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Cabrillo offers free financial counseling services

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s Homebuyer and Financial Services offers free financial education services to Ventura County residents.

“Clients benefit by receiving free guidance on financial and housing goals and end up with better control of spending and savings. They will receive a personalized action plan so that they may achieve their goals quicker. They also receive additional resources suitable to their situation,” said Homebuyer and Financial Services Housing Counselor Heidi Reyes

Counseling sessions are private, one-on-one sessions with a housing counselor and include a free credit report.

Cabrillo counselors will work with clients to help them understand the importance of a positive credit report and to develop a spending and savings plan to provide the financial tools to establish, repair or maintain good credit to meet their personal goals.

“Financial counseling results in confidence in decision making for Ventura County families,” Reyes said.
Topics covered include:

  • Budget and Credit Counseling
  • Help with purchasing a Home
  • Budget review and goal setting

To schedule an appointment today, call 659-6869 or email [email protected].

Museum of Ventura County opening new exhibit, Natural State, May 18

The Museum of Ventura County will be opening a new exhibit, Natural State, May 18, featuring the work of the Museum’s first artist-in-residence Ryan Carr. Using large scale paintings and drawings, the focus of Carr’s work is the invasive species of plants along the Ventura River, the Channel Islands and other areas of Ventura County. Carr will also be incorporating letter press printing techniques he learned while interning with Norman Clayton, who is considered one of the finest living printers on the West Coast. Unique wallpaper created by the artist, following the transition of Charles Burchfield, will be installed, as well as a floral installation that speaks to Carr’s work and adds depth to the exhibit.

Natural State will be on display at the Museum from May 18 to August 12. For more information visit venturamuseum.org or call 653-0323.

City of Ventura 2017 Uniform Crime Reporting

The City of Ventura’s Part 1 Per Capita Crime dipped slightly in 2017 to 37.7 per thousand residents, compared to 38 percent in 2016.

Despite the slight drop in overall crime, serious and violent crime increased significantly. Violent crime increased 25 percent with 460 reported violent crimes. This is the highest number of violent crimes in Ventura in over 25 years, and an increase of 92 Violent Crimes compared to 2016.

Aggravated (Felony) Assaults had the most significant increase of 43% with 86 more felony assaults than in 2016. Gang Involvement was known or suspected in 22% of the cases and felony domestic violence accounted for 25%. 68% of the reported aggravated felony assaults were cleared by arrest or arrest warrant, significantly above the national average of 53 percent.

Reported sexual assaults for 2017 rose by 20 percent, including an increase of 8 child molestations and 7 additional reported rapes of an incapacitated or drugged victim.

Overall violent crime clearance rates (crime solved by arrest or arrest warrant) was 56.7 percent – more than 10 points above the national average (46.6 percent).

Reported property crimes in Ventura decreased by 2.8 percent in 2017 with a total of 3,655, compared to 3,762 in 2016. (107 less reported crimes).

These numbers reflect a reduction of 75 fewer commercial burglaries, but residential burglaries rose with 32 more incidents (289 vs 257).

Vol. 11, No. 16 – May 9 – May 22, 2018 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Mondays: Milo
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesday: Mark David McKinnis
Thursdays: Bluegrass Jam
Fri 5/11: Teresa Russell & Stephen
Sat 5/12: CRV Trio
Sun 5/13: 805 Allstars
Fri 5/18: Corsican Brothers
Sat 5/19: RJ Mischo & Paris Slim
Sun 5/20: Ken Devoe

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Friday and Saturdays: DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 5/8: Big Adventure
Thurs 5/10: Self Righteous Bros.
Fri 5/11: Action Down
Sat 5/12: InStone
Tues 5/15: Jazz Expressions
Wed 5/16: Donna Butler
Thurs 5/17: Coso Live
Fri 5/18: Soul Infusion
Sat 5/19: David Prince Band
Tues 5/22: Donna Butler

Cask Alehouse
5952 Telegraph Road
Sat 5/12: Doc Ventura
Sun 5/13: Milo Sledge
Sat 5/19: Mason Summit
Sun 5/20: Erick Knierim

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Fri 5/11: Havana 5
Sun 5/13: Kenny’s House Troubadours
Fri 5/18: Brandon Ragan’s Project
Sat 5/19: Havana 5
Sun 5/20: Brandon Ragan

Dargan’s Irish Pub
593 E. Main Street
Sun 5/20: 4 pm Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 5/10: Fire Stick w/ Kavika G & the Cosmic Geckos
Fri 5/11: High Voltage
Wed 5/16: Mike Love with Cas Haley
Thurs 5/17: Kyle Smith band w/ Special Blend
Fri 5/18: Heavy Petty
Sun 5/20: The Outlaws, Crooked Eye Tommy

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: Xoco Moraza & Friends (5-7 pm)

Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Mondays: Karaoke
Thurs 5/10: New Candys
Fri 5/11: Jason Steady & the Soft Ponies, Pety Sympathy, GRRLS…
Fri 5/18: Niantic, Actionesse, Gatto di Morte
Sat 5/19: Parker Edison & Evolve One, Soul Providers, more

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wed 6 pm; Thurs 7 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm
Wed 5/9: Bluegrass
Thurs 5/10: The Groove Lounge
Fri 5/11: Johnny Douglas
Sat 5/12: RJ Mischo Blues Band
Sun 5/13: Stephen Inglis (11 am); Dive Bar Steve and Friends (3 pm)
Fri 5/18: Vonettes
Sat 5/19: Otis Hayes
Sun 5/20: Bob Bishop

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Wednesdays: Open Mic w/ the Beers Brothers
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 5/11: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Billy Vera & the Beaters
Sat 5/12: MisUnderstood
Fri 5/18: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Dany Franchi

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues, Wed and Sun: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 5/11: Pull the Trigger
Sat 5/12: Wax Off
Fri 5/18: Sean Wiggins
Sat 5/19: DJ Aaron Van Gundy

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: Galactic Jazz
Thurs 5/10: Robert Quindaro
Sat 5/12: Boom Duo

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 6 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 5/10: Big Tweed
Sat 5/12: Tom Buenger
Sun 5/13: Sam Kulchin
Thurs 5/17: Tom & Milo
Sat 5/19: Ventucky String Band
Sun 5/20: Will Breman

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Sun 5/13: X Ambassadors

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri and Sat 6 pm; Sun 4 pm
Wed 5/9: Karen Eden
Fri 5/11: Operation 90s
Sat 5/12: Cross Cut 805
Sun 5/13: Karen Eden
Mon 5/14: Bobby Campbell
Tues 5/15: Dave Rea
Wed 5/16: Karen Eden
Fri 5/18: Blown Over
Sat 5/19: Dave Bar Messiahs
Sun 5/20: Colette Lovejoy Band

Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street
Thurs 5/10: Munch w/ Pablo DeReyes (11:30 – 1:30)
Fri 5/11: Out of the Ashes
Sun 5/13: Camerata Pacifica
Thurs 5/17: Munch w/ Rachel Sedacca
Sat 5/19: Laurence Juber

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wed: Karaoke
Fri 5/11: Live Band Karaoke

Pacific View Mall
3301 E. Main Street
Fri 5/18: Food Truck Fridays w/ The Ramblers (6 pm)

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Plan B Wine Cellars
3520 Arundell Circle #107
Sun 5/13: Caught Red Handed

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Mon 5/14: Dick Parent Band

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 5/12: Dan McNay
Sun 5/13: Dennis and Laura
Sat 5/19: Jacob Vossler
Sun 5/20: Bruce Mancuso

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 5/11: Sick Boy
Fri 5/18: Johnny Hellhole
Sat 5/19: Brutalist, Joe Normal & the Anytowners

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Sunday music 3 -6 pm
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 5/11: Shawn Jones
Sat 5/12: Jan Michael & the Vincents
Fri 5/18: Whiskey Stone
Sat 5/19: Automatics

Surf n’ Suds
San Buenaventura State Beach
Sat 5/19: Crosscut 805, DJ Hecktik, After the Smoke

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Sat 5/12: The Shoreline
Fri 5/18: Steezy Steve
Sat 5/19: Tmii DJ

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
(805) 640-1190
Music 4-6 unless otherwise noted
Sat 5/12: The Salty Suites (1-3); The Dales
Sun 5/13: Nathan McEuen
Sat 5/19: Jamie Drake
Sun 5/20; Patricia Avis Trio

Ventura County Fairgrounds
Sun 5/20; SMO – Rancho Humilde, Legado, Los Hijos de Garcia…

Ventura Comedy Club
Ventura Harbor Village
Fri 5/18: Dry Creek Strangers
Sun 5/19: Tom Scott and LA Express

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Sundays music at 2 pm
Thurs 5/10: Stone Cold Soul
Fri 5/11: Jodi Farrell & Jim Rankin
Sat 5/12: Frank Barajas & the Corsican Bros.
Thurs 5/17: Karyn 805
Fri 5/18: James Bros.
Sat 5/19: Kevin Langdon & Friends
Sun 5/20; Toni Jannotta

Wicked’s Brew
4561 Market Street
Wed 5/9: Steve Ormond
Sat 5/12: Ashun
Wed 5/16: The Ragtime Brothers
Sat 5/19: The Swillys
Sun 5/20: The Ragtime Brothers

Winchester’s
632 E. Main Street
(805) 653-7446
Music at 8:30 pm
Fri 5/11: The James Bros.
Sat 5/12: Aaron Pax Taylor
Fri 5/18: Two’s Company
Sat 5/19: Jodi Farrell & Jim Rankin
Sun 5/20: Karen Eden (2:30-5:30)

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun with Kenny Devoe
Fridays 5-7: Sing-a-long with Kenny Devoe

Open House at CAPS Media Center

A large gathering enjoyed the food and friendship at the CAPS Media Open House.

