Brook, Michael and Lavender with their hard-working non-union goats. Photos by Bill Green

Ventura Brush Goats recently delivered 70 weed eating goats to the vacant lot behind the Golden China Restaurant next to Highway 101 at Seaward to remove fire-fuel brush and invasive plant species. The herd arrived on Friday, June 28th and will remain for several weeks. The site is for a future hotel.

Owners Michael and Brook Leicht said, “Goats can often be the best method for clearing land, whether it is for fire mitigation, soil improvement, or invasive plant removal. They can clear steep slopes that are difficult and dangerous for humans to traverse and will happily devour poison oak and thistles.”

Goats trim the skirts of trees up to four feet off the ground, effectively preventing “canopy” fires, and once the goats are on-sight, there is no need for loud and fuel intensive heavy machinery or toxic chemicals.

This is especially beneficial on this site because any run-off would quickly make its way to the Pacific Ocean. Mob grazing with goats can help prevent storm water run-off; their hooves make thousands of cups in the soil that catch water and slow it down. The beneficial microbes in their gut inoculate the soil with healthy microbial activity via manure which improves soil health and encourages “better” weeds with a more fibrous root structure to thrive rather than persistent tap-root plants like invasive mustards and mallow. The fibrous-rooted plants create more humus which allows the soil to hold more water over time, further preventing surface run-off and combating drought.

Ventura Brush Goats uses portable solar electric nets to keep predators out and goats targeted in a specific area. The herd is transported in a large 32’ long livestock trailer that doubles as shelter and hospital pen. Their hooves are trimmed every 2 months. Other than their free-choice mineral supplement, they require no food except weeds!

Michael went on to tell the Breeze “We are a family owned weed abatement and soil improvement service based in Ventura County. We graze fire-breaks and eliminate invasive brush while restoring natural fertility with our goat herd.”

“For us, the Thomas fire was a call to action.  We had been raising a couple of dairy goats to provide for ourselves and our then-two-year-old daughter; we saw firsthand how they quickly dispatched of the brush in their paddock, and in the first days of 2018 with ashes still in the air we decided take the leap and learn how to holistically manage a large grazing herd.  Our herd will total about seventy animals and we expect to grow to approximately one hundred in the spring of 2020. “

“Because of their practicality, cost-effectiveness, ecological sustainability and downright fun, our family has become very passionate about working with goats to clear brush and improve soil! Check out our ‘Ventura Brush Goats’ Facebook page, https://facebook.com/venturabrushgoats/ for occasional fun goat facts and pictures. Look for more pictures and informative content on our website: http://www.venturabrushgoats.com/ “

The Williamson family, Trisha, Matt and John has created a legacy of learning .

by Shirley Lorraine

Educating the young is a passion for the John Williamson family. Their commitment to teaching has enriched the Ventura Unified School District in many ways. Meeting with Trisha and son Matt, it was clear their eyes shone brightly as they spoke of their teaching paths and of their family’s chosen profession. According to Matt “sometimes a career direction finds you, rather than the other way around.” That appears to be true of the Williamsons.

John spent many years as an administrator in private schools before he undertook securing his teaching credential. When he did, he was off and running. For the next ten years John served as a math teacher at ATLAS elementary school in Saticoy. This setting proved to be an excellent match, as his fourth and fifth graders enthusiastically attest.

Sadly, life rarely goes as planned. In November of 2018, John was given a cancer diagnosis. As John was treated and doing his best to overcome the disease, son Matt was asked to substitute in his father’s fifth grade math class. Matt was instantly dubbed Mr. 2.0, a role that he took on eagerly. He wanted, above all, to provide continuity for his father’s students during such a trying time. “I want to make a difference like dad. That is very important to me, to continue the legacy that he began.”

