The Chambers of Commerce Alliance of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties are hosting an energy event titled “The Future of Energy and the Environment,” scheduled for October 14,  from 8:00-11:30AM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ventura.

“Energy is an important topic, both to the business community and the members of the public. The Alliance wants to provide an opportunity for greater understanding of our energy needs, and our energy reality, their effects on the environment, and to allow the audience to ask questions”, said Scott Eicher, Chair of the Chambers of Commerce Alliance.

Sandra Burkhart, Senior Coordinator, Coastal Region told the Breeze “We are very excited to have an energy event of this caliber here in Ventura. Energy is an important issue and better understanding our energy reality is critical to helping the community understand how we can all work together in achieving our goals for energy independence along with balanced regulations.”

The keynote speaker for the event will be Alex Epstein, a New York Times best-selling author and founder of the Center for Industrial Progress (CIP). Epstein has risen to prominence as the nation’s leading free-market energy debater, promoting a philosophy that is anti-pollution but pro-development. He draws on cutting-edge research and original insights to offer an alternate perspective on the energy debate and shares eye-opening thoughts into how technology will improve the lives of people – safely, cleanly, and effectively – for years to come. He has been called the “most original thinker of the year” by political commentator John McLaughlin.

There will also be a panel discussion featuring representatives from each of the energy sectors, including California Resources Corporation (CRC), Desert Solar, Infinity Wind, and Brightwave Energy. The discussion will focus on the opportunities and challenges each sector faces, along with environmental factors.

For more information or to register for this event, please visit http://tinyurl.com/pwvwpsk or call Sandra Burkhart at 966-7113.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Eric Boldt will discuss current El Niño predictions and will provide drought and wildfire updates during the October From Shore to Sea lecture.

Boldt and other forecasters have predicted the upcoming El Niño will result in much stronger oceanic and atmospheric effects than usual. On average, El Niño and its sister phenomenon La Niña, occur every two to seven years.

Boldt will describe what the condition known as El Niño is and how it is caused, as well as its effects on ocean environments, sea surface temperatures, and precipitation. He will compare current predictions with previous El Niños and explain how he and other forecasters have arrived at these predictions.

Boldt will also provide an update on current and upcoming drought and wildfire conditions and on the relationship between these conditions and the predictions for this year’s El Niño.

Boldt received a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Kansas.

The talk will be held on October 8. 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 lectures occur at 7:00 pm 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.

On October 15, at 6pm there will be a benefit for The City Center to raise awareness of domestic violence and its direct connection to homelessness for women and children.

Join  and help “Take the Punch Out of Domestic Violence” with an informative, inspirational and thought provoking evening featuring championship boxer and domestic violence survivor, Maureen Shea.

More than 1/3rd of the homeless women and children in Ventura are homeless trying to escape from domestic abuse in their homes.  The City Center is committed to assisting these broken families and rebuilding lives.  The goal is to raise $10,000 to renovate and dedicate a “Purple Room” specifically to house a family in need”, stated Jim Duran, Executive Director.

Thanks to the compassionate members of the Oxnard Women’s Monday Club for scoring a “Knock Out” for homelessness and domestic violence as our “Purple Room” Title Sponsor.

Maureen Shea, championship boxer will share her story of surviving domestic violence in her home. How she has turned her life around and achieved her dreams.

You’ll also hear stories of success from current City Center residents and how they were able to leave their abuser and protect their children.  County Supervisor, Kathy Long will also share her story and the impact domestic violence has on our community.

The evening will inspire, inform and provide materials and resources to help those suffering from this quiet epidemic. You are not alone and you can win the fight against domestic violence.

The cost for the V.I.P. Party is $25 and includes a meet and greet plus a photo opportunity with Maureen, beverages, appetizers and inspirational entertainment plus much more.  General admission is free and the doors open at 6:30pm.  This event will be held at the TRC Conference Center at 859 E. Santa Clara St.

The City Center is a transitional living facility for homeless children and their parents in Ventura, equipping them to rebuild their lives for self-sufficiency.  For information regarding The City Center Transitional Living please call  628-9035 or visit www.TheCityCenter.org.

