Category Archives: Home Page Links

CAPS Media Congratulates Sheldon and Summer Activities

Everyone at CAPS Media joins in congratulating and thanking Sheldon Brown for creating and publishing the Ventura Breeze for nearly two decades. The legendary, ever present and always smiling Sheldon, has been entertaining and informing our community with Ventura’s true Hometown Newspaper since October 24, 2007. “Neither snow (in Ventura … surf) nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays Sheldon and his loyal Breeze crew from completion of their appointed rounds.” Week after week, month after month, year after year, weathering economic hardships, pandemics and more, Sheldon has inspired and guided a dedicated crew of family members, friends, reporters, photographers, and other supporters to keep the presses and online publications rolling. “Sheldon – best wishes on your retirement from a true labor of love. We are certain the Breeze is in very capable hands, but we are equally certain there is only one Sheldon Brown.”

Additional kudos go out to CAPS producers for winning awards from the Alliance for Community Media. ACM recognized CAPS/KPPQ DJ Nadine Piche for “Ventura Vibe! Pride Ventura County 2023” as the Best of Community Events – Activism/Rallies Community Radio Program of the year. And high school students in the CAPS/ECTV program were honored for “Best of Informational Talk Show Series” with the team’s in-depth and engaging interview with Ventura County DA, Erik Nasarenko, hosted by Shayan Barati, recorded by an all-ECTV crew guided by their mentor Phil Taggart.

At this year’s WAVE Awards, Taggart’s “Arts in Exile” crew won a WAVE Award for Outstanding News/Documentary/Magazine Show – Community Production. WAVE, the Western Access Video Excellence, is a national network of TV and radio stations whose mission is to promote free speech and greater civic engagement through community media.

Currently CAPS crews are very busy covering graduation ceremonies for Ventura College and all VUSD high schools. The ceremonies are live streamed and then rebroadcast on CAPS channel 15 in the days that follow.

This summer the CAPS Digital Storytelling program is back in action for students ages 10-14 on July 15-19 and July 29-August 2. Guided by CAPS professional videographers and storytellers, the fast paced and engaging creative program features hands-on experiential learning in all aspects of media storytelling including story development, scripting, casting, staging, directing, camera operation, remote and in-studio production, graphic design, editing and more. Each week-long session runs Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 1:00pm at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road. The $250 fee includes five, 4-hour sessions, a one-year CAPS membership, CAPS Crew Member shirt, graduation certificate and a special Friday film festival for friends and family. Registration is open now at capsmedia.org.

Everyone is invited to visit the CAPS Media Center on the first Monday of each month at 6pm for an informal tour, info on CAPS membership benefits, and an overview of the creative resources including cameras, edit suites and production studio that are available at CAPS. Drop by and discover what CAPS has to offer.

CAPS Media manages and programs cable channels 6 (Public) and 15 (Education and Government), and CAPS Radio KPPQ, and manages the CAPS Media Center, at 65 Day Road, which is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12 noon to 8pm. All CAPS programming and schedules can be seen on CAPS’ newly updated website at capsmedia.org.

Housing Land Trust Ventura County receives grant to turn donated land into permanently affordable housing

Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC) has been awarded the U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible grant. The nonprofit will receive $25,000 in support of its mission to provide permanently affordable housing opportunities on donated land for those who contribute to the fabric of Ventura County’s economy and community. U.S. Bank created the Community Possible grant with the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to dream, believe, and achieve.

“This grant highlights the impact that private businesses can have on affordable housing,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Land Trust Ventura County. Linda also serves as CEO for Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, her guidance of which has helped to fund and commit to loans totaling $40 million since 2013, paving the way for 1,669 affordable units in Ventura County. “These funds help support Housing Land Trust VC’s mission, ensuring that affordable housing within Ventura County is accessible for all.”

The grant will provide resources to Housing Land Trust VC which will advance the organization, positioning it to acquire more land donations that will then become affordable homes. Land donations managed by Housing Land Trust VC have continued in their development including Casa de Carmen at the Oxnard Navigation Center being developed by Community Development Partners and Mercy House, which will provide 55 permanent housing units, 110 shelter beds and 24-hour supportive services for our community’s homeless population. In Thousand Oaks, a donated parcel will become Hillcrest Homes developed by People’s Self-Help Housing into nearly 80 affordable for-sale townhomes, creating an opportunity for home ownership for our community’s low-income to moderate-income individuals and families. The project is set to begin construction this year.

