Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Soroptimist announces 15th Annual ‘Stop Human Traffic event

Soroptimist International of Oxnard, Ventura, and Camarillo will host the 15th Annual “Stop Human Trafficking” educational forum, advocacy and community awareness event on Saturday, March 5, to lead up to International Women’s Day, March 8, 2022. Featured Speakers will include Opal Singleton Hendershot and Dr. Lowell Smith.

The public is invited to attend this event at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. Masks will be required. Registration will begin at 1 pm.

The official program and speakers will begin at 1:30 pm: a community awareness walk will follow at 3 pm.

Opal Singleton Hendershot is the Founder and CEO of Million Kids. Dr. Lowell Smith is the former Department Chair for La Sierra University’s Criminal Justice Department. He is a retired Deputy Probation Officer.

Participants are asked to wear red to support the STOP trafficking movement. The 3pm awareness walk will begin at the Museum proceeding down Main Street and back.

For more information about the event or membership in the Soroptimist Club contact Debbie Gohlke at (805) 320-5215.

For more visit soroptimist.org – or for local information caminorealregion.org. To report suspicious activity call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

Dimitri Poulos takes the Rincon Classic Title

Dimitri Poulos celebrates after winning the Rincon Classic. Photo by Cristy Poulos

by Amy Brown

Dimitri Poulos waited until the ripe old age of four to start surfing. However, he made up for lost time when he began surfing in local competitions at age ten. Since then, he has gone on to become a professional surfer, earning two gold medals at the Junior world championship level at age 17, and more recently, taking his first Pro title at the 40th annual Rincon Classic with a total score of 15.43. 

The 19 year old Ventura native is sponsored by O’Neill, Red Bull, Roberts Surfboards, Pro-Lite, and Futures Fins, and his future looks exceptionally bright. He stays humble, however, and is focused on honing his craft and encouraging other young surfers. He is grateful for the folks that were there to encourage him when he was just starting out. “There wasn’t a huge surf culture of younger kids when I was young,” said Poulos. “There were obviously people who helped me, and I know some kids who’ve gotten some other help from older people, but I want really to be there for the younger kids. I just try to be nice to everyone and encourage them to be more psyched for surfing.”

Poulos shared that the best advice he ever received was to just have fun and not take it too seriously. He said that he is inspired by many, but that he really looks up to his father Peter and his coach Mike Lamm. “They just inspire me and have both taught me so much. I owe my surfing career to both of them, and my family obviously, since they got me into it and taught me what I know. Those two guys have pushed me the most, and of course I’m inspired by a lot of other professionals, the guys on the world tour.” Surfing is a family affair—in addition to his dad being a lifelong surfer, his 16-year-old sister Delaney won second place in the Wahines Under 17 division at Rincon, as well.

While Poulos had competed at the Rincon Classic several times in previous years, this was his first win. “It felt very good–I went in with no expectations, I haven’t competed in a pretty long time, with Covid all the contests were cancelled or postponed before, so I was a little nervous, with this first contest, maybe some rust, but it felt really good for it to work out in my favor.”

Asked what is still on his surfing bucket list, he replied, “I really want to get over to Indonesia for a contest, and would like to make the world tour.” He said that it’s the love of the sport that truly drives him. “I still have so much fun doing it, I don’t really think of it in terms of I have to do this or that, I’ll still surf with my friends, and then when it’s time for a contest, it’s time to switch gears and get ready to do this.”

Let’s save the trees, not cut them down

Chip Bell changed himself to the tree to protest their cutting down by city. Photos by Patricia Schallert

Ventura has a sign when you drive into the city that says Ventura is part of Tree City, USA. Yet, some trees are being slated for a cut down instead of a trim. 

On San Clemente  St., there are beautiful Ficus Macrocarpa trees that line the street and provide nesting for great horned owls, hawks and various small birds. These trees are also known as Malayan Banyan and are at least 100 years old. They have been part of the community since it was developed in the 1920’s and 30’s. These beautiful trees provide a canopy of shade in the summer months when it’s hot and are a refuge for the wild birds as they migrate north or south. The residents of this community believe these trees are interconnected with a co-depending root system. 

Chip Bell, a resident in the community, together with many of his neighbors, felt it was important to save the trees not only in his community but to develop awareness of how important trees are to the entire Ventura community. He chained himself to one of these trees that the city had slated to cut down.  As the city was cutting down one tree at the end of the block due to some wind damage, they decided not to cut Chip’s beloved  tree.  It was saved for the time being.

