All posts by admin

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner temporarily increases service to Santa Barbara County

The Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® will temporarily increase train service to Santa Barbara County beginning Saturday, January 20, 2018, by adding one additional roundtrip between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to help accommodate travel demand during the continued closure of Highway 101.

Since train tracks reopened on Thursday, January 11, 2018, following the devastating mudslides near Montecito, the Pacific Surfliner has served as the only viable ground transportation option for thousands of people between Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. In response to the unprecedented demand for train travel in the area, 15 additional railcars were secured from throughout the state to add more than 2,000 seats to the 10 daily Pacific Surfliner trains serving Santa Barbara County.

Even with the additional railcars, which have been operating since Sunday, January 14, Pacific Surfliner trains remain extremely busy, with demand exceeding available seating capacity on many trains. The added roundtrip will supplement the existing Pacific Surfliner service by adding nearly 1,000 more seats and providing an additional travel option into Santa Barbara County until the reopening of Highway 101.

To book travel and receive service updates, visit www.pacificsurfliner.com and follow @PacSurfliners on Twitter. You can also call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or use the Amtrak app.

Kevin Costner to help support community at Thomas Fire Benefit Festival

Kevin’s love, care and concern for this town soon became evident. Photo and article by Pam Baumgardner

I admit, I was nervous to be speaking with three-time Golden Globe and Academy Award winning actor, producer, director and musician, Kevin Costner. I’ve been a long-time fan of his work and have seen him twice in concert with his band Modern West. But within a few moments, I was at ease as I found him as down-to-earth as the Iowan farmer, Ray, he portrayed in the movie Field of Dreams.

Kevin had hoped to be in town for one-on-one interviews to help promote the Thomas Fire Benefit Festival, but the tragic mudslides in Santa Barbara and Montecito had closed down the 101 keeping him homebound so we spoke over the phone and he gave me some background on how the benefit came about.

It was back in 2008 when Kevin reached out to his good friend Tim Hoctor to help produce his concert at Main and California in support of his latest film, “Swing Vote.” It was a huge undertaking, not an easy feat, so it wasn’t something Kevin thought Tim would want to do again, but he made the phone call to Tim who then reached out to Mark Hartley, and the proverbial ball was soon rolling.

Kevin’s love, care and concern for this town soon became evident. He told me it was just days after the start of the Thomas Fire that he knew he had to do something to help. He realizes one can’t know the true devastation of losing one’s home to a wildfire unless you personally have lost your home, but you can be there for people. You can stand with them. And that’s exactly what he wants to do for those who are suffering.

During our conversation Kevin also told me how he had personally taken a drive with a friend to Santa Paula to survey the damage and on their way back he stopped at the home where he grew up at here in Ventura for the first time in forty years. This was his history. The room where his brother left for Vietnam. The same TV room where he saw Jack Ruby shoot Lee Harvey Oswald when Kevin was only four years old, and where little did he know he’d star in a film on the same subject almost thirty years later (JFK).

The Thomas Fire Benefit Festival will be held at Plaza Park on Saturday, February 3, and will kick off with a VIP Chef Experience followed with live music featuring Kevin Costner and Modern West; Olivia Newton John (on her own recovery tour after second bout with breast cancer); three-time platinum hip hop and rap artist from Ventura, Super Duper Kyle; Grammy award winner, Colbie Caillat; Ventura’s own Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and as Mark Hartley teased, there may be a few more bands added. To keep up-to-date and purchase tickets, go to www.ThomasFireBenefit.com.

A community coming together with Thomas Fire fundraisers

Even vehicles will need to be replaced.

The Thomas Fire Fund is a coalition of the United Way, the Red Cross and the Sheriff’s Department. 100% of the funds go directly to those affected by the Thomas Fire. For more information visit http://www.unitedwayla.org/ventura_county_thomas_fire

January is National Mentoring Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is celebrating with some very special events and activities, with a message of volunteerism and thanking First Responders in Ventura County.

All month long, Bigs and Littles will be creating handmade thank-you cards for Ventura County’s First Responders. Bigs and Littles will have the opportunity to present these cards to our local heroes at a special First Responders Lunch on Sunday, January 21st, at the Vagabond Coffee Shop on Thompson. And they will pull free raffle prizes for those First Responders in attendance, which include gifts like tickets to Disneyland!

Thomas Fire Benefit Concert at Discovery Ventura, Friday January 19.

The Concert features The Delgado Brothers, Teresa James and The Rhythm Tramps, The Guy Martin Band and Ray Jaurique and The Uptown Brothers, hosted by Lillian Schwartz, and Ventura’s own, Ashford Gordon and one of Southern California’s favorite comediennes, Denise Carter.

