Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Ventura County Library has initiated a new phone system. To reach any branch, dial 805 626-READ. The friendly person who answers the phone can assist you with many basic services, including helping you renew a book or place a book on hold, updating your library account, providing operating locations and hours, and more.
And, if they can’t help you directly, they will get you to someone who can in a timely manner.
Local author Joseph M. Puglia will visit the Ojai Library at 2 pm on Saturday, January 27, to talk about
his books Girl with the Purple Ribbon, Always Return, Redemption, and Campfires with Dr. Joe. His
talk will focus on the evolution of the novel as it relates to characterization, themes, scenes, and plots. Puglia will reference the classics as his characters explore the proverbial question: “What makes life significant?” Joseph Puglia has worked the docks of NYC, counseled street gangs, boxed, hustled beer at Yankee Stadium, been a newspaper columnist, spent 10 years in the Marines as an officer and taught college. His undergraduate studies were in classics, his masters in counseling psychology, and his doctorate in sports psychology.

Author events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional
Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

Career Coaching Offered at Ojai and Piru Libraries

Ventura County Library, in partnership with the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC), is offering free one-on-one career coaching at the Ojai and Piru Libraries. Coaching is free, registration is not required, and drop-ins are welcome. You can also register to secure your spot at https://forms.gle/uzJMgre6iBgMGKk6A. Workshops will be held at Ojai Library (111 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai)
every other Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m, beginning Jan. 11 through May 30 and at Piru Library (3811 Center Street, Piru), every other Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m, beginning Jan. 9 through May 28. This program is 100% federally funded. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you have hearing or speaking limitations, dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service. Workshops include topics such as branding, emotional intelligence, networking and winning the interview. For more information about this program, see the vencolibrary.org website or contact Ventura County Library Education, Literacy, and Outreach Manager Antonio Apodaca at [email protected] or (805) 677-7159.

The Hill Road Library Book Club returns Tuesday, January 30 at a new time: 4 to 5 pm to discuss
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Pick up the latest Book Club selection at Hill Road Library. To join the mailing list, please email [email protected]

Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore, 2nd Look Books, in E.P. Foster Library is open Tuesday
through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Our store offerings are definitely worth a second look, from current novels to jigsaw puzzles to vintage books. We also invite you to visit our online bookstore for local sales https://venturafol-107753.square.site/s/shop for more unique items. Orders are picked up at our bookstore in E.P. Foster Library

“The Path to Girl Scouts”

Troop 60852 in June of 2023 bridging to ambassadors (the highest level in Girl Scouts).

by Juliette Nasarenko

Girl Scouts have been thriving since 1924! The Girl Scout program in Ventura County fall under the Girl Scouts of the California Central Coast (GSCCC) which is comprised of Ventura County, Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, San Benito County, San Luis Obispo County, and Santa Barbara County. The Central Coast has a membership of 5,700 girls and 4,500 adult volunteers. Girl Scouts is an organization that empowers young women to serve their communities, gain leadership skills, and provide girls with opportunities to step out of their comfort zones and explore new interests. Girls participate in volunteering for organizations, camping, individual creative projects, and council events. These are some of the opportunities that inspired me to be a part of Girl Scouts at age five as I finish out my last and final year of Girl Scouts as a senior in high school.

Being a Girl Scout in Ventura with Troop 60852 for 13 years has taught me to become a leader, manage my time, and become more socially responsible. When I was young, I was extremely shy. Standing up in front of the class to give a presentation was a debilitating experience. Now I have the confidence to lead group presentations and advocate for ideas and others. As the years have passed through my various scouting activities, projects, and achievements I have developed a strong leadership skill set. I have earned the Bronze, Silver, and recently earned my Gold Award this year.

For the Bronze Award, my troop and I created a CD with all our campfire songs and passed it along to younger troops. With my Silver Award, I built a bell and implemented it at Camp Arnaz where we host our annual camping weekend each year. Lastly, I earned my Gold Award by creating a program called Bringing Memory and Strength to Senior Citizens. Integrating music, physical exercise, and dance movements, I hosted a week-long summer camp with seniors at local assisted living homes.

