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Vol. 10, No. 3 – November 9 – November 22, 2016 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Free admission stage show, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. First Sunday of every month.  Old Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. For more Information call 517-1131.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12, first time dancers are free. 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.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at 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. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.

Nov.10, 11: Community Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary Gift Shop is presenting a Masquerade Sale from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  147 Brent Street, hospital lobby.  Lots of scarves, jewelry, bags, watches and novelty items priced at $6 for many items.  A great source for stocking suffers, and all those on your holiday gift list.  All proceeds from this sale will be for CMH.  Please shop for unique, great value gifts.  While you are visiting this sale, pick up an application to volunteer with the Auxiliary.

Nov.11: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution November luncheon meeting will feature the program “Kentucky “, presented by Barrie Walters.  The luncheon event will take place on Veterans Day, Friday, at 11:30 a.m., in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant.  All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join us. Lunch is $20 per person.  For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 216-7992.  For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities  http://pattonpatriots.org.

Nov.12: In conjunction with Veterans Day, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1679 in Ventura will host a family-friendly special event on Saturday. All military veterans, active service members, their families and the general public are invited to attend. Admission is free.

The Canteen opens at 10 a.m. The popular band Action Down entertains from noon to 4 p.m. Food will be available beginning at 1 p.m. and charitable drawings will be conducted throughout the afternoon. Proceeds benefit programs of the VFW and Auxiliary which assist veterans and their families. VFW Post 1679 is at 3801 Market St. Call 642-2674 for more information.

Nov. 12: Ventura Audubon Society 8:30 a.m. Ormond Beach Leader: David Torfeh 794-5334. Look for a variety of waterfowl such as willets, whimbrels, Black‑necked Stilts, and Black‑bellied Plovers. Meet at the Arnold Road entrance.

Nov.12: Field Trip, Geologic Overview of Ventura & Ojai, Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For information please call 746-5826. Lead by K. Mason Redding CA Registered Geologist (RG 5785)

Nov.12: Ventura Singles Roundtable Discussion, Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Join us to talk about life, love, family, friends, work, fun, spirituality, whatever is on your mind, whatever is in your heart. By Dr. Vondie Lozano, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Group guided imagery/hypnosis included. Cost: free. V E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. For more information go to https://www.meetup.com/Ventura-Singles-Roundtable-Discussions/events/

Nov. 15: Ventura Audubon Society 8:30 a.m. Lake Casitas.   Adele Fergusson 415-4304.  There will be lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks and water. Target birds will include the resident Bald Eagles, Green-Backed Heron, Chipping and Lark Sparrows, Common Merganser and Spotted Sandpiper.  Park in front of the entrance to the Lake and walk in from there.

Nov.17: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St.  At 9:30am, with new members welcome.  Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs: B.U.F.F.Y. Bear, Operation School Bell®, Girls Club/Teen Club, and Assistance League School for young children with learning disabilities. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. Find more information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org.

Nov. 19: Ventura Audubon Society 8:30a.m. Carpinteria Salt Marsh. Rocky Ludes 208-9648
The Salt Marsh Reserve is an excellent birding location due to the estuary, wetlands, and upland habitats. Special birds including Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, Clapper Rail, Green Heron and California Thrasher.  Take HWY 101 North to Carpinteria, exit Casitas Pass Road., right on Carpinteria Ave, left on Linden and right on Sandylane Road to Ash. Park along Ash.

Nov. 19, 20: International ballet sensation, Aaron Smyth, will reprise his role as the Prince in Ventura County Ballet Company’s annual holiday production, Every performance are dedicated to the memory of long time cast member, supporter and community pillar, Sandra Laby. Maestro Robert Lawson will lead the 52-piece Ventura College Symphony Orchestra in playing Tchaikovsky’s classic score.  Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista.

Nov.19: Christian Edition, a widely traveled and acclaimed men’s chorus, will be in concert on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church.  This internationally known men’s chorus will present a program of classic Christian hymns and selected contemporary sacred music.  Bring your friends to this outstanding event.  6300 Telephone Road.  For more information call Polly at 642-5387.

