Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

CAPS Media producer caucus held

CAPS Media is hitting the streets.

The CAPS Media Crew captured the annual Ventura Unified School District Festival of Talent extravaganza at Ventura High School. The entertaining evening featured more than twenty acts including two hold-your-breath aerial acrobats suspended from the ceiling. The core of the CAPS crew are student interns in the CAPS/El Camino High School media program (ECTV.) Proceeds from the Festival of Talent support innovative classroom grants through the VEP Grants program.

Recently Producers of television and radio programs gathered at the CAPS Media Center to share ideas, resources and interests at the first in a series of producer caucus meetings. In addition to interacting with like-minded media producers, the lively and productive discussion included an open exchange of best practices, tips on production and ideas to inform the direction of CAPS Media for 2019.

CAPS Media is hitting the streets with the Ventura Police Department to produce a series of community awareness and information projects including a series of traffic safety videos. The series, hosted by Dave Curtis, a motor officer with Ventura PD, was recorded in the CAPS studio and on Ventura Avenue, Loma Vista and a residential neighborhood to provide drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists with valuable “rules of the road.”

Recently CAPS Media recorded a very special evening of Songs and Stories by legendary local musician Chris Hillman at the Museum of Ventura County. The intimate concert was in conjunction with the museum’s exhibit of Hillman’s fascinating memorabilia: Time Between. Hillman is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and one of the creative forces behind The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and other seminal groups. The Hillman concert is airing on CAPS Media channel 6 on Wednesday, April 10 at 9:00 PM, Thursday, April 11 at 4:00 PM, Friday April 12, at 8:00 PM, and Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 3:00 PM. The recording is part of an on-going series of collaborations between the museum and CAPS Media.

Are you a leader or a member of a faith-based organization in Ventura? If so, consider having your weekly services air on CAPS Media. It’s easy to do. To learn more send a note to [email protected] or give us a call at 805.658.0500.

If you have a story to tell or a message or information you want to share, you can join the growing CAPS Media community of producers. Drop by the CAPS Media Center on the first Thursday of the month and learn how to become a producer and be part of our community of enthusiastic and engaged talent. The informal orientation class on the first Thursday will provide all the information you need. You’ll discover that for a low annual membership fee you will receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production (additional fee required) and more. You will have access to CAPS Media’s state-of-the-art facilities including video cameras, editing systems, the fully equipped television and radio studios. Don’t miss out. All the information is online at capsmedia.org where you can register for the orientation or classes. Or you can call 805-658-0500 to get complete information.

Golf to support afterschool programs for local youth

A pretty place even if you don’t golf.

The Ventura Police Community Foundation and Aera Energy, LLC proudly present the 22nd Annual PAL Golf Tournament, June 7, at 8:00 am at Olivas Links Golf Course located at 3750 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura. Proceeds raised at the tournament help to support afterschool programs for local youth. The $145 donation per player includes: green fees and cart, gift bag, awards ceremony and lunch.

PAL was founded back in 1997 with a primary goal to provide at-risk youth with meaningful recreation, educational, and cultural programs designed to keep youth away from the influence of gangs, drugs, violence and delinquent behaviors. Today, PAL now operating as the Ventura Police Community Foundation, plays an important role in Ventura’s Program Enrichment for After-school Kids (PEAK) and After-School Enrichment and Safety (ASES) Programs. These programs are a partnership between PAL, Ventura’s Parks, Recreation and Community Partnership Department and the Ventura Unified School District. The programs proudly serve over 630 youth each day in a safe and supportive environment.

“It is the support of the sponsors, contributors, golfers, and volunteers who help to make this tournament and the Ventura Police Community Foundation a success. While we have many long-time sponsors, I want to mention the long-standing support of our Title Sponsor – Aera Energy, LLC. Aera has been a major sup­porter of PAL and the annual golf tournament since 1997,” said Police Chief Ken Corney. “Over the years, Aera’s support has included the offset of startup costs for the program and much needed equipment. Aera donated funds to purchase a van to provide transportation for area children and donated funds to build and equip a fitness area at the Westpark Community Center so that our local youth can be active in a safe environment.”

