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STEMbassador Kids Kick off STEM Workshop Series with Ventura teachers

Teachers, STEMbassadors students and Alex Wulff love what they are doing.

Beginning Monday, June 18, 2018 STEMbassadors taught a 3-day workshop to train 16 teachers from several Ventura County schools ( De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts (DATA), Junipero Serra elementary school, Rio and Elmhurst elementary, along with Oxnard elementary school ) in the use of their CNC router “spark carts.”

The spark carts were designed and constructed by the STEMbassadors and include mobile CNC routers, laptops, dust collection, and materials.  This workshop was taught by the STEMbassadors crew, comprised of eight Ventura students in grades 8th-10th and led by their STEM elective teacher, Alex Wulff, from DATA.

The teachers attending the training workshop were instructed on safety, operation and trouble-shooting of the CNC mills, and guided through a number of standards and project-based classroom lessons.  Teachers will use these lessons to teach Ventura County elementary and middle schoolers about STEM technologies, such as CAD skills, in a fun and hands-on way. Now that the teachers have received the necessary training, STEMbassadors will donate one spark cart (each valued at $5000) to each of the participating schools, which will be used in classrooms during the 2018/19 school year.

STEMbassadors is a Ventura, non-profit company comprised of 8 highly motivated high school and middle school students who are having a direct impact on STEM education in K-12 classrooms in Ventura County.  The company was recently awarded 1st place in the Ventura County New Venture Challenge and was featured on KCLU radio in a piece by Lance Orozco on June 19, 2018.

STEMbassadors’ mission is to enhance the education of K-12 students by providing and engaging them with applied, state-of-the-art STEM materials, curriculum and skills, and to create opportunities for them to share their acquired knowledge with others.

Student interest and expertise in highly desirable STEM skills and technologies often outpaces the rate at which these technologies and skills are integrated into our public-school system. Teacher credential programs, and most undergraduate programs, lack suitable training for teachers on how to integrate and maintain STEM technologies within a classroom setting. The vast majority of students receive either limited or no exposure to highly engaging and relevant tools. The few students who are fortunate enough to receive exposure to applied STEM technologies find their skill sets evaporating as they progress through the school system, since they have limited opportunities to apply and expand their knowledge and expertise.

For further information contact: Alex Wulff: [email protected] or (805)746-2960.

Ventura angel store closing- Over 34,000 prayers need a home

Do you have space for 34,000 prayers?

For nearly a quarter of a century Heaven’s Gallery has been a destination store for people vising downtown Ventura. According to store owners Keith and Francesca Richardson the store is now scheduled to close September 30, 2018.

One of the main features of the Richardson’s store has been its prayer wall. Started by accident in 1995, the prayers now encompass the store’s original display case at the back of the store and has been gradually creeping towards the front of the store for nearly 24 years.

The prayers on the wall come from people from all faiths and all walks of life.

According to the Richardson’s, the most commonly answered prayer in recent years has been for women told by their doctors that they cannot have children.

Heaven’s Gallery and its prayer wall have been featured in numerous news stories including: ABC’s “Good Morning America,” KCBS News, TNN’s “The Life and Times of Angel Encounters” and Fox Televisions “Miracles in the Making.”

Keith has published five books in three languages (English, Portuguese and Japanese). These books have sold thousands of copies and have brought numerous visitors from all over the world to Ventura to see Heaven’s Gallery.

Keith and Francesca have decided to close their store due to recent economy changes which favor large online merchants over small business retailers.

Keith and Francesca now plan to retire. Their only concern is for the fate of the more than 34,000 prayers on the walls of their store.
Heaven’s Gallery 365 E. Main St.(805) 648-5689

Couple kick-scooting to help build a school in Africa

Bex and Gil stopped in Ventura on the way to Tijuana.

UK based couple, Bex Band and Gil Dori, will be bravely attempting a 1500+ mile journey travelling the full length of the USA west coast using kick scooters – stand up non-motorized scooters that are powered by leg muscles alone. The expedition, named ‘Kicking the States’ began on May 17 in Vancouver, Canada and will end 3 months later in Tijuana, Mexico. This route has never been attempted on kick scooters before so it will be a world first!

