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Tender Life Maternity Home reopens

Applicants need to interview to be accepted to the program.

by Jennifer Tipton

Tender Life, a program of Project Understanding never really closed, but has been empty with the program “on hold” for the last few months.

After extensive restructuring, Tender Life has reopened its doors to continue to provide services to expectant young mothers who might otherwise be without a home.

Located at 871 E. Thompson Blvd, the Tender Life Maternity Home sits right next door to City Center (the transitional living center to help the homeless), so it certainly makes sense that Pastor Jim Duran of City Center will oversee the program!

Lauren Stockton is now the live-in house manager and case manager. Lauren was a resident at Tender Life nearly 20 years ago and now she is helping others who are where she once was. “Her life has come full circle”, says Pastor Jim.

Pastor Jim also stated, “women who move in are pregnant, it’s not a disability, it’s a part of life” and explains some of the changes to the program such as, now residents are expected to work. He realizes most have no experience with job interviews so residents are provided with a mentor to guide them, assist with transportation and are also given parenting classes. Much like City Center, Tender Life is grooming these women to be independent.

Applicants do need to interview to be accepted to the program and where 6 months of sobriety was the previous requirement, restructuring allows a much more flexible standard with 90 days now being the minimum.

The home can take 8 residents, 2 are scheduled to move in on August 4th with 2 others interviewing that same week. The plan is to have the house full by the end of August.

In addition to the house, there’s a small “granny flat” on the property which has now been rented to a City Center graduate and her family, again allowing an opportunity for one success story to mentor another just starting on that path.

Originally set up to allow Tender Life residents to stay just 90 days after the baby, the restructuring makes it much easier for mamas and babies to transition into a room at City Center.

Tender Life Maternity Home receives no grants or government assistance, it is funded by churches and private donors. The biggest fund raiser is the “Walk for Tender Life” event taking place each March, but there is also “The Baby Bottle Drive” ongoing throughout the year. Both welcome all participants!

For more information call Tender Life at 653-7474.

Vol. 10, No. 22 – Aug 2 – Aug 15, 2017 – Opinion/Editorial

These are the type of nearby (including the original Museum) buildings that should have guided the design of the addition to the Museum.

•  In this issue we have an article regarding the funding for the Museum to keep it “alive”.

Elena Brokaw Interim Executive Director has commented that the museum gets 390 paid visitors per week and they spend 15 to 20 minutes going through the Museum.

15 to 20 minutes? Good grief can we expect people from all over Ventura County (this is the Museum of Ventura County) to drive an hour to spend 15-20 minutes at the Museum. It hardly pays to drive from as far as East Ventura.

And half of that time is undoubtedly spent looking at the amazing George Stuart historical figures.

The Museum is just not fun, or interesting for all family members (the young and young at heart) to attract and hold a large audience. It needs to be much more pro-active and exciting.

Also the architecture of the addition done a few years ago is horrible (my opinion, of course, yours is always welcome). It completely ignored the contribution of the existing Museum and of all of the surrounding buildings.

I’m glad that the Museum has obtained funding to stay open for at least another six months but for me to support it the following must happen:

Hire an architect to completely re-design the exterior (I know there are not funds available) but perhaps donors, and board members could at least get excited looking at some renderings of a proposed re-design.

If possible hire a curator who has experience to develop a museum that will appeal to all ages, and keep visitors returning. Keeping the Museum open just for the sake of a having a museum means nothing.

Dave Grau, of the Ventura County Taxpayers Association, urged the city council to slow down before committing years of money. “The museum hadn’t presented a clear plan for what would change and where the money would go”, he said.

•The City of Ventura’s sponsored Music Under the Stars next concert series presents Orquesta Charangoa on August 5 at the Olivas Adobe.

I am disappointed that I don’t see more of our City Council members supporting this City sponsored music series by attending. I might have missed seeing them (they would have been introduced), but so far Jim Monahan and Neal Andrews have attended. Hopefully, all members will attend some of the concerts before the season ends on September 9. City Manager Mark Watkins and a large group of city employees attended the last event there.

•  On July 24, 2017 the Ventura City Council approved a General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan Amendment, and Sign Agreement within the Auto Center Specific Plan that will make the surrounding area significantly more conducive to economic investment and growth. The amendments will increase economic vitality by improving accessibility, visibility and circulation in and around the Ventura Auto Center. It will also eventually bring many big-box stores to Ventura so that we don’t need to go to Oxnard to make many of our purchases.

