Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Dear Venturans

by President/CEO of Visit Ventura Marlyss Auster

Once again, we are up against hard times and facing many unknowns. But here’s what we already know. We’ve been here before — and not only survived, but thrived. Because here by the sea we carry something very unique in our hearts and minds. The will to see things made better.

I’ve always believed in being totally up front and honest in both my personal life and as President & CEO of Visit Ventura. Honesty is just right. So, with honesty in mind, during these difficult times Visit Ventura will not be where you should go for the facts. We served that purpose, to a degree, during the Thomas Fire. But this time around, we are looking to our Ventura County partners and government officials to be the source for hard facts.

What is Visit Ventura doing? Right now, we’re working to be the encouraging, and rallying, voice for our remarkable community. I’ve never seen a community will stronger than ours, but even the strongest will can use a boost — and even the strongest will sometimes falters. We’re going to share good things (and we all know from experience that there will be many good things). We’re going to help get good things going (keep an eye on our social media). It’s not complicated. We need each other. And we already know we can depend on each other.

Right now, we are also working so that we will be ready to go full speed ahead (and then some) when this is over. Because it will be over. And when it is, tourism will be the vehicle of recovery — the driving force that sees us back to our feet.

Though Ventura will never truly be knocked down. Not by this. Not by anything. Why? Because I have never seen a community like this one — and, even the hardest times, there’s no better place to be.

Which is why I would like to end this message with my deepest, most heartfelt thank you. There is no place like Ventura because there is no community like Ventura. You are the living, breathing reminders of the things that matter. Invincible spirit. 805 strength. Caring without boundaries.You remind me of how good things always outlast the dark.

Local eco-friendly race turns 10

Ten years ago, Mountains 2 Beach was just a 1,000-person race showcasing great places to run in and around Ventura and West Ventura County.

by Mira Reverente

A decade ago, local runner Ben DeWitt envisioned creating a 1,000-person race that showcased his favorite places to run in and around Ventura and West Ventura County, while being eco-friendly.

For this year, that small race has grown to 5,000 registered participants. DeWitt is proud of the eco-friendly practices he and his team have been tirelessly putting in place. “Not only are we working to completely eliminate all single-use plastic bottles, we are also working towards eliminating water cups this year,” he said of this new development.

The transition may not be complete come race day on May 24th, but even half the event going cupless will have a huge environmental impact, according to DeWitt.

Back in 2011, when he first heard about Mountains 2 Beach (called Ojai 2 Ocean then), Ventura resident Joe Buccino was immediately drawn to it. “The idea of running another half-marathon in my own town and finishing on the beach seemed like a fun and challenging opportunity,” he said, not realizing he would earn legacy status after running it 10 years in a row including this year.

Three Mountains 2 Beach half-marathons later, Buccino eventually took on his first marathon at the 2014 Mountains 2 Beach, with his daughter by his side. It turned out to be an unforgettable and momentous attempt because he qualified for the Boston Marathon for the very first time that year.

Retired from his city job, Buccino now has more time to train with his club, Inside Track Running and his running buddy, Camille Sommers. “We’ve been each other’s accountability partners through various Boston, LA and NY Marathons over the years, which is helpful to stay on track with a training regimen,” said the 66-year-old.

Also recently retired from his civilian job at the Navy base, Rafael Ojeda signed up in 2011, having known DeWitt previously. “It was my home turf so I knew a lot of the local runners, volunteers and spectators,” he said.

Ojeda continued signing up year after year, even in 2018 when he got sidelined due to an injury. He still showed up, volunteered and cheered for friends at the finish line.

The sense of community and enduring friendships keep drawing Ojeda in. The continued challenges – faster personal bests and natural transition to other events like trail races and triathlons, keep his motivation up.

Both Buccino and Ojeda actively participate in other local races, but nothing compared to the consistency they’ve shown Mountains 2 Beach since the beginning. Both attribute it to the great-almost-predictable Ventura weather, good timing in May, gentle downhill course and the unparalleled community support. Ojeda said, “I see people I know at every street corner.” Buccino whose daughter ran cross country and attended local schools has the same feel-good experience too.

They invariably run into the same local folks year after year – from their running club, their former jobs, volunteer involvement and just being long-time Ventura County residents.