The California Association of Public Cemeteries (CAPC) will hold its Annual Education Seminar, Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10. The CAPC Education Seminar will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Public Cemetery Trustees, Managers, Secretaries and Employees from all parts of California will be attending. Topics to be presented and discussed include “Employee Relations”, “Public Cemetery Management”, “Harassment Training” and “The California Drought and Its Effect on Public Cemeteries”. Any persons interested in attending this seminar should register with CAPC by calling 888-344-9858. The Crowne Plaza Beach Hotel is located at 450 East Harbor Blvd. The hotel’s phone number for reservations is 652-5119 ask for Christine Smith, when calling identify oneself as an attendee to the CAPC Education Seminar and say you saw this in the Ventura Breeze.

Tasting handcrafted beer and sampling cuisine from over 30 local restaurants is a great evening.

By David Fukutomi, President, Pier into the Future Board of Directors and Jenise Wagar, Executive Director, Pier into the Future

The Board of Directors is proud of the accomplishments of our organization this past year.  Since January we have:

Made a presentation to the Ventura City Council on the status of the our efforts and the need for ongoing support from the Council to address deferred maintenance issues.

Deposited  $139, 603  into the Ventura County Community Foundation

Pier Fund….money raised from the community!

Purchased 10 new benches to be installed on the Pier.

Participated in the sand art event featuring Andres Amador at the Pier.

In addition with the most recent deposit mentioned above, we have now contributed $1,000,000 into the Pier endowment. Interest accumulated in the fund has been used by the City of Ventura to address operational costs of the pier.

The City has taken an important first step by seeking a study of critical work that has been identified to preserve the pier. We encourage everyone in the community to continue to keep the pier in the forefront of your thoughts and urge the City Council to make a priority of considering it’s on going needs in order that it remain safe, accessible and a most visible treasure.

The fund raising effort has truly been a grass roots effort. Proceeds have been raised in many ways including: selling deeds to planks, memorials on the granite panels and benches, tickets to our events, sales of pier related items and generous support from individuals and businesses in Ventura and the region.

Thank you for your continued support of the Pier. We look forward to continuing to work on your behalf to ensure that the Pier is part of our future and

Don Mills, Board Member, Pier into the Future said “Each year at the annual Pier Under the Stars fundraiser a very unique opportunity awaits guests. The chance to bid on a handcrafted Pier Plank bench. These beautiful benches have been craved by me using wood salvaged from the pier. Each bench is unique in design and size depending on what wood may have been removed during maintenance work on the pier. The common feature of all benches created to date are the hand carved words Ventura Pier Plank.”

Kathy McAden, Vice President, Pier into the Future stated “ It is not often that the community gathers together in one evening under the stars in support of a historical icon but Pier Under the Stars brings together the entire community to raise funds to ensure the historic Ventura Pier remains safe, clean and as beautiful as ever. “

If you would like to get involved in Pier into the Future please email [email protected]. Visit www.pierintothefuture.org to get your tickets today.

Please join the Ventura Film Society for “Charlie’s Country” on Thursday Sept 24th at 7:15pm at the Century 10 Downtown Ventura. Australian director Rolf de Heer has created a highly atmospheric tale of a self-described “Blackfella”, caught between two cultures in modern-day Australia. In a richly personal, charismatic performance, indigenous acting icon David Gulpilil (“Walkabout”,  “The Last Wave”, “Rabbit-Proof Fence”) is a man adrift in the scrawny, white-policed settlements which barely pass for a homeland. The VFS is proud to present “Charlie’s Country”, the 9th of 12 films in our 2015 season. Tickets are $10 general, $7 seniors & $5 students and are available at the VFS Will Call table outside the theatre or in advance from www.venturafilmsociety.com. Visit www.venturafilmsociety.com for more screening information and to see the film’s trailer. VFS  628-2299. Special thanks to all of our donors, volunteers, patrons, and supporters, especially the Ventura Breeze. Thank you for supporting the Ventura Film Society, where we bring people together in the dark.

Ojai officials took action earlier this year to cut back on water use. One unanticipated casualty, however, was Ojai’s public fountains, some of which are prominent pieces of public art in the City’s pedestrian-oriented downtown.

Recently the City reversed course, turning its fountains back on amid the withering drought, confident that it is already doing enough to conserve water, and that turning on the fountains, which re-circulate water, will have little impact on overall conservation.

