Category Archives: News and Notes

FOOD Share launches “Spoon FULL a Day” pledge in recognition of Hunger Action Month in September

Every little bit helps.  With just a “Spoon Full a Day,” every business, individual, and family has the capacity to help close the hunger gap in Ventura County.  During the month of September, FOOD Share, Ventura County’s regional food bank, asks everyone to observe Hunger Action Month by taking the “Spoon Full a Day” pledge and doing just one simple task a day to raise awareness of the nearly 86,240 people who experience food insecurity in Ventura County every month.

The “Spoon Full a Day” pledge inspires Ventura County residents to look within themselves, their homes and their neighborhoods for ways to help solve the hunger problem and build stronger communities.  The initiative launches with “Spoon Selfie” Day on Tuesday, Sept. 1.  Individuals, families, and local businesses are encouraged to a take selfies with brightly colored spoons and post them to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using #aspoonfulladay.  If everyone participates in one small way every day, the “Spoon Full a Day” campaign will mobilize Ventura County to take action on the issue of hunger, and get everyone involved with the movement to solve it.

“While FOOD Share, its partners and its volunteers work year-round to secure the food necessary to continuously supply our 194 pantry partners across the county, Hunger Action Month is an opportunity for us to raise community-wide awareness of how much more needs to be done.  Solving hunger involves more than handing out food,” said Bonnie Atmore, President and CEO of FOOD Share.  “We must not just feed our unstable neighborhoods; we must also lead and strengthen them by giving them the tools and resources they need to stabilize themselves.”  This year, FOOD Share will launch its Collaborating for Clients initiative to empower communities to sustain themselves-one neighborhood at a time.

How to Take Action for Hunger Action Month:

Download and print the “Spoon Full a Day” calendar from www.foodshare.com and take the pledge to do one simple thing every day to fight local hunger.

Announce your pledge on social media by taking a “Spoon Selfie” and posting it using #aspoonfulladay on Sept. 1.

Attend the Ventura County Agricultural Summit on Friday Sept.11 and learn how Ventura County’s local farms help fight hunger in our communities.

Visit the Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival at the Ventura Harbor Village Saturday and Sunday Sept. 12-13, from 10am-5pm.  The signature FOOD Share event features vivid chalk art and more than 50 regional sculptors, painters, photographers, and potters.  All net proceeds will benefit FOOD Share.

Show support against hunger:  Attend Hunger Action Month proclamation with FOOD Share and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. in the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Administration.

For more information on Ventura County’s hunger alleviation efforts, FOOD Share’s C4C initiative, and upcoming events, visit www.foodshare.com.

 

FACE OF VENTURA AWARDS – Ventura’s Unsung Heroes sponsored by Jordan and Sandra Laby and painted by Johanna Spinks

Audrey Nicholson
Portrait by Johanna Spinks

Audrey Nicholson, 33, a Ventura mother of three, had the humbling and frightening experience of a lifetime in the ocean waters
off the Ventura County’s Rincon coast on February 16. Because of her actions, two children survived a near drowning and, she was nominated for a Gold Lifesaving Medal.

Nicholson is credited with saving the lives of two young girls at Bates Beach when a strong rip current pulled the girls out to sea.

Noting that she still doesn’t know the names of the girls and has not spoken to them since the incident, Nicolson said her three young children were at the Rincon beach when she noticed people on shore acting alarmed and shouting at two young girls in the water.

“As I approached the water’s edge, I knew immediately the girls were in danger and panicking. The mother of one of the girls was attempting to swim out but was quickly overcome by the strong current and began pleading for my help.”

Nicholson assured the mother and dove into the surf and began the swim through a strong rip tide to the girls.

“I could only see their faces, no arms, no signs of strength, they were barely treading water. Each wave that hit them I feared would be the one that would exhaust their wills to keep afloat.”

Nicholson describes herself as a decent swimmer and credits an active lifestyle of yoga and dance to help remain physically and mentally capable and calm.

Still, without consistent ocean swimming experience, the power of the current and the constant pounding surf exhausted her instantly.

“Immediately I was humbled by the ocean the second I felt it. When I reached the first child, she frantically wrapped her arms around me and we both sank instantly. All I could think about was my own three children standing on the shore. I knew I had to get us all back safe.”

