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It takes a village

The River appreciates those who support them.

The River Community Church is certainly flowing through the City of Ventura these past six weeks during the Covid-19 pandemic. They have been the recipient of numerous donations from many local businesses, and just like a river, they are a channel to help those who are in need, especially food supplies.

As early as March 18, they have seen the arrival of a well-stocked kitchen from the Ventura Beach Marriott, so much, that they were able to share the abundance with the Ventura County Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army. Other downtown restaurants, such as Peirano’s Market & Delicatessen, Aloha Steakhouse, Palermo ~ Coffee and Gelato have shared their specialties with The River from hot meals to fresh chicken and salmon to gallons of milk. Their Food Pantry recipients often get blessed with fresh meat, especially since Sharon Parker of Main St. Meats has donated hundreds of turkey breasts and fresh or smoked chickens.

The River has seen donations from Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and The Berry Man along with those from neighboring Camarillo, such as Manhattan of Camarillo and Noah’s Bagels. Others who have made continuing donations to care for The River’s volunteers are Giddyup Group LLC, Missy’s Cupcake Creations and Water’s Edge. Water’s Edge provides 15 meals every day to The River. Many of Water’s Edge donations are passed on to the ladies at Tender Life Maternity Home or to the families at The City Center Transitional Living who are thrilled to receive such mouthwatering dinners.

Another community supporter to The River is Food Forward. They generously donate fresh produce twice a week, so those who are in need can stretch their food budget and pick up more than just canned goods. Other partners include Trader Joe’s (on Victoria), Ventura County Backpack Medicine plus several in the community who have given generous cash donations.

Jim Duran, Lead Pastor of The River Community Church, says, “It’s times like these (Covid-19) that you need people around you who are going to help. We are so blessed the community has stepped up and has partnered with The River Community Church to meet the needs of those suffering. We could not do what we do without our valuable partners.”

Over these past six weeks since the Stay-At-Home orders have been in effect, they have served over 600 families representing 1,697 people in Ventura. The River appreciates those who support them, so they can continue being a conduit of God’s blessings to reach the community and those in need.

For more information about The River Community Church, please visit their website at www.TheRiverCommunity.org or call the Church Office at 805-648-7955. They are located at 889 E. Santa Clara St. in downtown Ventura at the corner of Kalorama and E. Santa Clara Streets.

Help feed Ventura County foster/resource, kinship, adoptive families

After the first week, over 1,500 meals had been distributed.

Kids & Families Together (K&FT) is a nonprofit that serves foster/resource, adoptive, kinship, and birth families throughout Ventura County. K&FT works with children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, loss, and multiple placements. Caregivers are supported with specialized education, support, and strategies to help raise safe, healthy, nurtured children that thrive.

Having hosted and catered several events for K&FT, the owners at Rincon Brewery Ventura are well aware of the needs of the families served by K&FT. Many of these families were struggling prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, and with the growing economic impacts, needs for these families have escalated. When World Central Kitchen joined the team a fantastic community partnership was born.

Rincon Brewery reached out to WCK offering to re-open their Ventura restaurant to make a difference in the community.

Because K&FT serves families throughout Ventura County, the need became clear that some families, due to lack of transportation, could not get to Ventura to pick up meals. K&FT’s staff rallied again and established a delivery network to get meals to families that had no means to get there. These families, particularly Foster/Resource and Kinship Families, have opened their homes and hearts to Ventura County children and K&FT wants to be there to support them.

Meal distribution takes place six days a week (Monday – Saturday). Families receiving services from K&FT can receive meals each day for all members of the household. Meals are prepared on site at Rincon Brewery the day before and refrigerated overnight for the next day. Rincon Brewery’s Chef, Steven Stroh provides a daily message called the “love note” explaining what each dish means to him.

After the first week, over 1,500 healthy, chef-prepared meals have been distributed/delivered to families across the county. Response from families has been extremely positive!