DeWitt’s focus on bringing funding to the local school district through the race was a major consideration for Buccino to continue running it year after year. DeWitt’s love for Ventura from his cross-country days running at Buena High School to coaching at Ventura College manifests in a well-put together event.

He said, “The community gets all the economic benefits of an established event of this size. Our non-profit partners include local schools, youth sports, at-risk youth and city-based programs and even conservation efforts. There’s something for all members of the community to benefit from.” It’s a win-win for all.

Pueblo water rights

by Joseph Richardson

The city of Ventura acquired the water rights to the Ventura River by virtue of an unbroken chain purchases and agreements extending from the original 12 ranchos water rights established by the catholic church at the Mission san Buenaventura.

In the long ago past a project was started by the city mayor to see if Ventura water rights qualified as “pueblo rights” as defined by law. The city of San Gabriel had successfully established these rights for their city. Such rights predate and over come ALL other claims to the water …. Period. San Fernando and Los Angeles would also make such an establishment as adjudication processes.

The result of the attempt was that the records searched in Mexico City did not fully identify the names of all the individuals involved with the Presideo and the landowners with property adjacent to the river. A request was made to go to Spain and search the records there to fully document the claim but the $5000 cost was found to be too much and the project not necessary. The City was recognized to have rights predating the current laws on water rights in the river.

According to records now available online there is a good case to be made that both the past study if it had been completed would have established the Cities rights but even so the question of whether a “presidio” existed with authority over the San Buenaventura mission is and now been documented as fact.

El Presidio Real de Santa Barbara (Second Military District) was tasked with protection of the following missions

San Fernando, San Buenaventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Ines, and La Purisma aong with

El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora LaReana de Los Angeles de Reda Porciuncular

Why do I continue to bring this up? …. In 1988 while being the Production supervisor for the City of Ventura Water Dept. I located, read, shared, and transferred to the City clerk all the original records of the Rancho designations by the Mission San Buenaventura, along with the documentation that existed about the attempt by the mayor to establish the pueblo rights for the city. Those original hand written documents defining the property lines, allowed crops, livestock, and water rights were in a file cabinet in the attic of the old water dept control and office building which was to be taken down during the rebuilding of the City Corp Yard.

All the records associated with the deed transfers and water rights were included. All these records were delivered to the City clerk for proper storage and keeping, though I understand that some of those records (the file cabinet itself with all its contents) went to the city engineering office.

The other most important papers in that file were all the records of the construction of the diversion dam at Foster Park and the original agreements between the city and county about the water production facilities in the riverbed at Foster Park.

Lyrics written to the first verse of Alan Sherman’s song “Hello Mother, Hello Father”

by Carol Teitelbaum

Hello, Trump; hello, Pence.
What’s the matter; you’re
making us tense?  Life’s not
very entertaining.  Folks are
dying left and right at your
expense.

Get more masks and more gel.
Do it quick before life’s hell.
We need tests and some shots,
before we’re overrun by smart
robots.

Life’s not very entertaining.  We
can’t go out even if it’s raining.
It’s upsetting; this whole plague.
And all your answers seem obtuse
and oh so vague.

Wash your hands, 20 seconds.
Keep them off your whole face.
‘Happy Birthday’ is in order.  Make
sure to always have two meters’
space.

Yesterday we had news, just plain
soap is ineffective.  Rather smash
the germs between your hands.
I’m so confused I’m shouting
more invective.

Hello, Trump; hello, Pence, please
wake up, get off the fence.  This
is real, no more lies, no more
deflection and no more disguise.

Life’s not very entertaining.
You’ll be ex officio very soon
cause it’s clear you’re unprepared
and your approval ratings are
just not gaining.

Fire Safety event held with forth graders

The Ventura City Fire Department, in a collaborative effort with the Ventura Unified School District, hosted a two-day Fire Safety event on March 3rd and 4th at the Ventura City Fire Training Grounds, located at 765 S. Seaward Ave. Since 2011 together they have educated approximately 10,200 children on fire safety. Their first few classes have now graduated high school and gone onto college.

Over 1,300 fourth graders within the VUSD traveled to the Fire Training Grounds to participate in the Annual “4th Grade Fire Safety Days.” Students, parents, and school staff observed live demonstrations of Ventura City Firefighters performing multiple tasks associated with a career in firefighting and paramedicine and fire prevention.

