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Vol. 11, No. 15 – Apr 25 – May 8, 2018 – Ventura Music Scene

Michael McDonald at Squashed Grapes, Sunday, April 22, 2018. Photo by Pam Baumgardner

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

It’s out with the old and in with the new, but not just quite yet. Before their final week of jazz music in their current location, Squashed Grapes played host to none other than Michael McDonald, yes that Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and a brilliant solo career which has spanned more than 45 years. The intimate, by-invite-only setting was held Sunday, April 22. What can I say? I love this town.

And speaking of their final week, Adam and Josh of Squashed Grapes have a stellar lineup of jazz before closing their doors while they work on the new location on Main street next to Yolanda’s. Wednesday, June 25 it’s Hans Ottsen Quartet with special guest Jacob Scesney; on Thursday it’s The Ray Mehlbaum Quartet and then finally on Friday, Doug Webb returns with drummer Danny Carey (TOOL) for a huge sendoff party.

The Ventura County Blues Festival will be held this year at the Studio Channel Islands on Saturday, April 28 with Earl Thomas, John Nemeth, Deb Ryder, Alan Wright Band, and Sandy Scott & Blues to the Bone. There will be an after party with Crooked Eye Tommy at El Rey Cantina in Camarillo.

Jeffrey Willerth, is the new director of Namba and he plans to utilize the facility at 47 South Oak Street for what is called the “Music Speaks” series. The first installment will be held on May 5 with Conjunto Tenocelomeh, a band rooted in the Son Jarocho Mexican folk music of Veracruz. Also this month, they’ll have CG Ryche, an amazing percussionist, brilliant showman and filmmaker who will perform and share his inspiring story focused on the importance of ‘perseverance’ as it relates to musicians; Duane Tudahl, author of “Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions 1983-1984” who will explain how he got his hands on the daily recording reports from the Studios Prince visited; and Tim Wickham, a Ventura local with boundless appreciation for Hammond Organs will bring a few of his prized Hammonds and play in a trio in a historical salute to this renown musical instrument. For tickets and information go to NambaArts.com

And finally, if you haven’t already done so, don’t make any out-of-town vacation plans over the weekend of July 14th and 15th; in fact, plan for a “Staycation” for this year’s Surf Rodeo. JD Drury has started to announce the music lineup and I’m super jazzed to learn that not only will Shwayze and The Untouchables be on the bill, but the Long Beach Dub Allstars will be headlining (group features former members of Sublime). I understand a lot more bands will be added over the next month or so but we know that Highway Starr, Kyle Smith, Rising Son, Yachtley Crew, Zepp Heads and of course Raging Arb and the Redheads will be on the bill.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Hardship Assistance Applications for United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund available

United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has approved $281,172 for individual hardship assistance from the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund. This is part of the $1.5 million made available in the current round of assistance funding, with applications for those remaining funds open through April 30.

“Being able to get the funds in the hands of those who need it has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re so grateful to be working with our responsive partners to make the process as simple as possible,” said Eric Harrison, UWVC President & CEO. “We’re looking forward to hearing from more residents to continue dispersing these funds.”

Applications – offered in English and Spanish – and a list of partnering agencies where they can be submitted are available at vcunitedway.org.

Before submitting an application, victims should gather any documentation to substantiate needs, such as rental agreements, campground rental fees, costs replace trade tools (could be prices from online or physical stores) or insurance invoices in preparation of speaking with a case manager.

Eligible applicants are Ventura County residents, and household income limits are determined by family size of 120% AMI or less.

The United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund has grown to more than $4 million. The next phase in disbursements will focus on long-term recovery. To contribute, visit unitedwaythomasfirefund.org.

For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org.

Ventura College Foundation Promises

by Victoria Usher

The Ventura College Foundation is accepting applications for its Ventura College Promise Grant Program, which will give nearly 1,000 Ventura County high school graduates their entire first year of Ventura College free of charge. The Ventura College Promise Grant Program encourages students to further their education and reach their academic goals. For the 2016/2017 academic year, the Promise Program served 946 students, providing $329,000 in financial assistance.

So far this year, the Foundation has received 744 applications for the Promise Program. “The Ventura College Promise Grant Program is unique. In addition to providing financial assistance, it removes many barriers to higher education and provides students with critical support, so that they can complete college,” said Ventura College Foundation’s Jaimee Hanna. “We connect students with health services, a food pantry, and academic counseling,” Hanna said. “In addition, the Foundation’s textbook lending program saves students hundreds of dollars.”

