Category Archives: News and Notes

Saying farewell to Cris Loy

Cris Loy, Cindy Teer, DoriAnne Matsumoto and Kim Murphy together at Knott’s Scary Farm the day Loy passed.

by Amy Brown

Some people just make life a little sweeter for others, and Cris Loy was one of them. Whether it was designing custom cakes for people in her business, a Gift of Taste, or helping create the Memorial Rock Garden at the Ventura promenade for late surfing dog Haole Boy—her focus was to bring happiness and comfort to others.

Loy passed away suddenly while with some of the same close group of girlfriends who started and maintained the iconic rock garden at C Street. Her friends are now placing painted memorial rocks for Loy in the very garden she and her friends created. Her loved ones share that Loy was committed to supporting others, and they plan to honor her legacy with an ongoing effort of acts of kindness.

Cris created Haole Boy’s Memorial Rock Garden to honor lost loved ones on the Ventura promenade.

Kim Murphy: “It’s so hard to summarize how this incredible loss of Cris has affected me. I will be forever grateful for her friendship, not only to me, but her love of my dogs, and my husband as well. We all became so intertwined in each other‘s lives, that it doesn’t even seem possible that we’ve lost her. John and I will be forever grateful for all she did for us with memorializing Haole, and being the inspiration behind the Memorial Rock Garden. She loved this garden so very much, and put her heart and soul into it. She vowed for one year to make sure there were enough kindness rocks available that people could come and take a rock, any rock that spoke to them other than the memorial rocks. If there was something she wanted to do for somebody, she just did it. She was the most selfless person. Having to place memorial rocks in her honor in the garden was by far one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to personally do. Cris will live in my heart forever, and I will keep her proud of our beautiful garden. Miss you my friend, watch over us.”

Cindy Teer: “Cris introduced me to Ventura and showed me all the beautiful things this town has to offer. I have grown to love the place where she grew up and will always cherish the joy and happiness she brought into my life, no matter where I go. She always brought pure joy to everything she did, and the rock garden is no exception. The rock garden holds a special place in my heart because it was built with love by Cris, Kim and DoriAnne.”

Belinda Greenstein:” I could say a million great things about Cris and all would be true.  A few things I will say without hesitation, Cris will FURever be our ROCK, ready to ROCK-N-Roll no matter what was needed or asked of her. But in life, Cris was the ROCKstar for anyone and everyone blessed enough to know her.  May she always ROCK on in heaven! “

DoriAnne Matsumoto:” Cris was a one in a million friend. We met on Instagram through our dogs and I knew from her posts and comments that she was funny and clever. When we met in person, I immediately loved her. She was just as entertaining as she was on social media. But she was also extremely kind and giving–always inviting others to join in activities, creating the most over the top puppy showers for our dog group and always bringing a cake to a celebration. I still talk about the Amazon cake she made for one of my birthdays. Not only did it look just like an Amazon box but it was delicious as well. She had the biggest, brightest smile and her heart was just as big. Her artistic talent and creativity were amazing, from her cakes to her painted rocks to her vision for Haole’s Memorial Rock Garden. It’s bittersweet to be placing rocks for her there now. We may have only known each other for a few years, but she was family to me and I will miss her forever. “

 

Ventura County Ballet brings the Nutcracker to VCMC Pediatric Oncology Patients

Dancers from Ventura County Ballet performed excerpts from The Nutcracker.

It’s always hard being sick as a child and missing favorite activities with friends and family. But there’s one special holiday tradition local kids don’t have to miss – The Nutcracker!

Dancers from Ventura County Ballet performed excerpts from The Nutcracker at Ventura County Medical Center’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Infusion Center on Tuesday, November 14. The free performance for young patients, their families and VCMC staff has become an annual event.

Ventura County Ballet’s full production of the world-famous Nutcracker ballet will take to the stage at Oxnard Performing Arts Center

Kathleen Noblin, Ventura County Ballet founder and executive director, explains, “Ventura County Ballet has always been committed to bringing the best in live dance to Ventura County audiences. As we prepare for our 25th Anniversary season of The Nutcracker, we are delighted to again bring a preview to VCMC.”

Noblin continued, “It’s our mission to bring world-class ballet to the community and to bring the joy of dance to children who might otherwise not be able to experience it. The young patients at VCMC not only enjoyed The Nutcracker excerpts but also met our dancers, tried on a pointe shoe and were up close and personal with the wonder of ballet.”

VCMC Hematology/Oncology Medical Director Dr. Francisco Bracho added, “We’re so grateful to Ventura County Ballet for bringing this special performance to us. Experiences like this are a wonderful way to help our patients and families have a sense of normalcy in their lives and respite from a focus on being sick.”

