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Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington

The Tall Ships sail into Ventura and open for tours. Photo by john Ferritto

The Tall Ships, Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, commence their annual voyage along the California coast and sail into Ventura Harbor on Tuesday, January 25 and sails out early on Thursday, February 14. The historical vessels will dock in front of scenic Ventura Harbor Village.  Tall Ship schedule can change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.  Visitors are urged to please check VenturaHarborVillage.com prior to arrival.

Catch the mystical sight of the Tall Ships during the not-to-be missed grand arrival in the afternoon on January 25 as the crew may “man the yards” upon arrival as crew members stand on the tall masts.  A photographer’s delight, the ships depart for Battle Sails throughout their stay out of the Harbor.

Open to the public the Tall Ship Dockside Tours offer a living history experience.  Dockside tours focus on the authentic 18th century sailor’s view of traveling by tall ship, as well as a chance to meet the ship’s crew and learn what it took to adventure to new lands.

Looking for more adventure? Battle Sails, Adventure Sails, or Voyage of Explorers Sails complete with firing cannons and hoisting of the main sails are just the ticket!  Battle Sails feature a recreation of a naval skirmish with close quarters maneuvers and are available, as are Adventure Sails and Explorer Sails, out in the channel to experience life on the high seas.

Grays Harbor Historical Seaport recommends a $5 donation for Dockside Tours; additional donation amounts support educational programs.  For sailing ticket reservations call 800-200-5239 or visit www.historicalseaport.org. Tickets are on sale now.

Hawaiian Chieftain was built in Hawaii in 1988 and originally designed for cargo trade among the Hawaiian Islands. Launched in 1989, Lady Washington is a full-scale reproduction of the original Lady Washington, which was built in 1750s and was one of the first U.S. – flagged ships to explore the west coast of North America.

The Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington travel down the West Coast stopping in ports and harbors for historical and educational visits.  These ships host over 8,000 school children a year.  Educators should contact the Historical Seaport education office, 360-589-2299 to arrange dockside, or on-the-water programming while here in Ventura Harbor.

Share your Tall Ships photos @VenturaHarbor on Instagram! For more Tall Ship information visit www.venturaharborvillage.com or Facebook Ventura Harbor. Admission and parking free daily at Ventura Harbor Village.

For complete schedule, visithttp://www.historicalseaport.org/public-tours-sails/sailing-schedule/#

Tickets are on sale.  For detailed information, call 800-200-5239.

Museum of Ventura County celebrates grand reopening

On Sunday, Jan. 8 the grand reopening of the Museum of Ventura County was held under sunny beautiful skies. While hundreds waited to enter they were welcomed by interim Executive Director Elena Brokaw, county Supervisor Steve Bennett and Susan Van Abel, Chair Board of Directors while being entertained by The Barrelhouse Wailers. Julie Tumamait offered a Chumash blessing, many Chumash artifacts are on display.

At the opening Ventura County  Supervisor Steve Bennett stated “This museum is a county jewel it is the custodian of this region’s rich and diverse history and the interpreter of its stories. I have been here for many of its groundbreaking exhibits and seen the power of storytelling first hand. The Vietnam exhibit last year brought veterans and families together in a powerful and important way.”

Elena Brokaw welcomed all with “We are honored that you are all here today, and excited to share with you the changes at the Museum of Ventura County – your museum, telling your stories. We have worked hard over the last four months to create a space that is immersive and engaging, and provides lots of different exhibit and interactive opportunities for all ages. This is our gift to you, and without further ado, let’s go in!”

Channel Islands Maritime Museum “Art Comes Alive” Feb. 18-19

Ludolph Backhuysen_The  Amsterdam

Visitors of all ages can enjoy an assortment of maritime mysteries associated with the life and times of historical characters, portrayed by volunteers in period costume, and hear stories about the fascinating maritime heritage surrounding rare and beautiful paintings dating back to the 1600s and more than 60 world-class ship models, at the third annual Channel Islands Maritime Museum “Art Comes Alive” event, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Feb. 18-19. Located in Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor at 3900 Bluefin Circle; museum entry is $7 adults, $5 seniors/students/active military, $3 children (ages 6-17), and free for members and children under 6. cimmvc.org .

