Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

The Women’s Club in Action

Volunteer members Mary Harrison, Anita Hensley, Ariel Cottrell, and Sandi Brown prepare books for the upcoming book sale/fundraiser.

by Shirley Lorraine

The San Buenaventura Women’s Club continues to find ways to contribute to the community. For over 80 years, the Club has been committed to fulfilling its mission of giving back to Ventura County. The Club annually supports arts in the high schools, the community concert band, Search and Rescue Dogs and groups offering housing and assistance to women and children in need to name a few. Fundraisers are held for the purpose of collecting money to be given back to chosen programs. Each May, at the end of the club’s fiscal year, checks are issued to the board-approved entities.

Despite this last year of no in-person meetings, members have continued to find creative ways to raise funds to fulfill their mission. Donations back to the community for 2020 were $9,550.00.

On September 25, 2021, the Club will be operating “Expanding Reading Horizons”, a drive-through grab-bag book extravaganza. Buyers are welcome to drive in from 12:30 – 4 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road, Ventura.

Volunteers have been collecting book donations for months and are now in the process of cleaning, sorting and filling the bags. Trader Joe’s generously donated the paper bags which will contain a mix of hardbacks & paperbacks covering assorted genres and interests to inspire and expand reader’s horizons.

For a $10 donation per bag, pre-filled and sealed bags are handed to you – no need to get out of the car! Also available are Bonus Bags for $15 which include a donated jigsaw puzzle.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month, September to May at the Poinsettia Pavilion (originally named the Women’s Club) 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. Reservations are required for the lunch, program and business meeting. Contact Business Manager Jennifer Enoch at (805) 844-9399.

www.sanbuenaventurawomensclub.org . Membership in the 501c (3) is open to all persons 18 and over (men welcome too!). The Club and the community welcomes your participation.

Local lady will be driving in an all Women’s Demolition Derby for Cancer

A truly inspirational lady.

Bekkah Doyle is a Ventura County local living in Ventura. She used a personal tragedy to inspire her to help people in need.

She told us how she got into demo derbies as a way to raise money. “I was actually involved in a bad car accident in 2019. A car rear ended me on the 101 at 50mph freeway while I was stopped in traffic, which left me with very crippling PTSD in cars. Now I drive in demo derbies as my way of overcoming my PTSD and becoming comfortable in cars again. My mom took me to the Ventura Raceway demo derby at a very young age and it became a lifelong dream for me to drive in it one day. Now that I have finally made that dream a reality. I use my demo derby cars to help others.”

Bekkah went on to say “On Oct 9th I will be driving in an all Women’s Demolition Derby for Cancer at Irwindale Speedway, the derby is composed of female drivers from all over Southern California representing their hometowns. I’m the lone representative so far for Ventura County (I actually just drove at the recent demo derby at Ventura Raceway as the only female driver). I want to raise as much money as I possibly can so I’ve decided to sell spots on my car for people to put the names of loved one they have lost to cancer or in support of those currently battle cancel. 50% of all proceeds will be donated directly to charity. I’d love to be able to raise a significant amount to donate while also giving people a way to honor their loved ones.”

If you would like to donate to the cause and get the names of their loved ones on the vehicle, they can email Bekkah directly at [email protected].

40,000 pounds of donated food arrives in Ventura

The food will go to families struggling with food needs from Ventura County.

Last week, a truck carrying over 40,000 pounds of food – from cases of canned salsa, peaches, peanut butter, and more – arrived at Project Understanding in Ventura to help with the organization’s efforts to feed hundreds of families in Ventura County over the next few months.

This donation was organized from the Ventura Stake (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to assist with the needs of those in Ventura County. One of four large food deliveries to Southern California this week, this donation is a small part of the efforts of the congregations who contribute to a Humanitarian fund that helps with crucial needs around the world such as providing shelter and supplies to victims of the Haiti earthquake, assisting Afghan refugees with shelter, food, and supplies and, like this week’s project, supporting local needs such as food inequality through organizations such as Project Understanding.