Barbara Brown and Christy Weir co founders of the Tree Alliance came by to give a shout out to Chip and his neighborhood for their efforts to save the Ficus Macrocarpa trees. 

Former City Council Member Christy Weir stated “Now would be a good time to revisit the city’s tree removal policy. Our residents value mature trees, and want to save as many as possible. Ventura’s Urban Forestry staff care about trees, and their expertise combined with our community’s passion for a healthy environment can help us to examine potential ways to retain our tree canopy.”

Barbara Brown said “The safety of our community in wind storms and rain events  is critical, but if we cut down these heritage trees, we take away so much from the intrinsic beauty of these neighborhoods. We also lose important habitat for the native birds and insects. There has to be a way for these heritage trees to be saved.”

Editor’s note: We have tried to obtain a statement from the city but have not been able to. Sorry.

Students take hands-on approach to space knowledge

In the current experiment, heat transfer is being assessed.

by Shirley Lorraine

The eighth-grade science classes at Ventura Missionary School, taught by Alane Woods, are, instead of reading textbooks and theory, actively engaged in building experiments designed by Quest for Space who then shares their information with NASA. Along with other students’ works worldwide, these experiments provide valuable information to be used in research.

Ms. Woods has been utilizing Quest for Space Inspiration Station kits for six years now, with great success. Students are enthusiastic about getting to experience first-hand various elements of science, engineering, coding, and more. The day I visited the classroom, the air was literally electric with excitement.

In the current experiment, heat transfer is being assessed. Which color transmits heat faster and more effectively – white or black? How is this information used in space? Are there differences between how earth and space transmit heat? Are there differences among the planets as to how heat is transmitted? Students learn about the process, the types of heat transfer, and how heat is conducted.

First, I was treated to a “walk-through” by two of the students, Isabelle and Drayden. Their excitement about the experiment was palpable. Both extoled the virtues of working in teams and of learning the different elements that must be considered. They gave me a quick tour of a completed unit, explaining how it worked and how the information is ultimately sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to be used in space endeavors.

Split into teams, each team receives a boxed Quest kit. Each kit contains Step-by-Step instructions and all the parts needed. Each team builds the same experiment and then compares results.

The kits require the building of complex circuits, resistors and connectors to run the experiments. Progress and process are logged. Each member of each team is assigned a specific role and may fill in other roles as needed.

I stopped by each team to observe and learn where they were in the process. I was immediately struck with the focus, the enthusiasm, the willingness to share and the respect shown by the students.

When the conductor is built, computer coding enables the results to be fed to Quest for Space which then sends it on to the ISS. Students learn the results of the work their team has done. The information is then compiled with other research results.

“Students learn not only how to use science, but also why, and that their input to the scientific world is valuable” stated instructor Alane Woods.

The NASA website provides this statement:

“As an orbiting laboratory, the International Space Station (ISS) offers researchers around the world the unique opportunity to perform experiments in microgravity and under the rigors of the space environment. Scientists have used the station for everything from testing technology for future space exploration to studying human health.”

More than several students shared that their favorite part of the experiment is the teamwork and the coordination of the many components of hands-on work. One contributed that the best part for her was “doing the electrical, hooking it up and seeing the light come on. You know it worked!” Others stated, “It’s a really cool thing” and “It’s fun, it’s cool, actually being able to put it together and see how it works.”

I wish I had had this much fun in eighth grade science class. The website www.nasa.gov offers experiments that can be done at home as well. Check out the STEM engagement tab. Maybe I’ll give one a go. Or maybe I should leave it to Ms. Woods’ 8th grade science class. They are doing an excellent job already.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Jill Forman

What is happening?

What a good question. Libraries are closed but you can still get books. Curbside service continues with the pre-existing branch hours. Clients can reserve books online or on the phone. Staff is there to help you; they are happy to look up books for you, get them, order them, or tell you where they are available. Many programs are available online; some will be detailed below. As with everything the past couple of years, everything is changing and might be different before this goes to press. Ask your library staff.

The Foster bookstore and the Hill Road sale shelves are unavailable but you can still buy books. Our online bookstore is open for business, and inventory has increased due to the store closure. More on this below.

