The New West Symphony opens its exciting 22nd Season on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1 with Danzón, a concert featuring works teeming with exhilarating rhythms and fiery musical flourishes, as well as the lyrical melodies of one of the best-loved works of 20th Century American music. Guest conductor Tania Miller leads the orchestra in a program honoring national Hispanic Heritage Month .
Tickets priced from $30 – $120 are available online at www.newwestsymphony.org, by phone at 866-776-8400, or at the respective box offices. Special family packages for parents with children ages 7-13 are available (advance purchase only) through the orchestra’s VIP Family Club, and discounted tickets for high school and college students are available through its Connect Club.
The first performance will take place on Friday at 8:00 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030. The concert will be repeated on Saturday at 8:00 pm at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks. An entertaining and informative, 30-minute pre-concert talk by noted musicologist Thomas Neenan begins at 7:00 pm in each venue.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a Mexican fiesta will be available for Oxnard concertgoers beginning at 6:30 pm, with food and beverages available for purchase in the concert venue’s courtyard.
The public is invited to the “ArtWalk Ventura Collectors Reception,” a special benefit celebration of art, poetry, music and food on Thursday, September 29, 6:30-9:30 pm, at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street. Purchase tickets for $20 at www.artwalkventura.org or for $25 at the door.
Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko will welcome this year’s visiting “2016 Global Artist of Distinction,” painter Rolando Sigüenza, from Oaxaca, Mexico. The mayor will also honor MB Hanrahan as the 2016 ArtWalk Artist of Distinction and introduce Phil Taggart, Ventura County Poet Laureate, who will read his poem “Ventura.” Enjoy music performed by a quartet from the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, a no-host cocktail bar by Beverlee’s Bartending and hors d’oeuvres by Seasons Catering.
Tour the city’s nationally renowned Municipal Art Collection of almost 100 works by 73 of Ventura County’s best contemporary artists.
The streets of the city of Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District will transform into a mecca of artistic expression for the 23rd ArtWalk Ventura event the weekend of Oct. 1-2.
The two-day Southern California art tradition will highlight the diverse works of more than 500 regional artists, exhibiting paintings to sculpture to performance art. This year’s Artist of Distinction is MB Hanrahan. This year’s Global Artist of Distinction is Rolando Siguenza from Oaxaca, Mexico. Ventura College is this year’s premier sponsor.
Nominated by her peers, Hanrahan was named this year’s Artists of Distinction. A renowned muralist, painter and sculptor, MB is a working California artist and arts advocate.
ArtWalk is a free, self-guided tour over more than two dozen high-end art galleries, pop-up stores and studios, as well as the return of 25 PODS® Containers transformed into mini art galleries. Attendees also may take advantage of a free shuttle service, which connects venues along Ventura Avenue to Main Street.
New to the exciting event this year is a series of special performances on the main stage at California Street, sponsored by Ventura College. Performances will feature VC students and professionals.
Also new, off Ventura Avenue, the Bell Arts Factory and its year-round studios will present a moving collecting of art from over a dozen artists visiting for the first time from Oaxaca, Mexico. Leading the effort is Siguenza, a celebrated deaf painter and muralist who will be collaborating with muralists Hanrahan and Uriel Leon to create a vibrant mural on the corner of Ventura Ave and Harrison Street.
Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government delegates outside of the California State Capitol during the 68th Model Legislature & Court.
High school students interested in a six-month hands-on experience in democracy are encouraged to apply to the Ventura Family YMCA Youth and Government program. Registration closes on Sept. 30.
Participants experience first-hand how state government works; fine-tune public speaking, conflict resolution and debating skills; become a leader in the democratic process and increase civic literacy awareness. The program also provides an opportunity to have fun with friends during weekly meetings, group building activities and road trips to Fresno and Sacramento.
As a delegation, youth create bills about pertinent issues, research and practice court cases, develop public speaking and networking skills, and attend three annual Model Legislature & Court conferences.
Teens meet weekly, each Monday at 6:00 p.m., at the YMCA to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of their state and to propose legislation. The program culminates with teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature with 3,000 fellow students from 45 California High Schools in the State Capital in Sacramento.
To support this program or to learn how to participate in the 2016-2017 delegation, please contact Julie O’Brien at 642-2131 ext. 23 or by email at [email protected]. Interested students do not have to be members of the YMCA to join.