The Ventura College Promise Grant Program, launched during the 2005/2006 school year, and it was the first Promise Program offered in California. Students come from all over the county, the highest numbers coming from Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Ventura. Improving the college-going rate in the community is something that could be helpful in enhancing the quality of our local workforce.

The most popular areas of study for Promise students are nursing, business, psychology, and engineering. The Ventura College Foundation will be awarding a total of $48,400 in Phoenix Scholarships to re-entry students—individuals who must learn new skills and return to school to do so; or who have chosen to return to school after a break in education. Each recipient will receive a scholarship ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Phoenix Scholarship recipients are selected based on their academic goals and progress, along with their financial need. In its 19th year, the positive impact of the Phoenix Scholarship program is reflected in its results: 63 percent of recipients are first-generation college students, 33 percent are single parents and 63 percent are pursuing education and training in the growing health-related fields of nursing, paramedic and emergency medical technology (EMT). “Finding the money and the time to pay for and attend college when you’re already working a job and/or caring for a family requires commitment and sacrifice.

Often, re-entry students are part-time students and, therefore, do not qualify for most traditional scholarships or financial aid,” explained Anne King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “The Phoenix Scholarship, by taking care of most of the student’s direct educational expenses, makes it possible for these students to continue their education, rather than abandoning their goals,” Ventura College Foundation Board Chair Rob van Nieuwburg said back in 1999. The Ventura College Foundation board members recognized there was an adult student population struggling to pay for college when they were already balancing school with working and caring for a family. “The board was inspired by these student’s tenacity to overcome personal challenges in order to attend school and upgrade their skills to make a better life for themselves and their families,” he said.

Ventura Water and MERITO Foundation Partnership Program receives first place honorary award

Happy recipients of the Project of the Year Award.

Ventura Water and MERITO Foundation Education Outreach Partnership has been selected as the First place recipient of the Community Engagement and Outreach Project of the Year Award (small budget) by California Water Environment Association (CWEA). The program brings hundreds of students from Ventura Unified School District per year to the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility for a day of hands-on science based learning that include activities the students conduct. The students also interact with professionals from a variety of STEM fields. Ventura Water staff will receive the honor award at CWEA’s Annual Conference being held at the Sacramento Convention Center, April 17-20.

These students contributed to ongoing scientific research by collecting valuable observations and data on sea bird populations, water quality of creeks, estuaries and other waterways, marine debris at our beaches, and health of our sand beach and rocky intertidal habitats.

The Sixth International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC) took place March 12-16 in San Diego, sponsored by NOAA Marine Debris Program and United Nations Environmental Programme. In one week, over 700 individuals from more than 50 different countries gathered for the first time in seven years as a global marine debris community.

The MERITO Foundation took part in this very important gathering to learn, network and share lessons learned. Rocío Lozano-Knowlton, Executive Director of the MERITO Foundation shared data collected by students over past 3 years and strategies on how to build to empower youth to reduce marine debris at its source, and how to monitor it on our beaches.

The MERITO Foundation received $75,000 from Arcturus Manufacturing Corporation as settlement agreement filed in federal court by Wishtoyo Foundation.

The resolution of the lawsuit filed in March 2017 by Wishtoyo Foundation for the discharge of pollutants into the waterways resulted in Arcturus implementing pollution prevention and control measures at its 10-acre Oxnard metal components and products manufacturing facility and providing $75,000 as a Supplemental Environmental Project (“SEP”) for CA– USE Inc. and to MERITO Foundation.

The MERITO Foundation is implementing needed experiential science education and conservation programs and community outreach for economically unprivileged and STEM underrepresented youth who live near the affected area. MERITO Foundation’s programs and projects analyze, reduce, prevent, and mitigate the ecological effects of stormwater discharges and utilize the SEP funds to serve over 1200 students between March 2018 and February 2019 at Ormond Beach Wetlands, Mugu Lagoon, and the Santa Barbara Channel.

For more information regarding this education program for Ventura youth, contact [email protected]

Villanova Preparatory presenting annual golf tournament

Villanova Preparatory School is celebrating their annual Wildcat Classic Golf Tournament and Dinner at Soule Park Golf Course in Ojai on Friday, May 4.

Registration 10:00 a.m. Tee Time 12:00 p.m. Feast Time 5:00 p.m.

Come join over 100 players in the annual golf tournament with a foursome, support the event as a sponsor, or just come enjoy the fiesta dinner and raffle. Families, friends, alumni, neighbors and public are all welcome! Call the school for information 646-1464 x126, or email [email protected].

