Category Archives: Home Page Links

Annual Wearin’ o’ the Green to benefit CAREGIVERS

Play will be followed by a traditional Irish feast.

The 25th Annual McGrath Family Wearin’ o’ the Green returns on March 17  to benefit CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly.

At the centerpiece of this annual event, which is being presented by Danny’s Deli & Grill with Jack & Wendy Collings, is the Norm Weitzel Open.  The tournament, one of the original fundraising events established to benefit CAREGIVERS, dates back to 1992 when Ventura locals Jack Collings and Norm Weitzel raised the first $1,546.  Following Weitzel’s death in 2014, the tournament was renamed–in perpetuity–The Norm Weitzel Open.

In 2015, The McGrath Family stepped up by adopting the St. Patrick’s Day tradition as their way of showing their commitment to CAREGIVERS and Ventura County seniors.

Last year, in Ventura County, CAREGIVERS served more than 800 frail seniors thanks to dedicated student and adult volunteers.  This included 65,587 hours of volunteer time–all at no cost thanks to the Ventura County community and donor support.

Sponsors for the 2017 program include The McGrath Family, Danny’s Deli & Grill with Jack & Wendy Collings, The Weitzel Family, Collings & Associates, Former Ventura Mayor Jack Tingstrom, ARTZworks.com Gallery & Workshop, Bill & Elise Kearney; Ginny & Bob Camarillo, Gold Coast Health Plan, Hishmeh Enterprises, MediTech Health Services, Law Offices of John D. L. McBride; Vitas Healthcare; Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet Centers; Coast to Coast Computer Products; and TransAmerica Financial Advisors.  Leprechaun sponsors include Signarama; Roadrunner Shuttle and SMART (Senior Marketing Alliance Round Table). Cash and Hole-In-One Contests are sponsored by DCH Toyota of Oxnard, William L. Morris Chevrolet, Kirby Auto Group and The Bunker Indoor Golf.

Individual player spots start at $150.  Shotgun start is 9 a.m. at Buenaventura Golf Course, followed by a traditional Irish feast of corned beef and cabbage.  Auction and raffle prizes are generously donated by the business community.

For information about CAREGIVERS and the 25th Annual McGrath Family Wearin’ o’ the Green presented by Danny’s Deli & Grill with Jack & Wendy Collings, call  658-8530 or visit www.vccaregivers.org/wotg.php .

 

 

 

Ventura County Ag Week March 20-26

Take a morning trip through the farmers market with Kat Merrick of Totally LocalVC. From the Face Of Ventura by Johanna Spinks.

Ventura County Ag Week is a time to reflect on the importance of Ventura County farmers and ranchers and the county’s agriculture industry. It will take place March 20th -26.

Ventura County farmers and ranchers are truly stewards of the land; they are raising more on fewer acres and competing in a challenging global marketplace.  While also working to protect Ventura Counties precious soil and water resources.

The agriculture industry is essential to our economy and the way of life in Ventura County. Agriculture has been attracting farmers since the 1800’s and continues to be the number one employer in our county. Many of our founding farm families still remain today with the current generations carrying on their families’ legacy.

Ventura County students will have an opportunity to hear firsthand from local farmers, and chefs as they visit schools throughout the county during Ventura County Ag week.

Ventura County Ag Weeks goal is to highlight the important role agriculture plays not only to our county but the world.

Many events are planned:

March 21, Ventura County Ag Week Awards Luncheon and National Ag Day celebration.  Farmers, ranchers, chefs and ag educators will be honored at the 2017 Ventura County Ag Day Awards Luncheon, held at the Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula. The festivities will kick off with an opening speech by Henry Gonzales our Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner.

Thursday March 23rd – 5:30pm- 8:00pm- Free event.

Grapes and Hops 454 E Main St. There will be a free Meet the Farmer Mixer.  Close Des Amis, Ojai Vineyards, Surf Brewery and Topa Topa Brewing  will be on hand providing samplings of their locally produced libations. Come out and mix mingle with local farmers and taste the flavors of Ventura County.

Farm to Fork Cooking Class. Take a morning trip through the farmers market with a local Chef and our very own Kat Merrick of Totally Local. As they walk you through all the in’s and out of local sourcing. Saturday March 25th 9:30am – 11:30. $65 per person .

