Category Archives: News and Notes

Ventura police officers carry the torch for the Ventura County Special Olympics

The non-competitive, segmented run started at Ventura City Hall.

by Joseph Seemayer @jseemayerphoto

On Thursday, June 8, Ventura Police officers and staff participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run held from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The non-competitive, segmented run started at the steps of the Ventura City Hall located at 501 Poli St. Runners carried the Special Olympics’ Torch, also known as the “Flame of Hope,” through the streets of Ventura, passing it off to the Oxnard Police Department to continue the run throughout Ventura County.

“The Flame of Hope symbolizes a celebration of diversity and the spirit of Special Olympics athletes who remain committed to putting in the work to compete and represent their communities,” said Sergeant Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison with the Ventura Police Department. “I am so thankful to be part of Team Ventura PD, working together to raise funds and increase awareness and acceptance for these incredible athletes locally.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest awareness and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. In Southern California, it consists of nine different legs, spanning from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Legs are completed in conjunction with Special Olympics athletes and various members of law enforcement agencies from throughout the region.

Community members can support financially by making a donation to “Team Ventura PD” at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/LETR.

A playhouse like none ever

Foto: 61 Happy volunteers after 4-5 hours. Photos by Patricia Schallert and Michael Gordon

44 Four years of art school to do this?

On Saturday, June 24, Portside Ventura Harbor presented Playhouses by the Sea with Habitat for Humanity of Ventura Harbor (building homes, communities& hope) There was construction and painting of three beautiful playhouses for military and veteran families. A wonderful opportunity to give back to our community and make a positive impact. Each playhouse was pre-cut and took 4-5 hours to assemble and paint.

Portside, Habitat and Ventura volunteers joined together to make Gabby’s Playhouse theme for the Feliciano Family, Pirate theme for the Munoz Family and Jungle Theme for the Blanding Family.

Playhouse Builds are special in that participants get to interact with military and veteran families who arrive at the end of the day to receive their playhouses. In many cases, the playhouses are a surprise to the children, and getting to see their reactions was priceless.

The event also featured a captivating 4-hour live performance by Teresa Russell, along with a free breakfast and lunch of wonderful sandwiches and sides provided Portside’s Harbor Mart

Playhouse Build team members also received a Habitat Ventura t-shirt.

Habitat stated “We’re building a county where everyone has a safe, decent place to live. We build and sell affordable homes, offer critical health and safety repairs for low-income homeowners, offer financial education, and advocate for policies that create more housing for struggling families.”

“Our Playhouse Build Days are a unique building opportunity for teams to work together to construct and decorate children’s playhouses, which are then donated to military and veteran families in Ventura County. Proceeds raised by Playhouse Build Days provide direct support for our programs that help struggling families obtain safe, affordable housing.”

How can you sign up to host a Playhouse Build day? Contact Crystal Star at [email protected].

 

Ventura acted within it’s rights in removing Serra

Several years ago the Ventura City Council voted unanimously 6-0 (with then Mayor LaVere recusing himself) to remove the Father Serra statue in front of City Hall and temporarily have it stored. At the time the City Council also approved the removal of the wooden statue of Father Serra from inside City Hall that was the basis for the statue. The council voted on July 15, 2020, to remove the statue.

Critics felt the statue should be taken down because Serra committed atrocities against Native Americans, including the Chumash, while establishing California’s Catholic mission system in the 18th century.

Less than a week later the Coalition for Historical Integrity filed a lawsuit against the city in Ventura County Superior Court. The coalition, a grassroots group of current and former Ventura residents, also filed for a temporary restraining order to stop the removal, but the request was denied in court.

This wooden statue was previously located at City Hall.

A state appeals court has ruled Ventura acted within its legal rights when removing the statue. The Second District Court of Appeal, Division 6, upheld a previous ruling on the city’s removal of the statue.

Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert wrote “This case illustrates the obvious; attitudes and values change. The city of San Buenaventura removed a statue of Father Junípero Serra because it is now offensive to significant members of the community. We do not judge the wisdom or the action of the city’s legislative enactments. We affirm because the city acted within its legislative prerogative.”

Ventura City Attorney Andy Heglund said the city is “pleased to see the merits” of the City Council’s decision upheld by the appeals court. In 2020, the statue was peacefully and collaboratively relocated to a non-public location, reflecting the city’s commitment to listen to the voices of the community through a public process,”

The wooden statue previously located at City Hall has been relocated to the Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo. The bronze statue is secured safely in storage until it can be relocated and installed at a permanent location.

 

Ventura firefighters respond to residential structure fire

On June 26, at 6:30pm, the Ventura County Fire Communication Center received multiple calls of a residential structure fire in the 1300 block of Rugby Ave.. Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes of the initial call and found a single-story single-family structure with smoke coming from an attached garage.

Firefighters knocked down and extinguished the fire within 25 minutes of the initial 911.

Ventura Land Trust awarded $1.3 million FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant

Rains have resulted in heavy damage but robust growth of all plants.

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fuel load reduction and erosion mitigation in Harmon Canyon Preserve. The funded proposal is designed to mitigate wildfire risk between Harmon Canyon Preserve and the residential neighborhood of Clearpoint.

While winter rains have resulted in robust growth of waist-high lupine, perennial bunchgrasses, California peony, and coast live oaks, invasive plant species have also had a record year.

VLT has until May 2024 to reduce fuel loads primarily made up of invasive annual grasses, thistles, tumbleweed, and mustards, while minding the structural integrity of erosive slopes and the ecological conservation of the Preserve.

Stewardship Director Dan Hulst says, “Fuel load reduction in Harmon Canyon Preserve is something that VLT tackles every year as a wildfire mitigation strategy. The grant award from FEMA gives us a huge boost in resources to reduce the dense, herbaceous cover and shore up eroded areas.”

VLT has contracted with Wildscape Restoration to line trim key areas of vegetation and manually remove invasive plants around desirable native species. Goats and sheep from Ventura Brush Goats will graze zones dominated by one specific species to both reduce fuel loads and create areas where native plants can take root.

“We have a short period of time to address what are sometimes contradictory variables,” says Conservation Director Laura Pavliscak. “Reducing fuel loads while protecting steep slopes can be challenging.”

“We want to leverage the ecological benefits of this once-in-a-decade native plant growth to support the goal of the project, and that takes a lot of detailed resource monitoring and strategy. We’re focusing on the removal of Mediterranean annual grasses, which are the most dangerous fuels, the least protective against erosion on slopes, and most prohibitive to native biodiversity.”

Ventura County Library reading and lunch

This summer, Ventura County Library (VCL) will host Lunch at the Library Farm to Summer Program at 3 location for children and teens 18 years and under. Local youth will be served healthy meals and are invited to participate in a series of Summer Reading Program activities. These will include daily fun activities, book giveaways, and performers.

Speakers will visit each location and encourage youth to learn about local agriculture and the food cycle, how to garden at home and practice healthy eating, as well as share information on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers in agriculture.

VCL’s Lunch at the Library Farm to Summer Program focuses on developing young stewards of the land through composting, planting, and learning about the science behind growing food. Weekly Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities about insect science, plants, recipes, soil, and water will provide hands on opportunities for youth to grow their own crops and hopefully taste the fruits of their labor by the end of summer.

This program is made possible in collaboration with the Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura County Library Foundation. VCL is an equal opportunity provider. The summer Food Service Program is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

Lunch at the Library locations until Thursday, August 10, 2023:

Albert H. Soliz Library, 2820 Jourdan Street, Oxnard, CA 93036
Avenue Library, 606 North Ventura Avenue, Ventura, CA 93001
Saticoy Library, 1292 Los Angeles Avenue, Ventura, CA 93004
For more information on library programs and services, visit vencolibrary.org.