Nov.20: Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra  with Kuanfen Liu, Artistic Director presents Jazzy Holiday with Miriam Arichea and The Rubicon Harmonix. Featuring  Piano Concerto No. 2 Op. 14 by Nikolai Kapustin with piano soloist Miriam Arichea.
Angel’s Carol & What Sweeter Music By John Rutter and other holiday favorites.
Sunday at 3 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 1338 E. Santa Clara St.
Donation of $20 appreciated
Youth 18 and under free
Information is available at 643-8621 or www.CHICOVC.org.

Nov.20: Live Your Best Life Hypnosis Meetup, Sunday at 5p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Join Dr. Vondie Lozano, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Hypnotherapist for, “What Would You Like to Attract into Your Life?” Group Guided Imagery/Hypnosis included. Ventura E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. For more information go to www.meetup.com/live-your-best-life-hypnosis/events/

Nov.21: CA Zeta Chi parliamentarians will meet at 7 p.m. and will feature a lesson by Jill Martinez entitled “More Meetings.”  Main Street Restaurant and Steakhouse, 3159 E. Main St.  Those wishing to eat should arrive at 6 p.m.  Non-members are welcome.  Membership is $25 per year.  For information, Sharon Hillbrant, 479-6738, or zetachi.webstarts.com.

 

Mary Kolada Scott and Don Scott at the Buenaventura Gallery until Nov. 26

art-buenaventura-galleryFor 22 years they’ve shared a home; now Mary Kolada Scott and Don Scott are sharing a wall. Her paintings and his photographs will be exhibited until Nov. 26 on the red wall at the Buenaventura Gallery in downtown Ventura.

The show is “His & Hers: He Shoots, She Paints.” It will feature acrylic and mixed-media paintings by Mary and digital prints from Don.

The Scotts plan to be present Nov. 19 for a reception in conjunction with the opening of Buenaventura Art Association’s Holiday Boutique and the second Arts & Eats mini artwalk between four downtown Ventura galleries. Participating galleries include Buenaventura Gallery, Fox Fine Jewelry, Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery and Latitudes. Select restaurants and shops will be offering small bites as art lovers and holiday shoppers stroll between galleries.

art-buenaventura-gallery2Buenaventura Gallery, at 700 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Veterans Day ceremony

Everyone is invited to attend the Veterans Day ceremony Friday November 11 at the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park located at 5400 Valentine Rd.  The event begins sharp at 10am.  Do get there early for the best free parking.

It is a beautiful event complete with a military fly-over, the white homing dove release and laying of the wreaths. Keynote speakers will be Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Assembly representative Jackie Irwin and Captain Jay Galazin of the United States Coast Guard.  All levels of young scouts, enlisted and military veterans, friends and family will attend.  There is no charge to attend except your time to honor all of those who have served our country.  No pets are allowed.

Reception to honor K9

The Ventura Police Department has four K9 Teams assigned to Patrol. This is Officer Hrynyk and Jag.

Land Rover Jaguar Ventura will host a law enforcement appreciation reception honoring K9 Jag, the Ventura Police K9 Unit and law enforcement county-wide. The event will be held November 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In March of 2016 Officer Hrynyk was selected as the Ventura Police Department’s next K9 handler. He was paired with K9 Jag. Jag was brought directly from Germany to Ventura at 18 months old. Jag was purchased through a generous donation from Land Rover Jaguar Ventura.

“Most folks do not realize that our police dogs are purchased through public and private donations, and without support of the public and companies like Land Rover Jaguar Ventura, we wouldn’t have these wonderful animals out on the streets keeping our community safe,” said Sergeant Kenny Welch, supervisor of the K9 Unit.

The Ventura Police Department has four K9 Teams assigned to Patrol. The K9 Teams are available for deployment seven days a week, providing protection to our community twenty-four hours a day. The Ventura Police K9 Unit and the National Police Dog Foundation (NPDF) work together to raise funds for the K9 Unit. The funds raised by the K9 Unit, and the NDPF, help pay for the canines, their training, and medical bills. All Ventura Police canines, past and present, were paid for through the generosity of the NPDF and from local businesses and individuals. No taxpayer dollars were used in the purchase or training our canines. The cost of a canine can range from $6,000 – $7,000, not including training and certification, which can be upwards of an additional $8,000 – $9,000.

