Photo by Michael Gordon
The community came together with Ventura Police Officers in a friendly, informal environment to discuss community issues, build relationships and enjoy a good cup of coffee for Coffee with a Cop which was held at the new Starbucks located at 4722 Telephone Road, on March 14.
Leadership abilities that last a lifetime.
The Ventura Family YMCA is gearing up for another summer filled with adventure, laughter, and enriching the lives of the Y campers, parents and staff.
Summer Camp is more than just child care, Y camp creates a world of good where children find a sense of belonging, and parents are assured their child is safe and making new discoveries every day.
Y Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which recognizes that the YMCA facilitates summer camp programs that are committed to building a safe, nurturing environment for their children.
The memories, friendships, and skills from summer camp stay with a child long after back-to-school. While a child is free to play and explore at camp, they are also developing cognitive and social-emotional abilities.
“I was a bridesmaid in a wedding of a friend I met at Y Camp. We were campers, then camp staff together. I led her entire wedding party in a repeat-after-me song we learned while at Y Camp. It was a full circle moment.” Shianne Motter, former Y camper.
Play time with new friends is not time wasted. Summer Camp at the Y is structured with adventure, songs, sports, and crafts, which serve as powerful forms of self-discovery, and teachable moments.
The enrollment & registration process can be completed online for the first time this year, and camp is filling up at record speed. Make sure your camper does not miss out on the best summer ever at the Y. To register, visit: www.ciymca.org/camp
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA visit www.ciymca.org/venutra
Surfrider volunteers cleaning up Ormand Beach. Photo by Vince Kinsch.
Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer
The Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, organizes activities, champions for policy change, and fights legal battles for our coasts.
Tuesday, April 2, Surfrider’s Ventura County Chapter will be holding its annual Core Volunteer Orientation and Chapter Meeting and Social from 6:30-8: 00 pm at Patagonia, 235 W. Santa Clara Street. The event will feature food, drinks, and prizes for attendees.
“The purpose of this meeting is to get everyone psyched up for our busiest time of year – Earth Month and summer,” said Sadie L. Iverson, Vice-Chair Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter. “The meeting will be interactive, and attendees will learn all about Surfrider’s mission as well as get the information and skills they need to take their volunteering to the next level.”
Volunteers of all ages and walks of life are welcomed into the Surfrider fold, the only requirements being an interest, or a passion for contributing to and helping to find solutions for the issues that impact our oceans, waves, and beaches.
“Our monthly chapter meetings usually feature a guest speaker, but for this meeting, we’ll be reviewing what it means to be a Surfrider volunteer,” said Iverson. “Chapter leaders will also share their stories and photos from previous events and talk about upcoming activities and projects.”
A few of the activities one can expect as a volunteer include beach cleanups and building and planting Ocean Friendly Gardens.
“We also have jobs that can be done from home, such as data entry,” continued Iverson. “For those individuals on a schedule, we also have jobs like tabling and outreach at events. For those with more flexibility, we have activities like “Hold On To Your Butt,” ashcan patrol which involves assisting with the monitoring of the chapter’s ever-expanding network of ashcans (for cigarette butt disposal). We also need support in the areas of accounting, technology, HR, and fundraising efforts for the cause.”
If a community member has a volunteer idea that fits in with the Surfrider mission (found at surfrider.org), the organization will entertain that possibility..
“Our volunteers spend approximately three to twenty hours a month with us,” continued Iverson. “Since all our chapters are local and grassroots-based, when someone volunteers with us, they’ll be working on issues facing us right here in Ventura County.”
In addition to helping the mission, volunteers also experience camaraderie with like-minded individuals and enjoy being part of a community of people that are working to make a difference in the sustainability of our community.
Upcoming Volunteer Events
OFG Installations – Projects to be determined shortly
Beach Cleanups – Monthly beach cleanups from California Street to Surfer’s Point are the fourth Saturday of every month except September (when the Chapter participates in the annual Coastal Cleanup Day). In addition to Ventura beaches, the chapter will be coordinating Oxnard beach cleanups.
The Ocean Friendly Restaurant Committee — Volunteers are needed to help visit Ventura County restaurants to speak with and encourage restaurant owners to become a part of this network of restaurants which foster community sustainability through environmentally-friendly practices.
