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Vol. 11, No. 16 – May 9 – May 22, 2018 – Movie Review

Avengers: Infinity War
Review: 3.5 Palm trees out of 4

by Manuel Reynoso

Avengers: Infinity War is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team the Avengers. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Avengers: Infinity War stars an ensemble cast of the previous Marvel films.

With Thanos finally making his move to gather the infinity stones, It’s up to the heroes of Earth and beyond to stop him before he unleashes the terrible might of the 6 infinity stones.

Even as someone who has always been in the periphery of the Marvel movie hype, I still can’t help but feel Infinity War had this monumental feel to it. It’s been ten years since audiences have been introduced to the movie magic that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and for it to coalesce into a single ensemble cast film really is a feat. I went in expecting a film about earth’s mightiest heroes banding together to take down the big baddie; but what I got was a film about loss, dire consequences, and the misguided journey of a single being.

With a cast this large, there was a few issues with pacing throughout the film, particularly within the first hour. As each character was introduced, it was jarring being pulled from one situation to another in just a single cut, especially with each situation being so tonally different. These issues with pacing does not do the film any favors, as the already extremely long run time feels much longer as a result. Thankfully, the problem mostly goes away as soon as the big baddie of the film, Thanos, takes center stage. It’s from here where Infinity War really hits its stride.

I don’t think it’s misleading to say this isn’t so much a story about the Avengers as it is about Thanos. I feel like it’s this change in direction that made this film so much more interesting than the previous Marvel films. The journey of this story is not about a hero this time around, but about its villain. It’s his growth that we see, his motivation, and ultimately his story playing on the screen. Thanos steals the show, and hopefully we start to see more intricate villains such as himself and Killmonger.

Infinity War also played with much heavier themes than the previous films. Loss will be the main recurring theme of this film, and it is something the film does a surprisingly good job at portraying. Every action in this film has consequences, and the emotional weight these themes carry really emphasis that. But, being a Marvel film, it wasn’t all doom and gloom the whole time. So for better or worse, there were still plenty one liners and silly quips throughout the film. While some nail it, particular Chris Pratt and Tom Holland, many others fall flat.

Fans of the previous films have been waiting a decade for Infinity War, and it accomplished being one of the best films of the series. As a stand-alone film, it has its problems. The length, pacing, and the usual cliché writing of Marvel films may dissuade some movie goers. However for me, the sheer scale of this film made it a wild and fun ride from beginning to end, and for the first time I find myself eagerly awaiting the next film in the Avengers line up. PG-13 2h29m

Breeze VERY UNOFFICIAL naming of the green pig & the winner is… HAMLET

The final results of the Breeze VERY UNOFFICIAL naming of the green pig are in. The long list of funny names sent to us by readers were submitted to a panel of Breeze staffers for review and selection. Of the names submitted over 15 received at least one vote. The winning name is HAMLET, which was submitted by Monique Robles who received 3 tickets to the Ronal Reagan Library. Congratulations Monique – you are now famous. Other names that were right behind HAMLET were PIGASSO, HAM SOLO and ALBERT EINSWINE.

And who knows, at next year’s St. Pats Parade the pig might still be named BACON. But let’s get serious, the name of an inflatable green pig is really not very important, but we had fun.

Island Packers celebrates 50 years of connecting people to the Channel Islands

Island Packers, a Ventura institution and longtime concessioner to Channel Islands National Park, is currently celebrating its 50th year of providing transportation, education and research support for California’s Channel Islands. Plans to mark the momentous occasion are currently underway.

Fifty years ago Bill Connally, founder of Island Packers, was inspired with a vision to share the wonders of the Channel Islands by providing excursions to these remote offshore islands.  Early dreams of starting a pack station in the High Sierra evolved into the idea of “packing people” to the Channel Islands when he bought his first vessel, a World War II vintage converted navy launch Island Packer.

To realize his vision, the fondly remembered family patriarch enlisted the help of his wife Lil and their four children. The family christened the vessel Island Packer on Mother’s Day in 1968.