When John passed away in March of 2019, Matt vowed to return quickly to the classroom. “It’s all about the relationships” Matt declared. “Up until the last few days, dad still talked about the kids. They meant everything to him.” Indeed, the kids felt the same about John. While he was a home on hospice, the kids decorated his sidewalk with colorful chalk art and messages to buoy his spirits.

Trisha, having just celebrated her 31st year of teaching at Portola Elementary, found Matt’s willingness to step into John’s shoes inspiring. Along the way she and Matt both earned their master’s degree, albeit at different institutions.

Both teaching fifth grade this year, Trisha and Matt have experienced a sense of comfort in being able to share classroom resources, techniques and trials as they coped with John’s illness. They agreed that these similarities helped them considerably to redirect their thoughts and gave them both an opportunity to emotionally refocus, which they both sorely needed.

When asked what advice she would give to students desiring to become teachers, Trisha replied “you’ll have your plans and then you must expect those plans to be changed.” “Always be flexible” stated Matt. “It’s (teaching) one of the few professions in which you can reinvent yourself every school year” added Trisha.

The Williamson family has created a legacy of learning that enriches not only the students, but the school district and themselves. The Williamson motto seems to mirror Trisha’s statement “if you love it, do it.”

Photos by Michael Gordon

Once again, the Ventura Family YMCA hosted the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, an event that seeks to break the record for largest Swim Lesson Worldwide. The 2018 WLSL event included almost 45,000 participants from 26 countries.

Tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world united for the tenth year in a row to make noise that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™ A global event.

A solitary Giant Lupine stands over the southern end of California’s Carrizo Plain National Monument. Photo by Dan Holmes

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer
(@MaryannRidiniSpencer)

Ventura Land Trust is inviting all amateur and professional photographers to submit original nature photographs for consideration in the 2019 Ventura Land Trust Nature Photography Contest and Exhibit. The contest, which began in May, will run through July 13, 2019.

“Ventura is home to spectacular seascapes, stunning wide-open spaces, and unique wildlife,” said Ventura Land Trust Development and Marketing Director, Adrienne Stephens. “We decided to hold a contest because we felt capturing nature’s beauty through the work of local photographers is a creative and fun way to highlight Ventura Land Trust’s mission to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife, and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations.”

The contest, the first of its kind for the Land Trust, encourages individuals to explore Ventura’s natural beauty with their camera, whether it’s in their backyard or a public space. Entrants can submit up to three original nature photographs of wildlife, landscapes or scenic beauty by July 13. There is a $20 per person entry fee.

The esteemed panel of judges for the contest include Dan Holmes of Ventura, a professional freelance photographer, California Master photographer, and PPC Certified Image Competition Judge; George (Hutch) Hutchinson of Westlake Village, an accomplished amateur photographer and longstanding member of Photographic Society of America; Sherron Shepard of Ventura, an accomplished photographic artist, PPA Master Photographer, and PPC Certified Image Competition Judge; and Luisa Hyatt of Santa Barbara, art curator for Rincon Brewery.

Final judging for the contest will occur between July 14 and 16, and all finalists will be informed by email. Submissions will be judged on subject, composition, framing, lighting, and overall “wow” factor. All Finalist and Winner photos will then be publically announced at an Opening Reception on September 5 to be held at Rincon Brewery, 4100, Telegraph Road, where the images will be exhibited (and available for sale) from September 5 through November 30, 2019.

“Ever since my childhood, when I would pour over the beautiful photos in National Geographic, I’ve loved nature photography. I’m so excited that the walls of Rincon Brewery will soon be covered with the Land Trust’s contest winners. It will be a beautiful sight!” said Stephens.

For complete contest information, and to download the application, go to venturalandtrust.org and click on the Photography Contest tab. For more information, contact Adrienne Stephens, [email protected] or (805) 643-8044.

The festival draws thousands annually to Ojai.

Lavender magic returns for the 16th year as Ojai festoons herself in fragrant, purple glory to celebrate an especially bountiful and breathtakingly beautiful season of local lavender. While drought and fire affected last year’s crop, Mother Nature has been most tender with temps and generous with rain in 2019 to produce a banner year for the versatile herb.

