Category Archives: Community Events

City of Ventura Special Event Grants applications are due May 12

Applications are due May 12 for the City of Ventura “Special Event Permit Fund” – a grant program open to event organizers staging cultural festivals and special events in Ventura that activate public space and increase visitor spending.

Applicants must be a Ventura based nonprofit or an agency partnering with a Ventura based nonprofit planning an event occurring between July 2016 and June 2017. The maximum amount of an award is $2,000. Grants are to be used to cover all or part of the special event permit fees levied by the City of Ventura for special events occurring on public property.

Applications are available online at www.cityofventura.net/permits or by contacting Special Event Coordinator Michelle Godoy-Morales at 654-7749 or [email protected].

“The purpose of these City of Ventura grants is to champion community celebrations that attract residents and visitors, strengthen Ventura’s cultural identity and economic vitality, and promote entrepreneurial spirt and innovative partnerships between private sector and public agencies,” said Community Partnerships Manager Denise Sindelar.

Ventura College hosting grand opening celebration and building dedication of new state-of-the-art Applied Science Center April 21

Ventura College will host a grand opening celebration and building dedication of its new state-of-the-art Applied Science Center on Thursday, April 21, from 3-4 p.m. at the campus located at 4667 Telegraph Road. The event will include tours, a short presentation and remarks by school administrators, Chancellor Bernard Luskin and Board of Trustees Larry Kennedy, Chair. Established in 1925, Ventura College is one of three colleges in the Ventura County Community College District that include Moorpark College and Oxnard College

“Imagine students welding with a computer instead of a blowtorch and fixing the brakes on a car without touching a vehicle,” said Ventura College President Greg Gillespie. “This is the future of learning in the brand-new, state-of-the-art Applied Science Center at Ventura College.”

The 20,000 square foot center opens to students for the summer 2016 term. The facility is the brainchild of Vice Chancellor of Business and Administrative Services Dave Keebler, and features three types of learning to ensure a deep understanding of a concept or skill: traditional textbook learning, virtual simulator experiences and a hands-on simulation lab where students work with smaller versions of the real project without fear of making costly mistakes.

Features of the center include large glass windows so that passersby can watch students and robots inside the classrooms at work; virtual simulators that provide a 3-D video model that can rotate items; and an Imax projection screen that can be used by college staff, students and the community for training, web conferencing and teleconferencing.

“We are pleased to invite members of our community to the dedication of the Applied Science Center on Thursday, April 21st,” said District Chancellor Bernard Luskin. “The center curriculum was designed to train students for high-demand positions within the manufacturing industry, where demand exceeds the supply,” said Larry Kennedy, Chair, Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees.

Public invited to Ventura City Council’s Community Workshop on Homelessness, April 18

The City of Ventura City Council will hold a Community Workshop on Homelessness, Monday, April 18, 2016 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Island View Room of the Derby Club. The purpose of the workshop is to:

Provide education and promote community ownership and alignment about homelessness

Foster healthy, collaborative dialogue regarding homelessness in our community through cooperative multi-agency relationships

Provide a starting point for renewed multi-agency and community efforts to identify barriers and strategies toward ending homelessness

The community workshop – facilitated by consultant Ken Lee — is intended to be a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue among the many public and private social service agencies, faith-based, business groups, community advocates and public safety agencies that interface with each other and with the homeless and disenfranchised individuals on a daily basis.

Workshop attendees will participate in group exercises designed so all participants will have an active role working toward creative solutions and enhanced programs through cooperation and collaboration. Small, diverse groups will work together to identify the opportunities, challenges and barriers associated with homelessness.

Before attending the workshop, community members are encouraged to review homeless data and materials available on the City’s website at www.cityofventura.net/homelessservices. The data includes service locations countywide and citywide, population counts, public safety calls for service, affordable housing inventory, zoning for emergency shelters, continuum of care funding, and articles regarding national best practices.

The workshop session will begin at 6:00 pm sharp – seating in the main room is limited, however there will be an overflow space immediately adjacent to the Island View Room.

For more information about the Community Workshop on Homelessness, contact Community Services Manager Peter Brown, 805-658-4707 or [email protected].

“A Country Fair with Ocean Air” gets ready to rock

Ventura County’s favorite 12 days of summer are coming August 3-14. The Ventura County Fair returns with contests, exhibits, animals, carnival rides and more fair favorites. The Grandstand Arena Entertainment Series promises to be a crowd pleaser, with 10 free concerts and 4 free PRCA rodeos.