Since its inception the business has always been a family tradition, currently operated by three generations. Today, Island Packers is managed by siblings Mark Connally as company president and Cherryl Connally as vice president and marketing director. Lil Connally is secretary and retired but consults the business, and Jason Wendel (Cherryl ’s son) is a boat captain. Longstanding employee-turned-partner Alex Brodie serves as fleet manager.

The experiences Island Packers offers provide opportunities for the public to learn about the islands and the local marine environment. Since 1969, they have been committed to educating school children and youth groups through their “floating classroom” field trips.

During the month of May, their anniversary month, Island Packers will offer passengers traveling during the month into contention for the “Golden Ticket.” This Grand Prize will be awarded to a lucky traveler, chosen randomly, who will win trips for 4 to all the Islands that Island Packers visits.

From May through the end of the year, Island Packers will operate a coordinated social media contest that rewards followers who post the best picture or island memory with island trips.

On select days in the fall season, Island Packers will celebrate 50 years with several $ 50 fare promotions. Day trips to Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Rosa Islands, as well as “2 for $ 50” fare for Island Wildlife Cruises will be offered. Stay tuned and check our website updates for the specific dates.

For the month of November of this year, Island Packers will offer day trip discount per adult fare for Santa Rosa Island, observing 50 years with $50 fares, up to four fares per customer. Not valid for group reservations or any other discount.

To wrap up this significant year, and in appreciation of our mutual collaboration, Island Packers will offer an evening Harbor Cruise for our local business partners on Wednesday Oct. 3rd.

Island Packers will also be hosting a charity Harbor Cruise on Saturday Oct. 12th, open to the public, and will donate all proceeds to a local charity.

Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit islandpackers.com for up to date listing of all trips.

Vol. 11, No. 16 – May 9 – May 22, 2018 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

4-17

  

8:10pm, received a dispatch to a medical at the 4 points Sheraton. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the patient, 56 year old male who was transported to local hospital for further evaluation.

4-20

 11:40am, received a report of a disabled commercial fishing vessel near the entrance buoy. Officers responded and safely towed the 50ft vessel to its slip.

4-21

 6:33pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue, kite surfer in distress near the Ventura Pier. Officers responded with VFD, State Parks and AMR to the rescue. The kite surfer was assisted to shore, but officers were unable to locate his equipment: kite and the board.

4-23

 5:55pm, received a report of an oil spill at VHV G-dock on a fishing vessel. Officers responded, distributed absorbent boom and pads to the owner of the vessel who applied them to the spill and contained it. Coast Guard / Fish and Wildlife wardens were notified and investigated the incident.

4-25

 3:50pm, received dispatch to a fall victim at 1603 Anchors Way. Officers responded and found the patient near the Port District building. Patrol assisted VFD/AMR in treating and then AMR transported the patient to local hospital.

4-28

 1:05am, while on patrol in the fireboat, officers observed a fishing seiner tender operating without navigation lights in the main channel. After a brief investigation the tender’s voyage was terminated and they returned to their slip

4-29

 6:30am, Ventura Port District Harbor Patrol hosting the Oxnard College lifeguard academy with water drills and classes in the District conference room

6:10pm, while on patrol officers received a report of a lost dog, a Shetland sheepdog that jumped off a vessel and swam to shore. A search of patrols response area was conducted, but unfortunately the dog was not located.

4-30

 11:15am, received a report of a male in his 30’s lighting several fires around the Harbor. Officers responded with VPD/VFD to investigate the reports. After an investigation, all units were unable to locate the subject or new fires.

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9:25pm, received a report of a wounded sea bird near the entrance to VWM A-dock. Officers responded with nets and a cage and were able to catch the bird.

Application process now open at Ventura County Leadership Academy

Applications are currently being accepted for the upcoming Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA). New and emerging leaders who either live or work in Ventura County are encouraged to apply.

The Ventura County Leadership Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership training through an intensive program that delves into the critical issues facing Ventura County. Meeting for a full day once a month, over the course of nine months, participants will learn about topics such as agriculture, healthcare, education, economic development, water, the environment, and more, as part of a diverse cohort of leaders from a variety of sectors, backgrounds, and ages. Cohort members also travel as a group to Sacramento to meet with elected officials and others involved in the legislative process. Another key component of the program is leadership training: encouraging, educating and inspiring the cohort members to gain insight and confidence into their own leadership potential.