 

The San Salvador has a new paint job (and flags to come) .

The legacy of Sam Povar lives on through his family and the community. Photo by George Robertson

Sam Povar was a man who loved Ventura and who spent his time and resources in creating, preserving and protecting the beauty of the city that he loved.  Sam passed away in 2015, but he sparked a commitment to continue beautifying the city for residents and visitors alike.

Michael PovarSam’s son and daughter, Michael and Paulette, are continuing this legacy of giving back to the city. “Our father wanted to recognize the beauty of this place and to make a mark that lasts,” says Paulette.  “We are celebrating Ventura as a place where residents and visitors can come to talk, walk their dogs, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.”

stuff-the-boat-insetSam’s dream of refurbishing the San Salvador, that sits on the sand in Marina Park is now happening.

“Almost every day you can see children playing on the replica of a Spanish galleon in Marina Park “ says Michael.  “The large boat represents Juan Cabrillo’s flagship, the San Salvador.  Our latest project includes refurbishing the big ship with new paint, aluminum flagpoles and flags celebrating the 150 years of Ventura’s cityhood.”

The Povars are happy that homeowners are contributing to the efforts in Marina Park. Michael explains, “We think this is the most beautiful park, with close to a 360 degree view of water, including the harbor, the inlet and the Pacific itself.  It’s a historical place and a very beautiful one.  We want residents to have a stake in continuing to make this area a more beautiful place and keeping it that way.”

“ I want to thank our neighbors for their donations. Please tell your friends and neighbors to donate. This is our community, our park and our ship. There is nothing better than donating to the ship and to see the results of your donation on happy faces (kids and adults).”

Sam Povar’s vision was to inspire others to use private capital along with public cooperation and support to envision something beautiful then make it happen.  “This is something we are passionate about,” says Paulette.  “We hope members of the community will join us not only in beautifying the park, but also in continuing to contribute to Ventura’s future.”

Donations are accepted for continuing projects at the Ventura Community Partners Foundation for the Sam Povar Memorial Fund.  For further information, call Michael Povar at 818-705-7600.

 

Grammy in my district

Robert Fisher, Congresswoman Julia Brownley and John Baffa.
Robert Fisher, Congresswoman Julia Brownley and John Baffa.

by Pam Baumgardner

One of the highest musical accomplishments one can earn is the Grammy awarded by the Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. And though most people think of the Grammys as just an annual televised event featuring their favorite artists, but the organization actually goes above and beyond with advocacy and helping toeffect public policy.  One of those advocacy groups is “Grammys in my District”launched in 2014 and isnow held throughout the United States in order to bring music creators to the local offices ofelected officials in their own districts. The purpose is to let lawmakers know that music creators are an important part of their voting constituency and to discuss the important issues in their industry.

On October 26, music professionals from our area including Bevan Manson, Toni Jannotta and Grammy winner John Baffa (TV Tray Recording Studio) met with Congresswoman Julia Brownley who represents the 26th District of California at her office in Thousand Oaks.

  • The Fair Pay Fair Play Act (H.R. 1733) – The Fair Play Fair Pay Act is bipartisanlegislation that will reform music licensing for sound recordings. The bill modernizes music licensing ina logical, comprehensive way. It will ensure that all music services play by the same rules, whileprotecting small broadcasters, so that music creators receive fair market value for their work.
  • The Allocation for Music Producers Act (H.R. 1457) – Music producers are an integralpart of the creative process for a sound recording, yet they have never been mentioned in copyright law.The AMP Act would allow producers and engineers to get direct payment of their digital royaltiesthrough SoundExchange. This bipartisan bill has no opposition and is non-controversial.
  • And Reforming the Consent Decrees for Songwriters & the Songwriter Equity Act (H.R. 1283) —Songwriters are subjected to decades-old consent decrees that restrict how ASCAP and BMI, the twolargest performing rights organizations, license their work. This summer, the DOJ issued a harmfuldecision making the consent decrees even worse. Congress should ensure that songwriters ultimately getthe reforms they need to receive fair compensation. H.R. 1283 is step toward reform that modernizes therate setting process for songwriters.

