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Dawn Dyer named 2018 California Woman Business Owner of the Year

The award is bestowed annually upon one outstanding woman-owned, California-based business.

This past April, in Sacramento the National Association of Women Business Owners, California (NAWBO-CA) named Dawn Dyer of Dyer Sheehan Group as its 2018 California Woman Business Owner of the Year. Just a few days prior, Dyer received NAWBO Ventura County’s (NAWBO VC) local Woman Business Owner of the Year award during the organization’s annual BRAVO luncheon.

The California award is bestowed annually upon one outstanding woman-owned, California-based business in recognition of excellent leadership and business acumen, which makes the honoree an inspirational role model to other women business owners throughout the state. The California Woman Business Owner of the Year award is quite an honor considering that NAWBO-CA represents the issues and interests of more than 1.3 million women business owners in California.

“Dawn believes in building strong relationships with women business owners that are based on mutual respect, mentoring and professional support,” said Elaine Hollifield, NAWBO VC President. “She is a wonderful role model for our chapter and our state.” Dyer is in the running for the 2018 NAWBO National Women Business Owner of the Year award being presented in September in Spokane, Washington.

Dawn Dyer has over 30 years’ experience as a land use expert, market analyst, and real estate consultant to public agencies, major corporations and private investors throughout Southern California. Dyer is the founder of the Ventura County Housing Trust Fund, a 501c3 multi-million dollar revolving loan fund that addresses affordable housing needs of the Homeless, Veterans, Farmworkers and Emancipated Foster Youth. As a California Delegate to Drexel University’s Vision 2020, Dawn is excited about working on the Centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

“I believe in the inherent value of real estate, and the importance of good land use planning. I am passionate about the critical role of housing stability to the health of communities, and I love helping create quality homes for families, our workforce, and those in need.”

The local Ventura County chapter of NAWBO is committed to strengthening the wealth creating capacity of its members while promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial Ventura County community. Additionally the local chapter focuses on creating innovative and effective change in the business culture, building strategic alliances and transforming public policy for the benefit of its members. Membership is open to women sole proprietors, partners and corporate owners as well as those businesses that support women owned businesses. Learn more: www.nawbovc.org.

Ventura Family YMCA gearing up for the best summer ever

On June 21, the YMCA hosted the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, an event that seeks to break the record for largest Swim Lesson Worldwide. Photos by Michael Gordon

At the end of the summer, families want to hear their child had “the best summer ever.” To help make that happen, the Ventura Family YMCA is offering Sports camps, Specialty camps, and Day camps for campers of all ages.

This summer there will be a variety of sports camps including Splash camp, Hoops camp, Junior Sluggers camp, Soccer camp, and Sports of All Sorts camp. Sports camp will keep campers in grades 2-5 physically active and engaged, and also foster character development in the form of teamwork and sportsmanship. Sports camps are offered through August 17 at rates of $170 to $175 depending on facility member or program member status.

Specialty camps at Ventura Family YMCA will feature topics including Arts & Crafts, Cooking, and Dance. No matter each child’s interest, there is something for everyone. Specialty camps for campers in grades 2-5 will run from July 9 through July 27 at rates of $170 to $175 depending on facility member or program member status.

Day camp is also available for campers in Kindergarten through Eighth grade. Day camp will include Rainbow Camp, Voyager Camp, and Adventure Camp. In each camp, participants will have the opportunity to engage in learning experiences, and take day trips to destinations such as the MOXI Wolf Museum of Exploration and Mothers Beach. Prices for Day camp range from $160-$175 depending on facility member or program member status. Dates for Day camp are offered through August 17. For more information about Ventura Family YMCA summer camps please visit ciymca.org/camp.

Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and explore. But for some kids, summer means no access to recreational and educational activities to help them learn, grow and thrive during out-of-school time. As a result, some kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year. Attending Ventura Family YMCA summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.

“It’s imperative that kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer. Summer camp is a wonderful way to ensure that,” says Julie O’Brien, Youth Programs Director for the Ventura Family YMCA.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information about the Ventura YMCA, visit https://www.ciymca.org/ventura or call 805.642.2131.

