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Stuff-a-Sleigh toy and food drive supports local families in need

Bringing holiday cheer to Downtown Ventura.

In a groundbreaking holiday season collaboration, the Ventura Fire Department is proud to partner with the Ventura County Fire Department, Oxnard Fire Department, ABC7, Food Share of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura Partners, and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce to host Ventura’s first Stuff-a-Sleigh toy and food drive.

This initiative, geared towards supporting children and families in need, will be hosted on Friday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Main Street at Figueroa Plaza.

Community members are invited to participate by bringing a new, unwrapped toy, book, sporting equipment, and nonperishable food items to the event.

“This partnership and holiday donation drive offer our community a chance to unite, exemplifying the genuine spirit of the season through acts of goodwill and generosity for those in need this season,” said Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya. “We are honored to be part of this event and extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join us in making the holidays brighter for all.”

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Fire Departments of Ventura County will attend, offering the public an opportunity to engage with fire engines and interact with local firefighters and staff.

“The holiday season can be a trying time for many families, and the need for assistance is greater than ever,” said Jennifer Caldwell, Chief Development Officer at Food Share of Ventura County. “Strong partnerships and the incredible generosity of our community are the backbone of events like this. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season.”

Community members unable to join the Stuff-a-Sleigh event can participate in the Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive, happening through December 20, 2023.

How to donate new, unwrapped toys and food:

  • Drop off at the Ventura Fire Headquarters, located at 1425 Dowell Drive, or a participating business.
  • Contribute monetary donations online through the Ventura Fire Foundation. All proceeds are tax-deductible.
  • Purchase a gift on the Amazon Wish List registry.

Find a complete list of participating businesses, online donation information, and Stuff-a-Sleigh event updates at VCFD.org/SparkofLove.

Last Natural History Walk of 2023 with Lanny Kaufer

Topa Topa Bluffs as seen from Taft Nature Preserve by Alexandra Nicklin

Ojai author-naturalist Lanny Kaufer will lead the last of this year’s monthly Natural History Walks at Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve on Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. His group will explore trails through the wild parts of the property, identify and discuss native plants, and observe birds and animal tracks in the context of local ecology.

This event is a perfect fit with Kaufer’s mission to open a space for people to connect with the natural world, starting with the plant kingdom. The diversity of plant communities and native species make Taft Nature Preserve the ideal place. Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve was featured in an L. A. Times article on “The 16 Most Beautiful and Inviting Public Gardens in Southern California.” And it recently was included in the RedBook Magazine list of “The 12 Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the United States.”

Kaufer will have his mobile bookshop onsite after the walk, including his book, Medicinal Herbs of California, and Milt McAuley’s classic Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains, which features every plant the group will see.

The $35 cost includes a $10 donation to benefit the Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF), the non-profit steward of Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve. The donation portion of the fee is tax-deductible. This walk is presented by the CEF. They are handling all registrations. To register for the event, please visit https://www.taftgardens.org/events/, email [email protected], or call (805) 649-2333.

Registrants will receive an email from CEF with detailed directions. Please do not try to find the venue by using other maps or GPS. Allow plenty of time to find the venue and to make your way up the miles-long driveway.

Lanny Kaufer has been leading herb walks and nature hikes, as well as foraging and medicinal plant workshops, since 1976, focusing on ethnobotany, the academic term for the human uses of plants. His website is at HerbWalks.com. He is the author of Medicinal Herbs of California, published by Falcon Guides in December of 2021 and now in its third printing. Kaufer is the founder and director of the Ojai Herbal Symposium, recently held at Krotona Hall on November 11-12, 2023.

Register at https://www.taftgardens.org/events/ or email [email protected] or call (805) 649-2333

Lanny Kaufer 805-646-6281office
805-797-2072 cell [email protected]
Author, Medicinal Herbs of California
Founder/Director, Ojai Herbal Symposium

“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates

Ventura County Ballet brings the Nutcracker to VCMC Pediatric Oncology Patients

Dancers from Ventura County Ballet performed excerpts from The Nutcracker.