Always held the last Saturday in June to coincide with Ojai’s peak lavender bloom Festival will be Saturday, June 29th, 10am-5pm at Libbey Park. The festival draws thousands annually to Ojai for a family-friendly day of art, music, food, games, speakers, prizes and over 100 vendors offering a wide array of lavender and lavender-inspired products, including oils, vinegars, honey, aromatherapy and beauty products, culinary items, candles and of course plenty of freshly cut, dried and potted lavender. Local shops, restaurants, wineries, breweries, java cafes and overnight accommodations love to participate in the lavender celebration, too, and many feature unique lavender items and sales specials.

The sober side to this exciting event is that 2019 will be the final festival, at least as of the moment of this writing. The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival (OVLF) committee – tiny but fierce – has produced this incredible event for 16 years. The all-volunteer team lead by Executive Director Neil Friedrichsen, President Cindy Mullins and Vice President Joy Brown, is ready to retire. Yes, it’s a lot of work but it brings so much joy to so many. Hopefully another group or organization will step up and assume the lavender mantel to carry the festival into the future. Interested? Please contact Cindy Mullins at www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org to learn more.

Start with a 10:00 am performance by musician Richard Kaller on Libbey Park’s front patio. The all-day music lineup at the gazebo will feature the Old Time Fiddlers, District 8 at 10:00 am; Hal Waite and the Gaddis Boys at 11:15 pm; Lynn Mullins and Coyote Creek at 12:30 pm; Smitty and Julija at 1:45 pm, Cindy Kalmenson and the Lucky Ducks at 2:45 pm; and Jon Gindick at 3:45 p.m.

The festival speakers’ tent will present Renee Roth at 12:00 pm with “Greywater Reclamation,” and Amanda Mullins at 2:00 pm with “Make Your Favorite Foods Nutritious and Delicious.”

Art, including entries in the 2019 Ojai Valley Lavender Festival Art Contest, will be on display and for sale in the festival’s art pavilion.

OVLF’s popular Passport Game will offer fun, adventure and plenty of chances to win great prizes donated by festival vendors.

Another favorite, local Frog Creek Lavender Farm will again join the festivities, offering farm visits with U-pick lavender at its Upper Ojai farm 10:00 am- 5:00 pm on festival day, June 29th, and 10:00 am-3:00 pm weekends through July. www.frogcreekfarmojai.com for directions and details.

As a nonprofit organization, the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival has long supported the community through scholarship awards and community grants. This year’s $2,500 OLVF David Mason Scholarship Award goes to Claire Hankins. Additional $2,000 OVLF Scholarship recipients are Karen Romero Sanchez, Angela Zirpolo, Aliyah Zweig and Giovanni Torres.

The free event offers free parking managed by Chief Peak 4-H, with complimentary parking shuttles run by HELP of Ojai. OVLF warmly thanks these organizations, as well as Ojai/Ventura Teen Challenge, Von’s, Ojai City Council, and OVLF’s many new and returning volunteers, vendors and festival guests, for helping to make the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival a joyful, memorable, and successful community event year after year. It’s been a really great romp through the lavender. Learn more at www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org

Local tattoo artist preps Nichole Franklin for a tattoo for the SNAFI fundraiser.

by Amy Brown

It’s 9:30am on a Sunday and there’s already a long line out the door at Roses and Rivets Gallery and Body Art studio in Santa Paula. Folks had been queued up for some time, waiting to be tattooed by Steph Sparrow at her second annual fundraising event for Still Not Asking For It (SNAFI), a tattoo flash fundraiser event for sexual assault and rape survivors. All proceeds go to organizations which aid in prevention, healing and justice of survivors. Ventura resident Sparrow was selected as the only tattoo artist in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties to participate in the national event, and she chose the Coalition for Family Harmony’s rape crisis center in Oxnard as the organization to receive the money raised from her efforts in the event.