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. The Foundation supports public safety improvements, community partnerships and youth programs. The goal is to strengthen partnerships between citizens of our community, including youth and schools, business members and police in the City of Ventura.

The Renaissance of Railroading

Mark your calendars for one of the biggest events in Ventura County.

On April 27th -28th prepare to be entertained and amazed by what can only be imagined as the “Renaissance of Railroading.”  Experience Steam Railfest 2019.  Free admission and only 30 minutes from Ventura!  This festival is a celebration of steam power, railroading, antique tractors, vehicles & engines, vintage wares & oddities, unique performances, early transportation and culture mixed with a bit of Steampunk fun.  There will be live steam locomotive train rides, Orchard Bluegrass Band, a Fillmore Citrus Packing House Tour & Caboose Ride Adventure, Dr. Solar’s Gypsy Wagon Medicine Man Show, antique carousel rides, car show, creative vendors and artisans, unique exhibits, model train displays, movie props, live entertainment, food, wine tasting and more!  There is no other family festival quite like this one.  So mark your calendars for one of the biggest events in Ventura County’s little historic town of Fillmore.

On April 26th, enjoy Fillmore & Western’s Steam Railfest pre-party aboard the “Beer, Wine & Blues” train.  Offering beer tasting from Wolf Creek Brewery and wine + hard cider tasting from Reyes Winery.  Appetizers are available for pairing and can be purchased while onboard.  Passengers also have the opportunity to dance and mingle in vintage Pullman dining cars & outdoor flat cars (if weather permits) while a live band performs into the night.

There are weekend scenic, murder mystery, holiday and special event train adventures to choose from all year long.  It’s a step back in time riding on vintage passenger and dining cars through the scenic Santa Clara River Valley (aka Heritage Valley).  Not more then 30 – 40 minutes from Ventura off Hwy 126.”

Visit fwry.com for tickets ands information or call 805-524-2546

Groups of 25 or more can get 10% off most excursions.

Robots battle at Ventura College

The competing team’s robots were required to enter deep space. See end of article for photo descriptions.

Article and photos by Richard Lieberman

The FIRST Robotics competition held in Ventura commenced to a sizeable crowd cheering the competitors to win the championship and head for the FIRST Robotics Championship held in Houston, Texas, April 17 – 20, 2019.

FIRST stands For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, the organization is an international organization that inspires and motivates students to participate in science, engineering and mathematics activities.

Among the participants were 13 schools from Ventura County including Conejo Valley, Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Ventura.

The competing team’s robots were required to enter deep space where they had two and a half minutes to prepare their ship with hatch panels and load cargo. The competition begins with a simulated sandstorm that lasts for 15 seconds where teams can drive blind or get visual feedback from cameras attached to their robots.

“It’s amazing to see what young children can do.” said Velma Lomax, who was instrumental in bringing the competition to the county, she also helps run the event. “They build these robots from the ground up. What we are watching is not just about robots but about corporate America and getting along in the world economy today.” She added.

The competition winner Team 4414, High Tide is a local Ventura based team. Industry mentored the team which is made up of participants grades 9-12 and attend classes at Buena, Foothill or Ventura High schools teaming with a manufacturing facility in Ventura. Michael Sessa owner of Sessa Manufacturing said “With the guidance of mentors, the students are designing, manufacturing parts, wiring, and programming. They also learn the importance of fundraising and participating in community outreach.”

Jalen Hsu, a Junior at Ventura High School said “For six weeks we’ve worked day and night to design, manufacture, wire, and program our robot. The experience has taught me so much about my capabilities as an individual and even more about how to work with the other brilliant members and mentors of our team.”

Local team 4414 High Tide earned Regional winner at FIRST Robotics Competition, including a second award for quality in concept and fabrication. The team also won an award for innovation in control. The award for innovation and control is based on the best overall control system, electrical or mechanical or software to provide unique machine functions.

The team named their robot Banzai with a sleek design and colorful paint job made it easy to see in the competition.

Here at the Breeze, we offer our congratulations on this well-earned win and wish our local team members great luck at the upcoming competition in Texas.