To volunteer at the distribution site or make deliveries please sign up via this link, created with the help of Ventura County Fire Department. https://vcfd.galaxydigital.com/need/?agency_id=112680

Financial donations to support this effort can be made via this link. https://mailchi.mp/kidsandfamilies.org/mealdistribution

 LAUNCH Videos Premiere Online Week May 26, 27, 28 at 4:30 PM

See Kristie Steinlicht of Anacapa Middle School on her video.

Curated by Ventura Education Partnership (VEP), LAUNCH engages business, community and school leaders to come together during fast-paced, inspiring presentations from highly innovative Ventura Unified School District educators. During this unique gathering, public education supporters hear first-hand from passionate educators about how they connect with students to strengthen engagement and deepen learning.

In it’s second year, LAUNCH also raises funds to support grants for VUSD classrooms.

As with so many of our community events, this year’s LAUNCH, scheduled for March 12, had to be executed differently than planned due to COVID-19. President of VEP, Madhu Bajaj said, “We closed the program to a live audience with only a small, socially distanced group in attendance. Rather than postponing, we felt it was important to capture our amazing educators’ stories who had been working hard to prepare for the evening. We thank our courageous presenters who shared their stories in a most beautiful and compelling way.”

Thanks to a partnership with Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE) the evening’s presentations were captured on video by students and staff from the Digital Multimedia and Studio programs, lead by Rich Sigerist. These programs prepare students for careers such as graphic artist, video editor, camera operator, production assistant, and much more.

VEP invites the community to join us for the LAUNCH Video Premieres on Facebook. Each video is approximately 10 minutes and will feature the presenter available for comments and Q/A through chat. A strong theme that emerges is how the educator not only focuses on teaching content, but also the social emotional and varying needs of students so students can become empowered citizens in our community.

May 26 4:30 PM Cameron Crouch of Foothill High School

May 27 4:30 PM Petra McCullough of ATLAS Elementary

May 28 4:30 PM Kristie Steinlicht of Anacapa Middle School

“As we all look for inspiration and positive activities during this time, the LAUNCH Video Premieres are a quick and easy way to celebrate amazing educators and learn from their stories of classroom innovation,” said Bajaj.

LAUNCH is made possible by sponsors such as Aera Energy, Mountains 2 Beach Marathon, Fred Evans Team at Remax, FASTSIGNS of Ventura and many more.

For more information on this shared viewing experience please like Ventura Education Partnership on Facebook, visit our website www.venturaeducationpartnership.org or contact Madhu Bajaj (805) 754-9861.

Giving back to the local community

Denise Tyner, facility liaison at Ventura Post Acute receives the “Thank you VPA HEROES” sign from Cypress Place Senior Living.

Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura has a long history of giving back to the local community: whether it be collecting suitcases for kids in the foster care program, hosting an annual “Health & Wealth” expo geared towards seniors, creating a scholarship fund for local high school students wanting to pursue a college degree, hosting workshops on how to avoid senior scams, or honoring Veterans at their annual “Salute Our Veterans” event, the senior community is always looking to help.

Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus this year, and the subsequent stay-at-home orders, the senior community has had to cancel their annual “Health and Wealth” expo and “Salute Our Veterans” events for 2020.

But that hasn’t slowed the senior community from continuing to look for ways to reach out. Wanting to recognize local healthcare heroes, Cypress Place recently delivered a decorated thank you board filled with gift cards for nurses and staff at local skilled nursing facility Ventura Post Acute, to honor them during National Skilled Nursing Care week.

“Ventura Post Acute is on the front lines of protecting a very frail and at-risk population. The challenges they face are enormous and the work they do is vital,” said Steve Spira, executive director at Cypress Place. “We wanted to donate gift cards that they could raffle off to their staff, to show our appreciation, and hopefully brighten their day a bit.”

Recognizing the opportunity to also support another local business with the donation, Cypress Place purchased the gift cards from Café Ficelle, a popular, local family-owned business that has been greatly impacted by the virus and shelter-in-place order.

“We can’t thank Cypress Place enough for their sign of support for our nurses and staff,” said Denise Tyner, facility liaison at Ventura Post Acute. “Little things like this make such a big difference to keep everyone’s spirits lifted. And the photos of Cypress residents make it that much more personal.”