Thanks to everyone who joined in the CAPS Media Open House on May 3rd. at the CAPS Media Center. Member/Producers, students, board members and the public joined in to tour the facility, recognize award-winning producers, sit-in as DJ of the Day in the KPPQ radio control room, screen previews of Thomas Fire Stories, and learn what it takes to master the tools and techniques needed to produce television and radio programming. The engaging event was exceptionally well attended by the community with many guests surprised to learn how easy it is to become a member of CAPS Media. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in Ventura can take advantage of CAPS Media’s exceptional training and extensive resources for $25 per year. Likewise, any County non-profit org can join and include four organizational members for $75 per year.

CAPS Media’s Digital Storytelling Summer Camp is accepting reservations for a limited number of three-day sessions. Every week crew members receive hands-on instruction in the use of video cameras, audio, lighting, studio production and postproduction editing. The fast paced, activity packed camps are directed by CAPS Media professional staff aided by energetic high school interns from El Camino’s award winning ECTV media program. Digital Storytelling Summer Sessions include the teamwork and skills needed to produce comedy shows, commercials, documentaries, news reporting and more – all from the POV of the Digital Storytelling crew members. To learn more or sign up call the CAPS Media Center, 805.658.0500 or go to capsmedia.org.

The Thomas Fire Stories Project continues to discover and record fascinating and engaging first-person stories throughout the community. In the first few months CAPS Media crews have recorded dozens of captivating stories and personal accounts by fire fighters, first responders, and members of the public impacted by the fire. Everyone with a story to tell is encouraged to share their experience. Selected stories will air and stream on CAPS Television, CAPS radio (KPPQ 104.1 FM) and may be included in a comprehensive Thomas Fire documentary. All of the recordings will be added to the historic archival project at the Museum of Ventura County.

Graduation time is nearly upon us and CAPS Media will continue the tradition of recording, broadcasting and streaming graduation ceremonies for Ventura College (May 18), El Camino High School (June 8) and Foothill Technical High School (June 14).

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. CAPS Media manages two television channels (6 & 15) and an FM Radio channel (KPPQ 104.1FM). Membership fees are $25 per year for television and $50 per year for radio. Membership includes training and access to video and audio production and postproduction equipment. General orientation sessions are on the first Thursday of every month, videography classes are on the 2nd Thursday, video editing classes are on the 3rd Thursday and radio classes are typically on Wednesday and Thursday of the 4th week of the month. All classes begin at 6pm. For more information, go to capsmedia.org or call 658-0500.

Vol. 11, No. 16 – May 9 – May 22, 2018 – The Pet Page

• On Saturday, May 5, CARL’s (Canine Adoption and Rescue League) 21st annual Pooch Parade was held at the Ventura Beach Promenade Park on a beautiful (but slightly windy)Ventura day. The new Bluefang Dogathon 5K & 10k races were not just another race, they were all about the dogs with over 200 dogs participating in the largest dog running event in Southern California.

Each dog participant scampered away with their own bandana, medal and a chance to try out the new activity tracking collar by Bluefang. The money raised from the event help pay for the wonderful services that CARL provides for dogs. Their thrift store will be re-locating to a very convenient location in mid-town in the near future.

The races were for both the human and the dogs and had age group awards for the 5K, 10K and special top dog awards so there were many winners.

There was dog competition for agility, best kisser, cutest, best dressed and the always exciting Ventura K9 demonstrations and a silent auction. Outstanding music was presented by The Seaside Band and several food trucks provided an array of food choices.

The Pooch Parade is Ventura’s biggest dog-themed event of the year. For over two decades, Ventura County has come out with their best friends to walk with them, shop with them, have a beer at the beach with them. It was a great day for the dogs and the humans who enjoyed seeing, and petting the many shapes, sizes and colors of dogs that were there.

The huge amount of tennis balls provided by the Ventura Breeze for the dogs were gone even before the event was over.

• SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends.

In the SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main) Friday, May 11th.

Please call to schedule an appointment 584-3823.

• By Victoria Usher

Animal researchers have long focused on behavioral differences within the same species. James Serpell, the Marie A. Moore Professor of Ethics and Animal Welfare at Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, suggests that these differences are influenced by pet owner’s personalities. His study collected data from 1,564 Cocker Spaniel owners and found a strong correlation between owner traits and pet traits.

According to his study, harsh methods of training dogs, such as beating or using shock collars, led to aggressive habits, such as persistent barking and separation anxiety. In addition, emotionally stable pet owners reported less instances of their dogs urinating in the house when left alone. Research from biologists at the University of Vienna and Oxford showed consistent findings —the dogs in their experiment mimicked the actions of their owners.

