Category Archives: News and Notes

Opera welcomes promising young vocalists

Opera Santa Barbara will welcome four promising young vocalists for 17 weeks of performances, training, and community events under an expansion of its artist residency program early next year. The company’s new Mosher Studio Artist Program will enable four singers and an apprentice vocal coach to take part in Opera Santa Barbara productions, outreach activities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and coachings and masterclasses with top industry directors and conductors. The inaugural complement of program participants will arrive in Santa Barbara on January 18. Their residencies will conclude in May.

Under its original artist residency program, founded seven years ago, Opera Santa Barbara would host four singers for about five weeks of training and rehearsals prior to each of the company’s three annual opera productions, culminating in on-stage appearances as secondary performers.

Under the new Mosher Studio Artist Program, participants will tour elementary schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as part of the company’s Opera Lab, which uses improvisational theatre techniques to encourage children to “create their own operas. To schedule a “pop up” performance, contact Opera Santa Barbara at 898-3890 or [email protected].

 

Through a related partnership, qualified UCSB voice students will be eligible to participate in the Mosher Studio Artist Program. Mezzo-soprano Molly Clementz, a doctoral candidate at UCSB, will be among the new program’s inaugural participants.

 

Opera Santa Barbara is seeking local homeowners to serve as housing donors for Mosher Studio Artists. Donors will receive a stipend of $2,000 for the full 17-week period. Each artist requires a private bedroom and bathroom and wireless internet access. For more information, contact Opera Santa Barbara at 898-3890 or [email protected].

 

Harrison installs storm water treatment system

New system represents an industry innovation that combines technology with storm water quality runoff regulations.
New system represents an industry innovation that combines technology with storm water quality runoff regulations.

Harrison Industries, one of the oldest and largest privately-owned refuse businesses in the U.S., has installed an innovative new commercial water treatment system for stormwater, at the company’s Gold Coast Recycling and Transfer Station in Ventura. Taking over four years and more than $1.5 million to develop, the specialized treatment system represents an industry innovation that combines proven technology with strict storm water quality runoff regulations.

Designed in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), which makes it unlawful to discharge pollutants into navigable waters without a permit, the system collects storm water runoff at Harrison’s 7.8 acre Gold Coast Recycling and Transfer Station on Colt Street where trash hauling trucks empty their loads before they are compacted into transfer trucks and taken to the Toland Landfill.

Thousands of tons of materials are brought to Gold Coast Recycling and Transfer Station each year from Harrison franchise clients – the cities of Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ojai, Fillmore and Carpinteria, as well as unincorporated areas of Ventura County, Naval Base Ventura County and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District. In addition, it is a full-service facility for self-haulers that also serves as a buy-back center for recyclable materials (aluminum, glass, plastic bottles, paper products, etc.) as well as a free drop-off center for electronic waste (old computers, televisions, copy machines, etc.) and anti-freeze, batteries, oil and paint (ABOP).

Using a customized collection, filtration and disinfectant system, rainwater that has come into contact with industrial activities at the Colt Street site is diverted into a series of filters and 6,000 gallon tanks where it is cleaned and disinfected. The fully automatic system, equipped with measuring devices, process alarms and remote access, removes pollutants before the treated water enters local storm drains and ultimately flows to the Santa Clara River.

Harrison Industries obtained numerous permits to build the storm water treatment system and will work closely with city of Ventura inspectors to have it monitored before and after any rain event. The system, which takes up three quarters of an acre of the Gold Coast property, kicks in day or night when rainfall begins.

Harrison’s immediate goal is to maintain compliance with the current and upcoming regulations. In the future, the company plans to investigate ways to reuse the treated water at their facilities or make it available to other water users.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Founders’ Day at Veterans Home of California-Ventura

Assisted by Venturan Jerry English and Ventura City Councilmember Jim Monahan Veteran’s Administrator Michelle Roulston cuts the red ribbon
Assisted by Venturan Jerry English and Ventura City Councilmember Jim Monahan Veteran’s Administrator Michelle Roulston cuts the red ribbon.

What a wonderful Founders’ Day it was recently at the Veterans Home of California — Ventura. Not only did the Home celebrate their sixth anniversary, but a moving POW/MIA Memorial and 7000-pound anchor were both dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Administrator Michelle Roulston thanked the Home Depot, Oxnard and the U.S. Naval Base, Ventura for sponsoring both projects.

Special guests included Commanding Officer VR-55 Joel Fragale, U.S. Naval Base Ventura County; Command Master Chief Sotero DeLaCruz, U.S. Naval Base Ventura County; Councilmember James Monahan, City of Ventura; Nancy Frawley, representing Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin; and many others for a very special day!

 

 

 

 

Santa stops by the Ventura Family YMCA

The Myers family enjoying time spent with Santa at the YMCA.
The Myers family enjoying time spent with Santa at the YMCA.

The Ventura Family YMCA presented their annual Santa Stops by the Y event on December 12.  This was a community event for children to have their photo taken with Santa and the opportunity to participate in fun crafts!  Those attending were asked to bring one unwrapped toy or gift per child to enter.

