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In memoriam John Cressy

John Cressy with his dogs Baron, Dog and Whiddle near the mouth of “the raging Ventura River,” as John joked on Facebook.

The Ventura Breeze would like to honor the memory of John Cressy, who died recently after a courageous battle with metastatic cancer of the esophagus.

Cressy was a longtime friend of the Breeze. He spent his last 17 years as part of the team at Whisenhunt Communications. A consummate professional, Cressy insisted on continuing to work even as he grew weak from the disease and the battery of treatments he underwent to fight it. He was still sending us press releases the week before he died, on Sunday, Aug. 6.

“The last few years when he was battling cancer, John was simply amazing,” said Stan Whisenhunt, owner of Ventura-based Whisenhunt Communications. “He wanted to keep working and he did that right up to the end.”

Cressy was born June 16, 1953, in Hayward, California, the middle of nine children. He graduated high school in 1971 and in 1975 earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Humboldt State University. After working a year at Alameda Glass and Paint, he returned to Humboldt and in 1978 earned a degree in journalism.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Cressy spent the next 22 years in newspaper journalism, primarily as a sports writer and editor, for the Arcata Union, the Santa Maria Times and the Ventura Star-Free Press. Starting as a sportswriter, Cressy went on to become a popular sports columnist at the Star-Free Press and in 1987, he was promoted to sports editor by then-managing editor Whisenhunt.

Cressy went on to work at the Ventura County Star and the Santa Barbara News-Press before leaving journalism in 2000, when he returned to work for Whisenhunt, who’d left journalism in the early ’90s to create his public relations firm.

In addition to his work as a writer and photographer for Whisenhunt, Cressy also taught writing skills at workshops for Custom Training. His personal passions revolved around his family and his love of sports and sports trivia. He also loved photography, hiking, the beach, classic movies and classic rock.

He died peacefully on Aug. 6 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; stepchildren Laura and Darren Mills; sisters Susan Verhees; Ann Zammattio (Duilio) of Italy; Peggy Figueira (Ray); brothers Danny, Steve, Bob and Brian Cressy (Rosalee); brothers-in-law Pat Williams and David Kimbrough; mother-in-law Suzanne Kimbrough and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Other survivors include his faithful maltipoo Whiddle, who was at his side when he died, and his catnapping companions Rascal and Oscar Eddie.

A rare man of honor, heart, humility and humor, Cressy was a truly good person with a remarkable work ethic whose passing has left a huge hole in the lives of those who knew him and worked with him. We’re grateful to have had that privilege, and we’re grateful for all his service to journalism, particularly to us these past 10 years.

Cressy will be remembered by his large and loving family and loyal friends in a private memorial service. Donations may be made in his honor to the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Officer Aaron Drake may be called as a witness at her trial

Wendy Di Rodio, a family therapist and author, was killed in 2009.

From a previous Breeze issue: “After a three-year investigation, the Ventura Police Department arrested Gina Drake, 45, for the murder of her aunt Wendy Di Rodio. Di Rodio, 61, was stabbed repeatedly in her room in her home in the Ventura Keys neighborhood on June 3, 2009.”

“Gina Drake is the former wife of VPD veteran Police Officer Aaron Drake, The Drakes were married at the time of the homicide, but Officer Drake had filed for divorce in June, 2009 (about the time of the murder) and they have since been divorced.”

Why is this important now?

In a suicide attempt, VPD patrol officer Aaron Drake, 47, shot himself around 1:30 p.m. on July 28 in the locker room of the Ventura Police Department headquarters located on Dowell Dr. (officer Dowell remains the only Ventura officer killed in the line of duty).

He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center and eventually to Kaiser Permanente hospital in Los Angeles where he is being treated.

Apparently Aaron Drake was very involved with the investigation in to his ex-wife’s case, even wearing a wire in a meeting with her. The investigation is being conducted by the Ventura Police Department and the Ventura County District Attorney Office.

Defense attorneys for Gina Drake, as well as prosecutors, want to call the officer as a witness during pretrial motions and for her future trial.

Activities have been delayed pending the condition of Aaron Drake and his ability to be a witness in the case.

It has not been determined if his involvement with Gina Drake’s pending trial predicated his attempted suicide.

Main Street Meats & Real Food Market a Ventura legacy

Sharon and Isaiah carry on a legacy. Photo by Michael Gordon

by Jennifer Tipton

Located at 3049 E. Main St., this landmark has long been known as Ventura’s original and most loved butcher shop.

Opening in the 1920’s it was originally known as “Triangle Park Market” referring to the nearby intersection of Thompson, Main, and Telegraph Rd. Briefly leased as a restaurant it opened again as a butcher shop known as “Bud’s 101 Market”, back then Main Street was Hwy 101!

Frank Rea took over in the 1950’s and it became our beloved “Frank’s Market”, with son Mike as successor.

In 2012 Frank’s Market suddenly closed and Ventura held its breath … where we will get those amazing spencer steaks? Rumor was Frank became ill … truth is Mike simply retired.