I also coordinate monthly performances at the homes with my high school music department. Through Girl Scouts I have enjoyed hosting Camporee (the annual camping trip at Camp Arnaz), volunteering at Food Share and Assisted Living Homes, and lastly, taking fun trips with the Girl Scout money we earned from selling cookies. Community service is so necessary in today’s society and most organizations as public entities cannot run efficiently or at all without volunteers.

Through Girl Scouts, I have built memories for life and gained skills that I will take with me into the future.

Dance social at Portside to support Downtown Lions Clubs

“When there’s a need, there’s a Lion,” echoing the spirit of the Lions Club where individuals unite for a shared passion in community service, guided by the mantra “We Serve.” So, when a group of friends in the close-knit Portside community set out to plan a simple dance social for a night of fun, their vision expanded into a larger community gathering for a noble cause – supporting the Ventura Downtown Lions Club’s Admin Account.

The goal: turning a night of enjoyment into a meaningful service for the community. Remarkably, several small businesses like Ambitious Beauty Studio, Harbor Mart, CRAVE Gelato Kofi Bar, Mystic Relic, Focus SUP, Reiki, Vision Marine, Neuroboxing, Portside Yoga, Portside Marina, Top This Chocolate, KO Tacos, Tap Truck 805, and many more have come together, pooling silent auction items and services to contribute to this admirable cause. The event is Friday, Feb 2nd starting at 5:30 PM in the Portside Clubhouse and is open to the public. $15 entry fee. Tacos and alcohol available for purchase. Free dance lessons will be provided as well.

Business Profile: Expert in Accounting and Business Advisory Transforming Enterprises

In the dynamic world of business, having an expert who not only understands the numbers but also the unique needs of each company is invaluable. In this context, we highlight Rosi Barragan, a Certified Public Accountant with an impressive track record in creating and advising small businesses.

With studies in International Business and Marketing, Rosi has dedicated a significant part of her career to the development of operational and administrative processes, providing solutions that thoroughly understand the needs of businesses and their owners or investors. Her focus is on offering peace of mind and quality of life to entrepreneurs through solid financial strategies and customization of accounting systems.

What sets Rosi apart is her outstanding certification in Quickbooks Online in the U.S., positioning her as an expert in efficient accounting. Her passion for providing tools that bring tranquility stands out among similar services.

Based in Ventura, CA, Rosi Barragan offers her services throughout the United States. Her commitment to transparency and legality is reflected in the use of accounting concepts accepted by the IRS, ensuring that her clients receive accurate information and comply with tax regulations.

If you are looking for someone who not only crunches the numbers but also understands the essence of your business, Rosi Barragan is the ideal choice. Transform your company with expert and personalized advice that exceeds expectations.

Business Profile: CRAVE introduces “ROAST & AROMA”

The Ventura Chamber held a ribbon cutting at CRAVE.

The development of Gelato Kofi Bar’s captivating design unfolded serendipitously, marked by meaningful encounters with skilled artisans that blossomed into cherished friendships and mentorships. This unique connection shaped the foundation of CRAVE’s distinct approach. They celebrated the New Year with a Ribbon Cutting on January 12th, bringing the community together and kicking off an exciting, SWEET 2024!

CRAVE’s mission goes beyond being just an establishment; it aims to strengthen community bonds. CRAVE introduces “ROAST & AROMA” tasting social experiences, the tastings that delve into the origins of the beans, the farmers, and the cultivation process. It’s an invitation to discover a whole new coffee experience, crafted with purpose and passion.

Enriching the community further, CRAVE will be launching quarterly Art Talk and social events, showcasing local painters, photographers, and like-minded artisans. The first gallery and Art Talk event, featuring the talents of Mouserawk, will be on January 21st from 4-6 pm with nostalgic Vinyl-Cover music. Patrons can also join CRAVE every Sunday afternoon for live jazz sessions from 12-3 pm. Amidst harmonious tunes, one can stroll along Portside Ventura Harbor, enjoying the beautiful promenade while taking in spectacular Ventura sunsets.