Two groups of dogs were taught to open a box with their heads and their paws, whereas their owners would only open boxes with their hands. Dogs that mimicked their owners by opening with their paws learned the skill, on average, three times as fast as the dogs that did not mimic their owners.

Since the data was drawn from self-reported surveys, the study’s conclusions may not be completely accurate. Still, James Serpell has said that his research warrants further exploration and could help pet owners train their pets more effectively.

Preserving an American tradition like no other

Flying trapeze artists thrill the audience at Circus Vargas.

The big one is back! Circus Vargas delivers the ultimate entertainment extravaganza for 2018! Debuting their latest, new and amazing production in Ventura, the much-anticipated tour runs May 24th through 28th at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, returning to the area next month in Santa Barbara June 21st through 25th.

Always fun for the entire family, Circus Vargas’ incredible new production highlights an amazing cast of world renowned performers! Death- Defying Acrobats, Daredevils, Flying Trapeze Artists, Jugglers, Contortionists, Comedians, Clowns, Motorcycles and much, much, more!

Get ready to unleash your imagination and discover a world of pure circus magic and wonderment under the Big Top, where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime!

Attend for a swashbuckling circus spectacular, with this year’s theme “Dreaming of Pirates!” A fantastic voyage of nonstop action and adventure guaranteed to thrill and enchant children of all ages!

Arrive 45 minutes early for an entertaining, interactive pre-show celebration, where kids can create their own magic under the big top, learning circus skills such as juggling, balancing and more! Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance. Capture the fun by posing for pics or selfies with your favorite cast members.

Circus Vargas has accomplished a feat even more difficult than some might have believed possible. They have created an incredible animal- free circus production that still manages to deliver audiences the nostalgic, authentic, traditional circus feel that fans love, albeit without the animal factor. So why no animals?

“We receive many inquiries as to why Circus Vargas’ current productions do not include animal acts,” says Rolanda Kaiser, PR Director. “The creative concept behind the reincarnation of Circus Vargas has simply been a natural progression in the long and stellar careers of owners Nelson and Katya Quiroga. Having performed as acrobats and aerialists with some of the most famous circuses in the world, Nelson has always gravitated toward the acrobatic aspect of circus. Katya, a former ballerina, leans toward the artistic, balletic aspect, the beauty of movement and the human form. For them, Circus Vargas is the culmination of their two passions. The current productions, born of their artistic collaboration, are based on the human aspect of their combined circus experiences and expertise.”

Circus Vargas’ new owners are former acrobats and are doing what they know best. Although some might not imagine a circus without animals, the circus is really so much more! It’s a feeling, an experience. It’s that giddy excitement that overcomes you the moment you’ve entered the big top in excited anticipation, wondering what spectacular things are awaiting to be seen! “Circus Vargas is absolutely circus at its best,” says Rolanda, “and it just happens to be animal-free”.

For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and

A Night to Remember: A prom for students with special needs

Mission Church is set to sponsor the seventh annual A Night to Remember, a free prom for students with special needs, to be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Friday, May 18th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“There is nothing quite like this night and experience for both our guests and volunteers. It’s like a picture of heaven on earth,” explained Mike Hickerson, Lead Pastor at Mission Church. “When everyone is out on the dance floor together, we all recognize that we’re not that much different from each other, and it just feels like something is right in the world.”

The night includes dresses and tuxedos, hairstyling, makeup and corsages or boutonnieres, limo rides and a walk down a red carpet cheered on by paparazzi. Each guest is accompanied by a student host from the community, given a formal photo, special desserts and treats and a night of dancing with a professional DJ.

“This event is not just a special night, but a night that has impacts our community all year long; we have watched our guests make friends with other students in their high schools and continue those friendships for years to come,” said Jen Oakes, NTR’s Event Director.

Over 400 guests and 2,000 volunteers are expected to celebrate together on this special night that will truly be A Night to Remember.

Mission Church, 2875 Elba St. www.missionventura.com | www.facebook.com/missionventura

For more information [email protected] or 626.8850.

State Beach Bike Path to close intermittently for repairs

California State Parks is closing the bicycle path located at San Buenaventura State Beach, that runs from San Pedro Street to the south side of the Ventura Pier from May 21 – June 8, as the entire bike path is receiving an upgrade and will be repaved.

There is an alternative dirt path adjacent to the paved bicycle path from San Pedro Street to the San Buenaventura State Beach Lifeguard Headquarters.

Past the lifeguard headquarters there is no alternative path. Pedestrians can cross the same area by accessing the beach. Dogs are not allowed on the beach at San Buenaventura State Beach.

Crews will be working Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information regarding the closure of the bike please contact Tyson Butzke at 331-8014, or visit ca.parks.gov.