The Rubicon’s Broadway Juniors entertained at the library.

by Jill Forman

“Libraries were my salvation!” That statement was made by local author and speaker Ivor Davis.

In that spirit, knowing that a flourishing library system is vital to so many in the community, in 1969 a small group of Ventura citizens formed what they then called the Friends of the San Buenaventura Library. Fifty years later the current Friends group celebrated the original organization’s members and the accomplishments of the Friends with a big party at the Hill Road Library, which the Friends partially funded.

Around 100 people showed up to the event: Friends, their guests, local dignitaries and helpers. They were greeted by balloons, music, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and displays. The new Mobile Library/Bookmobile was parked outside for tours and information. A PowerPoint was playing on the library’s giant flat-screen with photos, documents, letters, newspaper articles and so on from the Friends’ archives. The original documents were displayed in scrapbooks that had been loving assembled for 50 years. One of the original Friends, Hazel Clymer, was on hand and enjoyed seeing a news photo of herself from the early days.

Hill Road Café furnished finger food on the patio; Ivor Davis served up drinks along with good cheer and smiles. Guitarist John Bardi strummed lovely, relaxing music. Guests checked in, chatted with Board members and local folks such as Councilmember Christy Weir, Mayor Matt LaVere, Library Director Nancy Schram, Senior City Librarian Irma Morales, and each other. Door prizes displayed were oohed and ahhed over as guests decided which one to put their tickets toward.

And then it was time for the show. Mark Lager, Library Technology Manager, served as Master of Ceremonies. After a welcome, he introduced the Broadway Juniors, directed by Miriam Arichea. These seven teens sang songs picked especially for the occasion to honor the Friends, such as “Thank You for Being a Friend” and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” The partygoers loved it.

Mayor LaVere spoke about the importance of a vibrant library system to a community. The emphasized that libraries are not a thing of the past, that all are welcome and all have access. He stated he is proud to be the mayor of a community that values and utilizes its libraries.

Director Schram thanked the Friends for their hard work and dedication; she said that Hill Road could not have opened without their financial contribution, over $200,000. The Friends also pay for the Summer Reading programs, and many other programs. She gave Mary Olson, Friends President, a certificate from the County library system of thanks for 50 years of service and advocacy.

Olson gave a brief overview of the history of the Friends. She emphasized that libraries are dynamic, offer more services than most people realize, and that everyone is welcome.

Door prizes were eagerly awaited, and local celebrity Ivor Davis made the ticket-drawing fun. There were wine and cheese baskets, a beautiful hand-made wooden salad bowl, tickets to theater and music events, books, etc.

The Guy Martin Band and John Baffa will be at the CD release party.

Local musicians in partnership with Totally Local VC’s Local Love Project to produce a holiday album to help California wildfire survivors. The album will feature top Ventura County musicians coming together to re-­‐imagine classic carols such as “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and more. Proceeds from the album sales will benefit the Local Love Project a Ventura County based disaster relief non-Profit 501C3.

On Nov.8, the Local Love Project will host a CD release party and 2nd Annual Thomas Fire Remembrance Event at the Mason Lodge in downtown Ventura. The event will feature music by many of the musicians that contributed to the album. It will be an be an evening of music, love and a time for our community to come together in remembrance of the Thomas Fire. Thomas Fire Survivors who are signed up with the Local Love Project or can show proof of loss will be given free admittance into the event.

Tickets and more info at http://www.totallylocalvc.com/local-­‐love-­‐at-­‐its-­‐best-­‐a-­‐ holiday-­‐cd-­‐to-­‐benefit-­‐fire-­‐survivors/

Contributing artists include, Raging Arb and the Red Heads , Guy Martin Band, Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, RJ Mischo, Alastair Greene, Doug Pettibone,Sugaray Rayford, Bobby Hart Band, Ventura High School Choir, Charles Law and Jagged, Dirty Rice, The Midtones, The Vonettes, Towse, Boom Duo, Kellys Lot.

Kat Merrick is the Executive Producer of the CD.

