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12th annual can-tree food drive event

Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, is bringing its most popular community event back for the holidays! The 12th Annual CAN-tree food drive will take place in Figueroa Plaza from Thursday, November 30 when the trees will be built, through Sunday, December 3, 2022, when they will be dismantled.

The event, which brings thousands of individuals, families, and local businesses together to collect and build hundreds of canned food “trees” is Food Share’s biggest food and fund drive of the year and is a critical source of food for the thousands of people still struggling with food insecurity in Ventura County.

There are lots of ways to get involved. Participants can Collect & Build, Buy & Build, Raise & Build or Sponsor a Tree. There’s also a chance to win one of 10 coveted awards including the CAN Crusher, the Top CAN Crusher, and the People’s Choice, which will be featured on Food Share’s website, social media pages and in its newsletter.

For more information visit: https://foodshare.com/can-tree-2023/ or reach out to Jess Hug, at [email protected].

The Inaugural Ventura Women’s Conference: A Triumph of Empowerment, Connection, and Giving Back

Shannon Vasquez making opening remarks and introduction of Monica White, CEO of Food Share.

by Janie Tran

On the memorable day of October 21st, the first annual Ventura Women’s Conference lit a beacon of inspiration and success. In a world where women uplift each other, this event was a testament to the power of unity, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to giving back.

The day commenced with a delectable breakfast, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. As attendees savored their meals, they were already forging connections with like-minded women who shared a common purpose – to empower and be empowered. The best part? The proceeds from the breakfast went to benefit Food Share, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in the community.

The heart of the conference beat with motivational activities that stirred the spirits of all present. The energy in the room was palpable as women embraced challenges, celebrated their achievements, and discovered new horizons. It was a day of personal growth and transformation, and it was all in support of a great cause.

However, the true essence of the event lay in the connections made. In the world of business and personal development, networking is invaluable, and the Ventura Women’s Conference provided a platform for women to connect, exchange ideas, and find support from their peers, all while contributing to the noble cause of helping those in need through Food Share.

The crowning jewel of the day was the lineup of inspirational speakers who graced the stage, each sharing their unique journey and wisdom. At the center of it all was the keynote speaker, the remarkable Laura Diaz. Her words resonated with the audience, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be present. And as a part of this remarkable event, Laura Diaz also emphasized the importance of making a positive impact on the local community.

The first annual Ventura Women’s Conference was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of the strength, resilience, and unity of women. It served as a reminder that when women support women and come together to benefit organizations like Food Share, incredible things happen. This inaugural event was a resounding success, igniting a spark that will continue to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of all who attended. The Ventura Women’s Conference is a testament to the power of community, the boundless potential of women, and the profound impact of giving back to those in need.

Join Us November 8 – Become A Member of CAPS

CAPS Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Ventura.

Are you interested in learning more about CAPS and becoming a member? Join us on Wednesday, November 8 from 4-8 pm for a special Orientation with the CAPS Crew open to anyone who is interested in becoming a CAPS member or just learning more about CAPS. No reservations needed.

The Information Orientation will last 30 – 40 minutes and includes how to become a CAPS Member, learn about programming and distribution information by Donald McConnell, CAPS Operations Manager. Meet the CAPS crew members who will train you in videography, studio production, video editing, radio & podcast production and register for classes. Plus, see all the CAPS gear that is available for members to use at no cost to create their own productions, including cameras, tripods, sound gear, editing computers and more.

CAPS Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Ventura. The CAPS Creative Community includes families, teenagers, young adults, mid-career professionals, educators, storytellers, retirees, and more. Plus, nonprofits, faith-based groups and community service organizations throughout Ventura County can become CAPS Members. Our member-produced programming includes community event coverage, local organizations, talk shows, music and dramatic performances and shows by, for and about local youth.

The CAPS mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. CAPS needs you, our community, neighbors, and friends, to help us continue to fulfill that mission by helping you uncover your creative talent and master the skills you need to create and launch your own media projects.

Over the past few weeks CAPS Crews have been busy – managing multiple city council and other meetings at City Hall, and produced a wide variety projects in collaboration with the County and the Museum of Ventura County including Voices of Ventura County, a special collection of previously unheard local oral histories from the MVC archives remastered by CAPS, Feast of Flop, a fun and engaging cooking show that combines the culinary world with the treasures of the Museum archives, and the video component of the major MVC presentation: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, a photography exhibition that highlights the diversity of our communities.

