Members of Buena’s football and baseball teams made an altar in honor of late teammate Patrick Graham.

by Amy Brown

It’s 7:00pm, on October 23 at Buena High, and a young girl with skeleton and flowered face paint runs through the crowd with her parents. They race past a giant tree—vivid with colored paper flowers from root to branch and dramatic up-lights—on their way to the Aztec dancing performance. It’s the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration at the school, a huge community event for this popular cultural celebration of life. The Day of the Dead is a truly vibrant festival honoring those who have passed away, celebrating their time on the planet with ornate and beautiful multi-level altars. Hosted by Buena’s Spanish teachers and students, it featured student artwork and projects, food, music and dancing with participants from Oxnard High, De Anza, Anacapa, Cabrillo and many other schools and local organizations.

“My number one favorite thing about the event is the students’ enthusiasm,” said Emily Bradvica, a Buena Spanish teacher and Buena alum who has participated in each event since its inception seven years ago. “They blow me out of the water with their altars and creativity, and everything they come up with, it’s remarkable.” Bradvica shared that some students created traditional altars, while others created an interactive activity or game based on research that would teach participants about Dia de los Muertos.

“It’s such a fun event, “said Lexy Almora, a junior. “And the people are really interested in the altars, especially, it’s so meaningful—when you’ve lost someone you cared about and can honor them.” In fact, in March of this year, Buena lost one of its beloved students to Burkett’s Lymphoma. Patrick Graham was just 16, and passed away after an eight month fight. His fellow baseball and football teammates worked together to create a huge and elaborate altar commemorating him. “This year, our season in baseball and football, it’s all for him. We’re playing for Patrick,” said Kaiden Brunkan, a 10th grader on Buena’s JV football team. “He made us a family. Our teachers let us all be a group and do this special thing because we loved him so much.”

Nathan Silva, a sophomore on Buena’s varsity baseball team, reflected that despite Graham’s illness, he always looked out for his teammates. “He put a smile on everyone’s face, and made sure everyone else was happy and ok, even when he was sick in the hospital and in pain.” Graham’s altar was surrounded by huge groups of students the entire night.

While many of the altars were for family members and friends, 10th grader Everett Luna and his classmates created an intricate altar honoring the late Dr. Seuss, which even included a bowl with two live goldfish in it—on homage to the famed book ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish’. “He made a really big impact on us with his books, and we wanted to honor his contributions,” said Luna.

Dr. Roger Rice, VUSD Superintendent was seen walking through the displays with a big smile on his face, and greeting families. His take? “The community here, and the art, creativity, music, families, and the culture—this is all just amazing.”

Ventura High players celebrating their rivalry win.

by Maryssa Rillo

The Ventura High School Cougars took on the Buena High School Bulldogs on Friday, October 25th at Larrabee Stadium in their annual rivalry football game. The cougars have consistently defeated the bulldogs the past nine years. After Friday night’s win with a 49-28 score, Ventura High accumulated a decade worth of winning streaks against Buena.

“They’re very happy because they know there is a lot of tradition in beating Buena and they don’t want to let down the guys before them,” AB Marin, Ventura High School’s Secondary Coach said.

With slick handoffs by junior wide receiver, Cade Ledesma to senior wide receiver, Zack Rodriguez and rushes for touchdowns by senior half back, Jadon Cline, the Cougars were able to set up a 14-0 lead against the Bulldogs.

“My personal performance was, I know I could have done better, but other than that I felt very accomplished. I felt very happy and I couldn’t have done it without my guys,” Ventura wide receiver, Zack Rodriguez said.

Though, Ventura came into the game ready to win, Buena came in hungry and ready to fight. The bulldogs were led by their senior running back, Bruce Powell-Mathis who had two touchdowns against the cougars.

“I think we gave up too many points to Buena, but I am very happy with the way our offense played. They actually kept us in the game and kept us ahead,” Curt Garner Ventura’s Defensive Coordinator said.

Senior running back for the Cougars, Dane Kapler, was also able to find multiple pockets where he could rush the ball. Kapler had a touchdown on 16 carries Friday night.

“I’m excited. I’m excited for our guys. I feel like they came out and prepared all week to perform on Friday night, tonight, and they did that,” Ventura’s Head Coach, Tim Garcia said.

Friday night wasn’t only a big night for the Cougars because of the rivalry tradition, but it was also senior night. Friday night was the last rivalry football game and last league game at home for 24 Ventura High School seniors.

“I am very happy for the seniors. No one wants to be the class that loses to Buena, so they really want to keep it going. They haven’t lost to Buena,” said Coach Garner.

At the end of the game, Ventura High flooded the field with black and yellow as the team celebrated their victory with the Suzanne Brown Memorial Trophy while chanting, “ten more years.”

“It feels amazing. Team effort, everything was energetic, it was all outstanding. Ten years in a row. Big ole smile on my face,” Rodriguez said. “It added way more motivation. These next few years, these kids are going to grind their butts off to get another 10 years.”

Though this victory is huge, the season isn’t over yet. The Ventura Cougars take on the Channel Islands Raiders, away on Friday, November 1st. The team needs this last victory in order to make playoffs.

“Next week we are going to do the same thing. We are going to dominate we’re going to penetrate and we’re going to take a W,” Rodriguez said.

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.