Category Archives: Home Page Links

CAPS/KPPQ – Spotlight on DJ of the Month – Pam Baumgardner

Pam launched VenturaRocks.com in 2009 to support Ventura’s music scene.

Pam Baumgardner is host/DJ/producer of the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour airing at 5pm on Tuesdays and Fridays and again on Sunday at noon on KPPQ 104.1 fm and streaming on myTuner. With a degree in radio and TV broadcasting from Fullerton, she began her career as Stephanie Rose at KEZY/KPZE out of Anaheim, then moved to Ventura in 1988 for a job at KZTR.  She earned her Program Director stripes converting KXBS radio (The Bus) from oldies to alternative rock. She worked at KHTY in Santa Barbara as well as at KBBY in Ventura.

She launched VenturaRocks.com in 2009 to support Ventura’s music scene and running a website to support local artists and writing the Music Scene column for the Ventura Breeze. Pam produced VenturaRocks at CAPS, a half hour music TV show highlighting local artists such as Crooked Eye Tommy, Medicine Hat, Shaky Feelin’ and others. When KPPQ launched she jumped onboard enthusiastically and created The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour, one of the first locally produced shows back in January of 2017 that highlights local artists out of the 805 as well as artists who come to our county to play. The show has many faithful listeners from across the county and the nation. She joined CAPS Media’s Board of Directors and continues to be a true champion of both community radio and tv.

Pam says, “It was my favorite thing in the whole wide world listening to my favorite artists and bands on the radio growing up, and to be able to do that over the span of almost forty years has certainly been a privilege.”

Pam joined the KPPQ crew with a wealth of experience that she has generously shared with other DJs at the station. In the past six years CAPS staff members, directed by Elizabeth Rodeno, have trained more than 100 local DJs and produced hundreds of hours of original programming on KPPQ. Unlike Pam, many of her fellow DJs had very little or no prior experience in creating radio programming. All the KPPQ DJs share Pam’s enthusiasm for the CAPS Media community of voices.

July marked the reopening of CAPS Media Center to current members. In the fall CAPS Media Center will expand training and access to members of the public who become new CAPS members. As a kickoff, in the coming months, the CAPS crew is planning an Open House, where the public will be invited to drop by and take a tour of the Center including the video studio, editing stations, and KPPQ radio station. The knowledgeable CAPS staff will give brief overviews and demonstrations on the multiple CAPS gear. At the daylong event, guests will learn the benefits of becoming a CAPS member and how to utilize the full extent of the CAPS Media resources and staff expertise. More information on the Open House will be provided in the coming weeks on the CAPS website at capsmedia.org, on KPPQ, on social media, and elsewhere.

CAPS Membership will be open to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Ventura. The annual membership fees are currently $40 for an individual or $100 for a nonprofit organization.

The Rotary Club of Ventura issues $66,000 in grants

Each non-profit grant recipient is making a significant impact.

Twenty-one local non-profits attended the weekly Rotary meeting to extend their gratitude for $66,000 in grants issued through their Julius Guis Memorial Rotary Foundation (JGMRF). About half of the funding for the grants comes from the Rotary Club of Ventura 4th of July Fireworks held annually on the grounds of Ventura College. Grant applications are solicited throughout the city of Ventura in February each year. The JGMRF committee is comprised of five past presidents of the Rotary Club of Ventura. Each non-profit grant recipient is making a significant, positive impact that aligns with Rotary International’s focus to promote peace, fight disease, save mothers and children, support education, protect local economies, and protect the environment.

The Rotary Club of Ventura meets Wednesdays at Noon at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – locally and globally.

 

Ventura’s Annual Street Fair & Parade

Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons were all welcome at the parade. Photos by Janie Tran and Shirley Lorraine

The City of Ventura’s 46th annual 4th of July Street Fair & Pushem-Pullem Parade was held on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Ventura’s Downtown District.

The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, began at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continue into the Street Fair in Downtown Ventura.

This year’s Street Fair featured artisan vendors, a car exhibit, food trucks, live entertainment, a kids’ activity area, and more.

A complimentary Bike Valet, courtesy of the City of Ventura Transportation Division and Bike Ventura, was located at the corner of Main St. and Chestnut St.

The Classic Car Exhibit featured over 80 beautiful vehicles. Live entertainment, included local bands and community group performances were enjoyed by the large crowd of attendees.

Ventura’s Annual Street Fair & Parade

parade2
parade3
parade4
parade6
parade5
parade1
parade2 parade3 parade4 parade6 parade5 parade1

 

The city’s first-ever drone show to highlight X Games

Drones are much more pet-friendly than fireworks.

400 drones will take flight on July 20, 21, and 22 to amaze and dazzle Ventura community members and X Games fans for the city’s first-ever drone show. The show is presented by Visit Ventura, in partnership with Go Drones, and will include 3D images to celebrate the X Games in Ventura. 

Offering community members something fun, free, and sustainable they can participate in has always been a priority — it’s a happy coincidence that the Visit Ventura Drone Show fits all three categories.  

