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Lynn’s Consignments Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening

Photo by Deena Gledhill

Lynn’s Consignments had an official Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on Thursday, March 1st. Owner, Lynn Dralle, friends, family, Chamber Members, and community supporters, joined her for this special occasion. Lynn’s new show room is 4000 sq. feet and she features high-quality, very unique furniture and home decor and sells it all on consignment.

Lynn just moved to Ventura and got her love for fun home furnishings from her grandmother who had antique stores in Washington State, which was originally where she thought she would open as well. This special day of March 1, was chosen by Lynn to honor her father who would have turned 84 on that day. Everyone that attended her grand opening received a free copy of her first book “The 100 best things I’ve sold on eBay”.

Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-5pm .1975 E. Main St. 628-3289

Jeffrey Allan “Jeff” Suggs

Jeffrey Alan Suggs, 53, of Ventura, passed away on Friday, March 2 after a long struggle with cancer. Jeff was born in Los, Angeles, on March 24, 1964 to Russell L. Suggs and Barbara J. Suggs. He attended elementary and jr. high school in South Pasadena, CA and finished his education in Ventura, earning his GED.

He enjoyed surfing, fishing, motorcycling, and camping. He worked offshore and in local construction until disabled in a motorcycle accident. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Suggs, sister, Julie Powell and her husband Harold, nephew and niece Cooper and Lauren Powell, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Russell Suggs and brother, Greg Suggs.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Assisted Home Health Care and Hospice in Ventura for their compassionate care, and to family and friends for their expressions of love. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 pm at The River Community Church, 889 E. Santa Clara St. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The City Center transitional living program in Ventura at www.thecitycenter.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ventura.

Fire survivor’s Benefit Festival checks

Thank you for your incredible patience as we work on the distribution of the one-time Thomas Fire Benefit Festival checks. Each person/household will receive $750! We can confirm that the checks will be ready Friday, March 16.

There are three distribution centers:

Ventura Residents: Please come to the Downtown Ventura Partners offices at 420 East Santa Clara St. Come only on Friday, March 16 between 1pm-6pm. And on Wed., March 21 through Friday, March 23 from 1pm-6pm. If you cannot make these times, email [email protected] to discuss other arrangements.

Ojai Area Residents: Please go to Help of Ojai’s Community Assistance Program at 108 Fox Street, Oja between 9am-3pm on Friday, March 16. And again 9am-3pm on Monday, March 19 through Wednesday, March 21. Help of Ojai is graciously volunteering to be a pick-up location. Please do not call their office or go to their main offices. If you cannot make these times, please email [email protected] to discuss other arrangements.

Santa Paula/Fillmore Residents: We are finalizing a pick-up location. We have your email addresses and we will be communicating directly with you to provide the location and times.

To collect your check, you must present a form of ID and FEMA paperwork, or (if you don’t have FEMA papers) a utility bill or documents that describe your loss and a valid ID linking yourself to the affected property. Please do not email these documents. Just bring them when you pick up your check.

We appreciate your patience throughout this process! We truly hope this money will help soften the incredible blow you have endured. These funds are to address any unmet needs beyond any insurance payouts or disaster assistance you have received. #VenturaCountyStrong!

The Thomas Fire Benefit Team

City of Ventura Barranca Vista Imagination Center classes

Check out hundreds more on web-site.

Call 658-4726 or 654-7553 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net Classes and events held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston St. unless otherwise noted

Billy Clower Parent & Me Movement 18 months-2 years with adult

3/16-5/11 F 9-9:45 am $80 #10551

Bond with your child in this 8-week class as they discover movement and expression in a fun upbeat class with weekly themes. Your child will dance, tumble, stretch, play and imagine with instruments and props. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Instructor Sage Schneiderbauer.At BVC. * No class 4/6.

Billy Clower Broadway Babies 2.5- 5 years

3/16-5/11 F 9:45-10:30 am $80 #10553

This 8-week class introduces your toddler to the world of Broadway Musicals! Students will dance, act and sing along to famous Broadway songs while building confidence in and exploring their talents. Dancers should wear a t-shirt with leggings/shorts and will go barefoot during class. Instructor: Sage Schneiderbauer.

Billy Clower Cirque Du Ballet 3-5 years

3/16-5/11 F 10:30-11:15 am $80 #10555

Step right up for this 8-week Circus themed Ballet Class. Students will learn ballet vocabulary, positions and dance while having fun walking on a tight rope, performing with hula hoops, and being graceful with scarves. They will also gain flexibility with beginning acrobatics and partner stretching. Dancers should wear a leotard or t-shirt with leggings/shorts and will go barefoot and use our classroom set of ballet shoes during class. Instructor: Sage Schneiderbauer.

