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Corporate Games closing ceremonies and competition

Representing Taradyne Co of Ventura , “The Bucket Brigade” filled and hauled countless buckets of water from the shore while others shaped the sand. Photos by Bernie Goldstein

Thousands of employees from 80 Ventura and Santa Barbara County companies have been battling it out for the last six-weeks in the 29th Annual City of Ventura Corporate Games! The end of this business-to-business team sports competition took place on Saturday, May 5 at the Corporate Games Closing Ceremonies held at Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura.

In the last two events local companies faced off in the “Ventura’s Beauty” Sand Sculpturing Contest and Tug-O-War competition to end the competition and to win the overall and team unity trophies in their respective divisions in this final day of competition.

For more information on the Corporate Games, visit www.venturacorporategames.org.

Primrose Excursions

Recent Primrose Excursion trip took the group Los Olivos for a wine tour and painting.

by Rebecca Wicks

Bonnie Wiley has worn many hats throughout her years, but all have had one focus – to help people find happiness in their current life. Today she helps people find happiness through travel with her company, Primrose Excursions, which designs and sells trips ranging from day excursions to longer and even international destination tours. Wiley who is a recreation therapist by degree and has served in the field of behavioral therapy at rehabilitation clinics and state hospitals alike has always believed what you do in your free time is pinnacle to your overall health and happiness.

“I found when working with patients in recovery, what a person does in their leisure time often gives them overall value.” said Wiley. “Those who occupied their free time with something fulfilling seemed to always do better.”

Today, Wiley doesn’t use charts or treatment plans, but the goal is the same, to get people out of the house.

Before starting Primrose Excursions, Wiley supervised the City of Ventura’s two senior centers including its nutrition and travel programs. In her 12 years working for the City she grew the travel program from a very small program to a very successful and almost autonomous program.

“When we started it was a ‘hey, let’s go to Santa Barbara for lunch’ kind of venture,” said Wiley. “From there it grew and grew into a robust program with extended tours.”

In the end, the City terminated the extended tour part of the travel program, citing they were not in the business of travel. Wiley decided there was still a need and place for this type of programming in Ventura and started her company almost four years ago this month. She now organizes and sells 35-40 trips a year. She also acts as the tour director on all of these trips. In addition to these, she partners with three other companies that offer longer trips.

Wiley’s travelers are generally over 40, with most in their 60s. She stresses people come from all different kinds of backgrounds but have a similar interest in having their travel taken care of for them.

“There is value in group travel,” said Wiley. “You’re not alone. You may not know where to eat, I take care of that. You don’t have to depend on online reviews, I’ve already been there, I’ve already evaluated on your behalf.”

Wiley’s excursions regularly range from 30 to 56 people in size. Trips often have themes. For example, on a recent day trip the group visited a Japanese garden that was part of a water treatment plant in the San Fernando Valley, followed by lunch at a Japanese restaurant. The adventure ended with a tour of the Pacific Asian Museum in Pasadena. A Ben Franklin themed excursion took the group to Forest Lawn where they toured Revolutionary War era chapels, to a restaurant that was formerly a fire house – Franklin helped start the firehouse in Philadelphia – and later to the public library in downtown Los Angeles, because Franklin founded the first lending library in the United States.
Wiley even offers “surprise tours,” where travelers don’t know where they are heading to and are asked to pack in layers and bring comfortable walking shoes. A recent surprise trip took a group to Lake Arrowhead Resort. Upcoming excursions include a Dodgers baseball game, a night out to see the musical Singing in the Rain, and a trip to Hoover Dam and Las Vegas with extended tours through her partners going to Alaska, Washington D.C. and Thailand.

“People appreciate that I’m detail oriented and they know what they are getting,” said Wiley. “One of the main draws is they don’t have to drive, deal with traffic or parking – they can sleep, relax and know once they’ve arrived, they are taken care of.”

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group to host The Michael J. Fox Foundation

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group invites their members and care-partners, visitors and new friends who find themselves navigating Parkinson’s disease to join them on Wednesday, May 9 from 1 to 3PM for a special presentation. The presentation will be held at Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston St.