The performers were:

Clara – Kirra Anderson, 13, Cabrillo M.S., 8th grade
Fritz – Emma Hansen, 12, DeAnza Academy of Technology and Art, 7th grade
Columbine – Sylvie Watts, 14, Ventura H.S., 9th grade
Harlequin – Jonah Tillery, 16, Ventura H.S., 11th grade
Soldier – Carter Gillespie, 17, Newbury Park H. S., 12th grade

Ventura County Ballet is a non-profit organization bringing world class, professional dance performances to our community. They provide top quality performing opportunities and instruction to hundreds of young people as a springboard to universities and careers with dance companies. Through scholarships and outreach, they bring the joy of dance to children throughout our area. https://www.venturacountyballet.com/

The full production of The Nutcracker at Oxnard Performing will be on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1:00 and 5:00 pm, Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2:00 pm.

The Nutcracker is truly the lifeblood of Ventura County Ballet as it is for ballet companies the world over. It supports our entire season and enables us to bring a wide range of other works to local audiences. We hope as many people as possible will enjoy our 25th anniversary production of The Nutcracker as we return to the massive stage of Oxnard Performing Arts Center for the first time since 2019.

They need help all year long

Marcie Youtz is supporting homeless VUSD children.

After learning how many students were experiencing homelessness in VUSD (over 400), Marcie Youtz approached the school district officials about accepting contributions to support the homeless children, she realized forming a 501c3 charity, 805 Community for Children was a necessary part of the process in order to have the donations be tax deductible for the contributors.

Marcie Youtz, Realtor, and lifelong Ventura Resident, is retiring from driving a school bus after 20 years of serving the kids of VUSD.

805 Community for Children provides not only much-needed essentials such as food, toiletries, showers, and clean laundry to students in need, it also aims to imbue their lives with some sense of normalcy by also providing some of the “extras” so many of us take for granted.  Birthday parties, Equine therapy, prom essentials, sports funding, and so much more. A student being funded to play sports in school has an amazing impact. The feeling of belonging to a team does incredible things for a child.The non profit often gets a few donations in November and December but the rest of the year, donations from the community are scarce. They need help all year long, not just the holidays. Please consider helping.

Please visit the website to donate . www.805communityforchildren.com

39th Annual Memorial Program Light Up a Life

As the holiday season approaches, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice is preparing to host its cherished “Light Up a Life” events. These events offer comfort and a unique opportunity to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed away. As the dates draw near, the community is invited to join in these heartwarming gatherings. This year’s “Light Up a Life” will take place at two beautiful locations:

Heritage Square, 715 South A Street, Oxnard Saturday, December 2nd from 4:30 pm – 5:30pm

Constitution Park, 1287 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo Saturday, December 9th from 4:30 pm – 5:30pm

We invite everyone to attend these free events! It’s a space for you to remember and celebrate the life of someone dear to you. The program includes readings, acts of remembrance, and the illumination of the Tree of Life.

You can dedicate a star in the name of your loved one with a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more. These stars will be featured in an online memory listing and in a special video tribute displayed at the events. Each contribution supports Livingston’s vital hospice and bereavement programs in Ventura County. Stars can be reserved at www.lmvna.org/LightUpALife.

Since 1947, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice has been providing home health, palliative care, hospice, non-medical home care, and grief and bereavement services to Ventura County residents. Committed to equitable and inclusive care, we ensure that all residents have access to essential services, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the “Light Up a Life” events or to learn more about our services, please visit www.lmvna.org

Ventura Police awarded $228,000

The Ventura Police Department proudly announces that it secured a $228,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to bolster life-saving enforcement and education-based activities. This grant allows officers to actively champion safe driving practices, empower cyclists and pedestrians to navigate roads with confidence, and deliver vital education on the significance of road sharing.

“Receiving this grant funding is critical to the success of our outreach programs and the safety of our community,” said Corporal David Curtis. “With this funding, we can continue to enforce important traffic safety laws, deter driving under the influence, and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling. We can truly save lives.”

Grant funds will support a variety of activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:

DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping impaired drivers.

High visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.

Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.

Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

“Everyone deserves a safe environment to travel, regardless of how people get to places,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a high priority. Education plays a pivotal role in creating a strong road safety culture that prioritizes traffic safety, especially for our most vulnerable road users.”

The grant program will run through September 2024.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPIC Leadership Center Starts Fall Program

Kate Simonson leading the activity.

After a small break from completion of the summer program, EPIC Leadership Center has started its after-school program at Westview Village. The fall after-school program, developed and overseen by EPIC’s Kate Simonson, Westview’s resident Program Director, includes Art (Creative Mondays), Character and Leadership Training, Girl Scouts, Youth night, and Family Game night. Activities are conducted by Kate and volunteers on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons starting at 5:30 at the Westview Village, Community Center.

In addition to weekday programming, field trips are planned to include the Rubicon Theatre Company, Wheel Fun Rentals, Paddle boats in the Ventura harbor, supported by a generous donation for these specific activities. Annette Garcia, Executive Director, A Heart of an Angel, continues to provide Fit Camp (Physical Saturdays) on campus. EPIC plans to also start 1:1 Tutoring, and a Saturday Parent Support Class led by Jim Cole, PhD.