Photo: Team 4414 poses in front of their entry into the “First” robotics competition held at Ventura College. The five team members were preparing their robot entry for the first challenge. From L to Ranshul Bajaj, Anidh Bavkar, Olga Qoshilli,Phillipe Nipact, Alessandro PanighcHi.  Robots do battle at the FIRST Robotics Competition. The circuit of Life Team 3925 prepares their robot to compete in the “First Robotics Competition” competing with 42 other high school teams from all over the United States and several foreign competitors. From L to R Ashley Mach, Gabriel Bacon, Vendang Joshi, Warren Murphy, Derrick Ramirez.

The Stoke of Nereid Spirit in Ventura

The women, Nancy Cairns, Ashley Tindall, Kylee Brown, Lindsay Griffin and Meg Boyle ripping at the breaks in Ventura range in ages and levels of experience.

by Amy Brown

When Lindsay Griffin first started surfing back at age 12, there were far more men than women in the lineup when she paddled out at County Line, C Street and Silverstrand. “Most of the time I was the only girl,” she says. “Now there are so many amazing women surfers in Ventura.” If you go to one of the many surf breaks in the area these days, you’ll see that kind of diversity in the water—men and women, of all ages. Formerly seen as a male-dominated sport, more women than ever are out in the lineup now, and especially so in Ventura. And it’s not just here—in the last twenty years, the faces of the sport have been changing. In fact, starting in 2019, the World Surfing League became the first US global sporting league to offer equal pay to men and women competitors.

The women ripping at the wide range of breaks in Ventura range in ages and levels of experience, but share the common love of surfing, and the camaraderie of doing something challenging and rewarding—a unique and wonderful way of experiencing the ocean. There’s a steep learning curve in surfing, but most women surfers seem to be committed to helping and supporting one another. Some just have to go out in their backyard to get inspired to learn, like Mary Osborne, who learned to surf growing up at Solimar beach with her brothers. She went on to surf professionally at age 18, and became an internationally acclaimed champion long boarder. Today she is a Surf Ambassador for Patagonia and runs a successful local surf school, Mary Osborne Surf. There she teaches people of all ages, and even provides trips that include beachfront lodging, meals, professional surf instruction and daily yoga, both in Ventura and all over the world.

Her approach to teaching others the sport is unique. “I try to do things differently, I connect, talk about conditions, even before we get to the beach,” she says. “We deal with Mother Nature out there—that’s a big part of surfing.” She shares that her teaching is almost a therapeutic approach, especially if people have had trauma in their life. “I can read them, then it comes to how we’re going to work through it in the water. People are coming for an entire experience, they want to grasp the lifestyle, make changes in their lives, and be healthy, and to experience Ventura—it’s the whole package, in one lesson.”

Other surfers are from the east coast, but grew up California dreaming, wishing they could try the sport. Meg Boyle is a self-proclaimed “lake kid” from New Jersey, growing up wakeboarding and waterskiing with her dad, but had always wanted to try surfing. She moved to Ventura County recently and learned to surf just last year. She had a female friend who loaned her a wetsuit and a board and gave Boyle her first lesson at Mondos Beach last spring. “She literally stood out there in the water for hours, pushing me into waves and teaching me how to surf. I realized the nerves were all in my head! I just had fun and was instantly hooked,” says Boyle.

Griffin, a Senior Biologist/Project Manager at Rincon Consultants also teaches surfing, and has for the past ten years. “I hope that more women get into the sport and stick with it. It’s really amazing to see women out in the lineup doing their thing,” she says. When asked how to advise any woman who might have trepidation about learning to surf, she suggests, “Go out in the ocean and take a swim, and learn how the current feels and how the waves come and go. There is no rush to the finish line in surfing, it’s a personal journey, so take your time.”

Donna von Hoesslin-Pu’u has been lucky enough to format her life to allow her to surf every chance she gets, which is daily, when there’s surf. She had a mission in 2003 to create a business that would help connect people with the ocean, and her company Betty Belts, a popular Ventura store featuring custom sea glass and upcycled surfboard resin jewelry, does just that. As a member of 1% FTP (1% For The Planet), the organization gives back to a variety of ocean causes as well as innumerable local causes in and around Ventura.