Guests will experience first-hand the connection from farm to fork at the Totally Local Ventura County Ag Week Farm Tour.

March 26th – 9:00 am – 2pm
Cost $85 includes lunch and tasting

Eat Local ~ Hug a farmer all week long

Local restaurants, wineries, brewers and purveyors will be highlighting their locally created weeklong specials.

Further information at TotallyLocalVC.com or [email protected].

 

Ventura College state champions inducted into hall of fame

Fifteen of the original alumnae attended the event

The Ventura College 1996 and 1997 women’s basketball state champions were formally inducted into the Ventura College Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony recently held at the Athletic Event Center at Ventura College. As part of their 20th anniversary reunion, the teams were the first in school history to be inducted into the Ventura College Athletics Hall of Fame.

The honorees travelled from around the world, including Washington, Tennessee and Paris, France, to return to the campus and proudly accept their honors.  Out of the 17 team members, 15 of the original alumnae attended the event.  The 1996 and 1997 women’s basketball teams earned the first two state championships for the Ventura College women’s basketball program.

Leading to the state championships between 1995 and 1997, the Ventura College women’s basketball team was nearly undefeated winning 71 out of 72 games. They outscored their opponents by an average margin of 35.7 points. “To look back at the accomplishments of these young women is very inspiring,” remarked VCCCD Trustee Stephen Blum.  “We will forever cherish the memory of their success and the pride of team spirit they contributed to the campus environment at Ventura College during that era,” added Blum.

The 1995-96 team finished 35-0, beating all opponents accept three by double figures, while the 1996-97 team finished 36-1, ferociously responding to an 81-75 loss to San Jose City in the final of the Gilcrest Invitational at College of the Sequoias; snapping a 42-game winning streak. Thereafter they didn’t just win their final 29 games, they put up 100 or more points a school-record seven times.

“The legacy that these women have left on sports at Ventura College is monumental. The team’s spirit of excellence and dedication exemplifies Ventura College athletics” shared Coach Ned Mircetic. The team members were presented awards by Ventura College President Greg Gillespie, Ventura County Community College District Trustee Stephen Blum, retired Ventura College assistant coach and team mentor David Breslin and coaching staff from 20 years ago, including head coach Ned Mircetic and assistants Tara McLean Emery and Maria Christine.

Project Understanding announces 2017 Shining Star Award Winners

Matt and Dawn Bianchini of Richard H. Bejune Memorial Foundation, Janine Dykstra and Sheldon who presented their Shining Star Award.

Project Understanding of San Buenaventura held their annual “Shining Star Awards” on Thursday, February 9, at the Poinsettia Pavilion. The evening event was a celebration where they honored their outstanding community volunteers and partners and was highly attended by city officials, legislative representatives, local business owners, the faith community and supporters.

Among the honorees were Meg Perry and Gina Norstedt – Administration Volunteer of the Year; Karen Collier and Carolyn Tabor – Tender Life Volunteer of the Year; David Ensminger – Tutoring Volunteer of the Year; Nita Perkins – First Step Volunteer of the Year; Joanna Norstedt – Food Pantry Volunteer of the Year; Oxnard Monday Club – Philanthropists of the Year; CAPS Media – Collaborating Partner of the Year; Richard H. Bejune Memorial Foundation – Community Partner of the Year; MortgageCouch – Business of the Year; Ventura Seventh-Day Adventists Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – House of Worship; Janine Dykstra – Employee of the Year; Carol and Larry Dawes – Donors of the Year; Charleen Morla and Kellie Meehan – Board Members of the Year; Karol Schulkin – Shalom Award; and Lynn Geller – Shining Star Volunteer of the Year.

Ventura Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann served as Master of Ceremonies. Many community leaders presented awards, including several government officials: Michael Powers, Chief Executive Officer, Ventura County; Matt LeVere, Ventura Councilmember; Patti Quiroz, representing Sen. Hannah Beth Jackson; and Jeannette Sanchez-Palacio, representing Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. County School Superintendent Dr. Stan Mantooth presented on behalf of the educational community.