This year, the Wildcat Classic goal is to raise over $20,000 to use towards athletics and scholarships. Like many educational establishments, they rely on the generosity of businesses and individuals from the community to assist in providing a quality education for the students.

As a donor to the event your name and/or business will be proudly listed on all event promotion materials for a large number of attendees to see.

Villanova is known for its sense of community and the involvement of its parents and supporters. The event promises to be an excellent opportunity to bring people together for a great cause and great fun.

Since its humble beginning in 1924, Villanova has flourished , Villanova graduates enjoy 100% acceptance to selective colleges and universities in the US and around the world.

Villanova Preparatory School is a non-profit organization exempt from federal income tax as a 501(c)3. All donations are tax deductible.

City of Ventura After-School Program students visited Ventura College Campus for Field Day

Community support is an important component for student success. Photos by Michael Gordon

More than 500 students from the City of Ventura after school programs got a unique college experience on April 11, when they visited the Ventura College (VC) campus for the inaugural Field Day event. Hosted by the VC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, this event gave students the opportunity to interact with athletes, ask questions about college life, and spend the afternoon on campus.

In addition to fun-activities and games, Field Day allowed coaches and college student-athletes to share their collegiate sports and real-life experiences with the next generation. “Ventura College is excited to share the energy and excitement of this event with over 500 future Pirates,” stated Will Cowen, Ventura College Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Over the past three years, VC Intercollegiate Athletics has partnered with the City’s Program Enrichment for After-School Kids (PEAK) and After-School Enrichment & Safety (ASES) programs in a variety of ways.

The Ventura College student-athletes and coaches made more than 24 visits to the after-school programs each Fall.

“Community support is an important component for student success. The City of Ventura is thankful to all of our partners for investing in the future of Ventura students,” stated Mario Robinson, City of Ventura Youth Programs Supervisor.

The City of Ventura Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Department partners with the Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura Police Activities League to provide safe and supervised after-school education through its PEAK and ASES programs.

Applications available for high school and college scholarships

The Museum of Ventura County has announced the opening of the application process for its visual arts scholarships. These scholarships are available to any high school senior preparing to enter college in the fall of 2018 or any continuing college level student of the visual arts who is also a Ventura County resident.

The total amount to be awarded will be $5,000. In past years, individual awards have been $500 or more, depending on need and number of scholarships given. Applicants will be selected by a committee consisting of museum personnel and members of the art and academic community. Awards will be based on artistic merit and commitment as demonstrated by the application, letter of recommendation, essay, and examples of the applicant’s prior work/projects.

Applications are due postmarked by May 1 or delivered in person to the Museum by May 1 at 5 p.m. Applications are available at school’s scholarship offices, online at www.venturamuseum.org, at the Museum, 100 E. Main Street, , or at the Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Ave, Santa Paula.

YMCA Youth and Government Delegates visit Sacramento

YMCA Youth and Government Delegates Julie O’Brien, Youth Programs Director and Wessel Esber, high school senior, stand in front of the Sacramento Capital Building while attending the Model Legislature & Court in Sacramento The trip marked the end of the 2018 Youth and Government Season.

“California YMCA Youth and Government is the most enriching high school experience that I have ever been a part of,” said Wessal Esber.

Vol. 11, No. 15 – Apr 25 – May 8, 2018 – The Pet Page

Little Roni was rescued by Surfcat weeks after the fire; she was treated for serious burns before being adopted by a new family.

• A message of hope for the families of Thomas Fire cats
Surfcat Rescue and Adoptions urges residents to keep looking for their missing cats

The story is heartbreakingly common. During the harrowing first hours of the Thomas Fire, with just minutes to evacuate, many residents were unable to locate and/or catch their cats. They were forced to leave them behind in order to escape the flames that quickly engulfed the hillsides and hundreds of homes. In the days that followed, devastated families searched the charred remains of their neighborhoods and scoured the web pages of local animal rescues in the desperate hope that their cat had somehow survived. When these efforts failed, they grieved, believing their beloved pets had perished in the flames.

But Leslie Weiss, founder of Surfcat Rescue and Adoptions, is reaching out with a message of hope to anyone whose cat is still missing. “We’ve learned valuable lessons from fire cat rescue teams up in Northern California,” explains Weiss. “Even months after the Tubbs Fire, cats that had long since been presumed dead were being trapped and returned to their families! The old cliché that cats have nine lives really isn’t very far from the truth. Given the opportunity, cats will survive. They’ll escape, they’ll hide, and they’ll hunker down and shelter in place until it’s safe to come out. We’re not giving up, and neither should you.”

