Category Archives: Featured News

Daniel Brackett will be performing in Aladdin

From Pierpont Elementary to Broadway.

Daniel Brackett has played many leading roles in musicals growing up in Ventura: a wriggly Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland at Pierpont Elementary, a shirtless Mowgli in Jungle Book at Rubicon Theatre, a rebellious Ren in Footloose at Ventura High. But Daniel these days is performing in perhaps his biggest role, and certainly on the biggest stages, of his life as a cast member in Disney’s North American Tour production of Aladdin.

Part of a 30-member actors’ equity (the union representing professional theatre actors) cast, Daniel landed a role as ensemble and understudy for two roles – Omar and Aladdin. Daniel began rehearsals for the show in New York City last summer, and has been part of the show since its opening last October in Schenectady, New York. Since then, Daniel has criss-crossed the continent, doing 8 shows a week in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Albuquerque, Montreal, Denver, to name a few.

Linda Ottsen, a premier voice teacher in the area and retired Ventura College faculty, exclaimed: “I always knew Daniel was destined for a career in musical theatre, but to be cast in a national Disney tour immediately after graduating from college was a happy surprise!” Ms. Ottsen began teaching Daniel his freshman year of high school and continued to follow his performances and include him in her studio recitals even while Daniel was in college at Elon University in North Carolina.

Ms. Ottsen’s favorite memory is of Daniel’s senior year performance of Maria from the musical West Side Story, with Ventura High’s orchestra at their year-end concert. “We had worked on that song so much during his voice lessons – it is one of the most difficult tenor songs,” Ms. Ottsen remembers

Daniel’s longtime trombone teacher, Paul Hunt, director of music at Ventura High School, conducted that performance of Maria, and first met Daniel when he was in middle school. “Daniel was shorter than me at the time!” jokes Mr. Hunt. Daniel displayed a quick affinity for the instrument and Mr. Hunt placed him in the honors wind ensemble group as a freshman, and as principal trombonist his sophomore through senior years. But Mr. Hunt had to share his star student with the drama department – “I just knew he was going to get cast as the lead in the musical.”

And indeed, Daniel was cast by Stefoni Rossiter, director and drama teacher for Ventura High, in many productions. “Daniel has always had a serious, respectful, professional demeanor,” says Ms. Rossiter, “Even when he was just in sixth-grade playing Winthrop in The Music Man, I could tell he was dedicated, prepared, creative, and so talented – he had such a sweet voice and presence on stage!” Ms. Rossiter came to fully appreciate Daniel’s potential when she cast him as Cat in the Hat in Seussical: “He had all the singing and dancing down, but he was able to trust me and trust himself in adding a zany, silly, unscripted playfulness to his performance. . . it was a magical transformation for him and I remember thinking, Daniel Brackett is really going places!”

Brian McDonald, who directed Daniel in Rubicon Theatre Company productions spanning from 2010-2017, also thought it was “obvious that Daniel was gifted and would find his home on the professional stage.Daniel clearly loved what he was doing, but he also took great pride in the work that it took to do it well,” Mr. McDonald recalled.

Daniel Brackett will be the whole city and community of Ventura’s son coming home when he appears at the Pantages in Aladdin which runs for 3 more days. More information about the show, including the official link to purchase tickets, is available at https://aladdinthemusical.com/north-american-tour-cast/.

VenturaWaterPure construction project marks a major step

VenturaWaterPure is off to a great start! Photos by Patricia Schallert

A cornerstone of Ventura’s forward-looking water investment portfolio, the VenturaWaterPure Program, takes an important step toward enhancing the City’s water supply resilience. This landmark project marks the City’s effort to secure its water future, positioning Ventura at the forefront of sustainable water management in the region.

The ocean outfall project will be used to dispose of concentrate generated by the future Advanced Water Purification Facility, which is projected to provide up to 20% of the City’s water supply when fully operational.

“In December 2011, the Ventura City Council voted on a settlement agreement with Heal the Bay and the Wishtoyo Foundation/Ventura Coastkeeper to preserve the Santa Clara River’s natural habitat,” shared Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The consent decree also requires a beneficial reuse of the water to align with the City’s long-term sustainability goals and commitment to responsible water management.”

Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington highlighted the project’s substantial support from federal agencies, securing a $173 million loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and an additional $18 million in grant funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. “The project’s success is further underlined by unanimous approval from the California Coastal Commission, and the acquisition of all necessary permits showcases the City’s dedication to environmental responsibility and adherence to regulations,” she stated.

A thorough evaluation of potential sites was examined for the construction of the ocean outfall. Marina Park was identified as the optimal location and received a thorough Environmental Impact Report analysis. In addition, extensive community feedback directed additional mitigation measures consistent with construction activities for noise, dust, and vibration impacts. A dedicated construction management team is spearheading all mitigation efforts, and community members can leave a message at any time at 805-500-8103 for additional concerns, questions, or feedback.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by summer 2024. For additional information, frequently asked questions, reports, and updates on the VenturaWaterPure Ocean Outfall construction project, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OceanOutfall. 

Business Profile: Embarc is first cannabis dispensary to open in Ventura

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder and Mike Marostica, local embarc owner.

After a lengthy, multi-year review process, embarc was the first of the selected operators to open their doors and begin serving the Ventura community, ushering in a new era of access to local cannabis dispensaries in the city.

Embarc is a well-respected dispensary operator, with Ventura marking its ninth store opening in a little more than three years in the Golden State. Embarc is known for its friendly staff, affordable price points, and wide variety of products to meet diverse needs.

Embarc’s Ventura operations will generate 6% of gross receipts as a local cannabis tax to the City for municipal priorities. In addition, embarc has allocated 1% of gross receipts for the lifetime of the business to local non-profit and community priorities such as youth education to ensure the business remains a community partner and good neighbor.

“Our team spent years engaged in a listening tour to understand the perspectives and priorities of community members from throughout the region,” explains Lauren Carpenter, embarc’s Chief Executive Officer. “I am so proud of our team for all of their dedication which has culminated in a retail store that I know the community can be proud of, too.”

Embarc hosted a grand opening which was met with excitement from neighbors throughout midtown and from residents living in Ventura and beyond. As midtown continues to see significant investment in small, local businesses including hair salons, bookstores, coffee shops, yoga studios and more, embarc is a welcome addition to this corridor.

The Ventura location is embarc’s first Southern California store and will serve as the jumping off point and flagship for the company’s Southern California expansion. The space has been designed to reflect the free spirit and energy of Ventura, with beautiful exposed brick, bright light and vintage surfboards from local shops.

1890 East Main Street

Daily 9am-9pm

Ventura Police and Ventura Fire Department hold community block party

Crime prevention and fire safety issues were the major themes of the event. Photos by Richard Lieberman

by Richard Lieberman

The Ventura Police Community Foundation, the Ventura Police and the Ventura Fire Departments hosted Ventura residents at a block party on Saturday, August 25th. The community event was held at police headquarters 1425 Dowell Drive in Ventura.

Crime prevention and fire safety issues were the major themes of the event. Officials welcomed a crowd of Ventura residents to get a glimpse behind the inner workings of both the Ventura Police and Fire Departments. Also included as exhibitors Ventura County Sheriff’s office, Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura Harbor Patrol, American Medical Response among several others.

A demonstration of K9 abilities and use in crime prevention and pursuit techniques was a crowd pleaser and attracted some of the largest crowds. K9 Handlers demonstrated the police dogs’ capabilities in rescue and crime fighting. In a closed arena the dogs demonstrated holding on to a potential subject, leaping from a police car window and demonstrating a soft and peaceful demeanor as youngsters and adults alike bravely petted and caressed the animals.

A SWAT rescue vehicle was exhibited and open for public view, police motorcycles, patrol vehicles, Ventura County Police Helicopter, CSI demonstrations, Jaws of Life Demonstration, Fire Engines, Ventura Harbor Patrol jet skis, Jaws of Life demonstrations, were among a few of the activities available at the event.

There were plenty of kid friendly events including Face Painting, Fire extinguisher game, Kids Firefighter challenge course and a coloring contest.

Almost all the exhibits were manned by working police and fire professionals. This event was a great opportunity for residents and families to engage with local law enforcement, firefighters, dispatchers and members of the Ventura Police and Fire departments.