The couple are completely self-contained, carrying all their own gear in modified panniers that they adapted especially for the kick-scooters.

Band and Drori are no strangers to adventure. They both keep adventure blogs and have enjoyed getting outdoors the last couple of years, finding challenges that test them to their limits. Previously they have hiked the length of Israel, sailed across the North Sea and kayaked the width of the UK, but this will be their biggest adventure yet. They hope to inspire others to go on like changing adventures of their own.

Drori says, “We decided to do this journey on kick-scooters because it is the most fun way to travel. It allows us to really see the places we pass and is great for meeting people along the way. When people see the scooters, they want a go too!”

Band is looking forward to the journey ahead, “I’m nervous about this expedition because it has never been done before and I know it is going to be tough reaching the long distances we need to cover each day. We don’t know where we will be sleeping each night and some days will be reliant on kind strangers allowing us to camp in their years. Mostly though I’m just excited about the people we will meet along.”

Band adds, “When we tell people what we are planning, the first thing they ask is ‘are you going to use just one leg?’……We will be switching legs!”

The aim of this expedition is to raise money for Africa’s Children in Education who support some of Africa’s poorest children through school. Band, who used to be a teacher says, “We visited East Africa last year and since then have wanted to do something to give back as we feel we are so fortunate in many ways. We met many children living in extreme poverty and we believe that Education is key to them being able to change their circumstances. Our hope is to raise $10,000 which will go towards building a school which will help hundreds of children for years to come ”.

The couple will be giving free talks along the way in exchange for donations. People can follow or sponsor the couple at www.kickingthestates.com.

City of Ventura lifts temporary Leaf Blower Emergency Ordinance

“May I come out of the closet now?”

The Ventura City Council terminated the temporary leaf blower emergency ordinance during its regular meeting on July 9, 2018. The repeal is effective immediately and the use of gas, electric, and battery-powered leaf blowers in the City of Ventura is allowed. With this being said, you should begin to find leaf blowers in your local stores across the city. Don’t just jump at the opportunity, make sure you check for the best leaf blowers on the market before making your purchase! You could check out thebestleafblowers for further information.

The temporary leaf blower emergency ordinance was adopted by the Ventura City Council on December 18, 2017, shortly after the start of the Thomas Fire. During this time, air quality in the City of Ventura deteriorated and became a potential health issue. The use of leaf blowers allows for debris such as fallen ash and soot to be airborne. The City Council declared both a state of local emergency and a local public health emergency due to the Thomas Fire.

For information on the Thomas Fire Rebuild, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/thomasfirerebuild.

25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival—A Weekend of Sizzling Music, Dance & Food

The festival is a celebration of all things salsa.

Hot Latin sounds, exotic dancing and spicy culinary flavors are all part of the 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival. The festival, July 28 and 29, is a celebration of all things salsa–the food, music and dance. Festivities take place at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” streets in historic downtown Oxnard from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. both days.

Festivalgoers can dance to the beat of Latin bands including Janeen Puente, and her orchestra who are performing on Saturday at 4:45 p.m. Puente has a strong southern California following. Closing out Sunday’s lineup is Orquesta Tabaco Y Ron. Performing at 4:45 p.m., this 12-piece “Big-Band” orches­tra is composed of musicians from all over Latin America.

The festival’s salsa-tasting tent is filled with dozens of samples of salsa and hot sauce from local restaurants and gourmet grocers. Admission to the tent is $5 per person and includes a bag of fresh Mission tortilla chips and 10 tasting tickets.

The two days also feature a vendor marketplace, international cuisine, community stage, a kids’ zone and the annual “Dancing With Our Community Stars” contest to raise money for local charities.

This year’s Friday Night Kick Off Concert, July 27, features Poncho Sanchez and his fiery stew of infectious melodies and rhythms from a variety of Latin American and South American sources. The concert is also at Plaza Park. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. As part of the 25th festival celebration, general admission is free. Bring your own food. Beer and wine margaritas will be available.

The festival is presented by the Oxnard Downtowners and sponsored by Bud Light, Gold Coast Broadcasting, Mission Foods, Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau and other community partners. Festival proceeds go back into downtown Oxnard and to help pay for events including the Oxnard Farmers Market and Oxnard Christmas Parade.