CRAVE’s new 2024 logo captures the essence of its coastal location, alongside with a series of upcoming offerings. These include handcrafted gelato pints to take home, crafted cold-brews in refillable growlers, and an array of merchandise such as stickers, aprons, and t-shirts.

Stay tuned for additional information as CRAVE continues to unfold its commitment to community, sustainability, and a rich, immersive coffee culture. For more information, follow CRAVE on Instagram @gelatokofibar. Mention the BREEZE for $1 off $10 Purchases.

Vol. 17, No. 09 – Jan 24 – Feb 6, 2024 – Community Events

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura on the first and third Tuesday each month. Men of all descriptions are always welcomed to stop in to sample our shenanigans. Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tues., Wed., and Thurs. at 12:30. All levels of play and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or [email protected]. All Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society’s meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30pm. Website with more information can be found at https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org

Monthly Beach Cleanup First Saturday of every month! Come meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30am. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate, canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers.
Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 pm
E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 to 5:30 pm
Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages welcome!

January 27: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a  Book Sale
at the Vons at Telegraph and Victoria (6040 Telegraph Rd.) Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s Books Manga, Comic Books, Graphic Novels Puzzles, Audiobooks, CD’s and DVD’s!

February 3: Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will be conducting our monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic. There is no charge and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9:00 to 11:00 am, in East Ventura, off Telephone Rd.
For more information: Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall [email protected]  (805) 377-5249 www.sespeflyfishers.org

February 4. Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will take place on Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood) in Ventura.
For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at dudleyhouse.org.

February 4: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.
Sunday from 2:00-4:00 pm
Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura
Live Music on stage. Jamming in the Canada Room. Free Admission. Free parking
Open to the Public. For more information
call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

February 7: The speaker for BCNN February’s meeting is Emily Zivot, Park Ranger at Channel Islands National park. She will be giving a slide show highlighting how the ocean connects the Channel Islands and resident wildlife to each other and to the mainland.

BCNN, (Beach Cities Newcomers and Neighbors) meeting is the first Wednesday of the month, and runs from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Doors open at 9:30 AM. BCNN is a group for Women from Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. It has dozens of small groups, off shoots from sports activities, to wine tasting, bridge, games, book groups, movie group and more.

Please take note that the group has moved to the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Cub 2600 Harbor Blvd Oxnard.

February 10: Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our monthly plant and collectibles sale resumes in February with a “Hearts & Flowers” sale on the grounds at the Dudley House. Bromeliads, orchids and succulents will be on sale along with a variety of collectibles. Vendors please call Charlie at 805/746-4317 for details. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets.

February 10: Public workshop on American pocket watches presented by Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.  Topics include a history of the American watch industry and participation in disassembly and reassembly of a typical watch movement. Expert assistance and all tool and watch movements will be supplied.

The class will be held at the Dudley House museum in Ventura. Contact Dave Coatsworth ([email protected]) for more information and to register.

February 22: Unleash the magic of tradition and connection at Chabad of Ventura’s Mega Challah Bake at 6 pm! Calling all wonderful women of Ventura County to join us in a delightful evening of laughter, learning, and the art of making the perfect traditional Jewish bread, Challah.
Come together with a diverse community, spanning generations and backgrounds, to create memories, friendships, and of course, delicious Challah!
Poinsettia Pavilion 5:30 registration and salad bar. 6pm program
Secure your spot now at www.chabadventura.com/challah and let’s embark on this journey together!

February 24: Join Supervisor Matt LaVere for an afternoon at an Italian Bistro to help raise rental assistance funds for Ventura Homeless Prevention. Lasagna, wine, music, auction and more. Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura. 5654 Ralston. Tickets and donations at venturahomelessprevention.org.

February 24: Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG)
Location: Online and Live at Ventura County Computers 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117 Ventura (805) 289-3960. Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email, the Internet, AI, and social media brokers such as X, Facebook, and Google. Events begin at 9:30AM.