Empowering Youth Through STEM: The Transformative Journey of the Idea Center

On Ventura Avenue, a beacon of knowledge and innovation stands tall.

by Ross Williams

Once condemned, the building that houses the Idea Center has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. What was once in a state of decay has been revitalized and has now become a symbol of hope, a place where young minds gather to explore, learn, and envision a brighter future. Jaelen Hsu and Alex Wulff’s unwavering dedication has breathed new life into this space, creating an environment that nurtures curiosity and fuels aspirations. It has become a catalyst for change, empowering the next generation of engineers, artists and creative thinkers.

The Idea Center is a groundbreaking experiment. It is a hands-on central hub and permanent location for the Stembassadors program. Created in 2017 Stembassabdors was started with a group of middle and highschoolers intent on providing opportunities to others in the fields of innovation, design, entrepreneurship and art. They wanted to get more “Maker Technology” in as many classrooms and hands as possible. Stembassadors created “Spark Carts” and gave them away to local schools and programs. These Mobile Makers included 3d printers, laser engravers, CNC machines and more. At the core of it all, the mission is a commitment to accessibility and equity. The center breaks down barriers that often hinder students from pursuing STEM education. By providing opportunities to those who may not have had them otherwise, the Idea Center is leveling the playing field and fostering a diverse community of budding creatives.

Catering to 6th graders through high school students, the center is designed to engage and challenge young minds at various stages of development. Through hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, and collaborative projects, students are encouraged to explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The center’s diverse array of equipment ensures that there’s something for every curious mind.

What sets the Idea Center apart is its unique approach to leadership and learning. Jaelen and Alex firmly believe in the power of youth agency. Here, the young participants aren’t just attendees; they are the driving force behind the center’s activities. They take charge, training newcomers, conceptualizing and executing projects, building and designing tools and stepping into roles of responsibility. This approach not only instills leadership skills but also fosters a sense of ownership and a deep pride in the center’s success.

The Idea Center is where creativity flourishes and ideas come to life. Students collaborate on projects that range from designing t shirts, to building complex CNC machinery. Through these endeavors, they not only grasp complex STEM concepts but also develop critical problem-solving skills that will serve them well in any field they choose to pursue.

As the center’s influence continues to grow, it is clear that the Idea Center isn’t just about STEM education; it’s about creating a community of empowered individuals who are poised to make a real impact on the world. The condemned building on Ventura Avenue now stands as a symbol of transformation and possibility, a testament to what can happen when passion, education, and innovation converge.

In a world that is becoming increasingly driven by technology and scientific discovery, the Idea Center stands as a beacon of hope, nurturing the potential of young minds and equipping them with the tools they need to build a brighter, more promising future. Thanks to Jaelen, Alex, and the countless young visionaries they’ve inspired, Ventura’s Idea Center is more than just a place; it’s a movement that is shaping the trajectory of generations to come.

If you’d like to learn more, check out www.stembassadors.net

City of Ventura names William “Bill” Ayub as the new City Manager

Ayub’s career began in 1985 as a police cadet and reserve police officer.

The City of Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of William “Bill” Ayub as the new City Manager, effective August 8, 2023. With a diverse and extensive law enforcement background and a strong commitment to public service, Ayub brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role.

Ayub brings over 37 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including nearly 15 years in management, most of which was with the County of Ventura. He served as the Sheriff of Ventura County for over four years until his retirement in January 2023.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bill Ayub as our new City Manager. His exceptional track record of collaborative leadership and dedication to uplifting the community fit perfectly with our city’s values,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “We are confident that he will lead with integrity, foster positive connections in our community, and provide a visionary direction that will propel Ventura towards an exciting and prosperous future.”

Ayub’s career began in 1985 as a police cadet and reserve police officer with the Santa Paula Police Department. Over the years, he has held various positions, including serving as a police officer in the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada, and the City of Port Hueneme before joining the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in 1996.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of City Manager for the City of Ventura,” said William Ayub, a long-time Ventura resident. “Serving in the city I call home means a great deal to me. I look forward to working alongside the talented team here to build on Ventura’s strengths, tackle challenges, and uplift our residents’ overall quality of life while promoting a culture of collaboration and responsiveness.”

Apart from his professional achievements, Ayub has a long history of volunteerism, including supporting little league as an assistant coach and serving on the board of directors. He has also been an active member of the Ventura Sheriff K9 Foundation and remains involved with organizations such as the Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and the Board of Directors for Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families.

Ayub holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the California State University at Northridge, a Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration from the California State University at Long Beach, and an Associate of Science in Administration of Justice from Ventura Community College.