Like all Y programs, Youth and Government is open to all with financial assistance available. The Youth & Government program is offered at the Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Stuart C. Gildred, and Ventura branches of the Channel Islands YMCA.
California YMCA Youth & Government’s Model Legislature & Court (MLC) has been the state’s premier youth leadership and civic development program since 1948. This program provides them with the opportunity to experience government first-hand through a unique “youth-run, youth-led” model. Visit the California YMCA Youth & Government website for more information.
On Sept.27, at 1:20pm Ventura City Fire personnel responded to a report of a trash truck on fire, parked in the street amidst a commercial district by County Square Dr & Thille St, The first arriving unit reported smoke and flames visible from the rear cargo area of the trash truck. It took two engines and one support company 60 minutes to completely extinguish and overhaul the fire, which required that the contents be dumped out of the truck and onto the street. The unloaded trash material was ultimately removed by the waste management company who owned the truck, and the street area was cleaned up.
Photos by Kenny Backer
Ana and Jaime Baker and Publisher Sheldon at the Ventura Chamber Business Expo held on Sept. 22 at the Four Points Sheraton. Booth designed by Ana and Jaime.
“I am intelligent and will bark on your behalf. And I am learning to speak Russian in case I need to negotiate with Putin.”
After much deliberation, and looking at the current presidential candidates, I have decided that I am more qualified than any of them, so I hereby announce that I am a write-in candidate for the President of the United States of America.
My new independent party will be called the Dogmaterian Party. And my slogan is “Unleash America”.
I am a college graduate and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Pawlitical Science from Furry State University with a minor in Journalism. I have some strong credentials. For example, I have been writin my own column for the Ventura Breeze since its founding 9-years ago and am well known in the community.
I do not have an existing agenda and will consider each issue on its own merits. I like all people and am a pretty good listener (I only understand about 150 words but ‘believe me” that is as many as one of the other candidates seems to understand).
There is some question whether I was born in America and am therefore eligible to become president. While my parents were born in Tibet, I was born in Fillmore.
These are just a few things that I promise I will accomplish when I become your president:
Build a 100 foot high wall around Canada to keep out Canadian geese because they are so noisy and they poop on innocent Americans (and they honk instead of speaking English).
I will humanely round up all French poodles and send them back to France where they belong.
I will not send private peemails containing classified information.
I am the only candidate that can’t be bought for money – though, I really like treats . I would insist, of course, that all treats are manufactured in the U.S.of A.
I will provide more funding for our pawlice and fire departments.
“As your Vice President I won’t do much, but Vice Presidents never do”
After much thought, and speaking with my family, I have chosen Savana – my roommate cat – to be my running mate. It was difficult to ask her because she kept running away and hiding under the couch. With her on the ticket I will get the votes from the “independents”.
I will hound you until you vote for me even if I am dog tired. I’m not wagging but I believe that I would make a great president. I will keep a pawsitive attitude and be a pawpular president.
On September 18 , I will have a rally at A Secret Garden Florist Café (981 E. Main) at 1pm to officially announce my candidacy. I encourage you to attend to support me. You are welcome to bring your dogs. And you can buy some pupcakes. The barking lot is small so bark in the street. I will be handing out pawtographs.
I am accepting donations to help with my campaign. No contributions under $10,000 will be accepted and I accept credit cards.
Here are just a few of the endorsements I have received:
“I’m excited you’ve decided to run for president Professor Scamp. It’s about time we have a levelheaded, four legged candidate with realistic views. Best of luck!” Breezy Gledhill
“ We’ve been doing it metaphorically for 240 years, let’s put an actual son of a bitch in the White House. His “Wag more, bark less” platform really appeals to me.” Alfred Lewis
“Scamp is clearly a different breed of politician – he has common “scents”, obeys his handler, and knows when to stop yapping. Regardless of which side of the political aisle you’re on, I predict he likely will become your best friend.” Councilmember Mike Tracy
“That is awesome!!! You have my vote!
Be blessed!” Pastor Jim Duran
“I think Scamp would work doggedly on behalf of the American people and dogs.” Barbara Hinton
“I fully endorse Scamp as a presidential write-in candidate.” Jenny Guy, Mustang Marketing
“He is, most definitely, The People’s Choice!” Barbara Brown
“You have my vote!!! Woof ” Suz Montgomery
“We at Rubicon Theatre Company wish you all the best!” Michele Hunter
“You got my vote.” Deputy Mayor Neal Andrews
I look forward to your support and seeing you at my rally. Please send your endorsements and encouragements (and credit card information) to [email protected] . Doggone right you will. From dog house to White House.
