Plenty of films have presented radical solutions to the very real problems of postpartum depression and midlife crises. Wild solutions such as embracing some abrupt change in one’s character, or to zealously remain steadfast to one’s current track in life; Tully takes a more nuanced stance. To plant roots, embrace normalcy, but also be flexible. Change may be scary and inevitable, but it can be just what we were looking for.
Diablo Cody’s script is a bit of a slow burn hinging on some witty lines that may or may not work for you, but really shines with its portrayal of the struggling mother. Particularly visceral and carried by the performance by Charlize Theron, Marlow was a character who was both nuanced and believable. With Tully’s arrival, these two women only further develop into richer and more complete characters. It’s unfortunate that a lot of the others won’t feel nearly as fleshed out.
As our protagonists grow and develop, it’s hard not to care for these people as we learn of their desires and goals. They are deeply relatable, whether you’re a mother in a similar situation or just one sensitive to the struggles women face. On top of this, what Marlow want is just the same fulfillment and security that anyone can relate to. For me, it was how we get that security was what made this film resonate. To remain strong but not hesitate to face change head on.
Also funny enough, I was really appreciative of the short run time of Tully. 90 minutes with little padding and concise storytelling is almost refreshing at this point as movies are seemingly inflating to ever longer times. Diablo Cody gets the point across quickly, and director Jason Reitman kept a very snappy and consistent pace throughout the film.
There isn’t much else left for me to say, other than that I just really enjoyed this film. My gut reaction has me feeling like I’m longing for more somewhere in this script. To really go deeper into the world of postpartum depression and family rearing. However, by this film’s own merits, it hold up incredibly well. I try to keep away from saying what a film should or shouldn’t add, so I won’t try to. What we got was a wonderful ode to motherhood, and a poignant cautionary tale. It’s short and it’s sweet, and an all-around well told movie. Rated R 1h36m
Joe Cardella, who published an art publication for 25 years and was an important part of Ventura’s arts community has passed away from esophageal cancer.
He was involved in art in many ways but is best remembered as the publisher of ARTLIFE. The publication came out of his midtown Ventura home and featured art and poetry from artists throughout the world including many Ventura artists.
A conversation with Alison Saar Sunday, May 27, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Oxnard’s Levity Live at The Collection 591 Collection Blvd.
Can artists help us understand and deal with complex issues of the day? Alison Saar uses bold symbolism, literature and mythology as she explores the role of African-Americans, especially African-American women, in our society and our consciousness. A native of Los Angeles, Alison Saar was born to well-known African-American artist Betye Saar and Richard Saar, a mid-century modern ceramicist and art conservationist. To learn about Alison Saar, visit www.LALouver.com
Free to FOTM members, $15 for public; $10 for seniors.
The Artist Spotlight is open to students attending as a class assignment free of charge. FOTM is happy to assist with tracking attendance and sign-in sheets. Reservations required.
Vet techs were at SPAN giving shots to the dogs and providing other services.
• On April 27 Animal Services provided a shot clinic for the homeless in front of the SPAN
Store in Ventura. They also provided leashes, collars, food for yorkies and flea meds. Over 61 animals were served. Some of the homeless had up to 3 animals. It was for the homeless so the flyers were put up at Catholic Charities and other spots where the homeless go to seek services. SPAN is also working with Simi Valley Spay Neuter Clinic to have 2 mobile spay days a month.
•The Humane Society of Ventura County invites the public on Saturday, June 9, and get a behind-the-scenes look at its Ojai animal shelter, learn more about its programs and meet the people who run it.
The HSVC’s annual “Birthday Bash and Open House” will honor its 86 years of nonprofit service to the community. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ojai facility, at 402 Bryant St.
Visitors that day can interact with the animals – who will be available for adoption – tour the kennels and clinic, meet the staff, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring the whole family to enjoy refreshments, take part in a treasure hunt and learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
There will be a variety of activities for children along with information on responsible pet ownership. Humane officers will be available to discuss ways we all can help protect animals throughout the county.
“The Humane Society of Ventura County has accomplished quite a bit, when you add the numbers up,” said Greg Cooper, Director of Community Outreach for the HSVC. “Considering our meager budget as a private nonprofit, the HSVC continues to provide valuable services to Ventura County in an extraordinary way.”
For more event information 646-6505. For more on the HSVC, visit www.hsvc.org.
Amber has been stealing the hearts of trainers and staff alike.
• Amber is from a private donor in Fillmore. This gorgeous and sweet-natured Belgian Malinois has been stealing the hearts of trainers and staff alike at the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.
Amber has started to learn the search “game” and is working concurrently on Agility, Obedience and Direction & Control. All in all, Amber is quick on the uptake and has a blast training – a winning combination when it comes to being a Search Dog!
Amber grew up in a family of public servants and was very proud to serve her community as a 911 Public Safety Dispatcher for the Ventura Police Department and as a Tactical Dispatcher for the VPD SWAT Team.