Sparrow tattooed participants from morning into the night, and raised $2,200 for the Coalition, twice what she raised in the event last year. Flash events have pre-drawn tattoo designs relevant to the cause, and available at a reduced price.  Customers are tattooed on a first come, first served basis. “Word definitely gets around that I’m doing it, and it’s kind of intense, with hardly any time for bathroom breaks or to eat, it’s crazy!” said Sparrow.

She shared that she was expecting the crowds, but wasn’t expecting the number of people who also shared their own stories of rape or incest during the event. “The tattoo chair is always kind of a confessional, and I’ve had people tell me about their childhood abuse; it’s a really powerful thing,” said Sparrow. “Tattooing itself gives people the sacred space to own their own bodies; it’s such a powerful ritual. Tattooing did that for me. I’m honored that so many people came out to support the event, and to see so much money being donated to the Coalition.”

Nichole Franklin, a native of Ventura and currently residing in Santa Paula, was one of the first in line for the event. “Steph is a phenomenal artist, plus, she’s a pilot, has been a teacher and a musician—she’s basically my spirit animal,” said Franklin. “This is a great cause—all the events she does are great—but this one is a little more personal for me,” said Franklin, who chose a whimsical Stegosaurus tattoo design with the words “Don’t Touch” below it, in homage to the SNAFI cause.

“We’ve basically been waiting our whole lives for a woman-owned tattoo shop in this area,” said Morgan Williamson, as she waited patiently to get a cute baby porcupine design with “Don’t Touch” under it on her left forearm. When asked why she chose that design, she said “It’s an adorable way to get a little bit of closure, now I’ll be able to look down at something pretty.”

Sparrow who has been tattooing for 12 years, is essentially a modern Renaissance woman; with a PhD in Music Composition, she was also a former college professor, and currently holds a private pilot’s license, and is an avid long-distance runner on the Ventura trailheads. Opposing stereotypes comes with her territory and her brand. “Every single day is an exercise in combatting stereotypes,” she says of her shop, and being a woman-owned business, not to mention tattoos in general. “Tattooing is an outlet of self-ownership, and self-expression, and to be able to empower other people in that way in a safe space is a real honor.”

Every child was so excited and enthused about their experience.

n celebration of National Bicycle Month and Foster/Resource Family awareness month, two local nonprofits came together for a special day! Kids & Families Together and Bike Ventura.

Kids & Families Together is a local nonprofit who provides therapy and support services to kinship, adoption, foster, and birth families in Ventura County and Bike Ventura whose mission is to foster a safe, healthy community through bicycle-centered education, empowerment, and advocacy in Ventura County.

In partnership with Cross Pointe Church Ventura provided an amazing bike event for these kinship, adoption, and foster families. This event was created because a grandmother caring for a grandchild called Kids & Families Together, because of the age of her and her husband, there granddaughter, who was 8, didn’t know how to ride a bike and they didn’t feel comfortable teaching her.

Bike Ventura’s passion to educate the community on bike education and training was the perfect collaboration. With over 30 kids in attendance each child was given a free helmet, free bike repair, lessons on bike safety and how to ride, some or more seasoned riders were able to go on a bike ride around the neighborhood; practicing what they learned from the event.

Every child was so excited and enthused about their experience. Lunch was donated by Domino’s Pizza and Jersey Mikes. Cross Pointe provided many of the volunteers and blow up slides for the kids to have fun after the event. All in all, is was a great day where families could create fun memories and times together.

A couple of the favorite moments of the day was one girl who had her training wheels removed for the first time and was able to go on the bike ride around the neighborhood. Another was that one child was able to receive a free bike through Shelter Care Resources. By the end of the day each child had a huge smile on their face and was proud and confident in what they had learned and excited to keep learning how to ride.