Evin Brown has been at the school since second grade.

by Rebecca Wicks

Ventura Charter School for Arts and Global Education is a progressive school. It’s the kind of school where students call teachers by their first name. It’s the kind of school that doesn’t just worry about how students learn, but about their emotional, physical and social well-being. It’s the kind of school that allows teachers a lot of control over what they teach. And, it’s exactly the kind of school founders Mary Galvin, Lisa Hildebrand and other teachers envisioned when they left the Open Classroom program at Blanche Reynolds to start the charter school.

“We wanted more autonomy in terms of what we were teaching and how we were being administered,” said Galvin who serves as the school’s director of operations. “We wanted to build a school that was relationship-based, a place with hands-on learning, where students really engage and grapple with issues and problems.”

Galvin, Hilderbrand and others were originally denied authorization to form a school by the Ventura Unified School District, which allowed them to go to the Ventura County of Education. The County approved the charter school in 2006. Today the charter school is a K-8 public school of choice which means it does not charge tuition. While the school rents the space from the local school district – it shares a campus with DATA Middle School on Ventura Avenue – it is independent from the district.

Galvin admits the school is at capacity at this point with 415 students and 25 homeschool students, but has no current plans to move. The school after all, promotes itself as a “small school” with a “big experience.” Part of that experience is one that works to foster a different way for students to look at themselves.

“We don’t like to hear anyone say they are ‘horrible’ at math,” explained Galvin. “We try to help students understand they may struggle, but an overwhelming task can be broken down into bits and pieces. We work hard to build a growth mindset and perseverance.”

This idea of support and critical friend groups abound in everything from writing projects to artistic endeavors where students are encouraged to create multiple drafts and edits of their work. Similarly, the school works to teach students conflict resolution skills and how to express their feelings beyond being mad or sad.

“You’ll find our students use complex language if they are in a conflict,” said Galvin. “It’s part of how we want them to embrace our inquiry-based learning and learn about and to be leaders in their community.”

The school has become a popular choice for many families in Ventura who have to submit an application in late February for the following fall school year. Once applications are collected, places for admission are granted through a lottery.

Eighth grader Evin Brown has been at the school since second grade. The 14-year-old’s favorite subjects are history and science. He enjoys that that school is smaller.

“Everyone is friendly,” said Brown. “We work in groups a lot of the time and have a lot of projects, which can make learning a little easier.”

Brown participated in the school’s PHD, or Project of Your Heart’s Desire. In the program, every 8th grader spends months working on a project they are passionate about. Brown decided to do his project on how a newspaper is created and published, using his grandfather Sheldon Brown, the publisher of the Ventura Breeze as his mentor and main resource.

“ I learned how to create and publish a newsletter. It was fun and I learned a lot.”

Be sure to protect your jewels from these pirates.

Yo ho, yo ho all ye landlubbers and buccaneers! Ventura Harbor Village is ready to hoist the flag for the 14th annual Pirates Day on Saturday, June 1, from 11:00am – 4:00pm around the theme Ahoy Me Hearties! Yo Ho! Pirates Day 2019 offers guests an unforgettable voyage around the Village featuring pirate characters, entertainment, activities, and photo opportunities around every corner.

Admission for Pirates Day is free. It’s best to arrive early to find free parking in the Village or jump on the complimentary shuttle service from the overflow lot on Harbor Blvd and Schooner Drive, running from 11am to 6pm!

For one day only, venture along the waterfront to find pirates in sword fights by professional Pirates for Hire, mermaids, treasure, exotic birds, live music, rum drinks, and pirate eats. Keep an eye out for Reece Ryan’s on-land Kids Pirate Ship, Captain Jack, Hook, Shmee, & Tink (look-a-likes), and strolling pirate musicians. Games are back and better than ever – take a ride on the bucking shark, jump on the inflatable kracken, kids can enjoy the new Rockin’ Pirate Ship, and more. Visit Port Royal Privateers’ historical encampment and shop at the vendor booths for pirate ware and nautical-themed loot. Hold tropical birds, snap a photo at themed selfie-stations, and stop for face painting or henna body art.

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate garb! Strut in the Pirates Day costume contests held throughout the day for different age brackets. Pirates up to 12 years old partake in the Kids Treasure Hunt ($5) leading to a magical treasure trove and free pirate craft activities.

For grog and grub, Village restaurants offer a variety of cuisine for hungry crews; including roasted turkey legs and rum specials. Live entertainment will range from Steel Drummers to the Sword Coast Medieval Fighters Club. Ventura Harbor Pirates Day gives you a chance to get in your best piratical gear and wander by the sea to interact with pirates and gypsies of all ages.

Admission and parking for Pirates Day 2019 are free. Ventura Harbor Village is located 1583 Spinnaker Drive off of Harbor Blvd. Do not miss this treasure-trove of excitement by the sea.

Kathy Odell is a well known Santa Barbara entrepreneur and business leader.

