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The history of Chinese abalone Fishing in California

San Diego State University Associate Professor of Anthropology Todd Braje will use the northern Channel Islands as a case study to explore the history of Chinese abalone fishing in Southern California during the February From Shore to Sea lecture.

In nineteenth-century California, a small group of Chinese immigrants, who came from a traditional fishing province in China, founded the first commercial California abalone fishery. Over the next several decades, the multimillion-dollar abalone industry would rise and fall. Disease and overfishing eventually caused the collapse of the fishery, with several species driven to the brink of extinction.

Braje’s talk, which is a culmination of over a decade of field, archival, and laboratory work, will explore new research into the reasons for the decline of this industry. He will use the lessons learned from this case study as lenses through which to view both the broader history of Chinese immigrants .

Braje is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and has worked on the northern Channel Islands for over a decade. Braje, whose studies focus on the archaeology of maritime societies, has conducted research on a variety of archaeological sites, ranging from 12,000-year-old shell middens and stone tool scatters to nineteenth-century fishing camps. Braje’s most recent book was published in 2016 by the University of Utah Press.

The talk will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9. The From Shore to Sea lecture series is sponsored by Channel Islands National Park to further the understanding of current research on the Channel Islands and surrounding marine waters. The lecture series will take place at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, January through December, at the Channel Islands National Park Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, 1901 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura Harbor. The programs are free and open to the public.

This lecture can also be viewed live online at: Shore to Sea lecture series.

Lectures are recorded and posted at:http://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/photosmultimedia/from-shore-to-sea-lecture-videos.htm

Ventura County Grand Jury announces 2017/2018 applications

Ventura County residents have an opportunity to provide a valuable community service while learning about local government by serving on the Ventura County Grand Jury.  Applications are now available for the 2017/2018 Grand Jury at: www.ventura.org/grand-jury.

The Grand Jury is a civil, investigative panel of 19 volunteers.  The watchdog group investigates issues and citizen complaints and then makes recommendations to improve the operation of local government.

The Grand Jury may examine all aspects of Ventura County government, its 10 city governments as well as special districts and other agencies funded by tax dollars.

To become a Grand Juror, you must be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen and a Ventura County resident for at least a year.

Applications may also be requested by telephone at  477-1600.  Applications will be accepted until April 7, 2017.

Violin and viola competition

Applications are now being accepted for the 9th annual Henry Schwab Violin/Viola Competition. This exciting competition is open to Ventura County residents up to the age of 22.  Sponsored by a grant  from the Henry Schwab Charitable Fund, this competition encourages young musicians and also furthers their musical education.

A total of  $3,000 in prize money: 1st place – $1,500; 2nd place $1,000 and 3rd place $500 will be awarded to contestants who compete in two events taking place as follows:

The preliminary audition will be held March 25 at the Ventura College Recital Hall

(PAC 139). Three candidates will be selected, who will compete on June 10 at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, accompanied by the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra.

Both competitions are open to the public; free admission to the preliminary competition; for the final competition  will be a charge of $10.00 general, $5.00 for seniors/staff/students.Questions can be addressed to Connie Hood at 653-6150 or to Ann Kosinski at 658-8180

2017 Art Tales contest for writers inspired by art is now open through April 4

“Ventura by the Sea” by Leonard Poteshman, acrylic and mixed media oil painting will inspire writers

The City of Ventura and E.P. Foster Library are pleased to sponsor the ninth annual “Art Tales,” a free “creative writing contest inspired by art.” Writers worldwide in three age categories are invited to visit the library, or the contest website, and choose the artwork that inspires them to create and enter their own poem or short story, 500 words or less, by April 4 for cash and other prizes.

Teachers and writers may contact Art Tales Curator Tobie Roach at [email protected] or 658-4759 to request printed copies of lesson plans for their classes or to answer questions regarding the contest. Or download all materials at www.cityofventura.net/arttales including high resolution reproductions of featured artworks, lesson plan with entry rules, featured artist bios, waiver form, model poems and past anthologies for great examples in prose and poetry.