The Blue Water Task Force — Volunteers are needed to be a part of a rapid response team which requires taking water samples after big storm events. There are also opportunities to assist with Surfrider Ventura County’s partnership with Foothill Technology High School. The high school program runs from November through March (weekly water testing) and volunteers would assist with tasks such as collecting water samples, teaching students to test the water samples, and reading results.
To volunteer with Surfrider Ventura County, contact [email protected].
If you have a sustainable story tip or event, message Maryann on Facebook.com/SustainabilityNowNews
Hundreds of supporters are anticipated to come together in support of critically ill children and their families to help raise funds and awareness at the first-ever Ventura Walk for Kids. The fun, family-friendly 5k event aims to raise $125,000 for programs supporting families who are caring for a child with a serious injury or illness. All of the funds raised at Walk for Kids in Ventura will support the future Ronald McDonald Family Room at Ventura County Medical Center (scheduled to open in 2020).
To learn more about Walk for Kids, donate directly or register by starting or joining a team for $25, visit www.walkforkids.org/ventura. Registration Fee: Adults (18+), $25; Children are free.
Sunday, April 7, 7:00 a.m. Registration and Activities
8:15 a.m. Opening Ceremony
9:00 a.m. Walk for Kids Begins
San Buenaventura State Beach 901 San Pedro Street
Las Patronas Board Members Leslie O’Brien, Michele Borchard, Lori Swanson, Wendy Eales and Rebecca Pecsok celebrated at the ball.
A family tradition for 62 years, the Las Patronas Ball celebrated a masquerade theme this year.
The guests were welcomed by Las Patronas Chairman, Michele Borchard who presided as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
It was a magical evening for the Las Patronas Masquerade Ball, held at the newly renovated Ventura Beach Marriott. The ballroom was filled with exquisite floral arrangements and masquerade inspired decorations. Glowing lanterns and natural tree boughs illuminated the ballroom and stage as well as mood lighting complementing the masquerade theme. Colorful masks of all types were worn by many of the guests from traditional Venetian to feather and jewel designs. The evening included a cocktail hour, a delicious dinner and dancing to the live music of Art Deco. A live auction and photo booth were included this year and really added to the festivities.
A special guest speaker, Sally Keevy, spoke about The Assistance League School, which provides special education and therapeutic intervention for preschool children with developmental delays. Las Patronas Auxiliary was founded to support the creation of the school. The sole mission of the Las Patronas Auxiliary is to hold annual events to benefit the philanthropic programs of Assistance League® of Ventura County
All proceeds from the ball benefit these philanthropic programs, which include the Assistance League School, Girls Club/Teen Club, B.U.F.F.Y. Bear and Operation School Bell ®. The Vision for Assistance League of Ventura County is to create “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children.”
Evan Carpenter, Jerry Breiner and Tim O’Neil at the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The CAPS Media Crew captured the St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities, broadcasting and live streaming Ventura’s 31st annual celebration on channel 6 and on capsmedia.org. More than seventy groups and performers joined in the fun and entertained thousands of parade watchers gathered along Main Street in Ventura.
The following Saturday CAPS recorded the annual Ventura Unified School District Festival of Talent extravaganza at Ventura High School. More than twenty individual and talented acts performed in the entertaining two-hour production. Now in its 18th year, Festival of Talent is the largest fundraising event for Ventura Education Partnership. Proceeds support innovative classroom grants through the VEP Grants program.
The majority of the crew members for both the St Patrick’s Day Parade and the Festival of Talent productions are volunteers from our community including CAPS Media Member/Producers and students in the CAPS/El Camino High School media program (ECTV). Everyone donates their time and talent for these worthwhile and entertaining events (plus it is always fun to be part of the CAPS crew). The parade and talent show programs will replay on CAPS Media channel 6 over the next few weeks. Go to capsmedia.org/schedules to find the days and times.
CAPS Media is collaborating with the Ventura Police Department on an ongoing series of community awareness and information projects. Coordinated by Ashley Bautista, VPD Community Outreach Specialist, the projects include a series of traffic safety videos providing drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists with accurate “rules of the road.” The new series is in addition to the ongoing VPD community updates and crime prevention tips produced by CAPS.