WEV has announced that its founder and CEO, Marsha Bailey, will retire next year after 30 years at the helm. Her successor will be Kathy Odell, an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader in the region.

Launched under Bailey’s leadership in 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to more than 14,000 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made more than $5 million in business loans, and helped 4,500 local businesses start or expand. WEV-supported businesses generate over $300 million in annual sales revenues and have created nearly 9,000 jobs.

“The idea that women’s economic status could be improved by helping them start their own businesses was both innovative and unproven,” Bailey says, “But twenty-eight years later, WEV has proven not only that business ownership can provide a viable pathway to self-sufficiency, but that it can build family wealth and stability and contribute to the economic well-being of our communities.”

“It’s clear that women have more opportunities today than we did thirty years ago,” Bailey says, “But while many things have changed, we still have a long way to go to achieve equal opportunity and economic parity.”

As WEV’s CEO, Bailey has served on many local, state and national boards and has been a consultant as well as mentor to emerging women leaders and women’s organizations nationally and internationally. She is a former member of the National Women’s Business Council, which provides policy guidance to the White House, Congress and the Small Business Administration on issues related to women’s business ownership. She is the former Chair of the National Association of Women’s Business Centers, the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO), and Union Bank’s Community Advisory Board.

Kathy Odell, well known Santa Barbara entrepreneur and business leader, has been chosen as Bailey’s successor.

“Over the past 28 years, Marsha’s leadership and steadfast commitment to the mission, has grown WEV into a major economic development engine for both Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties,” says Melissa Livingston, WEV’s Board Chair. “Kathy Odell is an effective leader and visionary who’s been a key supporter and board member since 2010. We couldn’t have found a better person to carry on Marsha’s legacy and guide the organization as we create the next generation of WEV services.”

Odell says, “Women are starting businesses at a higher rate than any time in our history and now run 40% of all small businesses. Under Marsha Bailey’s leadership WEV has become a key resource for women in business on the Central Coast. I am excited and proud to carry her legacy forward.”

WEV provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. While WEV targets its services toward women, it helps men as well. Services are provided in both English and Spanish. Visit WEV at www.wevonline.org.

Penny Barnds and Andy Contarino have got your number.

Bingo Night at the Rubicon Theatre hosted by the Grandes Dames will take place on Jun. 11, 2019 at 7 pm in the Rubicon Theatre Rehearsal Hall 1006 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001. BINGO numbers will be called out by two local celebrities. Guests will be surprised. A total of four games will be played and multiple cards may be played at one time. Each BINGO card will cost $5 with a minimum of 2 cards played during the night. Cash prizes will be awarded. Snacks and beverages will be complimentary. Donations will be accepted.  Please RSVP by leaving a message with  Seryozha La Porte at 805-667-2912 x 232 or email [email protected] or visit the Rubicon Theatre Grandes Dames Facebook page to learn more.

The first quarterly Grandes Dames BINGO event took place on Mar. 26, 2019 with the talented Actor/DirectorJoseph Fuqua and handsome former Old Spice Model John Bennett Perry calling out the numbers. Cash prizes were awarded and proceeds of the event benefitted the Rubicon Theatre.

The Rubicon Theatre Grandes Dames organization was initiated by Nancy Gregory, Sandra Laby, Rosa Lee Measures, Barbara Meister and Dottie Novatt on Nov. 28, 1998. The women were in attendance at the Rubicon Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Barbara turned to her dear friend Dottie and remarked, “Don’t we all look grand?” The women were already active members of the Casa Pacifica Angels volunteer organization and they thought it might be nice to start another charity and model it after the Angels. Having heard the word “grand”, Dottie suggested they name themselves the Grandes Dames and Dottie was unanimously elected its first president.

Over the last two decades, the Grandes Dames have supported the Rubicon Theatre through fundraising, quarterly luncheons with live entertainment, an Anniversary Calendar, a cookbook, and a Murder Mystery Party. Being a member of the Grandes Dames is a fun way to socialize and support the Rubicon Theatre. Annual membership is $48.

This summer, the Grandes Dames will be expanding the organization to include young professionals to the group and will host a networking event at Ventura Spirits 3891 N Ventura Ave. Guest speakers will include representatives from Economic Development Collaborative Ventura County and Nick Norris Owner and Consultant at ID Marketing & Design, Adjunct Marketing Professor at Ventura College. The event date is to be determined. If you or your business would like to participate in this fun and informative event, please contact Nicole Scurrah at [email protected].

Stage 2 of the tour last year was just a prelude to this year’s bigger and better cycling spectacle.

by Mira Reverente

Expect to see a lot of fast bikes in the next few days when the 2019 Amgen Tour of California makes a comeback to our sunny, coastal city.

In 2018, the tour started Stage 2 at the picturesque Ventura Pier, in what can be described as an enticing prelude to this year’s bigger cycling spectacle. This year, both the men’s and women’s races will finish stages at the celebrated Ventura County Fairgrounds.

There’s so much to look forward to for the tour’s 14th year – 19 men’s teams, 13 women’s teams, five returning champions, potential 2020 Tokyo-bound Olympians and even local sisters competing in the women’s race.