CAPS ECTV Crew members were on the scene at the County 150th Celebration Extravaganza in Santa Paula getting on-the-street comments and interviews with festival goers. CAPS recently produced a major video presentation for the Ventura College Community Foundation that premiered at the Museum on Friday, October 20th.

The CAPS Media Center is located a 65 Day Road, between Loma Vista and Telegraph, on the east side of Ventura College directly across from Foothill High School. CAPS is Ventura’s public access media center, managing Channel 6 (public) and Channel 15 (government and education), plus KPPQ radio at 104.1 with all channels and station streaming. CAPS crew members provide expertise and service to the City of Ventura by covering City Council and other meetings at City Hall, as well as producing informational public service videos more.

Join us on Wednesday, November 8 between 4-8pm for Orientation sessions at 4, 5, 6 or 7pm. For those who dropped by the CAPS Open House in October, this is a good time to learn more. The November 8 sessions will offer everyone an opportunity to discover a world of limitless creative possibilities at CAPS.

Halloween-themed festival event helping autism community

by Patricia Schallert

On October 26th, ABS Kids put on a Halloween-themed festival event in Ventura. Clinical Operations Director Scott Revlin shared what is important for Ventura’s autism community and their families, including community integrations and local events like the Halloween festival.

Nicole Power Clinical Director  and Scott Revlin Clinical Operations Director shared their thoughts.

“It is important for ABS Kids to interact in with the autism community, including partnering frequently with the Autism Society of Ventura County.”  The ABS Kids mission is “to empower children with autism spectrum disorders and their families to reach their full potential through diagnosis and individualized ABA therapy.”  The ABS Kids vision is “to make high-quality ABA therapy accessible to all children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders across the nation.” The goal being about “helping kids and maximizing their potential.”

The fall festival event had trick or treating, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and lots of costumes so the children they serve could have their own special, sensory-friendly Halloween-themed event.

ABS Kids has behavioral therapists, analysts and staff who can keep the children happy, motivated, and engaged. The staff members are “magical,” and “we owe our success to them, technicians and clinicians who work with the children and their families,” Revlin said.

The staff provides a comfortable environment for the child to practice pivotal life skills that can pave the way to long-term independence and success. An ABS Kids’ Board Certified Behavior Analyst helps determine if home-based therapy or therapy centers are best for the child.

ABA therapy centers are purpose-built facilities that provide unique learning and development opportunities for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These centers support intensive therapy in a safe and structured environment overseen by professional Behavior Analysts. Center-based therapy also offers opportunities for the child to meet others, participate in group learning activities, and develop social skills under close supervision.

Through decades of research, ABA therapy has been proven “to enhance communication, enable independent living, and develop age-appropriate social skills while reducing maladaptive behaviors.” It is also the only therapy deemed medically necessary for ASD.

ABS Kids’ dedication to serving this community is exemplified through their recent recognition of the Children’s Service Provider of the Year as part of the 2023 Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC) Awesome in Autism Awards.

Information on ABS Kids can be found at abskids.com

Mountains To Sea Jubilee Family Fair and Music Festival

The Mountains To Sea Jubilee Family Fair and Music Festival in Santa Paula on October 21st was a sensational hit! A whopping 3500 excited guests gathered to continue to commemorate 150 glorious years of Ventura County.

This incredible event kicked off at the Agriculture Museum with electrifying live music, a mouthwatering array of foods from vendors and food trucks, and a bustling marketplace that extended throughout the area. And the grand finale?

The Jubilee Music Festival at Veteran’s Park, right on the big stage! The entire community joined hands and danced the night away, serenaded by the melodic tunes of local bands and the mesmerizing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. It was a night of pure joy and celebration!

Vol. 17, No. 03 – Nov 1 – Nov 14, 2023 – Mailbox

Editor:

A reader who described herself as a senior was very critical of the downtown street closings.  I am also a senior woman and my husband and I are delighted with Mainstreet Moves!  First of all, we never parked “right in front” of our favorite stores because it had all become metered parking!  We park in the many free lots.

We do not miss the noisy hot rods, motorcycles and revving pickup trucks that used to use Main street as their “parade” venue.   We notice so many more people, especially young people and young families there now that it isn’t “gasoline alley”.  Thank you for extending this through 2024, Ventura!

