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Ancient sea cow fossil discovered on the Channel Islands

Paleontologist Dr. Jonathan Hoffman led the team of volunteers.

A fossil of an extinct species of sea cow was discovered on Santa Rosa Island, a new find for the Channel Islands and conceivably one of the oldest of its kind on the west coast of North America with an estimated age between 20-25 million years ago.

Scientists think that the fossilized remains of a skull and partially articulated rib cage may represent a new species of sea cow, an ancient relative of dugongs known as sirenians. They anticipate this to be confirmed when the skull is analyzed by Dr. Jorge Velez-Juarbe, a marine mammal taxonomic expert at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The discovery was made by United States Geologic Survey (USGS) scientists Scott Minor and Kevin Schmidt as they were mapping faults on the island on July 17, 2017.

A team of volunteers led by paleontologist Dr. Jonathan Hoffman with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History are protecting the specimen for the upcoming winter and planning for an excavation next spring or early summer.

“This sea cow may have only been exposed the past few years after being buried for millions of years,” said Hoffman. “It came from a different place and a different time period.”

Scientists believe the sea cow lived in shallow seas when the island’s coastal landscape was situated hundreds of miles south of its current location. The remnants of at least four other sea cow fossils from different individuals were also found in the near vicinity.

The scientific team plans to analyze the sea cow’s skull shape and features to identify its relationship to other sirenians. They hope to find teeth remains, pay dirt used to detect the diet and age of the specimen.

To refine the era in which the sea cow lived, the team has collected marine microfauna fossils (snails, clam shells, and crustacea) within the surrounding rock strata for USGS experts to study.

Sirenians or sea cows are torpedo-shaped aquatic mammals that live in shallow waters and grow to be massive in size, up to 10 feet in length. In some parts of the world their fossil records date back to 50 million years ago.

At one time there were over a dozen different genera of sirenians, a name derived from the mermaids of Greek mythology. The cause of their decline is unclear but may be linked to changes in food availability and environmental and oceanographic conditions.

Their modern relatives include three manatee species and the one remaining direct relative, the dugong, found in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the east coast of Africa. The last remaining dugong on the west coast of North America, the Stellar’s sea cow, was hunted to extinction by humans in the 1760s

Grand opening of Hill Road Library

A standing room only crowd heard from County Supervisor Steve Bennett and Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko and other speakers. Photos by Richard Lieberman.

“You may say I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one.” – John Lennon

Library staff and friends wore T-shirts that said, “Imagine…..Hill Road Library.” Indeed this new branch is a triumph of imagination and collaboration to being this dream to reality. 1100 celebratory Venturans showed up for the library opening on Sunday, Dec.3 at noon. There hasn’t been a library in the Midtown area since the Wright library closed nine years ago, and the local residents are overjoyed.

The program was MC’d by Ivor Davis, local author and celebrity. There were brief speeches by library officials, Hannah-Beth Jackson, Steve Bennett, and Erik Nasarenko. The emphasis was on the collaborative effort and financial support that it took to get this branch up and running.

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved ongoing funds in the amount of $250,000 to operate the new library, while the City of Ventura approved $50,000 annually that will allow for an additional 16 open hours per week. The City also provided $25,000 for one-time capital expenditures. The Ventura Friends of the Library raised and contributed $200,000, much of which came from used book sales to local residents.

In addition, there was entertainment by the Harmonix, a Rubicon Theater group of young people who sang “Imagine,” to go along with the theme of the afternoon, among other songs.

Nancy Schram (see additional article introducing the new Director), new Ventura County Library Director says, “We are thrilled to be opening a new library on the East side of Ventura. It’s a wonderful example of how the County, City, and community came together to provide funding and support so that we can reach more people with library services and ultimately improve lives and enrich the entire community.”

There was a lot more at the event than speeches. Children could make folk dolls and play with a Lego setup, there was a booth for fancy costumed selfie photos, a flower card reader, 3-D printer and wood etcher.

The Lions club supplied and served free hot dogs to all comers.

Kathy Thomson the President of the Ventura Friends of the Library, echoes this sentiment, “The Hill Road Library is an example of the collaborative efforts between government, nonprofits, corporate sponsors and citizens. When these entities work together toward a common goal the possibilities are infinite.”

Citizens of all ages lined up for get library cards, check out books on the new self-serve machines, talk to the librarians and buy books from the Friends shelves.