“The tour was passing through Ventura in 2016 and we made this video featuring students from Cabrillo Middle School that had so much online engagement,” says Marlyss Auster, president and CEO, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau.

“The organizers were impressed with Ventura, and that started the whole discussion,” says Auster, describing the long process of being designated a host city.

This year promises to be bigger and better with ballet folklorico dancers, mariachis, cowbells galore for spectators and still-to-be announced surprises to regale the crowds and cycling aficionados.

Says Auster, “We are eager to showcase Ventura pride while having the international spotlight.”

While the local organizing committee is tending to planning, logistics and marketing, a pair of volunteer coordinators are busy recruiting and coordinating volunteers for the big day on Thursday, May 16.

Kate Faulkner, president of the Channel Islands Bicycle Club, is co-coordinator with Leslie Ogden. Together, the duo have their sights on recruiting approximately 300 volunteers to help local police with crowd control and the safety of both riders and spectators.

“It’s very exciting finding all these groups who want to get involved in putting together a world-class event,” says Faulkner, a Ventura local and bike safety advocate.

Volunteers usually come from local schools, service groups, bike clubs and non-profit organizations. “With the women’s race starting at 12:10 pm, we’re hoping some students will be let out early to volunteer,” says Faulkner.

Aside from the intense volunteer involvement, another source of pride for Venturans is the participation of sisters Alexis and Kendall Ryan.

“I used to see them riding their bikes around town when they were kids,” says Faulkner. “They rode everywhere together.”

Kendall, 26, who rides for TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank, won Stage 1 of the women’s race last year. Alexis, 24, rides for Canyon-SRAM.

If you want to catch a glimpse of the Ryan sisters, there is a free, special presentation sponsored by the Channel Islands Bicycle Club at the Ventura County Museum, on Wednesday, May 8. Doors open at 6:00 pm but the program starts at 7:00 pm.

Otherwise, head to the Ventura County Fairgrounds before noon on Thursday, May 16 to catch the start of the women’s race. Expect the men to get to the Fairgrounds sometime after 3:00 pm, from Pismo Beach where Stage 5 starts.

Both the men’s and women’s races will conclude in Pasadena on Saturday, May 18.

Kevin Clerici, chairperson of the local organizing committee states, “We want the world to see that we are a bike-friendly community. People will hopefully come and stay, and bike here in the future.”

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/host-cities/ventura.

During his career at the Port District, Peña has been extremely active in the community.

After serving a distinguished career with the Ventura Port District General Manager Oscar F. Peña officially retired on April 30, 2019.  Peña has been at the helm of Ventura Harbor for 20 years. The Ventura Port District employs 35 full-time employees and generates $8 million in annual revenue.

Ventura Port District Board Chairman Chris Stephens stated, “Under Peña’s leadership the Port District has grown into an economically diverse and fiscally sound community asset in which the City can be proud.”

A Ventura resident for 27 years, Peña cites several key accomplishments during his 20-year employment. With Peña at the helm, the commercial fishing industry in the harbor now houses more than forty purse seine vessels which export California Market Squid to a global market. This commercial fishing industry creates 215 jobs in the Ventura region and can generate approximately $20 million annually into the Ventura County economy. 

Ventura Council Member Cheryl Heitmann shares “As the City’s liaison to the Port District for many years, Mr. Peña has established effective working relationships with public agencies, the private sector and tenants throughout the harbor.” 

As a former commercial real estate executive in the private sector for 20 years, Peña contracted with the Port District to provide property management and leasing services at Ventura Harbor Village in 1992 and improved occupancy levels from an initial 60 percent to nearly 96 percent today.

After seven years of providing property management and leasing services to the District, the Ventura Port District hired Peña as the new General Manager of Ventura Harbor in July ,1999.

Past member and Board Chair of the Ventura Port District, Ed McCombs states, “Mr. Peña has led the Port District from bankruptcy to its current solid financial state, positioning the Ventura Harbor as a major asset of the City.” 

In 2001, Peña was instrumental in encouraging Island Packers, the primary concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, to relocate their business to a more prominent location, significantly enhancing the visibility and charters to the Channel Islands National Park.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed working with tenants in the harbor and a dedicated staff that has contributed to the District’s success over the years.  Needless to say, many volunteer board members have provided the leadership needed to make the Ventura Harbor what it is today,” states Peña. 

Peña has been extremely active in the community serving with both the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and Ventura Conference & Visitor Bureau boards.  Under a new short-term agreement, Peña’s expertise will be utilized as the Business Operations Manager for the Port District, where he will oversee real estate transactions and special projects until a complete transition is made.

Upon retirement, Peña will focus on rebuilding his home which was destroyed in the Thomas Fire, remaining active in the community and spending time with family.

Brian Pendleton, currently the Deputy General Manager for the Ventura Port District, was appointed at the April 18^th Board of Commissioners Meeting as the next General Manager for the Ventura Port District.