A local rancher with over 17 years of experience, Sharon Palmer bought the business and after extensive remodeling re-opened as “Main Street Meats” in 2013.

Three of her kids, Jazmin, Shannon and A.J. work for their mom. Other employees include Aldo, Alexa and Isaiah with Future Farmers of America learning the trade.

The meat all comes from local ranchers and is organic, no dyes, no artificial preservatives or hormones, never been packaged or frozen. Much of the meat is dry aged which is the natural way to care for fresh meat, just as the butchers of days past used to hang it. “The problem with local grocery stores,” according to Sharon, “is the meat is cut and packed and never allowed to do what it’s supposed to do.”

Customers can order preferred cuts (like those spencer steaks), but the meat case has a variety of choices such as gorgeous steaks, chops, ribs and some incredible specialties – teriyaki beef short ribs, chicken artichoke feta sausage or sundried tomato, spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken. There are a variety of custom burgers not found anywhere else such as the bacon burger with beef and bacon ground together. The ultimate burger is a combo of ground tri-tip, brisket and sirloin and all meat is ground fresh daily. Bulk Boxes are available ranging from 20-40 pounds with choices of beef, pork or the forager (combo) pack.

Sharon also does specialty side dishes for holidays, there was “Man Candy” for Father’s Day.

There’s also a full deli with assorted sandwiches etc.… and smoked tri tips, chickens, ribs and turkeys available to purchase. Selections change frequently.

Specials are offered every weekend. By entering your cell phone number, you’ll receive text messages notifying you of the current deal. Deals include $10 off a $50 purchase or a free tri tip with purchase of a bulk box and additional 5% discount if you pay cash. Sharon says, “Fees for small merchants are high, I’d rather give my customers that discount.” Checking in each visit earns future discounts of $5 to $10.

Main Street Meats also calls itself “a Real Food Market” and rightly so because there is local produce and products including Blue Ridge honey, Ventura’s Coffee and Earls Gone Wild BBQ sauces and marmalades. Sharon says, “You’ve got to be part of the neighborhood and support small businesses.”

She also shared, “To me, if you don’t give to the community, how do you expect the community to give back to you?”

Sharon gives generously to the City Center, Future Farmers of America and the Ventura County SELPA project, which provides disabled kids a chance to work in the market every Wednesday.

Main Street Meats & Real Food Market carries on the legacy of Frank and Mike Rea.

For more info check the website: MainStreetMeatsVentura.com.

Knit-a-thon for Alzheimer’s benefits memory care residents

Teresa Valko and Lois Perry offer an afghan to a Greenfield Care Center resident.

by Lori Harasta

Eighty participants knitted and purled together to raise money for research on “The Longest Day”, an Alzheimer’s fundraising event that took place at Anacapa Fine Yarns in Ventura on June 21.

The event was the brainchild of a couple of women with two things in common: knitting and Alzheimer’s. Teresa Valko has numerous family members who have suffered and succumbed to the disease; Lois Perry’s husband has had increasing symptoms since just after he turned 50.

It began as bonding over the clicking and clacking of needles, and progressed to a deeper friendship as they learned about the pain of each others’ experiences with Alzheimer’s.

These are not ladies that swoon at challenges. They used their ingenuity and balls of yarn to stage the first annual Ventura County “Knit-a-thon” to raise research funds to end Alzheimer’s, a horrible disease that has touched virtually everyone’s lives. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States; the 5th in California. They were hoping to raise $10,000.00. They raised over $17,000.00. It was such a success that Teresa looks forward to rolling it out across the state and the nation.

Last month, with assistance from Administrator Stacy Christianson and Facility Liaison Sandra Smith, Lois and Teresa had the pleasure of donating 40 afghans made on “The Longest Day” to Memory Care residents at Greenfield Care Center in Fillmore.

Needles to say, they received a warm response.

Epilogue: Even if you don’t knit, there are many ways to be part of the solution. You can become an advocate, donate, or join a walk. The next local “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” is Saturday, September 30, 2017 at The Collection at River Park, 2751 Park View Court, in Oxnard. For more information, call Fahim Farag at 494-5200  or email [email protected].

Women are at the epicenter of the Alzheimer’s epidemic. Nearly two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women. The Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative (AWI) is a volunteer-driven community group which aims to educate, honor, expand and advocate.

Join the movement today to wipe Alzheimer’s off the face of the earth. Visit alz.org/mybrain.

The Annual California Coast Classic (CCC) Bike Tour

Join the riders at San Buenaventura State Beach. Photo by Murray Robertson from 2016

Theresa Brees has participated in the CCC multiple times with her husband and sister as “Team Sluggy”. She’s riding again this year, in honor of her 14 year-old daughter Mia, who was diagnosed with arthritis when she was 6, and has been a honoree at the Santa Cruz stop of the tour.

The Annual California Coast Classic Bike Tour is one of the Arthritis Foundation’s top fundraising events, whose goal is to raise over $1.2 million. Funds raised support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to conquer the disease by spreading awareness and raising money for research. Arthritis affects over 50 million adults, or one out of five, and 300,000 children nationwide.

The Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic Bike Tour is a scenic bike ride that takes place over 8 days and is estimated to cover an additional 45 miles over 2016 and 2700’ of elevation over the course of the tour. The Tour starts in San Francisco and ends in Pacific Palisades with a stop in Ventura.

The California Coast Classic Bike Tour will be coming through Ventura and you’re invited to meet the riders, volunteers and staff. Join the riders at San Buenaventura State Beach Day 7, Friday, Sept. 15.

Where they will camp out. Festivities include CCC Social Hour (4-6 p.m.), dinner (6:30 p.m.) where there will be great opportunities to interview riders and tour staff.

The next day, Saturday, Sept. 16, the last day of the tour cyclist will have breakfast (6:30-8:30 am) and then ride 55 miles and climb 1,800 feet of rolling hills along the gorgeous coast into Malibu, and cross the finish line at 2 p.m. as a group in Pacific Palisades to fanfare and an emotional welcome.

For more information on the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, visit californiacoastclassic.org.

World renowned chalk artists to create sidewalk masterpieces at Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival

Seaside backdrop for Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival to benefit FOOD Share of Ventura County and Kids Arts Inc. At Ventura County’s only chalk art event, more than 40 talented chalk artists will transform Ventura Harbor Village sidewalks into beautiful works of art during the family-friendly Festival, Sept. 9th and 10th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This festival is hosted by Ventura County Art Events, Inc.

Visitors to the seaside event will watch as street painters create spectacular chalk pastel murals along the promenade, and enjoy original artwork available for purchase including paintings, sculptures, woodwork and wearable items. Children visiting the festival can also create art on the sidewalk in the Children’s Chalk Area, run by local group Kids’ Arts, Inc. For $10, children will receive a small box of their own chalk and a sidewalk square where they can create their own masterpiece.

This year, the festival welcomes two world-renowned chalk artists. Ventura resident Tracy Lee Stum, an internationally recognized American street painter and author of “The Art of Chalk”, and Rod Tryon, a Santa Barbara resident who has been street painting for 30 years and has been featured in numerous events in the U.S. and abroad.

Stum, who was the official artist for the US House at the 2010 Winter Olympics, is also known for her chalk artwork at the Super Bowl XLIX game.

“For me, street painting is absolutely the most joyful form of creative expression I have engaged in,” says Stum. “An event like the Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival is so important because it keeps art alive in our community.”

A veteran street painter, Tryon has been featured in numerous street painting events as well as a documentary film entitled “Life Beyond Earth” and a music video for iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove.

Complimentary rides to the festival are available on the Downtown-Harbor Trolley from California Street, Pierpont neighborhood, and hotels along the waterfront.

Event information:http://www.venturaartfestival.com/ or VenturaHarborVillage.com.

Lili Miura’s fine art painting series, “Femmes Japonaises” at Buenaventura Gallery

Lili Miura will have an exhibition of her fine art painting series, “Femmes Japonaises.”

From Sept. 5th through Oct. 8th, at the Buenaventura Gallery. Artist reception Saturday, Sept. 9.

Originally from Tokyo, Japan after immigrating to United States, she studied fine art and design. Miura went on to have a long and successful career as a lead designer, as well as becoming the head of an International design firm in Torrance.

Exhibition also includes BAA members’ show, and Plein Air Art.
700 E. Santa Clara St. Gallery is open Tuesday – Sunday. 11 am – 5 pm
www.LiliMiura.com

Vita Art Center presents Autonomy and Cultural Identity: 20th Century Art of Latin America

Vita Art Center presents Autonomy and Cultural Identity: 20th Century Art of Latin America

Curator: Ann H. Bittl

Opening reception Friday, September 1 from 6-9 p.m.

Exhibit Dates: September 1 thru September 29

Beginning in the modern era, the art of Latin America and Mexico is complex yet filled with optimism in the search for a cultural identity. The purpose of this exhibition is to explore the art of Latin America and Mexico during the 20th century.

432 N Ventura Ave. Hours: Open today · 10AM–4PM 644-9214

Jim and Ella Wright’s Magic Forest

Husband and wife Jim and Ella Wright are an art family. Jim started metal sculpture in 1969 at a small store on Ventura Ave called the Magic Forest. He moved on to craft shows and street fairs and is now full time artist since retiring. Ellen Wright retired as a right away agent for So Cal Edison. She took a group of stain glass classes from Calico Art glass in Ventura. After completing two different sets of classes in stain glass and doing a few projects she was told of a fused glass class and completed that.

They decided that was where their hearts were and now work in both metal and glass.

They continue to learn and expand their work shop meeting new people at the craft shows that they are vendors at. They are always looking for new Ideas to form into projects, and enjoy doing custom work for customers

They sell at the First Fridays Art Walk at the Stone Works gallery and second Saturdays at the VC Art Market at Figueroa plaza and Main. Facebook [email protected] to learn more about them.