If you are part of a faith-based organization in Ventura, consider having your weekly services air on CAPS Media. As a CAPS member you will receive training in how to use the recording equipment and will be able to check out the equipment needed to record your service. Then it is a simple process to have your service air on CAPS Media channel 6 and stream on capsmedia.org. To learn more, drop a note of inquiry to [email protected] or give us a call at 805.658.0500.
Are you interested in learning how to produce a radio show or television program? Do you have a story to tell? 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, 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. The informal orientation class will provide all the information you need and answer any questions you may have. For a low membership fee of $25 a year 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 and our fully equipped studio. As a Member/Producer you will receive invites to special events including our Producers Caucus where you can network with other producers and engage in lively and informative discussions. Don’t miss out. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 805-658-0500.
Payton and her new Koala friend.
Payton Davis loves animals and wants to become a veterinarian when she grows up. She loves the San Diego Zoo, and always wanted a behind the scenes tour of how it operates. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, heard about Payton’s dream and set up a trip for her and her family to visit the San Diego Zoo and be a zoo-keeper for a day.
Payton and her family drove to San Diego for her big animal adventure. During their trip, they stayed at the wonderful Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Payton loved the relaxing hotel located right on the water, especially the giant fish tank on display in the lobby. She suffers from Crohn’s disease and has been hospitalized because of her condition.
Payton’s zoo experience began the next morning. She was thrilled to have a one-on-one zoo keeper experience where she interacted and worked with a bunch of animals including giraffes, zebras, donkeys, a koala bear, gazelles, and Payton’s absolute favorite animal, the armadillo. “They remind me of Roly Polies,” said Payton. She loved spending time with the armadillo and even got to pet and wash it. She also fed the giraffes and gazelles and got to bathe and hold a koala.
After her awesome behind the scenes encounters, Payton and her family spent the rest of the day exploring the magnificent San Diego Zoo. Anna, the zoo representative even gave Payton a cute sloth stuffed animal as a special remembrance of her amazing day. Afterwards, the family enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.
“It was thrilling for us to provide Payton with the San Diego Zoo’s Keeper for A Day experience, enabling her to explore her dream job through hands-on participation with her favorite animals,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai.
Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides trip expenses, meals, accommodations and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs and find out how you can help make dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.
Payton is a student at Cabrillo Middle School.
Join the Ventura Police Department in bringing joy to local children battling cancer at the Ventura County Medical Center. The community is invited to help Ventura Police Officers and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation create Easter baskets for these special children. Donations are accepted until April 5.
Community members can donate completed baskets or items to fill a basket. Requested items include: individually wrapped candy, individual chocolate bunnies, new stuffed animals, small toys and games, craft supplies, coloring books and crayons, books, gift cards and anything else that would be fun for a child while they receive treatment.
Items are accepted at the Ventura Police Department lobby located at 1425 Dowell Drive, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Please call 805-339-4317 or email [email protected] for more information.
On March 9, Ventura Downtown Lions Club members worked on a home in Santa Paula through the Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County.
With warmer weather, longer days, and increased outdoor activities, a higher risk of exposure to mosquitoes is to be expected. Since mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV), St. Louis Encephalitis Virus or Western Equine Encephalitis Virus, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) is advising the public to take precautions to protect against mosquito bites and assist with the effort to control mosquitoes.
To minimize exposure to mosquitoes, eliminate standing water from your property – no matter how small; make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens; when outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply an EPA approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. If water is stored in rain barrels or other containers, cover all openings with tight fitting lids or 1/16-inch fine mesh screen.
The Division monitors and controls mosquitoes at approximately 2,600 mosquito breeding sources throughout Ventura County. However, the Division is asking the public to assist with the mosquito control effort by reporting mosquito activity or potential mosquito breeding sites. Mosquito complaints can be reported to the complaint HOTLINE at 805/658-4310.
Mosquito-eating fish are available to the public for use in ornamental ponds and water features. To request mosquito-eating fish call 805/662-6582. To report dead birds for WNV testing, contact the California Department of Public Health at 877/WNV-Bird (877/968-2473) or visit westnile.ca.gov.
The Division also advises the public to be alert for two invasive (non-native) mosquito species that have recently been found in several areas of California. They are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These are small, aggressive daytime biting mosquitoes with white stripes on their back and legs. Their eggs can survive during dry months in small artificial or natural containers and can hatch in a teaspoon of water.
For additional information, visit: https://vcrma.org/vector-control-program.