100 % of the net box office funds raised will go to Ventura County FOOD Share food bank as well as the United Way Thomas Fire Fund and the Red Cross Thomas Fire Fund who have partnered with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. Doors will open at 6 PM with Ray Jaurique and The Uptown Brothers scheduled to open at 7 PM.

A free diamond necklace to anyone who lost their home due to the Thomas Fire. To claim they only need to show their ID at Fox Fine Jewelry. There are three necklaces to select from. All necklaces were designed by Fox Fine Jewelry. See ad in this issue for more information.

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club is offering Comic Relief in the form of free admission to victims of the Thomas fire, firefighters and their families and first responders. This offer will last until the end of March, and will be good for all show except for “Special Events. This offer will be on the honor system. Just mention the offer over the phone, or at the box office, and identify yourself as someone affected by the fire, or a firefighter, or first responder, or a family member of a firefighter or first responder, and you will be admitted with no cover charge no questions asked.

Reservation line is 644-1500.

Long beloved for its sense of community and ‘give back’ spirit, Spencer Makenzie’s is planning an ongoing fundraiser for the family of firefighter Cory Iverson, 32, who tragically lost his life fighting the Thomas Fire. The San Diego resident is survived by his wife, Ashley, who is expecting a second child in the spring, as well as a two year old daughter.

Spencer Makenzie’s will donate fifty cents of every bottle sold of their most popular hot sauce, Sweet Chili Fire, into a fund that will be turned over to the family after December 31, 2018. Interested parties can find the hot sauce at Spencer Makenzie’s as well as online.

Thomas Fire Benefit Festival on Saturday, February 3 in Plaza Park with outstanding entertainers and more. See the ad and article in this issue for more information.

Sign up for no-cost CalRecycle fire debris removal program

The deadline is approaching for residents affected by the Thomas Fire to sign up by filing Right-of-Entry forms for no-cost debris removal services from CalRecycle for severely damaged or destroyed property. Through this program, all the work is undertaken by CalRecycle contractors and there is no direct cost to the property owner; however, where applicable, insurance proceeds for debris removal shall be dedicated to offset costs.

“This is an extraordinary benefit for property owners who have suffered devastating losses,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. The program is funded through a combination of federal, state, city and county funds.

The CalRecycle program includes the removal of all burnt debris, foundations, dangerous trees, and contaminated soil. The program also includes soil testing before and after the debris removal to ensure the site is clean and safe for building. In addition, air samples are taken during the debris removal process to protect neighboring properties from hazardous dust and air contaminants.

Fire victims are strongly encouraged to complete and submit a Right-of-Entry form before the January 22, 2018 deadline. Forms are available at venturacountyrecovers.org, the County Government Center, Ventura City Hall, and the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC). The DROC is located at 290 Maple Court, Suite 120. The County Government Center is located at 800 South Victoria Avenue.

The County Environmental Health Division has a special counter at the County Government Center to assist property owners and accept completed Right-of-Entry forms. Property owners unable to go to the Government Center can submit their Right-of-Entry forms and other paperwork by email at [email protected]. Email submittals may take longer to process.

Todd Thalhamer, CalRecycle senior solid waste engineer said, “Our goal is to assist the county in its efforts to clean up the damaged properties and return their communities back to their residents as soon as possible. The sooner residents enroll in the program, the sooner I can bring in additional crews to accomplish that.”

Both the County Government Center and the DROC are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The DROC is also open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. if residents have questions.

We all mourn with the families who lost their homes

by City Council Member Christy Weir

The sudden and fierce Thomas Fire has left a lasting impact on our community. We are proud of our residents and our fire and police departments for facilitating the evacuation of one-fourth of our city within two hectic hours, with no injuries. The fire destroyed over 500 homes in Ventura and we all mourn with the families who lost their possessions and homes. The quick and generous response of our community has been overwhelming, during and after the fire.

Through donations of time, money, household items, food and housing, Venturans have come together to inspire and support one another, moving forward to help those who were impacted. The City has partnered with CalRecycle to quickly clear debris from affected properties, and we are committed to helping each property owner through the permitting and construction process as they rebuild. Three well-loved parks also suffered heavy losses in the fire— Arroyo Verde, Ventura Botanical Gardens and Serra Cross Park. I look forward to collaborating with community volunteers to reconstruct and revitalize these parks as a lasting legacy to the resilience and strength of our beautiful city. We are VenturaStrong!

CAPS Media, Ventura Police and the community

Ventura Police Officer Judson Welfringer shares the latest crime statistics on VPDTV.

The Ventura Police Department is partnering with CAPS Media to produce the Ventura Police Department’s weekly crime and safety update. Tune in every week to TV Channels 6 & 15, on CAPS Radio at 104.1fm and on social media to get some helpful hints on how to stay safe and keep abreast of the latest property crime statistics.

