Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Knowledge is power

ECTV kids share their knowledge.

by Elizabeth Rodeno

Local election coverage is in full swing with the first of the election forums featuring candidates for Ventura City Council, Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura County Community College District. The League of Women Voters is hosting two comprehensive forums with CAPS Media providing media coverage. The most recent forum was held at DeAnza Middle School. The next one will be held at Citrus Glen Elementary on October 3rd. These programs as well as the deep dive into the California Propositions on the ballot in November are broadcasting on Channel 6 and available as video on demand on www.capsmedia.org.

Candidate statements will begin airing on Channel 6 in mid-October. These three-minute statements allow the candidates to share their views and ideas on the key issues to voters. Go the Schedules tab on the CAPSMedia.org website for dates and times of all our election programs.

A new group of El Camino students are already recording interviews, producing both video and radio shows and the school year has just begun. The experienced students are mentoring the first timers. It’s great to see how enthusiastic and proud these students are of their ECTV programs. The team has lined-up some fascinating and influential guests for this season as well as outlined additional episodes of their series of bi-lingual talk show. Several new ECTV programs have been completed and are airing on Channel 15.

KPPQ-LP or CAPS Radio’s venue has brought together a passionate group of deejays, personalities and producers. The latest shows include Spotlight on Special Education, Ventura Sports and Beyond, Dylan’s Deep Cuts, and The Shiver Show, sharing spooky stories perfect for Halloween. With more eclectic music programming on the air, you can sing along Mondays through Fridays at 5 and 7pm. Great music is featured throughout the weekends. The program schedule is available on the radio page of capsmedia.org. Training classes continue the fourth Wednesday and Thursday of each month. We will be adding podcasting to the curriculum as well.

We are community radio and are here to become an essential part of the fabric of Ventura. Let’s get KPPQ into the community. Volunteers are needed to help get the message out to the community to share your stories. You can listen to KPPQ throughout the county @ 104.1FM , on the myTuner app or streaming on capsmedia.org. Share all that Ventura has to offer by telling your friends to listen.

Learn to produce your own television or radio program. Get orientation and training class information on CAPSMedia.org. Sign up for our mailing list and like us on social media. Get engaged, become a member of CAPS Media Center and share your story.

Rubicon Theatre celebrates two decades of theatre magic with an Enchanted Night

On Sept. 22, more than 200 supporters of Rubicon Theatre celebrated the company’s 20th anniversary with “A Night of Enchantment,” a sold-out gala event at the theatre and in a magical tent on Laurel Street.

Presented in association with Visionary Sponsors Janet and Mark L. Goldenson and Barbara Meister guests were welcomed by forest fairies and woodland sprites (young people from Rubicon’s education programs in costumes and make-up by Sheryl Jo Bedal) and living vines (a professional stilt-walker costumed in greenery).

Main Course California provided the catering, which began with champagne and medieval themed hors d’oeuvres, beautifully displayed in fall colors with a cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, nuts, artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked breads and meats.

While guests visited during the cocktail hour, miniature models of many of the Rubicon sets were on display in the lobby and at the edge of the stage in the theatre. The models were created by Set Designer Thomas S. Giamario, one of the honorees during the evening.

Once guests were seats, Emmy Award-winner Joe Spano was introduced as emcee for the evening by announcer Jack Clarke. The onstage program then opened with Tony Honoree Ben Davis (Baz Luhrmann’s La Boheme) singing an exquisite rendition of, appropriately, “Some Enchanted Evening” from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, the show that closes Rubicon’s 20th Season later this year. (It was later announced that Davis has signed on as Frenchman Emile De Becque in Rubicon’s production. Davis’ other Broadway credits include Les Misérables (Enjolras and then Javert in the revival), Violet and A Little Night Music.

A 20-year video retrospective was then presented to attendees, narrated by basso profundo George Ball, who assayed the role of Lear earlier in the company’s season.

More music was presented with the following wonderful performers:

  • New York City Opera and Metropolitan Opera star Lauren Flanigan
  • Joan Almedilla, whose Broadway credits include Fantine in Les Misérables and Kim in Miss Saigon. She just completed the National Tour of The King at I as Lady Thiang.
  • Golden Globe Award-Winner Amanda McBroom, best known for her song “The Rose” and her performances in Other Desert Cities, A Delicate Balance and other Rubicon shows.
  • Broadway star and Helen Haynes Award-Winner Tami Tappan Damiano (Ellen in Miss Saigon).
  • David Burnham (the original Fiyero in the workshop of Wicked, and Helen Hayes Award-winner for The Light in the Piazza).
  • Tony Nominee Lucas Steele (Anatole in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 on Broadway).
  • Singer/Songwriter and Producer David Bowick, son-in-law of John Bennett Perry, one of the honorees.
  • The dignitaries and celebrities who made presentations included Gregory Harrison, Jeff Kober, Linda Purl, Tom Astor, Russell Pyle, Jonathan Prince, Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, Ted Neeley and Rubicon co-founder James O’Neil.