“It’s going to be amazing to see 400 drones light up our sky,” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura. “So much of the X Games is a celebration of Ventura, our beach town community. We’re excited to bring everyone together for such a cool event that’s also eco-friendly.” 

Drone shows are entirely customizable to the event unlike other air spectacles. Because each drone is individually illuminated, virtually any image created on a computer can be replicated in the sky during a drone light show. 

At the size of a football field and a half, viewers can see the show up to five miles away depending on weather. Coupled with 3D imagery in the sky, the Visit Ventura Drone Show will immerse viewers like nothing else the community has seen before. 

Not only are drone shows a beautiful spectacle in the sky, they are also more eco-friendly than fireworks. Drone shows eliminate fire concerns and other negative impacts on the environment. Plus, they are much more pet-friendly than fireworks; there are no loud booms during the show that would upset animals. 

“In the dance of innovation, Go Drone Shows is excited to collaborate with the visionary spirits of Ventura and the X Games to continue to push the envelope of sustainable entertainment, uniting adrenaline and artistry in an unforgettable partnership,” said Eddie Fernandez, VP of Business Development at Go Drones. “Each show will be different from the night before, telling a story that is authentic to the story and spirit of both the X Games and Ventura. We look forward to bringing this unique experience to such a historic event.”  

The Visit Ventura Drone Show will last approximately 15 minutes and will occur Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at around 8:45 pm during the finals weekend. The drones will launch behind Ventura City Hall on Thursday and beyond Surfers Point beach on Friday and Saturday. 

Thursday night’s drone show directly follows the free, all-ages community event in Downtown Ventura. The Kickoff Skate Jam on July 20 will transform the intersection of Main and California streets into a unique, fan-friendly obstacle course and include music, X Games athlete meet and greets, and other family-friendly activities. 

Ventura Avenue Adult Center Programs

Lunch is served at the Adult Center for a suggested donation of $3.

by Carol Leish, MA

The Ventura Avenue Adult Center offers classes, drop-in activities, the Westside Café Senior Nutrition Program (It is a delicious and nutritious lunch with a variety of food.)

And a variety of free and affordable programs and services for people over the age of 60. Janine Cobian is the Recreation Supervisor. Tom Musgrove and Cheryl Bucklin are Recreation Coordinators.

Drop-in activities, which are free, include Bridge (Mondays from 9 am-11:30 am); Bingo (Fridays 12:30 pm-2:30pm); and, Sewing (Thursdays from 10 am-Noon). Gardening, which is at Kellogg Garden in Ventura, is also free. Free computer classes focus on various things, such as: basic use of the computer; using email; and, using the Word program are from 8am-Noon on Tuesday’s and Thursdays. Free ping pong games occur on Wednesday’s from 1 pm-2 pm if enough people want to play at a time.

Exercise classes, including Tai Chi and Bone Builders have a reasonable price range and a waiting list of people who want to take the classes. Ballroom Dancing, also for an affordable price, is offered Wednesday’s from 10 am-11 am. An Acrylic Class, for 4 weeks on Wednesday from 1 pm-2:30pm is for $150. For more information about various programs and availability of classes, please call: 805-648-3035

Janine Cobian has been working for the City of Ventura as a Recreation Supervisor for the Senior Services Section for 18 years.

“The City of Ventura, with a collaboration with Stiix Billiards, enables Ventura residents 60 years old and older to play billiards for free. Stiix Billiards is located at: 2520 E. Main St. phone number is 805-641-2020. According to Cobian. “ All Ventura residents over age 60 must do is show that they are residents of the City of Ventura in order to play.”

For fun activities and a good meal at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, come by Monday-Friday between 9 am-3 pm. The address is: 550 N. Ventura Ave. Ventura, CA 93001. The phone number is: 805-648-3035. Look at the website at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/vaac.

Poster contest winners

Catalina Linn

The 2023 Ventura County Fair Youth Poster Contest Winning poster have been announced.

They are Catalina Linn of Westlake Village; 13 years old 1st place: Aarna Dalsania of Camarillo; 11 years old 2nd place: Briceida Lopez of Oxnard; 18 years old 3rd place.

The judges were:

Judging Panel: • Greg Wray – Rotary Club of Ventura & retired Master Illustrator for Disney • Neal Lassila – President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Ventura & 20-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company • Dr. Cesar Morales – Superintendent of Ventura County Schools • Chief Dustin Gardner – Ventura County Fire Department • Chief Darin Schindler – Ventura Police Department • Asst. Sheriff Andrew Salinas – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office • Mayor Joe Schroeder – City of Ventura • Carley Logue – Visual Communications Expert for the Department of Navy / Naval Base • Mark Spellman – Radio Lazer • Peggy Kroener – Ventura County Youth Department Superintendent.

Briceida Lopez

The poster will be used on merchandise, in advertising, and featured around the 2023 Ventura County Fair from August 2-13.

 

Celebrate 4th of July at Ventura’s Annual Street Fair & Parade

Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons are welcome at the parade.

It’s a celebration by the sea! The City of Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Ventura’s Downtown District.