She regained her composure and she reiterated the importance of calming down and breathing deeply through the sets of waves as they swam.
After returning the first child to her mother, Nicholson scanned the shore for help. “I was so tired and had swallowed a lot of water already and was so worried to go back in feeling so out of breath. I was very concerned about whether I could get to the second girl,” Nicholson said. “She had been going under a number of times and she was barely staying afloat. “

Nicholson again placed the second girl in her arms and simply began swimming as best she could to get to shore. A young man on a boogie board had made his way over to help put the girl on his board and help Nicholson to the sand. “That helped greatly because by that point, it was all I could do to get myself in, he was so calm and kind, it was a relief to have him there.” Nicholson said.

By the time the second child made it to shore, paramedics were at the scene, treated both girls, and took them to the hospital to have them checked for signs of secondary drowning.

She was nominated for the Gold Lifesaving Medal by Jim David.

“A friend of mine who was there told me about what happened,” said Jim David, a retired Navy commander and a search-and-rescue pilot who performed a number of water rescues during his service. “I couldn’t believe the story when I heard it. The second
girl was in the second stage of drowning; that’s when you can’t stay afloat and you’re swallowing a lot of water. After that, death
becomes a very real possibility.”

David said there are two levels of lifesaving medals, and the gold is extremely rare.

“It’s given to someone who risks their life to save someone else,” David said. “It’s fair to say that Audrey risked her life by going out a second time to get the second victim.”

David said he met Nicholson and, after speaking with her, researched the lifesaving medals and nominated her for one of the Nation’s most prestigious. The Gold Lifesaving Award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Coast Guard and one that’s
rarer than the Medal of Valor.

Audrey stated, “I am very honored to receive the nomination and to be selected as a Ventura Breeze unsung hero. The highest
reward was the saved lives, the grateful nod to life’s ultimate challenges be they big or small that restore the faith in one’s own
spirit and the lessons that this powerful earth and it’s elements have to teach us. For that I am humbled and happy.”

 

Heropic2

Helping Audrey celebrate were her family. Daughters Laurel (7) and Stella (10), mom Kim
Johnson, aunt Judy Johnson, sister Hayley Garr, niece Rowynn Garr (3) and son Mose (4).
On August 22 a luncheon was held at Rhumb Line-The Sunset Restaurant to present Audrey
Nicholson with her Unsung Hero portrait painted by Johanna Spinks. Attending the presentation
were her family, Breeze Publisher Sheldon Brown, Johanna Spinks and the series sponsors Jordon and Sandra Laby.
We asked Audrey how it was having her portrait painted she answered “Having my portrait painted
by Johanna was a really unique experience. I love the arts and it was a wonderful experience to talk with Johanna about her life of pursuing it. I was not nervous because it felt like a treat to be painted!”

 stuff hero Audrey lunch

Audrey Nicholson accepting her portrait from Johanna, Sandra and Jordan at the presentation
luncheon.

          stuff chapmanstuff Cozzins

This new series of portraits (Unsung Heros) will be painted by Johanna Spinks and presented in the Ventura Breeze. Johanna stated “It was an absolute privilege to paint my portrait series The Face of Ventura, and then an extra honor for those 58 portraits to
end up in the permanent collection of the Museum of Ventura County. I am very excited to see The Face of Ventura kept alive in this new award series, graciously sponsored by Sandra and Jordan Laby.” Do you know a Ventura Good Deed Doer that you have read about in the Breeze, or elsewhere, that you would like to nominate for the Face Of Ventura Awards?
If you do please send your nomination, and why you think that they deserve the Award to [email protected]. We look forward to your nominations.

There are stories all around us

stuff CAPSCAPS is working with teacher Suz Montgomery and her class of seniors.

By Elizabeth Rodeno

It’s back to school, whether it be Ventura College, Foothill High School or El Camino High, our neighbors here on Day Road. We invite those students, in fact all Ventura’s students, to come by, sign up to volunteer and learn to make movies.  These skills will help you to create powerful and impactful reports and projects. After all, we live in the world of media, why not integrate it into your class work?  It’s an opportunity for anyone, young or old to share their story.

Our staff spent last Saturday at the Camarillo Airshow. It brought home how valuable these planes are to our history. Even more important were those servicemen and women who contributed to these historical events. Their history and their stories will be gone before we know it and we can’t let that go. That is where the students, and all of us, come into the picture. Why not help tell their stories? Share it with Ventura and beyond and chronical it for their families. There are so many great stories to be told; budding artists, musicians, technicians and those committed to community service. We provide the tools and you provide with subjects and together we honor them.