Confession: the rest of this column is thanks to the email newsletter of the Ventura Friends of the Library. Thanks to Mary Olsen, the President of the Friends and our computer guru, for keeping us all informed.

Here’s some good news:

Zip Books are Back!

Zip books are books (print or audio) delivered to you free and directly from Amazon, which you return to your local library when you are done. This is a grant program funded by the California State Library.  This service is for books the library does not own, and there are some parameters.
Just fill out a form at the vencolibrary.org website. Please allow time to place the order.  No notification is given when orders have been placed. Three weeks after receiving book, return the book to your library branch and hand it to staff please.  Put the Amazon receipt, or a note, in the book so it is identified as a Zipbook.

We invite you to continue to visit our online store for local sales.
Books purchased from the online store are prepared for pick up on Fridays and will be available for pick up at Hill Road Library at the loading dock on Saturdays from 10 am to noon.

VFOL Online Bookstore has recently added vintage books and comics for online selection.   Of course, you will still also find great quality reading selections in both fiction and non-fiction for youth and adults, puzzles and audiobooks as well. Any questions?   [email protected]

Open Mic Night hosted by Phil Taggart                     

Thursdays, 6:30 to 10:00 pm. Enjoy a featured poet, then share your own work with the group. All are welcome to just sit and listen as well. Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9607501600 Meeting ID: 960 750 1600

Minecraft Mondays – 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Join one of the library’s Minecraft servers.
Participants must have parental permission and own a personal Minecraft Java Edition license (PC or MAC computers only) or a Minecraft Bedrock license (Windows 10 Edition or App,) and use Minecraft Version 1.16.3 for the Java Edition or the latest version of the Windows 10 Edition or App. Please send your request to join to [email protected].
Verified participants will be “Allow Listed”, thereby granted permission to access the server.

 

Fox Fine Jewelry and For Your Home’s viewpoint about Main Street Moves

by Carol Leish, MA

“As the owner of Fox Fine Jewelry,” Debbie Fox said, “I recognized the benefits to the community for a vibrant downtown with the closure of Main Street and California Street. I did estimate a slight sales drop from the closure. However, for the long-term benefit of us all, of which Fox Fine Jewelry is one part, I have advocated strongly for the continuation of Main Street Moves.”

Fox also stated, “I’ve been on the Downtown Ventura Partner’s (DVP) Board of Directors, and have been an active advocate of implementing and extending the closure. When COVID-19 first appeared in Ventura, the DVP realized that we needed to make critical changes, quickly. These changes would keep the restaurants afloat. Restaurants are the backbone of downtown’s overall health. As they rise, we (other businesses), and the restaurants, all rise. And, Main Street Moves has had a positive impact on the health of downtown Ventura.”

“The closure,” according to Fox, “gave Ventura unexpected exposure to residents within driving distance. Because most other places in Southern California were shut down, Ventura became the place to go. We were discovered. This halo effect had a small positive impact on Fox Fine Jewelry’s sales.”

“The vast majority of people,” according to Fox, “favor the closure, but some have legitimate concerns. As we continue to move forward, their will be various pieces that are being closely reviewed for solutions. One possibility is that Main Street can be either open or shut at will, with removable bollards. Outdoor dining would be in safe ‘parklets.’”

Visit Fox Fine Jewelry at: 560 E. Main St. (805) 652-1800. Look at: http://www.foxfinejewelry.com/.

As the owner of For Your Home, Kevin Seelos said, “I voted in favor of the Main Street Moves in downtown Ventura because I felt it would be in the best interest of downtown Ventura as a whole. Obviously, the main beneficiaries are the food and drink establishments. But they bring people to downtown, and these people are potential customers for the retailers and service businesses.

“There are some negatives, such as accessibility for older customers who have trouble parking a distance from my business. But, the majority of responses from our customers has been favorable. I feel that the closure has had a neutral to slightly positive effect on my business.”

Regarding the Pandemic, Seelos said, “When and if the Pandemic is completely over and the entire population is comfortable again with inside dining, opening up the downtown will need to be reconsidered. An issue that needs to be addressed is the loss of the parking spots the closure has caused. When larger employers have their staffs return from remote work and when we lose further parking lots to development, such as the one at California Street and Poli Street, parking will be even more difficult than it is now. The proposed new parking structure hasn’t even broken ground yet, and I believe that the plans have been in place for a couple of years.”

Visit For Your Home at: 443 E. Main St. (805) 641-1919. Look at: http://www.fyhfurn.com/.