Once cohort members graduate, they are then encouraged to take their new knowledge, skills, and relationships and join with the more than 500 other alumni of the program to help to make Ventura County an even better place to live through their work and volunteerism in the community. Many of the top leaders in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors in Ventura County are graduates of the program. They serve on many boards and volunteer with a wide variety of community-based organizations.

The program for Cohort XXIV will start in September 2018 and run through May 2019. Applications for Cohort XXIV are being accepted through May 18, 2018 and can be found at www.vcleadership.org The process is competitive with a limited number of cohort members chosen via an application and interview process. Interviews are conducted during the month of June, with notifications of acceptance arriving in early July.

Many employers will cover the cost of tuition for cohort members; however, VCLA does not turn qualified applicants away due to financial constraints; in addition to flexible payment arrangements, a limited number of partial scholarships are available to applicants in need of assistance via TAP (Tuition Assistance Program).

VCLA seeks diversity in their organization and program participants, encouraging anyone interested to apply.

For more information about VCLA, please email [email protected], reference the website www.vcleadership.org, or find the Ventura County Leadership Academy on Facebook

@Ventura.County.Leadership.Academy or call 665-3504.

Vol. 11, No. 16 – May 9 – May 22, 2018 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Possession of Drugs while Armed with a Loaded Firearm

On April 27 at 9:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911call of a suspicious person in the area. Officers arrived on scene and 26 year old Santa Paula resident Mark Lugo fled behind the bushes and discarded a loaded handgun. Lugo was detained and during the course of the investigation officers found a usable quantity of narcotics on Lugo’s person. Lugo was arrested for possession of drugs while armed with a loaded firearm, a felony, and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Brandishing a Knife and Threats Arrest

On April 30, at approximately 12:45pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a resident brandishing a knife and making death threats at River Haven. The suspect, 55 year old Simi Valley resident Brian Fayard who is a Post Release Offender, had been involved in an argument with another resident. During the argument he brandished a knife and made death threats. Prior to the officers’ arrival, the altercation ended; however when the officers arrived, they were able to locate the suspect at River Haven. The investigation confirmed the suspect had brandished a knife during the argument and threatened to kill the victim.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was booked into Ventura County Jail on the misdemeanor charge of brandishing a knife and the felony charge of making criminal threats.

Attempt Warrant Service

On May 5, at approximately 1:30pm, the Ventura Police Department was asked to assist the Marshalls Service in apprehending a wanted subject 25 year old Ventura resident Miguel Burciaga. As Ventura Police units arrived on scene it was discovered that in an attempt to evade capture, Burciaga climb to the top of a three story apartment building refusing to surrender.

As a precaution for public safety a portion of Wells Rd has been closed between Telegraph Rd. and Loma Vista Rd.

At this time negotiators from the Ventura Police Department are attempting to have Burciaga surrender. No one has been hurt or injured during the incident.

After several hours of negotiating with Burciaga, he finally surrendered to officers on scene. He was taken into custody without incident and booked at Ventura County Jail for multiple warrants and Delaying and Obstructing a Peace Officer.

Lilac Festival in Pine Mountain Club

by Mark Bailey President PMCCPOA

One of the best kept secrets in California remains the quaint “Aspen like” village of Pine Mountain Club (PMC). Located in the Los Padres National Forest at a little over one mile above sea level and nestled between Mt. Pinos and San Emigdio Mountain, Pine Mountain Club is remarkably easy to get to. Just a comfortable and scenic 90-minute drive from Ventura, about 50 minutes north of Magic Mountain. Those in the know often refer to PMC as “the nearby faraway place”.

The Villagers of PMC are already busy preparing for their 36th annual Lilac Festival set for the weekend of May 19th and 20th. It has been estimated that around five thousand visitors join the approximately three thousand locals for a weekend of arts, music, food, fun and family play. About 100 artisan vendors will begin displaying their unique works of art, fashion, jewelry and other creations both days starting at 10am. This is followed on Saturday, by acrobatic skydiving daredevils due to land at 11:00 am. This kicks off our yearly parade through the village center after the singing of our National Anthem by Larry Craig, a live theatre artist with a powerful voice.

