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Vol. 11, No. 14 – Apr 11 – Apr 24, 2018 – Opinion/Editorial

• Mayor Neal Andrews, who has been struggling with health problems, seems to be doing much better. He recently presented his State of the City message and looked good. Poor guy finally becomes mayor and then he has to deal with the aftermath of the fire.

•I know that some people are not happy with FEMA, but consider this. If not for FEMA, Ventura would have a serious financial crisis on its hands (even with Measure O).

Thomas Fire costs:

  • Estimated cost to Ventura: $67 million
  • FEMA reimbursement: $46 million
  • CDAA reimbursement: $4 million
  • Insurance reimbursement: $12 million
  • Estimated to be paid out of pocket by city: $5 million

• We had a 5.3 earthquake off of our coast last Thursday and I didn’t even feel it. Savana the cat sure did – she went bonkers running around the house. The quake was the strongest in Southern California in many years, but caused no major damage and was not strong enough to create a tsunami. It did cause some minor slides on Santa Cruz Island.

• After the retirement of Mark Watkins, the city is looking to hire a new city manager. Assistant City Manager Dan Paranick is serving the role currently. I don’t know the inner workings of our government but as an outsider he seems to be doing an excellent job. I hope that he is being considered for the permanent position.

Our new Ventura Water General Manager Kevin Brown assumed his position just weeks prior to the Thomas Fire. He has had to deal with the many questions of why there was not sufficient water to fight the fires. I stood with firefighters watching homes burn down to the ground (still in my mind).

The Breeze has been trying to find out why there was not adequate water but we haven’t been able to obtain answers yet. I also would like to find out what is being done so we have adequate water during the next fire.

• Like all of you, I look forward to seeing if our new system of voting for city council members by district serves us well. I’m not convinced it will but will save my final judgement until after the next council election (and even before, perhaps, after seeing who runs).

• A sharp spike in vaping and the use of e-cigarettes by students has grabbed the attention of the US Food and Drug Administration. It cited a 900% increase in e-cigarette use by high school students from 2011 to 2015, and the 2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey noted that 1.7 million high school students said they had used e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days. A gateway drug, I think so?

•I saw on the news that a U.S. general explained that we have ISIS on the one-yard line and will soon push them into the end zone. If you don’t know football, that is called a “safety” and is good for 2 points. So when that happens will be leading 2-0, well on our way to victory.

• Ventura School Superintendent David Creswell has mandated that the Ventura Unified School District provides ethnic studies classes for all students in the coming years (with some being offered very soon). This was partially based upon Balboa Middle School (and the district) coming under attack after much bullying at the school which appeared to be racially motivated. The principal of the school was replaced.

A steering committee for ethnic and social justice studies was formed earlier this year. Members of the committee recently gave a presentation to the school board explaining their goals, and what they have accomplished so far. I think this a very good idea. Bullying of any sort remains a problem in our schools.

•A sustainable shellfish farming operation could be coming to Ventura. The Ventura Shellfish Enterprise has been in the works since 2015 to farm mussels in the federal waters off our coast. It would provide fresh, locally caught mussels and create hundreds of local jobs. The project could start within two to three years. I don’t know anything about shellfish farming, but if it brings new jobs to Ventura it sounds good to me.

•The City Council has weighed in on the national discussion on gun ownership and legislation.

City Council members Cheryl Heitmann, Matt La-Vere and Erik Nasarenko asked the council to consider a policy request designed to make it harder to own a gun. The council approved calling for stronger gun legislation. Even though this action does not have a legal ramification, it’s nice that they took a stand.

Roughly two-thirds of gun deaths are suicides and they have been increasing each year. I doubt people buy a guns with the idea that one day they will kill themselves, or a family member.

I know that “people kill people” and not guns, but it sure is easier to kill a whole bunch of people with an AK-15 Assault Rifle as compared to a knife.

•Days after Delta Air Lines announced it would stop offering discounted fares to National Rifle Association members, a top Georgia Republican retaliated, vowing to kill legislation that would hand the airline a lucrative tax break.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle (R) demanded that Atlanta-based Delta, one of the state’s largest employers, make a choice: Stop punishing the NRA, or watch Republican lawmakers strike down a $50 million sales tax exemption on jet fuel, of which Delta would be the primary beneficiary.