It’s always hard being sick as a child and missing favorite activities with friends and family. But there’s one special holiday tradition local kids don’t have to miss – The Nutcracker!

Dancers from Ventura County Ballet performed excerpts from The Nutcracker at Ventura County Medical Center’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Infusion Center on Tuesday, November 14. The free performance for young patients, their families and VCMC staff has become an annual event.

Ventura County Ballet’s full production of the world-famous Nutcracker ballet will take to the stage at Oxnard Performing Arts Center

Kathleen Noblin, Ventura County Ballet founder and executive director, explains, “Ventura County Ballet has always been committed to bringing the best in live dance to Ventura County audiences. As we prepare for our 25th Anniversary season of The Nutcracker, we are delighted to again bring a preview to VCMC.”

Noblin continued, “It’s our mission to bring world-class ballet to the community and to bring the joy of dance to children who might otherwise not be able to experience it. The young patients at VCMC not only enjoyed The Nutcracker excerpts but also met our dancers, tried on a pointe shoe and were up close and personal with the wonder of ballet.”

VCMC Hematology/Oncology Medical Director Dr. Francisco Bracho added, “We’re so grateful to Ventura County Ballet for bringing this special performance to us. Experiences like this are a wonderful way to help our patients and families have a sense of normalcy in their lives and respite from a focus on being sick.”

The performers were:

Clara – Kirra Anderson, 13, Cabrillo M.S., 8th grade
Fritz – Emma Hansen, 12, DeAnza Academy of Technology and Art, 7th grade
Columbine – Sylvie Watts, 14, Ventura H.S., 9th grade
Harlequin – Jonah Tillery, 16, Ventura H.S., 11th grade
Soldier – Carter Gillespie, 17, Newbury Park H. S., 12th grade

Ventura County Ballet is a non-profit organization bringing world class, professional dance performances to our community. They provide top quality performing opportunities and instruction to hundreds of young people as a springboard to universities and careers with dance companies. Through scholarships and outreach, they bring the joy of dance to children throughout our area. https://www.venturacountyballet.com/

The full production of The Nutcracker at Oxnard Performing will be on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1:00 and 5:00 pm, Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2:00 pm.

The Nutcracker is truly the lifeblood of Ventura County Ballet as it is for ballet companies the world over. It supports our entire season and enables us to bring a wide range of other works to local audiences. We hope as many people as possible will enjoy our 25th anniversary production of The Nutcracker as we return to the massive stage of Oxnard Performing Arts Center for the first time since 2019.

A Q&A with Beth Baumer and Neuroboxing Fight Camp to help those with Parkinson’s and neurological diseases

The non-contact boxing conditioning classes encourage participation.

Neuroboxing Fight Camp, to be located at Portside Ventura Harbor, is a non-profit exercise, neurological rehabilitation and physical therapy program. Who offer a free monthly support group dedicated to impacting the lives of those living with Parkinson’s and neurological disease in our community. Their non-contact boxing conditioning classes encourage participation from caregivers and family members.

Q. Do you have an annual fundraiser? Do you have year-round fundraising projects? Do you have any upcoming events?

A. I am going to start one. An annual cornhole tournament fundraiser hopefully at my new studio in Portside Ventura Harbor’s outdoor sand volleyball courts. I will have a soft opening, as well as a grand opening which will include a FUNdraiser event.

Q.Tell us about the history of your organization: How long has it been around? What was the inspiration for starting it?

I started NBFC in October, 2019. During the pandemic, I was able to keep it afloat with zoom classes and maintained loyal members. The inspiration is my father, Hank Laubacher who was diagnosed with PD in 2010. We noticed the need for a fitness program for the PD and neurological disease community in our area that was fun and engaging. I joined him for a few classes at Agoura Fitness and saw the profound positive effect it had on him and the other members.