Heroes needed now: Give blood or platelets

The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy a safe and fun Fourth of July, which includes ensuring a strong blood supply for patients in hospitals across the country. There has been a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks, and the upcoming holiday could put a further strain on donations, as millions celebrate with family vacations and other seasonal activities. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors, are needed to make an appointment to give now to ensure blood remains available for patients this summer.

To encourage blood donations, the Red Cross is offering the following to those who come to give in the coming weeks:

All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma through June 30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give in June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma July 1-11 will receive an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/gifts.

By scheduling and keeping appointments right now, donors can help ensure patients relying on blood donations also get to enjoy their summer. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.

Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

To find blood drives in Ventura, visit RedCrossBlood.org and type in the zip code.

Ventura Rotary’s 4th of July Fireworks is back

Funding challenges nearly put a stop to the event. Photo by Michael Gordon

The Rotary Club of Ventura is proud to once again host the 4th of July Fireworks Show and Family Picnic at the Ventura College athletic fields. The event will be held on Tuesday, July 4th with gates opening at 5 pm and the fireworks show beginning at approximately 9 pm. Begun in 1994, the Ventura Rotary Fireworks event marks its 30th Anniversary in 2023!

Rob Van Nieuwburg, longtime Rotarian and past president shares, “We began the event in 1994 after the City had stopped hosting a fireworks event in order to provide a safe, patriotic and family-focused July 4th celebration. Back then we never really envisioned that we’d be doing this 30 years later, but we sure are proud and excited to do so.”

Funding challenges nearly put a stop to the event. Ken Leandro, the Rotary event chairperson, explains, “Costs to hold the event have skyrocketed over 38% since pre-covid years, and we are committed to keeping ticket prices affordable while also hiring the finest pyrotechnic company for a world-class fireworks show. This means corporate sponsors are critical to the event. We really can’t do it without them.”

This year’s major sponsors include the Ventura Auto Center, Hofer Properties, Community Memorial Healthcare, and the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

“When we approached SoCalGas about the event, they really appreciated that it’s community and family focused,” says Leandro. Maria Ventura, SoCalGas Senior Public Affairs Manager, adds, “SoCalGas is proud to partner with the Ventura Rotary in support of the 4th of July event where we celebrate our Independence Day.  We believe in the power of community and the Ventura Rotary embodies a deep commitment to Ventura which is why we are so excited to be a part of the festivities this year.”

As in past years, the event will have a Kids Zone featuring bounce houses and organized games like potato sack races and three-legged races, plus fun surprises like temporary tattoos in patriotic designs.

Families can bring a picnic, a blanket and soft low back folding chairs, and there will also be delicious food available from several Food Trucks. (No glass. No alcohol. No pets.)

“This year we have increased the number of food trucks, based on feedback received last year,” says Leandro.  The main stage will welcome back live music from Soul Infusion, a Ventura/LA-based band.

Tickets are available for online purchase via Eventbrite, linked at www.VenturaFireworks.com  Adults tickets are $10 each (age 13+), Childs ticket $5 (ages 4-12), and kids 3 and under are free. A special “Family-of-4” ticket is $28 and sold online only. Tickets can be purchased at the event gates. (Cash only at the gates.)

For more information, please visit www.VenturaFireworks.com where details are updated regularly.

Mental Wellness Festival

by Patricia Schallert

 

Breeze publisher Sheldon enyoying the festival with Josh

On June 3, a Mental Health Festival was held at the Ventura Harbor Village main lawn that celebrated the completion of National Mental Health Awareness month. A grass roots mental health and wellness celebration that included a unique (client-submitted) art exhibit and a native plant sale. The event was presented by the Turning Point Foundation.

Related vendors brought in uplifting music, yoga, meditation, activities along with community services and programs. Included in the festival was a blend of cultural, holistic, therapeutic and spiritual wellness professionals offering their expertise.

Reiki practioner Shannon Vaquez applying reiki to attendees.