Other presenters included Betsy Chess, Limoneira; Dave Schulze, Ventura Church of Christ; Sheldon Brown, Ventura Breeze; Lisa Anglin, Fidelity National Title; Rick Pearson, North Oxnard United Methodist Church (former E.D. of Project); Kevin Clerici, Downtown Ventura Partners; Aaron Shiah, ServiceMaster Restoration & Cleaning by Integrity; Suki Sir, Turning Point Foundation; and Dan Stevens, namesake of the Dan Stevens Shalom Award (former pastor of Orchard Community Church).

The event was generously sponsored by: Oxnard Monday Club, Riviera Bronze and the National Charity League Juniors of Ventura County.

“This was a pleasant event to honor our community volunteers and partners. It was great way to kick off our celebration for Project Understanding’s 40th Year Anniversary this year. The success of the past forty years truly could not have been done without the support, partnerships and dedication of those we celebrated tonight and those who have carried our organization and believed in our mission throughout the years,” said Jann Huling, President of Project Understanding.

Founded in 1977, Project Understanding provides hope by developing and directing resources for the purpose of transforming lives and community through justice, mercy and compassion. For 40 years, Project Understanding has been assisting people reach their highest attainable level of independence. For more information on Project Understanding, please visit www.projectunderstanding.org.

Horsepower for an Hour – Your Ultimate Stop in Automotive Radio

Tom Spence and Donny Caccamise began their show at local News Talk 1590 KVTA.

Seven years ago, here in Ventura an automotive talk radio show began its humble rise to the top at the Gold Coast broadcasting studios, home of News Talk 1590 KVTA.  In the beginning, Donny Caccamise, Tom Spence, Jim Naylor and Jeff Morgulis set about to create, produce, and market a unique and specific automotive broadcast that reports on trends and news in the automotive industry. Since then, they have become the largest automotive talk radio show in America with an impressive coverage area that also includes 172 countries via the Armed Forces American veterans Radio Network.

This isn’t a show for your average car owner; they’re not trying to replace the now defunct Car Talk. This is a hard-hitting news and editorial program that’s targeted at “car enthusiasts”- from the shade-tree mechanic to the professional technician, racing enthusiasts to the engineer, and everyone in between. Their tagline is,  “We Are Your Ultimate Stop in Automotive Radio”

Horsepower for an Hour is a well-produced, professional show that’s now heavily syndicated across 43 states here in the U.S. and is heard on 155 radio stations. The show is also available digitally across several platforms including iPhone and Android App Stores as well as iTunes and Stitcher.

Horsepower for an Hour is a two-hour program that is currently pre-recorded every week at the ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association) network studios, then delivered via Westwood One Satellite Radio to its various affiliate stations across the country. You can visit their website and stream the show at www.HorsepowerOnline.com.

The first hour consists of news, views, and headlines with a quick trip down memory lane, as the cast, including classic car specialist Ken Hale, discuss the “Clash of the Classics” segment. It’s a wildly entertaining classic car battle where two classic models are pitted against one another

The second hour is all about the dedicated “gearhead”, where they talk about hotrods and high performance topics, it’s where listeners can learn about dual-clutch transmissions, torque converters, direct injection, and more.

Donny Caccamise is host and creator of Horsepower for an Hour, he owns an automatic transmission service center here in Ventura DMC Transmissions specializing in automatic transmission and differential systems. He is an automotive technology graduate with over 30 years of experience.

Tom Spence (member of the KVTA morning show) is co-host and leads the automotive “News and Views” segments in both hours. Spence has been in radio since 1979 and is the creative force behind the programming and production.

Jeff Morgulis is General Manager and is solely responsible for the placement of the show around the nation.

Jim Naylor owns the Ventura Raceway, and, when it comes to automotive racing and motorsports, no one is more knowledgeable

Ken Hale is the resident classic car specialist, no one knows more about classic cars than Ken.

Chris Caccamise is editor and videographer and to say he is brilliant is an understatement according to Donny.

“Most guys want to be more knowledgeable about cars” explains Donny. “They don’t necessarily want to be technicians or engine rebuilders, but they do want to know what a MacPherson strut suspension is, and the difference between a dual-clutch transmission and a conventional automatic transmission. Many people want to know more about these things, and we want to provide them with the information that’ll help them be more comfortable talking about their cars”.

