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Buena High School awarded NOAA Ocean Guardian School Designation

During the 2022-23 school year, two exceptional students, Jasmine Paramo and Madison Hawley, enrolled in Mr. Yorke’s AP Environmental Science class at Buena High School, and embarked on a remarkable journey to make their school an official Ocean Guardian School. The dynamic duo led by their teacher successfully applied for a grant through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Guardian school program. Their vision was to transform Buena High School into an eco-conscious institution with a particular focus on a mixed-use garden.

The project’s primary goals were to cultivate herbs and vegetables, serving as a resource for Buena High’s Culinary Program, while also nurturing native plants to support local pollinators and biodiversity. Their dedication has borne fruit as Mr. Yorke recently received the exciting news that they have been awarded a $4000 grant, officially designating Buena High School as an Ocean Guardian School.

This year, 13 Environmental Field Studies capstone students from Buena High School will be leading the charge in planning and executing this transformative project. As project managers, they are eager to take on the challenge. The impact of this endeavor will extend beyond the school’s walls. By growing organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs the culinary arts classes will reduce their pesticide and nutrient pollution footprint, sourcing ingredients from a sustainable, on-campus garden rather than potentially nonorganic suppliers. The installation of drip irrigation and rain collection barrels will not only support the garden’s growth but also conserve water resources that would otherwise go unused. Additionally, the creation of native plant habitats will reduce water usage and promote water filtration over harmful runoff.

Mr. Yorke also serves on the education seat for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Council. Through this role, he became acquainted with NOAA and its programs. Mr. Yorke commented, “I firmly believe that hands-on, real-world opportunities are incredible vehicles for students to learn scientific practices and principles. These kinds of real-world opportunities help foster deeper understanding, practical skills, and critical thinking. Students involved in projects like this become well-rounded, engaged, and scientifically literate individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world and make it a better place.”

 

Vol. 17, No. 01 – Oct 4 – Oct 17 2023 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

English thriller on stage in Ojai

Now on stage at the Ojai Art Center Theater is The Rope, a classy psychological thriller built on a true story. It’s not a “who-dunnit.” It’s “why it was done.” The crime is explained in the first few minutes. From there, the action relies on wordplay, not too subtle hints and the gullibility of others.

The Rope, written in 1929, by Patrick Hamilton, explores sentiments based on the real-life crime of two wealthy American teens, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, who kidnapped and killed a fellow university student just for the intellectual experience. They took their lead from studying philosopher Nietzsche’s theory of Superman in which it is promoted that some people are intellectually superior to others and thus are free to live by different standards.

In fact, Leopold and Loeb were both said to be of high intellect, confident that they could successfully pull off a perfect crime. However, they were turned in by an acquaintance whose own lack of moral compass defied logic. The famous trial of Leopold and Loeb was sensational as they were defended by Clarence Darrow who ultimately spared them execution by obtaining sentences of life imprisonment.

In Hamilton’s rendering, the setting is London. Students Wyndham Brandon (Jon Markham) and Charles Granillo (Evan Roush) have just strangled a fellow student and stashed his body in a chest in their drawing room. They then hold a small party and brazenly invite the victim’s father, Sir Johnstone Kentley, (Ray Mastrovito) as well as a few others, basically to heighten their feelings of superiority over all their guests.

Ultimately, they are found out, their plan to leave crumbles heightened by drink, emotions, a raging storm and confrontation. Even though Brandon boldly announced to the guests what had been done, he was stunned to find that his ruse did not fool everybody. His partner, Granillo, is unable to keep a stiff upper lip, and falls apart as the action continues.

The interior setting is well appointed with some nicely detailed touches. The play also features a well-rounded cast of typically English characters – a butler (Len Klaif), an ingenue (Stephanie Blaze Bates) dotty older lady (Theresa Secor) and a naïve young man (William Palo), keeping the action light-hearted in many areas, to further highlight the burdens held by the hosts. Each plays their part well, adding subtle humor and an air of nonchalance throughout.

The story was retold and relocated for American audiences by Alfred Hitchcock, in a 1948 film starring James Stewart. Some of the characters’ names and identities changed, but the plot remained the same in content and conflict.

The plot is a complex one, exploring levels of morality, to whom they should apply, and attempts, through characterization, to rationalize the sheer audacity of theorizing that wealth or intellectual status makes one person better than another.