The Council voted 6-1 for approval. Christy Weir was the no vote because she (and other residents)opposes the very large sign that is part of the approval. She still supports the other aspects of the amendment.

It prohibits used car dealerships as a primary use. Used cars can be sold by the dealers.

•  When you cross the street in Honolulu, look both ways — but not at the life-changing text your best friend just sent.

Honolulu just approved a law making it illegal for pedestrians to “cross a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device.” The law covers video games, pagers and laptops, and the ubiquitous smartphones .

The law goes into effect October 25, giving police time to explain the situation to people who can’t take their eyes off that tiny screen in their hands.

How often do we all see people walking in cross-walks looking at their phones while completely ignoring the fact that a car might not see them? It’s as if “Well, if you kill me in the cross-walk you are in big trouble and I will sue you.”

I would also like to see the City either remove the red hands that tell pedestrians that they can’t walk across the street (people ignore them if the green light is on) or the police should start writing tickets for those that ignore them (which includes me).

•  Anthony Scaramucci, the new White House Communications Director has previously stated “The United States has too many guns .The USA has 5% of the world’s population but 50% of the world’s guns. Enough is enough. It is just common sense to apply more controls.” Who am I to argue with a Trump appointment?

And data from the FBI found that in the US a gun is stolen every two minutes. Most are used in crimes and murders.

•  Deliveries of medical cannabis will soon be allowed in Oxnard after their City Council voted to relax one area of its marijuana ordinance (See Person to Person in this issue for Venturan’s opinions).

By a unanimous vote, the council approved medical marijuana deliveries and requested more information on other commercial aspects of recreational and medicinal pot. It was an indication that other parts of the city marijuana ordinance could be relaxed in the future.

“I’m not really opposed to one commercial establishment if we can do it correctly,” said Councilwoman Carmen Ramirez. She added that one possible location for a dispensary could be in downtown near the police station.

It is about time for our City Council to deal with this issue in a more compassionate manner.

Vita Art Center presents Jennifer Wolf The Color Of Things

Opening Reception Friday, August 5 from 6-9 p.m.
Exhibit Dates August 5 – 27 from 6-9 p.m.

Interested in communicating ideas of history, place and nature in her art practice , Jennifer Wolf utilizes a combination of hand ground natural pigments, historic techniques and modern painting mediums to capture the pure essence of color.

Jennifer Wolf received her BA in Art History from UCLA and her MFA from Otis College of Art and Design.

Vita Art Center 432 North Ventura Ave. Studio 30
www.vitaartcenter.com

Vol. 10, No. 22 – Aug 2 – Aug 15, 2017 – Movie Review

Dunkirk
4 Palm Trees out of 4

by Manuel Reynoso

Dunkirk is a 2017 war film written, co-produced and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film stars: Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy.

Following three separate perspectives, Dunkirk explores the great evacuation of over 300,000 men when they became stranded on the beach of Dunkirk during WWII.

Survival and sacrifice, pride and humiliation, valor and cowardice; Dunkirk was the quintessence of suspense through mimesis. Told through three separate stories, in the land, the sea and the air, we see the evacuation of Dunkirk unfold for the British. Through non-linear storytelling, dramatic sound mixing, and the reliance of action opposed to dialogue, Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk has to be one of the most suspenseful films I’ve ever seen.

From the first opening moments, Nolan’s reliance on dynamic sound mixing took center stage in creating the suspense that I felt deep in my gut. The feeling of watching thousands of cationic men, defeated and tired, switch into full survival mode the instant the roar of planes fly overhead was terrifying. Even more visceral was the return of their malaise stupor the moment the bombs cease their carnage. The contrast between the quiet respite and thunderous mayhem creates a sudden and dramatic audio que for the viewer. Any feeling of relief or ease you may have while watching can be flipped off in an instant, the moment the roar of the ME 109 fills the theater. And believe me, I mean no hyperbole when I say it fills the theater. The audio is mixed so loudly, that those with hearing sensitivities may even want to consider bringing protection. But the tension and suspense gained from this mixing makes any temporary tinnitus honestly worth it.

