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Circus Vargas unveils original new production – SteamCirque!

Circus embarks on a brand new epic adventure under the big top!

Goggles, gears, and gadgets set the stage for Circus Vargas’ 2017’s retro-futuristic production, SteamCirque! Join them on a journey of fantastic proportions where children of all ages will marvel at the wacky and wonderful cast of characters that come alive in this exciting steampunk, science-fiction fantasy inspired circus odyssey!

Arrive 45 minutes early for an entertaining, interactive pre-show celebration, where kids can create their own magic under the big top, learning circus skills such as juggling, balancing and more! Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance. Capture the fun by posing for pics or selfies with your favorite cast members, all part of an unforgettable Circus Vargas experience!

An eccentric group of adventure seekers stumble upon a traveling circus in an imaginary Victorian city, far, far-away. SteamCirque’s peculiar protagonist, part magician-part inventor, attempts to industrialize the circus by incorporating his steam powered mechanical contraptions into the ordinary, typical circus rigging, filling the big top with new, imaginative acrobatic apparatus for the artists to perform their acts.

“SteamCirque is inspired by adventure, colored by imagination and brought to life by the amazing cast of Circus Vargas!”

Join for an amazing experience, under the big top as Circus Vargas celebrates its 48th year and create new and treasured memories for generations to come! This wonderful show has something for everyone! It’s 2 hours of amazing music, lights, magic, acrobats, aerialists, daredevils, comedians and more!

General admission tickets are $17-$32 for children and $27-$37 for adults. Reserved Ringside seating is $52-$67 for children and $57-$72 for adults. For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.

In Ventura: Ventura County Fairgrounds

  • Thursday, May 25 – Monday, May 29
  • Thursday, May 25 – 7:30pm
  • Friday, May 26 – 4:00pm, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, May 27 – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, May 28 – 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:00pm
  • Monday, May 29 – 2:30pm, 6:00pm

 

 

History maker to speak  at Senior Health Expo

Gabriel just wanted to become an actor.

Gabriel Cordell never intended to make history, at least not in the way he eventually did.  He just wanted to become an actor.

In 1992, two months after his 22nd birthday, Cordell was en route to his first professional audition when an accident changed his life forever. His Jeep was hit and flipped, and Cordell was ejected from his vehicle, hitting a telephone pole that crushed his spinal cord. The accident left him paralyzed from his mid-chest down.

After four months of recovery and physical rehabilitation, Gabriel continued to pursue his dream of being an actor, now as a paraplegic. He established his acting career on stage and screen, with credits including Dexter, Numb3rs and Joan of Arcadia.

​At the age of 42, Cordell focused on a different kind of role. He set out to become the first person to roll across the United States in a standard, manual wheelchair — a 3,100-mile journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic.  The inspiring trek is the subject of an upcoming documentary film called, Roll With Me: A Journey Across America.

Completing the coast to coast journey in just 99 days, Cordell has made it his life’s purpose to inspire and empower people all over the world, by showing through his actions that anything is possible.

Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura is thrilled to announce that Gabriel Cordell will be the keynote speaker at their upcoming Health & Wealth Expo on Wednesday May 24,  from 11a.m. to 1p.m.

“We are thrilled to have Gabriel as our guest speaker,” said Mike Macke, director of sales and marketing at Cypress Place.  “His story is amazing and will inspire anyone who hears it.”

Along with the keynote presentation, this year’s Health & Wealth Expo at the senior community will include over 30 vendors offering everything from free blood pressure and mini stroke evaluations, free balance and hearing tests, free wealth management information, to veteran benefit information.  A free healthy gourmet lunch will also be provided.

Raffle prizes will be given away throughout the event including one grand prize; a 50” HD flat screen TV.   Admission is free and the event is open to the public.  Free shuttle parking will also be available at Ventura Baptist Church.

Corporate sponsors for the event are Assisted Home Care & Hospice, Coastal View Healthcare Center, Mission Home Health, Victoria Care Center, and Glenwood Care Center.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 650-8000.  To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

Vol. 10, No. 16 – May 10 – May 23, 2017 – Opinion/Editorial

•  I know that I have written a little about this but actually making the decision that Scamp’s life no longer had any meaning to him was one of the most difficult and agonizing decisions (and writing this) that I have ever had to make. Fortunately, I didn’t need to make it alone.

We basically kept Scamp alive for several weeks by spoon feeding him, but he was drinking water, still walking around and still smiling at us which is what kept us continuing his life. Was it for his sake or ours, I hope his.

