On Thursday, May 19, an Evening of Gratitude was held for volunteers from CAREGIVERS at the Dudley House in Ventura. The event, attended by hundreds, featured recognition of volunteers and students, the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Norm Weitzel awards, lively music by the Riverboat Dixie Jazz Band, Hors d’oeuvres, wine and deserts. Tammy Glenn, Executive Director lead the evening’s proceedings.
CAREGIVERS mission is to promote the health, well-being, dignity, and independence of frail, homebound elders through one-on-one relationships with trusted volunteers. CAREGIVERS programs are carried out by over 300 giving, caring volunteers who are recruited and trained from our local community. They are always in great need of additional volunteers to assist the many more frail, elderly residents who call their office for help. CAREGIVERS makes every effort to “match” a carefully screened and trained volunteer to an elder who needs basic assistance and companionship, in order to foster a long term, one-on-one relationship between them.
The Dudley House is an historic house museum built in 1891 in a Late Victorian-style. Designed and built by local architect and builder Selwyn Shaw, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It is located at 197 N Ashwood Ave,
CAREGIVERS is located at 1765 Goodyear. 805-658-8530
Matsumoto, Murphy and Loy at Haole’s Memorial Garden remembering Haole Boy’s one year anniversary.
by Amy Brown
If you walk along the iconic Ventura promenade near Surfer’s Point, you’ll encounter a beautiful tribute to another major Ventura icon: Haole Boy, the city’s late surfing Ambassadog. Haole had been surfing C Street and traveling the country for seven years as a surf therapist with the non-profit A Walk On Water for children and adults with special needs. He helped hundreds of aspiring surfers feel comfortable catching waves, riding right on the board with them—and he always made it look easy.
Photo of Haole Boy by Sebastian De Schepper
Haole passed away after a long battle with cancer in May of 2020, and was mourned by folks from across the country in person at his memorial and through ongoing worldwide outpourings of love and support. His mom, Kim Murphy and her friends Cris Loy and Dorianne Matsumoto decided to create a rock garden memorial to honor his beautiful surfing stoke and spirit on the one-year anniversary of Haole’s passing. It started with just a few brightly painted rocks, and now, at the one-year anniversary of the garden itself, it’s a beautiful kaleidoscopic tribute that grows every week.
It started with someone painting a single special memorial rock for Haole, and the idea for the garden germinated from there, according to Loy. “We said ‘we should start a rock garden with this rock, and it should really be overlooking Haole’s surf break,’” said Loy. “We all went home and started painting rocks like crazy.” The garden started from that group of friends with about 40 memorial rocks, with a kindness rock section soon added. “I kind of wanted both memorial and kindness rocks, since Haole was all about kindness, and we wanted this to be about kindness too,” said Loy.
The Kindness Rock Project started a few years ago, and is now a viral trend—people paint inspirational messages or images on rocks and leave them out for strangers to find and be inspired by. The distinction between memorial rocks and kindness rocks is that memorial rocks are to be left in place, honoring a lost loved one, human or pet, while kindness rocks are to be shared, in a ‘take a rock, leave a rock’ philosophy. Haole’s garden has a section for both. “Nothing fills my heart quite like the love and support we still receive. I feel as if the spirit of Haole is still so present in Ventura by the community continuing to support us, and cherish the memories that Haole made for all of them,” said Murphy. “We still often hear stories of Haole, and how he continues to touch people’s hearts.”
You don’t have to be an artist to participate, but you might just become one. “I first thought, I am not artistic. Art is not my thing!” said Matsumoto. Then, “I could paint a few rocks.” However, she is now one of the most prolific contributors, having since created nearly 100 rocks, beautifully painted with many time-consuming coats of resin, to the garden. She shared that she is always moved by the sentiments expressed in rocks created by others. “You see the rocks made by little kids for their pets, or others made for lost loved ones, and it’s clear they’ve all been made with love,” said Matsumoto.
One particularly talented artist who regularly contributes to the memorial garden creates photorealistic paintings on rocks of people’s pets, while others are more simple, but all are powerful. Murphy and her husband John share that anyone is invited to visit the memorial, and leave a rock for a loved one, but ask that if visitors would like a memento to take a kindness rock, while leaving the memorial rocks in place, as they are meaningful and meant to be permanent. “This garden has brought much healing and happiness to us, and we absolutely love that Haole is still bringing people together,” said Murphy.