After the holidays, the Pacific High School students returned to the CAPS Media Center for more production and storytelling. They are extremely enthusiastic and talented students. Along with the El Camino High School producers, the Pacific High students and a band of very talented Girl Scouts, the CAPS studio has been brewing with young talent.

CAPS Media broadcast several of the meetings held by the city of Ventura regarding post fire clean-up with strong attendance. Our coverage of these meetings and city council meetings help the public navigate the policies and regulations through this difficult time. There is also time to honor and support the community with announcements of the various city events to raise money for the victims of the Thomas Fire. The Ventura Unified School district is back in session with coverage board meetings, welcoming the district’s new superintendent, David Creswell, and addressing the intellectual, safety and wellbeing of the students in Ventura. Welcome back students.

Our Thomas Fire Stories project is moving forward in collaboration with the Museum of Ventura County, the San Buenaventura Conservancy, ECTV, other agencies and most importantly the public. Everyone in the community is encouraged to join us by sharing their personal stories at the CAPS Media Center utilizing our professional expertise, equipment, studio facilities with distribution on television, radio and the internet. Learn to share your own story by joining the Thomas Fire Story Project. There are hundreds of individual and extraordinary Thomas Fire Stories to share, remember and celebrate. We invite everyone to help us remember and document our common experience.

CAPS Media has set up an easy process for the public to share Thomas Fire Stories and media for the historic project. Simply go to the CAPS Media website homepage at www.capsmedia.org. Find the Thomas Fires Stories image, click on the Read More arrow in the lower right corner. The page presents more details on the project and step-by-step instructions on how to contribute photos, video and other media.

If you have a story to tell or a tribute or thank you to share, send an email to [email protected] or call the CAPS Media Center at 805.658.0500.

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. Come to orientation on the first Thursday of every month to learn how to become an engaged and informed member of CAPS. Member classes include HD videography/camera class held on the 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing class on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) two-part classes on the 4th week. In every training session Member/Producers receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production and more. All classes begin at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road. Once trained, member/producers may check out CAPS Media’s video cameras, tripods, audio gear and other production equipment to record their story and then book postproduction editing suites to craft the story they want to tell. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 805-658-0500.

Monster firestorm

The fireplace was all that remained.

by James Francis Gray

One tentacle of the Thomas fire started in the Koenstein Road neighborhood in upper Ojai with a blown transformer just after 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 4th, 2017. Gusts of fifty mile-an-hour winds whipped the sparks across the landscape destroying many homes, outbuildings and cars. Only a few homes could be saved. It’s a shame to see so many great properties down to ash. I can imagine the homeowners are now on the search for cedar park roofing companies to come down and quote for a new roof along with the architect responsible for the new build.

I witnessed the destruction at Beatrix (Trixi) Scantlin’s property three weeks later. Trixi had shared the main house, built over forty years ago, with her son, Mark Scantlin and his wife, Debbie. Trixi’s younger sister, Erika Lohrenz lived in a Mobile home on the property near their horse corral.

When they spotted the orange glow of the rapidly-approaching fire, they decided to take immediate action and evacuate. They moved their two horses to the top of the hill. In wind so strong it was a struggle to stay on their feet, they got the three cats and a dog to the relative safety of their vehicles. Using flashlights, loaded essentials into two cars, Mark and Debbie’s truck and travel-trailer, then began the terrifying journey down the mountain, caravanning to Highway 150. At Summit School they stopped and watched the fire move closer. At 9:00 p.m. they drove to the Humane Society in Ojai, where they left the cats in safekeeping, then stayed the night in the parking lot.

In the morning the family found themselves in heavy traffic for hours as they made their way to the Port Hueneme Naval Base RV Park where they took up residence in Mark and Debbie’s travel-trailer and a rental travel-trailer.

Mark Scantlin is a fire captain for Federal Fire, stationed on San Nicholas Island.

Bad news arrived in the morning. Everything on the property had burned to the ground. Thankfully, the horses and George, aka Lonesome George, their emu, survived, but sadly, the chickens and peacock did not.

The next several days were chaos, but with strong determination the Scantlins and Erika began the arduous task of putting their lives back together.

They established a camping site named Camp Phoenix higher up on their property. Two travel-trailers, a large wooden table between the two, and a decorated Christmas tree now adorn their new living space. The next order of business was to get the utilities hooked up. After Mark got the power from a generator, he primed their well, over a quarter of a mile away down the steep hillside, and laid new piping up to the campsite.

Trixi said, “When we got back home, the first thing we did was have Mark replace our flag.”

Continue the healing through music

At a time when the fires have left so many in need, we are reminded that music is also an important healing tool after a disaster because of its ability to help people process emotions and because in many ways music is a community activity.

In an effort to continue the healing through music, to thank first responders, to give solace those who have lost so much and to celebrate the best in our community, the Ventura Music Festival will present a special free preview concert on Tuesday, January 23 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Museum of Ventura County Pavilion.