Cheryl Garrison

Breeze:

Your information of CA Gov. Newsom signing several bills aimed at bolstering protections for LGBTQ+ people warmed my heart. Setting timelines for the required cultural competency training for public school teachers and staff is genius.

A civilized democracy evolves with the changing times, and is inclusive in the needs of all citizens.

I have signed up for email news from Gov. Newom. I receive newsletters from CA Attorney General Bonta and am grateful for the good job he is doing for the justice of all citizens.

Thank you again for keeping us informed.

Diane Garber

As you get older, three things happen.
The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two.
~ Sir Norman Wisdom

Metrolink launches “Student Adventure Pass”

On Monday, Oct. 9, Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, launched its Student Adventure Pass. This pilot program allows any student with valid school identification to obtain a pass at no charge and ride anywhere on the Metrolink system for free.

The Student Adventure Pass is made possible through grant funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

“Thank you to Caltrans for providing this transformational grant opportunity, which will help us deliver more equitable access to public transit and increase the number of people who can use our train service,” Metrolink Board Chair Larry McCallon said. “Currently, students only account for 17% of Metrolink’s ridership, but we want to see that number grow. Beginning next Monday, because of Caltrans’ support, we can introduce a new generation of potential riders to public transit as a safe and convenient mode of transportation for school, leisure and work.”

To take advantage of the program, students can download the Metrolink mobile app, register using their school email address, and verify their account to automatically receive the Student Adventure Pass in their mobile ticket wallet. Alternatively, students can obtain a free Student Adventure Pass at any Metrolink ticket machine.

“As a parent with three kids currently attending college, I know firsthand that getting an education isn’t cheap, so this Student Adventure Pass is a game changer for many families across Southern California,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. “The great thing about this program is that students of any age and level qualify for it as long as they have valid student identification. So, whether you are an adult student, a high schooler or a parent paying for your child’s education, you can breathe a little sigh of financial relief knowing students can ride our trains for free across our entire system.”

To take advantage of the Student Adventure Pass program, students must have valid student identification and be able to present it upon request during fare inspection.

For more information about how to obtain a free Student Adventure Pass, please visit metrolinktrains.com/students.

The Great Olivas Music Box Mystery Inbox

by Richard Senate

The Olivas Family is scattered far and wide, with branches all over Southern California, as far north as Seattle, Washington and as far east as San Antonio, Texas. And these are just the ones we know about! One branch of the family even extends to the Hawaiian Islands. In 1920s the US Navy brought in well paid workers to build the Pearl Harbor base. One of them was an Olivas who, liked the climate and people, and stayed on, he married an Asian woman and settled down. Like all the many branches of the family, they visited California and made the pilgrimage to the Olivas Adobe. When I was site manager I made a special point to meet with them and give them a tour of the house. I also asked them what they knew about stories of the house and events linked to the family. The Hawaiian Olivas family came on a rain-soaked afternoon well after closing time, but they had called ahead, so I stayed open to give them a tour. They didn’t drive in until after five but, I was happy to meet with them and get their family history.

They told me their story of the great robbery, in this one the bandits cut the gold buttons off the girls dresses took their rings and earrings as well as $30,000 in coin. Then they told me about the “Great Olivas Music Box.” They said that Don Raymundo was rich and purchased a huge music maker with a gigantic crank on its side, one had to turn it with both hands. It also had two life-sized dancing marionettes, a man and a woman, operated by strings, that performed for each song. This music box played a number of songs and became well known all over California, so much so that the governor of the state made a special trip to San Buenaventura to see the thing and marveled at its performing figures.

I know that Don Raymundo collected music makers, one we have at the house, another is in the Ventura County Museum of Art and History. I have seen two others and have heard of three more but nothing like the massive machine they were describing. Then it hit me–the music maker was our Barrel Piano! It has dancing figures but they are only three inches tall! Telling the story of the music machine in faraway Hawaii they described the figures as bigger and bigger with each account, until they were life-sized! Story telling is like that. Each time a tale is told it’s slightly changed and made just a little bit “better.”

I brought them into the Sala and played the Barrel Piano for them. They couldn’t believe this was the legendary Olivas Music Box. They said it must have been another one that was sold or given away. They enjoyed their stay and took many pictures of the house to take back to Pearl City. They were so crestfallen over the music box I had to tell them it was possible that there was such a massive music maker, there is much we do not know about Don Raymundo, maybe such a piece will be discovered someday.