In a previous issue we had an article about the Gentry Eagle that was stored in the Ventura Harbor boat yard. It was once the fastest luxury yacht in the world. This yacht has been berthed and idled in the Ventura Harbor for over 15 years.
The Gentry Eagle was built in 1988 and on July 26th, 1989 she crossed the Atlantic to win a race, at an average speed of 73 miles per hour in one of the biggest Transatlantic
races in maritime history.
Even though there were many rumors about its future the Eagle has now been demolished by a huge mechanical “hand.” It was carefully pulled apart piece by piece so that the aluminum (and other valuable parts) could be salvaged. Her ghost will always remain in the harbor.
“Sobre Las Olas”, a charming, antique motor yacht has berthed in the Ventura Harbor (At the Portside Ventura Harbor docks) since November, 2021. “Sobre Las Olas”, translates to “Over the Waves”, was built in the 1920’s and its craftsmanship reflects an era long past. Once owned by JP Getty, this vessel reflects exceptional attention to detail and continues to be a source of joy and historical appeal for the current owners and now the Ventura community.
The yacht was built around the same time Black Tuesday overwhelmed the country in the 1920’s. The original owners were forced to sell it and JP Getty was an eager buyer. He held on to it until 1932 where it began to change hands several times before being purchased by the current owners. At present time, “Sobre Las Olas” is one of the largest antique classic yachts on the West Coast.
Strolling the decks of this rare beauty, one is left in awe and a special feeling of charm and wonder. The interior is stunning and there is ample indoor and outdoor space to enjoy with guests and one’s imagination. It feels adventure ready and her elegance is apparent.
The decks and railings are teak and the beautiful Honduras mahogany is all original in the dining salon. Smaller touches, like the dining salon’s lighting fixtures, are also all original.
The interior is gracious, clean and smooth with a superstructure over the back deck. A new galley was constructed and the lounge area has been renovated, with cabinets, windows and lighting refurbished to keep the living area comfortable for guests.
She comfortably sleeps 12, with a master stateroom, 3 bathrooms, a crew’s quarter for 5, a guest cabin for 2, a master cabin, a pilot cabin, and an additional cabin in the back of the hull. The owners are committed to keep the yacht’s original design intact even as they modernize various areas throughout yacht.
Her engines are original 1929 Atlas Imperial diesel engines and two of four are left in existence. A similarly constructed engine from the same era currently sits in the Smithsonian Institute.
Her appeal is timeless throughout the meticulously handcrafted workmanship. Her classic lines and vintage charm have been only enhanced by her extensive updates over the years, making her the perfect blend of old and new. Since it has been in Ventura, the community has embraced it as heads are turned when strolling by on the promenade or sailing by on more modernized vessels.
The waltz “Sobre Las Olas” (or “Over the Waves”) is the best-known work of Mexican composer Juventino Rosas (1868–1894). It “remains one of the most famous Latin American pieces worldwide”, according to the “Latin America” article in The Oxford Companion to Music.
Editor’s note: This is the second article in the Breeze featuring an historically important yacht berthed in Ventura. If you know of a local yacht that might also be historical to be featured in the Breeze let us know at [email protected].
On Saturday, April 30, under a beautiful Ventura evening “La Dolce Vita, Silent Auction Dinner Dancing” was held celebrating and benefiting the families and children at the City Center. The fund-raiser event was held in the beautiful back yard at a magnificent home located on Barnard Way in Ventura.
The evening featured a cocktail party, snacks, great food, live music, dancing and fund-raising auctions. It was attended by several hundred enthusiastic caring people.
Pastor Jim Duran, Executive Director of the center was the MC for the event. He stated “ Not one of our “graduates” have gone back to being homeless. All of our residents start out being homeless. The City Center is the only transitional housing center that does not receive government funding.”
He went on “Thank you for being at tonight‘s event and for all your support! It is because of your donations we are able shelter homeless children in a safe place they can call home. While providing their parents the life skills they need to graduate our program and to be self-sufficient. This program exists because of the caring people in our community and the desire of giving a hand up not just a handout.”
He stated “Residents must find work and put a portion of their salaries into an account.” He spoke of a resident that left the facility with $19,000 and another with $25,000. Of the approximately 80 residents living there now, 50 are children.
Besides the income from the auctions when Jim Duran asked for donations from the crowd the first one was for $10,000.00.
The City Center and its staff, case managers, therapists, and mentors are dedicated to helping homeless, often single parent families with child transitioning from homelessness to independence. They do this over the course of many months.