Spice Blending Workshop

3/18 Su 2-4pm $40+$20 supply fee due to instructor at start of class

In this workshop, students will get to smell and taste all sorts of spice blends from around the world. Make and blend your own dip mixes, rubs or Dukkahs and spice blends. Students receive a notebook of spice blends and directions on what to do with them. Instructor Annie Koretz. To register call 658-4726.

Vol. 11, No. 12 – Mar 14 – Mar 27, 2018 – The Pet Page

• A 16-year-old boy was hiding in a closet giving updates to a 911 dispatcher during a burglary at his family’s home, when he heard gunshots and his dog suddenly stopped barking.

Des Moines police Cmdr. Doug Jenkins said the first 911 call came in at about 12:20 p.m. Police said the teen was home alone when the break-in happened.

“He heard noises and voices, ran upstairs and hid in closet.”

The family’s 2-year-old German shepherd, Rex, ran downstairs to confront the intruders. The thieves beat the dog, leaving him badly injured.

Even after being bloodied and hurt, Rex still had enough strength left to get back to the teen — his best friend — and protect him as the thieves proceeded into the bedrooms, including the one where the boy was hiding.

Rex came out with the little strength he had left in him and threw himself at them.

The thieves opened fire, shooting Rex multiple times. He was struck in the neck, leg and knee, yet managed to survive. The suspects were no longer in the home when officers arrived.

Morris the cat was adopted by a Helpful Honda volunteer while at the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center giving some “Random Acts of Helpfulness”

• Dog food and treat products are being recalled by manufacturers because of possible listeria or salmonella contamination. There has been a series of massive pet-food recalls over possible salmonella, listeria and pentobarbital contamination.

Northwest Naturals, of Portland, is recalling its 5-pound frozen Chicken and Salmon pet food chubs because it may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. Product is packaged in 5-pound frozen chubs labeled Chicken and Salmon Dog Food with a UPC code of 0 87316 38440 6. The company says the product was one isolated batch of 94 cases distributed in California, Washington, Texas, Michigan, Georgia, and Rhode Island and sold thru specialty pet-retail stores.

Carnivore Meat Company, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is recalling 73 cases, of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entrée for Dogs pet food, one-pound bags, Lot #13753, because the products may be contaminated with salmonella.

TruPet, of Milford, Ohio, is recalling 2.5-ounce package, Lot # 20190514 13753, of TruDog Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight Pet treats because they may be contaminated with salmonella.

Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n Bits, Ol’ Roy and Skippy dog foods withdrawn from market over euthanasia drug

Feds, state investigating Tukwila pet food over repeated salmonella contamination

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, both salmonella and listeria can affect animals eating the products, and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Bichon Frises becomes America’s top dog

• Once again a Shih Tzu did not win best in show at Westminster (Scamp are you listening?). A dog almost as cute a Bichon Frises becomes America’s top dog 2018 when Best In Show was awarded to “GCHP CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love”.

• By Cesar Millan

Being fostered is a wonderful opportunity for a dog to prepare for his forever home. He will have more one-on-one time with humans, and he can experience more of the world around him instead of being limited to the confines of a shelter. It can significantly increase his chances of fitting in with his next family.

And of course, his foster parents can make sure his new family is the right fit by helping them to understand his energy level, any issues that are being worked on, and any special needs the dog has.

Fostering isn’t just good for the dog – it can do wonders for the human as well! A dog needs daily exercise, and that helps us to get up, get out of the house, and experience simplicity. Dogs help you to appreciate the world around you. They smell the ground so intensely. They look at the trees as though they are seeing them for the first time. It helps us to remember the wonders that we take for granted. So if you’re stressed or anxious, it goes away for that moment when it’s just you and the dog. People say I do magic, but it’s the dogs that do magic. In an instant, they can help you feel calm. They just come in and make it happen without a word.

But I think it’s important that you don’t form too much of an emotional attachment with the dog. Remember, you are preparing the dog to detach himself from you and live with another human. If not, it can be damaging to his relationship with his new family. He can move on, but it will just make it harder for him. The way I think this can be achieved is by switching dogs. They use this system to train dogs for the blind. If people stay with a dog for a month and then get a new one, the dog doesn’t become confused. When he is in his forever home, he will know he is with his new pack! As a professional, I have to do this with dogs I work with. If I am going to help a dog that is not mine, I can’t connect all the way. I need to let the owners finish it!