 

Ten-year resident, Kate Simonson, is a passionate leader in the Westview Village community connecting directly with the residents to encourage and support the activities that align with EPIC’s mission, to develop leaders and transform lives. Kate is a change agent.

 

EPIC needs you! Come, be a part of transforming lives and neighborhoods right here in Ventura.

Please visit Epicleadershipcenter.org for more information, volunteer opportunities, and to donate.

 

Boat Fire at Portside Ventura Harbor

Photos by Nella Nelson

Apparently, because of fear of fuel on board becoming a major fire, when an overheating battery starting smoking in a boat anchored at Portside Ventura Harbor fire fighters from several cities came to make sure it didn’t spread. Perhaps a bit of an overreaction.

 

Ventura Fire Units Respond to Garage Fire

On November 27, at 7:45am, Ventura fire units were dispatched to a reported garage fire with extension into the residence in the 1600 Block of Ventura Ave. Firefighters arrived within 4 minutes of dispatch and found a single story/multi family home with heavy fire and smoke showing from the garage and the attached homes.

The Santa Ana winds played a critical role in the rapid spread of the fire into the structures and immediately threatened multiple homes and vehicles directly adjacent. Firefighters extinguished the fire with a coordinated effort of vertical and horizontal ventilation to keep the fire from spreading throughout the structures.

The fire was controlled 30 minutes after initial dispatch, and the house was confirmed to have no victims inside. In order to control the incident, Ventura City Fire units were assisted by: Ventura Police Department, Oxnard Fire Department, American Medical Response, as well as Ventura County Fire Department.

 

 

 

Christmas tree fundraiser

Sustainably forested silver-tip fir trees from Northern California will be available for pickup on Saturday, December 2 during “Christmas At The Farm” at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd.) in Ventura. Proceeds from the Christmas tree fundraiser will help fund Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) agriculture education and healthy eating programs for kids in Ventura County.

Trees are available from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 2 or can be delivered ($75 delivery charge). Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Local vendors will be on hand at a pop-up holiday market.

The trees were donated by Rob Paulus, a retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief, and his family to support SEEAG and its ag-education efforts. Paulus has a 200-acre parcel of private land near the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range.

“By purchasing your Christmas tree from SEEAG you’re supporting the education of thousands of students and improving the natural forest landscape, says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “We thank Rob and his family for their wonderful donation.”

Tree sizes are 6′ to 9 ‘($175) and 8′ to 10’ ($225). SEEAG is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization so all tree purchases are tax-deductible. All trees must be pre-ordered by going to https://www.seeag.org/christmas-at-the-ranch.

For questions about delivery, call 805-892-8155 or email [email protected].

Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging

the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and

the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this and other SEEAG programs, over 100,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at [email protected].

DaVita Health Tour arrives in Ventura providing free health screenings with its mobile testing center.

Two company representative Bertha Avalos and Vicky Ramos volunteer their time to raise CKD. Photos by Richard Lieberman

by Richard Lieberman

The DaVita Health tour campaign has arrived in Ventura. DaVita Health specializes in Dialysis, a life sustaining- treatment for those living with end stage kidney disease. The specialized bus is designed to offer free health screenings and kidney care education to residents of the cities they visit. The DaVita health screening bus visited Ventura on Tuesday October 24, 2023, setting up shop at the Pacific View mall in Ventura.

The mobile testing center is on a yearly tour offering free screenings and kidney care education in communities across the U.S. The screenings are free and designed to raise awareness of risk factors that could lead to chronic kidney disease. The health screenings will consider obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney failure.

Testing at the mobile center will specifically test certain factors that are indicative of possible kidney disease. The health screening testing will administer: a fingerstick glucose test that will determine diabetes risk, a blood pressure test that will determine hypertension, body measurement testing to determine body mass index, also available is a blood draw to determine a more in-depth measurement of kidney function. A qualified nurse practitioner will review with the participant the details and the results of the screenings.

Bertha Avalos and Vicky Ramos Davita company representatives described the services offered by the company “we deal mostly with patients with kidney failure, and we provide dialysis services for patients,” “The tour bus is a once-a-year event” Avalos said. “This is a totally free service and not intended to bring business into our clinics, but it is to serve the community” she added. DaVita maintains many full-service dialysis clinics all over Southern California. “This program is designed to offer kidney awareness to the community”, Avalos added. The tour bus is in action from September through November each year. “It’s a full nationwide tour, the tour started in Colorado then heads to California and proceeds from Georgia to Michigan and the tour will end around the week of Thanksgiving.”

Both Avalos and Ramos are part of the local team in California and volunteer to cover the tour in the local area. Avalos is the regional operations director for Ventura County and Ramos manages a Davita clinic in Moorpark. The bus can service around thirty residents a day, but numbers differ depending on the community they are in. “The biggest point to make is we are trying to spread awareness to our community members. So that they know what kidney disease is and that they take the steps that are needed to try and preserve their kidney function,” she stated. Avalos also said “We are trying to do our best to spread awareness within the community.