About 40,000 people attend the festival each year. Festival admission and parking are free. Main stage seating is just $5. For festival information, call 805‐535‐4060, email [email protected] or visit www.oxnardsalsafestival.com or on Facebook.

Soak in summer fun with Waterfront Wednesdays

Join us for Colorful Cocktails after our swim.

With summer arriving, lots of people are taking off their jetski covers, digging out their swimming trunks, and hitting the water to have some fun! And now you can escape the heat this summer from dawn to dusk for a midweek seaside sojourn to Ventura Harbor Village as it kicks off its annual Waterfront Wednesdays every Wednesday in July and August, 2018. Find fabulous seaside dining, one-of-a-kind boutique coastal shopping, and play by the sea! Sway to the sounds of the steel drum from Noon to 3 p.m. and live music into the evening, this unmatched enclave is the epitome of living the California summer lifestyle.

Waterfront Wednesdays offers Top 5 Deep Blue Deals on tap on the seashore at Ventura Harbor Village:

Seaside Cool – On the water fun from boat rentals, to toes in the sand at the Harbor beaches, and coastal wear & finds at boutique shops to keep cool this summer weather on the water or on the shore. Summertime finds at Ventura Harbor Village. (15-50% Boutique deals for Waterfront Wednesdays. Plus, local artisans offer art activities for Wednesdays- from painting to bracelets! )

Free Channel Islands live program at the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center just a few minute walk from Ventura Harbor Village every Wednesday from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Explore the underworld beauty and wonder of the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary or on the island shore with wildlife and flora in the Visitor Center theatre, where guests can listen, watch and interact with Rangers at the Channel Islands.

Colorful Cocktails & Delicious Cuisines – come try something new every Wednesday with lunch, dinner and Happy Hour menus perfect for sharing with friends & family. Unwind from the day with amazing wines, craft beer, refreshing cocktails and a variety of options featuring French, Cuban, Seafood, Greek and American cuisines for lunch or dinner with stunning views of the waterfront. (Waterfront Wednesday deals feature complimentary appetizers, $10 entrees, Happy Hour menus, wine specials, and more!)

Engage the Family Seaside Off Screen- Waterfront Wednesdays offers kids a complimentary Scavenger Seaside Scavenger Hunt from Noon -3 PM for prizes, an Escape Room features Wednesday booking specials, and renting a kayak, pedal or electric boat, jet ski or stand up paddle board gets you extra time on the water on Wednesdays. Watch for free tours & tastes weekly.

Sounds of Summer Resonate on Waterfront Wednesdays overlooking the boats in the Harbor kicking off with a live Steel Drum Noon -3 PM reminiscent of a tropical vacation. Live bands entertain over cocktails and delicious appetizers every Wednesday evening at multiple restaurants on the waterfront for classic summer nights.

For a listing and details of all the Top 5 Deep Blue Deals visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/waterfrontwednesdays/

Funds raised are used to sustain programs in three areas of focus

Open house and ribbon cutting held for United Way. Photo by Michael Gordon

The United Way of Ventura County held an open house and ribbon cutting on June 19 to officially dedicate its new headquarters at 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, in Ventura. The agency relocated in December from Camarillo.

“We’re very excited about our new headquarters, which is in shared space with one of our community partners, Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. And with this move, we are saving nearly $100,000 per year, money that will be used to support various community needs,” said Eric Harrison, president and CEO of the United Way of Ventura County.

Additionally, the agency will be kicking off its annual workplace employee campaign for 2018-19. Funds raised are used to sustain programs in three areas of focus: education, income and health. Top employers running campaigns this year include Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Procter and Gamble, Enterprise, the Ventura County government, UPS, Costco, Target, Our Promise (state employees), AT&T and Macy’s.

To learn more about the United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org.

Ventura Aquatic Center Dive-In Movie Friday, July 20

It’s time to dive into summer! Join the staff at the Ventura Aquatic Center for a dive-in movie! Attendees are invited to order pizza or bring a picnic dinner and float the night away under the stars while watching Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. For more information, visit the Aquatic Center website or call 805-654-7511.

Doors open at 7:30 pm, movie begins at 8 pm

$5 per person, children 2 and under are free

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.