We look forward to your participation in the 2018 Corporate Games

by Eric Burton-Recreation Supervisor Adult Sports

The field is set for the 2018 Corporate Games with 80 businesses from Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties registered to participate in the upcoming competition. There will be over 27 different events that will be held over the five weeks of competition. Here is the break-down of competition by division:

  • Division AA (251- 500+ Employees) 9 Businesses
  • Division B – (150-250 Employees) 13 Businesses
  • Division C – (51-150 Employees) 35 Businesses
  • Division D – (10-50 Employees) 23 Businesses

Companies participating in the Corporate Games and the general public are invited to attend Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, March 24 from 10am to 2pm at the Ventura Community Park, in Ventura. Enjoy the Business & Fitness Fair, live demonstrations on the mobile stage, food trucks and Family Splash Time at the Aquatic Center. Get your company team and family together for Corporate Games Opening Ceremonies and Torch Lighting! For additional information download our Corporate Games Opening Ceremonies Flyer and visit the City of Ventura’s Corporate Games website where you will find a wealth of information.

 

EDC-VC welcomes Executive Board Leadership

Chris Meissner, president and CEO, Meissner Filtration Products was installed as 2018 chair of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s board of directors at the organization’s 21st Annual Meeting. He is joined on the executive board by Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Ramirez as vice chair and Peter Zierhut of Haas Automation, Inc., who is continuing as secretary/treasurer.

“As an executive leading a well-established local company, Chris brings first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge concerning the challenges and opportunities existing in our local business economy. He has served on our board for 20 years and has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for business growth and workforce development,” said Bruce Stenslie, EDC-VC’s president and CEO.

An expert in his field, Meissner has received numerous awards, most recently, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year for 2018. Other honors include Camarillo Waste Watch’s “Most Innovative Reuse/Recycling Program,” Start magazine’s 1997 and 2000 “Most Admired Manufacturers” and CSU Channel Islands Business and Technology Partnership selected Meissner as the 2015 recipient of the Community and Business Leader of the Year Award.

Ramírez was first elected to the Oxnard City Council in November 2010. She is currently serving her second term in office after being re-elected in November 2014. She was named Mayor Pro Tem in December 2012 and December 2016. Ramírez is a public interest lawyer who has served the Oxnard community since her graduation from the Loyola University School of Law in Los Angeles.

An EDC-VC board member since 2012, Zierhut is a senior-level manager at Haas Automation, Inc. His role is vice president of outside operations. Responsibilities include government and community relations as well as the Haas Technical Education Center (HTEC) network, comprising more than 2,000 educational institutions around the world that use Haas products for educational purposes.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or [email protected]. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.

Vol. 11, No. 12 – Mar 14 – Mar 27, 2018 – Mailbox

Breeze:

I had just picked up the paper at AAA while waiting to do a registration. I knew that one (contest photo). I really enjoy your paper and sometimes mail a copy to a friend who moved away. I refer to it as the best paper in town for news around town. Thank you for all you do on that. Its hard work. People don’t realize that.
Sincerely,
Karen Spoentgen

Sheldon:

Concerning one of the 859 new laws in California: Schools in low-income communities must provide tampons and other sanitary products to students in grades 6 to 12.

The collection of property taxes determines where low-income people live. The State of California collects those property taxes and now, much to my satisfaction, distributes those school taxes equally to all school districts.

Before, as with most of the 50 states, the communities received back school funds based on their collection. That left low-income communities receiving back the funds based on their collection, which causes a non-equal and inadequate education. Thus, an unequal preparation for those children to give back to society instead of taking from society.

Currently low-income school districts are repairing/building class rooms, hiring more teachers to reduce the number in each class, and purchasing the equipment needed for students to prepare for our digital world.

Oh, and supplying health supplies to all; be they bandages or tampons.

Instead of causing confusion, and possible complaints, to your readers with the above question it might behoove you to answer the question.

There are so many non-readers. Most information people learn is from television or on-line media, or even from the uneducated. Several years ago CA passed the law that if you had to turn on your windshield wipers then you must turn on your lights. It is a difficult issue to ‘ticket’; but not a difficult use of ‘common sense’.

We’ve all forgotten to Read! I enjoy your paper and your personal column.

Diane, Ventura

Diane
Thanks you have answered my question quite well.
Sheldon

Hi Breezy:

Thank you so much for all you did to help us surprise Lynn with the ad( Lynn’s Consignments 1975 E. Main St). And thank you especially for taking the time to go out and deliver copies to her. She — and we — were so grateful. Lynn did tell me that the Grand Opening was wonderful and that she had a steady stream of customers coming in that day and that most of those customers came in with a copy of the Breeze ad in their hands.

Many thanks for all your help, dedication and caring.