One of the most interesting aspects Nolan’s films is how disjointed they are. Told from three separate perspectives, the film does not follow direct causality of the events transpiring at Dunkirk. Instead, the film jumps between the separate perspectives, each of which can overlap or even take place moments prior to the previous perspective. Normally, this can be confusing and difficult to follow, especially due to how often they jump forwards and backwards in time relative to each other. But the genius lies in this films editing and strong visual cues to create markers for which the event happen around. These visual aids help keep the viewer grounded and aware, where in time these events are taking place.

Lastly, today’s relevant filmmaking related word of the day is mimesis. I know I’ve gone on about it before, but mimesis is storytelling through action rather than through exposition. It’s just in my opinion the stronger, more visceral way to tell a story, and Nolan’s Dunkirk really hammers home how powerful this could be. For me personally, the single most captivating part of the entire film is seeing the relationship form between private Tommy and Gibson develop with no dialogue being shared between them. You see a relationship born and grow through the adversity these two men face, and it’s an amazing experience. This alone makes Dunkirk one of the best films of the year to me.

Dunkirk is a frightening experience to be had. I don’t think I’ve felt a movie give me this type of cinematic anxiety for years, but Dunkirk is not to be missed. Whether it’s the great editing, unique storytelling, or dynamic audio mixing, there is something to be learned about the filmmaking process from this movie. All I have left to say is simple, go see Dunkirk.

Rated R 1h 47m

“Fiery Morning” by Fredda Leiter

One gallery, three unique visions

Three Buenaventura Art Association members dedicated to sharing their perceptual insights will present recent artworks Aug. 1-Sept. 2 in concurrent solo exhibitions at the Buenaventura Gallery in downtown Ventura.

Mark Hafeman’s “Magic Garden” will be on the main gallery’s red walls, while Fredda Leiter’s “Birds, Beasts, Figures, Sky” and Kimberly-Ann Talbert’s “The World Through My Eyes” will fill the Clophine Dooley Gallery. The artists plan to attend an opening reception 5-7 p.m. Aug. 5.

Hafeman, an Oxnard painter whose mother and grandmother also were artists, said he will show about two dozen pieces, both watercolors and oils with acrylic underpainting.

Leiter plans to have about 18 watercolors on paper in her show. She lives in Ventura, has been painting about nine years.

Talbert is a lifelong artist who lives in Los Angeles and will be showing digital photographs and handmade jewelry, perhaps 30 pieces.

An exhibition by association members will fill the remainder of the main gallery, along with a hallway display by the last show’s honorable mention winners Louisa Wallace Jacobs and Doug Fossati.

Buenaventura Gallery, 700 E. Santa Clara St., is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information, visit BAA’s website, www.buenaventuragallery.org, or call 648-1235 during gallery hours.

Vol. 10, No. 21 – July 19 – Aug 1, 2017 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton

I asked vacationers “why are you vacationing in Ventura?”
Asked at the Crowne Plaza.

Renuka Narayan
age 56
from San Francisco vacationing with her sister Karen Ratlen age 50 (originally from the Fiji Islands)
“My sister hasn’t been to Ventura and Ventura’s really nice, especially the surf today. There are picturesque sunsets, the ocean, we like to swim and watch the surfers.” (And to read the Breeze of course)

Debbie Asadurian
age 62
from Moorpark vacationing with her grandkids Carl and Audrian
“We come up here because it’s so nice! We have the pier, the beach, the pool and all the great food!”

 

Kelly Miller and Dan Miller
both age 57 from Bakersfield
“To escape the heat, we like to take a week and relax, fish, walk the dog on the beach and shop in the Harbor”

 

 

Ginger Plumley
soon to be 15 from Redding, Ca.
vacationing with her grandmother and friends
“I just love the beach and coming here, everyone’s so nice! The weather here is much nicer and the ocean is my favorite!”

 

Tom and June Hartnell
both age 52
from Hawthorne vacationing in Ventura celebrating their 30th anniversary!
“We like it here because it’s right on the beach, nice views, nice breeze and we love looking at the ocean!” Romantic indeed! Happy Anniversary to The Hartnells!

 

Brandon Bailey
age 42
from Harrisburg, Pa. vacationing with Beth Seitz age 33 and Parker Seitz age 14
“Brandon’s here for two days on business so we figured we would stay 7 days and vacation. We plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, we love the Ventura beach and the sunny weather!”

