by Karen Leslie, writer with heart

Celebrating National Mentoring Month brought Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, a nonprofit with big hearts to the Vagabond Coffee Shop on Sunday January 21st. “Bigs” and “Littles” along with their mentors gathered to share a meal and with glee presented handmade cards and thank you notes to our First Responders.

Mentoring is such an important facet of all walks of life, whether it be during education, in a hobby of yours or in your employment, there is always room to be mentored and for mentoring. Even corporations are beginning to realise the importance of mentoring, and many are deploying employee mentoring software such as Together so that they can track the progress of everybody in their mentorship program. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County wanted to help celebrate the importance of mentroing with our First Responders.

The organization chose the Vagabond Coffee Shop to give back for all the free meals that were served to the First Responders during the crisis of the Thomas Fires.

Retired SB firefighter and Red Cross participant Bob Engler shares, “The generosity of the people at this event and how they went out of their way to say thank you was humbling and appreciated.”

Owner Jolene McBee says, “What better way to teach kids to give back and the firemen have never been thanked like Ventura has every day.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been in existence for more than 100 years nationally and more than 45 years locally and have been making meaningful monitored matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and children (Littles) ages 6-18 across the county. They develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect and impact on the lives of young people. Consistency and commitment are the cornerstones of this program and their mission is to provide all children free from adversity with supported one-on-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better.

In her 30th year and a big sister for 26 years, CEO Lynne West shares, “I find this to be a gratifying career. Big Brother Big Sisters was first in the US to have a dedicated foster program. Ventura County attends to 1,500 children a year and as a big sister myself, I have seen the impact consistency has made on my little. I have the privilege of watching many littles grow up and become the first in their family to ever graduate from high school and go on for a college degree. Bigs can open up the world for these littles by exposing them to new activities and experiences.”

BBSVC’s vision is for all children to achieve success in school, work and life. Fifteen year old little, Silvia Chable enthusiastically shares, “I like helping out the community and people in need and hope to become a deputy”

Big sister Kathy Lazier shares, “My motto is keep moving forward! My little now 16 has been a match made in heaven. It’s really cool to mentor and have an effect on someone’s life and direction which brings much joy to my life.”

This nonprofit is committed to bringing its program to every child who needs and wants it. Big brother Aaron Kirby says, “This is an amazing opportunity to give back to the community. It feels good to see the excitement on the face of my little while at a race or baseball game and taking him places to experience something for the first time is personally rewarding. Once Elijah graduates from the program, I anticipate we will continue to have a lifelong bond.”

Little, Elijah Rhoads says, “He is a father figure, someone I can count on and trust.” VP of Marketing and Recruiter Danica Selvaggio warmly shares, “National Mentoring Month is a way to start the year remembering that we all have role models who guides us. It is also a way to encourage our bigs and littles to start off strong, set goals for themselves and keep the momentum going all year long. With help from the community we hope 2018 will be the most successful year ever!”

Wisdom and friendship is at the heart of BBSVC and BBSVC believes that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive.

CAPS Media is launching the Thomas Fire Stories Project on Thursday, February 15 with an initial set of interviews recorded at the CAPS Media Center. Everyone in the community impacted by the fire is invited to share their story and contribute to the archive of our common experience. The individual interviews will be conducted by CAPS Media producers in our studio and expected to last 15-20 minutes for each. Members of the public, first responders, officials and others are invited to record their story, first person, in their own words, with assistance and expertise from the CAPS Media staff.

The Thomas Fire is a once-in-a-lifetime tragedy. CAPS Media is collaborating with the Ventura City Fire and Police, Ventura County Fire and Sheriff, the Museum of Ventura County, other community agencies on the Thomas Fire Stories Project. The project will feature personal stories of individuals and families whose lives were dramatically changed the night of December 4^th and include extraordinary accounts of heroism, sacrifice, tragedy and healing.

Thursday, February 15^th is the first date in a series of video and audio recording sessions to be scheduled at the CAPS Media Studio for the Thomas Fire Stories Project. To schedule a time to record your story please contact CAPS Media 658.0500.

CAPS Media has also set up an easy process for the public to share stories, photos and video for the historic project. Go to the CAPS Media website homepage- capsmedia.org, on the Thomas Fires Stories image click on the Read More arrow in the lower right corner. The page presents more details on the project and step-by-step instructions on how to contribute photos, video and other media. If you have a story to tell or a tribute or thank you to share, send an email to [email protected] or call the CAPS Media Center at 658.0500.

The Ventura Police Department is working with CAPS Media every week producing community updates. Hosted by Ashley Bautista, VPD Civic Engagement Specialist, and VPD officers, the series includes public awareness tips, weekly crime statistics, and other information vital to the community. The reports are posted on Ventura City and Police websites and social media, and are broadcast and stream on CAPS Channel 6 & 15, capsmedia.org, and on CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.5 FM.