The meeting went extremely well. Baffa felt that the Congresswoman was very receptive to the concerns brought to the meeting.  He said, “I feel like she is already a champion of the arts, but it was good to meet with her and to confirm that.”

As far as the bottom line goes, Baffa explained, “Ultimately, we need to ensure consistency and fair pay for musicians and music creators, especially in this digital age. These laws will better protect us and provide a more modern structure for the business of music.”

Baffa won his Grammy a couple of years ago for “Plectra and Percussion Dances,” by Partch in the Best Classical Compendium category.  He said, “It’s an amazing alternative avant-garde classical album, performed on hand-built instruments constructed specifically for this music.”

Vol. 10, No. 3 – November 9 – November 22, 2016 – Professor Scamp PhD

Scamp-hs•  The Humane Society of Ventura County will hold its annual “Santa Paws” fund-raisers on Nov. 20 in Ventura and at the HSVC’s shelter in Ojai on Dec. 4, where pets – along with their families – can have their pictures taken with Santa.

Thanks to all of you who supported me in my run for president. Especially my brother Evin and sister Viv. Too bad that they are too young to vote because I only lost by one vote.
Thanks to all of you who supported me in my run for president. Especially my brother Evin and sister Viv. Too bad that they are too young to vote because I only lost by one vote.

The Ventura shoot will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ventura Beach Marriott. The event in Ojai on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Ojai HSCV shelter is located at 405 Bryant St.

For a $25 donation, pet owners receive several professional photos on a compact disc that will be ready to take home the day of the event. Greg Cooper, a professional photographer, will shoot the pictures and Chuck Bowman will be  Santa.Those who do not have a pet can still bring their children to avoid long lines at the mall to see Santa.

The Ojai event will feature a Holiday Craft Fair where local artists and crafts people will have one-of-a kind gifts.

The Humane Society of Ventura County does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.

•  Today (recently)may have been just a normal day for you, but at Ventura County Animal Services we hit a major milestone. Today we celebrated 1,000 days of No-Kill. But after implementing so many innovative programs and projects to help keep our numbers at bay, we’re only at 91.5% Live Release Rate!

We need your help to sustain no kill. So far we’ve saved 217 animals through Social Media alone. You can help save lives by following, liking, commenting and sharing our stories on www.facebook.com/VCAnimalServices, https://twitter.com/VCAnimalService, https://www.instagram.com/VCAnimalServices/.

VCAS would like to show its appreciation to the Ventura County community by offering $20.00(does not include a possible $20 license fee) Pet Adoption fees for all Dogs and Cats until the end of November!

With Much Appreciation,
Randy Friedman, Marketing Manager, Ventura County Animal Services
388-4252 | www.vcas.us

•  by Victoria Usher

There is a large expanse of beach that runs between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach where many dog buddies have always taken their pets when they want to get some exercise and enjoy the beach.

Recently some nearby residents have started to complain about them  not picking up waste and too many pets being off their leashes. All of the continuous complaining caused Newport officials to get involved and ask the city staff to talk about the issue and consider their options.

If you walk through this specific area of Newport Beach you’re usually able to see a fair amount of dogs without their leashes on and they’re usually playing around and having a good time with their owners watching them in a safe, fun, and also open environment.

The city ended up organizing an online survey on social media; the online survey contained a question about this particular issue. Out of the 266 people who participated in the online survey, 226 said that the city should not have anyone patrol the beach and that everything should stay as it is. There are very few places to take your dog in the Newport Beach area other than this special gem, it shouldn’t be taken away from the residents.

scamp-bizarro

 

Vol. 10, No. 3 – November 9 – November 22, 2016 – A View from House Seats

review-theaterSci-Fi Musical Rocks the Bard
by Shirley Lorraine

In a decidedly out-of-this-world variation to their usual fare of dramas, comedies and introspective works, the Rubicon Theatre has brought together a stellar cast to take the audience on an unforgettable journey through time and space.