Mayor Nasarenko, a library supporter, gave this heartfelt statement, “To see the return of library services to the east end of Ventura is wonderful. Our thanks to Supervisor Bennett and the Board of Supervisors, Friends of the Library and County Library Director Jackie Griffin for helping to make this opening possible. I encourage Venturans to bring their families, their curiosity and their passion for lifelong learning to this new community resource.”

And Steve Bennet, who has backed the libraries all the way, had this to say, “I am really happy our residents in the east end will have a local library and very appreciative of all the efforts by the library supporters who helped make this happen.” Thank you, Supervisor Bennet, it wouldn’t have happened without you.

The Hill Road Library is located at 1050
Hill Road in Ventura.

Beginning December 3, 2017 hours of
service are Monday through Wednesdays,
10am to 6pm; Thursdays, 2pm to 6pm;
Fridays through Sundays, 10am to 2pm.

Seabin project, floating debris interception device, at Ventura Harbor

The Seabin project, a floating debris interception device has come to Ventura Harbor. Installed at the Ventura Isle Marina the device is designed to be installed in the water partially submerged. The device will work in any calm marine environment like marinas, yacht clubs, and ports. The device is placed in specific parts of marinas and ports that are prone to debris problems. The partially submerged device literally vacuums the surface and collects debris and stores the debris in a large capture bag that normally needs to be cleaned twice daily.

The device is designed to make the marina environment cleaner and more environmentally sound by capturing cigarette butts, plastic particles and food wrappers. Each installed Seabin can capture a half ton of debris yearly.

Sierra Club Ventura educational series presents Ken McAlpine Jan 9

Ken McAlpine has written 10 books.

He wrote the book after purposefully spending weeks alone on the Channel Islands

On Jan 9, 2018, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Topping Room, EP Foster Library the Sierra Club Ventura educational series is presenting Ken McAlpine speaking of a time to rethink our place in the environment and why we need nature.

Ken McAlpine has written 10 books but will speak about one in particular. Islands Apart: A Year on the Edge of Civilization was called “a rumination on what it means to be human”, and McAlpine was lauded as “a humorous and humble guide who takes his contemplation of our busy world into unexpected places.”

“Author Ken McAlpine stands in his front yard one night in Ventura, California, trying to see the stars. His view is diminished by light pollution, making it hard to see much of anything in the sky. Our fast-paced, technologically advanced society, he concludes, is not conducive to stargazing or soul-searching. Taking a page from Thoreau’s Walden, he decides to get away from the clamor of everyday life, journeying alone through California’s Channel Islands National Park. There, he imagines, he might be able to “breathe slowly and think clearly, to examine how we live and what we live for.”

He wrote the book after purposefully spending weeks alone on the Channel Islands. Literary Travel says the book is “a humorous and wise look at contemporary American life—and how time spent alone in nature can give us a fresh perspective and greater clarity about what matters most. In this touching and surprising book, McAlpine does what many of us long to do – slow down and take a closer look at this one life we have.”

A great time to learn and chat with others in the club, open to supporters and members.

Joshua S. Hopstone elevated to partner at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP) law firm, is pleased to announce that Joshua S. Hopstone has been elevated to partner, beginning Jan. 1, 2018. In his seven years at FCOP, Hopstone has built a strong practice focused primarily on complex business and real estate related matters. He is also an accomplished appellate advocate. Hopstone’s law practice is focused on issues affecting real property.

Grand Jury Speakers Bureau

The County of Ventura Grand Jury is an all-volunteer group serving as an independent agent of the public to investigate complaints from the public pertaining to government agencies within Ventura County.

For organizations that are interested in hearing about these investigative duties and procedures, the Grand Jury Speakers Bureau is available to educate the public in its endeavors as the “public watchdog” for Ventura County. To learn more or schedule a date for a presentation, please call the Grand Jury at 477-1600.

For additional information, please refer to the County of Ventura Grand Jury website at http://www.ventura.org/grand-jury.

Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Hijinks Abound in Ojai’s Animal Crackers

In the mood for something simply silly, extremely funny and nostalgic to lighten the stress of the season? Animal Crackers now playing on the Ojai Art Center Stage will certainly fill the bill quite nicely. The musical with book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind features music and lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby.

Director John Medeiros gives the famous Marx Brothers their due in this re-creation of the 1930 film which was based on a Marx Brothers Broadway stage show. For many of us, the journey is nostalgic – back to an earlier time of rapid-fire clean comedy and physical gags fueled by the desire to just make the audience laugh. In addition, the production introduces a new generation (or two) to the comedy and musical genius of the entertaining brothers.