Students traveled in groups around the site to multiple teaching stations. The stations

included such topics as engine company operations, fire safety education, ladder and power tool demonstrations, and a grand finale involving the City Fire Department’s “hook and ladder” truck.

Firefighters served as both instructors and participants in each of the learning stations. The Firefighters focused not only on the tasks they are responsible to perform during emergencies, but on the importance of education and its relation to the job.

The instructors explained how an education in chemistry is an essential element of becoming a member of the Hazardous Materials Team. They saw how a fire engine also contains a virtual emergency room that is brought to the scene of an emergency, necessitating a firefighter to also understand anatomy and physiology as a core skill in performing emergency medical procedures.

Students learned what to do in case of a fire or natural disaster and how important it is to have a plan at home with their families.

The VUSD will also participate in post event activities, including an essay writing contest among the attendees, with the winning school receiving the “Fire Hydrant Award.” This trophy will be awarded to the winning school, where it will remain until the following year’s winner takes possession of it.

Each year, the winning school and student’s name will be inscribed on a perpetual plaque on the front of the trophy. The Fire Chief and the school’s local firefighters will deliver the trophy once the winner is determined.

David Endaya, Fire Chief Ventura Fire Department told the Breeze “It is truly one of the best partnerships we have, and we are lucky to have the support and backing of the VUSD and Superintendent Dr. Rice.  The event really focuses on education and its relevance to the career of firefighting, rescue, and paramedicine.  Each of the learning stations provides an opportunity for the students and chaperones alike to hear, see, and experience the realities of the firefighting profession.  Our grand finale is always a crowd favorite, where the attendees get to witness a large fire response in real time and listen to live fireground communications as the simulated incident unfolds.  We look forward to providing a better event with every year that goes by.  Quality and improvement is our goal, and we look forward to continuing to provide this amazing experience in collaboration with the VUSD.”

 

Harbor salutes sirens of the sea and new signage

“Mermaid Parade” gives lovers of the sea a chance to dress up.

Channel your inner mermaid and rub fins with fellow merfolk – mermaids and mermen – as these mystical aquatic creatures take center stage at Ventura Harbor Village’s 5th Annual Mermaid Month spanning throughout the month of March with something for the entire family with themed events on March 21 from 1-4 p.m.

Capturing human imagination for ages, the word “mermaid” dates back to the 14th Century and it is goes without saying why the famous underwater sirens of the sea are celebrated worldwide.

Locals and visitors across all oceans can delve into discovery with a myriad of mermaid activities. Lovers of the sea can meet a live mermaid at the Harbor’s “Mermaid Meet & Greet” (March 21 from 1-4 p.m., take a photo with a live mermaid, listen to live entertainment, try a fun scavenger hunt, and get artistic at craft stations.

Visitors can engage in seaside selfie stations, and can catch the newest installation for a selfie inspiration with a 20-foot plus sign made of metal lettering announcing, “I (heart) the SEA” on Ventura Harbor Village’s Promenade.

Ventura Harbor Village’s annual “Mermaid Parade” on March 21 at 1 p.m. gives lovers of the sea a chance to dress up (and all month long) as their favorite sea-themed mermaid or merman and walk throughout the Village. Parade participants are requested to meet at the Kelp Corridor near the Village Arcade & Carousel for a 30-minute walking parade around Harbor Village that is complemented by oversized colorful flowers, banners, ribbons, and bubbles.

As part of the month-long festivities, visitors enjoy complimentary giveaways and special savings by select retailers and can browse the shops for coastal mermaid inspired treasures in a pedestrian-friendly coastal setting. Here shoppers can purchase a dazzling array of more than 150 mermaid-themed items that include artwork, pottery, nautical finds, coastal décor, ocean-inspired apparel and accessories. What’s more Ventura Harbor Village’s bars and restaurants are serving up culinary “sea-sonal” themed cocktails, delicious freshly caught seafood and Ventura Harbor Village welcomes locals and visitors from across all oceans!

To learn more about Ventura Harbor Village Mermaid Month, visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/march-is-mermaid-month-2020/

For visitor information, contact Ventura Harbor Village at 805-477-0470, online at www.VenturaHarborVillage.com. Ventura Harbor Village is located at 1583 Spinnaker Dr. Post, share, and like #VenturaHarbor.