Selections from the City of Ventura Public, Temporary and Municipal Art Collections are rotated annually to a special second floor exhibit space near the library’s rear (children’s) entrance  in an effort to make them more accessible to the community. Each year, the Ventura Public Art Manager/Art Tales Curator selects 4 to 6 artworks to display at the library, illustrating a particular theme.

March for Justice a huge success

The march began by the gazebo in Plaza Park. Photos by Breezy Gledhill.

Thousands gathered in downtown Ventura on Saturday, Jan.21 for the March for Justice, a protest organized to coincide with the Women’s March on Washington and hundreds of similar marches around the world.

According to the Ventura Police Department, an estimated 2,500 people attended the peaceful march. Speakers included Ventura City Council member’s Matt LaVere and Cheryl Heitmann. After a performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine” by Jade Hendrix, the march proceeded down Thompson Boulevard.

The Breeze’s Breezy Gledhill attended and stated, “The events are being held to celebrate the qualities of a diverse and inclusive America. I’m glad that I was able to participate.”

Ventura doctor Kathleen Shore, one of the march organizers, was thrilled with the turn out and said, “The March- by the numbers! It looks like we had upwards of 2,500 people. Former mayor says the park holds 3,000- we overflowed it!  Justice for all booth collected $484!  Justice for all joiners 287 people. Signed up to “Meet a Muslim,” 83 people. Signatures for decriminalizing homeless, 126 people.”

“Thanks to all of you for your hard work! Go team!”

Public comment solicited for crane replacement project on Anacapa Island

Should the Anacapa crane be replaced? Photo by Doug Mangum.

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on a project to replace the existing crane on Anacapa Island within Channel Islands National Park.

The existing crane was determined to be structurally unsafe, as a result of prolonged exposure to the harsh marine conditions on the island. It has been out of service for several years.

The project proposes to remove the, historic, stiff leg derrick crane and its concrete foundation and replace it with a two–crane system and a new foundation. One crane would be located on the upper landing, adjacent to the historic derrick building, and a second, smaller crane would be located on a lower landing. The project is expected to begin in late summer 2018.

A newsletter that provides an overview of the planning and compliance process, explains the proposed action, and provides information on how to submit public comment. It is available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/anacapacrane.

The public is invited to provide input on the scope of the project, environmental issues and impacts, alternatives, or other concerns. The comment period is open through Feb. 24, 2017. Comments may be submitted online, at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/anacapacrane, or mailed to the following address:

Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
Attn: Anacapa Crane Replacement Project

New building projects contribute to diversify housing supply in Ventura

by City Staff

The City of Ventura Community Development Department is working hard to create a thriving, prosperous community. This year we will see the completion of many major projects such as the new Kaiser Permanente medical office building on Market and Valentine Streets, and the new Volkswagen dealership at Perkin Avenue and King Drive.  We are also looking forward to the construction and completion of new residential projects, which continue to make a comeback after the downfall in the economy.

Housing is a vital part of the way communities grow and is key to the social and economic sustainability of the City. With Ventura being a desirable place to live, the demand for housing has increased and providing a range of dwelling types is important to meet the different needs of our residents. With everything Ventura has to offer, it’s no wonder private economic investments are being made here.  Upcoming home and mixed-use developments will provide a broad array of housing choices from the Westside to Downtown, and from the Harbor to the Eastside.

On the Westside, the Solana Heights project at Ventura Avenue and School Canyon Road brings 114 new 3-5 bedroom single-family homes, 33 new townhomes with 3-4 bedrooms, plus three new  parks with picnic tables, barbeques and children’s play equipment. The home designs and proximity to schools (E.P. Foster Elementary, nd DeAnza Academy of Technology and Arts and Ventura Charter School) make the location family-friendly and a welcome addition to Ventura’s oldest neighborhood.

Downtown, the Mar-Y-Cel mixed-use project, on 2.3 acres bordered by Ventura Avenue, Santa Clara Street, Junipero Street and Thompson Blvd., features 138 apartments, a 5-level parking structure and more than 6,000 square feet of commercial space. Residents of this new innovative downtown community will help spur retail development and contribute to an already active environment.

