Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Pam and Kathy join an outstanding group of dedicated volunteers on the board

Pam Baumgardner and Kathy Good join CAPS Media Board Of Directors

The CAPS Media membership has elected two creative and outstanding volunteers to join the organizations Board of Directors. Pam Baumgardner and Kathy Good join the board for four-year terms.

Pam has been an active member at CAPS Media for the past few years. She created and hosted Ventura Rocks @ CAPS a monthly studio and interview program produced at CAPS and is currently a DJ on CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.1 FM, hosting a weekly program featuring music artists and bands in the community. Pam is also well known in the community as the driving beat behind Ventura Rocks, the main source for what’s happening with the vibrant Ventura music culture. She is also a contributing music writer for the Ventura Breeze.

Pam’s commitment to CAPS Media is reflected in her candidate statement for the recent election: “I am a lifelong supporter of local broadcasting, TV or Radio. I understand the importance and role of having local broadcasters in a community verses big business syndicated programming. Local media breathes life into a community.”

Joining Pam is Kathy Good, a CAPS Media board of directors’ veteran. Kathy has served on the CAPS board since 2015. Her re-election allows her to continue her dedicated support and as board secretary. Kathy’s candidate statement says it all. “I am an eleven-year veteran producer/volunteer and four year Board Member, Executive Committee and Board Secretary at CAPS Media and recipient of the 2014 W.A.V.E. Leadership Award. I am inspired to work with the Board to develop stronger community ties and expand our viewership. As an educator I embrace the digital age that allows anyone to share stories that create community connection. I will work to actively recruit producers from our community. As a CAPS Radio KPPQ talk show host/producer of “In The Women’s Room,” I am committed to freedom of speech as well as providing a platform for women to discuss their issues, their concerns and their art. I am committed to our local treasure: CAPS Media!”

Pam and Kathy join an outstanding group of dedicated volunteers on the board: Cliff Rodrigues (Chairperson), Darryl Dunn (Vice Chairperson), Cathy Peterson, William Schneider, and Michael Velthoen and representatives from four partner organizations, Ashley Bautista (City of Ventura), Bill De La Espriella (County of Ventura), Tim Harrison (Ventura College) and Marieanne Quiroz (VUSD).

We are sad to report that our friend and CAPS board member William (Bill-E) Johnson recently passed away. Bill-E was a very active member/producer and supporter of CAPS Media. He will be missed by all of us.

CAPS Media is very pleased to be invited by the Ojai Film Festival to screen The Perfect Firestorm – The Thomas Fire Story on Sunday November 3rd at 1pm and Friday November 8th at 1pm at the Sane Living Center at 316 E Matilija St, Ojai. The film chronicles the extraordinary personal stories of survival and healing during and following the devastating Thomas Fire. The public is encouraged to attend. Details can be found at https://ojaifilmfestival.com/.

Fall is a great time to join the growing community of CAPS Media Member/Producers. If you have an interest in community television or radio production, or are just curious, drop by the CAPS Media Center on the first Thursday of the month and learn how to become a member of CAPS and join our community of enthusiastic and engaged Member/Producers. Go to CAPSMedia.org for more information.

Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association announces holiday hours

The Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market held on Wednesdays at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The market is reopening on January 8th, 2020 from 9am to 1pm.

The Thousand Oaks Certified Farmers’ Market, located at the Oaks Shopping Center, will close on Thursday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen for two additional holiday shopping weeks in its regular spot, December 5th and December 12th, 2019. The Market will reopen on Thursday, January 9, 2020 in its regular east end location on Wilbur Road from 12noon to 5pm.

The Downtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market will be open all Saturdays in November and December throughout the holiday season at the City Parking Lot on Santa Clara and Palm Streets from 8:30am to 12:00noon

For more information, call 805-529-6266, or visit the website at www.vccfm.org.

The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association serves the community of Ventura with two Markets — Wednesdays at the Pacific View Mall, front west parking lot on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Saturdays in Downtown Ventura on the corners of East Santa Clara and Palm Streets from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market is held Thursdays at The Oaks Shopping Center at the east end parking lot, Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. Santa Clarita Farmers’ Market is held on Sundays at the College of the Canyons, parking lot 5 on Valencia Boulevard from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

E. P. Foster Library November events

Tuesday Nov 5

3:30 – 5:30 pm

Virtual Reality – Tuesdays @ 3:30-5:30 pm on the 2nd Floor. Explore the virtual world with these different gaming VR platforms: Gear VR, Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive. All VR Platforms are for ages 13 and up.