This really bothers me. Not because it is the NRA, but because states should not get involved in this type of activity. If Delta Air Lines announced it would stop offering discounted fares to employees of McDonald’s would Georgia Republicans retaliate and stop eating them?

•And, last but not least, it’s been one year since my beloved canine friend, Scamp, went to doggie heaven. If dogs don’t go to people heaven, then I’m not going. Actually, I don’t believe in heaven anyway so don’t need to worry about it. I miss the little guy every day. It’s little things such as dropping crumbs while eating. The little guy loved to “clean up” now I need to.

Vol. 11, No. 14 – Apr 11 – Apr 24, 2018 – Forever Homes Wanted

Bertha was left behind at a hotel and her previous owners never came back for her ( I hope they at least paid for her room). She was scared and confused but never lost her sweet disposition. All she wants is to be loved and feel safe. She spent time in a foster home and her foster family can’t stop gushing over her.

She is coming out of her shell a little more every day, and with a patient, loving new owner, we know she will blossom and be the happy dog she deserves to be. Can you be the one to give her the chance at a new life? Bertha A682393

Hi: I’m Desi a beautiful Catahoula / Am. Staff. Terrier mix. Although I don’t look like it or act like it, I’m 8 years old. I’m good with dogs with proper introductions, but prefer to be the only dog in the home. I do not care for cats at all(they never listen to me). I do great on a leash and would make a great walking or jogging partner. I also enjoy the water. I’m available to foster or adopt! Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Yes, you can stop smoking

“Maybe it is time for me to stop smoking!”

I’ve smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 40 years—what’s the use of quitting now? Will I even be able to quit after all this time?

No matter your age, quitting smoking improves your health. Consider vaping to ease your transition, for example you could buy the davinci vaporizer. If you quit smoking, you are likely to add years to your life, breathe more easily, have more energy, and save money. You will also:

  • Improve your sense of taste and smell
  • Stop smelling like smoke
  • Set a healthy example for your children and grandchildren
  • Smoking shortens your life. It causes about 1 of every 5 deaths in the United States each year.

Smoking makes millions of Americans sick by causing:

  • Lung disease. Smoking damages your lungs and airways, sometimes causing chronic bronchitis. It can also cause emphysema, which destroys your lungs, making it very hard for you to breathe.
  • Heart disease. Smoking increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Cancer. Smoking can lead to cancer of the lung, mouth, larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix.
  • Respiratory problems. If you smoke, you are more likely than a nonsmoker to get the flu, pneumonia, or other infections that can interfere with your breathing.
  • Osteoporosis. If you smoke, your chance of developing osteoporosis (weak bones) is greater.
  • Eye diseases. Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that makes cigarettes so addictive. With vapes, similar to the ones that are found at MagicVaporizers, you can modify the levels of nicotine. It’s one reason why the first few weeks after quitting are the hardest. Although some people who give up smoking have no withdrawal symptoms, many people continue to have strong cravings for cigarettes. They also may feel grumpy, hungry, or tired. Some people have headaches, feel depressed, or have problems sleeping or concentrating. These symptoms fade over time. Smoking is not good for your health, neither is it for anyone else in the house (if you smoke indoors). This causes smoke pollution in your home and make it more susceptible for family members to suffer from passive smoking, which is harmful. If you do smoke within your home, it may be best for you to stop or even invest in a window fan through sites like topwindowfans.com, that will blow all the smoke outside and allow you to breath within your own home.

Many people say the first step to quitting smoking successfully is to make a firm decision to quit and pick a definite date to stop. Then, you’ll need to make a clear plan for how you will stick to it. You may need to try many approaches to find what works best for you. For example, you might:

  • Talk with your doctor.
  • Make a plan for dealing with urges to smoke.
  • Read self-help information.
  • Go to individual or group counseling.
  • Try the online mobile tools from Smokefree60+ at www.60plus.smokefree.gov.
  • Ask a friend for help.
  • Take medicine to help with symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

If at first you don’t succeed, you are not a failure. You can try again and be successful. If you were able to quit smoking for just 24 hours in the past few months or weeks, you have doubled your chances of quitting for good in the coming year!