Advancement Officer Mary McQuillen of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) will present on the following topics: an overview of MJFF’s mission; an update on promising Parkinson’s disease research; the latest legislation that impacts the lives of people with Parkinson‘s; priority areas for Parkinson’s policy work; and information on how to get involved with clinical research through Fox Trial Finder and Fox Insight.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today. Since inception in 2000, 89 cents of every dollar spent by MJFF has gone straight to grants and initiatives to speed a cure for Parkinson’s. To date, the Foundation has funded more than $800 million in research to bring an end to Parkinson’s disease. For more information, visit www.michaeljfox.org.

For those interested in attending the event, there is a drop-off/loading and unloading driveway in the front of the Lexington building. Extra parking is graciously available across the street in the Baptist Church parking lot. Reservations are not required. Attendees are invited to check in at the front desk for directions to the 3rd floor and sign-in at the meeting so we can keep in touch with you. For more information, call Patty at 766-6070.

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is an independent and volunteer-organized group, not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group. Thanks to the generosity of the Lexington Assisted Living, they host their meetings every second Wednesday of the month from 1 to 3PM.

Ventura Breeze “un-official” Name The Green Pig Contest

The Ventura Breeze is holding an “un-official” Name The Green Pig Contest for the new pig that was in the St. Pats Parade to replace the one that died last year. Send you suggestions to [email protected]. They will be submitted to the pig committee for their consideration. The Breeze will select our winner and the lucky person will win 3 tickets to the Ronald Reagan Library.

Photo by Michael Gordon

Public invited to 3rd Annual “Monarch Madness” pollinator planting party

Juliana Danaus, will demonstrate how to make milkweed seed balls.

On Sat., April 28, from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, the Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will host “Monarch Madness” – a family-friendly pollinator planting event at the Big Rock Nature Preserve along the Ventura River. This 3rd annual free, open-to-the-public event is made possible by funding from SoCalGas.

VLT will demonstrate how to plant milkweed and other pollinator plants and provide attendees with instruction, gardening gloves, shovels, native plants and mulch. Special guest and monarch butterfly expert, Juliana Danaus, will demonstrate how to make milkweed seed balls and Ventura Girl Scout Troop 61135 will lead a butterfly-themed craft project.

“Thanks to generous support from SoCalGas, Ventura Land Trust will continue to repair areas burned in the Thomas Fire and replant a beautiful oasis near the Ventura River that attracts butterflies, bees and human visitors alike,” said Derek Poultney, VLT executive director.

This event is appropriate for people of all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, a hat, sunscreen and bring a water bottle.

The Big Rock Nature Preserve is located off Highway 33 along the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail, just south of Foster Park. To RSVP, go to www.venturalandtrust.org/events.

For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org or call VLT at 643-8044.

The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org.

A Grateful Dead Music Oriented Festival

Breeze staffer John Murchison, Front of House Engineer. The front of house engineer focuses on mixing audio.

by John Murchison

The Skull and Roses Festival Produced by Deluxe with DJE Sound and Lighting, at the Ventura Raceway was attended by thousands who were able to camp and enjoy the music as they did when the Grateful Dead used to play here years ago in the 1980’s.

The Main Stage included a backdrop of legendary sorts, a recreation of the Grateful Dead’s “Wall of Sound” a legendary Sound system created by Owsley Stanley the Dead’s first sound engineer. Steve Parish part of the original Grateful Dead crew was present to give the replica versions of the Wall of Sound Speakers their correct placement. As well as telling many stories about touring with the iconic band. The arena offered 2 stages of music continuously with a rotating stage schedule, when one band was done the other stage would start.

I had the pleasure of seeing my first Grateful Dead show in 1974 at Roosevelt Stadium in New Jersey with that very system. The second stage was a dedication to Ron McKernan the former leader, keyboardist, and singer in the 60’s when the band first started.

The Festival was a Grateful Dead Music Oriented Festival with 20 different Grateful Dead Music Tribute Bands including multiple genres of the same music. for example “The Grateful Bluegrass Boy’s”, played bluegrass inspired versions of Grateful Dead Classics, “Punk is Dead”, another band played that genre of Grateful Dead Music, Ventura’s Own 9 Mile Skid, name inspired by a lyric from the song He’s Gone.