The residents and their care team put in a lot of hard work, and it is all worth it. Though the housing is temporary it is a safe place to call their own during that time, a place they can find some needed stability in their life. The City Center is a place where they can concentrate on getting their life under control.
Residents are given more than just spiritual and life skills as mentioned by Jim, residents are empowered to become financially stable through a savings program and employment requirement. With this help and structure, they find themselves back on their feet and on their own. All it takes is a willing heart, and a determined spirit.
The Center is located at 837 E. Thompson in Ventura.
Nasarenko served two terms as a Ventura City Councilmember.
by Richard Lieberman
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko has served as District Attorney since being appointed in January, 2021. Appointed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors with a vote of 5-0, Nasarenko is looking to continue his time in office running for the office for the first time.
Prior to his appointment as Ventura County District Attorney Nasarenko served two terms as a Ventura City Councilmember and served as Ventura City Mayor. He also served as Senior Deputy District Attorney.
“Among my top priorities to ensure that the new family justice center for victims is implemented in the county. We now have three million dollars in which to make that intake and service center a success. We also want to implement successfully the new domestic violence shelter here in Ventura which will be right next to the existing family justice center thanks to the Ventura Community Foundation. We will have fourteen beds with stays of up to fifteen days and this is part of breaking the cycle of abuse, he said. “We also begin a cold case sexual assault unit that will allow us to go back in time and analyze cold cases and literally take the files off of shelves from the storage lockers and begin the process of analyzing for DNA evidence. We will upload them to state and national databases to see if they cross reference to other unsolved crimes and if cases are within the statutes if there is a victim who would like to move forward we will file the appropriate charges, the objective here is to hold these offenders accountable”, said Nasarenko.
Nasarenko also added that another priority is “getting the wheels of justice to back up to par after the fits and starts of the last two years. We receive on an annual basis approximately 25,000 potential cases. So, when the court is closed Covid related emergencies make the cases back up, we are now moving on full cylinders, trials are being conducted, courtrooms are active, jurors’ are back in the jury assembly room, but one of the challenges in the months ahead is continuing to keep court operations moving. Also continuing to be a community-oriented prosecutor, I speak to Rotary’s, city councils, law enforcement, chambers of commerce and social justice organizations. He added, “I joined a number of DA’s in opposing literally suing the state to block the early release of some of these violent inmates and here we find that one of the individuals involved in the Sacramento mass shooting incident was indeed released early. Whatever I can do to use this office and our legal power to make sure that when someone is convicted they serve their full term. This will continue to be a priority.”
The Breeze asked the DA what difficulties he finds with balancing the responsibilities of the office and family life especially during an election cycle. “You have to recognize that during a finite period of time you will be out of bounds and equilibrium. When this campaign began last summer I sat down with my wife and kids and I said dads going to be out of the house a lot, its not forever, we have about ten or eleven months and it’s important that dad just work really hard and do everything he can to keep this job and I am not saying it does not come with sacrifice.”
Nasarenko’s family is from Ukraine and his parents emigrated to the United States in 1950 after surviving World War II living in refugee camps for five years. He stated, “I feel a sense of helplessness right now.”
When asked what a typical day is like for him he replied “every day is different than the day before, you are receiving input from the chiefs about legislation, what should be our position if we are going to oppose or if we are going to support it and how do we communicate that support. Are we going to file a case a certain way or should we consider different charges?
Most importantly I am in touch and communicating with the entire office. I will routinely go to jury trials to watch opening statements, closing arguments and I like to walk the halls and interact with the deputy DA’s. I want to have my ear to the ground and be in a position to understand who is on trial. I am very mindful about the potential to become isolated and to lose touch of the overall office, so I am conscious and deliberate with a very hands-on active way,”
Encouraged by his parent’s support Nasarenko applied to the district attorney’s office and got the job.
He, and his wife, and daughter visited Ventura and fell in love with the city and the county and has made his home here ever since their first visit.
Editor note: On June 7 John Barrick and Erik Nasarenko will be running for the position of Ventura County District Attorney.