Housing Land Trust Ventura County is a Community Land Trust that seeks to identify and secure, through donation, undeveloped and surplus land to bring down the costs to develop affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents in Ventura County. The organization is governed by an 11-member all-volunteer Board of Directors led by Chair Alex Russell, CEO of Homes and Hope, Vice Chair Peter Lyons, Community Development Consultant, Treasurer Marni Brook of Women’s Economic Ventures, and Secretary Tracy McAulay with the County of Ventura. The Board also includes Bertha Garcia with VC Community Development Corporation, Retired City Planner MaryAnn Krause, AICP, Anthony Mireles with Laborer’s International Union Local 585, Maria Navarro of CAUSE, Stratis Perros from City of Simi Valley Environmental Services Department, Architect Mark Petit of Lauterbach & Associates, Architects, and Derrick Wada of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. Visit www.housinglandtrustvc.org to learn more about Housing Land Trust Ventura County and how donated land can help to bring more affordable housing to Ventura County.

Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2020 Housing Land Trust VC is helping to facilitate the development of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents of Ventura County by creating and maintaining permanently affordable single-family or multi-family residences through a community land trust. Housing Land Trust VC was created to address one of the County’s most common barriers to affordable housing – the high cost of land. As of September 2023, Housing Land Trust VC has received two parcels of land set to create 135 affordable apartments and homes in Ventura County.

Ventura Breeze founder recognized with city proclamation

Sheldon Brown (right) with Mayor Joe Schroeder at the May 14 ceremony.

On May 14, the city of San Buenaventura honored Sheldon Brown, publisher emeritus of the Ventura Breeze, with a city proclamation. Signed by Joe Schroeder, mayor of Ventura, the proclamation recognized Brown’s outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements as founder and leader of the Ventura Breeze newspaper. The proclamation also designated May 14 as “Sheldon Brown Day” in recognition of Brown’s “exemplary service, outstanding leadership, and enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”

City Proclamation signed by Mayor Joe Schroeder.

 

The California Fire Foundation helps Californians prepare for wildfires, supports fire victims and honors firefighters for May Wildfire Preparedness Month

Fire Foundation is launching a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin.

To mark May Wildfire Preparedness Month, the California Fire Foundation (www.cafirefoundation.org), the California-based non-profit that assists families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect, is helping Californians prepare for fire season, supporting fire victims, and honoring fallen firefighters across California.

To help Californians stay ready for a wildfire at any time, the California Fire Foundation has just relaunched its Firefighters on Your Side community preparedness program in multiple languages. The program aims to help Californians prepare their homes with defensible space, make a 5-minute evacuation plan, pre-pack essentials, and print a master checklist to ensure all family members are ready for an emergency.

While it has been a rainy winter in California, that does not necessarily mean fewer wildfires. The California Fire Foundation responds in real-time during any fire or disaster emergency to fund and offer Disaster Relief cards to support survivors. The Disaster Relief program brings immediate, short-term relief to victims of wildfires and natural disasters throughout California with a $250 gift card that allows survivors to purchase necessities. In 2023, the Foundation helped over 7,700 Californians by distributing DISASTER RELIEF CARDS worth over $595,000.

“Our typical wildfire season used to be July to October, but Californians need to stay prepared year-round,” said Brian Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation and President of California Professional Firefighters. “Community preparedness and raising funds are critical to our mission to support both residents and our firefighters and their families.”

In addition, to honor fallen firefighters and raise funds for the California Firefighters Memorial Wall Expansion project in Sacramento, since the wall has no more space to list the names of our fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation is launching a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin available to all donors who give a $125 or greater donation to benefit the Memorial Expansion. These memorial coins will be numbered 1-10,000 and available to honor any member of the fire service, past or present. You can select at checkout if you want your coin planted on-site at the Memorial in Capitol Park in Sacramento or saved as a keepsake. To preserve the memories of fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation also recently launched its Oral History Project to gather stories from families, friends, and colleagues.

Residents and businesses can PREPARE for fire season, SUPPORT victims, and HONOR California firefighters by:

      • Prepare your home with Defensible Space (Link)
      • Make a 5 Minute Plan (Link)
      • Pre-Pack Essentials (Link)
      • Print your Preparedness Checklist (Link)
  • SUPPORTING victims of California fires by helping to fund DISASTER RELIEF CARDS which provides fire victims $250 cash cards to buy necessities immediately after a fire or natural disaster..
  • HONORING firefighters with a new limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin available to all donors who give a $125 or greater donation to help expand the California Firefighters Memorial.
  • SHARING stories of fallen firefighters across California to help their legacy live on through the California Fire Foundation’s new Oral History Project. To share your story, leave a voicemail of your favorite memory at 916-883-3580.

Learn how to prepare for Fire Season & Natural Disasters at FirefightersOnYourSide.org. Learn more about the Memorial Wall Expansion and how to support at CAFireFoundation.org.

Know Your Zone: City of Ventura hosts community workshop to  educate residents on new Evacuation Plan

With a firm commitment to saving lives, the City of Ventura is spearheading efforts to ensure residents are well-informed about local evacuation procedures. Recognizing the complexity of the various hazards that could prompt evacuations in Ventura, the City has meticulously divided Ventura into 15 evacuation zones, considering factors such as hazard vulnerability areas, population density, and major thoroughfares.