As the City Manager, Ayub will earn a base salary of $280,000, and his total compensation with benefits will be $351,130.

The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is excited to announce the appointment of Jeff Lambert

Jeff Lambert returns to Ventura.

The Board of Commissioners (BOC) for the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jeffrey “Jeff” Lambert as the new Chief Executive Officer for the HACSB. Lambert brings a wealth of experience and expertise in housing planning, policy development, and community engagement to his new role. Jeff succeeds Denise Wise who is retiring after serving the organization for 12 years.

Jeffrey Lambert is a skilled leader and community development professional who has a wealth of public service experience. In his previous posts, he served as the Community Development Director for the City of Ventura and the City of Oxnard. While at the City of Ventura, Jeff worked closely with the Housing Authority on various affordable housing developments including the Westview Village community, which is in the process of completing its third phase of a major renovation project later this year. Jeff most recently held the position of Chief Operation Officer for the Ventura County Community Foundation. Lambert holds a degree in Psychology and Political Science from Clark University, in Massachusetts and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Southern California.

Lambert’s appointment comes after the BOC went out for a second search, after an unsuccessful search earlier this year. This national search attracted candidates from all over the country, and Jeff was one of two candidates that were invited for final interviews. The final interviews included interviews with community stakeholders, the Citywide Resident Advisory Board, and Executive Staff.

John Polanskey, the Chair of the board, is ecstatic that the BOC was able to successfully reach an agreement with Mr. Lambert. “The entire Board of Commissioners is looking forward to partnering with Mr. Lambert and HACSB’s talented team to continue the vital work of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities and support services to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable residents in the City of Ventura”, said Polanskey.

Jeff, eager to get started in the new role stated, “I have had the pleasure of working with and following the great work of the Housing Authority for more than a decade. I am thrilled to join this amazing team and to continue to work to serve our residents and the Ventura community. I cannot wait to get started!”.

“I am excited about the next phase of growth that the Housing Authority is entering, and Jeff will be able to lead the agency in its next phase of development, said outgoing CEO, Denise Wise.

Jeff Lambert will resume his post on August 28, 2023, with a starting salary of $225,000.

The HACSB is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura with more than 1,480 Housing Choice Vouchers and 1097 affordable rental units. The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is to provide and develop quality affordable housing for eligible low-income residents of Ventura County and to establish strong partnerships necessary for HACSB customers to achieve personal goals related to literacy and education; health and wellness; and job training and employment leading to personal growth and economic self-sufficiency.

Upcoming new and exciting mental health fundraiser events

The Return to Bard Mansion Halloween Fundraiser will be an upcoming formal night out.

by Carol Leish, MA

The Turning Point Foundation in Ventura is having two upcoming fundraising events. These events will be fun events to be able to help to provide: hope, a haven, and healing to improve the quality of lives for those in need of help. The Mission Statement of the Turning Point Foundation is: ‘To improve the quality of life for adults experiencing serious mental illness, addiction, lack of housing, and inadequate physical health care.’

Exploration Mental Health will be an upcoming Scavenger Hunt. Participants will visit unique locations in Ventura, Oxnard, and Camarillo that relate to mental health. The mission will be to complete tasks along the way. Prizes will be awarded to various winners!

An email with the event map will be sent out on September 8th, 2023 at 10:00am to the email addresses provided at checkout. September 8th will be your start date and time. Remember to check your spam and junk folders. You will have from September 8th to September 13th, 2023 at 5:00pm to complete the scavenger hunt. The top 5 players (winners) to correctly finish first will receive their choice of prizes (listed below). The prized are valued between $150-$200. All other players who correctly complete the hunt by the deadline will receive consolation prizes. Only registered players will receive the event hunt map and are eligible to win.

The prizes for the scavenger hunt include: 1) A $150 Costco Gift Card; 2) A $200 Patagonia Gift Card; 3) Magic Castel VIP Guest Pass for 4; and 4) various trips (whale watching and going to local islands), by Island Packers Visit: www.turningpointfoundation.org/explorationmentalhealth to register for the excitement!