“The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith” at Rubicon Theatre

Anthony E. Nelson, James (Jim) Hankins, Miche Braden and Gerard William Gibbs star in the Rubicon Theatre Company’s West Coast premiere production of “The Devil’s Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith” by Angelo Parra. Playing Wednesdays through Sundays through March 12. To see and listen to this wonderful production go to www.rubicontheatre.org or call  667-2900 for tickets.

Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 – March 14, 2017 – CAPS

Manny Reynoso (Ventura Breeze movie reviewer) recording his latest show on CAPS Radio KPPQ.01

What does CAPS Media do?
by Elizabeth Rodeno

“What does CAPS Media do?” It’s a question that we sometimes get asked and the answer is… A lot! CAPS Media is your local, public access television station and, most recently, Low Power FM radio station. We cover stories in the community and make available a professional grade television studio and radio station.

You may have seen our mobile television truck at the 150th Celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day parades of years past, and if you’ve gone to a City Council meeting you’ve most likely seen our Executive Director Patrick Davidson covering the meeting and showing the “Mayor for the Moment” segment which is created at CAPS. The station also works with the local school system to film the Festival of Talent, which is coming up on Saturday. This year, the film crew will be fully staffed by our student interns from El Camino! Staff is available to make presentations on what we do at CAPS to civic and other groups around town.

CAPS Media is calling all budding disc jockeys, radio talk show hosts, and all others interested in helping to create radio by the community, for the community. As promised, staff at CAPS have created a 2-session Radio KPPQ Membership Training that will be offered in the coming months. The first session covers Membership Program Information and Preliminary Training and the second session is a Radio Presentation and Performance Practicum. Call us at 658-0500 or email us at [email protected].

Tune into KPPQ at 104.1 FM to hear some great radio created by our community. Programs include Pam Baumgardner’s Mostly Local Music, Art n’ Stuff hosted by Phil Taggart, Sounds hosted by Elizabeth Rodeno, In the Women’s Room hosted by Kathleen Good and Johnny Petrol Deleted name.  In addition, we are hosting Democracy Now, a daily news program, The Rock N’ Down Under show featuring the music from Down Under, Spoiler Alert featuring interviews with filmmakers, and more courtesy of Pacifica Radio among others.

As always, you can watch Channel 6 to hear what the public has to say and watch Channel 15 to experience the city’s vision to provide the best and clearest information for all. All programs are also available to the public via streaming service on our website. Go to www.capsmedia.org to see what our members are creating for you and sign up to be part of the story. A full year’s membership is just $25. Radio memberships are now available! For more information, contact us at [email protected].

What could be better for your commute than local radio programming, created by and for your community?

As always, you can watch channel 6 to hear what the public has to say and watch channel 15 to experience the city’s vision to provide the best and clearest information for all. All programs are also available to the public via streaming service on our website.Go to www.capsmedia.org to see what our members are creating for you and sign up to be part of the story. A full year’s membership is just $25. Radio memberships are now available! For more information, contact us at [email protected].

Rubicon Theatre Company celebrates Black History Month

Bessie Smith would go on to inspire Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin

The Devil’s Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith, starring singer and actress Miche Braden of the original Off-Broadway production (named one of the 10 Best Off-Broadway productions of the year by the N.Y. Daily Times).

The Devil’s Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith is conceived and directed by Joe Brancato of Penguin Rep, and written by Angelo Parra. Set in 1937 in Memphis, Bessie and her musicians have been turned away from performing at a “Whites-Only” theatre, then finding a hospitable gin joint where Bessie recounts her incredible journey from an impoverished childhood in Chattanooga, to her fortuitous rise as a show-stopping singer. Laughter, pathos and music all come together to deliver an electric, entertaining and surprisingly touching evening.

Bessie Smith would go on to inspire Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. Tragically, Bessie’s career was cut short in a car crash when she was only 43. Her funeral was held in Philadelphia a week later, with over 7,000 mourners paying their respects. In this play the singer recounts her highs and lows in music and love with raucous humor and mirthful regret tinged with an unshakable foreboding.

Braden is joined by musicians Gerard Gibbs on Piano, Anthony Nelson Jr. on Sax and James Hankins on Bass. Gibbs also plays Pickle, who serves as narrator and guide at times, while coaxing Bessie to tell her story.