Surfrider’s strawless challenge: no single use plastic straws

Plastic items littering Ventura beaches must go.

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer

This year on Earth Day (April 22), Surfrider launched Ventura’s Plastic Free Beaches campaign as a proactive response to the increasing amounts of plastic straws, expanded polystyrene foam (aka Styrofoam), and other plastic items littering Ventura beaches.

With that ongoing mission to reduce plastics in mind, in June Surfrider announced “The Strawless Challenge,” targeted at reducing the amount of single-use plastic in the ocean. The challenge, which runs through Labor Day, requires that local restaurants abstain from providing drinking straws unless customers specifically request them. This will all contribute to the ongoing mission to save the turtles. People looking to stop using plastic straws could turn to reusable metal ones instead.

The timing of the challenge comes on the heels of AB-1884, a proposed straws upon request law for restaurants that is aimed at plastic pollution prevention, which was approved by the Assembly in May, and is now being considered by the state Senate.

“The Strawless Challenge is a great opportunity to raise awareness about single-use plastic and its impact on marine life,” said Bill Hickman, Southern California Regional Manager, Surfrider. “Scientists estimate that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean unless we start to act now. The current amount of plastics in our waterways is a serious matter. In 2017, Ventura Surfrider found over 2550 plastic straws on the Downtown Promenade area alone.”

“The major problem with plastics is that they’re not biodegradable in our lifetime,” continued Hickman. “So, when they break up into smaller pieces, marine and wildlife can mistake them for food. After these toxins are ingested, they wind up working their way up the food chain, and that’s harmful not only to other marine life but you and me.”

“The statistics for plastics in the ocean is staggering,” said Hickman. “The 1980s were a time when scientists first identified a global plastic crisis after discovering that marine life was ingesting and getting entangled in this plastic.

“Then, in the late 1990’s, Captain Charles Moore brought to light a huge garbage patch in an area of the Pacific Ocean strewn with plastic debris that was claimed to be twice the size of Texas. This finding led to more research and discoveries that all five ocean gyres (Indian Ocean, North Atlantic, North Pacific, South Atlantic, and South Pacific) are collecting massive amounts of plastic pollution.”

An avid surfer, Hickman began to volunteer for Surfrider after he read a 2003 National Geographic article about the discovery of 200 plastic pieces in an albatross’ stomach.

“That article hit home for me,” said Hickman who eventually took a full-time position with the non-profit. “I realized marine life doesn’t have a voice, and they need our help.”

To get restaurants on board, Surfrider has volunteers making the rounds to local restaurants to share more details about the program. As an alternative to plastic straws, Surfrider is advocating offering such options as glass, straw, stainless steel, and bamboo. Participating restaurants are promoted and listed in a special section on Surfrider’s website.

“Another main goal with the challenge is to gather information that Surfrider will be able to include in a case study to present to the Ventura City Council,” continued Hickman. Many cities have bans on plastic, and we’re hoping the information we can provide will help support Ventura’s plastic reduction ordinance.”

Visit: ventura.surfrider.org/plasticfreebeaches.

Beverage and food vendors for Pier Under the Stars

Diane Brown, Staci Brown and Pam Baumgardner enjoying a previous Pier Under the Stars.

Beverage and food vendors for Pier Under the Stars—the 25th annual benefit for the historic Ventura Pier on Saturday, October 6th, from 5-8pm are needed.

Each year more than 800 residents and visitors attend this beachfront culinary fair adjacent to the pier to sample the county’s best food and spirits provided by over 40 area businesses. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ventura’s premier wine, beverage and food event.

Restaurants, cafes, wineries and breweries serve their signature dishes and beverages from tented booths along the seaside Promenade while guests enjoy live music & dancing under the stars and an amazing silent auction. It’s a community celebration to honor the City’s 145 year old pier.

Vendors do not have to pay a fee to participate and it provides a great way for them to market their food and beverages to over 800 community members. Please contact [email protected] or call 805.804.7735 for details.