LA’s Grateful Dead Tribute Headlined Friday night playing two sets of Grateful Dead Music, which I had the pleasure of mixing. The Festival was met with many a sing along and proved that the Grateful Dead still have a solid following and continue to live on in the live music scene.

New City of Ventura Economic Development Manager

Estelle brings a strong background in strategic marketing and effective collaboration.

Ventura Community Development Director Jeff Lambert has announced that Estelle (Diaz) Bussa has been named as the City’s Economic Development Manager and will start in her new position on May 7. This selection fills a key management position in the City and supports the City Council’s priority of Creating and Maintaining Economic Development and Vitality.

Estelle is a fourth generation Ventura native and has a strong background in strategic marketing and effective collaboration. In her new role, she will focus on updating and implementing the City Council’s 5­Year Economic Development Strategy, including retention, expansion and attraction of businesses in Ventura. Estelle will work closely with the City Council Economic Development Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Ventura Partners, Visit Ventura, the Ventura Port District and other business partners. As a member of the Community Development Management Team, Estelle will work closely with the Planning and Building and Safety Divisions to support the City’s efforts to encourage private sector investment in Ventura.

Mayor Neal Andrews said, “Economic growth is vital to a healthy and vibrant business community and allows us to maintain city services and a high quality of life for our residents. We are pleased and looking forward to working with Estelle and our other community partners to further the City’s adopted strategy and to build upon the economic strength of our great city.”

Estelle previously worked four years at Patagonia where she served as International Planning Manager, Ecommerce Forecast Planner and Senior Supply Chain Analyst. She also has experience working for Adidas Group as a Senior Project Manager in Brand Harmonization. Jeffrey Lambert, Community Development Director, said, “Estelle is a unique and exciting choice for this position; her deep knowledge and commitment to Ventura and its prosperous future and her personal experience at Patagonia and beyond will support the City’s economic development goals.”

Estelle received her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Management, from the University of Portland and a BA in Social Sciences from San Diego State University. She is proud alumni of Ventura High School and Ventura College, where she was a back-to-back State Champion in Woman’s Basketball.

“Ventura is a great place to live, work, and do business. I am excited for this tremendous opportunity to join the team and build upon what has been accomplished and to further the economic development related goals of the City,” said Bussa.

The 11th Annual Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest

Be sure to visit the Ventura Breeze at Earth Day and get a free copy of the Breeze.

This free event is the perfect way to spend a day with the whole family. The festival is the largest Earth Day celebration in Ventura County, attracting thousands of visitors and featuring 100+ exhibitors. This community driven event will take place in Plaza Park off Thompson St. in the heart of Downtown Ventura on April 21 from 10am-4pm.

Each year over 200 volunteers work hard to make the event a success. For 2018 expect to enjoy all-day entertainment on two stages, a children’s zone full of fun activities, free yoga classes throughout the day, scavenger hunt, raffle, silent auction, reading to adoptable dogs, food trucks, Green Car Expo and much more.

This year join the Earth Day Family Bike Ride organized by Channel Island Bicycle Club departing from Channel Islands National Park Headquarters on Spinnaker. Check in at 8:30am, arrive at the Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest at 10:15am. For more information go to: http://www.cibike.org/activities–events.html.

Organized by Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education in cooperation with the City of Ventura. All proceeds from the day‐long event go toward funding enrichment programs for Kindergarten through eighth‐grade students at the tuition‐free public school. Your support builds a conscious community that shapes our future generations.

Entertainment lineup including Jade Hendrix and Sea at Last along with other local talent . To learn more go to www.venturaearthday.org.

Ventura Land Trust hosts environmental lecture April 19

Jim Danza will lead discussion on protecting Ventura County’s rivers, creeks and streams.

On the evening of Thurs., April 19, Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will host a community environmental lecture entitled “A River Runs Through It – the Beauty, Benefits and Importance of Ventura County’s Waterways,” at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Beginning at 7 p.m., this second in VLT’s 2018 Environmental Speaker Series, will he led by Jim Danza, Asst. Professor of Geography at Oxnard College.

Jim Danza will highlight the importance of understanding, appreciating and protecting Ventura County’s rivers, creeks and streams and will discuss river water conservation, the importance of flood plains, the need for urban planning along watersheds, wildlife/urban interface and VLT’s ongoing restoration work along the Ventura River.