Adult Use of Marijuana Act

On November 8, 2016, California voters’ approved Proposition 64, the “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” which makes the recreational use of marijuana by those over age 21 legal as a matter of state law. On December 5, 2016, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance establishing a moratorium on commercial marijuana facilities and prohibiting outdoor cultivation of marijuana for a period of 45 days.

At the council meeting held on Jan.9 , on a 7-0 vote the City Council has approved an interim urgency ordinance, extending for an additional 10 months and 15 days the citywide moratorium on the establishment and operation of commercial marijuana facilities, on commercial cultivation, and on private non­ medical marijuana cultivation. This means people may have to look elsewhere for their bud bargain in the interim period.

The temporary ban allows a resident to grow up to six plants indoors, but prohibits outdoor growing operations as well as any retail business related to recreational use of the plant. For those who are interested in growing their own plants indoors, there are online retailers who are able to cater to them with cultivation equipment if they are interested in looking for equipment they might be interested in something like https://ledgrowlightshq.com/best-full-spectrum-led-grow-lights/ for more information. However, it is important to remember that in some states while medical marijuana is legal, the Cultivation of marijuana is still illegal in some states, if they are caught, they may have to seek to help of a lawyer. If you live in a state where medical marijuana has been legalised, but for some reason, you are n’t able to make it to a dispensary, maybe due to your medical condition, do not worry. With companies like ganja express, a solution may have been found to help solve your problem. You will be able to receive medical marijuana at the comfort of your own home. This way, you won’t have to go anywhere and still get the medication you need to help improve your condition. It is worth looking into, but only if medical marijuana is legal where you live, or you could be in serious trouble for breaking the law.

The council approved the extension because they felt that it was necessary because staff studies are incomplete and ongoing and “absence of this Ordinance would create a serious threat to the orderly and effective implementation of any revisions to the City’s Municipal Code in that the development of uses may conflict with or frustrate contemplated amendments.”

Continuing the moratorium will maintain the status quo while the City explores the issues and options associated with both the commercial aspect of marijuana and outdoor cultivation.

This extension will give city staff time to:

Gather data from studies conducted by other entities regarding direct and secondary effects of commercial marijuana establishments in those communities.

Studying ordinances from other California cities which regulate such uses.

Researching the implications of Proposition 64 and recent changes in state law regarding marijuana on the City’s existing ordinance.

Determining the areas of probable impact to the City, including zoning, planning, permitting, licensing, law enforcement, health, water, etc.

Formulating an interdepartmental working group to address the issues associated with commercial activities related to marijuana and outdoor cultivation.

Time is required for City staff to obtain input from the City Council, the business community, and the public.

Newly installed photocell at Camino Real Park

Photocell lights up Camino Real Park sports fields.

by Ventura City staff

Ventura is not just any municipal government.  We are passionate about energy conservation and strive to operate more efficiently and save taxpayer dollars.

Committed to preserving the environment, the City developed an Environmental Sustainability Strategy that identifies ways to reduce impacts from municipal operations including projects that; reduce energy, fuel, chemical and water use, reduce solid waste and hazardous waste generation, and increase the purchase of environmentally preferable products.  These environmentally sustainable practices not only reduce the City’s environmental footprint, but also create budget savings by cutting operational costs.

Recently, two City departments – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships, and Public Works – identified a new way to reduce energy use and save City funds by installing a new photocell with light sensor at the Camino Real Park sports fields.

The new photocell sensor with a field lighting switch/relay upgrade adjusts the outdoor lighting loads to a separate meter and significantly reduces electrical costs.  By qualifying for SCE’s AL-2 pricing schedule (money-saving energy plan for outdoor lighting), the energy usage will be billed at “off-peak” rates rather than the expensive “peak demand” rates.

In addition to numerous lighting efficiency projects, other examples of the City’s Energy Saving Program include two large scale renewable energy projects.  The 110 kilowatt solar electric system at the City’s Sanjon Maintenance Yard produces about 45% of the electricity used at the facility; and the co-generation unit at the Wastewater Treatment Plant uses waste gas to produce about 45% of the electricity used at that location.