Water saving tips for your smart garden

Toro’s Scott Donoho teaches a free City Gardening Class at A Smart Garden in Downtown

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer

Every year, one Saturday morning a month except for December, the City of Ventura and Ventura Water hold free Gardening Classes offering informative lectures and Q&As, practical water-wise tips, and fun, hands-on experience. Classes cover everything from smart controllers to the benefits of permeable surfaces, how to install an ocean-friendly landscape and everything from A to Z about designing and maintaining water-wise landscapes and balanced garden eco-systems.

At a recent Drip Irrigation Workshop that took place at A Smart Garden in Downtown Ventura, I spoke to Toro Company’s Scott Donoho about irrigation best practices for residents. Here are some of his top tips.

The Most Important Thing You Can Do To Eliminate Water Waste – Check Your Irrigation System For Leaks

Outdoor water use accounts for upwards of 30-60% of the total household water use. As much as 50% of the water used outdoors can be lost to wind, evaporation, and runoff. One of the most important things you can do to eliminate water waste is to observe your irrigated areas after watering to see what you are losing to the sidewalk, driveway, or street. Make adjustments to the clock by adjusting the run times. Instead of having one long run time break them up into two run times to allow the water to be absorbed instead of trailing off onto impervious surfaces.

Adjust Your Irrigation Schedule So You’re Not Watering Your Hard Surfaces

If you discover that the hard surfaces around your yard (your driveway, sidewalk, patio) are saturated, or that water is flowing from your yard into the street, check your irrigation system to make sure water is directed into your landscape. Additionally, adjust your irrigation clock and make any necessary adjustments.

Repair and Design Your Landscape Before Making Irrigation Changes

Find out what isn’t working with your irrigation and make the appropriate repairs. Then, think about the changes you may want to make in your landscape and the uses you’ll require. If you’ll be making small changes and feel confident about making them, do it yourself. However, if you decided to remove your turf, or make other significant changes like cutting down big trees with the help of professionals like The Local Tree Experts, consult with a C-27 Licensed California Contractor to discuss your ideas and to plan out what type of an irrigation system will work best for your needs. It might require you to get a new shed from places similar to easyshed.com.au if you have to have a drastic redesign but it is well worth it.

Eliminate Plant Stress and Over-Watering

Since Ventura has a mandatory limitation allowing residents to water only twice per week, if you start to see stress in your plants (i.e., they are turning brown or look wilted), it may be that you are watering too little.

If you see that the top layer of your soil is always saturated, it may be that you’re watering too much.

As a reminder, the City of Ventura remains in a stage 3 water shortage event. The following activities are prohibited and are considered a violation of the City’s Water Waste Ordinance.

Be mindful to:

  • Never allow water to run and be wasted during outdoor use
  • Limit the use of potable water irrigation to two days per week
  • Fix water leaks (Don’t allow water leaks to persist for more than 48 hours)
  • When using a handheld hose, use an automatic shutoff nozzle
  • Don’t operate fountains unless the water is recirculating
  • Never hose down hardscape surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks
  • Don’t irrigate your outdoor landscape during (and within) 48 hours of measureable rainfall.

Sustainability Now News is a new column in the Breeze by Award-Winning Screenwriter, Author, Producer, TV and Print Lifestyle Journalist Maryann Ridini Spencer with a focus on the environmental, social, economic, and cultural pillars of sustainability covering green practices, programs, news and events, industry leaders, green business, and healthy living ideas.

Strong Thomas Fire recovery efforts in the City of Ventura

New homes will soon start replacing the lost ones.

The City of Ventura has issued the first full-home Thomas Fire rebuild permits to property owners who lost their homes in the fire last December. The City of Ventura Community Development Department worked closely with the homeowners and architects to issue building permits.

The Ventura City Council took several steps early on to help residents rebuild homes on fire-damaged properties by instituting a streamlined and expedited approach. After the Thomas Fire, policy changes were made to accelerate the recovery process such as a allowing homeowners to maintain their legal nonconforming status and instituting a 14-business day turnaround for permit plan check(normally at least 6-weeks). To help review rebuilding permits, the City contracted with outside firms to support the workload and ensure Thomas Fire rebuilding applications are given priority.

“We have made rapid progress,” said Mayor Neal Andrews. “It’s been just five months since the Thomas Fire and we will continue to work diligently and support the needs of our residents to reinvest in their properties.”