From the moment one enters the theater, the scene is set. Blue-haired, pointy-eared members of the Starship Rubicon flight crew welcome everyone aboard. The stage is buzzing with beeping equipment and lights. The audience is ready to blast off into space with Return to the Forbidden Planet, a high-quality send-up mixing Shakespeare’s The Tempest and other works with classic rock and roll music and a generous helping of stereotypical science fiction.

Played with conviction and a dash of irony, the crew of the SS Rubicon delivers slightly altered versions of the Bard’s words, once again proving the timeless omniscience of his writings.  The themes of love, madness and the desire for power know no planetary boundaries.

Pounding out a galaxy of familiar foot-tapping tunes from the 1950’s and 1960’s, many of the actors’ double as the musicians, staying perfectly in character as they rock out. You won’t want to miss Rubicon co-founder, Artistic Director Emeritus and star of the recent drama Darrow, James O’Neil, belting out “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” as he gives life to the villainous Dr. Prospero.

Directed and choreographed to perfection by Kirby Ward, each member of the starship’s crew embodies their chosen character with gusto. Many have adopted characteristics of familiar sci-fi characters from television and film just enough to be reminiscent.

The star-studded cast includes Jason Graae as the robot Ariel, Caleb Horst as the ingénue Cookie, Harley Jay as Captain Tempest, Craig McEldowney as Bosun and Martin Landry as the Navigation Officer. Rebecca Ann Johnson as Gloria, the Science Officer, and Kimberly Hessler as Dr. Prospero’s daughter Miranda, lend the female vocal power to the mix.

Music Director Trevor Wheetman on synthesizer, Omar D. Brancato on bass, and Matt Tucci on drums are occasionally accompanied by Jay on electric guitar, Graae on clarinet and others. Although the live music sometimes drowned out the lyrics, the familiarity of the songs made that a forgivable and minor faux pas.   The four flight crew members perform multiple-duty as back-up singers and dancers, adding additional dimension to the festivities.

Return to the Forbidden Planet is pure toe-tapping fun, especially for those of us who grew up jiving to the tunes of Eric Burdon, James Brown, The Beach Boys and Roy Orbison while tuning in to Lost in Space, Star Trek and Twilight Zone.  Bend time and space with an evening of hilarity, fun and poetry. Catch this one quickly before it leaves Ventura’s orbit.

Performances conclude Sunday November 13.  Thursday and Fridays blast off at 8 p.m., 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $34-$64 – discounts available for seniors, students, active military and teachers. 667-2900, rubicontheatre.org. 1006 E. Main Street, downtown Ventura.  Reservations highly recommended. Call for availability.

 

 

Vol. 10, No. 3 – November 9 – November 22, 2016 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

10-22  8:39pm, while officers were on patrol, they found an elderly male complaining of chest pain.  Officers assisted Ventura Fire, AMR with the male who was eventually transported to local hospital.      
10-23 1:40pm, received a report of a found electric boat in the keys.  Officers responded and took possession of the vessel.  The owner was later identified and retrieved the vessel.               
 10-26 10:00am, received a request for a tow from a disabled vessel near the detached breakwall.  Officers responded and towed the vessel to Ventura boatyard.                 
10-27 1:00am, received a report of an intoxicated female who is acting strange and attempting to gain access to a vessel in VHV.  Officers responded and contacted the reporting party.  He advised she jumped into the water to gain access to private docks in a marina.  After a brief investigation, officers discovered wet footprints and followed them to the vessel the disturbing party was on.  The incident is under investigation.                    
10-28 7:45pm, received a report of a diesel sheen VHV I-dock.  Officers responded and search the marina but were unable to locate the source.

11:55am, received a request to backup Ventura PD who were chasing a subject who jumped in to the ocean near the Ventura Pier.  Officers responded and observed the suspect swim upcoast towards Surfers point in the surfline.  The suspect eventually surrendered and was detained by Ventura PD on the beach near the Crown Plaza hotel.