The Return to Bard Mansion Halloween Fundraiser will be an upcoming formal night out (October 28th starting at 6:30pm), in what is known as a haunted mansion! You will gain exclusive access to the Bard Family’s 1912 Mansion, which is located on the Port Hueneme Naval Base. It will be an unforgettable evening that will include a dinner (prime rib, chicken plicata or vegetarian), with either wine, water or coffee or tea, and dessert. Magic from the Magic Castle magician Ron Saylor will highlight the evening. Comedy will be provided by, Big Tom. Ghost tours and a Silent Auction will also be included! You will be able to explore parts of the mansion that most people have never seen. This will include seeing the attic and the basement.

All proceeds from this Halloween Fundraiser event on October 28th benefit the Turning Point Foundation. To register, visit: www.turningpointfoundation.or/bardmansionhalloween. While having fun, you will be helping those who are becoming more hopeful through having a haven and receiving healing through the services that Turning Point Foundation provides to them.

Ventura Police and Fire Departments partner to host community block party

Come meet a K9.

Ventura residents are invited to join the Ventura Police and Fire Departments for the Public Safety Community Block Party from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023. This free event, hosted at the Police and Fire Headquarters at 1425 Dowell Drive, is open to the public and promises an afternoon filled with unique family-friendly activities.

“We received tremendous feedback after last year’s event and are excited to offer an inclusive space to foster positive relationships with local police officers, firefighters, and elected officials,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “By inviting residents into a traditionally very private facility, we hope to demystify police operations and improve trust.”

Activities at the public safety event will feature multiple K9 demonstrations, a Jaws of Life vehicle extrication, a fire extinguisher game, a hands-on CSI experience, a kid’s firefighter challenge course, child fingerprinting, station tours, coloring contests, face painting, trivia, and more.

Residents and children will also enjoy exploring patrol cars, motorcycles, fire engines, the SWAT rescue vehicle, a search and rescue helicopter, and various emergency response vehicles. Participants will learn about different safety topics and experience interactive games and demonstrations.

“This event allows us to showcase the equipment and skills we utilize daily to keep our community safe,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “We want to empower residents with knowledge to prevent emergencies and know how to respond. Activities offered will prioritize fire prevention and personal safety, so community members of all ages leave with valuable takeaways.”

At the block party, snacks will be provided, and an array of local food trucks will provide meals available for purchase.

To learn more about the Public Safety Community Block Party, visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/BlockParty.

This event is funded by the Ventura Police Community Foundation. Learn more about the local nonprofit at VenturaPoliceFoundation.org.

Water’s Edge Restaurant hosted the first “Dine & Delight”

About 60 guests attended this exclusive event. Photos by Randy Encinas

On July 25th, Water’s Edge Restaurant hosted the first “Dine & Delight” – a private Winemaker’s Dinner, benefiting Rubicon Theatre Company, Ventura County’s leading not-for-profit professional theatre company.

The special 5-course dinner by award-winning Executive Chef Alex Montoya was expertly paired with wines from one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated vintners, Caymus Vineyards.

Chef Alex took pride in locally sourcing ingredients to provide the freshest products while supporting Ventura’s local fishermen, farmers, and ranchers. The perfect harmony of flavors elevated the dining experience, delighting wine enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike, leaving them talking about the evening long after the final glass of wine was served. From oyster delight, sweet & sour pork belly and mango halibut aguachile to grilled Korean short rib before topping off with apple tarte tatin, diners were wowed by the expertly paired exquisite wine with each course.

About 60 guests attended this exclusive event, some Ventura locals, and some drove in from Ojai, Thousand Oaks and Santa Barbara. During the main course, guests enjoyed a live musical performance by Broadway veteran and Rubicon artist Jennifer Leigh Warren (Big River and Marie Christine on Broadway, Dark of the Moon and Lonesome Traveler at Rubicon) accompanied by Musical Director Gerald Sternbach.

This exceptional culinary event was a successful evening of exquisite flavors, delightful wine pairings, live musical entertainment, and an opportunity to support the artistic and educational programs of Rubicon. It marked Rubicon’s first of many fundraising events to come!

Guests who attended “Dine & Delight” directly contributed to the growth and success of Rubicon’s artistic and educational initiatives, enabling the theatre to continue inspiring and enriching the Ventura County community through the transformative power of theatre.

Rubicon Board President Doug Halter stated, “Guests not only savored the local culinary delights but also enjoyed musical entertainment, creating an immersive experience that celebrated the intersection of gourmet cuisine, exceptional wines, and the arts.”