TOTALS FOR OCTOBER 2015:
Gray Whales: 0
Humpback Whales: 30
Blue Whales: 1
Orca Whales: 0
Minke Whales: 0
Fin Whales: 2
Common Dolphin: 18,564
Dahl’s Porpoise: 7
Risso’s Dolphin: 405
Bottlenose Dolphin: 722
Pacific White Sided Dolphin: 423
Sea Turtle: 1
White Shark: 1
BRAVO is the annual awards luncheon of the Ventura County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-VC). To be held on Friday, April 1st, 2016 NAWBO shines the spotlight on outstanding business women of Ventura County, honoring them for their vision and perseverance, which is creating a brighter future for women business owners and women-led business ventures in our community.
NAWBO-VC is currently seeking nominations for nine local, outstanding women in the following categories:
Woman Business Owner of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award (new in 2016)
Innovator of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
Community Advocate of the Year
Education Advocate of the Year
Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
NAWBO-VC Member of the Year
Corporate Leader/Partner of the Year (new in 2016)
“We’ve had some truly stellar women business owners and leaders nominated over the years,” stated Dr. Janis Shinkawa, President, NAWBO Ventura County and 2014 Bravo Rising Star of the Year. “We encourage nominations from throughout the county, whether the outstanding woman you know is a NAWBO member or not.”
To nominate an extraordinary woman, simply go to www.NAWBOVC.org and click on the 17th Annual Bravo Awards found under Events. Online, fax and email submissions are being accepted through Tuesday, November 24. Nominees need not be NAWBO members.
On Oct.30, at 9:36am the Ventura City Fire Department received a report of a fire burning in the Ventura River bottom between the 101 freeway and a railroad trestle. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a 100’ x 200’ fire burning in the aforementioned location. Access to the fire was hampered by heavy Arundel and brush. California Department of Forestry hand crews were requested to cut fire lines into and around the fire.
Firefighters extinguished and overhauled the fire with hand tools and water achieving full containment 4 hours after the initial report. The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, several homeless encampments were noted in and around the origin of the fire. No firefighters were injured as a result of this incident.
Get ready for 3 on 3 when Sportsplex is ready for play after grand opening
The Ventura Family YMCA is inviting the entire community to the grand opening of their outdoor Sportsplex and Children’s Corner area on Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. The celebration kick-off begins with a ribbon cutting by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann. Other highlights include giveaways and activities for kids. There will be introductory adult group trainings, the opportunity to meet with the Y’s instructors, and basketball competitions. New members may also enjoy the Y for free from November 6th through November 13th!
For 128-years the Ventura Y has been a leading non-profit and community resource for Ventura. The significance of the new Sportsplex is the Y’s response to the community’s need for more outdoor program and workout spaces. The year and a half process will unveil a full-size basketball court, 4,000 sq. ft. in size, a workout area with Hampton Fitness equipment 1,700 sq. ft., and the Children’s Corner space expanding by 1,000 sq. ft. for kids to play outside. Other highlights include high-tech synthetic flooring, open hours for all members to enjoy time outside, new high-intensity trainings, adult scrimmages, pickle ball, 3 on 3 basketball leagues, and even volleyball.
Numerous local companies have played a key role in making this project come to life. One person who knows this process better than anyone else is the Ventura Y’s Facilities Director, Mike Evans, who has been leading this project since the beginning.
The Ventura Family YMCA is inviting all ghouls, goblins, princesses, and superheroes to join them for their annual Halloween Party at the Pacific View Mall! The event is in the Center Court on October 31, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. where children and their families will have fun trick-or-treating, participating in games, Minute to Win It competitions, crafts, face painting, raffle drawings, and a costume cat walk! Registrations are not a requirement and children of all ages are welcome to participate whether or not they have a costume.
The Ventura Family YMCA’s Halloween Party is at the Pacific View Mall’s Center. For more information about the Y visit ciymca.org/ventura or in person at 3760 Telegraph. If you have you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please email Sherry Gutsch at [email protected] or call her at 642.2131 ext. 16.
On Sat., November 14th, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host a community tree planting party at the Big Rock Preserve near Foster Park to help kick-off the City of Ventura’s 150th birthday. VHC invites volunteers and community leaders to join them from 9 a.m. – 12 noon along the Ventura River Parkway to help plant 150 oak trees on property owned and managed by VHC.
VHC, a non-profit local land trust organization, was awarded grant funding by the County of Ventura’s Resource Management Agency for the purchase and planting of nearly 500 trees. Over the next several months, they plan to host several planting parties where they will remove non-native plants and replace them with trees that are native to Ventura County.