For the initiates, the Marx Brothers are widely known as the epitome of comedy, inspiring scores of actors and comedians for decades. Prior to Laurel and Hardy, the three Stooges and Saturday Night Live, the Brothers set the scene for low-brow hijinks across the board.

In Animal Crackers, as in all Marx Brothers films, the primary focus is satirization of high society moirés. This one plays into that theme with explorer Captain Spaulding (AKA Groucho, played by Sean Mason) being invited to a ritzy party at the home of society matron Mrs. Rittenhouse (played with panache by Tracey Sutton), and subsequently causing havoc when a painting is stolen. Chico (Daniel Mitchell), Zeppo (James Alderete) and Harpo (Anna Kotula) all bring their own mayhem to the affair.

On a technical level, the production is top-notch. The elegant Art Deco style setting designed by Kenny Dahle is beautifully embellished by the creative and colorful costuming credited to Haley Weed and Celia Williams. All the leads were outfitted with microphones and worked well with the recorded score. The play features some lovely singing voices, particularly those of KiSea Katikka and Amanda Ballinger, as well as crisp choreography by Anna Kotula. True to form of the era, there is some fancy footwork in spots, most notably the tap number in the first act featuring Ezra Eells and KiSea Katikka.

The action is fast, deliberately confusing and utterly delightful. The actors portraying the four Marx Brothers live up to their iconic role-models in fine fashion. Mason, as Groucho, carries a good deal of the show and is consistent with the recognizable walk, vocal style, look and signature facial gestures. Not to be outdone, Kotula is a hoot as the mute Harpo spurred on by Mitchell as the self-proclaimed Italian Chico. Zeppo (James Alderete) is the one straight-man in the goofy group.

Medieros’ influence as a master rubber-faced comedian is easily seen in all the actors, with roles large and small. He has infused the cast with a real sense of the fun of being silly for a purpose. The entire cast is clearly having a ball, reveling in outrageously overdone characterizations. Relax, settle back and prepare to enjoy a slice of different holiday fare.

Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery Street, (805) 640-8797 www.OjaiACT.org

All seats $20, Seniors &Art Center Members $15, Students $15. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2:00 p.m. through December 17.

Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Fri 12/8: Tom & Milo
Sat 12/9: Beach City Sound Club
Fri 12/15: Teresa Russell
Sat 12/16: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Fridays: DJs; Karaoke
Saturdays DJs
Fri 12/18: The Vonettes (7 pm)

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 12/6: Bryan McCann
Thurs 12/7: Rick Whitfield
Fri 12/8: Red Muffs
Sat 12/9: Boogie Wonderland
Tues 12/12: Donna Greene
Wed 12/13: Big Adventure
Thurs 12/14: Amber & Smoke
Fri 12/15: Otis Hayes
Sat 12/16: Soul Infusion
Tues 12/19: Jazz Express

Casa Bella
391 E. Main Street
(805) 340-1119
Music starts 7 pm
Fridays: Encore
Saturday: Ricky Williams

Cask Alehouse
5952 Telegraph Road
(805) 765-4201
Music 7-9 pm
Sat 12/9: Doc Ventura
Sat 12/16: Milo Sledge

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Fri 12/8: Lorenzo Martinez
Sat 12/9: Havana Cinco
Sun 12:10: Karen Eden
Fri 12/15: Havana Cinco
Sat 12/16: Havana Cinco
Sun 12/17: Martinez Brothers

Cork
1930 E. Main Street
Music 6-8 pm
Wednesdays: The Swillys

Dargan’s Irish Pub
593 E. Main Street
Sun 12/17: The Sunday Drivers

Downtown Ventura
Plaza Park
Fri 12/15: Silent Night Disco (5:30-9 pm)

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: Xoco Moraza and Friends (4 pm)
Saturdays: DJ Erock

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Avenue
Fri 12/18: Fido (5:30 pm)

Garage
1091 Scandia
Thurs 12/7: Dag Nasty, The Missing 23rd, Fireburn
Fri 12/8: Motorbabe
Wed 12/13: Warbinger, Exmortus
Fri 12/15: Diamond Love, Dee, Stebz Juarez, Oddy

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic
Fri 12/8: COGEX, Blacksmith, Might Nightmare