Well done, director Kimberly Demmary. A solid cast and production.

The Rope continues through October 22. Performances on Friday and Saturday begin at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.www.OjaiACT.org has all the details.

Vol. 17, No. 01 – Oct 4 – Oct 17 2023 – Police Reports

Felony Hit and Run with Major Injuries

On September 21, 2023, at about 9:50 am, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding an injury traffic collision on Telegraph Road east of Joanne Avenue. Ventura Police patrol officers responded to that location and found the victim bicyclist lying in the roadway with major injuries to his lower body. Responding officers began an investigation and contacted the Ventura Police Traffic Unit to assist.

Based on witness and victim statements, it was determined that the victim was riding his bicycle westbound on Telegraph Road approaching Joanne Avenue. He was riding lawfully on the right side of the roadway between parked vehicles and westbound traffic lanes. As he was riding, a blue bus was traveling westbound in the #2 lane of Telegraph Road. As the bus overtook the bicyclist, it collided with the bicyclist’s handlebars, knocking the bicyclist to the ground. The bus’s rear wheels then ran over the bicyclist. A passing motorist, who was traveling behind the bus, observed the collision and stopped to render aid to the bicyclist. The bus continued its route without stopping to render aid or exchange information.

Based on a witness statement, it was determined that the involved bus belonged to the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC). With assistance from the VCTC, officers were able to locate the bus and contact the driver. Based on statements, video evidence, and physical evidence on the bus, the driver (Edgar Landeros) was placed under arrest and booked at the Ventura Couty Jail for felony hit and run.

The Ventura Police Department would like to remind motorists that vehicles must leave a safe distance for bicycles when overtaking them. 

Possession of Imitation Firearm

On Sept. 30, at 8:40am, an alert passenger traveling in a Gold Coast Public Transit bus noticed another passenger (Rafael Vera 30 years) in possession of a handgun. The witness reported the sighting to an additional bus driver, who in turn notified the Ventura Police Department. Officers quickly located the bus parked at the Ventura Transit Center and began strategically removing passengers from the bus, during which time Vera was detained. The investigation revealed that Vera had hidden an imitation handgun and a black ski mask on the bus upon officers’ arrival. Officers found the imitation handgun had been illegally modified to look like a real firearm.

Vera was later arrested and booked into custody at the Ventura County Jail for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant, possession of a modified imitation firearm, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.

Vol. 17, No. 01 – Oct 4 – Oct 17 2023 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednes 9/13

 5:00pm, monitored a 40ft sailboat en route to the Ventura YC looking for the guest dock. Officers met the vessel and escorted to the dock.

Thursday 9/14

 2:46pm, dispatched to diabetic seizures at VWM D-dock. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the patient on their vessel.

4:55pm, received report from City of Ventura employee that their laptop was left on the bumper, fell off while driving away and that a transient picked it up and ran off into the Arundo south of Surfers Knoll. Officers searched, but UTL.

Friday 9/15

 2:20am, received report of an individual acting strangely, honking horn and seemingly in distress. Officers responded, found the vehicle and contacted an extremely upset person. After a conversation, the person felt better and left.

8:45am, received a float plan from the Hokuloa canoe club. They are paddling from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island tomorrow, will return Sunday.

Saturday 9/16

 11:40am, received report of a distraught female who lost her keys at the Marina Park dock. Officers responded, assisted her with a ride home to Oxnard shores.

Sunday 9/17

 7:57am, received a float plan from 2 kayakers planning on paddling around Santa Rosa Island after being dropped off by Island Packers.

3:45pm, received report that the Hokuloa canoe club had returned from Santa Cruz Island safely with no issues.
Tuesday 9/19 1:40pm, received report of a older female attempting to cross the road near the launch ramp. Officers responded and were able to assist her to a nearby bench.

Wednes 9/20

 2-5pm, Harbor Patrol officers conducting Water Rescue training with Ventura City Fire, consisting of lifeguarding skills and utilizing the Fireboat.

9:11pm, received report of a VIM tenant over-serving a 32 y/o male who is now intoxicated and acting aggressively towards his mother. Officers responded and escorted the female to her vessel, her son was passed out, no longer a problem.