Bessie Smith opens in Ventura on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a post-show party with cast, crew and local VIPs at NOW Ventura. Low-priced previews are February 22-24. The show runs Wednesdays through Sundays through March 12. For tickets, go to www.rubicontheatre.org or call  667-2900.

 

Ventura County Fair wins top awards

Fair was honored at Convention & Trade Show. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

The Ventura County Fair was honored at the Western Fairs Association’s Convention & Trade Show, in which roughly 125 fairs from throughout the Western United States attend to gather new ideas, attend seminars and participate in the annual Achievement Awards.

The Achievement Awards recognize the very best efforts that a fair puts forth for its community. This year, Ventura County Fair received 10​ Achievement Awards recognizing everything from the Fair’s advertising to its Social Media Campaign.

“I am proud of our staff’s representation of our Fair and our community at the Western Fairs Association Achievement Awards.” said Barbara Quaid, CEO, Ventura County Fair. “Our awards speak to the quality of our overall marketing efforts and programs.”

At the WFA Achievement awards ceremony, Ventura County Fair collected a total of five 1st place, four 2nd place and one 3rd place awards. The First-Place Awards:

  • Newspaper Ad
  • Sponsorship collaboration
  • Interim Events
  • Guest Services
  • Television Advertisement Series

 

 

 

Racism Riles Residents: One OPINION  

A recent meeting was held at school district headquarters to discuss racism concerns.

by Sheli Ellsworth

Since the January 13 tweet by two Buena High School students containing altered images of themselves holding nooses around two black men, the community has erupted in protest. The school district is fielding phone calls, the students are facing discipline, and a group of local organizations have called for the district to take steps against racism and discrimination.

The group demands the district adopt three resolutions:  safe haven status for all students;  ethnic studies classes; adopting a program called restorative justice, in which people involved in a dispute talk about it. The group spoke at a meeting of the Ventura Unified School District board.

“Sending an apology letter isn’t enough anymore,” Ocil Herrejon, a youth organizer for CA– USE, the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy. “In the current political climate, we need to address these issues, make a safe haven for students of color on campus.”

Yes, school should be a safe place for all students. But is it possible that one incident isn’t a fair representation of Buena students or district policies?

In the seventh grade, my best friend, Dawn, and I were bored. It was the seventies, a decade— without cell phones, internet or satellite TV. But hey, we were capable of entertaining ourselves. We weren’t spoiled rich kids. We could sew, cook, and be creative—and stupid.

One winter day, we were discussing rumors that our single male history teacher was dating our single female PE teacher. Tame stuff by today’s standards, but I was a Perry Mason fan who understood extortion, my friend—a gifted writer. Together we were middle school morons who regaled ourselves by writing a blackmail letter. We exorcised our boredom by imagining our teachers’ faces when they found out that someone was on to their little tête-à-têtes. Would they be embarrassed? Would they pay for our silence? It was all in the wording: careful, adult-type wording.

Did we send the letter? Nope. And thank goodness there was no Twitter or Instagram.

Did we ever plan to extort money from our teachers? Nope.  But  Dawn and I became steeped in scandal. My mother found the letter. The torn, discarded pages were discovered by my mom who was certain that I was a budding sociopath—a criminal in the making—a peccant, penitentiary-worthy juvenile delinquent! She was prepared to call the police, the school and the district attorney.

How did I get off death row? A levelheaded, loving adult spoke up on my behalf. My grandmother talked my estrogen-challenged mother off the ledge. Grandma was a wise woman who knew that kids did stupid things— like writing blackmail letters and pretending to be white supremacist racists. (Isn’t it Dr. Phil who says, “never expect children to deal with adult issues?”) We now know that our brain is not mature until our mid-twenties, but my grandmother had figured it out long before neuroscience did.

I didn’t grow up to be an extortionist or even a criminal. My friend Dawn now owns an insurance agency, so I guess you could say that she is “still in the extortion biz.” Neither of us have ever been jailed or have ever made money illegally unless you count the money we found in change slots. Maybe doing stupid things is just a part of being a kid . . . maybe taking it down a notch is another way to approach the problem.

Sheli Ellsworth, a former school guidance counselor, has a master’s degree in psychology. Her latest book, Ex Parte: Episodes of existential fiction from BeachHouse Books has recently received a five-star review from Book Junkie Reviews.