Alec Benke created a custom pedestal, including scales, for the mermaid sculpture on Spinnaker drive.
by Amy Brown
For many years there have been two iconic bronze mermaid statues, each gracing a separate entrance to the Ventura harbor. One has a plaque reading “From Russia with Love,” but today they both wear Ukrainian flower crowns in yellow and blue. Their donor, Alec Benke, is no stranger to the mysticism and idea of mermaids. A native of the former Soviet Union, starting in 1987 he served for three years as a sonar technician on submarines near Vietnam, and spent countless hours on watch, differentiating between friends (fishing barges lumbering past) and foes, which included at that time the 6th Fleet of the U.S. Navy. Other unexpected friends were heard during those lonely assignments, which Benke is sure were mermaids. “I know it sounds crazy,” he laughs. He never saw these fabled sirens, but shares that he heard and felt them, and the idea of their presence filled him with calmness and quiet joy. Later during his service he was surprised when he came to realize that Americans are just regular people, like his own countrymen. “You should not underestimate the power of Soviet propaganda about Americans at that time,” said Benke.
Benke was living in Kazakhstan when the Iron Curtain fell. “Suddenly, I was not welcome there anymore and I wasn’t welcome in Russia anymore; I was a foreigner. It was shocking,” said Benke, who soon attended a marine academy, and met his wife Tatyana. The two travelled to Kodiak, Alaska and since they already had visas, they went to the US embassy and eventually became citizens.
Each mermaid wears a traditional Ukrainian flower crown today.
The couple moved to Ventura in 2000, and Alec began a construction company, focused on rock formations and mosaics. During his travel for the business, he drove to and from San Diego, and along that route he first saw glorious 15’ tall mermaid sculptures, which reminded him viscerally of his experiences as a submariner, so he pulled off the highway to investigate. “It was because like I fell in love with them, and I would stop and visit them on every trip,” he said.
Benke eventually was able to buy them, maxing out his credit cards, and brought them back to Ventura. “By that time I had a small house, but what am I going to do with them? My wife finally had had enough of them lying in our little backyard, so I decided to give them to the city. They’re still mine, in my heart, but I decided to build everything for them.”
Alec Benke poses with the mermaid sculpture at Soter Point.
His love for his new country, the ocean and these beautiful mermaids dovetailed with other labors of love, when Benke met Sam Povar and Andy Soter. Povar was a community activist committed to private-public art projects, and sought to honor his late wife, Oriana and Soter was working on a project to upgrade paths in Marina Park to memorialize the loss of her daughter Andrea to cancer. “We came the three of us together and worked on this project. It was amazing. All three of us, different ages, but we were like old friends immediately.” The project was creating symbols of love with the donation of the two mermaid statues, on custom stone ten-foot-tall pedestals created by Benke. One plays the flute and is on what is now called Soter Point, and the other, playing a cello, is across the harbor on Spinnaker.
Today Benke’s personal labor of love includes raising awareness and activism to support the citizens of Ukraine. He shared that his support of Ukraine has cost him relationships with his parents and friends in Russia. “I decorated the mermaids with the traditional Ukrainian flower wreath as a sign of support and admiration for the fearless Ukrainian people,” said Benke. His partner in the project applauds Benke’s sentiments. “It is a great expression of love and fondness for Ukrainian people and joy to be an American citizen,” said Soter.
Benke encourages others to support the Ukrainians and petition legislators during this time by visiting the site www.protectukrainenow.com. “The world as we know it has been changed forever,” said Benke.
Photos by lots of people Patricia Schallert, Richard Lieberman, Trent Steven, Jenny Cooper and Kathy Navarro.
On Saturday, March 26, Mayor Rubalcava joined the Westside Community Development Corporation welcomed a large gathering to celebrate and honor the 57 artists who brought to life a 600-foot mural called Pura Avenida.
It featured a Chumash blessing, photo opportunities, and lowriders.
The Pura Avenida mural features images and icons celebrating beloved features of life on the Avenue in the Westside area of Ventura. The project stretches across a 600-foot public wall that runs along Wall Street, a well-known street located between and parallel to Ventura Avenue and Cedar Street in Ventura.
“Pura Avenida was brought to life thanks to the many established artists, mural makers, and youth who worked together every step of the way. From washing the wall to priming, sketching, painting, and sealing the mural, community members were involved in all aspects of the project,” said WCDC Director Jackie Pearce. “The Pura Avenida mural was led by a team of talented artists who also worked with at-risk youth to engage them in the project. They learned new skills and contributed to a community project designed to create something far more than they expected. It was so great to see.”