The donations will benefit low-income families by giving them the chance to find holiday presents at the ACTION Foundation’s Christmas Shoppe.   The children who participated in the event had their photos taken with Santa and a fun time making Christmas themed crafts.

The ACTION Foundation is a non-profit service group providing volunteer services to the cities of Ventura County. ACTION works with local churches and agencies including Interface, Rescue Mission Alliance, Domestic Violence Shelter, Caring Neighbors, Many Mansions, Lutheran Social Services, Area Housing Authority, YMCA, and others.

They assist these groups in meeting various needs of the elderly, disabled, special needs and low income families.

The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Road.

 

 

 

 

 

Vol. 9, No. 6 – December 23, 2015 – January 5, 2016 – CAPS Chat

CAPS Media Executive Director Patrick Davidson and cameraman Aaron Cortez interview the Quest brothers for the Mayor for a Moment series in partnership with the City of Ventura City and the VUSD.

CAPS Media in 2015
By Elizabeth Rodeno

Looking back on 2015 we find an ever larger history and archive of the many and varied productions by the dedicated CAPS Media staff and volunteers.

Not only did we cover the beloved St. Patrick’s and County Fair parades, but CAPS was on site at the EcoExtreme Mud Run and Ventura’s Corporate games. With a dash of Fusion soccer and some Wildcat Basketball, performances in every area were chronicled. Our coverage of the VEP’s Festival of Talent was comprehensive with a behind the scenes look at what it takes to put on the show. At the close of the year, another production was completed through a collaboration of Ventura’s emergency services, including Ventura Police and Fire Departments, Foothill High School and CAPS Media worked with Foothill students to produce the video elements.  Plus every year we honor our local students by providing coverage of several graduation ceremonies.

The annual State of the City and State of Education programs were other events where CAPS Media was seen doing what we do; filming and broadcasting city and local events.  The launch of several series is keeping us busy. Our work with the Ventura County News Channel has been informative to say the least. We have featured county programs such as children’s reading programs, historic landmarks, harbor patrol and public works as well as animal rescue and job training programs at the Todd Road jail. We can’t wait to see what’s next. The Mayor for a Moment and the Business of the Month programs support what our City Council shares with the community. Every month we learn about an amazing 5th grader and help share their story as they bang the gavel as Mayor for a Moment. It has range, as they say.

Our youth programs included the launch of new youth series entitled ECTV, El Camino Television. This monthly program is the work of El Camino interns who write, produce, direct and edit their own teen focused talk show. We look forward to many more episodes from this enthusiastic group. Of course, our youth education programs never end, from our afterschool program at Ventura High to our weeklong Digital Storytelling summer programs.

CAPS Media has begun hosting bands in our studio in conjunction with Ventura Rocks. Look for shows featuring your favorite local bands right here in the studio in 2016.

As our commitment to the City of Ventura, we continue to provide live coverage of city meetings as well as rebroadcasts of the County Board of Supervisors and city meetings on channel 15. The City of Ventura turns 150 years old in 2016. CAPS will be doing our part by sharing stories of the heritage families of Ventura.

At the CAPS Media Center, we upgraded our broadcast equipment as well as updated to state of the art editing suites.  A new website is in the works as is the beginning of construction on our new radio station, with plans to be on the air by the end of 2016. You’ll hear from us as we will need the support of the community to help make CAPS Radio a reality.

Of course, there is so much more. For that you will need to come visit us on the web at www.capstv.org and stop by the studio at 65 Day Road where the new CAPS Media sign shines brightly.

Chamber honors Venturan’s at Annual Poinsettia Awards luncheon

Ventura Chamber Poinsettia Awards recognizes Ventura’s finest. Photo by Kenny Backer

On Thursday, December 10, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce along with their title sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust presented the 19th Annual Poinsettia Awards. This luncheon, attended by more than 300 attendees, recognized individuals and organizations that have truly stood out in our community as exemplary in the fields of business, education, and public service. This year, the luncheon was celebrated at the Marriott Ventura Beach and was attended by City officials, legislative representatives, the Ventura Unified School District, and the local business community.

Chamber President & CEO Stephanie Caldwell stated “2015 Marks the 19th Annual Poinsettia Awards, a tradition that we hope to continue for many years to come providing more opportunity to recognize great accomplishments ,creativity, innovations  and individuals who make Ventura so special .  On behalf of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce ,our staff and Board of Directors I congratulate today’s Poinsettia Awards recipients and wish you all a very happy holiday and prosperous new year!