The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continue into the Street Fair in Downtown Ventura. No registration is required.

This year’s Street Fair features artisan vendors, a car exhibit, food trucks, live entertainment, a kids’ activity area, and more. Attendees can also enjoy Downtown’s local shops and outdoor dining as part of Main Street Moves.

Both events are free to attend. Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons are welcome at the parade. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. A complimentary Bike Valet, courtesy of the City of Ventura Transportation Division and Bike Ventura, will be located at the corner of Main Street and South Chestnut Street from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Classic Car Exhibit will feature over 80 beautiful vehicles displayed on South Oak Street and South Palm Street from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Live entertainment, including local bands and community group performances, will take place at the intersection of California Street and Main Street.

Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/StreetFair for more details, including parking information and event maps.

For further event questions, contact Recreation Coordinator Allyson DesBaillets at [email protected] or 805-654-7749.

Ventura receives grant to improve Surfers Point

A combination of factors added to the problem over many years. Photos by Joseph Seemayer @jseemayerphoto

The city will receive $16.2 million to complete an old project to relocate the parking lot and crumbling bike path farther inland at Surfers Point. The California Coastal Conservancy approved the $16.2 million for the work. It is the second phase of a project that started well over a decade ago.

Surfrider started advocating for the project in the 1990’s. Paul Jenkin, Ventura campaign coordinator at the Surfrider Foundation stated “We are really happy to see that we are finally going to see it constructed.”

The project moves the publicly owned bike path and parking lot around 70 feet inland to prevent even more erosion.

A combination of factors added to the problem over many years. The project will go out for bidding later this year with construction expected to start in fall 2024.

Ventura police officers carry the torch for the Ventura County Special Olympics

The non-competitive, segmented run started at Ventura City Hall.

by Joseph Seemayer @jseemayerphoto

On Thursday, June 8, Ventura Police officers and staff participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run held from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The non-competitive, segmented run started at the steps of the Ventura City Hall located at 501 Poli St. Runners carried the Special Olympics’ Torch, also known as the “Flame of Hope,” through the streets of Ventura, passing it off to the Oxnard Police Department to continue the run throughout Ventura County.

“The Flame of Hope symbolizes a celebration of diversity and the spirit of Special Olympics athletes who remain committed to putting in the work to compete and represent their communities,” said Sergeant Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison with the Ventura Police Department. “I am so thankful to be part of Team Ventura PD, working together to raise funds and increase awareness and acceptance for these incredible athletes locally.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest awareness and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. In Southern California, it consists of nine different legs, spanning from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Legs are completed in conjunction with Special Olympics athletes and various members of law enforcement agencies from throughout the region.

Community members can support financially by making a donation to “Team Ventura PD” at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/LETR.

Patagonia held event to build community awareness to build Tomals

Alan Salazar: Chumash Tribal Elder, Mike Murray: Deputy Superintendent for Programs Channel Islands, Robert Schwemmer: Maritine Heritage Program Regional Coordinator, Harry Rabin: Field Advisor “Heal the Ocean”

by Patricia Schallert

Tomol Paddlers

A free event was presented at Patagonia on June 15. Patagonia served food and drinks and their main focus was on building community awareness with a plan to build two Tomal canoes, and what that means to the Tataviam and Chumash Communities in Ventura. Patagonia also held a screening of the documentary “Chumash Powered” along with a fundraiser around the Tomol canoe builds.

Chumash tribal Elder Alan Salazar presented his life as a storyteller. As a Chumash Elder Alan Salazar, tells stories about his Chumash and Tataviam ancestors to anyone who will listen. He spoke about traditional plank boat building techniques to guests of Patagonia.

In his stories, Salazar, echoes words spoken by his Native American ancestors: tales of a grandmother oak, and the Sky Coyote, a rainbow bridge and how his Chumash and Tataviam tribes came to be. He presented his family story of the Tataviam and Chumash families who were brought to the San Fernando Mission around 1803 and he presented a lively explanation on the close extension of Indian tribes and Tomol paddlers crossing the channel to Santa Cruz Island.

Alan Salazar Chumash Tribal Elder blessing the audience

In his stories about the Tomol paddlers he reflects: “The Tomol comes to life in the dark of night and she helps connect her paddlers to one another, sensing energy even in pitch black waters as it crosses the channel to Santa Cruz Island.” A Tomol canoe is a “Plank Ocean canoe” and two will be built in Ventura. The Tomol is traditionally made of redwood logs, large enough to build a canoe. Using traditional tools, it will be hollowed out carefully by removing the inner wood, leaving the outer layers intact to form the canoe. The exterior of the hull will be carved into a shape that will be streamlined and seaworthy with the crossbeams providing support and strength. Finishing touches of smooth sanding on the Tomol canoe surfaces will seal it and make it waterproof for crossing the channel. Traditionally Chumash people used natural materials like tar and pine pitch to seal the canoe and make it watertight.

Hundreds of years ago, the native island Chumash traveled these ancient waters for hunting, fishing, and trading.