The project was conceived by the WCDC and artists Cynthia Polk, Vince Felix, Onofre Banderas, Juan Martinez, Dain Acevedo, and Patzy Salazar. Fifty-seven artists and over a dozen community members were involved in realizing the project. The mural design was developed by Cynthia Polk and begins with the image of a young girl, masked in traditional Día de los Muertos face paint, who is blowing bubbles that flow down the wall. Each bubble celebrates elements of the Avenue that are appreciated by residents and visitors alike. There are natural features such as the hillsides and “the point” surf spot, vintage cars, popular landmarks and iconic buildings, cultural images, foods, Chumash heritage, recreational features and more! The mural incorporates different graphic styles realized through both hand painting and spray paint techniques.
The WCDC is a local nonprofit and HUD-certified Community Based Development Organization that applies for and receives HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to bring economic development opportunities and revitalization to the Westside Community. For the past five years the WCDC has overseen five Westside mural beautification projects to deter graffiti and eliminate blight, celebrate the importance of the local creative economy, and increase community pride and engagement.
To learn more, visit www.westsideventura.org/pura-avenida or contact Pura Avenida Program Manager Onofre Banderas at [email protected]. To take a virtual tour of other Westside murals, visit www.westsideventura.org/mural-tour.
The Visit Ventura crew enjoying a beautiful Ventura day on the pier.
Maintaining an ongoing streak, the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) was kindly honored with a prestigious Gold Award from Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at the 65th annual Adrian Awards, the world’s largest global travel marketing competition. VVCB won in the category “Corporate Social Responsibility,” the award given based on VVCB’s numerous programs and efforts aimed at supporting Ventura during the pandemic.
Out of over 600 entries submitted this year, VVCB’s work was judged to be exceptional by expert hospitality, travel, tourism, and media professionals. The focus of the 2021 HSMAI Adrian Awards this year shifted slightly, focusing on innovative efforts aimed at helping communities get through the pandemic and continue to flourish on through recovery.
“This year is a little different, and particularly special,” said Marlyss Auster, VVCB President & CEO. “Throughout the pandemic – and continuing on – we asked ourselves a simple question every day. What is the next right thing we can do to help our community? How could we reach — and really help — as many friends as possible? Every program we created and launched was based on that.”
Adrian Awards judges were asked to evaluate each entry based on its own merit and success in achieving its objectives. Past winners of this coveted award include such industry giants as Choice Hotels International, Visit California, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and Royal Caribbean International. VVCB’s wins continue a “little engine that could” fairytale come to life. Including this year, Visit Ventura has won five Adrian Awards, including four gold awards and one silver award..
The 2021 Adrian Award winners were honored at the Adrian Awards Celebration, March 30th at The Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Florida.
But Visit Ventura isn’t about to rest on any laurels.
“It feels great to be recognized for doing the right thing,” said Auster. “We know there were a lot of worthy entries, but I’m really proud of everything our Visit Ventura team did to help our Ventura home. If the pandemic showed us anything it was how we all look out for each other. And we’re going to continue on full speed ahead, doing everything we can to help the town we love. It should also be noted that our mighty little engine that could includes our amazing volunteers and Board of Directors.”
∙ I’m very sad to write that this will be the last issue for our Senior Account Executive BreezyGledhill. As some of you know, she has been dealing with cancer for the last two years. At the Breeze luncheon, held last summer, she announced that she was free and clear of cancer, and we all clapped, shrieked with happiness, and cried a little.
But, the cancer has roared back and attacked her liver. She has been getting chemo with the hope that it reduces enough to be removed. She feels that right now the best thing for her well-being is to concentrate on her health and future.
For the last 11+ years, without her amazing contributions, the Breeze would not exist. She will always remain a part of the Breeze family and a lifelong friend. I have always considered her to be my “adopted” daughter and wish her nothing but the very best as she carries on with her life. She has been a delight to work with and her spirit and optimism during her struggle is an inspiration.
∙ Very exciting (at least for now) that live performances are back in Ventura, and I attended two of them recently.
The Rubicon presented Joe Spano and JoBeth Williams in the Rubicon Theatre Company’s production of The Gin Game by D.L. Coburn and directed by Jenny Sullivan. The Rubican will have a full season of events and productions.
I also attended the first event at the new Ventura Music Hall, the former Discovery Ventura on Thompson. Truthfully, I didn’t attend to hear the music because I listen to jazz and classical music, but I wanted to check it out.
The décor is simple, which is okay because the wood high-truss ceiling is amazing and is all that it takes to make it a great space. It has a small stand-up bar and casual dining area that is above the dance floor. It is now serving salads, burgers, sandwiches and such but this could change as they see what is being consumed by patrons. There were also some tables set up on the dance floor (or should I say standing floor as most were standing and not dancing). I think it will be successful.