But, on April 28th we decided that he is time was up. Called the vet (Ventura Veterinary Hospital) and took him in on Saturday.  I went in while Diane stayed in the car with Scamp. A young lady that works there came out to speak to Diane who started to cry and then the young lady started to cry.  I asked her do you cry every time and she said “yes”.

I did feel comfort right then in knowing that they would be so caring towards him.

We took him into the examining room and were given a few choices to make.  The first one was do we want to be with him when they put him to sleep.  They explained that he would be given an IV and then the fatal shot.  We decided to say goodbye in the exam room knowing that he would have several compassionate ladies with him petting him and saying goodbye. And our last thoughts of him wanted to be of him still looking at us with his cow eyes.

The other decision was did we want him to be cremated individually so that we could have only his ashes or cremated with 400 other animals.  We decided that (need to stop for a moment because I’m crying) he would like to be with other animals, so we made that decision.

While lying on the exam table unable to get up, he suddenly stood, stared (taking another pause) at Diane then stared at me and laid back down to never get up again. I’d like to think that he was saying goodbye.

It is now been nine days and our large house still feels empty without this 20 pound hairy (he had hair and not fur) little guy.  I still look at the bed with our cat, Savana, in it and then look for Scamp who isn’t there.  Or, I’ll look down at the floor while eating and he isn’t there either. I’m sure that will eventually stop to some degree.

I, again, want to thank all of you for your kind words, emails, prayers and cards. They have really helped make it easier for us.

The next question, is, of course, is we will be getting another dog?  That decision will be 100% up to Diane because she is the one that takes care of our pets.  I’m like a grandpa and hand them to her when they need their diapers changed, bathes (or fleas removed).

•  The Ventura County Star has announced that the Los Angeles Times will soon start printing the VC Star beginning with the July 12 edition. The Star will be closing their printing facility.

The Star stated, “The cost-cutting move comes as The Star, like newspapers across the country, continues to grapple with declining advertising revenue.”

Well – we must be doing something right as this issue contains our largest number of ads to date. I want to thank our readers, advertisers and especially our great account rep, Breezy Gledhill, for making that possible. And, of course all of the other people who continuously work hard on each issue.

The funny thing is that the Star gave us a printing quote a few years ago. Just imagine if we had accepted – the headline would have been,  “The LA Times’ stock jumped 11% since it was announced that they would be printing the Ventura Breeze.”

•  In our last issue we had an article about the planting of a new tree at Two Trees (funny why that is capitalized). We have had some emails and a call disputing some of the facts of just how many trees are up there and when they were planted and cut down. Were there 5 in ???? and 2 in???? and 15 in ????. So, maybe some of the numbers were wrong but is it at all important? The important thing is the new tree replaces the dead one and we got that right!

•  An exciting find. A team of astronomers says they have sited a super-earth called GJ1132b that might be capable of sustaining life and it is “only“ 39 light years away. Before you get too excited and buy a ticket to visit, that is “only” 229,266,396,108,687 miles away.

•  I have had four shows on my new radio show (on KPPQ-LP 104.1FM). The show airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10am and a bunch of other times during the week that I don’t know about. Try to listen (low wattage so not always easy to pick up) and give me your feedback (good and bad) and suggestions for future guests. I haven’t aired a new show because I have had a viral cough for several weeks which makes it tough to host a radio show. And the meds wiped me out, but made me happy. You can listen to the shows at www.venturabreeze.com “Face Of Ventura”.

•  In his first 100 days in office, the Trump’s have spent $30 million on traveling expenses. It’s nice to know that they now have funds available to start taking some vacations.

Vol. 10, No. 16 – May 10 – May 23, 2017 – CAPS

 

The State of Education held at the former Wright Library (see article in this issue)

CAPS is prepping for Digital Storytelling programs and more

CAPS Media is busy with City, school and community productions, prepping for the Digital Storytelling programs and more.  Recently CAPS Media collaborated with the City’s Economic Development Department and the Chamber of Commerce to launch a new video series called “Spotlight on Local Business,” that offers an inside, behind-the-scenes look into the diverse and unique companies doing business in Ventura.

CAPS Media also recorded the annual State of Education event hosted by the Chamber featuring enlightening presentations by leaders from Ventura College, VUSD and CSU Channel Islands.

The City and VUSD’s popular Mayor-For-A-Moment video series is nearing the end of Season II.  Every month deserving 5th graders are selected to represent elementary schools.  CAPS Media produces video profiles on each young leader for presentation at City Council and VUSD School Board meetings.  This school year young mayors were honored from Loma Vista, Saticoy (ATLAS), E.P. Foster, Blanche Reynolds, Elmhurst, and Pierpont.  May and June will wrap up the series with mayors from Mound and Portola.