City staff continues to identify ways to reduce our environmental footprint, be more efficient and create budget savings by cutting energy use at our facilities and other parks, such as Ventura Community Park and Aquatic Center.

Life in good measure

Dave and Nancy at the Buenaventura Art Association gallery in Ventura Harbor .

by Gail Field

“Once burned, twice shy.”  David Hodge is not one to shy away from a challenge, but one day Dave was burned and turned away from a hobby he loved.  Fortunately, what ensued was a fulfilling life of new experiences.

After successful careers as teachers in Ventura County, Dave and his wife Nancy began participating in historical reenactments, traveling all over all the U.S. and putting on shows for the public. Dave’s particular responsibility for the Civil War reenactment was to set off the cannons in a conflict between the Yanks and the Confederates.  David did in fact get burned on the cannon in his last attempt, and after that he swore never to set off a cannon again.  Instead, he and Nancy turned their attention to historical costuming for the events.  They had dresses and uniforms made for the appropriate periods of history, and sold them to participants and the public, adding authenticity to the events.

Ever since she was a little girl, Nancy has expressed herself through art.  Her paintings show her love of horses, Indian legends and landscapes of the Old West.  David assists, reinforcing his dictum, “A painting must tell a story.”  Nancy’s paintings demonstrate this principle in her paintings of horses with personalities and characters with “attitude” among many other subjects.  Nancy was recognized by the Buenaventura Art Association for her work and her service to the art community with a Lifetime Membership.

Dave pursues his love of history with his business of finding antique firearms and other objects for worldwide clients.  “I love the search for just the right item for my clients.  Recently I found an original Colt revolver made in 1884, now worth a fortune.”

Dave and Nancy are generous with their involvement in the community.  As active members of the Buenaventura Art Association, they participate in showings at the gallery in Ventura Harbor Village, and Dave oversees the volunteer staffing of the gallery.  “You can find the arts and crafts of fourteen artist members of the Buenaventura Art Association here,” says Dave. “It’s open every day at Ventura Harbor Village, and the beautiful works here are made by very talented artists.”

In addition to their commitment to the Buenaventura Arts Association, Dave and Nancy believe in helping the community of animals. On a regular basis, they gather and donate supplies for a local animal shelter.

“We love retirement,” says Nancy, “because we can pursue what we’ve always wanted to do. We have a full life here in Ventura.”

The gallery is open every day from 11 a.m. – 6. p.m.
Harbor Village Gallery and Gifts.  641-2750

 

Ventura Hillsides Conservancy to host volunteer river restoration event

The Ventura River winds its way through Willoughby Preserve.

On Monday, January 16, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host a volunteer river restoration event at the Willoughby Nature Preserve in Ventura. VHC invites volunteers of all ages to join them from 9 a.m. –  noon to help remove invasive plants on property owned and managed by VHC along the Ventura River Parkway.

“On the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service holiday, we will honor his legacy through volunteerism and community service,” said Dashiell Dunkell, VHC Conservation Director. ““The Conservancy has spent four years cleaning, clearing and restoring this habitat and our goal is to introduce more local residents to its natural beauty.”

The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and protecting Ventura’s hillsides, waterways and wildlife.  Founded in 2003, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 500 members, local business and government partners.  The land trust currently manages 80 acres of land near the Ventura River and is working toward the purchase of its first hillside property.

To RSVP, visit www.venturahillsides.org/events, or for more information, call the VHC office at 643-8044.

 

Seaside Emergency Associates turn holiday party into benefit

Funds raised for several non-profits by medical professionals at holiday party.

Seaside Emergency Associates, a leading provider of emergency room services for Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital, turned their holiday party into a benefit for Make-A-Wish, Toys for Tots, Health Care Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Paula.

Dr. Jeffrey  Robinson, Dr. Martin Ehrlich, Dr. Scott Speier, Dr. Richard Rutherford, Dr. Stephen Roslansky, and Dr. Theodore Mandryk,  asked party guests to make a donation of cash or toys and also hosted a silent auction.  $4,400 was raised for Make-A-Wish, and the Health Care Foundation and 3 full boxes of toys were collected for Toys for Tots. In addition, Seaside purchased several dozen craft games and supplies for the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Paula.