Dawn

opinions

There are many a fellow drivers out and about nowadays, more than there are pedestrians at least… In my travels I have had many close calls, however a recent encounter has shook me down to the core. I was heading up Loma Vista in my 1980 piece of car. As soon as Walnut dr. Came into view, I signaled. As I started to enter the middle lane as usual, a car coming from Day rd. Down Loma Vista was also entering the middle lane. WHOA! We were practically kissing bumpers with our cars! If i had not been paying attention(i.e. texting, applying mascara, breastfeeding my twins), we would have collided head on. Thank you anonymous driver for being a good driver. My reason for writing is to bring this potentially hazardous intersection to light. I believe if the right set of eyes read this, there is a good chance the situation could be rectified before someone wrecks or dies.

Laurie Garcia

Open Letter to Mayor Andrews and Ventura Council Members:

We can’t believe the Staff Report recommending Alternative 2 to the Ventura City Council on Monday, February 26, to delay a decision to join Clean Power Alliance.

Staff is basically advising Council to force everyone to continue with the higher Edison bills instead of having a choice for lower bills from the Clean Power Alliance even though that decision forces all to pay extra for the dirtiest energy in the marketplace! It’s incredible.

We recommend that Ventura join the Clean Power Alliance and develop a just and equitable plan that sets the default at 100% renewable energy (currently that rate is 7% higher than Edison’s base tier). We want all rate-payers to know the value of buying 100% renewable energy and know too that they have the option to opt to a cheaper rate. This is particularly important for low-income residents who can also access programs to further reduce their bills.

Venturans want cleaner energy and many, including large commercial ratepayers, would support a small increase for clean energy. Having the default at a high level will result in extra franchise fees for the city to invest. We need funds for climate disaster preparedness, such as flood prevention and battery storage at community facilities to meet neighborhood needs during a blackout. Above all, we want Ventura to be guided by the principles of a Climate Action Plan that highlights a goal for 100% renewable energy.

– Ventura County Climate Hub/ Ventura 350

On Feb.28 the Ventura City Council voted 4-2 to join the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California. City Council Member Christy Weir was enthusiastic about the idea and said “Renewables are the future. This is our chance. Why would we pass it up?”

Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.
~ Albert Camus

Vol. 11, No. 12 – Mar 14 – Mar 27, 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.

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 at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets on the first and third Mondays 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.

Are you a stamp collector? The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet 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. They are a fun group. Contact Bill Garner 320-1601 or [email protected]

Ongoing, first Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 pm, Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; in April, exhibit on Fridays, 10 a.m. – 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 229-7429

March 15: The East Ventura Community Council. A representative of the Ventura Police Department will give an update on crime and safety. Jeffrey Lambert, City of Ventura’s Community Development Director, and Dave Ward, Planning Manager, will present “Eastside Community Development Report.”

Thursday at 7p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. For more information, contact John McNally, Chairperson, EVCC 804-7558

March 15: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 E. Santa Clara St. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. 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. More information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org. Telephone: Monday – Thursday 8-2 p.m. 643-2458

March 18: The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is hosting a free event from 12 – 4 p.m. “Celebrate the Whales” will offer an afternoon of fun, education and exploration of our largest mammal, the whale. Whale-related activities include craft-making, chalk drawing contest, jump house, artifact displays, live music, fun whale facts and education. Admission to the outdoor activities are free and admission inside the museum will be discounted for the day

March 18: 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, 4667 Telegraph Road. The meeting starts at noon and at 11 a.m. there will be an informal workshop. There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1 p.m.

The program this month will be a presentation by Ferdinand Geitner. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

March 19: Would your child like to enjoy the beach, learn ocean safety and learn how to outrigger paddle too? Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club is looking for keiki (youth) ages 10 -19 years old to participate in their program this year! First practice is Monday, 5:30 pm. Meet up at South Jetty Beach (across from the Channel Islands National Park Center at the end of Spinnaker Dr.) at 5:15pm. For more information www.hokuloaoutrigger.com or 407-5824.

March 22: The local chapter of the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, at 11:30 a.m. for a 12 p.m. no host luncheon/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 St. For more information and reservation call Cora Corella at 483-6285, or, Yvonne Westervelt at 483-4168.

March 23: Like to play acoustic music? Songmakers.org welcomes all lovers of acoustic music, instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters of all levels, to join in a free song circle at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome. Held the 4th Friday of each month, from 7- 10 p.m. Mike Wittlin, 750-8281.

March 24: The Ventura Food Co-op with the support of Harvest Café is having a presentation-get together for assisting and encouraging people to build green, from 2 – 4 p.m. Harvest Cafe at the WAV-175 S Ventura Ave. Featuring experts from the Green Building Council and contractors with local green building experience. What are the considerations for building, rebuilding and remodeling to meet the design features of Green Building? VenturaFoodCoop.com VenturaFoodCoop@gmail .com. This is a free event and open to the public.