The food will go to families struggling with food needs from Ventura County. Project Understand has helped families with food insecurity with their food pantry since 1977, and many may not be aware they also help with many other community programs such as their Homeless to Home program and the successful Tutoring program with centers around the county. They are always open to having volunteers help at the food pantry as well and will be having a golf tournament on November 8th to raise funds for their crucial programs. ProjectUGolf.givesmart.com

Each target is sponsored by a local business

Raising funds for Pier Into The Future.

Chip in for Charity is a non-competitive golfing event where participants chip their balls towards sponsored targets located within the driving range to raise funds and support local non-profit efforts. This year we are raising funds for Pier Into The Future, that is preserving and maintaining the Ventura Pier.

Each target is sponsored by a local business that has donated to our non-profit beneficiary. All sponsor donations and tickets sold through the event are donated directly to the event’s current non-profit beneficiary. As participants chip towards the sponsored targets, raffle sponsors will also be raffling off prizes for participants to win.

In addition, all participants will receive a complimentary food and drink voucher with the ability to purchase additional buckets of golf balls, and raffle tickets.

In our first year we partnered with Clean International to help them provide clean water and sanitation to underserved communities. With over 80 participants enjoying local food, drinks and hitting nearly 450 balls into the sponsored targets, we raised $6,000 which helped Clean International provided over 1,100 families with clean water and sanitation.

September 25 from 1-5pm

Location: Olivas Links Driving Range, 3750 Olivas Park Dr, Ventura.

Website ChipinForCharity805.com

Buena High 50th coming up soon

Celebration includes a T-shirt.

It’s been 50 years since the class of ’71 roamed the concrete halls of Buena High. How many friends’ names can you remember? If you join us on October 15-17, 2021, for our 50th reunion, you can test your memory and maybe win a prize. A ticket will get you a T-shirt, food, reminiscing and lots of fun. A meet and greet, a BBQ, and a Continental Breakfast are part of the festivities.

Friday, October 15th, 6-9pm at Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa St, Ventura, 93001. This will be a Meet & Greet with a variety of appetizers and snacks, and a full “No Host” bar, Cash Only.

Saturday, October 16th, 11-5pm at Camp Comfort Park, 11969 N. Creek Rd, Ojai, 93023. A catered BBQ at 1pm; snacks, desserts, music and games. BYOB, bottled water and ice provided.

Sunday, October 17th, 9-11am at Buena for a Continental Breakfast at the Orange Peel…that’s right, a walk back in time at our Alma Mater!

COST: $80 per person, includes a T-shirt with a panoramic picture of our class, or $70 without a T-shirt. PayPal accepted, [email protected] (incl. full names & maiden name if applicable) or checks made out to: Lynnea Mitchell-Buena 1971, and sent to: 1375 Tamarix St., Camarillo, CA, 93010. Send T-shirt sizes to Mark Fargo: [email protected]

There will be an Open Mic at each event, so come prepared with memories of your favorite High School moments.

A list of unfound classmates is posted on the Buena Facebook page. If you have contact info for anyone listed, please send it to: [email protected]

Remember that special friend in High School that you haven’t seen in 50 years? Come to our reunion and reconnect! We hope to see you there.

Lynnea Barnum Mitchell, Cindy Meek Henley, Ilene Kutzmann Watson, Mark Fargo and Linda Yen.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation celebrates anniversary

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) is the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County. With 24 properties, 1,159 homes and future projects in development, the organization is celebrating 40 years of home.

Founded in 1981, Cabrillo EDC’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Rooted in community-building and ongoing support, their mission aims to provide comprehensive affordable housing services and community economic development activities to residents most lacking in opportunity.

Recognized as a leader in affordable housing statewide and nationally, Cabrillo EDC has worked to contribute to positive and sustainable change in the region and improve the quality of life for thousands of residents by providing affordable home communities, resources, social opportunities and educational programs. These programs include homework clubs, adult empowerment, nutrition and fitness, and youth leadership development.

