Category Archives: Coronavirus

The Museum of Ventura County collecting history today

The Central Coast of California offered an obvious appeal to followers of modernism.

As Ventura County residents react to new policies and recommendations aimed to restrict the virus’ spread, the Museum is working to document and preserve the materials and stories that demonstrate how our county is continuing to communicate, work, commute, learn, teach, create, pray, celebrate, mourn, and give aid to others.

Tell us your story or consider what objects or recordings best represent the experiences and observations that have stood out to you most. How are you and your family members spending your time? What do you regard as your biggest challenges? Was there a moment when you realized a historic event was taking place?

The stories and materials we collect will allow all of us to study and share these experiences in the future. Learn more at www.VenturaMuseum.org.

The Museum of Ventura Count is excited to share an in-depth look at the California Cool: Mid-century Modernism on the Central Coast exhibit online for the first time. Step back in time to a cooler and more sophisticated era of design with this online tour, offering a thorough look at many of the artifacts and artwork featured in the exhibit that was originally on display September 2019—February 2020. These artifacts include the Nelson Coconut Chair, pottery by renowned ceramicist Otto Heino, and special items from the collection of Eric Huff. Visit www.VenturaMuseum.org to view California Cool Mid-century Modernism on the Central Coast and other virtual tours.

The Central Coast of California offered an obvious appeal to followers of modernism. The extensive access to the coast and higher elevations afforded by the region’s many beaches and foothills, and the mild Mediterranean climate, served as a central reason for indoor-outdoor living. But the Central Coast offered more than geography and climate. The different regions of the Central Coast offered other unique appeals, as well.

The Museum is also collaborating with CAPS Media, who are collecting stories from this time in video format for their #VenturaStories project. Do you have a great story to share? Something clever, funny or inspirational of your family, friends, kids, pets, neighbors or something else? Every week CAPS Media will air and stream locally produced videos sent in by the public. CAPS Media is looking for positive, feel-good stories that are entertaining, inspiring, enlightening and informative. This project gives you the special treat of seeing your masterpiece on television on Channel 6 and streaming online at capsmedia.org. Find out more at www.capsmedia.org/venturastories.

Junipero Serra statue wearing a mask

Just as it was during the Thomas Fire the Junipero Serra statue is wearing a face mask.

The statue is located across from the Ventura City Hall

Father Junipero Serra was the founder of nine missions including the San Buenaventura Mission in 1782.

The first statue was created by John Palo-Kangas in 1936. It was replaced in 1989 by a statue made from the wood carving by the late Wilbur Rubottom that is on display in City Hall atrium.

Photo by Bernie Goldstein

Beyond video calls, helping seniors battle loneliness, boredom during social isolation

“I’m sure our grandkids will enjoy using our recipe books.”

by Maura Horton

There are more than 52 million Americans who are age 65 and older, and many of them are currently staying at home isolated to help reduce their exposure to coronavirus. Not being able to engage in normal activities like going to the gym, club meetings, out to eat with friends, shopping and visiting in person with family members can lead to boredom, loneliness and depression. Now that self-distancing has been recommended through the end of the month at least, it is going to take creativity to help older adults stay engaged and connected. Phone calls or family video chats are a great place to start, but even those can start to drag with everyone sitting at home and not really having anything new to discuss.

Now that everyone has been forced to slow down and has more free time at home, this is the perfect time to tackle projects that have been on the To-Do list for years but never seem to get done. For example, have grandparents and older members of the family share and create family mementos.

  • Write letters to kids or grandkids about things you’ve always wanted to say or stories you want to share.
  • Grandparents should dig out photos of their children when they were the ages of the grandkids. Show the grandkids these photos and then share stories about what their parents did when they were their age.
  • Set up virtual lessons for your kids or grandkids of things you always wanted to teach or they always wanted to learn but there was never time for – teach them how to knit or sew, give cooking lessons, share the wisdom and love of certain activities you may have.
  • Get out all your favorite family recipes and create a recipe book for your kids or grandkids.

You can also adapt activities you would normally do in person and find ways to do them virtually through video chats.

  • Play games virtually like checkers and tell your grandkids where to move the pieces.
  • Have dinner together. While you may not be able to visit a favorite restaurant or sit together at the same table right now you can get together on video chat and share a meal together virtually.