This is the schedule so far:
Motor Sports (Wednesday, August 3)
Styx (Thursday, August 4)
Old Dominion (Friday, August 5)
2016 Academy of Country Music’s New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year
TBA (Saturday, August 6)
TBA (Sunday, August 7)
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro & Mickey 2016 (Monday, August 8)
America (Tuesday, August 9 -afternoon show)
Patti LaBelle (Tuesday, August 9)
Chris Young (Wednesday, August 10)
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (Thursday, August 11)
Trace Adkins (Friday, August 12)
PRCA Rodeo (Saturday, August 13, Sunday, August 14)

For show times, exhibit entries and additional information visit www.venturacountyfair.org or call 648-3376.

Dog Day Afternoon

Ventura Police Department officers and chief honor K-9’s.

by Richard Lieberman

The National Police Dog Foundation held its annual ceremony at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Ventura. The event to honor Police K-9s and their handlers drew participants from Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Among the participants Oxnard police, Santa Paula police, Ventura police, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Search and Rescue were included in the ceremony.

Held on a Wednesday in March, Norm McDaniel spokesman and Emcee of the event and a National Police Dog Foundation board member, discussed with the attendees’ budget issues that target dogs and their handlers. Police dogs and their handlers are likely targets for budget cutting and generally among the first to be cut. “So these agencies really need the support of the public and organizations like the National Police Dog Foundation to be able to provide those additional funds to put those canines and those officers back on the street to help protect us” said McDaniel of Ventura.

Among the attendees Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams added “the presence of a police dog can immediately defuse a situation”, Williams also said, “Just hearing that bark, just seeing the dog next to the officer, adds a different dynamic and most times ends with a better resolved situation, “

Guest speaker James Corbett of Boston, a special FBI agent penned a book “Solemn Vow” which showcases photographs of 50 police dogs and their accomplishments. “Some saved a life, some have rescued little girls, some have pulled people out of fires,” said Corbett. All the proceeds from Corbett’s book will be donated to the National Police Dog Foundation.

Attending from the Oxnard Police Department Daniel Casson came with Jax, his 3rd canine partner since 1998. “The dog is probably the most valued and used tool in the Police Department because they do so many different things.” Said Casson.

Edo and his handler Nhut Huynh an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department faced an armed suspect, and two wounded victims earlier this year. Edo was used as a diversion entering the house from one direction so officers could enter the house from a different direction to rescue the wounded victims and apprehend the armed suspect. The plan worked and Edo went first to the two wounded hostages, and then found and engaged the suspect. Edo was named Hero of the Year by the National Police Dog Foundation at the event.

VPD to host drug awareness meetings

Drug use can negatively affect all aspects of a person’s life, impact their family, friends and community, and place an enormous burden on society. One of the most significant areas of risk with drug use is the connection between drugs and crime.

Every day, the nation’s law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels use investigative resources to target the supply side in the war against drugs. But even with numerous law enforcement successes in this area, the demand for drugs continues. And one of the more worrisome trends is a growing epidemic of prescription opiate and heroin abuse, especially among young people. Drug abuse is impacting all segments of society. To help raise awareness of this issue the Ventura Police Department will be hosting two community meetings in April.

The first meeting will be held on April 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Community Meeting room of City Hall. The second meeting will be held April 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ventura Police Department located at 1425 Dowell Dr.

Street Crimes Detectives will be providing the in depth presentation on the state of drug use and its effects. The presentation is beneficial for residents concerned about crime, safety and prevention efforts.

Participants are asked to RSVP to Ashley Bautista at [email protected] or 339-4317.

Free VA benefits and clean slate legal clinic for veterans

OneJustice’s Justice Bus® Project is partnering with the Public Counsel Law Center and Ventura County Library to provide a free VA benefits and clean slate legal clinic for veterans in Ventura. During the clinic, individuals with appointments will meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys one-hundred percent free of charge. Appointments are required! This clinic is being held in conjunction with the E.P. Foster Library to provide much needed legal assistance to our veterans and to enable them to learn about opportunities and available resources. At the clinic, volunteer attorneys will be available to assist veterans with VA benefits issues and criminal record clearance. Space is limited so call and make your appointment today!

The clinic will take place Wednesday, April 27, from 1:00pm – 5:00pm at the E.P. Foster Library – Topping Room. To make an appointment for the clinic, please call 213-261-8931 .