We have begun working with teacher Suz Montgomery and her class of seniors, generously funded through a grant, to share their stories and train students to record and curate there legacy.  It’s the team work and shared commitment that educators and employers look for.

There are stories all around us. This is why CAPS Media is so important to the community. Our staff only wishes we could cover every event and record every story. Our mission is to teach you to do it, to teach you to film. It’s rewarding for you and rewarding for us.

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. Share it with your teachers, your friends and share it for history. Go to our website, www.CAPSTV.org or stop by CAPS Media Center on 65 Day Road and schedule a tour.

Ventura County Fair closes with attendance increase

stuff fairThe Unforgettables Big Band had the standing room only crowd dancing the afternoon away.

The Ventura County Fair’s Board of Directors, management, and staff are proud to report a successful 2015 Fair. Celebrating the best of the best from throughout Ventura County, the 140th edition closed with strong numbers in all categories. Visitors came from near and far to enjoy “A Country Fair with Ocean Air” during the 12-day run, August 5 through August 16.

More than 2000 volunteers and a workforce of hundreds opened the gates with tremendous teamwork in the days leading up to the Fair.

The Ventura County Fair’s mission is to preserve, promote, and showcase agriculture and the traditions of Ventura County, this was accomplished with competitive livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits and baking contests, Adding to the attraction were exciting carnival rides, tasty food concessions, and diverse entertainment. There was something for everyone, capturing the hearts of visitors and making lasting memories that will last forever. Fairgoers were greeted with an abundance of new attractions, which included the Fair’s first-ever chicken obstacle course, fresh new talents on the Station Stage, the latest in summer fad fair foods, baby Emus on display in the small livestock area and the first-ever stick pony barrel racing contest.

“We strive to bring a top quality fair to the community,” said CEO Barbara Quaid. “For us the focus is not so much about the numbers of people coming through the gates, but about the quality of the experience our guests have at the Fair. “

The overall success would not be possible without the tremendous support of the sponsors and the community. While the gates have closed on the 2015 Ventura County Fair, planning is already underway for the 2016 Fair.

Final numbers are:

Total Attendance                 2015   318,113                      2014  303,847                  increae    4.70%

The Ventura County Fairgrounds consists of a 62.5-acre parcel and operates as a multi-purpose, multi-functional, year-round facility accommodating a variety of events.  Regarded as a premier rental facility, the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center attracts some of the most popular shows and attractions in the county throughout the year, including livestock shows, dog shows, horse shows, home and recreation shows, concerts, dances, business expos, weddings and receptions, motorcycle and automobile shows, camping groups, and much more.

The Ventura County Fair entertained thousands of guests and employs up to 700 seasonal staff during the annual 12-day event. The Fair brings economic, social, educational, and cultural resources and provides lasting impressions on Fairgoers. While agriculture is the heart of the Fair, it’s the diverse entertainment that typically draws Fairgoers through the gates. Known for free top name concerts, we take pride in the overall dynamics and diversity of the entertainment, the esthetics and cleanliness of the grounds, as well as the vast educational and innovative exhibits that are showcased throughout the Fair each year.

The Board of Directors, management, and staff are very proud of our facility and the resources generated and contributed to the economic impact to Ventura County.

 

3-D printing limitless possibilities and available for free

stuff 3D printingArticle and photo by Richard Lieberman

The spotlight is on 3-D printing, a technology that has been emerging since engineers in the 1980’s produced working models, and since then the printers have undergone refinements and technological improvements that have brought the devices to the general public. Schools are getting 3-D printers, Small businesses are putting the devices to work, Libraries have discovered 3-D printers, there are even 3-D printer models designed for home use at affordable prices.

Ron Solorzano, Library Technician I at the E.P Foster Library, 651 E. Main Street, Ventura, has embraced the technology with a fervor that began nearly 2 years ago when the Library acquired its first 3-D printers. One of Mr. Solórzano’s goals is to introduce 3-D printing to schools, and school age children “it’s moving so fast, and the technology is getting better” said Solorzano. Solórzano added “We are giving the tools the community needs to effectively use, and embrace this technology.”

The library is offering workshops, every Wednesday to acquaint the public with 3-D printing techniques, use of the software needed, and the tools to accomplish 3-D modeling. The public is also welcome to find and share the modeling work of others. There are several websites for 3-D modelers that share work already done. Many of the models can be downloaded and brought to the library and printed.