Thursday 9/21

 8:16pm, contacted by an irate female transient reporting her purse was stolen by homeless males. Officers advised to contact VPD to report theft, she ran off upset eventually knocking over trash cans in Surfers Knoll parking lot.

Friday 9/22

 4:28am, dispatched to brush fire near Surfers Knoll. Officers responded with VFD and assisted with pulling hose from parking lot to extinguish the fire.

Saturday 9/23

 12:05pm, received complaint of 3 juveniles fishing on the rip rap near the Harbor Cove Café. Officers responded in Fireboat and issued warning.

3:45pm, received multiple reports of a capsized sailboat near the Patrol Dock. Officers responded in Fireboat, righted small sailboat, mast was stuck in the mud

Sunday 9/24

 11:20am, received a request to remove a dead sea lion from the Derecktor docks. Officers responded in Fireboat, towed the mammal out to sea.

11:45am, received request for assistance removing a large sea lion that was blocking access for a Derecktor marina tenant. Officers responded in the Fireboat and convinced the large “knot-head” to move to another dock .

Tuesday 9/26

 6:28pm, observed weather service issued a Small Craft Advisory, raised pennant

3:10pm, received report of a disabled sailboat becalmed 2 miles south of the harbor. Officers responded, found 41ft sailboat and towed the vessel to boatyard haul out slip for repairs to the engine.

Vol. 17, No. 01 – Oct 4 – Oct 17 2023 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Love At First Sight – Netflix

3 out of 4 palm trees
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

When Oliver (Ben Hardy) was young his family was surprised by his mother’s cancer diagnosis and that’s when he decided he never wanted to be surprised again, so began studying statistical analysis in the belief that with enough data everything would be predictable. While studying statistics at Yale he received the unfortunate news that after fourteen years in remission his mother’s cancer had come back and was asked to return home for an unusual living memorial.

Hadley (Haley Lu Richardson) missed her flight to her father’s wedding in London, and usually her perpetual tardiness and uncharged phone led her to get into trouble but this day it led her to Oliver. She met Oliver while trying to charge her phone at a charging station, but with none available Oliver offered her his charger. They discovered they were on the same flight to London, and with a while until the flight departed decided to get something to eat together.

Time passed quickly and before they knew it they were almost late for their flight. Hadley was in business class (due to it being one of only two seats available on the next flight) but Oliver was in economy. As fate would have it, due to Oliver’s seat belt being broken he was moved to the only other seat available on the plane which was next to Hadley. Hadley was fearful of flying and grabbed Oliver’s hand during take off.

They spent seven hours on the plane learning about and falling for each other, and joked since they already had a meal the meal on the plane was their second date. Oliver charmed Hadley by wearing the pajamas provided in business class and they woke with the plane landing in London. Oliver gave Hadley his number outside customs but Hadley’s phone died before she could store the number, and was an hour in customs so when she came out Oliver was no where to be found.

Hadley called her father who arranged for her to get all setup, but during the wedding Hadley could only think about Oliver. When it was over Hadley overheard a couple of wedding guests talking about leaving to attend a memorial at Peckham House which seemed it could only have been for Oliver’s mother. Hadley decided to try to find Oliver, though she really had no idea where he was and headed out the door saying she’d be back for the reception in four hours.

The story then backs up at this point and tells it from the perspective of Oliver from the point at which they were separated at the airport. Oliver’s brother showed up in DJ gear and a music box, immediately drawn the attention of police and were asked to leave. They did so quickly and drove away in Luther’s big green sprinter van. The brothers visited, then changed into Shakespearean costumes for their mother’s unusual farewell living memorial where all her friends and family performed songs, dances and poetry in her honor.

Being reminded of his parent’s love by his mother’s speech, Oliver kept thinking of Hadley. Oliver spoke to his mother privately that he was upset that she was refusing treatment, but she didn’t want to go though needless suffering. When Oliver rejoined the party, Hadley was there and they hugged as if they had known each other forever. They visited out by the river but had a misunderstanding leaving both uncomfortable, so Hadley left but accidentally left her bag behind.

Hadley got lost and called her dad to come get her to take her to the reception while Oliver decided he needed to return Hadley’s bag, so the whole family loaded up in the van to find her. With fate appearing on their side thus far, would these seemingly destined lovers find each other.