The objective of the festival, as it celebrates 35 years of mental health and rehabilitation in Ventura County is “To provide exposure and expand awareness of mental health challenges and illness as a growing concern and stigmatization in our community and to expand awareness of local mental wellness programs and pathways available to help treat, maintain and/or improve our mental health.”

Josh Carsman is the Marketing, Events & Fund Development Manager at Turning Point and told the Breeze “Regarding the event, I was nervous about trying something new like this for the first time.  But once it began I didn’t want it to end!  So many great people helped support and participate in this event to make it a success.  It was an honor to facilitate, and I hope for us all to have a second annual festival.  Thank you to everyone involved who helped make it a success.”

Sponsor the Ventura Breeze was there with Mary Thompson (and Gl_enda), Sheldon and Carol Leish.

Growing Works plants is an innovative, wholesale plant nursery and mental wellness program within the Turning Point Foundation. This program provides job training, employment, volunteer opportunities, recovery services, and hands-on horticultural work experience to people with mental health challenges. A variety of client-cultivated plants were on display and were available for purchase at the festival.

Orchard Bluegrass Band (From the Orchard Community Church) provided entertainment which began at 3:00 PM and played for 2-hours without a break. They have  been entertaining audiences of all ages in Southern California for seven years with a unique blend of bluegrass, gospel, country and western music and had the attendees singing along.

The Orchard Bluegrass Band

Color blind visitors to Ventura’s Botanical Gardens get new views with a new viewer and glasses

Board of Directors member Barbara Brown explaining the glasses to color blind participants.

by Richard Lieberman

Recently the Ventura Botanical Gardens announced the installation of a new specialized viewer for color- blind visitors and also new specialized glasses available to borrow. The installation of a specialized scope viewer allows color- blind visitors to see the true colors of the gardens. The viewer is installed at the Mereweather site in the Chilean Gardens. Often color-blind garden visitors cannot see the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges in flowering plants that are on display. This newly installed special viewer allows color-blind individuals to see the vibrant colors that non-colorblind individuals see. Color-blind visitors now can borrow a limited number of special glasses at the Merriweather Welcome Center and experience the true colors of the gardens for the first time in their lives.

Five color-blind visitors gathered on a Tuesday morning to try out the special glasses that would help them see the rich colors of the garden they have never seen before. They were given the glasses to take home and use for personal use. The visitors for this demonstration were Trent Barnhart, Joshua Goodman, Jeanette Licea, Tom Raetan and Matthew Serrano. The group was aged from 9 to 70 years old, and when they tried out the glasses all were amazed at the newly distinguishable colors of the flowering plants. “The poppies really stand out,” said Serrano

Jeanette Licea 9, of Oxnard was amazed trying on the glasses and “I love them,” she excitedly gushed out seeing color clearly for the first time. “I like not having to ask my friends what color something is.”

Joshua Goodman, 47 of Ventura excitedly walked around the grounds putting the glasses on and off amazed at the difference. He talked about the difficulties of dressing and noted he has always dressed in neutral tones to avoid color matching mistakes. Goodman added that color coding “is the worst for me,” Originally a professional in high tech where everything is color coded, he added “And people really like to color code things’” Currently Goodman is a voice actor, where his color blindness is not an issue.

The glasses were designed and distributed by EnChroma, the company that invented the glasses. The company offers an accessibility program for museums, gardens and similar institutions that provides a matching pair of glasses for each one purchased by the organization.

The glasses are able to help most people who are color-blind see a greater range of color, which gives them the ability to see sharply, with a greater range of color, and the ability to make what was always a dull landscape pop out, according to EnChroma.

Barbara Brown, a spokesperson for the Botanical Gardens said all the participants get to keep the glasses they tried as a thank you for participating in the demonstration.

The gardens have two pairs of glasses available for visitors use and expects to have more shortly. The garden now has the scope previously mentioned about halfway up the trail that is adjusted for color-blindness Brown added.