Meanwhile, City officials continue to look for ways to reduce water use. Already the City has reduced watering of public landscaped areas, eliminated regular sidewalk washing and replaced with spot cleaning, and cut the watering of playing fields by about one-third.

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is a new twist on an old tale coming up at Ojai ACT, and while only four actors are needed to fill the roles, they need to be “in decent physical condition as there will be much physical comedy and pantomime.”

Auditions are Friday, Sept. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 19 from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center. Callbacks are the next day, Sunday Sept. 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring a resume and head shot. Roles are for Marley and Scrooge (aged mid-30s to mid-50s) and The Record keeper and The Bogle, which can be male or female; aged 20 – 60. A paid stage manager is also needed.

Rehearsals begin Sept. 20 and the run at Ojai ACT is from Nov. 27 – Dec. 20 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Details are on the Ojai ACT website: www.OjaiACT.org. For questions, contact Klaif at: [email protected]

“Dr. Dolittle” talks and sings to the animals in Ojai ACT’s enchanted musical version of the famous tales of Hugh Lofting until Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Adoptable pets are shown an hour before the Saturday matinees. Geared to entertain all ages, experience it live at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St. Tickets are $18 general, $15 seniors (62+), students and Art Center members, and $10 youth 12 and under. For reservations, call 640-8797 or online at www.ojaiartcenter.org.

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie on Saturday, September 19, at her Mid-Month Devotional Retreat at Meditation Mount. The morning will be an opportunity “to journey into the sanctuary of our own soul, to ‘Emerge and See,’” Rev. Karen says “The morning will be devoted to silence, contemplation, wisdom talks, sacred songs, and prayers of gratitude. The gathering takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is by donation: $10 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.

Ojai Community Bank announced the appointment of Kim Gibas as Head of Branch Administration. Gibas brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry to the Bank’s leadership team. This appointment is part of the Bank’s growing effort to support financial development in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. A long-time resident of Ventura County, Gibas is actively involved in a myriad of charitable and community organizations, including Camarillo Rotary Club and the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce.

Villanova School is honored to host Nick Vujicic, an international motivational speaker, to address the students as part of his Stand Strong Ojai, 2015 presentation where he will share his message of what life is like without limbs. He will be Villanova’s guest in the Clark Gymnasium at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015. His message centers on an anti-bullying and anti-suicide theme, reinforcing Christ’s message that we are all loved and encouraging people to never give up when life presents challenges.

His powerful message of love and endurance is sure to inspire all who hear it. Villanova is blessed to be able to meet him and listen as he shares his experiences with our students, staff and faculty.

The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards, former lead singer of the legendary Motown Records rhythm and blues group The Temptations, will perform at a special fundraising event at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is being co-sponsored by the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation and Ojai Valley Community Hospital Foundation. It promises to present a high-energy performance of classic hits, including “Ball of Confusion,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “I Wish It Would Rain” and “My Girl.”

Proceeds benefit Community Memorial Health System’s construction projects: the building of a new Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura and the building of a new skilled nursing facility adjacent to the Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

General admission tickets and special seating packages, some featuring a pre-concert dinner with cocktails, can be purchased online at www.cmhsatthebowl.org. For more information, call 667-2881.

Arts For Earth Foundation:Earth Spirit Art Exhibit & Concert – networks fine arts, eco-activities and entertainment with arts activities for kids, families, singles and seniors. Oct. 2-25 weekends, noon to 6 pm, at the WAV Gallery, 175 S. Ventura Ave. All are free events except concert which is $20 tax deductible non-profit donation (Sat. Oct. 10th, 6-10pm, music starts 6:30 pm) with Jade Hendrix/Alas Latinas/Francisco Leon/Roy Katnix of 9 Mile Skid. Arts For Earth partners include Sierra Club, CA Native Plant Society Channel Islands, Climate Hub, Food & Water Watch, Ventura Food Co-op, Ventura Organic Garden Co-op, Maritime Museum Channel Islands, Surf Rider, Ojai Grandmothers Council, Turtle Women Rising, and Ventura Poets. Contact Michelle at 661-803-7744  www.artsforearth.org  for further information.