Betty Belts also has a large, all-women surf team. “Mary Osborne was our first Team Rider in 2003. Back then, women’s surfing was just becoming something. It has, of course, since exploded and we’ve been supporting as much as we can all along the way,” says von Hoesslin-Pu’u. “Today we have a diverse group of local and faraway surfers, we’ve got groms, moms and grandmas on the team. I love that.”

Medication Doesn’t Stop Vertigo’s Spinning

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
by Keith Roach, M.D.
—

Dear Dr. Roach:

I have a terrible case of vertigo. I’m not sure what causes it or what I can do to prevent it from happening to me again. I was given two medications, promethazine for nausea and meclizine for vertigo, but still the problem persists. Can you offer some kind of help? — J.G.

Answer: Vertigo is the sensation of movement when not moving. Although it is classically described as a spinning sensation, some people feel as if they or the world is moving in other ways.

There are many causes of vertigo, but we generally break them down into two groups: peripheral causes, from the vestibular nerve, which connects your brain with the organ of balance in the inner ear; and central causes, from the brain itself. Peripheral causes are much more common and generally are labelled “benign,” even though they can be quite severe. Central causes are most commonly attributed to vestibular migraine and poor blood flow to the brainstem.

Only a careful exam and, occasionally, more sophisticated tests can reveal the underlying cause of the vertigo. The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and I suspect that is what you were being treated for, having received a nonspecific treatment for vertigo. Although it is commonplace, I disagree with this treatment if it is used for more than a day or two, and then only in people whose symptoms are severe.

Most people get relief from an office treatment called the Epley maneuver. They can continue at home with other exercises. I would suggest that you ask your doctor about these procedures, and if he or she isn’t familiar with them, it might be wise to consult with an expert. In any event, vertigo is a symptom that can arise from several distinct medical conditions. You should find out what your diagnosis is.

(c) 2019 North America Synd., Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Noel Paul Stookey “In These Times” at Rubicon Theatre

Back by popular demand, singer, songwriter and activist Noel Paul Stookey, a four-time Grammy Award-winner, returns to his “home theatre” Rubicon Theatre for two concerts, Sunday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. and Monday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Stookey has been altering both the musical and ethical landscape of this country and the world for decades—both as the “Paul” of the legendary Peter, Paul and Mary and as an independent musician who passionately believes in bringing the spiritual into the practice of daily life. Funny, irreverently reverent, thoughtful, compassionately passionate, Stookey’s voice is known all across this land: from the “Wedding Song” to “In These Times”.

“In These Times” Rubicon Theatre
1006 East Main St
http://www.rubicontheatre.org/

The April 24 issue of the Ventura Breeze will have an exclusive interview with Stookey.

Applications are now available for the 2019 Rodney Fernandez Leadership Scholarship.

The Rodney Fernandez Leadership Scholarship Program, created in 2011, honors Rodney Fernandez, Cabrillo’s founder and Executive Director for 30 years (1981–2011). The Scholarship continues Fernandez’s legacy of community building by cultivating the leadership of residents to attain their goals, empower themselves and to take action and improve the quality of life in their communities.

The Scholarship will award a total of $13,000 to its recipients with $10,000, provided by an Edison International grant to be divided among STEM recipients and $3,000 among recipients of any major. The amount of each scholarship will be determined based on participation and qualifications.

Eligibility Requirements:

You must be a Ventura County resident.

You must be a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) major if applying for the $10,000 in funds earmarked by Edison International for STEM scholarships.

Applicants for the $3,000 can be enrolled in any major, including but not limited to: Business, Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, Education, etc.

Your household income must be less than or equal to 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Ventura County.

You must currently be enrolled in and/or continuing college education, in the process of applying to an accredited institution, or enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.

Applications must be completed, signed, and submitted with all the required attachments on or before 5 p.m. Friday, May 17.

The first priority for awards shall be granted to existing residents of Cabrillo properties.

Applications are available on at bit.ly/CEDCScholarship. For more information, contact Cabrillo’s Resident and Community Services Department at [email protected] with the subject RFL Scholarship, or call 805-659-3791.