Additionally, the City established a Thomas Fire Rebuild office to expeditiously serve residents and improve the workflow. “It’s been a tremendous team effort,” said Community Development Director Jeffrey Lambert. “Collaborating with local architects early on and working with departments citywide has been the key to our success.”

In the City of Ventura, the Thomas Fire destroyed 524 homes and damaged approximately 168 homes.

City staff has held more than 125 one-on-one meetings with homeowners and design professionals.

First Thomas Fire rebuild in Ventura is underway

The Fuller’s are number one.

by Richard Lieberman

Six months ago, the Thomas Fire raged through communities in Ventura County. Burning nearly 282,000 acres and destroying 1,063 homes and buildings. Today in our on-going series we examine the re-building process of one homeowner in the Scenic Way Dr., community. Homeowners Ed and Sandy Fuller are the first homeowners to receive re-build permit approval from the city.

We met Ed and Sandy Fuller at the site of their destroyed home, burned to the ground during the fire. The re-build had already begun, and the organized chaos of the job site was evident. A new structure on the property was already in the final stages. The small out-building will serve as Ed Fuller’s workshop, and office during the re-build process. Still remnants of the destructive fire could be seen around and on the site. Burned shrubs, the remnants of burned and disfigured trees and plants all a reminder of the devastation the fires caused.

“There is no sense in grieving about it for a long time the loss was the loss.” Fuller said. “The reality is its just things and things can be replaced” he added. Like others the Fullers were glad that they got out safe. “We did get out with a few of our photos, some of our important documents, we had enough time.” said Fuller. The Fullers even managed to get out with a few paintings that held sentimental value to them. They evacuated to a friend’s house on the same street and the house didn’t start to burn until three in the morning” said Sandy Fuller. “All we could see was this huge fireball wafting across our property.”

One possession that meant a great deal to Ed was a wooden toolbox that his grandfather had made that was in his woodshop that burned to the studs. “To me it was big deal.” Added Fuller. After getting to see the damage the fire caused Sandy said, “We looked at each other and said we know how to re-build we know how to do this.”

Some of the Fullers neighbors have also begun the re-building process and Fuller believes some will even surpass them on the re-builds. “Since the fire we are probably closer to our neighbors than we have been.”. he said. “We even met neighbors that we had not met before.” Added Fuller. “Now it seems like everybody knows everybody.” He added. “We try to encourage each other, this is what we did to get through this process, this is what we did to get through permitting or this is who we are using for whatever. Were all trying to help one another.” Sandy said.

Ed Fuller retired now but was a construction manager for a large oil company so “I am very familiar with the construction process. “he said. The Fullers are acting as general contractor for their re-build. Their insurance company paid only 75% of total value, and Fuller added “most contentious thing we have with the insurance company is some of the personal property.”

When asked about how the city has responded Sandy responded, “When we went into Building and Safety with our architect we took our plans to a back room and with all the department heads and they mark up the plans with what is additionally needed.” “What most people need to know is that most of the rules and guidelines are state mandated and not city rules that make the process so overwhelming.” She said.

When asked about the timeline for completion Ed said” We have an incredibly aggressive timeline with the hope of celebrating Christmas in our new home.” “We are just finishing compaction and next week we expect start laying the foundation.” Fuller said.

“The only thing I can say in conclusion, in the end this can be a very positive experience.” Ed Fuller added.

Yolanda Bundy, Chief Building Official at the Building and Safety Division, Ventura was instrumental in aiding and guiding the Fullers in expediting the permit process for the first permit to be issued for re-building after the fires.

“We’re very excited that the Fuller family is on their way to rebuilding.” “It was a true team effort” said Bundy. The detailed and comprehensive effort by the Fullers was instrumental in speeding the process. “The Fullers were very responsive and cooperative throughout the process.” Bundy added. Acting as their own general contractor the Fullers were able to present to the city plans that met the requirement of both local and state governments. “The quality of the plans provided by their design professionals was a key to successfully helping us meet our goal of issuing their permits with a 14- day business turnaround.” Bundy continued.