 

 

 

Consortium Media + Public Relations announces delicious new client

Consortium Media + Public Relations (CM+PR) announces its new client, Churro Stix, will debut in Ventura County as the first franchise site, and second location, in the company’s plan to expand as “the go-to dessert place in every mall.” Churro Stix opened in 2014 in Canoga Park, California and will host their Ventura grand opening in the Pacific View Mall in late summer.

“We’re excited to introduce the up-and-coming brand Churro Stix to Ventura as the company’s very first franchise, and support their business growth through our agency’s social media marketing expertise,” said CM + PR President and CEO Denise Bean-White. “The success of the Ventura site is important for long-range expansion goals of the company and CM + PR is delighted to be their agency of record.”

Consortium Media is a renowned, award-winning firm known for its expertise through its Five Pillars of Marketing Success©, which strategically combines advertising, events & promotions, public relations, complementing web strategies, social media and creative design to build successful brands. Among Consortium Media’s most notable clients: statewide non-profit Aspiranet, Foster VC Kids a program of Ventura County Children and Family Services, The Collection at RiverPark, Southland Sod Farms, Ventura County Public Works Agency, PODS® in many major U.S. markets, and others.

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CAPS Media wants your story

There’s more than video happening at the CAPS Media Center.

Everyone has a great story to tell and CAPS Media is the place for you to share it. All types of storytellers are invited to get into the fun: videographers, documentarians, radio DJs, journalists, musicians, photographers and more are all encouraged, trained and supported at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road in Ventura. Member/Producers are guided by the very knowledgeable and friendly CAPS Media staff in the art and fun of media production with hands-on training in videography, video editing, radio production and more. Once trained member/producers check out CAPS Media’s video cameras, tripods, audio gear and other production equipment to record their story and then book postproduction editing suites to craft the stories they want to tell.

There’s more than video happening at the CAPS Media Center. The recently launched and highly successful CAPS Radio station (KPPQ-LP, FM 104.1) gives Member/Producers a dedicated and professionally equipped studio to record and produce the radio programs they want to share with the community. Experienced and aspiring DJs are trained by the talented CAPS Media staff in all aspects of radio production. After a few hours of instruction Member Producers are ready to produce their own radio programs. The program formats, topics, guest lists and more are all up to the desires and direction of the individual CAPS Radio Producer/Members.

In a few short months FM 104.1 is already alive with locally created and produced programs in talk, music, information, education and more. Check out CAPS Radio on FM 104.1. Radio orientation and training classes will be held July 26 & 27 at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center. The two-part class provides Member/Producers with the tools needed to produce original radio shows.

On the video side, upcoming CAPS Media Member/Producer video classes include: new member orientation, August 3, HD videography/camera, August 10 and postproduction editing, August 17. Go to www.capsmedia.org to see a schedule of upcoming programs on Channel 6 & 15, search the archives for past programs, get info on upcoming video and radio classes and much more.

Recent CAPS Media productions included programs on the Two Trees planting, the groundbreaking of the new Gold Coast Transit Center, and the Mayor for a Moment Class of 2016-2017 compilation video featuring 5th graders from elementary schools throughout the city.

Upcoming CAPS Media productions include live coverage of the annual Ventura County Fair Parade on Saturday, August 5. The festive event with floats, horses, marching bands and more will kick off at 10AM and CAPS Media will be on the scene at the corner of Main and California broadcasting live on Channel 6. If you are in the parade, give us and the community watching at home a big wave.

Tune in to Channel 6 for CAPS Media Member/Producer original programming throughout the day including the latest episodes of ECTV, Mayor for a Moment and Ventura Legacies. And to see what’s happening at the city, county and school government centers check out Channel 15.

CAPS Media is a nonprofit, membership organization located at 65 Day Road on the east side of Ventura College. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura is eligible to become a Member/Producer at CAPS Media. Annual fees are only $25 for an individual and $75 for a non-profit organization. CAPS Radio is an additional annual fee of $50 for DJs. For complete information go to capsmedia.org.

Vol. 10, No. 21 – July 19 – Aug 1, 2017 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

DBSA Ventura, the local chapter of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) hosts two regular, confidential, peer-led, self-help support groups in the County. Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church at 6950 Ralston Street in Room 301 of Building 300. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 253-3289 for more information. 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the New Visions Center on the first and third Saturdays of the month. At 1065 E. Main. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or 746-3106 for more information.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play.  Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun.  There is a game every day of the week.  Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org   Life is Better with Bridge.