Runtime: 1h 30m

Reading materials solicited

Through the years, one of the functions of the CMHS Auxiliary has been the distribution of books and magazines to patients and their visitors. With the onset of Covid, and the safeguards that were implemented, that was discontinued. Now permission has been granted to begin this service once again. There’s just one problem–there’s a distinct lack of materials to be delivered.

We’re asking for donations of reading materials from the public in addition to those donated by our members. General interest subject matter is appreciated and may be dropped off at the front desk of the Ocean Tower of CMH. Magazines do not need to be current, but should be appropriate for general distribution.

If you would like further information about donations, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Auxiliary, please phone 805-948-4299 and leave your contact information.

Help us fill our empty bookcart!

Vol. 17, No. 01 – Oct 4 – Oct 17 2023 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Men of all descriptions are welcome to stop to sample our shenanigans. Our speaker on

Oct. 3rd will be Earl Arnold, and he will speak about fly fishing.

On Oct. 17, our speaker will be Jessica Flanagan, a Ventura County Forensic Nurse.

Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820

Do you want to Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or [email protected]. All Welcome.

Monthly Beach Cleanup First Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Oct. 4: BCNN (Beach Cities Newcomers and Neighbors) meeting is the first Wednesday of the month at Pacific Corinthian Yacht Cub 2600 Harbor Blvd Oxnard.

Our speaker in October is Debbie Gohlke. She has been a member of the Oxnard Soroptimist club for 35 years. She has held numerous positions through the years, delegate, director, VP of fundraising, president and region board member. She is chair of the annual community awareness event STOP Human Trafficking going on 17 years.

This year she won the first place sweepstakes at the Ventura County Fair in the Baked Category.

10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Doors open at 9:30 AM. BCNN is a group for Women from Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Oct. 5: Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one; this is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program provides two free support groups, Good Grief Club (ages 6-10) and Young Teen Group (ages 11-15). These groups will run from October 5th through November 9th on Thursdays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.

Oct. 7: The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) is sponsoring a free family fun bicycle ride beginning at 10 a.m. at Ventura’s Community Park.  The group ride will follow easy-to-navigate bike routes through the adjacent neighborhood.  The free family fun ride reminds us to choose bikes over cars for personal health and our city’s air.  Sign-up information is available on the EVCC website at https://eastventura.org/.

The purpose of the EVCC is to encourage residents to understand East Ventura’s problems, needs, and expectations and to recommend, initiate, and participate in developing and implementing programs or solutions. The EVCC facilitates communications between the community and government or other service agencies.

Oct.10: Program by The Ventura Audubon Society 7 – 9 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion and via Zoom.   You’ll be introduced to the diverse array of local birds that grace our yards and open spaces. Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus).  For more information and the Zoom link, go to www.venturaaudubon.org/speakers.

Oct.14: Ventura Audubon Society Field Trip to Ormond Beach | Saturday 8:30am: Join us for our first field trip of October at Ormond Beach. This is one of the top birding areas in Ventura County and is visited by over 200 shorebird, raptor and migratory bird species. It’s an easy flat walk on dirt paths and the beach. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned birder you’ll not want to miss this field trip. For details and to sign-up, visit https://www.venturaaudubon.org/field-trips.

Oct. 16 & 23: Comprehensive Bereavement Training Class. This class is designed to provide information on healthy grieving and how we can best companion someone who is mourning the death of a loved one. Classes will take place on October 16th and 23rd in Camarillo from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is open to the community and requires people to register by October 13th. To register, call 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief.

Oct. 21: The Ventura County Genealogical Society’s annual Seminar is online via Zoom on Saturday from 8:30 – 4 p.m. PDT. Presenter Michael D. Lacopo, D.V.M., one of the most sought-after genealogy speakers, offers four presentations. Topics include:

• Incorporating Social History into Your Research

• Deconstructing Your Family Tree: Re-evaluating the “Evidence”

• The Genealogist’s Quadfecta

• “She Came from Nowhere…” – A Case Study Approach to a Difficult Genealogical Problem

Registration ($35 fee) is open at https://venturacogensoc.org/2023-annual-seminar.