Q. What is the philosophy behind your organization? Your mission statement?

A.Movement is Medicine. When faced with a Parkinson’s, neurological or central nervous system disease or impairment, it is essential to get out of your home at least 3 times a week to exercise, connect with others experiencing similar struggles and maintain an active social life. Give yourself the gift of health through fitness and community. You are never alone in your fight!

Q. What do you and your employees and/or volunteers enjoy most about their work?

A. The wonderful friendships and camaraderie shared amongst our members and coaches. Watching our fighters walk out of class with sweat on their brow, flush on their cheeks, smiles on their faces and a livelier pep in their step.

Q. Do you have a special message to share with the neighborhood or community?

A. Please share our service to anyone local you know who could benefit from joining our program! We are also always looking for volunteers to assist in classes and to help perform assessments of our members. Family, friends and caregivers are always welcome to participate with their Neuroboxer. We will also be offering general boxing and kickboxing classes open to anyone!

Q. Can you share a funny or interesting story about your organization? How do you make your workday fun?

A. At NBFC we are major music lovers. Our playlists make the classes super entertaining and motivating! A few of our members are musicians and have worked in the music industry so we get special treats from them when they show up with a playlist. We also love to use our voices, as those living with PD can struggle with projecting their speech. Mike, T Rex, loves to make some noise while doing our high kicks and always gets the group cracking up. Eric loves to dance and sing along to the music, giving his buddies high fives and doing flex offs which keeps the laughter going.

Q. Where can people contact you in order to volunteer or get involved?

Visit our website: www.neuroboxingfightcamp.com
Venmo: @neuroboxingFC
Zelle: 805-223-6955 Also our contact # to call or text
Email: [email protected]

DaVita Health Tour arrives in Ventura providing free health screenings with its mobile testing center.

Two company representative Bertha Avalos and Vicky Ramos volunteer their time to raise CKD. Photos by Richard Lieberman

by Richard Lieberman

The DaVita Health tour campaign has arrived in Ventura. DaVita Health specializes in Dialysis, a life sustaining- treatment for those living with end stage kidney disease. The specialized bus is designed to offer free health screenings and kidney care education to residents of the cities they visit. The DaVita health screening bus visited Ventura on Tuesday October 24, 2023, setting up shop at the Pacific View mall in Ventura.

The mobile testing center is on a yearly tour offering free screenings and kidney care education in communities across the U.S. The screenings are free and designed to raise awareness of risk factors that could lead to chronic kidney disease. The health screenings will consider obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney failure.

Testing at the mobile center will specifically test certain factors that are indicative of possible kidney disease. The health screening testing will administer: a fingerstick glucose test that will determine diabetes risk, a blood pressure test that will determine hypertension, body measurement testing to determine body mass index, also available is a blood draw to determine a more in-depth measurement of kidney function. A qualified nurse practitioner will review with the participant the details and the results of the screenings.

Bertha Avalos and Vicky Ramos Davita company representatives described the services offered by the company “we deal mostly with patients with kidney failure, and we provide dialysis services for patients,” “The tour bus is a once-a-year event” Avalos said. “This is a totally free service and not intended to bring business into our clinics, but it is to serve the community” she added. DaVita maintains many full-service dialysis clinics all over Southern California. “This program is designed to offer kidney awareness to the community”, Avalos added. The tour bus is in action from September through November each year. “It’s a full nationwide tour, the tour started in Colorado then heads to California and proceeds from Georgia to Michigan and the tour will end around the week of Thanksgiving.”

Both Avalos and Ramos are part of the local team in California and volunteer to cover the tour in the local area. Avalos is the regional operations director for Ventura County and Ramos manages a Davita clinic in Moorpark. The bus can service around thirty residents a day, but numbers differ depending on the community they are in. “The biggest point to make is we are trying to spread awareness to our community members. So that they know what kidney disease is and that they take the steps that are needed to try and preserve their kidney function,” she stated. Avalos also said “We are trying to do our best to spread awareness within the community.