Vol. 11, No. 14 – Apr 11 – Apr 24, 2018 – Ojai News & Events

Guyon Perez, Hannah Cunningham and Emma Randolph (all 18) during rehearsal at Villanova.

Villanova’s immensely creative talent manifests each year in the form of its spring musical. This year, students’ hard work comes to life on stage as they present Beauty and the Beast. The musical will run from Thursday, April 19th to Sunday, April 22nd. Performances are at 7:00 pm each night. Tickets are $10.

Villanova’s annual spring musical would not be possible without the extreme dedication of the students who work both on and off stage. Beauty and the Beast will be held in Villanova’s outside amphitheater. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs and prepare for the weather. 12096 N. Ventura Ave. 646-1464 x126

The Ojai Community Chorus will feature a delightful musical tour of the United States and around the world, featuring such favorites as “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Cabaret.” The chorus will be joined by a children’ s ensemble and accompanied by a fabulous local band. Sat., May 5 at 7 p.m. and Sun., May 6, at 3 p.m. at the Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Rd., 640-0468 for additional information. Tickets are available at ojaichorus.brownpapertickets.com. They will be available at the door for an additional $5. ojaichorus.wordpress.com.

Andrew Morris will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, to deliver a presentation titled “A Spirituality of Imperfection at Work.” Morris comes from CSU Channel Islands, and is the third speaker in this season’s CI Library Lecture Series.

CSU Channel Islands hosts dozens of free public lectures at libraries throughout Ventura County as part of this program. The lecturers are experts from numerous departments.

Author Elizabeth Gould will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, to deliver a presentation on her book Your Best Health by Friday. Learn how childhood trauma can kill us as adults, why our left-brain dominant society is facing so much illness, and action steps to develop the right hemisphere to heal.

Gould began writing for one reason: she was too sick to return to her career as an import operations manager for a large women’s clothing manufacturer. When she started she had no idea how to write professionally and had not written at all since college. Six years later she had not only gotten the hang of writing, she was also a lot healthier.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian 218-9146.

The Ojai Photo Club will feature photographer and documentary cinematographer Sarah Bourscheid as its guest presenter for April. The free event, “Quiet Compassion,” will be held on Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St.

For Bourscheid, her photography is a journey of growth, deepening her own empathy. “In this tumultuous and divided world,” she writes, “it’s important to understand that our differences can bring us closer.” For more information about Bourscheid’s work http://scheidmedia.com/

Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend.

The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for critique. More information is available at: www.ojaiphotoclub.com/

Area Agency on Aging seeks six advisory council members-Apply by April 15

All council members are not required to dress like this!

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on its Advisory Council. The purpose of the Advisory Council is to recommend the direction of senior services and programs in Ventura County. New appointments are now being considered for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2018.

There are currently six seats available, one of which is a supervisorial appointment to represent unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Persons that live in unincorporated areas of Ventura County are encouraged to apply. The second vacancy is for a service provider to represent the interest of all senior service providers on the Advisory Council. The service provider brings the interests of service providers and the professional knowledge of unmet needs in the community and possible solutions. The third vacancy is for an individual to present the interests of veterans. Staff of organizations that provide services to or are affiliated with veterans are eligible to apply, but preference will be given to people over the age of 60 in the event that there are multiple applicants for the seat.

The remaining three seats are to serve as members of the California Senior Legislature. The California Senior Legislature is a statewide body that represents the interests of older adults in Sacramento.

By law the Advisory Council is required to have a majority of its membership be 60 years of age or older and reflect the economic, geographic, and ethnic composition of the County. Older adults and minority representatives are strongly encouraged to apply. The Advisory Council meets six times a year.

For more information or to apply for any of the six seats, please visit http://vcaaa.org/advisory-council/become-a-member/. The deadline for the three California State Legislature seats is April 9, 2018.

Those interested in applying for all other seats must submit all application materials to the VCAAA by April 15, 2018. For questions, please call the VCAAA at 477-7306 or e-mail [email protected].

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, an agency of the County of Ventura, is the principal agency in Ventura County charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

Vol. 11, No. 14 – Apr 11 – Apr 24, 2018 – Scamp Club

Hi: My name is Herby. I am a Chihuahua/Schipperke mix. I am turning 18 years old this month! My family rescued me from the pound just in time when I was young. I was not in good shape back then. These days I am the life of the party! My family is the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me. I enjoy taking walks in my neighborhood, camping and cuddling on the couch.