Our Ventura TV has launching its first-ever “Faith-Based” TV series

Throughout 2022 each of the Our Ventura TV hosts will include a few of the Ventura County faith-based organizations (FBOs) as part of their routine interviews.  All FBOs are welcome to participate and may become a guest by visiting OurVentura.com and clicking “Contact” to get scheduled. There’s no cost to participate.

Sandra Siepak, one of the Our Ventura TV hosts noted: “We hope these segments will help interested viewers gain a better understanding of our local churches and religions and their value to the community.”

Just like regular Our Ventura TV programming, these interview segments will be broadcast on Ventura cable channel 6 TV, and will be posted online at OurVentura.com, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media networks and can be freely posted on FBO websites.

Host, Monique Nowlin said, “Faith-based organizations are enduring and trusted institutions in the community.”

Many FBOs enjoy committed volunteers, donations, and sometimes access to underserved communities. Certain FBOs may provide older adult programs, free food, gently used clothing, child care, and in some cases, rent and energy bill assistance. Priority is often given to elderly, the homeless or school-aged children.

Host, MB Hanrahan observed, “Faith-based groups can be associated with almost every ethnic and cultural group.”

In addition to their efforts meeting the spiritual, social, and cultural needs of their members, FBOs (such as churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques) work to better the world and their communities by caring for those in need.  This can include soliciting donations to distribute groceries for the elderly and medically vulnerable and providing service to the homeless.

Michelle Hoover, the Director of Our Ventura TV said, “The faith-based series on Our Ventura adds support to the people of the community and, along with our other segments, helps to bring us all closer together.”

Since starting in 2008, the theme for the TV series has been “People doing good things in Ventura County.”  The majority of programs are talk shows featuring guests who are interviewed about their activities in the community. Additionally, there are music and other programs of community interest.

George Alger, the Founder/Producer of Our Ventura TV and one of the hosts stated, “The goal of this series is to represent some of the diversity of Ventura County faith-based organizations.”

This faith-based series does not change routine Our Ventura TV programming, it’s a special adjunct series.

Our Ventura TV is an award-winning weekly talk-show television series broadcast on Ventura cable channel 6 TV and also published on OurVentura.com as well as on social media networks. The programs are primarily about nonprofits, community advocates, leaders, artists and organizations who contribute in some way to the Ventura County community.  Visit OurVentura.com for more information and to become a guest.

Dr. Bill Saleebey: upcoming book signing

Dr. Bill Saleebey, Ventura author and networking expert, will be signing and discussing his new book Networking in the Virtual Age: Connecting with No Limits on Saturday, February 26, from 3-7 p.m. at House of Rio Design Co., 1718 E. Main St. in Ventura.

Dr. Saleebey is a foremost expert on the topic of business and personal networking. He is also the author of Connecting: Beyond the Name Tag and Connecting: Key Networking Tips for Business and Life. He organized and leads numerous networking groups throughout California. He has written the books Sell Yourself and Study Skills for Success.

His recent work Networking in the Virtual Age: Connecting with No Limits was written during the pandemic and chronicles how networking groups, service organizations and other groups managed to nurture interpersonal connections when people were unable to meet in person. He examines such technologies as Zoom and provides numerous examples and suggestions about how to connect virtually on multiple channels, as well as in person.

Saleebey, a native of Pasadena and graduate of UCLA, has been a resident of Ventura for eight years. His doctorate in Educational Psychology has allowed him to train and guide businesses about how to use networking to build and sustain their referrals.

In addition to his extensive experience in networking, Dr. Saleebey has been working in the field of corporate relocations for forty years. Prior to that, he did research on the educational challenges of Samoan migrants, based on his work in American Samoa.

Dr. Saleebey will discuss the impetus for writing the book, some examples of how people and groups adapted during the pandemic, and the current state of the art of networking. Anyone interested in networking and how to better connect with others are invited to attend.

Tree Town

Ten new Valley Oaks were planted at the Ventura Community Park last October. These deciduous trees begin to leaf out in late winter.

Quercus lobata (Valley Oak) grows into the largest of North American oaks. It is native to California, growing in interior valleys and foothills in the central coast region. The Valley Oak is now a protected species in Ventura County because of its decline over past decades due to removal for development. Mature specimens may attain an age of up to 600 years.

www.venturatreealliance.com

Happy 5th Birthday KPPQ Radio!