Thursday Nov 7

7:30 – 9:00 pm

Open Mic Night – Free and open to the public! Open Mic night hosted by Phil Taggart. Enjoy a featured poet, then share your own work with the group. All are welcome to just sit and listen as well.

Tuesday Nov 12

3:30 – 5:30 pm

Virtual Reality – Tuesdays @ 3:30-5:30 pm on the 2nd Floor. Explore the virtual world with these different gaming VR platforms: Gear VR, Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive. All VR Platforms are for ages 13 and up.

Tuesday Nov 12

5:30 – 7:00 pm

Sierra Club Educational Series – Please join us as we learn about hiking, camping and natural resources in and around Ventura County. Presented by the Ventura Sierra Club. See you in the Topping Room!

Wednesday Nov 13

4:00 – 6:00 pm

Empowering Ventura County Small Businesses – Presented by Joseph “Joe” Lee Suh. Joe comes to us from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and is working with the Ventura County Library to explore how the SBA can help your business thrive. Join us for this introductory seminar and learn more about how you can start, grow, expand, or recover your business with the SBA and Ventura County Library. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP at http://bit.ly/vclEmpower

Thursday Nov 14

7:30 – 9:00 pm

Open Mic Night – Free and open to the public! Open Mic night hosted by Phil Taggart. Enjoy a featured poet, then share your own work with the group. All are welcome to just sit and listen as well.

Tuesday Nov 19

3:30 – 5:30 pm

Virtual Reality – Tuesdays @ 3:30-5:30 pm on the 2nd Floor. Explore the virtual world with these different gaming VR platforms: Gear VR, Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive. All VR Platforms are for ages 13 and up.

Thursday Nov 21

7:30 – 9:00 pm

Open Mic Night – Free and open to the public! Open Mic night hosted by Phil Taggart. Enjoy a featured poet, then share your own work with the group. All are welcome to just sit and listen as well.

Closures This Month

November 11 Veterans Day

November 28 Thanksgiving Day

Housing Authority Scholarship Program awards scholarships at ceremony

Housing Authority 2019 Scholarship recipients included Justin Arbaiza, Karen Torre and Daisy Sumaya

The Housing Authority City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) Scholarship Program awarded a total of $9,000 in scholarships at its annual awards ceremony held Sept. 26 at the Museum of Ventura County. The scholarships are awarded to low-income students currently living in HACSB affordable communities and are funded by the HACSB’s associated resident services nonprofit, Cocina Sin Fronteras, through its annual Haunted Housing Run/Walk event. Since its inception in 2015, a total of 25 scholarships have been awarded.

The scholarship awards are $2,000 each for students attending a four-year college/university and $1,000 each for students attending community college or technical/vocational school. This year’s $2,000 scholarship recipients include Daisy Sumaya, California State University, Channel Islands; Haley Howard, Ottawa University, Arizona; Karen Torres, California State University, Channel Islands; and Andrew Coronel, University of Southern California. This year’s $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Justin Arbaiza, Ventura College. The recipients’ areas of study include engineering, biology and psychology.

Ventura College Vice President for Student Affairs Damien Peña, Ed.D. gave an address and presented the awards. HACSB staff and board members, including board chair John Polanskey and HACSB CEO Denise Wise, were also in attendance. Musical entertainment was provided by Ventura Music Festival and Thousand Oaks Philharmonic young artists Stephen Saw, Esther Kim, Dara Moayer and Vibiana Cardenas.

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize these students for their hard work and to contribute toward their higher education goals. Education creates opportunities, access and choices; it is key to breaking the cycle of poverty,” said HACSB CEO Denise Wise. “The Housing Authority Scholarship Program is one example of the many programs HACSB offers housing residents and program participants to help them learn and grow to maximize their potential and improve their quality of life.”

This year’s Haunted Housing Run/Walk will take place Saturday, Oct. 26, at San Buenaventura State Beach, 901 San Pedro St., Ventura, with 100 percent of proceeds going to fund the 2020 Housing Authority Scholarship Program. The Haunted Housing Run/Walk offers both a 5K and 10K with chip timing on a fast, flat oceanfront course along the Ventura Promenade. Races begin promptly at 8 a.m., followed by the free Kids Dash at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the top three overall male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K. All 5K/10K race participants receive an event t-shirt, bib and specially designed participation medal; breakfast burritos and donut holes will be served after the race. The family-friendly event will have free face painting, a jolly jump and a photo booth for all to enjoy. Costumes are encouraged with prizes awarded for best adult and best children’s costume.

