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Senior troupe show about avoiding senior scams Feb. 23

Troupe members of the “Stop Senior Scams (SM) Acting Program” ham it up to help others learn how to protect themselves.

In collaboration with the Ventura County Adult Abuse Prevention Council (VCAAPC), please join Cypress Place Senior Living for a fun, free and educational program on avoiding senior scams, so they’re able to know the difference between a scam compared to legitimate and reputable communities like these at Springfield Massachusetts continuing care retirement community Loomis Lakeside has senior apartments, assisted living, and nursing home level of care available.

The Stop Senior Scams (SM) Acting Program uses theater to dramatize senior scams. Members of the troupe, ages 60 – 97, write and perform skits based on their own personal experiences. It is a memorable way to equip those who are vulnerable with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.

Using popular songs like the Rolling Stones “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, “Getting to Know You “, from the Rogers and Hammerstein musical “The King and I”, Abba’s “Money, Money, Money”, and the Supremes “Stop in the Name of Love”, the troupe brings theatricality, laughter and excitement to a commonly frightening and frustrating topic.

The program was founded in 1997 by director Adrienne Omansky who was a teacher of older adults and adults with disabilities. The Stop Senior Scams (SM) Acting Program has been recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Assembly, according to Nancy Cole, an eldercare manager and board member of VCAAPC.

This not-to-be-missed program takes place on February 23 from 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura. Seating is limited so please call to reserve a seat. To RSVP, please call 765-1066.

Cypress Place Senior Living is located at 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura. To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

The Ventura County Adult Abuse Prevention Council is a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to the prevention of elder and dependent adult abuse. To learn more about VCAAPC please visit their web site at http://vcaapc.org/.

 

Ventura Unified School District Female Student of the Year

Aaliyah is planning to become a doctor.

by Victoria Usher

Many people gathered together to help celebrate the 20th Annual Poinsettia Awards luncheon on Thursday, December 8 which is presented by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. It was a wonderful time for everyone involved that took place at the Marriott Ventura Beach. It was an event that gave deserving recognition to specific individuals and organizations that have made great accomplishments and contributions.

One of these deserving people is Aaliyah Staples-West, a senior at Buena High School in Ventura who won the award for Ventura Unified School District Female Student of the Year.

The principal of her high school nominated her for her accomplishments and when her name got called it was a complete surprise, a wonderful surprise! It’s wonderful to see someone be so determined and passionate about their education and about their future at such a young age.

When Aaliyah isn’t too busy being a hardworking student she is busy playing basketball. She is on the girls’ varsity basketball team and you can tell how passionate she is about her team and about the sport. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was in fourth grade, I love it,” says Aaliyah.

After she graduates from Buena High School, Aaliyah is planning to attend college where she will study biology and then go on to graduate school where she will then study to become a doctor.

San Diego State University and Point Loma are the two universities that Aaliyah is considering for college. The city of San Diego and either one of those universities would be extremely lucky to have someone as down to earth, smart and determined as Aaliyah Staples-West.

Hundreds attend “Chill with VPD” event

Local students loved meeting VPD police officers and K9’s at the second annual community event “Chill with VPD”. It was held on Saturday, Jan. 21  at the Pacific View Mall.  The Ventura Police Department, Ventura Police Community Foundation and McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream sponsored the event.

The rain cooperated by stopping for one day as hundreds attended to learn more about the Ventura Police Department. They viewed a K9 demonstration, visited with the K9’s, SWAT team members  and much more.

New Regional Coordinator for School on Wheels

Angie Allmendinger has joined the team.

by Sinead Chilton-Marketing Director  School on Wheels, Inc.

School on Wheels is happy to announce that after a long search we have a new Regional Coordinator for Ventura County.  Angie Allmendinger has joined the team and will be working from our Resource Center in Ventura.  Before joining School on Wheels Angie earned her M.A. in American Studies in Germany and taught High School English is rural Japan.

School on Wheels is always looking for volunteers who want to make a positive difference in the life of a homeless student.  Please visit www.schoolonwheels.org for more information about how to apply to become a volunteer tutor and join their amazing Ventura Volunteers Team!

We are looking for volunteers as the list of homeless children that need our help is growing.  We are predicting that the number of families and children experiencing homelessness will increase significantly this year due to the lack of affordable housing, shelters closing and new government policies.

Ventura Music Festival Student Jazz Competition

High school jazz musicians performed for the judges and audience.

On Jan. 22, in the Pavilion of the Pierpont Inn judges awarded cash prizes to outstanding Southern California’s best high school jazz musicians as the Ventura Music Festival (VMF) kicks off their new year.

This was 11th annual competition for students and was attended by over 100 who enjoyed some great jazz musicians and the rain.

Renowned musicians Bevan Manson, Eddie Arkin and Steve Marsh were the judges for the completion.

The 5 finalists that performed were Ben Farahi (guitar, 16 Hamilton Academy of Music Los Angeles), Jonah Goldstein (guitar, 16 Calabasas high School, Matthew Michalek (16, alto sax Thousand Oaks High School), Henry Urschel (also sax, 16 Dos Pueblos High School Santa Barbara) and Angelo Velasquez(drums, 18 Newbury Park High School). They were backed up by Bevan Manson on piano, Tom Etchart on bass and Charles Levin on drums.

All of the judges agreed that the students were all outstanding and how hard it was selecting the best but finally decided to award first place to drummer Angelo Velasquez who was the oldest of the students so we can expect several of them to be back next year.

They will be the performing for the public throughout the year, including on Feb. 21st when the VMF announces the 2017 July Festival program at City Hall. So be sure to attend to enjoy the music and be introduced to this year’s VMF.

 

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.