Special awards were presented to the following:

  • Innovation Award to Michael Jackowitz for co-producing World Premieres at Rubicon and creating new and unique partnerships between Rubicon and other non-profit and for-profit partners.
  • Artistic Achievement Award to Jenny Sullivan for Direction.
  • Artistic Achievement Award Presentation to John Bennett Perry for acting.
  • Artistic Achievement Award to Thomas S. Giamario for set design.
  • Visionary Award to Randy Encinas and Doug Halter, Stephanie and Joe Murray for having the foresight to purchase and renovate the building and giving Rubicon Theatre Company a launching place and a home.
  • Doug Halter then spoke about his vision for the future of Rubicon.

A fantasy auction was hosted by Art Curator Hunter O’Hanian and Rubicon’s new Executive Director Jeffry George. Packages included Golfing With The Stars at Spanish Hills Country Club and Las Posas Country Club, and Enchanted Forest Retreat Villa Gatos Musical, and a Broadway packages called “Six Degrees of Separation With Harry Potter” including tickets to to Harry Potter, the new Daniel Radliffe show on Broadway , and a stay at the Paramount Times Square. Guests donated and pledged $30,000+ during that portion of the evening.

Event Chair Kathie Hira was thanked and presented with roses for the work done by Kathie and the amazing committee. Guests then adjourned to the tent, which looked like an ancient enchanted forest wonderland in deep green, midnight blue and aborigine colors. The tent was draped with flowing materials and grapevine lights illuminated the tables, lounge areas and velvet seating. The rentals were by Ventura Rental Center and lighting by The Mix. Many comments were made about the unique and delicious food by Main Course California Catering. A Golden Spatula Cake Competition was held and after voting for their favorite theatrical cake guest were able to eat the cakes.

Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 E. Main St. 805-667-2900 rubicontheatre.org

 

Nurturing adoption, kinship and foster/resource families

Elizabeth Kimball, Board Member and past Board President presenting a proclamation from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to David and Faith Friedlander.

by Jennifer Tipton

Kids & Families Together is one of the county’s leading contractors providing services to children and families within Ventura County’s child welfare system. The not-for-profit organization was founded in January 2000 by David and Faith Friedlander, along with other passionate community members with the purpose of providing services to families that have come together through adoption, kinship care (most often grandparents raising grandchildren) and/or foster (now called resource) care.

In Ventura County, close to 3% of all children have grandparents as their primary caregivers, that’s greater than 5000 children and does not include informal guardian households.

In recognition of Kinship Awareness Month, on Thursday, September 13th, Kids and Families Together held a Community Leaders Luncheon at their new 864 East Santa Clara Street location, here in Ventura. The event was an informal “get to know each other better” afternoon and a notable attendance filled the relaxed surroundings (with Charles the therapy dog taking up any space leftover – see Scamp page for his photo).

Along with several highly regarded guest speakers, the County of Ventura presented a proclamation for Kinship Awareness Month recognizing Kids & Families Together and the work they do with families in the community. Much of this work is to provide information, education and services to the caregivers who have been asked to care for some of the county’s most vulnerable children by collaborating with others such as Ventura County Public Health, Ventura YMCA and Ventura County Office of Education (amongst others). Many of these children have witnessed or been victims of family violence and/or abuse, were prenatally exposed to drugs and/or other harmful substances and have experienced trauma, loss and grief.

Sharing her story, it was 1996 when Barbara Morris Jensen, a professional woman and single mother with children of her own had stepped in to take custody of her 3-year-old niece after the child lost her mother (Barbara’s sister succumbed to mental illness). Without any help from an organization like Kids & Families Together, the tangled paperwork and bureaucratic pitfalls she encountered could have easily caused anyone else to concede. But, after a long battle, she was able to adopt, and they bonded as mother and daughter. Years later, when Barbara was asked if she would take her 5-day-old grandson by her biological daughter who struggled with addiction, she was overwhelmed. If not for the support of Kids & Families, Barbara may have said no, but “David and Faith were tremendously helpful” and despite the difficult challenges, her now nearly 7-year-old grandson remains safely in her care.

