Sunday, July 23, was the conclusion of the 2023 X Games held under Ventura’s most beautiful weather. Many thousands visited Ventura to enjoy and celebrate the X Games.

They also stayed at our hotels, motels and ate at our restaurants and spent money at our wonderful stores and shops. The $250,000 that the city invested in the games was well worth it. It was much less than other cities have spent.

The games drew some of the biggest names in skateboarding, BMX and Moto X to the Ventura County Fairgrounds for three days of fierce, but friendly competition.

The large range of alternative transportation options made for easy access to the Fairgrounds for many. Others enjoyed the games on KABC and ESPN.

Both Amtrak and Metrolink announced special X Games schedules for the weekend, with extra trains running Friday night through Sunday as part of plans by the city of Ventura and its partners to ease the traffic conditions.

Other alternate transportation was Gold Coast Transit Bus, VCTC Big Blue Buses and Pacific Surfliner.

For those that took their bikes or skateboards to the games there was a Bike Valet and a Skateboard Valet to store them while enjoying the day.

In her Breeze column Pam Baumgardner wrote ‘I’m happy to report Ventura survived the X Games. The traffic was no worse than it is for the fair, in fact, it was better. Great traffic control and I was amongst those who chose to ride their bikes.”

These were the first summer finals held in front of large crowds since 2019. Saturday

was sold out before the three-day games even began. It was estimated that Saturday attendance was 15,000. The fairgrounds’ parking lot was also sold out.

Headline events on Friday’s opening day include the BMX dirt elimination, the BMX street finals, the men’s skateboard vert and the motocross best trick.

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder stated “ From the drone show on Thursday to finials on Sunday we witnessed a well-organized, wildly popular X Games for the ages. I was so impressed with how polite everyone was, how well traffic was managed and the incredible talents that were on display the entire weekend. Congratulations to the X Games staff and the Visit Ventura team for putting on a first-class event. The world saw why we all love living in Ventura.”

Marlyss Munguia Auster, President & CEO Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau proudly stated “We did it! Ventura stepped on stage and shined bright! I am so proud of the community, partners, and Visit Ventura team! Thank you to everyone, you were part of making history in Ventura with X Games 2023!”

X Games

Fifty-eight retirees were invited to the annual retiree reception.

VUSD held a Retiree Reception to recognize 2022-2023 school year retirees. Fifty-eight retirees were invited to the annual retiree reception, which was held at the District’s Education Service Center. Among the retirees were employees who devoted many years to serving in Certificated (teaching) and Classified (non-teaching) positions. In their positions, they provided support, care, and inspiration to the students, staff, and families of VUSD. Five of them held a longevity of over 35 years. Collectively, the Retiree Class of 2022-2023 has served the VUSD community for 1,389 years.

One member of the VUSD team retiring after 38 years of service is Mr. David Hess, Athletic Director for Ventura High School. Mr. Hess stated, “Too many things to name” as his reason for dedicating many years to VUSD. He shared that he immediately felt a sense of a great community, and Ventura High School felt incredibly connected to its members.”

Another staff member retiring after 36 years of service is Ms. Sheila Clow, Kindergarten Teacher at Poinsettia Elementary School. Ms. Clow, originally from Ireland, wanted to establish herself in the school district where she was hired.

Dan Larson, a US History teacher at Ventura High School, is retiring after 34 years of service. He expressed his gratitude for working for VUSD, stating that it has paid off numerous times. Mr. Larson said, “I couldn’t have made a better choice” about working at VUSD and feels fortunate to be a part of a united community with a strong culture.

“We cannot adequately express our appreciation to our retirees for their impact on our schools and community. They have served as mentors to new staff, modeled professionalism for their peers, and provided a source of continuity for the District. Most importantly, they have helped our students grow and prepare for their futures,” stated Dr. Antonio Castro, Superintendent.

Retirees mingled with each other and enjoyed refreshments and a photo station. They were given a small appreciation gift to use on their upcoming adventures, along with individual floral arrangements provided by the students of Ventura High School’s Floral Design Capstone Class.

In her congratulatory speech, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Gina Wolowicz noted, “Reflecting on the years of service these educators have given, we are reminded of the transformative power of education. Their unwavering belief in the potential of every student has led to our students reaching heights they may have never thought possible”.

“It was a lovely event in honor of their essential role in helping district students grow and discover who they want to become academically, personally, and socially. VUSD wishes the 2022-2023 retirees a happy, healthy, restful, and exciting retirement,” stated VUSD Talent Acquisition Specialist Jackie Lopez.

For more information on Dave Hess, Sheila Clow and Dan Larsen visit our News & Updates webpage, https://www.venturausd.org/about/news-updates.