The Museum of Ventura County will still hold some special programs. Photo by Bernie Goldstein
The Museum of Ventura County, which houses the region’s oldest and most comprehensive collection of documents, maps, and historical artifacts, will briefly close its downtown Ventura galleries (at 100 E. Main St.) in order to design and install a new exhibition on Ventura County history. Its Research Library will remain open during this period, as will the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.
Some of the museum’s special programs, such as Free First Sundays for Families and popular community events, including the traditional Dia de los Muertos celebration in November, will still be held at the museum during this time. The Museum galleries will re-open and public programming will resume in early January.
In addition to newly remodeled exhibition space depicting the history of Ventura County, more of the museum’s exceptional art collection will be displayed throughout the facility. New educational exhibits will be installed at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula as well.
This decision stems from the board’s desire to highlight the quality and depth of the museum’s collection on an ongoing basis, and to reach out and engage with Ventura County residents about the museum’s mission and purpose. “The Museum of Ventura County tells an important story with its collection; it is the custodian of the county’s rich and diverse history and keeper of its stories. We want all local residents and visitors to feel that sense of identity and pride when they walk into the museum,” stated John Orr, chairman of the museum’s board of directors.
“I have heard so much, and have now seen the depth and breadth of the museum’s collection. I realize that these historic treasures should be seen by the public,” said Elena Brokaw, who has been engaged to serve as the Museum’s interim executive director, and will be advising the museum’s board on a community engagement process. She added, “This hiatus also provides us with a perfect opportunity to listen to longtime supporters and stakeholders about what they want the Museum to be, and to engage the broader community in a conversation about how the museum can better serve them.”
Brokaw told the Breeze “We are initiating a broad-based examination of the museum’s operations, programs, exhibit space, and finances. Over the last six years, the Museum grew tremendously quickly – with the addition of the Pavilion and Plaza at the Ventura site, and the creation of the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula – and has had frequent turnover in the director position. This temporary closure of the galleries in Ventura will allow the Museum to increase its exhibitions space and make changes in its business operations, significantly decreasing expenses. Please bear in mind that the Ventura Research Library, Pavilion, and Ag Museum will stay open, and there will continue to be events and activity at both sites. During the next four months, we will also conduct three community cultural sessions – “town hall”-style meetings where we are inviting everyone to come and tell us what they would like from their regional museum of history and art. The Museum of Ventura County is the institution that preserves and protects our regional history – and helps us prepare for our future. This museum has been here for 103 years – and over the next four months, we intend to plan for our next century.”
9/11 anniversary remembered by Fire Department at Station 3 at 5838 Telegraph Rd. Photo by Bernie Goldstein
On Sunday morning, September 11th, all Ventura City Fire Department stations held special remembrances for the first responders and civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Fire Chief David Endaya stated, “Although 15 years have passed since that tragic day in 2001, it seems it could have happened yesterday. The images, the sounds, the emotions, and the pain are as vivid today as they were when I watched the events of that morning unfold live on television with my crew at Fire Station 5. We will never forget the actions of the firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of our U.S. Armed Forces, and the brave civilians who worked to save others, many losing their lives, that fateful day.”
City officials, law enforcement personnel, and Venturans visited many of the Ventura City Fire Department stations to participate in the brief ceremony.
The remembrances were held from 6:45 a.m. to 6:59.
At 6:55 a.m. – Firefighters stood at attention and raised the U.S. flag ceremoniously to half-staff. Silence was maintained.
At 6:59 a.m. – A special tone was broadcast over the fire radio followed by four sets of five bells. One minute of complete silence was held. The time coincides with the collapse of the World Trade Center South Tower, and the bells are traditionally used by the fire service to commemorate firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
There will be at least one new face on the Ventura City Council after election day with three spots open and ten people competing for them, and you can help decide which ones will make the cut.
The Ventura Council for Seniors is hosting a free City Council Candidates’ Forum from 10am to noon Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Dr.
During the forum, the public is invited to ask questions, the tougher the better as the city faces many topics of importance, such as local tax measures on the ballot and planning, financial, recreation and quality of life issues(And the closing of Brooks).
Moderator is VCS Chair Suz Montgomery, who promises “this is an opportunity to ask the hard questions face-to-face with the people who want to run your city.”