CAPS Media is gearing up to cover graduation ceremonies at Ventura College (May 19), El Camino High School (June 9) and Foothill High (June 15).  Home base for the extensive multi-camera productions is the CAPS Media mobile production truck. The elaborate productions are managed by the CAPS Media staff and supported by outstanding volunteer crew members from El Camino high and throughout the community. All these videos are available to view on channel 6 & 15 and on the caps media website.

In July the Digital Storytelling program continues at the CAPS Media Center for students, ages 10-15.  Young videographers, film makers and video storytellers get hands-on training with video cameras, audio recording equipment and computer editing software to create the stories the crew wants to tell.  Three week-long programs are scheduled July 10 – 14, July 17 – 21 and July 24 – 28.  To learn more about the Digital Storytelling program, go to www.capsmedia.org/events.

Aspiring (or experienced) journalists, photographers, videographers and storytellers are invited and encouraged to get involved at the CAPS Media Center.  Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura is eligible to be a member. For annual fees of only $25 (individual) and $75 (non-profit organization), member/producers are trained by the knowledgeable CAPS Media staff in the art (and fun) of video and radio communication.  Once certified member/producers may check out video cameras, tripods, and other gear for video production and book editing suites for postproduction to create the stories they want to tell.  And, for a small additional fee, member/producers can learn to create their own radio program to air on CAPS Radio 104.1 (KPPQ-LP).

Upcoming CAPS Media classes include: HD Videography/Camera, May 11, postproduction editing, May 18, a new production/storytelling class, May 25th and new member orientation, June 8th.  All classes start at 6pm.  Studio and Radio training classes will also be scheduled in the next few weeks.  To learn more and to sign up for classes go to capsmedia.org, email info @capsmedia.org, call 805.658.0500 or drop by the CAPS Media Center Monday 9a-6p, Tuesday or Wednesday 9a – 9p or Friday 9A – 6p.

Ventura kids get ready for summer thanks to YMCA swim programs

Summer is just around the corner and the Ventura Family YMCA encourages children and parents in our community to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In Y swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives.

“Drowning poses a threat to the health and well-being of people nationwide, particularly among children. Research shows that participation in aquatics safety programs and swim lessons significantly reduces the risk of drowning, said Margo Byrne, Chief Operations Officer, Channel Islands YMCA. “Teaching children how to swim and be safe around water not only saves lives, it builds confidence and is an important life skill.”

As part of National Water Safety Month in May, the Ventura Family YMCA encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming—beginning with water safety.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The Ventura Family YMCA continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.

For more information at the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/ventura/ or call 642-2131.

Vol. 10, No. 16 – May 10 – May 23, 2017 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

    4-26 7:47am, received a dispatch to an unknown medical.  Officers responded and discovered a subject asleep in his vehicle, no medical was observed.       
   4-27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 11:50am, received a report of a tote with duck eggs sitting on the rocks that were used to protect them while they hatch.  The reporting party was concerned the tide would take them away.  Officers responded and placed the tote/eggs in a safer area, also informed wildlife rescue of the situation.

4:16pm, observed a kayaker having difficulty navigating in the high winds.  Officers responded and transported the kayaker to the Marina Park dock.

5:54pm, received a dispatch to a medical alarm at marina mobile home park.  Officers responded and assisted an 88 year old female having difficulty walking.  The patient was transported to local hospital for further evaluation.   
  4-28 6:30pm, received a report of a homeless female wandering in the street.  Officers responded and assisted the local transient.           
  4-29

 

 

 

 12:05pm, received a dispatch to a medical at the Holiday inn express.  Officers responded and assisted Ventura fire/AMR with the medical.

10:35pm, received a dispatch to a medical at the marina mobile home park.  Officers responded and assisted a 56 year old male complaining of extreme back pain.  Officers assisted Ventura fire/AMR with the patient.  
  4-30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 3:38pm, received a report of a person in the water, kayak capsized.  Officers responded and discovered a few children had fallen in the water and were wearing an adult-sized lifejacket that contributed to the difficulty returning to the kayak.  Both children climbed out of the water on the dock safely.  Boating safety lecture was given to both by officers about proper sized PFD’s.

5:54pm, while manning the operations center, officers overheard a child crying on the longdock below the office.  A 3 year old child was found with a treble hook in-between his toes.  The parents transported the child to local hospital for further evaluation and extraction of the fishing hook.     
  5-1

 

 

 

 

 9:55am, received a report of a sick/injured sea lion near Surfers Knoll Groin on the beach.  Officers responded and discovered the large sealion.  Signage was placed in the area to alert the public and marine mammal rescuers.