All CIPCUG events may be attended online. Due to limited space live attendance is reserved for members. Details for connecting to online events are emailed prior to the event. To receive connection instructions, please sign up on our website at: http://www.cipcug.org

Landmarks of Midtown Ventura

“Atoms for Peace” reflects the dream that atomic power would solve all of our energy problems.

by Richard Senate

The city of Ventura is really three cities, The largest section is called midtown. Most of our history is found in the West End, or Old Town, but Mid-town has a great many overlooked historic sites well worth a visit. Midtown incorporates The Ventura harbor, Seaward enclave, the Pacific View mall, Ventura College and had a great many colorful sites and history. These are a few historic places worth taking the time to visit.

Ventura High School Auditorium, on Main Street. Built in 1939 in a depression style, Art Deco. It seats 1500 and was the largest auditorium in Ventura County. In World War Two, it was used for war bond drives. Once singer Nelson Eddy performed here with Russian Cossack dancers from the USSR. Before the massive hall is the statue “Atoms for Peace” that reflects the dream of the 1950s that atomic power would solve all of our energy problems.

Pierpont Inn on Sanjon. This classic Inn and Restaurant was built in 1910 and managed by. Mrs.J.E, Pierpont It quickly became known as the place to go for everyone who was anyone, from writer/lawyer Erle Stanley Gardner to Hollywood director Cecil B. DeMille. The Craftsman style building started with 24 rooms, but each room had its own bath. Gardner met his second wife here where she was working as a hostess for the restaurant.

Olivas Adobe Historic Park, Olivas Park Drive. This 1841 adobe hacienda was built by Raymundo Olivas for his extensive cattle ranch. The house is large and needed to be because he and his wife had twenty-one children. He was known for his hospitality and lavish parties. The two story home became the social center of the whole Santa Clara River valley. Purchased by Yeast King, Max Fleischmann in 1928 he restored the house and, upon his death, he gifted it to the city of Ventura for a museum. It was opened as a historic house museum in 1972.

Ventura Harbor Tile murals and Fisherman’s Monument. The decorative archway is dedicated to all the fishermen lost at sea off Ventura County.

Ivy Lawn Cemetery. Many of the movers and shakers of Ventura history rest here. from Senator Thomas R. Bard (our only US Senator from Ventura County) to movie stars and baseball heroes. Tombs, headstones and art, show the history of Ventura.

The Sears Building, Main Street, Art Deco style. It also served as a bomb shelter in the cold war. One of the few buildings in town with a basement.

The Side Car –and old railroad car transformed into a dinner. Once a wild honk tonk in prohibition days when it was outside city limits. It was once a dinner car on a circus train.

The Dudley House on Ashwood. Built by farmer Benjamin Dudley in 1892 Three generation of Dudley family lived here. Now a museum open first Sunday each month for tours. With original furnishings, depicts life in the late 19th and early 20th Century.

Bus-House Sculpture on Telegraph, Pacific View mall. The transportational center has this unique bit of modern art that depicts a house turning into a bus.

Business Profile: Portside Ventura Harbor 2023 Recap: A Year of Community and Growth

In the vibrant heart of Portside Ventura Harbor, 2023 was a year filled with growth, community engagement, and exciting new developments.

New Addition: Crave Gelato Kofi Bar:

A standout introduction to our vibrant community was the addition of Crave Gelato Kofi Bar. Offering a delightful array of organic drinks, gelato, pastries, and focaccia bread, Crave quickly became a cherished spot for residents and visitors alike.

Thriving Event Calendar:

Portside Ventura Harbor hosted over 20 events in 2023, drawing a combined attendance of 5,000. Residents and visitors alike reveled in the diverse range of gatherings, creating memorable moments and strengthening community bonds.

Community Favorites:

Regularly scheduled events became community favorites, with Movie Night Under the Stars enchanting audiences every third Friday. Likewise, the Pop-Up Market, held every first and third Saturday, continued to be a hub for unique local finds and shared experiences.