Meet County Ventura’s 2020 Irish Belle, Annabella Nemo Page

In a fun twist, the Irish Belle of this year’s County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade actually is named Belle.

To her friends and family, Annabella Nemo Page of Ventura is known as Belle – and from now on, she also can be known more formally as the 2020 Irish Belle of the Ventura Elks Club’s 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Set for Saturday, March 14, the downtown Ventura parade will commence at 10 a.m. near Mission San Buenaventura and make its way up Main Street to the judges’ booth at Chestnut. The Irish Belle will ride in the parade, along with her court, in the convertible that leads the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee entry.

It was much more than her name that qualified Belle for this community honor. A senior at El Camino High School at Ventura College, she is an A student with a generous giving spirit and a remarkably well-rounded range of skills and interests at which she excels, including animation and digital art, hiking, running and biking, baking and, perhaps most notably, acting.

An accomplished actress, Belle has been active in the Ventura Actors Studio for the past five years; she also assists at the studio with private acting lessons for mentally disabled children. In addition, she has dedicated more than 100 hours to L.A. Connection Comedy Theatre in Burbank, where she performs for children on Saturdays. Belle says her pull toward working with children stems from the simple fact that she loves to “make kids smile.”

A Renaissance student and a member of the California Scholastic Federation, Belle is academically strongest in English but has an equal passion for the digital art portfolio she has built over the past seven years and continues to build.

Accompanying Belle on her Irish Belle journey are the members of the Irish Belle Court: Tammy “Shayla” Williams, from Buena High School; Margaret “Molly” Hammer, from Ventura High; Tressa O’Conner, from Foothill Technology High; Sarah Gianelli, from St. Bonaventure High; and Samantha “Sam” Frenes, from Pacific High.

In addition to riding in the parade, the Belle and her court will attend promotional activities supporting the parade. They’ll all receive certificates for their work and Belle will receive a $1,000 academic scholarship from the Elks Club.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Music Makes the World Go Round”; riding as grand marshal will be Nan Drake, a longtime community leader, co-chair of the parade committee and spokeswoman for the E.J. Harrison & Sons trash collection company.

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces 2020 honorees

Johanna Spinks with David Friedlander from The Face of Ventura portrait series.

The Journey to Leadership Awards Luncheon, hosted by Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA), recognizes outstanding community leaders for their contributions to Ventura County. On Thursday, April 16, 2020, from 11:30am – 1:30pm, at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Camarillo, the community will come together to honor these local leaders.

Educational Leader of the Year – Dr. Oscar Cobian, Vice President of Student Development, Oxnard College

Public Sector Leader of the Year – Jacqui Irwin, CA Assemblymember for District 44

Alumni of the Year – Andrew Salinas, Chief of Police, City of Port Hueneme

Business Leader of the Year – Greg Van Ness, Regional President, Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services, an AssuredPartners Agency

Non-Profit Leader of the Year – David Friedlander, Founder, Kids & Families Together

David, with his wife, Faith opened the doors to Kids & Families Together (K&FT) in 2000 in order to provide foster/resource, adoptive, and kinship families support and new techniques to create a cohesive family dynamic. They share a passion to help others build strong and healthy relationships.  Since its opening twenty years ago, David and Faith have never stopped searching for new ways to fill in gaps in the welfare system.

“The VCLA Board of Directors is very pleased to honor this year’s award recipients, as well as all of the great work being done by the many VCLA alumni, facilitators, and supporters in our community.” said Melissa Baffa, VCLA board president. “Our awardees exemplify the spirit of collective responsibility and cooperation the VCLA curriculum strives to instill in each graduate.”

Information on sponsorship opportunities, congratulatory ads, and tickets to attend the Journey to Leadership Luncheon can be found at www.vcleadership.org or by contacting VCLA Director Pattie Braga at [email protected].

The Ventura County Leadership Academy connects and cultivates a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through an immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. VCLA’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathway toward impacting our region.

The curriculum includes focus sessions on public safety, education, economic development, water, transportation, health care, nonprofits and volunteerism, the environment, agriculture and land use, regional issues, and governance. The sessions are interactive with open dialogue between presenters and program participants. Participants also conduct site visits and field trips as part of background research on the various topics of discussion. It is a nine-month program that includes one full-day session each month from September through May and also includes a two-and-a-half day trip to Sacramento to study current legislative issues and an immersion activity.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from CAPS Media!