5:00pm, observed two persons in the water in the main channel of the Harbor from the office. Officers responded and pulled the two persons out of the water and transported them to Harbor Cove Beach where the voyage had begun.
   5-2

 

 

 7:30pm, received a report of a disabled Sport Fishing vessel near the #2 buoy outside the harbor.  Officers responded and took the 52ft motor vessel into a side tie in the main channel of the harbor.  The vessel was safely delivered to the fuel dock where the captain was attempting to ascertain the power failure.

 

City of Ventura classes and camps

Check out hundreds more on web-site. Call 658-4726 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net

To see a whole menu of summer offerings visit cityofventura.net.  To have a summer camp brochure mailed to you call 658-4726. Classes held at the Barranca Vista Center, 7050 E Ralston St in Ventura unless noted.

Friday Night Tap
5/12-6/9               F              6:30-7:30 pm      $40         #8018
Learn basic steps, combinations and routines to upbeat rhythms and music. Classes are progressive but designed for the beginner. Instructor Elli Busch. No class 5/26. Classes held at Billy Clower Dance Studio, 75 MacMillian Ave. in Ventura.

Painting Landscapes Big and Small  7-12 years
5/17-6/14            M            4-5:30 pm            $50+$10 materials fee    #7973
Paint landscapes with trees, mountains, waves, waterfalls and other details using many techniques. Join artist Jen Livia at 4601 Telephone Rd #112 each week to explore new subjects and paint them in a variety of styles to discover our own unique style. All supplies provided.

Preventing Separation Anxiety  18 years-adult
5/20       Sa           10 am-12 pm                      $20         #7700
Learn how to help if your dog barks or whines, destroys things and has potty accidents while you are away from home. Led by Registered Veterinary Technician/Certified Professional Dog Trainer Shannon Coyner. Please leave your dog at home for this seminar. Classes held at 3521Arundel Circle #B.

AM Zumba®  18 years-adult
5/22-6/28            M/W     7:45-8:45 am      $65 or $7 drop in fee       #8966
Start your day with an exciting and effective Latin dance Zumba® workout. Bring water, towel and mat and dress comfortably. Walk-in fees are due at start of class. Certified Zumba® Instructor Dala Sondors. No class 5/29.

Ballroom Dancing  16 years-adult
5/23-6/27            Tu           7:30-8:30 pm      $55         #9030
Enjoy the magic of smoothly moving across the floor with the waltz, fox trot, swing and rumba!

Swing and Nightclub Dancing  16 years-adult
5/23-6/27            Tu           8:30-9:30 pm      $55         #9033
Swing the night away, East & West Coast style! No partner needed.

Mortgage rates drop to five-month low

Realty Watch: by Patricia Fasen, Realtor

U.S. mortgage rates dropped for a fifth week, sending home-loan costs down to their lowest point since the week after the presidential election. The likelihood is, with the decreased mortgage rates, people will start looking to build that dream home they’ve been thinking of, regardless of whether they opt to use a local contractor or a firm like this home builder in pa.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 3.97 percent, down from 4.08 percent last week and the lowest since November, Freddie Mac said in a statement Thursday. The average 15-year rate decreased to 3.23 percent from 3.34 percent, the McLean, Virginia-based mortgage-finance company said.

Yields for the Treasuries that guide mortgage costs have dropped on investor expectations that an economy under President Donald Trump won’t be as robust as anticipated, according to Guy Cecala, publisher of the newsletter Inside Mortgage Finance.

“The real factor has been the stock market and investor perception of how the U.S. economy is doing,” he said. “After we saw health-care reform efforts fail, the stock market reacted and investors started rethinking what was doable under a Trump administration.”

The decrease in mortgage rates may encourage homeowners to refinance in the short term as buyers take advantage of lower borrowing costs. Those looking to refinance mortgage on a property may want to go to SoFi’s site to learn more about the services they can provide. An improving job market is increasing demand for real estate as supply of homes for sale tightens. Bank and mortgage companies aim their loans towards those who are looking to get on the housing market, with specialist loans such as a personal loan for physicians, nurses, and other professionals. Listings of existing homes for sale are scarcer than they’ve ever been, and bidding wars are becoming more common again in hot markets like the San Francisco Bay area, Denver, Boston, and in our backyard, Ventura County.

BierBrats German Bier Hall now open in Midtown Ventura!

They offer a selection of German, local and domestic draft beers. They of course have bratwurst and you can customize your brat-dog with over 30 different topping choices. In addition to that they offer a selection of appetizers. They are closed Monday but open 4 – 9 Tuesday – Thursday, 4 – 10 Friday and open at 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday. BierBrats is located at 325 S. Borchard Dr.