“I have spent the past 35 year advocating for the protection of rivers and watersheds,” said Danza. “To imagine Ventura County without it’s rivers, is to imagine our county without its agriculture or human settlement. Whether through the rivers’ flows or its interaction with groundwater or soil, rivers are a source of life.”

According to Danza, the numerous rivers, creeks and streams that run through Ventura County provide water for drinking, growing crops, manufacturing, energy and transport. They also help to prevent erosion, dispose of waste and provide natural protection from flooding.

Now in its third year, the Ventura Land Trust’s Environmental Speaker Series is one of many ways VLT works to educate the public about important environmental topics. The non-profit land trust’s Big Rock Preserve, where they lead free outdoor environmental field trips for local students and community groups, suffered significant damage in the Thomas Fire.

A suggested donation of $10 per person will be collected at the door to go toward fire restoration work at Big Rock Preserve. Space is limited and reservations are highly encouraged. RSVP at: http://www.venturalandtrust.org/environmental_lecture_20180419

James “Jim” Danza is an Assistant Professor of Geography at Oxnard College and President of the Friends of the Santa Clara River Board of Directors. Danza has 25 years of experience as a professional planner (urban, environmental, and water resources), adjunct professor, environmental leader, and wilderness skills educator. He has degrees in Geography and Environmental Studies and is a certified planner under the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). His professional experience includes water resources and environmental planning, including lead civil planner at Naval Base Ventura County for 21 years.

The Ventura Land Trust (formerly the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy) is dedicated to permanently preserving and protecting the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 600 members, local businesses and government partners. The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. The Ventura Land Trust’s offices are located in the Poinsettia Pavilion. For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org.

Renaissance of Railroading

Vintage passenger and dining cars date back as far as 1914.

On April 28th-29th prepare to be entertained and amazed by what can only be imagined as the “Renaissance of Railroading.” Steam Railfest 2018 is a celebration of the steam engine, railroading, antique tractors, vehicles and engines, vintage wares and oddities, unique performances, early transportation and culture mixed with a bit of Steampunk fun. There will be live steam locomotive train rides, a Citrus Packing House Caboose Ride Adventure, Dr. Solar’s Gypsy Wagon Medicine Man Show, Gene West “The Toymaker”, antique carousel rides, creative vendors & artisans, unique exhibits, model railroads, movie props, the Orchard Bluegrass Band, delicious food & more! Admission to the festival is free! There is no other family festival quite like this one. So mark your calendars for one of the biggest events in Ventura County’s little historic town of Fillmore, CA! Visit http://steamrailfestival.com for more info.

The Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society non-profit organization is hosting this one-of-a-kind event. Established in 1993, the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society’s mission is to assist in the preservation and restoration of the railroad corridor between Montalvo and Saugus, California. This railroad corridor, commonly referred to as the Southern Pacific’s Santa Paula Branch, is a unique and historic asset to the residents of the Santa Clara River Valley and surrounding areas. To maximize the economic, educational and recreational value of this asset, the organization will acquire, preserve, exhibit and operate historic railroad equipment; in addition, it will collect and display artifacts, photographs and operational documents unique to the region.

Sponsoring the event is Fillmore & Western Railway. This legendary railroad is home to vintage passenger and dining cars that date back as far as 1914. It’s also home to a 1913 fully restored and operating #14 Baldwin Steam Engine. Fillmore & Western is known as the “Home of the Movie Trains” that have been used in film productions such as Disney’s Lone Ranger, Water for Elephants, Sea Biscuit, Get Smart, Bedtime Stories, Race to Which Mountain, Tall Tail, Inception, Anger Management, Fear Factor, X-Files, Bones, Westworld, American Horror Story, Criminal Minds, CSI and many more. They welcome all production companies to visit and contract with them to film either on-site or on location throughout the United States. Additionally, they have a wide variety of train related props for use on sets.

Another amazing part of this railroad is the opportunity to ride the movie trains! All year long they offer train tours such as Weekend Scenic adventures, Murder Mystery Comedy Lunch & Dinner trains, Holiday trains, Special Event trains, Steam train rides, School trains & privately chartered Group trains. Visit fwry.com or call 524-2546 for more details.