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Fri and Sat 8 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Thurs 12/7: Rae Gordon
Fri 12/8: Shawn Jones Trio
Sat 12/9: Trippin’ Wild
Sun 12/10: Shawn Jones, TD Lind, Tariqh Akoni
Fri 12/15: Nathan McEuen
Sat 12/16: Ricky Z
Sun 12/17: Al Vafa

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 12/8: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Harpdog Brown & the Travelin’ Blues Show
Sun 12/10: Del Franklin (4 pm)
Fri 12/15: Hi Hat Entertainment presents: Debbie Davies
Sat 12/16: Brian Faith Band
Sun 12/17: Misunderstood Band (4 pm)

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues & Wed: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 12/8: What the Funk
Sat 12/9: Wired
Fri 12/15: Sean Wiggins
Sat 12/16: Rick Miller Band

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Wed 12/13: Matthew Zeltzer
Fri 12/15: Bad Leaf

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 12/7: Matt Sayles & Guest (6 pm)
Sat 12/9: Geranium, Tim Curran, Todd Hannigan, My Brother’s Band (4 pm)
Sun 12/10: Fox Trax (2:30 pm)
Thurs 12/14: Cap Quirk (6 pm)
Sun 12/17: Skin and Bones (3 pm)

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Sat 12/9: 5th Annual Holiday Sing-a-long
Thurs 12/14: Dwight Yoakam

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Patio at Players Casino
Auto Center Drive
Thurs 12/7: Hermano’s Herrera Trio
Sat 12/9: Carmen & the Renegades (CRV)
Thurs 12/14: Hermano’s Herrera Trio
Fri 12/15: Vanise Terry Band

Pierpont Inn
550 San Jon Road
Sat 12/9: Salvation Army Holiday Gala with Barrelhouse Wailers

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night
Sat 12/16: Blackstar, No Biggee, Phoenixook

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Saloon BBQ Co.
456 E. Main Street
Sat 12/9: Sea at Last
Fri 12/15: The Shorelines

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 12/9: Hip Hop show
Sun 12/10: Ashton York

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 12/8: We Govern We
Sat 12/9: DJ Pistolero
Fri 12/15: Sin Chonies
Sat 12/16: Johnny Hellhole Experience

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main Street
Music 7-10 pm
Wed 12/6: Lett, Mancini & Dutz
Thurs 12/7: Benn Clatworthy
Fri 12/8: L.J. and the Boyz
Sat 12/9: RJ Root’s Guitar Invitational
Wed 12/13: Native Vibe
Thurs 12/14: Meridian Trio
Fri 12/15: Tony Ybarra & Friends
Sat 12/16: Barrelhouse Wailers
Tues 12/19: Jazz Jam

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 12/8: Crosscut
Sat 12/9: Time Bomb
Fri 12/15: Jan Michael & the Vincents
Sat 12/16: Mini Driver Band

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue
Sat 12/9: Crooked Eye Tommy (3 pm)
Sun 12/10: Matthew Zeltzer (2 pm)
Sun 12/17: Shylan Ray Sunshine (2 pm)

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
104 E. Thompson Blvd
Sun 12/10: Sleeping Chief, The Brave Kind

Ventura Fairgrounds
10 W/ Harbor Blvd
Sun 12/10: Chopper Fest featuring Gethen Jenkins, Kelly’s Lot

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Thurs 12/7: Dogfish
Fri 12/8: Paul Mars Black
Sat 12/9: Galactic Jazz (4 pm); Rich Sheldon & Carl Osterlof
Sun 12/10: Rhythm 805
Thurs 12/14: Andy D
Fri 12/15: Rich Sheldon & Carl Osterlof
Sat 12/16: Johnny & the Love Handles
Sun 12/17: Rhythm 805

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun with Kenny Devoe

Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

How quickly time passes as we find ourselves in the final month of the year. My next column will cover New Year’s Eve parties, but for now, let’s take a look at a couple of special events you might want to support during December.

The 5th annual 4 Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive will be held Saturday, December 9th, at the Ventura Beach Club from 5-10 pm. Not only will the honorary guest and rock and roll hall of famer, Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf) be on hand, but so will the jolly guy himself, old saint Nick, aka Santa Claus, as only Gary Gordon Goff can pull off. Featured artists playing include Johnny Main and the 44’s, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, Tommy Marsh, Tom & Milo, and more.