3-D printing has enormous potential, and has been used to create things as small as a human cell and as large as a bridge.

The first steps in creating a 3-D image is to create an image of the item the user is attempting to create using various software suites. After designing and creating the image it is then sent to the printer. Production begins with a platform where the model will be built. The printer then lays down a very thin layer of material. The library lab is using PLA Filament as the basic material, and offers it to the public at 10 cents per gram.  Then the printer lays down layer after layer, until the designed item is built, building from the ground up.

The printers and the process is popular among manufacturers, and production facilities giving the facilities a solid 3-D prototype to examine. This process gives an advantage to many manufacturers by allowing the manufacturer to skip the costly, and intensive process of casting aluminum or other metals to create tooling. The 3-D printing process gives a manufacturer the opportunity to efficiently and inexpensively create castings and skip the long-term casting process.

Fully functional items are rarely produced. Items are made with many pieces that need to be assembled after coming off the printers. Some people believe that 3-D printers will ultimately change the way the world does business. Some believe that manufacturing will no longer be the province of large corporations with elaborate factories. Instead they will be replaced by rows of functioning 3-D printers printing anything from buttons to chocolate concoctions already being used by the Hershey Corporation.

Currently Solórzano has been promoted and will be leaving the E.P. Foster library to join the main library in Ojai. “We are currently cross training 4 staff members to take over the 3-D printer operations .” Added Solórzano.

An opportunity to try your hand at designing and using 3-D printing is available at the library. Call the library for the training schedule and to enroll in one of the offered classes (805) 648-3696.

Ojai News & Events

It’s not too late to submit an art grant proposal to the City of Ojai for 2016.
The deadline for submission for the City of Ojai Arts Commission’s 2016 Art Grants
program is 5 p.m. on September 14. Proposals may be submitted at Ojai City Hall. This
year the Commission has been allotted $20,000 for the 2016 grant cycle; visual and
performing artists are encouraged to submit projects for City funding that promote the
arts in Ojai.

“We want artists and arts organizations to know the process works and we are happy to
have more funding available to promote their work this year than ever before,” said
Michael Addison, Art Commission Chair. “We strongly encourage all artists and art
organizations to find out if their project or program qualifies and apply for this valuable
support.”

The City will be accepting completed grant applications until 5 p.m. September 14,
for the 2016 calendar year. The applications are available online at the city website,
www.ojaicity.org or the Arts Commission website, www.artsojai.org. For questions
contact Deputy City Manager Steve McClary at 646-5581 x101.

The Ojai Photography Club welcomes Ojai based photographer David Baker to their September 15 meeting. The program begins at 7:00 PM, at Kent Hall, located at Help of Ojai’s Little House, 111 Santa Ana St.

Baker will speak on “Seeing in Black & White.” This will be a highly informative presentation for anyone interested in branching out of digital color into the dramatic world of black and white photography. Using his own award-winning photographs as examples, Baker will demonstrate how to select color images and convert them into black and white artwork. Presented in an interactive setting, the talk will provide the audience with many opportunities to ask questions and receive answers from the expert.

In the early 1970s, Baker worked as a professional photographer for the Monterey Park Progress newspaper. In 1980 he left the photography profession to become a successful software engineer and graphic designer.

Visit his website for images and extended information: http://www.ojaiimages.com

After his presentation, Baker will review images submitted by club members. Monthly presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service outreach and visitors are welcome to attend.

The Ojai Photography Club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. For additional information please visit: www.ojaiphotoclub.com/.

Course 3 of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Food Preparation Series is a dehydration and solar cooking class on Saturday, September 5, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Instructors Michelle Dohrn and Mikhael Collins will share the fun of making Chard chips, flaxseed crackers and culinary salts; along with demonstrating solar cooking.

There is a suggested donation of $35 for OVGC supporting members and $40 for non-members. Reservations are required and the class is limited to 12 participants. Visit ojaivalleygreencoalition.org for full details or call 669-8445.

Join the County of Ventura emPower program and the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) for an Energy Education Seminar hosted by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. The seminar, Energy: The New Frontier, will explore efficiency and renewable energy choices, financing tools, information on building a cleaner, local energy portfolio and ways to improve the comfort and indoor air quality of your home.