∙ Despite the slight overall reduction in Part I Crime, violent crime in Ventura saw a significant increase of 15.24% in 2021, with 50 more offenses reported than in the previous year. Aggravated assaults increased 16.92%, with 34 more assaults being reported. Sexual assaults had a significant increase of 35.48% having 11 more incidents then last year. Robberies increased by 7.45%. Seven more than the year prior. The only decrease in violent crimes was homicides in which we had none compared to two the year prior.
Hopefully this year will see a decrease, but we should feel good there were no homicides the entire year.
∙ The City of Ventura voters approved a ballot measure for the taxation of cannabis in the City of Ventura in November of 2020. City Council approved a Regulatory Ordinance on February 24, 2021, allowing certain types of commercial cannabis businesses to operate in the City of Ventura with a cannabis business permit.
The Application Period 1 for commercial cannabis business permits closed on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Application Period 1 will only allow applications for commercial cannabis business permits in the non-Coastal Zone (up to 3 retail and 10 industrial-type permits may be awarded). The window for Application Period 2 is pending a final decision from the CA Coastal Commission. This will not happen until late 2022.
There have been 24 applicants – 23 for retail storefronts and only one for distribution (manufacturing or testing). A tough approval process to select only 3 out of 23 applications. It will be nice when we finally have them in business. Let’s keep the money in Ventura.
∙ The Ventura City Council has approved funding for two more firefighters to add improvements to the fire department. Fire Chief David Endaya stated the two positions are lateral transfers. They are anticipated to begin training in early May.
Former Thousand Oaks mayor and former Los Angeles Fire Department deputy fire chief Andy Fox, and Dianne McKay, Ventura County Community College District trustee, presented a five-year strategic plan to the council with Chief Endaya. Fox and McKay were hired by the city as consultants to work on the strategic plan.
The nearly 50-page plan addresses long-term goals for the fire department, including personnel, capital improvements and ways to increase response times. As part of the five-year plan, the city hopes to build a new fire station No. 7.
∙ Ventura has approved a final version of the City Council District Map. The map was officially adopted at the City Council Meeting on March 21, 2022 and can be found on the City’s website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Redistricting.
Due to the new changes in district boundaries, some residents who previously voted in the District 2, 3, and 7 elections will now have the chance to vote again in 2022 as members of District’s 1, 4, 5, and 6. Some residents who were scheduled to vote this year in the District 1, 4, 5, and 6 elections have now been designated within District 2, 3, and 7 boundaries and will not vote until the 2024 election.
Every ten years, cities with by-district elections must use new census data to review and, if necessary, redraw district lines to reflect local population changes. District elections alternate every two years, with councilmembers serving four-year terms. This year, Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6 will be up for election on November 8, 2022. Elections for Districts 2, 3, and 7 will take place in 2024.
Once the boundaries are updated on the interactive map, residents will be able to determine which district they reside in by typing in their address into the City’s website.
Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios: Councilmember – District 4. [email protected]
They would love to hear from you.
∙ My wife, Diane, and I binge-watched How the Universe Works even though we have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. Maybe they make it up talking about stuff that is millions and millions of light years (light travels at 186,000 miles per second) away as if they know. Depressing, they said that in 4-5 million years our universe will run into another universe, and it will be the end of our universe. So, no reason to over plan for the future.
∙ Port Hueneme residents will have an opportunity to show their support or opposition for changing the name of their city during public meetings. At an upcoming online meeting, city staff will give a presentation on the benefits and drawbacks of changing the city’s name and the associated costs. I have a great idea – we should change Ventura into San Buenaventura. It sounds much fancier.
Photos by Patricia Schallert
CAREGIVERS mission is to promote the health, well-being, dignity, and independence of frail, homebound elders through one-on-one relationships with trusted volunteers. CAREGIVERS programs are carried out by over 300 giving, caring volunteers who are recruited and trained from our local community. They are always in great need of additional volunteers to assist the many more frail, elderly residents who call their office for help. CAREGIVERS makes every effort to “match” a carefully screened and trained volunteer to an elder who needs basic assistance and companionship, in order to foster a long term, one-on-one relationship between them.
The Dudley House is an historic house museum built in 1891 in a Late Victorian-style. Designed and built by local architect and builder Selwyn Shaw, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It is located at 197 N Ashwood Ave,