Closure of five blocks of historic downtown

Main Street Moves has been extended to July 2024.

In May of 2020, city staff, in partnership with the Downtown Ventura Partners, presented a proposal to City Council to allow for a temporary, 30-day closure of five blocks of historic downtown Main Street to vehicular traffic to allow for outdoor dining and shopping in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot project was a resounding success and provided a financial lifeline to many Ventura businesses.

Through a series of Council actions, Main Street Moves has been extended to July 2024. During this two-year period, various studies will be completed to determine the feasibility of a permanent, 24/7 street closure (Pedestrian Mall). Periodic updates to the community and Council will be forthcoming as studies are completed.

October 16, 2023 – City Council provided staff direction for the next steps with Main Street Moves, including continuing with the full closure while the environmental studies are complete, finalizing the parklet design guidelines, and creating a mechanism to transition the program liability from the Downtown Ventura Organization (DVO) to the City. Staff Report (PDF)

June 26, 2023 – City Council waives a second reading and adopts the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Buenaventura, amending Chapter 16.350 of the Municipal Code to provide regulations prohibiting the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and other vehicles within Main Street Moves, and adding limitations on the use of any such vehicle on public rights-of-way and within shopping centers. Staff Report (PDF)

The work appears to be progressing as planned

42” diameter pipe was pulled under the Ventura Harbor.

by Patricia Schallert

On November 4th, the 42” diameter 1,450 foot long black pipe that was stretched down Anchors Way was pulled under the Ventura Harbor from Anchors Way to Marina Park. The 42” casing pipe below the Harbor, and the 20” outfall pipe below the ocean, are being constructed by Horizontal Directional drilling (HDD). With the 42” casing pipe now pulled in, the HDD work below the Harbor is completed.

The next step is to insert 4 smaller pipes (called product pipes) inside of the 42” casing pipe. The smaller pipes include the 20” outfall pipe, 2 new 10” sewer force main pipes to replace the existing aging Pierpont Lift Station, and a new recycled water line to irrigate Marina Park.

The contractor’s plan is to assemble these pipes in Marina Park and pull them back to the Anchors Way side of the project. Originally those pipes were going to be stretched along Anchors Way just like the 42” pipe, but the contractor has found a way to perform the work from inside the soundwall at Marina Park to reduce the impact on Anchors Way. This work will be completed in the coming weeks.

The HDD work under the seafloor is still on-going. The initial pilot bore hole has reached more than 4,000 feet offshore and the tip has “poked” out on the seafloor in about 55 feet deep water. This occurred on Nov 8th. The work appears to be progressing as planned and the next step is to connect the pilot bore head to the barge which can be seen from the shoreline in Ventura. There will be drilling equipment on the barge to assist with the upcoming work to enlarge the bore hole by a reaming process.

The onshore segment of the work is expected to start soon as well. That work will be along Anchors Way to Schooner, then on Schooner Dr., and finally along Harbor Blvd to south of Spinnaker Dr. When all the work is completed the 20” outfall pipe will be connected from the City’s Water Reclamation Facility south of the Harbor to the end of the outfall pipe more than a mile offshore.

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) honored distinguished donors and volunteers

Assemblymember Steve Bennett presented with “Environmental Champion” award.

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) honored distinguished donors and volunteers at its annual Supporter Spotlight event on Friday, November 3rd. Ventura Land Trust supporters joined the VLT Board of Trustees and staff members for happy hour and dinner while celebrating the 2023 VLT accomplishments and community impact.