Cypress Place has delivered other signs of support, including to local hospital partners, and continues to look to be a positive force in the community.

“We are all in this together,” said Spira. “We are all just looking to get through it the best we can.”

Cypress Place Senior Living is a premiere senior community in Ventura County. The beautiful senior living campus features an Active Senior Living community and adjacent Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care community connected by a lushly landscaped courtyard.

To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

City of Ventura to allow limited access to parks and beaches

A limited amount of people and horses have beach access.

On Monday, April 20, 2020, the Ventura City Council unanimously voted to institute limited closures of Ventura’s beaches and parks. The City’s decision provides restricted access to its parks, beaches, the Promenade, and Pier in support of balancing residents’ physical and mental health while restricting non-essential activities.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere stated “We want to provide an opportunity for our community to enjoy our amazing resources in a socially-responsible manner while we continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Walking, hiking, jogging, running, or biking, is permitted as long as those engaging in these activities do not linger in any location. Sidewalks, walking paths, trails and tracks within all public parks are open for use as long as the public adheres to the social distancing requirements outlined in the “Stay Well at Home” order, set by the Ventura County Health Officer.

“We know the public desperately wants to bring their families to the beach or the park, but we’re not there yet,” said City Manager Alex McIntyre. “The limited closure access to City parks and beaches will continue as long as the public complies with social distancing rules and there are no group gatherings. Our intent is to provide community members with opportunities to enjoy healthy outdoor activities while continuing to maintain social and physical distancing. All parks have limited closures. We aren’t calling them “open”, we are staying consistent with the ordinance language, per CA’s office direction. To that end, people may use the parks for jogging, hiking, walking, running, but all playgrounds, courts, sport fields, parking lots, basketball courts, and restrooms are closed. Signs are up at each park reminding users what is allowed under a limited closure and that there is no laying down, sitting, or standing, it is active movement only.”

Playgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, restrooms, pools, courts, as well as sports and recreational fields will remain closed. Public gatherings, sitting, standing, fishing, or lingering on the sand will not be allowed. Limited access signage will be prominently posted around parks and beaches to remind the public to comply with physical distancing practices.

For the latest updates on impacts to the City of Ventura, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/COVID19. For public health information and updates happening in Ventura County, visit www.VCEmergency.com.

The significance of Denim Day

“We are aiming for a bigger and better movement for sure next year.”

by Mira Reverente

A group of local women took to the streets on April 29th to highlight Denim Day, a worldwide movement that culminated in Italy, in 1992.

An 18-year-old girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor. She reported the crime and the man was convicted and sentenced. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming the sex was consensual. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction and released the man. The Supreme Court contended that since the girl was wearing very tight jeans, it was consensual sex since she had to have helped him take them off.

This became known in Italy as the “jeans alibi.” The movement became known later on as Denim Day all around the world, bringing awareness to rape and sexual assault.

“Tight jeans is not consensual sex,” says Kelly Zirbes, a local activist and band singer from Oxnard. Zirbes led the nine-mile walk on April 29th with six other women, hoping to bring awareness to the cause.

Behavioral therapist Laurie Singer was also around to lend support to Zirbes and the movement. “I’ve seen some lonely and housebound people especially since the start of the lockdown – people with disabilities, for one,” says Singer, who practices in Oxnard. “They may be helpless, disconnected from others, living with their abuser and accepting assault or violence as the new norms.”

Sometimes, medical professionals such as Singer who are mandated reporters, are their only meaningful connections. “I make house calls if I have to. I don’t like to see any type of abuse,” she says.

On the community level, Zirbes is heartened by how the movement has taken off on college campuses. She remembers various types of denim hanging from clotheslines on some college campuses, and hopes to see more of this type of enthusiasm and support.

She says, “I think that is where we will be the most effective because it’s that age group of young women who may be preyed upon.”

Catchy slogans and marching women are effective too. Singer says, “People were honking at us, reading our placards and giving encouragement during our walk.”

Some have no idea what Denim Day is. “There’s still lots to do on the grassroots level,” says Zirbes. “Awareness is key.”