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. Join our community of enthusiastic engaged member/producers. To find out more come to orientation on the first Thursday of every month and learn how to become a member of CAPS. Member classes include HD videography/camera class held on the 2^nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing class on the 3^rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) two-part classes on the 4^th week. In every training session Member/Producers receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production and more. All classes begin at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road. Once trained, member/producers may check out CAPS Media’s video cameras, tripods, audio gear and other production equipment to record their story and then book postproduction editing suites to craft the story they want to tell.

by Jennifer Tipton

The victims of the Thomas Fires are not limited to those that lost their homes, as was pointed out to me by a dear friend who described it as “the trickle-down effect”. (If you read through today’s issue of the Breeze, you will see who this very perceptive Venturan is…)

Honestly, it had not occurred to me, but along with all the homes that were lost went the housekeepers, the landscapers, the pool guy, the dog walkers, the babysitters and countless others whose livelihood depended on employment in the neighborhoods that burned.

I learned of one woman that has cleaned homes in Ondulando for the same clients for many years and suddenly found herself unemployed. She is not alone.

We as Venturans must be vigilant to help these forgotten victims by making recommendations to our neighbors who may be able to use their services. Word of mouth is the best way to promote a business and sharing is caring.

by Jennifer Tipton

It’s astounding how many Venturans work in Santa Barbara or the surrounding areas and with the closing of Highway 101 were unable to get to work. The alternate route to take Interstate 5 over the Grapevine took hours and became treacherous! Some chose to do this and stay in Santa Barbara until the 101 reopened but the availability of rooms was quickly diminishing.

My wonderful husband (I must add “wonderful” because he is and well, he better be reading this) was one of those that could not get to work the first week of the highway closing. The following week however, Island Packers and Amtrak stepped up to save the day! The earliest train did not leave the station at the Ventura Fairgrounds until 9:30am, so to get a full day in at their job, many took the Island Packers’ first boat that required being in the harbor, ready to depart at a crisp 6:15am. The boat ride was crowded, chilly and bumpy (pharmacies probably made a fortune selling Dramamine).

Once again, to get a full day in, my husband took the 7pm train home. This train was delayed (several times); I eventually picked him up at 9pm. The fairgrounds were packed as many were picking up friends and family, but it was an organized effort directing the traffic amidst the masses.

He then discovered the 4:40 train departing Santa Barbara appeared to run on time, but the commutes were so crowded there was no way they could check tickets. He reports one passenger as big as a house, shoving his way through the crowd to be the first to board, but that’s okay since he did say “excuse me”. He also watched a gal coughing, sneezing and blowing her nose slide her hand along the handrail with countless other passengers sliding their hands along the same handrail behind her…did somebody say flu season?

Although the commute was long and uncomfortable, we are so grateful to the Island Packers and Amtrak. I had phoned them both to make reservations and in the face of all the craziness, both were so kind and helpful. Now that Highway 101 has reopened, that wonderful husband of mine says he’s never been so happy to drive to work!

by James Francis Gray

One tentacle of the Thomas fire started in the Koenstein Road neighborhood in upper Ojai with a blown transformer just after 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 4th, 2017. Gusts of fifty mile-an-hour winds whipped the sparks across the landscape destroying many homes, outbuildings and cars. Only a few homes could be saved. It’s a shame to see so many great properties down to ash. I can imagine the homeowners are now on the search for cedar park roofing companies to come down and quote for a new roof along with the architect responsible for the new build.

I witnessed the destruction at Beatrix (Trixi) Scantlin’s property three weeks later. Trixi had shared the main house, built over forty years ago, with her son, Mark Scantlin and his wife, Debbie. Trixi’s younger sister, Erika Lohrenz lived in a Mobile home on the property near their horse corral.

When they spotted the orange glow of the rapidly-approaching fire, they decided to take immediate action and evacuate. They moved their two horses to the top of the hill. In wind so strong it was a struggle to stay on their feet, they got the three cats and a dog to the relative safety of their vehicles. Using flashlights, loaded essentials into two cars, Mark and Debbie’s truck and travel-trailer, then began the terrifying journey down the mountain, caravanning to Highway 150. At Summit School they stopped and watched the fire move closer. At 9:00 p.m. they drove to the Humane Society in Ojai, where they left the cats in safekeeping, then stayed the night in the parking lot.

In the morning the family found themselves in heavy traffic for hours as they made their way to the Port Hueneme Naval Base RV Park where they took up residence in Mark and Debbie’s travel-trailer and a rental travel-trailer.

Mark Scantlin is a fire captain for Federal Fire, stationed on San Nicholas Island.

Bad news arrived in the morning. Everything on the property had burned to the ground. Thankfully, the horses and George, aka Lonesome George, their emu, survived, but sadly, the chickens and peacock did not.

The next several days were chaos, but with strong determination the Scantlins and Erika began the arduous task of putting their lives back together.

They established a camping site named Camp Phoenix higher up on their property. Two travel-trailers, a large wooden table between the two, and a decorated Christmas tree now adorn their new living space. The next order of business was to get the utilities hooked up. After Mark got the power from a generator, he primed their well, over a quarter of a mile away down the steep hillside, and laid new piping up to the campsite.

Trixi said, “When we got back home, the first thing we did was have Mark replace our flag.”

St. Vincent de Paul in Santa Paula have been donating cuddle blankets and pillow cases that are made by volunteers. It is geared for infants up to 18 years of age and they can also do adult blankets. These are for people who have lost their homes due to the Thomas Fire. They have covered Santa Paula and now would like to help Ventura.

If you would like a blanket or pillow call the Catholic Charities Family Caregiver Center Mon – Thurs 420-9608 and leave your name and number and Kathy will return your call .