This free event is open to the public and will provide an artist’s preview, entertainment and refreshments. For more information visit http://www.venturamusicfestival.org/.

Vol. 11, No. 8 – Jan 17 – Jan 30, 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 415-8842 for more information.

There is a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., on Wednesdays 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.

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 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.

Contact Bill Garner 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 on the 8th floor at Community Memorial Hospital. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.

Contact Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.

Audubon events

Jan. 21: 8:30 a.m. Ventura Settling Ponds Leader: David Torfeh 647-3325, The settling ponds at the Ventura Harbor are a reliable place to find ducks, grebes, gulls and terns, as well as songbirds and raptors.

Jan. 28: 8:30 a.m. Camino Real Leader: Raeann Koerner 701-1919, Camino Real is a grassy park surrounded by pines and eucalyptus and is an excellent place to see birds. Meet outside the park.

Jan. 18: East Ventura Community Council meeting will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m.  A representative of the Ventura Police Department will give an update on crime and safety. The council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue. Books in good condition are always accepted on behalf of Ventura Friends of the Library. First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road.

For more information, contact John McNally, Chairperson, EVCC 804-7558.

Jan.18: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St. Meeting begins on Thursday at 10 a.m., social beginning at 9:30 a.m. Guests and new members are welcome. Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs. For more information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org or email [email protected]. Telephone: Monday – Thursday 8- 2 p.m. 643-2458

Jan.20: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Bag o’ Books Sale at Hill Road Library on the patio. 1050 S. Hill Road from 10 – 3 p.m. Members of Ventura Friends of the Library can take home a bag of books for $1. For non-members, the price is $3 a bag.

Jan. 20: Ventura County Rising is a community gathering event to be held at Plaza Park at 10 a.m. To bring community members both awareness and inspired action items that can help heal the people of the county, can strengthen the stability of the state and especially the nation and earth.

Jan. 21: 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. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11 a.m. Also a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1 p.m. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Jan.24: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. A representative from the Ventura Fire Department will discuss the response to the Thomas Fire, lessons learned, recovery efforts and plans for the future. The meeting will include an update on the transition to city council election by districts and, as always, an officer from the VPD will be there. The Council meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day. CACC represents citizens between Mills and Victoria bordered by Foothill and Hwy. 126. Call 644-8695 for more information.

Jan.25: The local chapter of the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (Council #128) will hold its monthly meeting. This meeting is open to any person of Portuguese descent or interested in the Portuguese culture. Main Street Restaurant and Steakhouse, 3159 East Main Street at 11:30 a.m. for a 12p.m. no host luncheon/meeting. For more information and reservation, please call Cora Corella at 483-6285.

Jan.25: The Friendship Connection, a group of retired women will be having lunch at Wicked’s Brew, 4561 Market St. at 11:30 am. Suz-Anne Shoblom, Director at Damsel in Distress, will speak about safety for women. Prospective members are welcome to join. Call 659-3460 for more information.

The Alliance has raised the bar

by John Hankins

Nobody does theater like Ventura County, thanks to the six theaters which are part of the Four-Star Theater Alliance, including Ojai ACT … and the thousands of patrons who benefit from a wide diversity of live and lively theater every year.

The Alliance has raised the bar in quality, variety, camaraderie and cooperation since it started during the 2008 season, culminating in a uniquely judged award ceremony complete with scenes and a photo montage. This year’s event honoring the 2017 season was on Jan. 14 at the High Street Theater in Moorpark.

For starters, the Most Outstanding Productions of each of the six theaters are: “Dogfight” (Camarillo Skyway Playhouse), “Young Frankenstein” (Conejo Players Theatre), “Steel Magnolias” (Elite Theatre Company), “My Fair Lady” (High Street Arts Center), “Peter and the Starcatcher” (Ojai Art Center Theater) and “Becky’s New Car” (Santa Paula Theater Center).

“The 2017 winners represent a totally unique, truly memorable array of work produced throughout the area over the last 12 months,” said Courtney Potter, the Alliance’s social media coordinator.

The theaters promote support and respect and share resources, like props, costumes, tech people and actors. They also brainstorm problems and publish a county-wide brochure of all their productions – 31 main stage productions in 2017 alone, ranging from “Agnes of God” to “When We Were Young and Afraid.”

As for the 2018 season, Umali says, “theater has always had many roles to fill in a community: to entertain, to challenge, to educate, to bring audiences together in the sharing of stories.” The upcoming season will do all that and more.

“Shows from the newest, most thought-provoking works of modern playwrights and composers will go up alongside many familiar and beloved favorites. It’s an opportunity to participate in a selection of exceptional theatre as wide and diverse as the community itself,” Umali said.