In the past, fundraisers have been held. The recent lockdown has put a damper on any large-scale ambitions, but there’s still next year.

“We are aiming for a bigger and better movement for sure next year, and hopefully beyond Ventura too” says Zirbes. “We need to get the word out for our daughters’ sakes and all the women in the world who may find themselves in the same situation.”

CAPS Media producing updates on COVID-19

Student Jacob Sommer from El Camino High School is part of the team.

CAPS Media Crews are working with Ventura City and County officials to produce ongoing COVID-19 updates for the community. In addition to helping facilitate coverage and streaming of City Council meetings from Ventura City Hall, CAPS crews are producing weekly updates by Ventura City Mayor Matt LaVere and collaborating with Ventura City Fire, Police and Public Works departments to provide the community with additional accurate information.

CAPS Crews are also on site for the Monday, Wednesday and Friday County updates by Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin and other officials. All of the updates are distributed on multiple social media platforms as well as translated for the Spanish speaking community. Rest assured that CAPS crew members are taking every precaution to be safe during this difficult time.

CAPS RADIO KPPQ 104.1 FM is very involved in the public COVID-19 information campaign. City Council meetings held on Monday evenings are rebroadcast on KPPQ on Wednesday nights at 10pm. CAPS RADIO is also rebroadcasting every County and City update the following day and reposting videos on CAPS Media’s Facebook page and other social media platforms.

KPPQ producers are creating video diaries and recording their shows from home including interviews with community members and leaders. The KPPQ productions extend beyond the borders with radio producer Mary Egan working in her home studio and sending audio updates from Sydney, Australia for airing on KPPQ.

Students in the El Camino high school at Ventura College program who are actively engaged in the ECTV immersive media program, recently won two national awards from ACM (Alliance for Community Media). In the Community Events category, ECTV won for an in-depth profile and interview by Eli Zarate and her ECTV crew with Ventura Deputy Mayor, Sofia Rubalcava at the first Va Por La Avenida at Kellogg Park. The second award, in the Entertainment and Arts Series category, was for a series of programs called Creative Community 2.0, which is a collaboration between host David Starkey, a teacher at Santa Barbara City College and the entire ECTV crew. During the COVID-19 crisis ECTV students are producing PSA and other messages that are broadcast and streamed on CAPS Media and rebroadcast on KPPQ.

Thanks to everyone who submitted projects to CAPS Media’s #VENTURASTORIES. CAPS is reviewing the submissions and will start rolling out selected stories in the next couple of weeks. Send CAPS your Story. Be creative, imaginative and informative. Make #VenturaStories a family project with videos of kids, pets, cooking, hobbies, sports, art, music, games, movie/book/tv reviews, exercise and more.

Or, if you know a health care worker, service person or neighbor you want to thank, #VenturaStories is a great way to do it. When you’re ready for your television premiere, submit your work of art to #VenturaStories at capsmedia.org/venturastories where you will find simple instructions on how to upload your video as well as production tips and additional information.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis the CAPS Media Center is closed to Member/Producers and the public until further notice. CAPS Member/Producers can submit programming via the online portal at capsmedia.org for broadcast and streaming on CAPS public access television Channel 6 and on CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.1FM.

All of us at CAPS Media hope everyone is Staying Safe and Healthy during this challenging time.

Ventura Pier provides meaningful memories

Wouldn’t you like your name here? Photo by Bernie Goldstein

Pier into the Future, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the historic Ventura Pier is offering permanent engravings on the granite panels at the entrance to the Pier for $175 through May 31, 2020. Beginning June1st the price will increase to $200. The engravings provide a meaningful way to honor a family or to memorialize a loved one.

“Our goal this year is to raise funds to provide increased security, graffiti removal and extra cleanings to ensure the Pier is safe and clean. Once the Pier is reopened, we look forward to welcoming residents back to a place that is safe and provides a sense of hope”, said Pier Into the Future Executive Director Jenise Wagar-Hernandez.