While it can be hard to be physically separated right now there are many ways that we can all still connect with each other. It just might take a little more creativity than jumping in the car or booking a reservation at the same restaurant you always meet at. Look at this time as a gift to do things you may normally never otherwise get to do together and turn challenging times into memories that will be cherished for years to come.

The Care Coach, is a voice of guidance and experience for caregivers. She was her husband’s primary caregiver during his decade long battle with early onset Parkinson’s disease. Follow Maura on social media @carecoachadvice.

 

 

Serenading those from balconies

Steve has played keyboard and accordion with a variety of bands in Ventura.

Steve likes to perform for seniors. The Ventura Townehouse entertains their residents by presenting live musicians several times a week. Because of the virus they can’t play inside as always so they have Steve Ormond, and others serenading them from outside.

They got creative and told residents to come outside so they could see live music from their balconies.

Steve has been an elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District for 31 years, always teaching the primary grades. Music has always been an important part of his classes as a method of teaching all subjects to his young students. A piano, accordion, guitar, ukulele, banjo, and plenty of rhythm instruments are always on hand.

For the last twenty years, he has played keyboard and accordion with a variety of bands in Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara County, including Dixieland, jazz, classic rock, Latin, folk and klezmer.

He stated “I have performed regularly at assisted living and memory care facilities throughout three counties. Performing for these residents is exceptionally rewarding for me. I can’t put a monetary value on the feeling I get from seeing people smile, tap their feet, dance or sing along—especially when performing for memory care residents.”

Samantha Crisp, Director of Marketing said “We love to be creative and keep up the residents love for music and I give Anne, our Activities Director credit for this genius idea. No one has ever done this before but the Townehouse. We love doing new things for our residents. We liken this to pulling a rabbit out of the hat for our residents. We do that more times than we can count.”

CAPS Media crews producing coronavirus updates

Are you ready for your television premiere?

CAPS Media crews are working closely with Ventura City and Ventura County officials to provide accurate and updated information on the coronavirus emergency. CAPS Crews are covering all County updates at the Government Center with videos posted at vcemergency.com/videos. CAPS is also creating Spanish language translations of the county messages for posting at vcemergency.com/covid19-sp/videos-sp.

CAPS crews are collaborating with the City of Ventura Police and Fire departments and with the Ventura County Fire department to create additional messages for the community and for internal use for emergency responders. Rest assured, CAPS Crew members are taking every precaution to be safe during these productions. All of the CAPS informational videos are being distributed on multiple platforms including City and County websites, CAPS Media, Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites.

The current emergency hasn’t slowed down the determined DJs and producers at CAPS Radio at 104.1fm. CAPS Media Radio Station Director Elizabeth Rodeno has launched a campaign to have listeners, DJs and producers record brief audio diaries about what their lives are like during the distance socializing era. Broadcasters from Australia to Ventura submitted audio shorts about local community organizations and activities. Kat Merrick, Pam Baumgardner, Kathy Good, Nadine Piche, Craig Rosen, Mary Egan and other KPPQ DJs are providing personal insights, public service information, fitness and health tips and more.

If you have a message to share on KPPQ, Ventura’s public access radio station, record your 30 to 60 second daily entry and email it to [email protected]. Tune into 104.1fm to hear the latest updates from the city and county.

Special thanks to everyone who submitted videos for CAPS Media’s #VenturaStories project – they’re great. In a week or so we will launch the first edition of the series.

Everyone has a Story to share. Be Creative – make #VenturaStories a family project with kids, pets, cooking, hobbies, sports, art, music, games and more. If you want to thank someone for a special act of kindness – #VenturaStories is a great way to do it. Teachers and students – do you have a fun or fascinating school project? Share it on #VenturaStories. Ventura Artists – demonstrate your unique talent with a #VenturaStories video. The series is also a place to share safety, health and shelter-in-place tips and messages during the current emergency. We’re looking for positive, feel-good stories that are entertaining, inspiring, enlightening and informative that we can share on television on Channel 6 and stream online at capsmedia.org.

For more info on #VenturaStories go to capsmedia.org/venturastories where you will find story ideas, production tips and other information. Keep in mind that #VenturaStories are best when they are short (3-5 minutes or less) and positive. Commercials and advertising are not acceptable and cannot be aired.

When you’re ready for your television premiere, submit your work of art to #VenturaStories online at capsmedia.org/venturastories where you will find simple instructions on how to upload your video. CAPS Media will determine which videos air and when they will air and stream. CAPS Media reserves the right to not air or distribute any videos for any reason.