To educate residents on the new evacuation plan, evacuation zones, shelter locations, and transportation assembly points, community members and business owners are invited to join Emergency Services Manager Mack Douglass for a community workshop on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Ventura Police Department, located at 1425 Dowell Drive in Ventura.

The workshop will cover information about the 15 designated evacuation zones, potential shelter locations and transportation assembly points.

“With Ventura’s unique geography, location, and limited ingress and egress routes, it is crucial for residents to be aware of their designated evacuation zones in case of an emergency,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “By empowering residents with the knowledge and resources needed to respond effectively, we can streamline evacuation processes and save lives.”

The workshop is just one part of the outreach efforts. Additional presentations will be made at neighborhood community councils, ensuring accessibility to all residents. These presentations will cover essential details and provide opportunities for questions and feedback.

Residents are invited to attend the following meetings:

  • East Ventura Community Council: Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
  • Downtown Ventura Partners: Thursday, June 27, at 9:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza

The Evacuation Plan was developed based on feedback from over 900 residents who completed the Emergency Preparedness Community Survey in 2023. Survey responses provided diverse insights on all-hazards evacuation preparedness, including familiarity with current evacuation routes, emergency shelters, transportation options, preferred communication methods, and overall readiness.

The completed Emergency Evacuation Plan is inclusive of diverse populations, recognizing the needs of individuals with visual or hearing impairments, chronic medical conditions, language barriers, disabilities, access, and functional needs.

For more information, please visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/EvacuationPlan.

A Majestic Sight To See, Tall Ship Mystic Whaler Sails Into Ventura Harbor Village

Adventure, Lore & More Await Visitors 

Make your Memorial Day plans to venture seaside to Ventura Harbor Village as the majestic Tall Ship Mystic Whaler makes its voyage into Ventura.

Made possible by Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation (CCOAF), the 110-foot schooner will make its journey up the Santa Barbara Channel along the California coast.

During its visit to Ventura Harbor Village, the ship will dock at Ventura Harbor Dock-C, (near Ventura Boat Rentals, in front of Brophy Bros and On the Alley restaurants) from May 23 – May 30, 2024, and coincides with Ventura Harbor Village’s ongoing Spring seaside events/activities throughout May. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/

Seeking some great outdoor excitement?  A tour of the boat is just the ticket!  Get ready for a host of Instagram-worthy experiences with a step back in time with a Deck Tour of the vessel from 1 – 5 PM on May 25, 26 & 27, 2024. Sea lovers of all ages have the opportunity to get a detailed orientation of the boat and the CCOAF Foundation, while kids can enjoy fun activities.  Upon boarding the schooner, adult visitors can make a suggested donation of $5 (kids are free). Please note: All activities are weather pending and the schedule may be subject to change.

For information about the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler deck tour information visit www.centralcoastoceanadventures.org.  Also please check VenturaHarborVillage.com for latest updates.

 

 

Free Food Programs for Seniors

Image by gpointstudio on Freepik

Today’s soaring food prices are deeply problematic for countless Venturans, but they’re particularly stressful for those on a fixed income. For many seniors, regular access to nutritious food can be challenging, but there is help available in the form of local and statewide programs designed to combat food insecurity.

Food Share Ventura County
Since 1978, Food Share has been feeding the hungry in Ventura County. According to Food Share, one in four people in Ventura County lives in a household that experiences food insecurity. Today, staff and volunteers distribute nearly 19 million pounds of food, providing 16 million meals annually to people in Ventura County through its hunger programs and 190 pantry and program partners. As Ventura County’s regional food bank, Food Share provides food for over 250,000 hungry friends and neighbors annually. Food Share is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief network of food banks, as well as the California Association of Food Banks.

Food Share’s Senior Food Box program works to improve the health of low-income seniors by providing monthly, nutritious, shelf-stable food packages to income-eligible seniors aged 60 and over. Currently, Food Share has close to 40 Senior Food Box distribution sites throughout Ventura County that cater to the needs of seniors living on a fixed income. Visit FoodShare.com to learn about eligibility requirements or contact Angela Aparicio at [email protected] or call 805-983-7100.

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
The Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) provides nutritious meals for older adults and people with disabilities within Ventura County, including Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal (HDM) services. These meal programs provide seniors with nutritious meals and contribute to maintaining their health, safety, dignity, and quality of life. Since the COVID-19 crisis began in March 2020, the VCAAA has served more than eight million meals to Ventura County’s older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

All SNP meals are approved by a Registered Dietitian to meet U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are geared toward the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) and Adequate Intake for vitamins and elements for older, frail adults. These meals provide a minimum of one-third of the DRI and accommodate diabetic and low-sodium diets.