Enriching Lives: NeuroBoxing Fight Camp Joins Us:

The 2024 year kicked off with the warm welcome of NeuroBoxing Fight Camp, a non-profit dedicated to exercise, neurological rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Committed to providing a fighting chance against debilitating diseases, this addition enriched our community with purposeful initiatives.

Join the Creative Team at CAPS

Happy New Year from CAPS. We are looking forward to another entertaining, educational, and productive year serving the Ventura community. We encourage everyone in Ventura to join us and take advantage of the limitless creative opportunities and resources available at the CAPS Media Center.

To see and experience what CAPS has to offer we invite Venturans to drop by the CAPS Media Center for member orientation and demonstration sessions during the first week of every month. All of the meetings are held at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road.

General Orientation sessions on the first Monday of the month and directed by Donald McConnell, operations manager, Studio/Soundstage Tours are on the first Tuesday directed by Phil Taggart, producer/trainer, Editing and Videography Orientations are on the first Wednesday, directed by Gary Roll or Alex Uvari, and CAPS Radio Orientations are on the second Thursday directed by Elizabeth Rodeno, Radio/Program director.

The informative sessions give guests the opportunity to meet the knowledgeable CAPS staff members, learn what CAPS has to offer and understand the requirements and resources of a CAPS membership. Following orientation sessions individuals are invited to become CAPS Members.

Anyone who lives, works, or attends school within the City of Ventura is invited to become CAPS Members. Nonprofit organizations located in Ventura County are also eligible to be members. Annual membership fees are $40 per year for individuals and $100 per year for nonprofit organizations and may designate up to four persons to be active members at CAPS.

CAPS Members receive free training in all aspects of media production including camera and video production, studio and radio production, postproduction editing, story development, scripting, and storytelling. All CAPS programming, including Member Productions, must be commercial free.

CAPS Radio Members are distinct from CAPS Media memberships. Radio membership requires a separate membership fee of $50 per year. Radio Members receive training to produce programming in multiple formats including music, talk, reviews, event coverage and more. CAPS Radio broadcasts in Ventura on 104.1fm, online at capsmedia.org and on myTunerRadio.

CAPS Members are encouraged to schedule one-on-one training sessions with skilled CAPS staff members in all aspects of media production. The timing of the training is set up directly by the Member with the CAPS Staff trainer.

CAPS, Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura, is an independent non-profit organization, not a division of the City of Ventura. The CAPS Mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media.

The CAPS staff manages the CAPS Media Center and programs cable television channels 6 (Public) and 15 (Education and Government), and CAPS Radio KPPQ. CAPS is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of community members and representatives from the City, County, VUSD and Ventura College.

The CAPS Media Center is Open Tuesday – Thursday, 12p– 8pm. CAPS encourages everyone to drop by and check us out or join one of the orientation sessions during the first week of each month.

The CAPS Media Center and staff provide unlimited resources and expertise for everyone in Ventura. Drop by, see what CAPS has to offer you, and consider joining the CAPS Creative Community.

“The British are coming! The British are coming!”

That was the warning the brave and legendary Paul Revere announced as he galloped through the streets of Concord over three hundred years ago warning the populace about the threat of a British invasion.

Now the Brits have had their sweet revenge. Sixty years ago an unlikely quartet from England—Liverpool to be precise—invaded America—and conquered the nation in what turned out to be a bloodless revolution.

We are talking, of course, about 1964, the historic year that John Paul George and Ringo showed up in America—and without spilling a drop of blood were triumphant as they re-wrote rock and roll history. And in doing so, thousands of young women—from sea to shining sea– fell at their feet as the Beatles offered to hold their hand!

Ventura “historian” and author Ivor Davis had an exclusive front row seat as this Invasion exploded. Embedded with the raiders, he will reveal behind the scenes details of this astonishing coup at the Museum of Ventura County, on Thursday Jan 25 at 6 pm.

Davis will introduce his new 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me On Tour” book—and promises to reveal all– despite the consequences. The true story behind the story.

How the USA surrendered to these four lads from Britain, without a single shot being fired!
For full details go to the Museum of Ventura County website

Flak jackets will not be required at the Museum.

For more museum events go to https://venturamuseum.org.