Bundy also commented “We want our community to know that we care about them, and that we are committed to working with both Thomas Fire Rebuild applicants and with all the other permit applicants who come into our office at city hall daily. As members of the Ventura community we take our role in helping our community build or rebuild very personally. We all need these milestones of hope right now.”

Ventura Harbor Village celebrates Pirates Day

Hold onto your valuables when you see the pirates.

Ahoy all you landlubbers and buccaneers – head to Ventura Harbor Village for a newly designed pop-up pirate experience at the 13th Annual Pirates Day on Sunday, June 10th from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Pirates Day 2018 offers guests an unforgettable voyage around the Village as the “Streets of Port Royal” with pirate characters, entertainment, activities, and photo opportunities around every corner.

For one day only, Ventura Harbor Village transforms into the “Streets of Port Royal”. Venture along the waterfront to find pirates in sword fights by professional Pirates for Hire, mermaids, treasure, exotic birds, live entertainment, rum drinks, and pirate eats. Keep an eye out for Reece Ryan’s on-land Kids Pirate Ship, Captain Jack, Hook & Tink (look-a-likes), belly dancing, and strolling pirate musicians. Take an exclusive look inside the underwater Mermaid Curse Ultimate Escape Room. Visit Port Royal Privateers’ historical encampment, unique vendor booths for face painting and henna body art or find precious wares, such nautical-themed loot. Unique selfie spots everywhere you turn!

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate garb! Strut in the Pirates Day costume contests held throughout the day for different age brackets

For grog and grub, Village restaurants offer a variety of cuisine for hungry crews; including roasted turkey legs and rum specials. Live entertainment will range from Steel Drummers to the Sword Coast Medieval Fighters Club. Ventura Harbor Pirates Day gives you a chance to get in your best piratical gear and wander by the sea to interact with pirates and gypsies of all ages.

Admission and parking for Pirates Day are free. Book your overnight stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor. Catch the Downtown – Harbor Trolley for a free ride to Pirates Day.

For a list of shopping and dining specials and entertainment schedule please visit VenturaHarborVillage.com, or call 477-0470. The 2018 Pirates Day is supported by Cumulus Broadcasting, VC Reporter, The Ventura Breeze and The Santa Clarita Signal.

The American Red Cross raises funds for military families and veterans

From Ride for the Red Allyn Rice, Jim Sennett , Denise Rice, Ken Bauer, Diane Krehbiel-Delson, Kris Meathrell , Susan Wolf and Kevin Delson.

The American Red Cross of Ventura County, a leading humanitarian organization with nearly 600 volunteers, held the kickoff of its third annual Operation: Ride for the Red cycling event. The ride took place on Saturday, May 19, and all proceeds support the organization, which helps members of the military, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.

There were three rides going through Ventura County, a century (100 miles) a metric century (about 62 miles)  and a half metric century (30 miles) . Each registered rider received a rider bag with several free items. All active and retired veterans road for free.

“Each time we participate in Operation: Ride for the Red, I’m overjoyed by how the community comes together to support such a worthy cause,” said Ken Bauer, ride event director for Operation: Ride for the Red. “It’s such a fun way to bring the community together to raise support for the military, veterans and their families. We owe a big thanks to our sponsors for allowing the Red Cross to host this ride year after year.”

The Red Cross is able to help local military families thanks to the generosity of donors who support the SAF program. This year’s Operation: Ride for Red sponsors included California Resources Corporation (CRC), Wells Fargo, Premier America Credit Union, and Capital Insurance Group (CIG), in addition to many generous in-kind donors.

Ride for the Red was created by passionate, local volunteers eager to share the story and history of the Red Cross SAF program. Since 9/11, the Red Cross has served more than one million military families, and it is the only military service organization that supports military families from the day they enlist through their time as a veteran.

To donation, or learn more http://www.redcross.org/local/california/central-california/ride-for-the-red.

BeeCause art installation realized

Four years from conception to funding, the BeeCause art installation has finally been realized. Community members painted hubcaps, under the direction of MB Hanrahan who designed this latest public art project for our Barranca Vista Recreation Center.

The project was funded by the California Arts Council, and City of Ventura Community Partnerships.

In addition to being colorful and fun, and involving our community, the project advocates for awareness and protection of native bees and honey bees.