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The Museum of Ventura County presents The Place We Call Home

The exhibition celebrates the diversity of our County.

In honor of the County of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary, the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) is pleased to present Ventura County, The Place We Call Home. Curated by Carlos Ortega, the exhibition celebrates the diversity of our County by exploring different interpretations of home.

Mr. Ortega said, “As MVC’s recently appointed Chief Curator, Ventura County, The Place We Call Home is the first of what I hope will be many engaging, immersive exhibits that seamlessly blend the past with the present and reflect the stories and experiences of our diverse community.”

Home means something different to everyone. Some people think of home as a place: the house or the neighborhood where they grew up. For some, home lives in their memories of celebrations and hardships. For others, family and friends make them “feel at home.”

Using installations as well as photographs, this exhibition highlights the lives of people living in Ventura County and examines their relationship to home, to community, and to each other. The historical photos are drawn from the Museum’s Research Library, as well as historical societies throughout the County. The photographs of the County today are by a diverse group of photographers and artists.

The contemporary photographers and artists contributing to the exhibition are, Ben Bribriesca, Cristian Castro, Jorge Corralejo, Blake Fagan, Leah Mata Fragua, Porfirio Gutierrez, MB Hanrahan, Oliver Krisch, Trinh Mai, Cris Mejia, Amy Oliver, Liisa Pynnonen, Zaydee Sanchez, George Sandoval, and Amadeo Sumano.

The exhibition will open at the Santa Paula Agriculture Museum at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee Event on Oct. 21, 2023, and run through October 6, 2024. The exhibition will also be on view at the following venues: Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks opens Nov. 11, 2023, Oxnard College at Condor Hall opens Nov. 27, 2023, and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Activity Center opens December 9, 2023. “We are thrilled to unveil an exceptional museum exhibition that delves deep into the intricate tapestry of ‘Home’ within our community. I am immensely proud to present this thought-provoking exploration of the myriad ways in which ‘home’ resonates with each and every one of us,” stated Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director.

For information about the exhibition as well as exhibition related events, please visit https://venturamuseum.org/exhibits/

 

 

 

Vol. 17, No. 02 – Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2023 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Logan, a handsome Am Staff Terrier / Husky X with some Shiba Inu, Cattle Dog, Greyhound and Border Collie. I was rescued from Animal Services who did a DNA test. I went to board and train and I’m ready for my forever home.

I enjoy playing with toys, learning tricks for treats and playing chase and keep away. I know basic commands. I love to run and go on walks too. I’m a big boy and my ideal home would be an active adult.

If you’re interested in meeting me, please fill out an online application to meet me.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. https://carldogs.org/
CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Handsome Brûlée arrived as a stray, is two years old and has been easy to walk and friendly here at the shelter. The individual who found him reported he behaved well around their cat! He already knows how to sit and catch treats.

If you’d like to meet Brûlée, schedule an appointment at https://www.vcas.us/adopt or come down to the shelter during normal Adoption Hours of 1:00pm – 6:00pm Tuesday – Sunday. If you have questions, please contact us at (805) 388-4341 or [email protected]. Animal ID: A832385

Business Profile: Pierpont Racquet Club adds more pickleball courts

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and the PRC has added three more courts to meet the growing demand.  In conjunction with the celebration of its 46th Anniversary, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at a mixer with the Ventura Chamber of Commerce on October 5th.

The PRC’s 3 new courts now afford PRC members 8 courts to choose from, 5 of which are lit for night play.  5 of the courts are hard courts and the other 3 are all-weather courts with a surface that allows play when the other courts are wet and too slippery to enjoy safely.

The private membership Club first opened for tennis play in January 1977 and in October of that year, the Clubhouse opened. The PRC now offers 9 tennis courts and 8 pickleball courts in addition to two swimming pools and full fitness facilities.  In celebration of its 46th Anniversary the PRC is offering a 46% discount on join fees for the month of October.  Trial memberships are also available.

General Partner Spencer Garrett recalls that when the PRC first opened its door, racquetball was the fastest growing sport in the U.S.  The PRC originally had 4 courts and at one time had 6 racquetball courts.  Now the PRC offers only one court which gets limited play.  The other courts have since been converted to add additional fitness areas as well as a family game room with ping pong.

Spencer Garrett believes pickleball is here to stay and that it will keep growing.  “It’s an easy sport to get started playing and can be a very social game allowing players to make new friends”, commented Spencer.  The PRC has introductory clinics and scheduled time for open play for various levels of play.  Pickleball and tennis clinics are open to non-members as well as Club members.

Will pickleball replace tennis? Garrett doesn’t think that will ever happen.  Tennis experienced a resurgence when Covid struck as people were looking for outdoor activities.  Tennis play is still strong at the PRC and while some tennis players are gravitating to pickleball, most of those are playing both sports.