Producer John Baffa has been in the professional audio business for more than 20 years; primarily as a recording engineer. He founded TV Tray Recording Studio in 2003, working literally from the top of a TV tray as he learned the ins and outs of recording. From those humble beginnings, the studio grew and developed over the years; building an impressive list of clients and projects spanning a huge range of genres.

Producer Ralph Carter is a multi instrumentalist (Bass, Keyboards, Guitar, Percussion), a songwriter, composer, producer, and music educator. Currently living in Ventura, today Ralph is recording and producing local artists, (Franck Goldwasser, Jon Gindick, Leslie Bixler) in his Ventura studio. His first big break was in 1980, playing with Danny “Kootch” Korchmar opening for Linda Ronstadt on the “Mad Love” tour. On the heels of that he hooked up with Eddie Money, writing and recording some of Eddie’s greatest hits (“Shakin,” “No Control,” “Where’s The Party”).

The Thomas Fire broke out the evening of December 4, 2017 in Santa Paula. It quickly swept over the hills of Santa Paula and Ventura into Ojai and Fillmore, making its way into neighboring Santa Barbara County. The Thomas Fire eventually became the largest fire in California history, consuming over 281,000 acres, destroying over 1,000 homes and causing the evacuation of over 100,000 people in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

The Local Love Project activates and organizes members of our community to help us in providing items necessary to our neighbors impacted by recent disasters as they work to restore their lives. Totally Local VC’s Local Love Project is a 501C3

Project, visit http://www.totallylocalvc.com/category/local-­‐love-­‐ project/

Wonderful CMH volunteers. In the inset is Trudy Cook, Gary Wilde and Mary Cathcart.

Volunteer Mary Cathcart was awarded Volunteer of the Quarter at the monthly Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board meeting on October 14. Mary was honored for her dedicated service and most recently began a new service opportunity with the hospital’s GI Lab and Infusion Center. Mary is often seen at community events, the Ventura swap meet, churches and other events, helping to recruit much needed new volunteers. Her warm personality, bilingual skills, and enthusiasm for the work she does as a volunteer made her the perfect candidate for Volunteer of the Quarter.

Mary stated “Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) is in need of additional volunteers to join their Auxiliary, especially now that the new hospital is open. It is a wonderful feeling to give back to our community. If being a volunteer in one of 15 services at CMH interests you, please pick up an application at the front desk of the hospital.”

Volunteers only need to put in a minimum of 6 hours a month. Thank you for your consideration to join a terrific team at CMH.

The Board of Directors of the Ventura Police Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2019 Heroes Among Us Award Recipients: Ken Sharp, Art Pillado, Jackie Pearce, Jim Duran, Alex Wulff and Sal Flores. These community heroes have displayed selflessness, dedication and compassion, making a positive impact in Ventura and beyond.

Jackie Pearce is the Westside Community Development Corporation Director. She has tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life for all in Ventura especially on the Westside. She is the co-creator of the global non-profit Laundry Love. It is a neighboring movement that partners with individuals, groups and laundromats to care for the vulnerable and marginalized throughout the US. She has committed her life to making a difference in our community. She is also the co-creator of two Westside school gardens and a driving force behind the Westside’s newest and first ever community driven Kellogg Park.

Jim Duran is the Executive Director of The City Center Transitional Living and the Manager of Tender Life Maternity Home. He is also the Lead Pastor of the River Community Church. He has a passion for our community and has dedicated his life to helping others. He serves as the co-ministerial Chair for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk and serves on many other committees and task forces.

Alex Wulff is a middle school teacher at De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts. He created the STEMbassadors program with a founding group of 8 students. The program aims to change the way schools integrate manufacturing technologies like 3D printers and laser engravers in all curricular areas. With his enthusiasm, volunteer spirit and leadership he will tell you that it is the students who have made the program successful and that student led learning is the future of education. His passion and vision bring value and inspiration to our local students.

Sal Flores owns Ideal Upholstery. He has dedicated his life to giving back to local youth especially at-risk youth on the Westside of Ventura. He mentors local youth at the Westpark Fitness Center. Sal knows firsthand what it’s like to be a troubled teen. He turned his life around and has spent his adult life making a difference in our community. He is passionate about working with community members on the Youth Committee to raise funds for youth programs and events.