Registration for the 2019 Haunted Housing Run/Walk is open through Oct. 23 and is available online at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Ventura/HauntedHousingRun.

The Housing Authority of the City Of San Buenaventura (HACSB) is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura, currently managing 295 public housing units, 705 nonprofit affordable rental units, and more than 1,500 Section 8 vouchers. The agency is actively working to increase the supply of affordable housing and to improve the quality of life for hundreds more of the low-income residents of the City of Ventura. http://www.hacityventura.org/.

Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

Big River is a rollicking river adventure. Photo by Michael Lamont

Rubicon Theatre opens the company’s 22nd Season with the Tony Award-winning musical Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Big River is a rollicking river adventure based on Mark Twain’s timeless 1884 novel.

In the story, the irrepressible, rebellious young Huck resists polite society and takes off on a raft with Jim, a runaway slave. On their journey, Huck and Jim encounter wild extremes of greed, bigotry, kindness and love. Twain’s many memorable characters are brought to vivid life – from the Widow Douglas and her stern sister to two uproariously funny con men; from Huck’s partner in crime Tom Sawyer and their rowdy gang of pals to the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled by a soul-stirring score of country, pop, gospel and bluegrass music created by Roger Miller (“King of the Road”), Big River is a theatrical celebration of pure Americana and a powerful and timely coming of age story.

Rubicon’s Big River is the fulfillment of a long-held dream for husband-and-wife team Kirby and Beverly Ward, both Broadway and West-End veterans. This production marks their third journey on the river. (They serve as Director/Choreographer and Associate Producer/Associate Director, respectively.) Kirby and Beverly have envisioned an environmental revival of the show with ensemble members who sing, play multiple characters and also play instruments. Their vision was to revisit Twain’s timely tale with an integrated group of storytellers who have a sense of urgency because of the show’s relevance to the present time.

The Ventura We Love

by Jeffrey Russell

It runs between Carpinteria and the Sun,
Breathes ocean air that stuns,
Seafood and Tacos delicious to the tongue,
Ventura’s a moon over the mission flung,

Tranquil sky’s that drop foggy tears,
Her moon is full of passion that appears,
With many hikes to new frontiers,
Meditate on the Cross it’s Hill so near,

The pier jets out for a Pacific view,
As Waves dance on the ocean blue,
Two trees on a hill to set the mood,
Our Harbor to hook your fishy food, 

Channel Islands adrift to navigate the day,
A Botanical Garden blooming new bouquets,
With a view to heaven her secret passageway,
Thank you Ventura your a full Calendar holiday.

Ventura Unified seeking applicants for surplus property

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education is establishing a 7-11 Advisory Committee to advise the District and Board on the development of policies and procedures relating to the sale or lease of surplus property owned by the District. The Board of Education invites all interested community members to apply for membership on this new 7-11 Advisory Committee. Applications are now available and will be accepted until 4:30 pm on November 4, 2019. The application is available online at https://www.venturausd.org/business/BusinessServices.aspx, and the District office located at 255 W Stanley Ave.

The new committee will consist of between seven and eleven members who must live in the District and be representative of at least one of the following:

  • the ethnic, age group and socioeconomic composition of the District;
  • the business community, such as store owners, managers or supervisors;
  • landowners or renters, with preference to be given to representatives of neighborhood associations;
  • district employees;
  • parent/guardian of students;
  • persons with expertise in environmental, legal, construction and/or land-use planning, including, but not limited to, knowledge of the zoning and other land-use restrictions of the City and County of Ventura

Members of the 7-11 Committee can expect to meet two to three times to complete its review and recommendations to the Board of Education, with tentative meetings set for November 19, December 17, 2019, and January 21, 2020. A District selection committee will meet to review applications and make recommendations to the Board of Education soon after the November 4, 2019 deadline.

For more information, view the VUSD Business Services website at https://www.venturausd.org/business/BusinessServices.aspx or contact Betsy George, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services (805) 641-5000 ext. 1202 or [email protected].