“Most anyone with basic hand eye coordination can be playing in short order and there is always someone more than happy to explain the idiosyncrasies such as the kitchen and scoring.  Come down to the PRC and experience pickleball”, added Garrett. www.pierpontrc.com.

PRC Celebrates 46 Years!

In conjunction with the commemoration of its 46th Anniversary, PRC hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony during a vibrant mixer with the Ventura Chamber of Commerce on October 5th. This event not only marked PRC’s remarkable history but also celebrated its continued commitment to fostering a vibrant community of racquet and paddle enthusiasts. As part of the club’s 46th-anniversary celebrations, PRC is extending a generous 46% discount on join fees for the entire month of October, with trial memberships also available.

PRC would like to give a special thank you to Topa Topa Brewing Co. and Salzer’s Pies & Pastries for their support in their anniversary celebration.

Max Pays Attention

Local author pens book about a boy who has trouble sitting still.

This exciting children’s book by Dr. Barbara Gibson Paul, children’s author and child psychotherapist is for ages 4-8 year olds is a great purchase for schools, libraries, holiday gifts and birthday gifts.  $14.95 Hardcover.

“Max Pays Attention” is about Max who is a 7-year-old boy who has trouble sitting still and following the rules in class.  Max’s mom helps motivate him to improve his behavior in school.  After lots of hard work Max finally starts to follow the rules and earns something special.

Dr. Pal stated “I was inspired to write this book after teaching special education and becoming a parent myself.  I was in private practice as a child therapist helping parents and children to have less stress and increased happiness.  I couldn’t find a self-help book to share with my client’s  so I wrote “Max Pays Attention”.

“I’m a big believer in using bibliotherapy to help a child or adult with grief, self esteem, school concerns and/or relationship problems.  I believe too many children lack motivation for a variety of reasons.  In the book “The Little Engine That Could” the train thought he/she wasn’t going to get up the mountain but he/she was determined to get to the top and said “I think I can I think I can”.

Barbara Gibson Paul Psy.D.LMFT a resident of Ventura can be reached at 818-599-0053 to schedule a professional parenting consultation, schedule an author’s event or purchase the book.

 

Flags should not be forgotten

by Richard Senate

Just down from the old Mission San Buenaventura, at the end of Mission Plaza (formerly Figueroa Street) stands six naked flagpoles, There are three flag poles with the California State Flag, the City Flag and the Stars and Stripes–but no others.

What are the six empty flag poles and why were they put up in the first place?  They were set up when the city was all spruced up for the Bi-centennial back in 1976.   The six flag poles were to fly the flags that flew over our city over the years.  The Spanish  flag flown by Juan R. Cabrillo   when he sighted the location of the city in 1542, The Spanish Flag flown when Fr. Serra established the mission in 1782 (it was different from the early flag) The flag of the Mexican Republic (slightly different than the one they use today), The flag of John C. Fremont when he captured the city in 1847 the original Bear flag and the 31 star flag when California joined the Union in 1850.

These were flown for many years but wind and sun took their toll on the banners and soon they were worn and needed to be replaced.  They proved to be expensive but funds were found to buy a new set.  They were flown but suffered in the tragedy of 9-11.  Following the fall of the Twin Towers in New York all flags were to be flown at half mast.  A city worker didn’t know if this rule applied to historic flags and left them at full staff.  The public was emotional after what happened in the New York attack and wrote angry letters to the newspapers and city councilmen.  The flags were lowered but after that they were not replaced and the poles have been empty since then.

Even with all of them flying, they forgot a historic flag that only flew over Ventura in March of 1838–at the Battle of San Buenaventura, a skirmish fought in a brief civil war when California was part of Mexico. Governor Alvarado toyed with the idea of making California an independent nation, separate from Mexico, then in a confused political state.    His faction captured Santa Barbara and, in the style of that community, they threw a fiesta inviting the governor  to attend.  A bit in his cups, he had a simple Mexican flag brought (one without the eagle and serpent) and he took black paint and carefully wrote: “Independencia de California”  across the banner–the flag of a free California Nation!  He wanted the father at Mission Santa Barbara to bless the flag. When the padre saw this he knew this would mean war with Mexico City and refused. The flag was flown as the forces loyal to Alvarado marched south and took Ventura. Later a sober Alvarado made peace with Mexico City and he vowed to keep the territory of California under the Mexican Tricolor.  The flag made in Santa Barbara is lost now but, it represented a historic event that would presage the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. Maybe that flag should be flown over our community today?

Ventura Chamber Business Expo

Photo by Patricia Schallert

On October 12, the Ventura Chamber held their Business Expo at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. The Chamber’s Business Expo is held in spring and fall of each year. Over 75 vendors participated in the expo, showcasing their services, food and products. Greeting those who attended at the Breeze booth were Jaime Baker (who designed the booth), publisher Sheldon and photographer Yana Khiyod.