During the event, the Chamber awarded recipients in the following categories:
Volunteer of the Year – Hope Deck
Small Business of the Year – Axxess Ventura
Mid-Size Business of the Year – Sespe Consulting
Large Business of the Year – Harrison Industries
Non- Profit Organization of the Year – Project Understanding
Young Professional of the Year – Caitlin Beavers
Citizen of the Year – Dr. Leo Tauber
Ambassador of the Year – Jann Huling
Board Member of the Year – Steven Brown
City of Ventura, Environmental Excellence Award – Shine Supply
City of Ventura, Employee of the Year – Kathryn Dippong-Lawson
City of Ventura, Firefighter of the Year – Drew DeRousseau
City of Ventura, Police Officer of the Year – Fabian Gutierrez
VUSD Educator of the Year – Mandi de Witte
VUSD Male Student of the Year – Justin Lucio
VUSD Female Student of the Year – Fidelity Ballmer
Innovation Award – FreshRealm
Jewel Key Award – Topa Brewing Company
Shining Star Award – Matthew Graczyk

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce continues to be the largest and most comprehensive business organization in the City of Ventura – speaking on behalf of its member firms employing over 24,000 people. Members include companies of all sizes and industries, from start-up to established, entrepreneurial to corporate.

 

 

 

Holiday Toy Drive for local Ventura County children

Currently there are 1,000 children in foster care and thousands of additional low-income kids in Ventura County, and these youth are in need of toys and other gifts this holiday season. In an effort to bring some holiday cheer to these children in need, there are programs that help coordinate through Children and Family Services – Foster VC Kids and Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), involving hundreds of donors and volunteers for the Holiday Toy Drive.

A team of businesses throughout the community have joined together to invite and encourage the public to donate unwrapped toys and other gifts to these underprivileged kids through CSA. Toy donation locations included Ventura County Fire Stations, Ventura County Government Center, The Oaks and Pacific View malls.

During the week of Christmas, toys will be distributed through the Holiday Toy Store where foster caregivers and low-income parents can shop for free. Donations and gift options range for ages 0-teens, and include baby dolls, matching games, books, bicycles, clothes, board games, sporting equipment, movie passes, music gift cards, arts and crafts and more. Any and all contributions will greatly benefit local VC children. Putting a smile on a child’s face this Christmas is a present all in itself, if you are searching to donate something that little bit special, maybe a trike? They are ideal for christmas and they can help a child to learn to ride and have some fun, not only this time of year but all year round, it is a gift that keeps on giving.

“Every year we do our best to increase gift donations to these kids in need,” explains President of the Children Services Auxiliary Board, Teresa Brumit. “With the support of the VC Fire Departments, local malls, volunteers and everyone who donates, we’re able to collect and distribute a ton of wonderful gifts. Every child deserves that special holiday miracle, and we’re fortunate we have the opportunity to make their holiday wish come true.”

About Ventura County Human Services Agency, Foster VC Kids
Ventura County Human Services Agency (VCHSA) strengthens families, supports self-sufficiency and promotes safety, health, and well-being. All of their service areas operate and perform at the highest level to meet the needs of individuals, families, and the community by providing assistance, aid, and protection for foster youth and beyond. VCHSA demonstrates the ability to work in multicultural environments and ensures that policies, programs, and actions communicate respect for the dignity of all people. Visit www.fostervckids.org for more information.

About Children Services Auxiliary
The Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983, is a volunteer run organization whose mission is to meet the needs of Ventura County’s court-dependent children. These children have been displaced from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The Auxiliary also serves youth who have recently transitioned from the foster care system. The CSA Board of Directors work closely with Ventura County Children and Family Services to identify the needs of the court-dependent children and transitioning youth.

Ventura City Fire personnel responds to structure fire, visible fire coming from the roof of a strip-mall

On Dec.13, at 5:16pm Ventura City Fire personnel responded to a reported structure fire, visible fire coming from the roof of a strip-mall in the 4800 block of Telephone. Units arrived to find occupants being evacuated out of a single-story retail business by Ventura Police. Sprinkler heads on the roof were flowing, the fire alarm system was alerting, and a small amount of visible fire and smoke was coming from the roof behind a large parapet facade. An aerial ladder on the first arriving support company was used to make access to the roof from the rear, while engine companies entered through the front of the business and made roof access via fixed ladders and hatches. Simultaneous efforts were required to effectively mitigate the hazard and prevent further damage to the business and its inventory. Rope bags were used to hoist hose lines up from the sidewalk to the roof, while chainsaws were used to open up the vertical rear surface of the parapet wall. Electrical utilities were controlled, a water supply was established and the building sprinkler system was supported. While the fire was being knocked down on the roof, salvage operations were employed to cover and/or remove inventory from the showroom area beneath the fire, where water and ceiling tiles were dropping down.

Ventura Potters’ Guild Holiday open house Sun., Dec. 13th

Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery
Ventura Harbor Village
1567 Spinnaker Drive Suite 105

The Ventura Potters’ Guild is having a Holiday open house, Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 2 – 6 p.m.

Handbuilding and wheel demonstrations will take place from 2 – 4:30 by Joe Cervantes, Roe Estep and Kim Mehyre Clarke.

Come meet some of the 23 ceramic artists from Ventura, Ojai, Santa Barbara, Simi, TO and Oxnard that represent the Guild. There will be refreshments and fun. Bring the kids! Join us for our 5th year at Ventura Harbor!

Harbor Village Gallery and the Tina O’Brien Gallery will also be have their Holiday Open houses that day. The more the merrier!