Vol. 9, No. 14 – April 13 – April 26, 2016 – City of Ventura classes

City of Ventura Imagination classes check out hundreds more on our web-site

Call 658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net

Classes/Events held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Art and Architecture using LEGO® 5-10 years
4/16 Saturday 10 am-12 pm $30 #5730
Explore great works of art and architecture through LEGO® Collaborate in small groups to build grand structures such as the Parthenon in Greece, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the tree houses of Papua New Guinea, and New York’s Empire State Building. Teamwork and creativity take “high culture” to the next level!

Stop Motion Animation Workshop 7-11 years
4/19-5/17 Tuesday 3:45-5:45 pm $125 #5605
Students work together on an original story using their favorite toys to create fun and original stop motion animations – learning basic concepts such as camera angles, storyboards, scripting elements and theme as well as adding voiceovers and musical scores to their completed project.

Introduction to Video Game Design 13-16 years
4/21-5/19 Thursday 3:45-5:45 pm $125 #5635
Teen game developers work together to create a side scrolling video game platform adventure. Give your characters gravity and create interesting and original bad guys to challenge you working with design, animation and programming tools. At Bible fellowship Church, 6950 Ralston St Room 206.

Drawing & Painting for Youth 8-18 years
4/21-5/19 Thursday 3:30-4:45 pm $64 #5520
Explore relevant artists and their styles to create your own acrylic paintings and pencil and charcoal drawings. Instructor Catherine Broger.

Ballet 6-10 years
4/21-5/26 Thursday 4-5 pm $70 #5570
Students will learn fundamental ballet techniques, positions and exercises for the development of flexibility, core strength, balance, poise and grace. Girls wear leotard, tights and ballet shoes. Boys wear a white t-shirt, black shorts and black ballet shoes. Instructor Marni King.

My Parent & Me Ballet/Tumble Combo 18 months-3 years
4/22-5/27 Friday 9:45-10:30 am $65 #5596
This is a fun upbeat class for you and your child to dance, tumble, stretch, play with instruments and more! Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Instructor Kate Kozacek.

Hip Hop Class 3-5 years
4/22-5/27 Friday 10:30-11:15 am $70 #5691
Calling all boys and girls for high-energy hip hop dance fun! Dancers develop musicality, creativity, listening skills and coordination. All music and moves are age appropriate. Instructor Kate Kozacek.

9th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon honors and remembers

In recognition of mothers being the primary caregivers in our lives and the community, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association will honor Ellen Brokaw (Mother of our own city employee Elena Brokaw)and remember Corolyn Powell at a Mother’s Day Luncheon, Friday, April 22 at the Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo.

Proceeds from the event support Livingston’s home healthcare programs and services throughout Ventura County.

For ticket and sponsorship information, please contact Stephanie Montenegro at 642-0239 x793, [email protected], or visit the agency website: www.lmvna.org.

“Our Journey Home” documentary highlights need for public housing

Home gives us a sense of belonging and stability. It’s so much more than just a physical structure. Yet, so many people in the U.S. face housing instability and homelessness on a daily basis. A shocking 76% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck (Bankrate.com Survey 2013). They are just one accident or injury away from losing everything, including a place to call home.

To advocate for increased public housing assistance, ReThink: Why Housing Matters, an initiative to change the misperceptions surrounding public housing, has created a documentary film “Our Journey Home. The documentary, produced by Emmy-Award winning filmmakers, Stillmotion, and narrated by singer-songwriter, Jewel, follows three families supported by public housing and examines how their relationship to home has shaped them.

One such story featured in the film is of Ventura County resident, Rosalio Galaviz, whose family immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, in search of a better life. However, shortly after, Rosalio’s mother was left alone to raise five children on a minimum wage job. While public housing provided a safe and stable place for his family to live, Rosalio decided to become the change he wanted to see in his community and overcame his circumstances by enrolling in the Ventura Police Academy.

“Public housing offered us the tools in life to become successful,” says Galaviz in “Our Journey Home.” “If you want to see a change in the world, then you have to be that change in the world. A police officer can make that change.”

Rosalio is currently a police cadet in training and striving to give back to Ventura County, the place he calls home.

On Apr. 20 ReThink in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura will be hosting a public screening event for “Our Journey Home.” The screening will be followed by an invigorating panel discussion with notable members from housing authorities, the Ventura County police chief and Rosalio Galaviz.

Wednesday, April 20
Century 10 Downtown – 555 E Main St.
6:30 – 7:30 PM: Film Screening
7:30 – 7:50 PM: Panel Discussion
Price $9.00

The tickets can be reserved online at: www.tugg.com/events/93414

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