“These programs are a vital part of what we do,” said Luz Soto, Director of Property Management and Resident & Community Services. “We are not just in the business of building housing. Building communities is an important part of our mission and it enables us to create opportunities for residents to focus on the other aspects of life – from saving money, supporting their children’s education, finding better employment, and much more.”

Liza F, a mother of three, found herself homeless and separated from her children, who were sleeping in their cars or with friends in her congregation She moved into Snapdragon II apartments in Ventura and is thrilled to have a safe, stable home. “It was hard to be apart from my boys. I had to sleep in the street and the beach.” Liza says being homeless took a toll on all of them emotionally and mentally and that having a home helps her feel like a mom again. “it’s a great feeling to feel that way again. They [Cabrillo EDC] opened the door for me. It is a beautiful place and I am very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be a mom and a place to call my home.”

“Cabrillo EDC has been making dreams come true, one home at a time, and we are thrilled to celebrate our Ruby Anniversary this year,” said Chief Executive Officer Margarita H. de. Escontrias. “We believe home is more than a place to live, and our success is the result of decades of passion, dedication and vision.”

The Cabrillo EDC impact reaches far and wide across the community. To date, the corporation has built 48 multifamily and single-family developments throughout Ventura County. In addition to the educational programs and community services, Cabrillo EDC has awarded $3,250 in community-building mini grants and $77,400 in student scholarships. They look forward to future projects, which include the completion of 42 units for farmworkers in South Oxnard, and 75 units for seniors in Buellton, CA.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cabrilloedc.org/

CAPS Media 2020 – 2021

The 2020 CAPS Media Annual Report is available on the CAPS Media website for those who want to take a quick trip down memory lane. Go to capsmedia.org and click on the documents link.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented considerable challenges for the CAPS Media team throughout the year and a half, however despite the obstacles CAPS Media crews covered more than 200 live meetings, totaling more than 430 hours. City related meetings include City Council, Design Review Committee, Economic Development Strategy Committee, Historic Preservation, Measure O Oversight, Mobile Home Rent Review Board, Safe and Clean and Homeless Committee. CAPS Media broadcasts and streams many of these meetings live on CAPS Media Channel 15 and on the CAPS Media website – capsmedia.org. Rebroadcast meetings exceed 580 meetings and 1600 hours.

During the past 18 months CAPS Media video crews have been producing more than 220 individual informational videos, including monthly Mayor updates, videos from other City Council Members, Ventura Police and Ventura Fire and educational tours of Olivas Adobe. For the 2020 elections CAPS Media produced its’ Video Voter program featuring city council and school board candidates as well as informative videos on ballot initiatives.

Throughout the COVID crisis CAPS worked with County staff on live weekly COVID updates, as well as informative, educational, and instructional videos for the Ventura County Medical Center.

CAPS Media’s KPPQ Radio crew continued providing the community with 24×7 creative, original, locally produced, non-commercial programming. The resourceful KPPQ DJs continued producing high-quality, innovative programming in their home studios week in and week out. The local crew’s original programs combined with specially selected licensed programs fueled distribution 24×7 on KPPQ 104.1fm and stream worldwide on capsmedia.org and myTuner Radio.

KPPQ has trained more than 100 member/producers; produced more than 600 hours of original music shows and more than 300 hours of Ventura Community talk show programs.

CAPS Media staff educator Phil Taggart continued to mentor El Camino High School students in the award-winning ECTV media education program. A student internship and career pathways program, the students write, direct, host and edit magazine-style programs on a variety of topics Student addressed the issues drug abuse and discrimination to racial prejudice and more in their self-titled ECTV series.