The Brave & the Young are holding a fundraiser at Made West Brewery on Saturday, December 9, called My Brother’s Board. It will help benefit Ian Campbell (Campbell Brothers Surfboards) who is battling cancer. It’s a daylong event with board swapping, raffle, yoga and more, including of course live music. The bands start at 4 pm with Geranium, then Tim Curran, Todd Hannigan and My Brother’s Band wrapping up the event.

The Majestic Ventura Theater is holding their 5th annual Holiday Sing-along on Saturday, December 9th. It’s a great event for the entire family, and they’re only asking for a donation of an unwrapped toy from each group attending.

Hi Hat Entertainment booked Harpdog Brown & the Travelin’ Blues Show while they’re out on their US West Coast Tour in support of their new release, Travelin’ with the Blues. Based out of Vancouver, Canada, this is the band’s first Southern California appearance. Harpdog Brown is Canada’s reigning Harmonica Player of the Year since 2014 and they’ll be performing at the Hong Kong Inn on Friday, December 10.

Chopper Fest returns to the Ventura Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 10. This event is dedicated to the design, function and art of the motorcycle. While checking out some amazing rides, you can enjoy live music from The Bob Carrillo Blues Band, Kelly’s Lot and Gethen Jenkins. You can get more information including ticket prices at ChopperFestival.com.

Quick notes: Dag Nasty and the Missing 23rd will be at The Garage on Thursday, December 7; The Vonettes will do an early show at Bombay’s at 7 pm on Friday, December 8; Topa Mountain Winery has music in the afternoon on Saturday December 9th with Crooked Eye Tommy and Sunday, December 10th with Matthew Zeltzer; I’m hearing Tariqh Akoni is expected to join Shawn Jones at Grapes and Hops on Sunday, December 10; the Ventura Harbor parade of lights falls over the weekend of December 15 and 16 with music at several venues including the Boatyard Pub and Copa Cubana; there will be a Silent Night Disco at Plaza Park on Friday December 15; the Phantom Pomps CD release party will be held at the Hong Kong Inn on Saturday, December 16; the Rubicon Harmonix Concert will be on Sunday December 17 at the Rubicon; and the final SPRP event will be held at the Sewer on December 17 with FSKD, Publik Enima, I Decline and the Kane Gang.

The Rubicon Theater will be hosting a special evening of holiday cheer on Sunday, December 17th featuring the Rubicon Harmonix, six high school seniors (five of whom have been in the group since middle school). You may have caught them in the past performing at the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concert, the YMCA prayer breakfast or the Downtown Ventura tree lighting ceremony. The concert will feature a mix of sacred and secular songs of the season. Tickets are available at RubiconTheatre.org.

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.

How to prevent and reduce the risk for diabetes

The Ventura Family YMCA is encouraging residents of Ventura to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than one in three Americans (84 million people) has prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes. Learning how to prevent prediabetes can reduce the chances of getting diabetes even more, making it a slim possibility. Small changes to diets and routines can help save peoples lives.

“As one of the leading community-based charities committed to improving the health of Ventura, the Y wants to all people to understand their risk for prediabetes and steps to take to avoid developing type 2 diabetes,” said Margo Byrne, Chief Operations Officer for the Channel Islands YMCA. “Developing type 2 diabetes impacts the lives of millions of people and their families each year physically, emotionally and financially.”

Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.

The Ventura Family YMCA also offers its members Y Fit appointments, three complimentary one-hour sessions with a Y Fit expert. During these appointments, members can discuss health concerns and develop a fitness plan and solutions with their expert in order to meet their specific needs and goals.

One diabetic Y member details their story of transformation, “Since joining the YMCA, I came in at 230lbs, diabetic, insulin dependent and generally unfit. After 18 months, I have dropped 35lbs, lost 6 inches off my waist. I am now insulin free, and my blood pressure is back to normal. I have been coming seven days a week to workout & swim. It has become a new way of life for me.”

Thanks to the Y programs, the people of Ventura Family YMCA are able to improve their heath

Making some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:

  • Eat fruits and vegetables every day.

  • Choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin.

  • Aim for whole grains with every meal.

  • Be moderately active, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.

  • Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.

  • Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.

Thanks to charitable donations from the community, the Y can continue to offer health programs to individuals and families in need of financial assistance. To learn more about the Ventura Family YMCA’s programs, please contact Sherry Maresca at [email protected] or 642.2131 ext 20.