Jack has a strong, determined attitude along with an almost businesslike work ethic.

by Joseph Seemayer

Jack Zoltan is an 18-year-old surfer who is a standout at Ventura County beaches including the Ventura Harbor and The Point to name a few. As a competitor, Jack is committed and focused. His goal is to continue to improve as an athlete while competing against some of the best in the nation. To help achieve this goal, Jack began working with a coach about two years ago. That coach is well known, former professional surfer and Ventura resident, Mike Lamm.

Mike Lamm competed on the US Bud Pro surfing tour in the 1980’s. His passion for coaching developed during his time as an amateur and professional. Today, some of Mike’s notable coaching achievements include world tour professional Lakey Peterson, who he has coached to two National titles, a U.S. Open Jr victory and a silver medal in the ISA surfing games. In addition to Lakey, Mike has coached professional surfer Tia Blanco, an ISA gold medalist and Nick Rozsa, who he coached to the number one position on USA team and US Open Pro Jr finalist.

Locally, Mike also coaches one Jack’s biggest role models and best friend, professional surfer and Ventura native, Dimitri Polous. Jack shares that Dimitri pushes him to be a better surfer and person every day.

Some of Jack’s strengths include his focus, determination and willingness to work hard. “Jack has made massive gains and improvements in his surfing skills during this last year”, Mike states with satisfaction. As Jack’s coach, Mike said it was evident that Jack has the natural athletic ability that a coach looks for in a new student. Mike explains that Jack possesses “the intangible X-factor that coaches look for to have to have students flourish”.

Jack has a strong, determined attitude along with an almost businesslike work ethic. Mike continued, “He’s there at the crack of dawn and on time. Jack would really listen and put in the maximum amount of effort into each of his sessions”, according to Mike. All traits that are necessary to help an athlete continue to grow and achieve competitive success.”

When Jack finishes his training in the water, he then continues with running and time at the gym. “Jack really puts in the work to consistently improve”, which is mandatory for Mike.

Mike continued with Jack’s improvement as a competitor, “Jack was the only Californian competitor, in an all-Hawaiian final at the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) US National championships this year.” Besides his finals appearance and eventual fourth place finish in National Championships, Jack finished this past season ranked 4th in the nation for the NSSA Explorer juniors division, 1st in the Gold Coast Explorer juniors division and 5th Southwest Open mens divisions. An impressive season finish for this young athlete.

Since 1978, the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) mission has been to encourage and assist its members in their interest to learn and develop the fundamentals and skills of surfing competition while competing in structured and quality events. Nationwide, there are more than 80 NSSA events that culminate with the annual National Championships, regarded as the highest profile youth surfing event in America.

The NSSA is one of the few national youth sports organizations that requires its participants to maintain academic standards in order to compete. Since the beginning of the NSSA program, the philosophy has been that athletics and scholastics go hand in hand.

Under his coach’s guidance and with the assistance of his sponsors, Body Glove, Roberts Surfboards, Smilyn Wellness, On a Mission and A Frame Surf Shop, Jack plans on continuing competitive surfing professionally in the World Surf League (WSL) North American qualifying series.

In addition to Jack pursuing a promising professional surfing career, Jack will also be joining the Sundowners Wildland Fire Crew out of Lake Casitas.

Photos by Michael Gordon and others

The Rotary Club of Ventura once again hosted the 4th of July Fireworks Show and Family Picnic at the Ventura College athletic fields. The event was held on Tuesday, July 4th with the fireworks
show beginning at approximately 9 pm. Begun in 1994, the Ventura Rotary Fireworks event marked its 30th Anniversary in 2023.

A Fabulous 4th!

Just doing what she’s told and staying on the walkway.

On June 17, a pregnant sea lion decided she would rather spend time on the promenade at Portside Ventura Harbor. When it became obvious, she wasn’t going back in the water the volunteer folks from the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute Rescue (CIMWI) came out to try to get her back into the water but she refused to budge.

Volunteer Seri McClendon, who was on-site, stated “Marine mammals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violations can result in a civil penalty up to $11,000 as well as criminal penalties up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to a year or both. It is important to keep both people and pets away from stranded animals. If pets are around the area, make sure they are on a leash.”

She went on “Not all animals that seem stranded need human intervention. It is normal for seals and sea lions to come out of the water to rest, digest and sun themselves and mothers often leave their pups onshore while they are foraging at sea. It is in the best interest of these wild animals to have the least amount of human interaction as possible.”

19-year-old Venturan Kiana Casey hardly left for 2-days trying to get help for the sea lion.

After lots of people trying to get her back in the water she just decided it was time to get back in so she just got up and went back in. A happy ending.

CIMWI is a part of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program under the direction of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. Dedicated to positively impacting conservation through marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, research and education to promote ocean and human health. CIMWI serves Santa Barbara & Ventura counties in Southern California.