In December 2016, hundreds of community members and dignitaries celebrated the groundbreaking of Portside Ventura Harbor, the first new major development at Ventura Harbor in three decades.  Construction is underway for the mixed-use, waterfront location with 300 residential housing units including 270 apartments and 30 live/work spaces, 21,300 square-feet of commercial and retail space, a new recreational marina with 104 boat slips, a water taxi stop (connecting Portside Ventura Harbor with Harbor Village), two-acre public waterfront park, public-access waterfront promenade, public dock for personal watercraft such as kayaks and paddle boards, and plenty of coastal parking.

On Ventura’s Eastside, the former UC Hansen Trust property, now called The Farm, is located at the southeast corner of Telegraph Road and Saticoy Avenue and consists of 35.7 acres of undeveloped land nestled into a scenic setting of farmland, foothills and established residential neighborhoods. The property has an approved specific plan, tentative tract map, and development agreement allowing for 131 single family detached Ventura homes on 4,000 – 8,795 square foot lots, 3 building pads for 34 attached row house/townhouses, 6 acres of public parks and open space areas, and two building pads for 20-24 farm worker housing units. Williams Homes intends on building the entire project with exception of the farm worker housing which will be designed and developed by the City of San Buenaventura Housing Authority.

These exciting new residential projects provide citizens with options such as home ownership, apartments, townhomes and row homes.  Through careful stewardship and good plans, the Community Development Department is promoting a strong and viable community that is sustainable, compatible and beneficial to the community.

Ventura College/Ventura Breakers to host fundraiser

The Ventura College Men’s and Women’s basketball teams, along with the Ventura Breakers Youth Basketball Club, will host the 17th annual barbecue fundraiser dinner and games on Saturday, Feb.4th.

Tickets are $15.00. Barbecue dinner at the Ventura College Cafeteria will be served from 4:00 to 7 p.m., and includes beef tri-tip and or chicken, chili, salad, bread and drink choice.

Ventura College will play Allan Hancock College, with the Men’s game at 5 .m. and the Women playing at 7p.m. Ticket prices include dinner and admission to both games.

Proceeds benefit VC men’s and women’s basketball and the Ventura Breakers Basketball Club.

Information and tickets 289-6118, and www.vcweplayhard.com

Vol. 10, No. 9 – February 1 – February 14, 2017 – Ojai News & Events

Local photographer Stephen Adams will visit the Ojai Library at 10 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 11 to present a seminar titled “Better Family Photos.” This seminar is for family photographers who know the basics of taking photos with a smartphone or pocket camera but are not satisfied with their results.

Adams earned his M.A. from San Diego State University in Television and Film and has taught classes at SDSU and community colleges. You can see more of his work at www.StephenAdamsPhoto.com.

Registration is required email [email protected]. This event is free and open to the public.

On Sat., Feb. 11 Heather Castillo will be at  the Ojai Library at 1 p.m., to deliver a talk titled “TADA! Validating the Magic of Theatre and Dance.” Castillo comes from CSU Channel Islands (CI), and is the first speaker in this season’s CI Library Lecture Series.

On Sep. 26, 2016 Governor Brown signed SB 916, the TADA! Act into law. Written by Senator Ben Allen of Santa Monica, the Theatre and Dance Act will provide all students in California access to dance and theatre as part of their public education experience. Heather will discuss the benefits of inclusive arts education and its new required prominence in K-12 education.

Opera Santa Barbara will present a series of Free Noontime Concerts at the Ojai Library on the second Thursdays of February, March, and May, 2017. Each concert will begin at 12 p.m. in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes. Their first concert will be on Thursday, February 9.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Performances To Grow On is proud to present Animalia, a performance featuring the puppets of Hobey Ford on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 3 pm at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery.  Tickets in advance are $15 for adults and $10 for children and tickets are available online at www.ptgo.org by phone at 310-890-1439 or at the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company. Tickets are $5 more at the door.

The quintessential favorite, Hobey Ford’s “Animalia” explores the magical world of animals.

The Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) takes in about 1,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals each year, specializing in birds of prey, with rehabilitation and release back to the wild always being the main goal.  ORC receives the majority of these patient admissions between the months of April-August and is looking to recruit  new volunteers for the upcoming nesting season.  ORC is seeking volunteers, over the age of 17, who can commit to at least one 4 hour volunteer shift per week.  If you are interested the annual New Volunteer Orientation on Feb. 19 at 1pm. Held at 370 Baldwin Rd Building E1. Please bring something to sit on.

Ojai Raptor Center’s Director Kim Stroud and her staff will discuss different volunteer opportunities available, and what to expect when working with wildlife, and birds of prey. For more information on volunteering with ORC, please visit http://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/volunteer-information/

The Ojai Studio Artists organization is awarding over $10,000.00 for art scholarships this year to qualified high school and college students who are residents of Ventura County and plan on pursuing a career in the visual arts.  Applicants are eligible to receive one scholarship award per year with a maximum of four scholarships total.

This is a wonderful opportunity for art students to receive financial aid, to augment their resumes and to connect with OSA’s vibrant community of artists.  Professional artists from OSA will jury the digital entries, awarding scholarships based on merit, varying from $50 to $2000.

Since its inception, the Ojai Studio Artists (OSA), a 501 (c) (3) California non-profit organization, has raised well over $200,000.00 for educational support.

Application forms and submission requirements can be downloaded at: www.ojaistudioartists.org.  Applications must be received by Friday, May 5, 2017.

Don’t Get Stuck with Medicare Late Fees

by Greg Dill – Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories.

This past holiday season, I found myself in line at the airport counter, waiting to check a bag prior to a flight to visit family and friends. The gentlemen in front of me got frustrated when the customer agent said he had to pay more to check a bag because he hadn’t paid for it online beforehand.

I could relate to his irritation since I’d had a similar experience years ago. But I was late for my plane and hoped the situation would be remedied soon. After talking to a manager and reviewing the terms of the ticket purchase, the man paid the extra fee. The rest of us in line sighed quiet relief as the clock ticked down to our departure times.

The gentleman’s reaction made me think of a Medicare beneficiary I encountered a while back. He’d decided not to enroll in Medicare Part B, which helps pay for doctor fees, outpatient treatment, and preventive-care services, when he was first eligible.

At the time he declined his Part B benefits, he was in good health. He rarely saw a doctor, didn’t take prescription drugs, and never had been admitted to a hospital. Part B carries a monthly premium (about $109 for most people in 2017), and the man didn’t think he should pay for something he didn’t need.

Several years later his health declined and he wanted Part B. He signed up in March but learned that his coverage wouldn’t start until July. And since he waited five years to enroll after he was initially eligible (and didn’t have job-based insurance during that time), he discovered that he’d have to pay a late penalty equal to 50 percent of his monthly premium.

He was very surprised, to say the least. He reached out to Medicare to reduce the penalty, but unfortunately we couldn’t do anything to help. When the beneficiary turned down Part B five years earlier, he signed a document explaining the penalty and the potential for higher costs. He now must pay this surcharge on his Part B premium for as long as he has Part B.

Like private insurance, Medicare spreads its costs across a “pool” of insured people that includes both those who are healthy and those with medical problems. Late-enrollment penalties are meant to ensure that people join the risk pool when they’re healthy, not just when they get sick. Thus, premiums paid by healthy people help offset the costs of those who with illnesses, keeping the program’s overall expenses as low as possible for everyone.

Late-enrollment penalties can add up. Your Part B premium may go up 10 percent for each full 12-month period that you could’ve had Part B but didn’t sign up for it. (You don’t usually pay a late penalty if you defer Part B while you’re covered by employer insurance.)

So please remember: If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay the late penalty for as long as you have Part B.

Late penalties also apply to Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization. Although the vast majority of people with Medicare don’t pay for Part A, those who do must sign up when they’re first eligible or face a potential penalty.

You can also get hit with a penalty for late enrollment in Medicare Part D, which helps pay for prescription drugs. The way it’s calculated is more complicated than Part B, but this penalty can add up, too. For details, see the 2017 Medicare & You handbook, mailed to every person with Medicare in the fall. It’s also online at https://www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf.

Or call us, toll free, any time of day or night, at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).