The Senior Nutrition Program is not income-based. There’s a suggested donation of $3 per meal; however, no eligible individual (60 years and over) will be denied participation because of failure or inability to contribute. This valuable service is sustained with the help of contributions.

To find a local dining site or home-delivered meal program near you, visit vcaaa.org. For general information about Senior Nutrition, contact VCAAA at 805-477-7300 or email [email protected].

California Strawberry Festival Parking: Saturday and Sunday, May 18 & 19, Ventura County Fairgrounds.

STRAWBERRY EXPRESS SHUTTLE SERVICE

Avoid traffic delays and parking fees by utilizing the free park ‘n’ ride Strawberry Express Shuttle Service from convenient locations throughout Ventura and Oxnard.

Shuttles run on surface streets and have direct access to get you to the Festival fast and help you save on parking. Pick-up and drop-offs run approximately every 15-20 minutes. The first shuttle picks up at 9:00 a.m. Shuttles will operate until 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Handicapped accessible shuttles are available.

LOCATIONS:

  • San Buenaventura State Beach ($10 Parking)
    Parking Lot at 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura
  • Ventura County Government Center (Free Parking)
    800 South Victoria Avenue, Parking Lot F on the Hill Street side
  • Pacific View Mall (Free Parking)
    3301 E. Main Street, Ventura, Parking and pickup behind the vacant Sears building
  • Oxnard High School (Free Parking)
    3400 W Gonzales Rd, Oxnard
  • De Anza DATA Middle School (Free Parking)
    2060 Cameron Street, Ventura
  • Seaward & Harbor (Free Parking)
    955 S Seaward Ave, Ventura CA 93001

Eco Fest offered a variety of engaging activities

Vendors and advocates for plugging oil and gas wells Hayley Ehlers, Abrah Steward and Brooke Balthasar.

by Patricia Schallert

On April 28th, 2024, The Ventura Charter School  held their 13th annual Eco Fest. It  was an exciting and educational event that celebrated environmental conservation and sustainability. Held annually, this free festival welcomed the community and aimed to promote awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving our planet for future generations.

orbin Bray demonstrating the Bridgewalk built by Boy Scout troop 111.

The Eco Fest offered  a variety of engaging activities and exhibits for people of all ages. One of the main attractions at the festival was  the interactive exhibits, where visitors  learned about renewable energy sources, waste reduction techniques, and eco-friendly practices. From electric cars to rope bridge demonstrations, these exhibits showcased innovative ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Guests were also given the opportunity to bid in a silent auction, benefiting Ventura Charter School’s many diverse and inclusive academic programs.

In addition to the exhibits, the Eco Fest also featured a wide range of topics such as sustainable gardening, water conservation, and climate change. Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical tips on how to achieve a greener and more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Summer Dalton, Amanda Kelley and Alison Beck Chairperson of the fundraiser committee.

Another highlight of the Eco Fest was the local vendors market, where guests were able  browse and purchase a wide range of eco-friendly products. From organic produce to handmade crafts made from recycled materials, this market supports local businesses that prioritize the environment. It is a great opportunity for visitors to support sustainability while discovering unique and environmentally friendly products.

The festival also featured live music performances, delicious food trucks offering organic and locally sourced options, face painting and games for children. With its lively and vibrant atmosphere, the Eco Fest created a sense of community and encouraged people to come together in support of our planet.

The Ventura Charter School Eco Fest,  held annually, is more than just a festival; it is a platform for individuals and organizations to come together and create positive change. It inspires and empowers the community  to take action towards a more sustainable lifestyle and showcases the incredible possibilities of living in harmony with our natural world.

Overall, the Ventura Charter School Eco Fest is an annual must-attend event for anyone interested in environmental conservation and sustainability while benefiting Ventura Charter School. With its engaging exhibits, informative workshops, silent auction and fun-filled activities, it is an excellent opportunity to learn, connect, and have a great time while making a positive impact on the planet. thank you to the fund-raising committee for all the work they put into making this festival a successful event.

Olivas Adobe Events

Music Under The Stars at the Adobe start on July 13.

Sunday, May 5- Olivas Adobe House Tours 11-3pm The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Annual Murals & Roses

Sunday, May 12 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mothers Day at the Olivas Adobe. Murals and Roses is a free art exhibit held annually on Mother’s Day at the Olivas Adobe. The exhibit showcases the historic Olivas Adobe Rose Garden and a series of colorful murals painted by renowned California muralist Marguerite Hardeman. Each year, up to fifteen of the murals are taken out of storage and displayed around the Olivas Adobe grounds in celebration of spring. Visitors can enjoy historic tours of the Olivas Adobe grounds and browse the site’s unique gift shop.

Sunday, May 19- Olivas Adobe House Tours 11-3pm The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Sunday, May 26- Olivas Adobe House Tours 11-3pm The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.