CIMWI has responded to over 500 live sea lions exhibiting signs of domoic acid and over 100 dead sea lions in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. There have been over 20 live common dolphin strandings which succumb quickly to the neuro toxin. The toll for dead dolphins is up to 100. The numbers for live and dead stranded marine mammals suspected of having domoic acid rises by the hour.

It is important to keep both people and pets away from the stranded animal. If pets are around the area, make sure they are on a leash. These animals are easily stressed by humans and pets.

Do not touch, feed, harass, cover, pour water on, coax/drag/push into the water or out of the surf zone, allow dogs near or take selfies with the animal. These are wild animals and they may bite!

Observe the animal from a minimum of 50 feet (the length of a school bus). Keep people and pets away from the stranded animal. Note the animal’s physical characteristics and condition.
Determine the exact location of the animal. Be as accurate as possible and note any landmarks so CIMWI’s rescue team can easily find the animal.

Call the CIMWI Rescue Hotline at (805) 567-1505. Provide your name, phone number, specific information about the animal and its location.

Marine mammals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violations can result in a civil penalty up to 11,000 as well as criminal penalties up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to a year or both.

Please consider volunteering or donating to CIMWI to help with the rescue program. https://www.cimwi.org/

AWOW couples life-changing surf therapy and children that have unique needs.

by Joseph Seemayer

The Ventura Pier, built in 1872, formerly known as the San Buenaventura Wharf is one of California’s oldest wooden piers and is a favorite destination of California visitors. On the weekend of May 9th, A Walk On Water (AWOW) took advantage of the Ventura Pier and its surf for their Ventura event.

AWOW couples life-changing surf therapy and children that have unique needs. With the assistance of experienced instructors, the children are able to stand up on a surfboard and experience surfing for the very first time.

If you’re not familiar with AWOW, its Vision and Mission are described on their website awalkonwater.org: “Harnessing the ocean’s transformative powers, we deliver life-changing surf therapy to children with unique needs and their families. We constantly strive to enhance our programs, strengthen our community and provide access to more children in need and their families, while remaining true to our core values— Empowering children with a feeling of pride and accomplishment, as they unlock their inner athlete through the emotional and incredibly transforming experience of surfing.”

At the event, I had an opportunity to speak with A Walk on Water’s cofounder Steven Lippman. I asked Steven what was the inspiration for A Walk on Water and the when and where did the organization begin.

“Founded in 2012”, Steven answered, “our profound inspiration stems from the heartfelt desire to uplift families with special needs children. We are driven by a singular idea: to forge enduring connections, instill unwavering trust, curate transformative experiences, and foster unbreakable bonds.”

“With our groundbreaking inaugural event in 2012, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to host two impactful events per year in the transformative setting of Ventura. Our unwavering dedication fuels our inspiration to continue creating life-changing moments for families in Ventura, striving to extend our meaningful presence for as long as humanly possible.”

Surf industry executive Dale Rhodes, an AWOW Surf Therapist and Board-member, shared with me his thoughts from his time on the beach, during the event, with the new surfers and their families. “We had a wonderful day on the beach with sun and great surf, filled with lots of smiling faces from our athletes and their families. We call our children of unique needs “athletes” as they’re surfers too. It’s also a great day when the parents of their athletes can come to the beach, let their hair down and enjoy their day of watching their kids surf. There’s healing elements in the salt water along with riding these waves that help build strong confidence in these athletes.

AWOW offers these athletes an experience that’s most likely would be beyond their reach without the help of the AWOW organization and their highly skilled, compassionate instructors. Watching the expressions of shear joy of the athletes and new surfers is truly addicting. Attend the next AWOW event on October 14th from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm PDT at the Ventura Pier to share in the experience.

Emily, Hector and Holly were recognized by the Ventura County Office of Education.

Four Ventura Charter School staff were honored with 2023 Ventura County Office of Education Impact II Awards and will receive $1,500 in funds to continue innovative curriculum practices. The Awards were presented on May 23rd during the Impact II Awards ceremony in Ventura.

Kindergarten teacher Holly Johnson was recognized for her lesson plan “A World of Feelings: Understanding Our Emotions to Help Ourselves and Others Thrive” and third grade teachers Emily Noel, Hector Rodriguez, and Michelle Wilson were recognized for their lesson plan “Mini Libraries: Access to Books for ALL!”

The Impact II awards began 30 years ago with the purpose of spreading excellent teaching ideas throughout Ventura County. This year, twenty-three Ventura educators submitted seventeen team and individual applications for their innovative curriculum to be judged by a group of educators and community business leaders. Fifteen educators across the county were selected from the individual and team categories for nine awards totaling $6,500.

Starting as Open Classroom in the 1970’s, Ventura Charter School of Global Arts & Education launched in 2006 as a tuition-free public charter school within the Ventura County Office of Education.