Founded in 1996, the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Santa Paula. Their mission is to strengthen disaster response in America by rescuing and recruiting dogs and partnering them with firefighters and other first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters.
It’s not a matter of if, but when the next natural or man-made disaster will occur. To stay prepared, Canine Disaster Search Teams must constantly hone their skills through rigorous training exercises – and what better place to do that than SDF’s National Training Center, specifically designed for Disaster Search Dogs and their Handlers.
The NTC is open to any and all teams from across the U.S. and the world who want to train for disaster response. Designed with training props that can evolve and change, NTC allows trainers and teams to create different search situations that mimic various disaster situations.
SDF headquarters 6800 Wheeler Canyon Rd., Santa Paula, CA 93060 888-4K9HERO Tax ID #77-0412509.
•Top Cabaret and Jazz singers and songwriters will perform at a benefit concert and fundraiser for All For Love Animal Rescue on Saturday, June 2, at Bogart’s Upstairs, inside the AMC Theatres at the Oaks Mall, in Thousand Oaks. The event features special performances by award-winning singer/songwriter Amanda McBroom and Jazz legend Sue Raney. Other performers include the singing duo, Maripat Davis and Richard Osborn, and well-known composer-pianist Shelly Markham.
Amanda McBroom has been called “the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match,” by the New York Times.
Sue Raney was signed by Capitol Records at the age of 17, and recorded her first album called When Your Lover is Gone, with Nelson Riddle.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to All For Love Animal Rescue (AFLAR), a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue organization. AFLAR has rescued hundreds of homeless animals and placed them in loving, forever homes. AFLAR focuses on rescuing animals in the most danger of euthanasia, and depends 100% on charitable donations to rescue, board, and provide medical treatment for the many animals they save.
The event will also feature a silent auction with many items to bid on, opportunity drawings and door prizes, and complimentary snacks and desserts. Tickets for the event are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. Seating is limited, and reservations are recommended. For reservations and tickets, call 445-3535 or purchase tickets at www.AllForLoveAnimalRescue.org/fundraiser.
12:45pm, received a report of a transient disturbing people in the elevator next to Brophy Brothers. Officers responded and assisted Ventura PD with the individual who was eventually arrested for disturbing the peace.
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11:15am, officers deployed the swim line at Harbor Cove beach to help keep boaters out of the swim area of the beach. The swim line is deployed at Harbor Cove before summer and is retrieved before winter each year.
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7:15am, contacted by an individual who observed an injured pelican near Surfers Knoll. Officers responded and found the injured seabird and captured it with a net. It was held until bird rescue picked it up for rehabilitation.
7:21am, received a dispatch to a stroke victim at Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the patient who was treated at the scene and then transported to local hospital for further evaluation.
11:30am, received a report of an injured pelican near Surfers Knoll. Officers responded and discovered the bird. They captured it and released it to sea bird rescue for rehabilitation.
5-13 7:00am, final day/Graduation of Oxnard College Lifeguard Academy being conducted at the Ventura Port District.
6:39pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue, kite surfer in distress off the Ventura Pier. Officers responded in rescue boat 19 and assisted VFD/AMR and State Parks with the call. The kiter was safely returned to shore uninjured.
8:00am, officers raised flags to half-staff in observance of National Peace Officers Day.
Lupe Vasquez, a talented and valued Guild member of many years passed away last month. She will be sorely missed.
Ventura County Potters’ Guild 61st Anniversary Annual Potters’ Guild Show Libbey Park, downtown Ojai.
June 9 &10, Saturday 10 – 6 pm Sunday 10 – 5 pm
The Ventura County Potters’ Guild is a collective of ceramic artists is made up of professional and recreational potters and ceramists; instructors from local high schools and colleges; as well as people with a passion for ceramics. The VCPG began with ten Ventura area potters who came together in 1957 to form a potters’ guild.
This year’s spring sale will be their 61st anniversary of celebrating the Guild’s fine ceramic artists. Various Guild members will demonstration during the day. For more information, call 985-5038.
In July 2010 the VCPG opened its first full-time gallery located in Ventura Harbor at 1567 Spinnaker Drive. The gallery currently features 32 juried VCPG members who take turns working shifts and selling their wares.The Guild has grown from the original 10 to more than 135 members and has expanded beyond Ventura to represent much of southern and central California.
Join in for a festive evening of food, libation and art. Vita Art Center is celebrating its exciting new location and 10 years of bringing arts education and exhibitions to Ventura with a spectacular exhibition from nationally renowned painter John Nava. The exhibit will highlight a monumental 27-foot long tapestry of Surfer’s Point in Ventura. Inspired by Georges Seurat’s iconic, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” The show will also feature a series of paintings and other tapestries.
Your $75 donation will be matched by Buena Tile & Stone who, along with an anonymous donor, have pledged a matching gift of $5,000!
Your generous contribution helps Vita to continue to serve the Ventura community.
28 West Main St. • 644-9214 • www.VitaArtCenter.com