Oct. 21: The 33rd annual Youth Stamp Fair will be held Saturday at the Dudley House Museum, 197 N Ashwood Ave. Learn about stamp identification, soaking and drying, storage and mounting, cachets, watermarks, perforations, special postmarks, and topical collecting. Free Prizes, free parking, and, for those under 18 are free, stamps galore. Sponsored by Ventura County Philatelic Society, founded in 1928. Web site venturacountyphilateliccoc.org for more information or call 805 415-9857

Community support urgently needed for additional emergency shelter homes for children and youth in Ventura County

Strengthening VC Families, an initiative of Ventura County Children and Family Services, is asking for families to help children in need by providing safe Emergency Shelter Homes (ESH) for children and youth who need an immediate place to go.

The ESH program provides children, youth, and families with a foundation of respect and support, from special people who can support children and youth by providing a safe place to stay, while birth families receive support so that they can reunify with their children as soon as it is possible.

“We all know the importance of a safe and loving home”, said Arturo Vargas, Manager of Resource Family Approval (RFA). “It’s a big ask” but it’s an important ask.

We need families to serve as emergency shelter homes for children and youth who need immediate, short-term care ranging anywhere from 1-60 days. There is compensation for this important work.

The unique demands of being an ESH require a special set of skills and circumstances that include patience, consistency, and a commitment to providing a safe and loving environment for children and youth who have experienced trauma.

Important qualifications for becoming an Emergency Shelter Home:

  • Complete the Resource Family training program, learning about children and youth in trauma.
  • Be empathetic and supportive to both birth parents and the extended family of a child.
  • Be available 24/7 for placement referrals.
  • Have experience parenting children.
  • Have a stable, nurturing home.
  • Own reliable transportation.
  • Have good verbal and written communication skills, bilingual is a plus.
  • Be a member of the professional team of support available to you.
  • Must reside within Ventura County.

“Emergency Shelter Homes provide a safe environment for our children at such a critical time in their lives and this is a very meaningful way to step up and help our community, help our families, and help our children and youth,” said Jaci Johnson, Program Coordinator III in Recruitment at Ventura County Children and Family Services.

If you are interested in helping children and youth in need, please call 805-654-3220 or go to strengtheningvcfamilies.org to learn more.

The County of Ventura Human Services Agency, Children and Family Services (CFS) vision is to offer support, hope and opportunity to families and children in need. It is through this vision we have developed Strengthening VC Families approach.

The goal of helping children and youth in Ventura County is to support the whole child, whole family, and whole community through integration and alignment of services. This goal is achieved by increasing preventative work to keep families together, aligning practices throughout the continuum of health and human services, and active engagement with diverse community partners to strengthen families together.

Board member resigns position

Trustee Callahan has stepped down.

After serving two and half years of a four-year term, Ventura Unified School District Board of Education Trustee, Ms. Amy Callahan has announced her decision to step down from her Area 3 seat for personal reasons.

“This decision has not been easy and comes after much reflection. Due to personal reasons, I find myself needing to step down from this role that has meant so much to me. I want to convey my gratitude to each of you. Serving this District, which has been integral to my family’s life, has been a privilege. The remarkable educators, dedicated staff, and talented students within this District have made this journey truly rewarding,” stated Callahan.

Callahan, a VUSD alumna, has two children in the Ventura Unified School District. She stated that she intends to continue to be an involved parent who is “excited to witness the continued excellence that the District will undoubtedly achieve.”

“Trustee Callahan has been a steadfast champion of improving the lives of our students since her election in 2020. Her commitment to literacy and equity has helped to guide the Board and the District in our work to ensure every child has the best possible education we can provide. Amy’s dedication has made a tangible difference for our community’s children,” stated Board President Sabrena Rodriguez.

“Trustee Callahan’s ardent passion for literacy has energized several strategic priorities. Her belief in the promise of public education and her dedication to underserved communities have helped shape the dialogue around resource allocation. We thank her for her service to our District,” stated Superintendent Castro.

The Board of Education will look into filling the vacant Trustee seat as soon as possible. There will be a formal process to fill the rest of the term, which expires in December 2024. Information on how that process will be run will be sent as soon as details are finalized.

 

Vol. 17, No. 01 – Oct 4 – Oct 17 2023 – Scamp Club

Hi: My name is Enzo (Ferrari) and I’m 3.5 years old. I was named Enzo because I’m super fast like a Ferrari! I’m called an American Cocker Spaniel, and my fur is black and tan colored, with a little patch of white on my chest.

It’s really hot outside today and after chasing lizards and birds in the back yard, I decided to cool down in the house. I live in East Ventura, and l love my parents!