When they say someone “walks the walk” not just “talks the talk” they might have programs like “Walk with a Doc” in mind

Rosanne Falcone, Dr. Megan Mescher-Cox, Maria Tuason Combs, Dr. Ramsey Ulrich and Dr. David Mescher enjoying Walk with a Doc.

by Rosanne Falcone

Doctors — a profession not known for the abundance of free time in their lives — generously donates a Saturday every month to gather with people and encourage them to get moving. This program is truly a gift to all who attend.

We met, as we do the first Saturday of the month — at 9 a.m. at the Ventura Pier boardwalk. It was a glorious day — typical perfect Ventura! Lead by Dr. Megan Mescher-Cox, the Walk with a Doc team set up tables and provides encouragement along with coffee and water and the most upbeat energy you could imagine. There were as many smiles as there were walkers. Even the pups that brought their owners seemed to be soaking up the happy vibe.

Dr. Megan invited Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance (TCMBB) certified instructors — Maria Tuason Combs and Rosanne Falcone — from the Oxnard R.S.V.P. program to demonstrate the 8-Form Tai Chi we teach free to seniors. Students from our CMH Wellness Center TCMBB class came and participated in the demonstration, offering their stories of how this Tai Chi program has enhanced their lives — improving overall health, cutting meds and making a daily impact.

There were three doctors here as well as professionals in other moving-for-health-enhancing areas. Every one of them was available to chat with participants. Each one conveyed the feeling that your conversation was really worth their undivided attention.

Amazing way to spend an hour on a glistening Saturday morning.

Thank you, Dr. Megan and amazing Walk with a Doc team. Your time is an ongoing gift to community health. You truly “walk the walk” toward wellness.

Ventura Police Community Foundation Recognizes Community Heroes at 2nd Annual Event

The Board of Directors of the Ventura Police Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2019 Heroes Among Us Award Recipients: Ken Sharp, Art Pillado, Jackie Pearce, Jim Duran, Alex Wulff and Sal Flores. These community heroes have displayed selflessness, dedication and compassion, making a positive impact in Ventura and beyond.

Jackie Pearce

Jackie Pearce is the Westside Community Development Corporation Director. She has tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life for all in Ventura especially on the Westside. She is the co-creator of the global non-profit Laundry Love. It is a neighboring movement that partners with individuals, groups and laundromats to care for the vulnerable and marginalized throughout the US. She has committed her life to making a difference in our community. She is also the co-creator of two Westside school gardens and a driving force behind the Westside’s newest and first ever community driven Kellogg Park.

Jim Duran

Jim Duran is the Executive Director of The City Center Transitional Living and the Manager of Tender Life Maternity Home. He is also the Lead Pastor of the River Community Church. He has a passion for our community and has dedicated his life to helping others. He serves as the co-ministerial Chair for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk and serves on many other committees and task forces.

Alex Wulff

Alex Wulff is a middle school teacher at De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts. He created the STEMbassadors program with a founding group of 8 students. The program aims to change the way schools integrate manufacturing technologies like 3D printers and laser engravers in all curricular areas. With his enthusiasm, volunteer spirit and leadership he will tell you that it is the students who have made the program successful and that student led learning is the future of education. His passion and vision bring value and inspiration to our local students.

Sal Flores

Sal Flores owns Ideal Upholstery. He has dedicated his life to giving back to local youth especially at-risk youth on the Westside of Ventura. He mentors local youth at the Westpark Fitness Center. Sal knows firsthand what it’s like to be a troubled teen. He turned his life around and has spent his adult life making a difference in our community. He is passionate about working with community members on the Youth Committee to raise funds for youth programs and events.

Ken Sharp is a WWII Veteran, Retired Ventura City Assistant Fire Chief and past Kiwanis Club President. He established the Civil Defense Program for Ventura City. He has dedicated his life to serving our community.

Art Pillado

Art Pillado has been committed to youth sports in our community helping to improve the lives of local youth. He provides opportunities for at risk youth and those that don’t have the means to pay for the expenses that come with youth sports. He provides an environment for kids to learn how to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

The community heroes will be recognized at the second annual Heroes Among Us Gala presented by the Trade Desk and Players Casino. The event will take place on November 2, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. The evening will include a silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception followed by dinner, ceremony and dancing. Tickets and event information can be found at www.venturapolicefoundation.org or by calling 805-339-4317.

Heroes were selected through a nomination process. Heroes are community members who have done extraordinary things to make Ventura a better place! Join us as we recognize those who are making a lasting impact in our community.

The mission of the Ventura Police Community Foundation is to foster and support programs and initiatives that strengthen a safe community and enhance the quality of life in Ventura.