Incumbent Carl Morehouse is not running for reelection, but two current council members are: Cheryl Heitmann and Christy Weir, facing eight new competitors. They are: Lorrie Brown, Jacqueline Martenson, Randall Richman, Matt LaVere, Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Brian Lee Rencher, Michael Anthony Graves and Dave Grau.
“At the forum, you’ll find out if the candidates know about the issues, their solutions and the attitude they will bring to our 150-year-old city,” Montgomery said. “Also important is what each one of them has done for the city and if they have a track record of accomplishments.”
For those with special needs, the California Relay Service will ensure you can get there and back safely; call them at 658-4726.
There will also be a candidates’ forum and debate at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Bell Arts on the Avenue, focusing on that area of the city.
Ventura Police Department Shows Zero Tolerance In Its Goal To End Drunk Driving
This Labor Day weekend, families and friends will be celebrating the end of the summer. Sadly, this festive time has also become a dangerous time for America’s roads, as many drunk drivers get behind the wheel after celebrating. This could end in so many ways and all would involve a lawyer coming in. For this reason, the Ventura Police Department is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to stop drunk drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs through September 5, 2016. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with sobriety checkpoints and increased officers working DUI Saturation Patrols on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roads. DUI’s can be seen as one of the many dangerous causes of truck accidents, along with driver fatigue, and distracted driving and this can lead to serious injuries that could have those involved in the hospital for a long period of time. This means you might be off work for a long time and have financial issues that require compensation to help you. If you or someone you know have experienced this situation you might want to seek out someone like this Georgia truck accident lawyer to help and get the help you need. If you are not in the Georgia area, you could also look into a local law firm that might be able to help.
Being charged with DWI or DUI is sure to cause effects you would rather avoid such as hefty fines or potentially having your licence revoked. To alleviate the consequences of such charges, drivers may wish to get the help of an attorney for legal defense and to protect their rights.
The Ventura Police Department will deploy a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint and special roving DUI Saturation Patrol to stop and arrest alcohol and drug impaired drivers during the end of summer 18 day DUI campaign. The DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint will be on 9/2/16, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Police, Sheriff and the California Highway Patrol will be out looking for the tale-tell signs of drunk driving in order to stop and arrest impaired drivers throughout the region.
According to NHSTA, on average, over 10,000 people died each year (2010 to 2014) in drunk-driving crashes nationwide while California recorded 882 deaths. During the 2014 Labor Day holiday weekend (6 p.m. August 29 – 5:59 a.m. September 2), 40 percent of the fatalities in traffic crashes involved drunk drivers, which was the highest percentage over the five years 2010 to 2014. And nighttime proves to be the most dangerous time to be out on the roads: During the 2014 Labor Day holiday period, 83 percent of drunk-driving crash fatalities occurred between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. – as compared to half of all drunk-driving crash fatalities throughout the rest of that year.
Additionally, 40 percent of crash fatalities on Labor Day weekend in 2014 involved drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations [BACs] of .08 or higher), amounting to 162 lives lost nationwide and 20 in California. And we’re not just talking about a little bit of alcohol, either. More than a quarter (28%) of the crash fatalities that occurred on Labor Day weekend involved drivers with BACs of .15 or higher—almost twice the illegal limit.
“People need to understand that drunk driving is not only deadly, but it is illegal,” said Sergeant Brunk. “Drunk driving is a massive problem in the United States, with more than 10,000 people dying annually. Drivers need to pay attention to their own driving, but also to others on the road who could be driving drunk,” he added. “It is your business. If you think you see a drunk driver, report them – call 911.”
The reality is that people aren’t invincible. Of the 9,967 people who were killed in impaired-driving crashes in 2014, 64 percent were the drunk drivers themselves. Those 6,391 drunk drivers thought they would make it to their destinations, but they didn’t.
“This is important to remember: do not trust yourself when you drink,” said Sergeant Brunk. “You may think you aren’t drunk, but law enforcement will know you are. Law enforcement officers’ skills in detecting and identifying drunk drivers have never been better. They will spot you and arrest you.”
Your PD reminders everyone:
Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.
DRUGS, MEDICATION & ALCOHOL = CRASHES: Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.
If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take your friend’s keys and help your friend make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely. As the summer winds to an end, remember that there’s no excuse for drunk or impaired driving.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Funding for the extra DUI enforcement operations is a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