Zumba is gold

Zumba Gold at the Barranca Vista Center (7050 East Ralston Street) from 10:30 to 11:30 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Zumba Gold is a Latin-inspired modified dance-fitness program for people over 55 or just in search of a modified workout. The current class goes until May 3 and are taught by Alison Oatman. Registration number 10641. Then another full session 5/8-5/31 (registration number 11102) and finally a short session from 6/5-6/14 (registration number 11105).

Please call to register at 658-4726 or visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/register.

Vol. 11, No. 22 – Aug 1 – Aug 14, 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 will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday 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 at noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.

Contact Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.

Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events. Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments. The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street. Visitors and potential members are welcomed. There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

First Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 – 4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. Murphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gcmrc.com. For more information, call 805-229-7429.

August 5: In addition to docent-led tours of the Dudley Historic House Museum, there will also be a treasure sale benefitting D.A.R. charities on the grounds. The tours are from 1- 4 p.m. but the sale is all day. Admission is free. The museum, built in 1892, is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets in Ventura. For information please call 805- 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

August 5: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. meeting Sunday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa. Free admission. Music on stage and jamming. Free parking in the rear. Open to Public. For more information call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

August 8: The Ventura County Camera Club monthly meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Admission is free. All Welcome. An instructional workshop will be followed by a pro photographer’s critiquing of members images. VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

August 8: The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is pleased to host the Parkinson’s Foundation on Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston. Sarah Osborne will talk about what this means and how the Parkinson’s Foundation achieves their mission through resources, education and advocacy for you and your care-partner. She will also give a presentation on the Parkinson’s Foundation “Aware in Care” patient safety kit that prepares and empowers people with Parkinson’s before, during and after a hospital visit. For details see full article in the Breeze senior section or call Patty at 805-766-6070.

August 16: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be conducted on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St. The meeting begins at 10:00 am, men and women are welcome, and there is no age requirement.

Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs: B.U.F.F.Y. Bear, Operation School Bell®, Girls Club/Teen Club, and Assistance League School for young children with learning disabilities. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs.

Find more information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, like them on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected]. 805-643-2458 (Monday – Thursday 8 AM – 2 PM)

Certificate of Merit for excellence in Math and Science presented to young ladies

Several Ventura students were honored by the Society of Women Engineers.

The San Buenaventura Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) honored 62 female high school juniors from Ventura County with a Certificate of Merit for excellence in Math and Science. Over 125 students, parents and teachers attended the award event held at Moorpark College on Friday, March 23.

Dr. Scarlet Relle of the Moorpark College Engineering Department faculty hosted a tour of the engineering laboratories and coordinated with Moorpark College to host the event. Sheryl Shatz, Professional Geologist and SWE chapter president, along with Elena Woodard, a microchip process engineer, hosted the event. Seven other SWE members ensured that the evening went smoothly. In her keynote speech, Vivian Goo, retired engineer from Point Mugu, gave academic and career advice to the young women and their parents

In Ventura, the following students were selected from their schools: Buena – Delaney A. Jannone; El Camino – Sophia Nguyen, Cayla Rosene and Sierra Futterman; Foothill Technology – Anna Lapteva, Abbey Bufford, and Rachel Chang; Ventura – Isabel Mercado and Sarah Clench.

From Ojai, the following students were selected: Nordhoff – Abilene Runyan and Claudia Adelman, Oak Grove – Bria Schraeder; Ojai Valley School – Junwei “Ivy” Sun, Wendy Lazo-Dowdy, Peiwen “Cici” Feng; Villanova Prep – Keily Valdez, Maria Reed and Jiale Sherry Zhu.

Math and science teachers, and guidance counselors throughout the county are invited to submit two or three female student’s names from each school to receive SWE’s Certificate of Merit. Students are encouraged to add the award to their resumes or college applications.

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a not-for-profit educational and service organization that empowers women to succeed and advance in the field of engineering, and to be recognized for their life-changing contributions as engineers and leaders. SWE is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career for women through an exciting array of training and development programs, networking opportunities, scholarships, and outreach and advocacy activities.

On the national level, SWE also offers over $715,000 in 233 scholarships. For more information about SWE SBV, go to http://sbv.swe.org/.