Vol. 17, No. 02 – Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2023 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednesday
9/27

 6:22pm, while on patrol officers removed a hazard to navigation, 4ft log in the Pierpont Basin. The log was taken to the launch ramp and thrown away.

10:50pm, received request to assist PD with a theft investigation. The individual overstaying his welcome at L/R had battery stolen. Incident under investigation.

Thursday
9/28

 11:33am, while on patrol in truck, receiving multiple complaints/inquiries about the large construction project (Ventura Water Pure) occurring through Anchors Way, Marina Park and eventually into the ocean just outside Marina Park.

2:45pm, observed a vehicle unable to pull vessel/trailer up the ramp due to low tide. Officers attached tow line to vehicle, were able to pull it up launch ramp.

Friday
9/29

 6:00pm, lobster season begins. Officers taking Fish & Wildlife wardens out to check on lobster fishing regulation violations. Issued several warnings, observed approximately 180 hoop nets deployed just in the sandtrap area.

Saturday
9/30

 3:55am, received Mayday call VHF-16, 50ft fishing vessel with broken rudder arm 1 mile outside harbor. Officers responded in Fireboat, took the vessel en tow near the #2 buoy and towed to their slip at VHV A-dock.

Sunday
10/1

 10:01am, received report of an overdue vessel, out rigger canoe with 6 POB’s. Officers responded in Fireboat, located vessel off the Ventura Pier, in no distress

Monday
10/2

 4:45pm, received request to assist a capsized sailboat in the entrance of the harbor. Officers responded in Fireboat and after several attempts were able to successfully right the small sailboat with 2 POB’s, that were pulled from water.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces approval of a $1.5 million acquisition loan

College Community Courts will provide 15 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of a $1,500,000 predevelopment loan to help fund College Community Courts, a People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC) affordable housing development in Ventura. With construction set to begin in late 2024, the new multi-family housing community will provide 57 affordable units for farmworkers and their families.

College Community Courts will provide 15 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom units for a total of 57 new, affordable apartment homes, housed within five contemporary two-story buildings that harmonize with the modern aesthetic of the neighborhood. Residents will include our community’s essential farmworkers and their families, as well as working class individuals and families earning between 30% and 60% of Ventura County’s Area Median Income (AMI). Several resident-serving amenities have been integrated into the property including a large community room, computer lab, children’s space, management offices, and outdoor courtyards that feature comfortable seating, children’s play structures, and barbeque areas. One distinctive feature of the College Community Courts property is the design of the primary entrances, which lead into these inviting courtyards, outdoor patios, and balconies along the main building fronts. This layout fosters a sense of community and offers ample opportunities for residents to build neighborly relationships.

“57 new units are 57 safe and comfortable homes for individuals and families who won’t have to worry about where they will end each day,” commented Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, “We are confident that this development from People’s Self-Help Housing will bring much-needed stability our hard-working neighbors are searching for.”

Through their Supportive Housing Program (SHP), PSHHC has provided direct resident services for two decades. The SHP is a social services program offered to residents completely free, with social service professionals providing coordination of on-site group activities and services to influence positive support for residents. Other assistance for more complex issues that may affect stability and housing for individuals and families are also offered by the SHP.

In its 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, the City of Ventura quantified its specific housing objectives to be 1,187 newly constructed units for extremely low- and very-low-income households and 865 units for low-income individuals and families. The completion of these 57 permanently affordable rental units for households within the 30-60% of Area Median Income range will directly contribute to addressing this need.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County – Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2011, Housing Trust Fund VC is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. As of October 2023, Housing Trust Fund VC has committed to investing $27.8 million through its Revolving Loan Fund, creating 1,177 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.

 

 

Sierra Hwy

They play again at the Pierpont Bay yacht club on November 5 from 2 to 5. 

by Patricia Schallert

An October gathering of musicians and guests at the Pierpont Bay Yacht Club in Ventura was a great kick off to the fall season in the Ventura Harbor.

Sierra Hwy, an Americana music group from Santa Clarita, along with local Ventura resident Stephen Mendel entertained an enthusiastic crowd. Guitarist Larry Schallert is the brother of local Breeze Photo Journalist Patrish Schallert who says her brother started playing the guitar as a pre-teen and was inspired by Patrish and his sisters  to play. She and her four sisters played music together for years. Larry watched and followed and learned. He formed his band in 2005 and he traded the name Sierra Highway  as it symbolizes the route from Newhall pass up through the desert to the eastern sierras to Tahoe. Larry says Sierra Highway is  “a state of mind”. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the route and it’s beautiful the whole way.” There’s lots to say about “Sierra Highway”.

For instance, Charlie Chaplin‘s last scene of his last movie was filmed on Sierra Highway with him walking down the road hand-in-hand with his mate, a familiar scene we all know and remember.