Throughout the weekend there will be entertainment for all ages including live music, pony rides, kiddie shows, a small petting zoo, golf, a horseshoe tournament, great food, and a large children’s play area with state of the art slides, inflatable bouncy houses, wall climbing etc. Most restaurants will be featuring live music on their outdoor patios.

Climatology wise, as with any place, the weather in PMC can vary. Typically, in late spring, we can expect blue sunny skies during the day with temperatures in the mid 70’s and crisp clear star filled nights with temperatures in the 40’s.

To get to PMC, take the 126 East to Interstate 5 north and exit at Frazier Park. Go west 18 miles following the signs to the Pine Mountain Club Village. For further information, including vendor applications, please go to our website at www.pmclilacfestival.com.

For fine wine enthusiasts considering visiting PMC, please visit our wine website www.wineinthepines.com for details on our world class wine tasting event taking place this June 9th.

Museum of Ventura County events

The Rubicon Harmonix and the Museum of Ventura County together will present a unique program, May 11, that honors the shared losses of our community from the Thomas Fire, through spoken word and song. The event will begin with a pre-concert wine reception at 5:15 pm and the 75-minute program will start at 6:00 p.m.
Harmonix, a six-member vocal troupe widely known for its appearances at community and Downtown Ventura events, will perform a program of monologues and vocal selections that touch upon the myriad of experiences and emotions shared by so many in the wake of the Thomas Fire. The program will be produced and directed by Rubicon Theatre Artistic Director Brian McDonald, with musical direction provided by Miriam Arichea.

The stories – compiled by local writers Ivor Davis and Michael Sigman, as well as by McDonald and Arichea – are drawn from poetry, social media posts and blogs written immediately after the fire, as well as interviews with Ventura residents.

Out of the Ashes is a collaboration between Rubicon Theatre and the Museum of Ventura County, which is undertaking an extensive project to create a multidimensional, multimedia series of presentations that capture the remarkable stories of the most devastating natural tragedy in county history.
The wine reception will continue after the program, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the persons whose stories were told. Information will also be available to individuals interested in contributing to the Museum’s own compilation of oral histories.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and proceeds will go toward the Museum’s Thomas Fire project. Tickets can be purchased at https://harmonixoutoftheashes.eventbrite.com.

The Museum of Ventura County presents Pedal Pushers! Bicycling in Ventura County, a new exhibit that showcases the bicycle as an object of design as well as personal expression. Everyone is encouraged to ride their bikes to the opening reception at 6 p.m. on May 11 at 100 East Main St.

Shown in conjunction with the Amgen Tour of California, the exhibit will have photos and a racing bike from the Museum’s collection, other bikes and photos on loan from the public. From the convenient and useful city bike to the newest lightweight BMX racer and the tricked-out Lowrider tricycle, this exhibit has something for everyone.

The Pedal Pushers exhibit will be open May 11 through June 17. Admission is included in the Museum’s general admission.

The Museum of Ventura County is open Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.

Karyl Lynn Burns and Jane Anderson discussed her career and new play

“The more you have to bring in humor.”

by Jennifer Tipton

Writer Jane Anderson sat down for a Q & A with Karyl Lynn Burns (Rubicon’s Co-Founder / Producing Artistic Director) on Monday, April 30th before a group of Rubicon supporters, contributors and fans to discuss her career and The Baby Dance: Mixed now playing at the Rubicon. Jane said she dropped out of college in the 1970’s to become an actor and became aware of “what good dialog was”. Writing for theater and television, she has 2 Emmys, received Golden Globe nominations along with other awards. Karyl described Jane as “brave – because she writes not just comedy or tragedy” and Jane explained, “the deeper, more powerful the subject, the more you have to bring in humor!”

The World Premiere of The Baby Dance: Mixed runs at the Rubicon until May 20th. A drama delicately laced with comic overtones, The Baby Dance: Mixed is a compelling and urgent play about race, class, and wanting the perfect child. Read the full review in this issue.