Celebrity Extra

by Dana Jackson

The juicy new tell-all book “Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View'” has brought a lot of attention past and present co-hosts of the hit talk show. It’s hard to believe the all-female talk show debuted way back in 1997. It seems like just yesterday when the original panel of Barbara Walters, Meredith Viera, Joy Behar, Star Jones and a 22-year-old Debbie Matenopoulos sat down at their shared table.

Q: Is there going to be another season of “The Umbrella Academy” on Netflix?

A: Yes, Netflix has given the greenlight to start filming a second season of 10 episodes. “The Umbrella Academy” stars Ellen Page (“Inception”) and is based on the comic book series by singer Gerard Way. It’s about a group of children who were born with special powers and adopted by a billionaire. They reunite years later to solve the mystery surrounding the death of their father. The show will begin filming again this summer in Toronto. If you haven’t been able to watch the first season, you might be able to download it using a Pirate Bay proxy online.

Q: I read about actress Marcia Cross having cancer. Is she OK now? Will she be doing anymore television soon? I loved her on both “Melrose Place” and “Desperate Housewives.”

A: Marcia Cross received some good news about her health. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for anal cancer, she has been declared cancer-free. She started giving interviews lately, telling People magazine: “I want to help put a dent in the stigma around anal cancer. I’ve read a lot of cancer-survivor stories, and many people, women especially, were too embarrassed to say what kind of cancer they had. There is a lot of shame about it. I want that to stop.” Cross credits her gynecologist for doing a rectal exam that saved her life. You can read more about the disease on the website analcancerfoundation.org.

As for her acting career, she’s right back at work on a new project, filming the pilot episode of “Jane the Novela,” a spinoff of “Jane the Virgin,” for the CW network.

Couch Theater — Video/DVD Previews

By Amy Anderson

“A Dog’s Way Home” (PG) — A young man (Jonah Hauer-King) and his girlfriend (Alexandra Shipp) find an adorable puppy and bring her home. Bela (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) endears herself to all but a mean businessman, who threatens to have her classified as a banned breed. She’s sent 400 miles from her Oregon home for her own safety, but you can’t keep a good pupper down, nor away from her family. She sets out for home, and although the journey is long and hard, she makes friends (human and otherwise), saves a life and never, ever gives up. No true new ground is being broken here, but it features a pooch with a perilously positive attitude determined to get home against all odds. Who doesn’t love an underdog?

“On the Basis of Sex” (PG-13) — Director Mimi Leder’s return to the big screen after an 18-year absence presents a familiar and revered subject: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg (Felicity Jones), the Notorious RBG. Her backstory is a real treat: A brilliant mind coupled with an incredibly dedicated work ethic, she finished law school with honors under adverse circumstances, but couldn’t find a job working as a lawyer due only to her being a woman. When her lawyer husband Alan Ginsberg (Armie Hammer) comes across an obscure but revolutionary tax-law case, Ruth sees it for the opportunity it is. You can’t please all of the people when you dramatize the life of a living legend, but I liked this story’s inspirational focus.

“Welcome to Marwen” (PG-13) — Director Robert Zemekis’ film offers a story of redemption and the power of art told through action figures. Kinda. Mark Hogencamp (Steve Carrell) reveals a personal detail to some terrible thugs and is brutally beaten. To foster a sense of healing, he builds a replica city, which he names Marwen, in which he stages and photographs scenarios played out by dolls that represent him and the strong women — notably Janelle Monae as GI Julie and Eiza Gonzalez as Carlala — who lift him and help him through his healing process both as figures and in his real life. The costuming as action figures is neat, but the story and the inclusion of so much subtext makes it a little scattered and off-putting.

(c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at Genesis Programs

On April 4th, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at Genesis Programs Inc. welcoming Athena Naranjo as Genesis’s new owner and to hear more about what Genesis Programs has planned for the future of Ventura County! Cutting the ribbon at the Ventura Chamber ribbon cutting is Athena Naranjo aided by Genesis staff, Chamber members and Chamber president and CEO, Stephanie Caldwell.