With the largest fundraiser of the year, Pier Under the Stars (normally held in October), cancelled this year due to Covid 19, Pier into the Future is hoping the community will consider having their name engraved on the Pier to help supplement the loss of revenue from the event. Pier Under the Stars- Ventura’s largest food and drink event- will take a year off and will return again on October 2, 2021.

Pier into the Future was founded by a group of dedicated community leaders, in partnership with the City of Ventura, to establish an endowment fund to maintain and enhance the historic Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. The organization has contributed over $811,000 to the City of Ventura over the last 27 years to enhance the Pier.

Please visit www.pierintothefuture.org or call 805.804.7735 for more information about pier engravings or other ways to support the historic Ventura Pier

Beyond video calls, helping seniors battle loneliness, boredom during social isolation

“I’m sure our grandkids will enjoy using our recipe books.”

by Maura Horton

There are more than 52 million Americans who are age 65 and older, and many of them are currently staying at home isolated to help reduce their exposure to coronavirus. Not being able to engage in normal activities like going to the gym, club meetings, out to eat with friends, shopping and visiting in person with family members can lead to boredom, loneliness and depression. Now that self-distancing has been recommended through the end of the month at least, it is going to take creativity to help older adults stay engaged and connected. Phone calls or family video chats are a great place to start, but even those can start to drag with everyone sitting at home and not really having anything new to discuss.

Now that everyone has been forced to slow down and has more free time at home, this is the perfect time to tackle projects that have been on the To-Do list for years but never seem to get done. For example, have grandparents and older members of the family share and create family mementos.

  • Write letters to kids or grandkids about things you’ve always wanted to say or stories you want to share.
  • Grandparents should dig out photos of their children when they were the ages of the grandkids. Show the grandkids these photos and then share stories about what their parents did when they were their age.
  • Set up virtual lessons for your kids or grandkids of things you always wanted to teach or they always wanted to learn but there was never time for – teach them how to knit or sew, give cooking lessons, share the wisdom and love of certain activities you may have.
  • Get out all your favorite family recipes and create a recipe book for your kids or grandkids.

You can also adapt activities you would normally do in person and find ways to do them virtually through video chats.

  • Play games virtually like checkers and tell your grandkids where to move the pieces.
  • Have dinner together. While you may not be able to visit a favorite restaurant or sit together at the same table right now you can get together on video chat and share a meal together virtually.

While it can be hard to be physically separated right now there are many ways that we can all still connect with each other. It just might take a little more creativity than jumping in the car or booking a reservation at the same restaurant you always meet at. Look at this time as a gift to do things you may normally never otherwise get to do together and turn challenging times into memories that will be cherished for years to come.

The Care Coach, is a voice of guidance and experience for caregivers. She was her husband’s primary caregiver during his decade long battle with early onset Parkinson’s disease. Follow Maura on social media @carecoachadvice.

 

 

Serenading those from balconies

Steve has played keyboard and accordion with a variety of bands in Ventura.

Steve likes to perform for seniors. The Ventura Townehouse entertains their residents by presenting live musicians several times a week. Because of the virus they can’t play inside as always so they have Steve Ormond, and others serenading them from outside.

They got creative and told residents to come outside so they could see live music from their balconies.

Steve has been an elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District for 31 years, always teaching the primary grades. Music has always been an important part of his classes as a method of teaching all subjects to his young students. A piano, accordion, guitar, ukulele, banjo, and plenty of rhythm instruments are always on hand.

For the last twenty years, he has played keyboard and accordion with a variety of bands in Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara County, including Dixieland, jazz, classic rock, Latin, folk and klezmer.

He stated “I have performed regularly at assisted living and memory care facilities throughout three counties. Performing for these residents is exceptionally rewarding for me. I can’t put a monetary value on the feeling I get from seeing people smile, tap their feet, dance or sing along—especially when performing for memory care residents.”

Samantha Crisp, Director of Marketing said “We love to be creative and keep up the residents love for music and I give Anne, our Activities Director credit for this genius idea. No one has ever done this before but the Townehouse. We love doing new things for our residents. We liken this to pulling a rabbit out of the hat for our residents. We do that more times than we can count.”