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, learning from the successes of other rescues faced with similar challenges, Surfcat purchased motion sensor/infrared wildlife cameras, secured donations of plastic storage boxes, food and water bowls, and went to work. Putting the word out on social media, Surfcat made connections with people who were looking for their lost kitties in both the burn areas and in evacuation areas. Setting up “critter cam/feeding stations” and employing expert trappers, Surfcat began identifying, rescuing, and reuniting kitties with their families. These rescues felt like miracles and the reunions gave people who had lost everything new hope for the future.

Surfcat is still in rescue-recover-reunite mode, and has compiled a comprehensive database of cats still missing due to the Thomas Fire. If you lost a cat in the burns areas or in evacuation areas you can register them with Surfcat Rescues and Adoption. Go to www.surfcatcafe.org/thomas-fire/ to register your missing cat or call 500-7125.

Search Team member Cynthia Sato, musician Jack Johnson , dog Roxy, SDF Staff members Serenity Nichols and Denise Sanders at the Jack Johnson and Friend community benefit concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl held on March 18th.

• The night of December 4, 2017, will forever be remembered at the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation as the night that they narrowly escaped disaster at the National Training Center (NTC), when the Thomas Fire raged through the canyon. Though they evacuated all dogs and staff in plenty of time and the main buildings were spared, they did sustain over $2.5 million in damages to Search City, the Train Wreck prop, the historic Boone’s Cabin, and landscape and maintenance equipment throughout the campus. It will take a great deal of time and effort to restore the NTC to its original state.

Just a month after the fire, 18 SDF-trained Search Teams responded to the devastating Montecito mudslides to help search for survivors amidst the debris. The grueling week-long deployment tested the resilience of search and rescue community and proved that inter-agency teamwork and focused determination is a critical part of a strong and reliable emergency response network when the unthinkable occurs.

They are dedicated like never before to rebuilding the NTC and continuing to provide these amazing Search Teams with the essential skills necessary to maintain top deployment readiness.

Disasters will happen, and it’s our job to be ready when they do. To learn more, and to donate to the Foundation visit https://searchdogfoundation.org/.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League seeks participants, visitors, and of course, dog lovers of all ages.

• Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) seeks participants, visitors, and of course, dog lovers of all ages for its much-anticipated 21st Annual Pooch Parade! This unique event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at Ventura Beach Promenade Park.

In addition to the parade, there will be races, pet-related vendors and displays, food, live music, beer and wine, demos, a silent auction and fun contests and 5k and10k races.

Registration forms, and fees are available online at poochparade.org. T-shirts will be given to the first 250 entrants.

A Silent Auction featuring hundreds of special items will be held on-site. Proceeds will help pay for supplies and medical care for dogs and puppies in C.A.R.L.’s Second Chance Program.

C.A.R.L is a non-profit, Ventura County-based organization almost entirely run by volunteers. For more information, email [email protected] or visit poochparade.org or carldogs.org.

Beloved pet and companion of Raul Acosta. “Trouble” was 13 years old and a proud member of the Buddy Nation family. “Trouble” loved his walks on the beach and he is at rest there now. He is sorely missed by Raul, Cappi, Patti, Gill, Danny, Betty, Debi, Regina, Janet, Stephanie, Copper, Orange, Charlie, Jack, Alice and his Harbor Boulevard friends.

One in three U.S. children is obese

Learning batting techniques was part of Healthy Kids Day at the Y. Photo by Michael Gordon

Importance of keeping kids’ bodies and minds active when out of school was presented by the YMCA on Saturday, April 21. One in three U.S. children is obese, and when summertime hits, kids will be more idle. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. Healthy Kids Day was an opportunity for the community to focus on what kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.

Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being. The event featured activities to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home throughout the summer months. The event organizers decided to invest in some baseball chalk machines, as well as four football goals, to prepare for the fun-filled day. Children who were attending the event were encouraged to bring their own equipment such as footballs, tennis rackets, etc.

This year’s Healthy Kids Day was had a pirate-theme and included a treasure hunt, a drawing for prizes, arts & crafts, and games. This year’s activities included football, Pitch Hit & Run® competition, rock wall, baseball and Jolly Jumps.

Kids also had a chance to see and thank the Police Department, the Fire Department, and the EMT for their work helping the community during the Thomas Fire.

The YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Road