“Planting trees adds additional aesthetic and wildlife value to the Big Rock preserve,” said Derek Poultney, VHC conservation manager. “Trees are not only beautiful; they also produce oxygen, provide homes for animals and prevent erosion.”
The 17- acre Big Rock Preserve is a collection of five properties owned by VHC. The name Big Rock comes from a once-popular swimming hole on the property that was home to a large boulder before floods swept it away. Though the boulder is gone, the water remains.
Due to the unique geology of the area, the Big Rock preserve is one of the only places between the Ventura River estuary and Matilija Canyon that has year-round water. The area is home to endangered steelhead trout, as well as western pond turtles, herons, deer, red-legged frogs and bobcats.
To RSVP for tree planting day, visit www.venturahillsides.org and click on the Events tab. For more information, call VHC 643-8044.
By Elizabeth Rodeno
CAPS has the great opportunity to work with students from El Camino High School in an internship program. The students are producing their own television news show. They have learned the fine art of studio production. It is great to see them focused on building the set, checking the lighting and researching and interviewing guests. The El Camino News Channel will be airing soon on CAPS. Check out our website or on Facebook where we keep you up to date on programming.
Our Assets program is wrapping up at Ventura High School. The group of 12 students have written and storyboarded their videos. After learning the use of our pro gear they took to the task of filming their stories influenced by Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.” They are furiously editing, composing music and effects. The reveal is near. All this in seven 2 hour sessions after school. Of course, they are clamouring for more so we hope to see them at our next program at Ventura High. You’ll get to see their films on CAPS very soon. More and more to come.
The staff at CAPS devotes their energy and time to the Every 15 Minutes productions that are held every other year. The dozen students, who we train to produce the program, have learned to film, have gone on location to the Ventura County court house and Ventura Police Department and have returned to edit their scenes in preparation for the big event in late November culminating in an extensive four camera production live at the school. These students know very little about video production. This collaboration with Foothill High School, City and County Emergency Services and CAPS provides powerful education of the issues of drunk and distracted driving.
Our October studio class was packed and we hope to see those trained back producing shows. Our members have taken to Final Cut X like fish to water. Our new upgraded systems are in use by members, students and staff. We are inviting bands to play at CAPS which is a lot of fun. Rumors of a radio station in the works are true. Keep your ears open for more information.
CAPS Media is the non-profit membership organization that is here to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25 and includes training, equipment, use of our studio and edit suites. Share our history with over 20,000 Ventura residents on channel 6 and 15. For more information go to our website, www.CAPSTV.org or stop by CAPS Media Center on 65 Day Road and schedule a tour.
2015 Color Run – Street Closures, No Parking, and Traffic Impacts
Run Begins and Ends at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Traffic to be Impacted Within the Surrounding Area. Details Listed Below.
Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 8:00 a.m.
Road closures: Saturday, October 17, 2015 beginning at 6:00 a.m. All roads opened by approximately 1:30 p.m. Details below.
On Saturday, October 17, 2015, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the 2015 Color Run will take place in Ventura. The run begins and ends at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
We want to inform the community of street closures, no parking within designated areas, and potentially congested roadways in and around the area of the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Harbor Blvd, San Jon Rd., Hemlock St., Thompson Blvd., and portions of the downtown corridor.
Street closures will take place on Saturday the 17th beginning at 6:00 a.m. As runners circulate through the route roads will be reopened along the way with all roads anticipated to be reopened by 1:30 p.m.
Street Closures and No Parking Areas:
• Hemlock St. between Thompson Blvd. and Main St.
• Harbor Blvd. from the Fairgrounds to San Jon Rd.
• Main St., between Hemlock St. and Garden St.
• Thompson Blvd. between San Jon Rd. and Hemlock
Color Run Path:
• Runners will begin from northbound Figueroa St. (from Shoreline Dr)
• Proceed eastbound onto Harbor Blvd.
• Left turn (northbound) onto San Jon
• Westbound onto Thompson Blvd.
• Right turn (northbound) on Hemlock
• Left (westbound) on Main Street
• Left (southbound) to Garden and enter the Garden Street Fairgrounds gate
The Color Run is a unique race that that involves biodegradable colored cornstarch powder to be thrown at the participants along the route. The Color Run celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. To learn more about the event please visit the following link: http://thecolorrun.com/ventura/
Reel Anglers Fishing Show invites to all to attend the launch of their “Reel Guppy Outdoor Program” launch and program presentation on Thursday, October 29 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at Pizza Man Dan’s located at 1601 Victoria Ave. in Oxnard.