CAPS Media’s KPPQ-LP Radio station is celebrating a major milestone in February: 5 years of delivering non-stop, award-winning original and specially curated programming and entertainment to local and worldwide listeners.

KPPQ-LP FM 104.1 is Ventura’s only non-commercial, public radio station. The CAPS Media station belongs to the public and reaches more than 100,000 people in Ventura and countless more worldiwide.

Launched in 2017 the vibrant radio division of CAPS Media has grown steadily in a few short years to become one of the most engaging and go-to sites in Ventura. KPPQ broadcasts 2/47 everyday at 104.1 FM, and streams worldwide on myTuner radio and capsmedia.org. Week in and week out KPPQ-LP’s everygrowing cadre of volunteers create innovative and engaging programming in the state-of-the-art radio studio in the CAPS Media center or, often during COVID crisis, in their home studios, delivering an eclectic mix of programming to KPPQ-LP listeners.

“The radio platform empowers women by keeping the conversation going, to highlight the stories of our local women and all that we are doing right here in our community—the place where change happens!” Kathleen Good, Host of In The Women’s Room

“CAPS Media’s KPPQ-LP is such a great service and resource for our community. Being able to validate and share so much talent by playing music from local artists on my show is such a privilege.” Pam, The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour.

“ I was looking for a creative way to connect with my community. KPPQ opened my eyes and my heart to radio and podcasting. I have truly connected with my community through Ventura Vibe!” Nadine Piche, Host of Ventura Vibe!

“I have had a voice in the community … I’m thankful we have such a gem of a resource in our community and cannot wait to see what they do in 2022!” Michelle Hoover, Producer, Fireside Tailes for Wolfgang

“Our work with CAPS Media and specifically what we’ve done in collaboration with KPPQ has been one of our most rewarding partnerships. Youth that have had the opportunity to be interviewed in the studio always walk away from that experience inspired and excited. It’s been a great privilege to partner with them.” Craig Rosen, Host of Teen Centric, Director of the Arts & Youth Justice program

“Elizabeth Rodeno and the good people at CAPS media helped me learn radio production. With their wonderful facilities and training…I have gone on to create two radio shows and an international podcast. THANK YOU CAPS and happy 5th birthday.” Mary Labrie, Host of Women of A Certain Age and The Shiver Show

“In a world where it seems corporations are deciding what we view or listen to – with a lack of diversity in the programming – I treasure the ability to hear the perspective of members of the community and, when it comes to music, to be able to listen to programming by individuals who have non-mainstream tastes. CAPS Media is a treasure and KPPQ is my favorite radio station!” Kevin Wallace, Host of Ojai Dream, a music and talk show.

“KPPQ does a wonderful job representing our community. I am grateful they have given me the opportunity to share my passion, my blues record collection in my show “Doc’s Delta Blues Lounge. The team is awake and interested fully committed to producing interesting content of high quality.” Doc Ventura, Doc’s Delta Blues Lounge

“We’re so fortunate to have a unique community radio station like KPPQ. Not only does it serve as a local media source for information and entertainment, but it gives content creators like myself a creative outlet to share our interests! “Mark X, Pure Rock Show

The ever-evolving KPPQ operation was envisioned, masterminded and co-founded by CAPS Media’s Elizabeth Rodeno. Elizabeth has been the KPPQ driving force and station manager since its inception.

“As station manager of KPPQ and one of the founders, along with Evan Carpenter, Chief Engineer, I am thrilled to be part of Ventura’s Community radio station as we celebrate its 5th year on the air. Since 2017 when we flipped the switch on the only non-commercial community radio station in Ventura, producers have sat behind a microphone and shared their voice and the voice of Ventura County across the globe. I’m really proud to see how our station and membership has grown and thrived these past 5 years and I look forward to the next 5 years.” Elizabeth Rodeno, KPPQ Station Manager

KPPQ airs 24/7 on 104.1fm radio and streams worldwide on myTurner Radio and on capsmedia.org. Everyone interested in learning more about KPPQ-LP including how to become a Host or DJ, or provide information on an upcoming event, can contact Elilzabeth Rodeno, at [email protected].

Everyone at CAPS Media and throughout Ventura congratulate KPPQ-LP on its momentous 5th birthday. We all look forward to many more years of creative, informative and entertaining programming and services to the community.