Ken Sharp is a WWII Veteran, Retired Ventura City Assistant Fire Chief and past Kiwanis Club President. He established the Civil Defense Program for Ventura City. He has dedicated his life to serving our community.

Art Pillado has been committed to youth sports in our community helping to improve the lives of local youth. He provides opportunities for at risk youth and those that don’t have the means to pay for the expenses that come with youth sports. He provides an environment for kids to learn how to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

The community heroes will be recognized at the second annual Heroes Among Us Gala presented by the Trade Desk and Players Casino. The event will take place on November 2, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. The evening will include a silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception followed by dinner, ceremony and dancing. Tickets and event information can be found at www.venturapolicefoundation.org or by calling 805-339-4317.

Heroes were selected through a nomination process. Heroes are community members who have done extraordinary things to make Ventura a better place! Join us as we recognize those who are making a lasting impact in our community.

The mission of the Ventura Police Community Foundation is to foster and support programs and initiatives that strengthen a safe community and enhance the quality of life in Ventura.

Cliff Walker will once again push his personal limits by donning full firefighter gear at the Ventura Half-Marathon.

by Mira Reverente

Crossing the finish line of any race is considered a feat by many. Add some bulky gear and it’s double the challenge.

Federal firefighter Cliff Walker is not new to challenges. He will once again push his personal limits by donning full firefighter gear when he toes the start line of the Ventura Half-Marathon on October 20. “Imagine running with an extra 70 to 80 lbs. of gear on top of my body weight of 185 lbs.,” says Walker of Huntington Beach.

Walker’s mission is to break the current Guinness World Record of 3 hours and 30 minutes in finishing a half-marathon with all his gear including his helmet, fire-retardant hood and pants, boots and breathing apparatus, which in itself already weighs a whopping 45 lbs.

Call it a contradiction of sorts, but according to the 52-year-old Walker, “the same gear that keeps us from getting burned, that protects us from the elements is also the same gear that isn’t allowing heat to escape. So it could be fatal too since there’s nowhere for sweat to go.”

He won’t be alone in his world record quest. Ventura resident Dan Cicileo, a fellow Ironman finisher, will be pacing him. Fellow firefighter Kirk Tanner, will also be part of his support crew, making sure Walker eats and hydrates at regular intervals. Austen Alexander, from an active duty Navy Boat Patrol unit in Seal Beach, will be filming the trio.

This will be Walker’s second time running the race in Ventura, although it’s the half-marathon this time. When he ran the marathon in 2016 on 9/11, it was to honor the fallen first responders. This coastal town is near and dear to his heart. “I lived in Ventura before joining the Navy,” he says. “It’s also a beautiful and relatively flat course – perfect for breaking world records.”

The fitness fanatic is not new to breaking records, personal or otherwise. He ran 12 marathons in 12 months back in 2016, including Ventura. He has completed several full and half Ironman triathlons under his belt, plus over 30 marathons, a dozen half-marathons and many other fitness challenges completed in between.

He also manages a mobile fitness outfit called California Fire Fit which trains individuals and groups wherever they are. “Online training is really popular right now, plus we train them in the mental aspect of fitness too,” he says.

Always on-the-go, the father of three claims that fitness is also his decompression secret. He bikes, swims, runs, lifts weights, practices Jujitsu, trains other people and runs after his kids literally and figuratively. He says, “Fitness is a way of life for me. I incorporate it in my daily life, even in being a dad or being a businessman.”

Three days after his potential world record feat in Ventura, Walker will take his place in a competitive five-man relay team. His team hopes to shatter the world record in the Firefighter Combat Challenge in Montgomery, Alabama. The challenge involves typical firefighter everyday “stunts” like climbing up and down flights of stairs and rappelling in full gear.

Walker believes that one must be physically and mentally ready for anything in life. He says, “There’s really no excuse not to do something that will help you when the time comes. Train uncomfortable to be comfortable when it matters most.”