If you can’t make it to the parade you can watch on CAPS.

CAPS Media Crew Members will be “wearing the green” to capture the 32nd Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Ventura on Saturday, March 14. The festivities start at 10am in front of the San Buenaventura Mission and continue up East Main ending at the corner of North Ann Street.

The parade is a wonderful hometown tradition with more than seventy groups and performers adding to the fun. Thousands of kids and families line the parade route to cheer friends and neighbors on floats, in marching bands, dancing, juggling, driving classic cars, and much more. For those who cannot attend in person, CAPS Media broadcasts the Parade live on Channel 6.

A Ventura County Wide Event, the theme of this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade is Music Makes the World Go’ Round. The grand marshal is the legendary Nan Drake.

This year’s Irish Belle – who is actually called Belle by her family and friends – is Annabella “Belle” Nemo Page, a senior at El Camino High School in Ventura. Joining the Irish Belle Court are Tammy “Shayla” Williams (Buena High), Margaret “Molly” Hammer (Ventura High), Tressa O’Connor (Foothill High), Sarah Gianelli (St. Bonaventura High), and Samantha “Sam” Frenes (Pacific High). Calling the non-stop action in the broadcast booth on Main Street are perennial hosts Tim O’Neil and Jerry Breiner.

Live media coverage of the St Patrick’s Day Parade is an all-hands-on-deck production for the entire CAPS Media staff and more. Starting at 6am the CAPS Crew are joined by students in the CAPS/El Camino High School media program (ECTV) and CAPS Media Member/Producers. Everyone volunteers their time and talent to capture the endlessly entertaining event (it’s always fun to be part of a CAPS Crew).

In addition to being broadcast live on Saturday morning on CAPS Channel 6, the complete parade repeats on channel 6 Monday, March 16 at 8pm; Tuesday March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) at 10am; Wednesday, March 18 at 1pm and Thursday, March 19 at 3pm. Go to capsmedia.org/schedules to find the complete schedule.

On a far more serious and important note, CAPS Media is actively collaborating with City and County Health officials to produce informational and update videos regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) disease. The updates are posted on the county website

(https://www.ventura.org/covid19/) and social media and are updated on an ongoing basis. As outlined by experts in the county, common sense steps for everyone to take to help prevent the spread of the respirator illnesses include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Additional information and updates can be found at https://www.ventura.org/covid19/at-home/

Are you interested in learning how to produce a radio show or television program? Consider joining the growing CAPS Media community of member/producers. If you have an interest in community television or radio production, or are just curious, sign up for an orientation tour of the CAPS Media Center on the first Thursday of the. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 805-658-0500.

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 Gary K. Wilde Elected Chair of the California Hospital Association

Wilde joined CMHS, a not-for-profit health system, in 2004.

Gary K. Wilde, Community Memorial Health System’s president and CEO, has been elected chair of the California Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees for 2020.

In his new role, Wilde, of Somis, will help guide the association in advancing policies that ensure California hospitals can continue to provide vital health care services to their communities. The CHA represents over 400 hospitals and health systems in California. The CHA advocates for patients and hospitals, promotes public health policy, and serves as the voice for hospitals at the state and federal levels. The CHA has offices in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with hospital leaders from across our state as we help shape a healthcare delivery system of the future for California,” Wilde said. “Healthcare needs to be more affordable and more accessible, and hospitals must be leaders in these efforts. This renewed commitment to our patients and our communities will drive our efforts this year.”

Wilde joined CMHS, a not-for-profit health system, in 2004. CMHS is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, the Centers for Family Health and other specialty clinics. Wilde has successfully led the health system as it greatly expanded its services and facilities and built a brand new state-of-the art hospital. Wilde previously spent 22 years in top leadership positions with Cottage Health System in Santa Barbara, becoming executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2000.

Earlier in his career, Wilde worked for St. Luke’s Hospital in Phoenix and Bristol Myers (Squibb) in Syracuse, N.Y. Wilde earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University School of Business, and a doctorate degree in Health Administration from Medical University of South Carolina.

Wilde also serves on a number of boards within and outside the healthcare field. He has served as the chair of the Hospital Association of Southern California, chair of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and chair of Creative Testing Solutions, the largest non-profit blood donor testing laboratory organization in the country.