Throughout the evening, an informational presentation about the new and upcoming program will be given by Kevin Brannon, Founder and TV Host of the Reel Anglers Fishing Show. This new program will include organized outdoor programs for youths of all ages including fishing trips, educational workshops to learn about the history of the Channel Islands, a “Dream and Visions” component, and more.
“Whenever I would go out fishing with my kids, a lot of other children in my apartment complex started asking me if they could tag-along”, say Brannon. “A lot of these children are raised by single parents who are tied up with work and hardly have time to take their kids on these outings.” Brannon began taking a few of the youth in his complex out which then led to a few other projects he coordinated including “Hooked on Fishing” with the local Girl Scouts Chapter, a Lake Casitas Kids Fishing Day in partnership with the West Coast Christian Anglers, a “Fish in the City” program with the Long Beach State Parks, and Friends of ROLLO – a day of deep sea fishing with children from the Oxnard Police Activities League and children from homeless families of The City CenterTransitional Living.
The purpose of the program launch is to inform any community partners about the mission as well as act as a fundraiser to raise money to cover costs in programming materials, marketing, and securing a space to house the program.
The event is free to attend. Pizza Man Dan’s will be donating a portion of the proceeds from any pizza purchased the evening off at all locations.
Joanne is definitely committed to her game.
The Pierpont Racquet Club is celebrating 38 years in the Racquet Sports & Fitness Industry this October. The Club has been a second home to so many in our community. Many of their current members who grew up here as little kids, are now raising families and making sure to share the same experience with their own kids that they had. With tennis, swimming, fitness and childcare, among many other amenities all under one roof, how could you not be a member at the Pierpont Racquet Club?
One member, Joanne Cunningham, has been a PRC member for a long time (30 years!) and has been playing tennis right from the start! Playing on Interclub Tennis League teams and taking Tennis Lessons from Brad. Joanne stated “Brad is such a nice person and has really helped me with my game! I believe taking tennis lessons is a lot better option than going to the doctor. I really love coming here! Tennis is what keeps me fit and looking younger.”
Zack is a cradle PRC member! He loves to stay fit at the Pierpont Racquet Club when he is at home in Ventura. Zack says “I grew up here at the PRC. I even worked here, built my resume and networked with members; which led me to my current awesome career, following professional sports around the country. Now Krystal, my girlfriend, and I enjoy the great facilities here together. This place has been my home for all of my 27 years.” Zack has given so much to the club and he always goes above and beyond for the members. if you’re interested in joining the club then take a look at this R Racquets review on the best arm-friendly racquets for you. This way you can get started straight away and won’t have the risk of injury.
You too can create your own personal PRC Member Story. Come down anytime during October as they celebrate 38 years in business, and get 38% off the Join Fee to become a member! Now is a great time! Call 648-5161 or visit www.pierpontrc.com or facebook for more information.
Foster VC Kids Elisa Carreno –Resource Liaison, Angelina McCormick-Soll , Foster Home Recruitment, Development, & Support Specialist,Alison Young Placement Stability & Support Division Clerical Supervisor,Elizabeth Thasiah Foster Home Recruitment, Development, & Support Specialist, Cynthia Hutchison Caregiver Support Coordinator, and Victoria Gonzales Foster Home Recruitment and Support Specialist
Jordan and Sandra Laby told the Breeze “We have been with the Ventura Music Festival from the very beginning of its inception with Sonia Towers, Elena Brokaw and our then city administration. We believe in the concept of this music festival of bringing world class entertainers to our intimate venues in our city. We value the collaboration of all the arts in this city such as the Ventura county Ballet Company, the Rubicon Theater, the New West Symphony and the many varied artists that have contributed to making our festival such a huge success for the last 21 years. With great joy we have opened our home each year for a celebration and introduction into the next years music festival season.”
In 1994 the Ventura Music Festival was created calling for “creation of an artistically focuse music festival “burns taft was named its first Artistic Director As far back as 1998 the Laby’s received the first Festival Founders Award
The Ventura Music Festival Board has recently concluded a productive year-long organizational assessment that resulted both in a renewed vision for going forward and, we believe, in a sustainable budget. The vision includes moving the Festival from May to July, which is viewed as a more optimum time for music Festivals and also provides for a pre-Festival series of more intimate concerts and events designed to bring our supporters closer to VMF, one another and the music. We’re excited about the changes and feel ready to commence our search for a new full-time Executive Director.
Susan Scott, our wonderful “Consultant to the Festival,” has helped lead us through this important year of assessment, decision-making and renewal. While she continues to work hard on VMF plans for the coming Season, she is eager to move on to her next assignment and see VMF welcome a new ED. Please join us in thanking her and in supporting our search if you can.