Make-A-Wish serves children throughout the Tri-Counties and many are treated at VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital.  It means so much to the families of the wish kids, that Seaside Emergency Associates decided to help grant wishes through their holiday party.

Health Care Foundation is currently working on creating a Ronald McDonald family room at VCMC to help the families of children staying at the hospital.

The Boys and Girls Club kids were excited to have some new activities to play during the upcoming season.

Toys for Tots will distribute the collected toys to needy children in the community.

The physicians and other medical professionals of Seaside Emergency Associates provide state-of-the art emergency medical care at Ventura County Medical Center (a Level II Trauma Emergency Department) and Santa Paula Hospital. Seaside physicians have been nationally recognized for the outstanding emergency medicine training they provide to family medicine residents.

 

Joymaker challenge brings toys to local kids in need

The  Boys & Girls Club provides a positive place for all youth.

As a part of their Santa’s Workshop Holiday Party teens at the Boys and Girls Club taught younger club members about giving back. Teens helped younger members wrap gifts which were given to children at Casa Pacifica.

The teens have been working with Branch Director Lea Cobb, Teen Directors Abel and Katie and volunteer Madhu Bajaj of Fastsigns of Ventura who was selected as a Kindness Ambassador and Joymaker by “generationOn”.

“Engaging young people in service is a priority for my life’s work,” says Bajaj. “When we get involved in our community, no doubt the community is strengthened, but so are the lives of the people involved. From new skills, confidence, friendships, job opportunities and much more, service supports our teens in leading vibrant, meaningful lives.”

One teen provided insight into the importance of being kind to self. “It’s challenging being a teen. Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. It’s important we remember to be kind to ourselves.” Other teens added in specifics on how to be kind to self such as eating well, exercising, managing stress, and avoiding peer pressure.

The teens also agreed on the importance of kindness and making time for others as a way of building relationships. For their kindness service project, they decided to create a kindness tree to capture ways to express kindness and share kindness stories. They invited younger club members to participate and taught them about kindness.

Additionally, they wrote letters to people important in their life like a parent, teacher, friend etc. and to community helpers. After learning about Standing Rock and #NoDAPL the teens decided to write letters of support to the water protectors.

For their participation in the Joymaker challenge, the teens researched local groups where they could give the toys donated by Hasbro and decided on Casa Pacifica. They helped younger club members wrap gifts and talked with them about the importance of helping others and giving back to your community.

Pattie Birmingham, CEO says “We were so pleased to participate in this program.  We strive to instill Good Character & Citizenship values with our youth in all that we do and this program was a perfect match!  These youth will be the future leaders of our community.  Learning to care about others will be pivotal to the direction that they take.”

The Joymaker Challenge is facilitated by “generationOn” and sponsored by Hasbro, details at www.generationOn.org/joymaker. Through Dec.23 for each kid or teen who engages in service, Hasbro will donate a toy or game to Toys for Tots – up to 1 million dollars!

The  Boys & Girls Club Greater Ventura provides a positive place for all youth, especially those who need us most, and quality programs to help them become healthy, responsible, confident and productive members of our community. We provide critical youth development services to 1,200 members every year.  Your contribution provides Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyle programs to the youth of our community!  http://www.bgclubventura.org/

 

Rotarians help local children find the spirit of the holidays

Students enbjoyed a morning of shopping and lunch with Santa Clau

The Rotary Club of Ventura hosted  local elementary school students for a morning of shopping and lunch with Santa Claus during the club’s annual Christmas party on Dec.14.

About 60 children from Ventura Schools attended a shopping trip with Rotarians and Interact students.  Each student was given a $70 gift card from Rotary and then an additional $25 was provided by JCPenney for shopping purposes.

The Rotarians, with the help of a shopping list provided by the parents, shopped with the students and helped them make their purchases which will be wrapped up for Christmas at their home.  Students were then bussed to the Ventura Unified School District where they had lunch, did crafts, sang Christmas carols, selected a coat from the Coats for Kids drive and had a special visit from Santa.  They received a gift from Santa and were able to select gifts for immediate family members.   The party included a distribution of coats to students who attended. Coats were collected from the community during the Rotary’s 13th Annual Coats for Kids drive held throughout Ventura County.