Rick Namhais, Executive Director, Carol Goldstein, Board Member, Ally Gialketsis, Ventura Branch Coordinator, Jill Sarick Santos Ventura Branch Manager and Emily Parker Fundraising Manager at ‘friend-raising’ event.

Food Forward has been connecting those most vulnerable to food insecurity in our community with abundant fresh produce gleaned from farms, orchards, backyards and farmers markets since 2012 in Ventura County.  They hosted their first community ‘friend-raising’ event on Sunday, November 13th at Ventura Spirits.

Nearly 100 friends and supporters of Food Forward were in attendance: local farmers, foodies and others interested in promoting more sustainable agricultural. Everyone enjoyed delicious food from Sespe Pizza, hand-crafted distilled beverages from Ventura Spirits, refreshing local wines from Paradise Pantry and locally brewed beer from Topa Topa Brewery.

Executive Director, Rick Nahmias shared the story of how Food Forward started with a few volunteers from Craigslist and a friend’s orange tree.  25 million pounds later, the organization is serving over 350 hunger relief agencies and has over 7,000 volunteers throughout Southern California.

Food Forward hosts regular “Backyard Harvests” and also gleans at the Thousand Oaks and Ventura farmers markets every week. Volunteers commit to about an hour and a half and can easily provide over 120 servings of fresh fruit or produce to someone in need in our community.

To learn more about Food Forward and to sign-up to volunteer, visit www.foodforward.org.

Students expressed concern for the well-being of individuals targeted by large political campaigns.

by Andres Tovar-Ventura College

Students gathered the evening after the November 8th election to discuss the future of this great nation. Under the hot sun and heavy air that filled the end of a grueling campaign season, many expressed concern for the well-being of individuals targeted by large political campaigns and stressed the importance of safety in these coming times. Students in all, came together not for protest of any individual entity particularly, but to promote a much needed unity amongst the young and old of our community. Many felt the nation was more divided than ever and in these times where too many emotions run deep, a unity of our citizens regardless of political belief is our greatest duty.

Instructors of Ventura College gave insight on what the next most logical step should be, and in conjunction with the students, offered a message of peace and love and hope. The older individuals that attended this rally then offered further insight into the coming future, expressing sympathies for those who feel threatened and provided wisdom with their experience with similar times in their lives. Many individuals spoke to the crowd of having dealt with rougher times; being persecuted and often abandoned by the system meant to protect and assist them. In their all knowledge and wisdom gained within the borders of time and space here in our home, it was told again the greatest thing a people can do in the hardest of times is unite not against another, but for the sake of itself that it may flourish to be the voice of a generation.

These words do not ring hollow, as they to pass through the voices of the students of Ventura College, giving hope that times may come with difficulty, but be meet with a solidarity bounded by conviction.

A message from staff dictated that the students that participated in their first election not become disheartened with the political process, in regard to the overwhelming division driven by the political environment of the past year. As in most areas of politics, there has always been a divergence in belief between the young and old, rich and poor, and rural and urban; but a common ground for many was the right to have their voice be heard in ballot. This ability to be heard has been fought for and has held to be a foundation of the American way. The rally ended with a plea from voices of all types to hold onto their rights and use them to their fullest extent.

This election is both something seen before and something all too new to know what is to come. In absence of any certainty, the students of Ventura College can only express the need for unity in these most truly turbulent times, as a house divided against itself cannot stand.

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The legacy of Sam Povar lives on through his family and the community. Photo by George Robertson

Sam Povar was a man who loved Ventura and who spent his time and resources in creating, preserving and protecting the beauty of the city that he loved.  Sam passed away in 2015, but he sparked a commitment to continue beautifying the city for residents and visitors alike.

Michael PovarSam’s son and daughter, Michael and Paulette, are continuing this legacy of giving back to the city. “Our father wanted to recognize the beauty of this place and to make a mark that lasts,” says Paulette.  “We are celebrating Ventura as a place where residents and visitors can come to talk, walk their dogs, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.”

Sam’s dream of refurbishing the San Salvador, that sits on the sand in Marina Park is now happening.

“Almost every day you can see children playing on the replica of a Spanish galleon in Marina Park “ says Michael.  “The large boat represents Juan Cabrillo’s flagship, the San Salvador.  Our latest project includes refurbishing the big ship with new paint, aluminum flagpoles and flags celebrating the 150 years of Ventura’s cityhood.”

The Povars are happy that homeowners are contributing to the efforts in Marina Park. Michael explains, “We think this is the most beautiful park, with close to a 360 degree view of water, including the harbor, the inlet and the Pacific itself.  It’s a historical place and a very beautiful one.  We want residents to have a stake in continuing to make this area a more beautiful place and keeping it that way.”

“ I want to thank our neighbors for their donations. Please tell your friends and neighbors to donate. This is our community, our park and our ship. There is nothing better than donating to the ship and to see the results of your donation on happy faces (kids and adults).”

Sam Povar’s vision was to inspire others to use private capital along with public cooperation and support to envision something beautiful then make it happen.  “This is something we are passionate about,” says Paulette.  “We hope members of the community will join us not only in beautifying the park, but also in continuing to contribute to Ventura’s future.”

Donations are accepted for continuing projects at the Ventura Community Partners Foundation for the Sam Povar Memorial Fund.  For further information, call Michael Povar at 818-705-7600.