Due to the Coronavirus emergency the CAPS Media Center is closed to Members and the public until further notice. CAPS Member/Producers can submit programming via the online portal at capsmedia.org for broadcast and streaming on CAPS public access television Channel 6 and on CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.1FM. All of us at CAPS Media hope everyone is Staying Safe and Healthy during this challenging time.

Answer In A Breeze

Q. I know that some restaurants are selling mixed drinks to go. Are bars allowed to sell alcoholic beverages to-go? I thought that was illegal.

Charles Gavin

Charles: For once a government agency has acted logically and quickly in order to help restaurants to survive. We asked the ABC that governs this to respond. This is their response. A little too detailed but explains it well.

The answer is “it depends”.

I would need to know what type of ABC license they hold, and whether or not they are complying with the directives under the Notice of Regulatory Relief issued by the Department to assist on-sale licensees with being able to continue to generate income as they shift business models to “to-go only” business.

Under current law, all bars and restaurants holding ABC licenses are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages in manufacturer, pre-packaged, and pre-sealed containers, to consumers for consumption off the licensed premises. They may sell only the types of alcoholic beverages that are allowed to be sold under their license for consumption on the premises, except for distilled spirits, and Type-75 licensees may only sell to-go beer that they produce on their licensed premises.

Some licenses are subject to a specific license condition prohibiting off-sale privileges. Notwithstanding this, in accordance with the Notice of Regulatory Relief (“Notice”) the Department issued on March 19, 2020, the Department will not be enforcing some of the statutory restrictions. As stated in the Notice licensed bars and restaurants may sell any alcoholic beverages to-go that they are allowed to sell under their license for consumption on the premises, in manufacturer pre-package and pre-sealed containers. This includes distilled spirits (for those licenses allowed to sell distilled spirits) and, for Type-75 licenses, alcoholic beverages other than beer produced on the premises. In addition, the Department will not be enforcing any conditions that prohibit off-sale privileges or that restrict the hours of service although the statutory prohibited hours will still be enforced; alcoholic beverages may not be sold between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. each day.

In addition to businesses that hold ABC licenses for bona fide eating places (restaurants; license types 41, 47, and 75), businesses that operate as bars (holding license types 40, 42, and 48) that have kitchen facilities and actually prepare meals on the licensed premises, may also sell alcoholic beverages to-go in the same manner that the Department has provided for restaurants. This means that any beer, wine, or distilled spirits (as applicable) may be sold in containers filled by the retailer as long as:

The container is sealed with a secure lid or cap and in a manner designed to prevent consumption without the removal of the lid or cap;

Such alcoholic beverages are only sold in conjunction with a bona fide meal prepared on the licensed premises for pick-up or delivery; and

The required notice is provided.

The sealing of a lid with holes in it by some method that cannot be easily removed by a customer after the sale is acceptable.

It is the responsibility of the delivery person to verify the age of the customer purchasing the alcoholic beverages to ensure delivery is not made to underage persons. The licensee is ultimately responsible for the delivery of alcoholic beverages.

Have a question, send it to [email protected] and we will try to get you an answer!

Aera Energy aids Ventura County nonprofits amid pandemic’s economic toll

As the nation reels from the economic crash of the COVID-19 lockdown, Aera Energy is supporting local communities in significant ways.

Since late March, Aera has donated $355,000 to mid-California nonprofits hit hard by increased calls for community help. These have come as California’s coronavirus restrictions close businesses and schools and force major job losses.

Aera’s financial donations have gone to COVID-19 relief funds in areas where the longtime oil and gas producer operates, including Kern, Monterey, Fresno and Ventura counties. Aera is Ventura County’s largest onshore oil producer.

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) was an early recipient. One of the first major companies to step forward last month, Aera donated $50,000 to the Camarillo-based nonprofit. VCCF directed the donation to its Rapid Response Fund and created a community challenge to generate additional contributions to address the COVID-19 crisis. A strong response enabled VCCF to provide more than $500,000 directly to its nonprofit partners by April 9 to help them provide food, housing and other assistance to the community.

“The Ventura community benefitted quickly and immediately from the monies the Foundation was able to disburse to those in need,” said Michele Newell, Aera’s public affairs representative in Ventura.

Other Ventura area organizations receiving Aera donations include:

Westpark Community Center on Ventura’s Westside. Aera has provided the nonprofit with more than 500 reusable shopping bags. These are expediting food distributions and promoting safe delivery by enhancing social distancing.