The CAPS Media Annual includes introductions to the CAPS Media Staff: Evan Carpenter, Jamie Cawelti, Patrick Davidson, Jorge Godinez, Donald McConnell, Manny Reynoso, Elizabeth Rodeno, Gary Roll, Phil Taggart and Alex Uvari. And introduce the dedicated CAPS Media Board of Directors: Cliff Rodrigues, Chairperson, Darryl Dunn, Vice Chairperson/Treasurer, Kathleen Good, Secretary, Pam Baumgardner, Michael Velthoen, Cathy Peterson, Bill Schneider, Ashley Bautista for the County, Heather Sumagaysay and Barry Fisher, for the City of Ventura, Marieanne Quiroz, VUSD, and Tim Harrison and Lisa Putnam, Ventura College.

The California Recall Election is in full swing and every registered voter is encouraged to cast their ballot. For information on voter registration go to countyofventura.org/elections/voter-information or call 805-654-2664. Mailed in ballots must be postmarked, placed in a dropbox or delivered to a polling place by 8 pm on September 14.

All of us at CAPS Media encourage everyone to get vaccinated. The sooner we are all vaccinated the sooner we can fully enjoy our beautiful community, and the sooner we can reopen the CAPS Media Center to our Members and the public. Our thanks to everyone for continuing to Stay Safe and Stay Strong.

Community Memorial Hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program certified by industry leader

Community Memorial Health System is proud to announce the certification of its Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification recognizes Community Memorial Health System’s (CMHS) commitment to improving patients’ quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs that include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families help people with pulmonary problems so they can recover faster and live healthier.

CMHS serves patients with chronic lung diseases like COPD, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis, and offers the only Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in Ventura County. Patients in the program receive exercise time and classroom time with book learning as well as learning from guest speakers like a physical therapist, occupational therapist, dieticians, and social services workers.

“As a respiratory care practitioner, it’s a really rewarding thing to see when patients walk in frightened and so breathless, and they walk out much more confident and able to do more. We facilitate, but they do the hard work,” said Juanita Trine, RRT-NPS, and the program’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator.

To earn accreditation, CHMS’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program participated in an application process that required extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and certification is awarded by the association’s Board of Directors.

“Certification guarantees our patients that we are following best practices, nationwide, not just locally. We are looking closely at outcomes so we can say, ‘yes, our patients are feeling better’ when they leave us and we can say that with facts and figures to back us up,” Trine said.

Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management, and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

Middle and high school teachers needed for new grant-funded program.

Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) has been awarded a three year NOAA Bay-Watershed and Training Grant Award for the implementation of a new and exciting environmental science program titled ‘Ventura River Action Network (V-RAN) in partnership with the MERITO Foundation and with additional support from the U.C. Davis Center for Community and Citizen Science and Ventura Water.  

The V-RAN program is an adaptation of MERITO Foundation’s EECCOA program for VUSD science teachers and focuses on monitoring and restoring the Ventura River Watershed to support the removal of the Matilija Dam. This work will be done in collaboration with local and state environmental organizations.  

V-RAN will provide free professional development field training, webinars, and science curriculum and stipends to eight science teachers per school year and live and virtual environmental monitoring experiences for their 600-750 middle and high school students at Ventura River watershed and coast. The program will also include a STEM competition called ‘the EECCOA Challenge’ for students to design methods to reduce the environmental footprint of their school campus, with cash prizes for the authors of top projects. 

The 158-foot-high Matilija Dam blocks a tributary of the Ventura River about 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1947, the dam has outlived its usefulness, and sediment fills almost its entire reservoir. With support from state and private funding, including the Open Rivers Fund program of Resources Legacy Fund, local stakeholders are working with dam owner Ventura County Watershed Protection District to plan, design, and finance the dam’s removal. The removal of the Matilija Dam will benefit the community by addressing old, out-of-date infrastructure, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, restoring habitat for steelhead trout, and enabling needed sediment to move downstream to beaches. 

VUSD is now recruiting eight middle and high school science teachers to participate in the V-RAN 2021-2022 program. For more details or information on enrolling, contact Bret Klopfenstein, VUSD Science Specialist at [email protected], or [email protected].