The Environmental Champion Award was presented to Assemblymember Steve Bennett, representing California’s 38th district. Early in his career, Assemblymember Bennett co-authored the Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR) initiatives that have made Ventura County a national leader in land-use planning. As a legislator, Bennett focuses on renewable energy, supporting children in the foster care system, and improving access to resources for farmworkers and Ventura’s homeless population. He has continually been a champion for environmental causes and shows his commitment by protecting open spaces and his work with VLT. In 2023, he focused on raising environmental awareness by securing funding for trail improvements in California Assembly Bill 411. With Assemblymember Bennett’s support, VLT received a grant of $7.2 million dollars that is being used to prepare Mariano Rancho for opening to the public, as well as other capital needs at Harmon Canyon Preserve.

VLT also honors Heidi and Mike Whitcomb for their significant contributions towards the 20th Anniversary Gala held on October 14th 2023. Heidi and Mike chaired the gala committee and were pivotal in the planning, design, and execution of an event that pushed VLT’s boundaries in terms of sophistication and scope

Recognition was also provided for volunteer Michael Connolly. Volunteering as a VLT docent at Harmon Canyon Preserve (HCP) since December 2021, Michael has dedicated over 550 hours of service to VLT,

consistently going above and beyond his docent role by actively participating in VLT events.

“As a community-based organization, VLT is only able to accomplish the work we do thanks to the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and community members at large,” said VLT Executive Director Melissa Baffa. “We are so grateful for the hard work and dedication of Michael Connolly and the Whitcombs – their volunteerism and broad support have made a huge difference at VLT. And where to start with Assemblymember Bennett? His decades of activism and leadership in the environmental arena have helped to preserve the quality of life for residents of Ventura County and surrounding regions. The funding he helped to secure for VLT is a game changer, allowing us to get a tremendous amount of work done in a short time and to open the 1,645-acre Mariano Rancho preserve to the public much sooner than we would have otherwise. It’s not just a gift to VLT – it’s a gift to the community and the native plants and animals that call this area home.”

VLT staff and board members expressed their gratitude for the dedication of all of the organization’s passionate volunteers and generous donors for supporting Ventura Land Trust, as well as Topa Topa Brewing Company, Ventura Spirits, and Himalaya for sponsoring the special event. Those interested in learning more about volunteering, donating, or becoming a member should visit the VLT website at venturalandtrust.org

Ventura Land Trust · 3451 Foothill Rd, Suite 201,

The Inaugural Ventura Women’s Conference: A Triumph of Empowerment, Connection, and Giving Back

Shannon Vasquez making opening remarks and introduction of Monica White, CEO of Food Share.

by Janie Tran

On the memorable day of October 21st, the first annual Ventura Women’s Conference lit a beacon of inspiration and success. In a world where women uplift each other, this event was a testament to the power of unity, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to giving back.

The day commenced with a delectable breakfast, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. As attendees savored their meals, they were already forging connections with like-minded women who shared a common purpose – to empower and be empowered. The best part? The proceeds from the breakfast went to benefit Food Share, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in the community.

The heart of the conference beat with motivational activities that stirred the spirits of all present. The energy in the room was palpable as women embraced challenges, celebrated their achievements, and discovered new horizons. It was a day of personal growth and transformation, and it was all in support of a great cause.

However, the true essence of the event lay in the connections made. In the world of business and personal development, networking is invaluable, and the Ventura Women’s Conference provided a platform for women to connect, exchange ideas, and find support from their peers, all while contributing to the noble cause of helping those in need through Food Share.

The crowning jewel of the day was the lineup of inspirational speakers who graced the stage, each sharing their unique journey and wisdom. At the center of it all was the keynote speaker, the remarkable Laura Diaz. Her words resonated with the audience, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be present. And as a part of this remarkable event, Laura Diaz also emphasized the importance of making a positive impact on the local community.

The first annual Ventura Women’s Conference was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of the strength, resilience, and unity of women. It served as a reminder that when women support women and come together to benefit organizations like Food Share, incredible things happen. This inaugural event was a resounding success, igniting a spark that will continue to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of all who attended. The Ventura Women’s Conference is a testament to the power of community, the boundless potential of women, and the profound impact of giving back to those in need.