Health Care Foundation of Ventura County’s “Gown Brigade.” Aera delivered a supply of industrial trash bags in mid-April to Ventura County Medical Center for the Gown Brigade to use the bags to fabricate much-needed isolation gowns. These will help protect healthcare workers on the front lines.

Gas cards for local hospital staff. Through Western States Petroleum Association, Aera and other members provided 22 $50 Visa gift cards to help local hospital staff with expenses and show appreciation for their ongoing efforts.

Aera’s crisis support comes as the oil and gas producer deals with its own COVID-19 impacts. More than a month ago, Aera moved more than 800 employees to home offices to work remotely. Its crisis management response team continues to meet daily to address employee needs and support field operations amid historically low oil prices.

“At our field locations, Aera employees are essential workers,” Newell said. “We have taken steps to ensure their safety through social distancing, additional protective equipment such as masks and face shields, daily symptom checks and more. We are continuing to safely and responsibly produce the energy that fuels California.

 

Girl on a Bicycle

by Patty Jenkins

I inhale deeply, the beautiful fresh sea air,
Eyes closed now I can almost smell it
Remember it with every breath inhaled
Now inside.

The waves sooth my mind as they flow into my senses,
Pulsing, soothing, reaching the depths of my soul.
Sea mist sprinkles like fairy dust upon my thirsty face, eyelids, cheeks, lips.
Now inside – eyes closed, I remember

Her cheerful little bell greets you before you see her smiling face –
The Girl on the Bicycle.
She glides oh so smoothly on the promenade
In sync with the waves; up and down, back and forth, east to west
Her basket full of curious fuzzy creatures.

I can feel my muscles relaxing now, my breathing slowing,
Now inside my mind goes willingly to our precious Ventura jewel,
Our beautiful lovely life-affirming always enduring promenade
Gateway to our sea, our souls!

I will stay inside; memory and hope my sanctuary.
Soon we will be free again, we will emerge like butterflies from our cocoons
We will all have saved lives! – Perhaps even our own!
Outside! Outside! Outside again we will ALL SOAR!

And I hope to hear her joyful bell again and see her peacefully gliding along – ,
The Girl on the Bicycle
With her curious fuzzy creatures and her beautiful smile.
Ocean mist dancing on my face, sea air filling the depths of my heart, my soul
Breathing in life deeply again – life Outside!
All is well – we are all here together again -Outside!

Gold Coast Recycling to reopen its Buy-Back Facility

The Buy-Back Center at Gold Coast Recycling reopened on Monday April 20; hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Located at 5275 Colt St. in Ventura, the Buy-Back Center has been closed for the past month, to protect the safety of customers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. All residential and commercial recycling services, provided by E.J. Harrison & Sons through Gold Coast, have continued uninterrupted.

In reopening, the buy-back facility requires all customers to wear gloves and masks for items to be accepted, and all recyclables must be bagged and separated into categories of plastic, aluminum and glass. Items not separated will not be accepted.

Gold Coast Recycling remains one of the few recycling centers still fully operational in Southern California. For additional information, call 805-642-9236.

Ventura County Library continues to provide services

Ventura County Library continues to provide services during the COVID-19 emergency while staff and customers are sheltering at home. Many library services continue to be available.

eBooks and eAudiobooks are available in our CloudLibrary collection at: https://ebook.yourcloudlibrary.com/library/venturacountylibrary/Featured. Ventura County Library has recently dedicated extra funds to this collection to aid our customers during the County’s Stay Well at Home order.

eLibrary online resources at https://www.vencolibrary.org/elibrary including streaming music and movies, reference resources, newspapers, language learning, and literacy resources.

Don’t have a card? Check our Get a Library card page [https://bit.ly/VCLcard] to get a temporary number.

Due to the local COVID-19 emergency all Ventura County Library branches have closed and all programs and events canceled.

During this time, due dates for borrowed materials are being automatically extended, with no late fines assessed. Once the library reopens, customers may return materials. Until then, customers are asked to enjoy the items at home. Book drops are locked during our closure.

Placing holds is suspended and we encourage customers to keep lists of items and place holds once we reopen. The holds queue for materials is also paused, and when we reopen customers will have one week to pick up held items.

Ventura County Library is in constant communication with other departments, local officials, and health authorities. Stay updated on the latest regional developments of COVID-19 at https://www.vcemergency.com.