Lunch will be provided. Visit http://ojaivalleygreencoalition.com/selections.shtml to make your lunch selection. The event will be on September 12th, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Ojai Valley Women’s Club, 441 E. Ojai Avenue. Tickets are $10, but the first 25 people to register through emPower will receive FREE admission.

To register, visit http://www.empowersbc.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=167.
For more information on the emPower program, call 654-3834 or email [email protected].

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition is hosting an energy education seminar – Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, 441 E. Ojai Ave. The seminar cost is $10.00 and runs 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an organic lunch included.

Seminar topics include available energy and water efficiency upgrade financial tools, our homes as an energy ecosystem, why renewable energy and rooftop solar is so important, how electric vehicles play into the equation and a new model for community based clean energy.

For more information about the Seminar and to register, visit ojaivalleygreencoalition.org/ees.shtml.

 

 

Boogie Nite 5k raises $ 7,000 for Buenaventura High School

youth buena highThe recently finished Boogie Nite 5k race series raised $ 7,000 for Buenaventura High School athletes. Coaches, Melissa and Aaron provided enthusiastic student athletes to this 10-week event as volunteers. Runners and walkers came from as far as Somis and Ojai to participate, and the weather was perfect. Jim and Melissa Avrea of Aloha Steak House provided discounted refreshments for the participants after each race. The check was officially presented by race director Josh Spiker to coach Aaron.

Ventura County Library is pleased to open new location

Ventura County Library is excited to announce completion of the newest branch in Saticoy. The current location at 11426 Violeta St. will close its doors one last time at 6 p.m. on August 20th, 2015. The new location at 1292 Los Angeles Ave will open for business on August 29th, 2015 with a Grand Opening celebration planned for September 26th, 2015.

All books and materials can be returned to the current location through the month of August.

We look forward to serving you at the new location with triple the amount of floor space, double the number of computers and lots of new events and services for the community.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

Larry Garcia looks forward to his woodworking projects

stuff harrisonLarry Garcia and George Harrison, General Manager of Gold Coast Recycling & Transfer Station.

Larry Garcia has retired. He served as the Human Resources-Safety Director at Harrison Industries from 1986-1998 before moving over to Gold Coast Recycling Center & Transfer Station, where he has served as Human Resources-Safety Director for the past 17 years.

We’re happy for Larry but we’re also going to miss him a lot. He was a valued employee for three decades and will be difficult to replace. As Gold Coast Recycling General Manager George Harrison put it, “He’s a great guy that my family feels fortunate to have had work for us for so many years.”

Larry said the feeling was mutual. “It’s an awesome company to work for, with great employees. It was a great experience.”

Larry plans to spend his Golden Years occupied with woodworking projects at home and, “learning one song on the guitar.” But first, Larry and his wife Kathy are looking forward to taking a cross-country trip to visit family in Virginia, Pittsburgh and Boston.

How long will they be gone? “No timetable,” he answered. “I’m retired, you know.”

 

Storytelling a great success for enthusiastic kids

youth CAPSCAPS Chat
By Elizabeth Rodeno

CAPS Digital Storytelling Summer 2015 was a great success. Not only did we have 30 enthusiastic kids, we had a group of happy parents and grandparents, some very tired interns and three instructors who let the kids make their magic. We had three great weeks of edutainment. Our news casters shared the up to the minute news and features in the Non-Important- News. Art City was the topic for our Documentarians’ video.  The short film class worked hard on producing scripted stories from start to finish with a lot of bloopers along the way. The sets and costumes were amazing. So sorry you missed the disco. These last films incorporated the theme of water and will be submit to the Ventura Water Take1 film festival. Get a bunch of 10 to 16 year old kids with cameras, a green screen, water and Final Cut X and there will be a little craziness with a whole lot of cooperation and teamwork. All their films including Water Nerds and Art City will air on channel 6, and are available for viewing on Vimeo and You Tube. They can’t wait until next year to come back to CAPS Media Center.

We give a big thanks to Phil Taggart, Jamie Cawelti, Greg Dehn, Tanner Akseven and Nick Brandly who encouraged and instructed. No production equipment was harmed in the making of this film.

We are 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.  This fee includes training and the use of our equipment, studio and edit suites. So what are you waiting for? Share your story, about water perhaps, with over 20,000 Ventura residents on channel 6 and 15. Go to our website, www.CAPSTV.org or stop by CAPS Media Center on 65 Day Road and schedule a tour. We are the non-profit membership organization that is here to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media.