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Mooselodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

Find out the answers to tantalizing questions at the Ventura Discussion Group. Located at the Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St. Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. You are invited to bring an interesting topic to discuss.

Tuesday semi-monthly meetings of the Ventura Retired Men’s Group will resume in August on the first and fifteenth at the Ventura Elks Lodge. Men in or near retirement are encouraged to gather after 11 AM for a social good time, lunch($15) at noon, and a program to follow. Steve Carroll has details at 642-1359.

July 20: The Community Environmental Council’s Solarize Program offers discounted, top quality solar electric systems for homeowners in Ventura County.  The non-profit organization has negotiated limited-time discounts with vetted solar installers until September 8, 2017.  The Solarize workshop will explore the ins and outs of going solar. Learn how going solar can save you money.  For more information, please visit solarizeventura.org or call the Community Environmental Council 963-0583 x101. At the Ventura City Hall, Community Meeting Room at 6 p.m.

July 20: The East Ventura Community Council, Nancy Schramm, Deputy Director of Ventura County Library System, will report on the status of the new Hill Road Library. John McNally, Chairperson of East Ventura Community Council will provide an update on new construction. Ventura Police Department will report on crime and safety issues. Books in good condition are always accepted by San Buenaventura Friends of the Library. 7 p.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, 804-7558.

July 26: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. A member of the Surfrider Foundation will make a presentation on the Coastal Protection projects in the Ventura area and a Public Works Department representative will discuss the long-awaited road repairs to the Loma Vista Hospital area. VPD will be there to discuss issues of community concern. The Council meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. on the Ventura College campus. CACC represents citizens between Mills and Victoria bordered by Foothill and Hwy. 126. Call 644-8695 for more information.

July 29: Ventura Family YMCA 18th Annual 5K & One-Mile Survivors Walk for Livestrong. All proceeds benefit the community through the Y’s Open Doors scholarship program. Saturday, 7 a.m. check-in, 5K starts at 8a.m. Registration/Race Start Location: Ventura Family YMCA, 3760 Telegraph Rd. Cost: Regular – $40 individual, $80 family One-Mile Survivors Walk – $15 individual. For more information, contact Sherry Gutsch at 805.642.2131 x 20 or [email protected]

July 29: City of Ventura Residents, get your free Smart Sprinkler Controller at the City’s Public Works maintenance yard, 10a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 336 Sanjon Road. Just bring your most recent water bill and a photo of your existing controller(s). You’ll be required to fill out an application on site and then schedule a time to replace your sprinkler/drip controller. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. For more information or inquiries 866-983-9232.

July 30: The SoCal Chapter of the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation, AHAF President Sheila Lowe and chapter Vice-President Lena Rivkin will lead the two hour-long discussions. Handwriting of business leaders – what does it say about their leadership style? Introduction to questioned document examination – learn about forgers and forgery. Guests are welcome to bring a handwriting sample to add to the discussion. EP Foster Library, Topping Room from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

August 6: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. accompanied by period music in the parlor and upstairs library landing. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets. For information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

August 8: Blessing of the Marriages at the Ventura County Fair at 11 a.m. located at the Sea breeze Stage. Celebrate long-term marriages on the free Senior Day (65+) at the fair. Renew your vows, share some wedding cake, and honor a life well-lived with your mate. Then enjoy the fair together.

August 9: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a meeting on Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. An instructional workshop on the techniques of image processing such as using Photoshop or the aesthetics of composition. This will be followed by the showing of member images. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Only members may submit images for critique. For more information about the club and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

August 12: The Bank of Books will host a book release event with author Diane Mautner and keyboardist, Ray Mautner. Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at. 748 E. Main Street. A fun event filled with books, music, and art. Presenting the adventures of Prisoner #147. Diane Mautner will read her book, featuring exquisite illustrations by Nazar Horokhivski. Adding to the presentation is music by Ray Mautner, keyboardist and educator, who will also be performing in the show, “Music from the Gilded Age to the Broadway Stage” at the Maritime Museum on August 30th. The program is a fundraiser on behalf of The New West Symphony. “Prisoner #147” by Diane Mautner is a picture book that encourages participation. A raccoon has been stealing food from backyards by jumping over walls and fences. Then something goes wrong! The event will wrap up with a raccoon-themed craft time.

August 13: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association presents special free music concert at the Poinsettia Pavilion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit www.oldcountry-grassband.com or call 517-1131.