Often, children in these and similar situations are shuffled from group home to foster home despite a family members interest to adopt them. Kids & Families Together recognizes that if a child can’t be with their birth parents, the best alternative is to be placed with a family member and the organization advocates on their behalf, knowing how the system works and guiding the process. They have served more than 1500 children living with relatives in Ventura County. As Executive Director and co-founder, David Friedlander listened to Barbara and others share their stories, his face expressed deep compassion, but he praised his wife, “Faith is the true founder and the heart of Kids & Families Together”.

Although some funding comes from the County of Ventura, there are also fundraisers, such as the Harvest Fest coming up October 13th providing kids with costumes, pumpkins and coats. Christmas brings cozy Christmas pajamas and toys. Donations and participation always welcome!

David and Faith, together with the organization’s leaders have modified the African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child” to “it takes a loving village to raise a child”, they invite you to join their village.

To learn more about Kids & Families Together and support their efforts contact them at (805) 643-1446 or [email protected] and www.kidsandfamilies.org.

Ortega Adobe

A presentation was given on the true history of the adobe. Photo by Michael Gordon

On Sunday, September 9th, the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Poinsettia Parlor, 318 Ventura, held an open house at the Ortega Adobe, 215 W. Main St. A presentation was given on the true history of the adobe by Mr. Ernie Cabrillo.  Mr. Cabrillo gave a live presentation and covered much of the historical facts surrounding the Ortega family and the adobe.

The large crowd of mostly local citizens were very much impressed on the local history, and many did not know Ventura had such a historical adobe on Main Street.

In 1857, Emigdio Ortega purchased the land that would become home to the Ortega family for more than forty-years.  Emigdio died in 1896; in the following year his son, Emilio used the home to start his “pioneer “Ortega Chili” business.  This is believed to be the first commercial food operation of its kind in California.

Emilio Ortega, the eleventh grandchild developed the fire roasting process for chilies.  He originated canned chilies, salsa, and the Snap-E-Tom vegetable drink.

During the depression the Ortega family – who made a great contribution to the area – decided to keep its workers on the payroll despite the hard times.  In doing so they lost their Ortega chili business.

The city of Ventura acquired the building in 1921.

A guzzler installed at Botanical Gardens

Hopefully as many quail show up as volunteers did.

On Friday, September 21, the Ventura chapter of the national organization Quail Forever installed a wildlife water source, commonly called a guzzler, at the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

Guzzlers are devices that capture and store rainwater underground so that wildlife has water available throughout the year.  In our dry Southern California climate, water is usually the thing that limits the survival of wildlife.  The guzzler will provide water for all of the wildlife found in the Ventura Botanical Gardens area; helping it to thrive throughout the year.

The installation was done by volunteer members of the chapter.

Ventura Quail Forever is installing the guzzler to improve habitat conditions for wildlife in the area.  This is consistent with its objectives and the mission of Quail Forever nationwide; namely to develop, maintain and conserve wildlife habitat.  The chapter also hopes that the presence of the guzzler at the gardens will raise awareness of its existence and purposes in habitat conservation.

Vol. 11, No. 26 – Sept 26 – Oct 9, 2018 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton

But first, a little history … “Top Hat Palace” is a little burger joint located at 2050 East Main Street that closed its doors in 2010 after 63 years of peddling hamburgers and hotdogs to our fair city. It has remained there, boarded up ever since …

Do you think Top Hat should be declared a historical building and should it remain there as part of the planned new development?

Vincent Mujica
age 70
retired IT specialist
“I think it could probably use a little upgrading, but it’s been there for so long! People walk by and just know it’s always been there and the food was good. My favorite was the burgers, I ate one every time I got a chance. I’d sneak over and grab one and my wife didn’t even know!”

And after 50 years of marriage, now Sally knows …

Kori Moriwaki
age 22
works at We Olive
“I do believe that it should be made a historical landmark, as it was one of the first post offices in Ventura. It should absolutely remain there as part of the new development. The building has been there as long as I can remember – as long as my parents can remember! Maybe they could make it into an information booth for downtown?”

Writer’s note-can’t find any information on Top Hat once being a post office … anyone out there know?

Ashley Latini
age 29
manager at American Flags & Cutlery
“That’s a really tough question and here’s why, I heard they’re trying to put in a new development and Top Hat (that hasn’t been open for years) is holding up the project, so it remains a vacant lot when it could be bringing in so much more revenue for the city!”

 

Heather Peckfelder age 33 and
John Lyon age 39
Both work at El Rey across the street from Top Hat
Heather remembers the day the Top Hat closed, “there was a line down the street and people were so sad! Now they want to put in a development with store fronts on the bottom and apartments on top, when it used to be a parking lot and that was perfect for downtown! But yes, it should remain there and be declared a historical landmark … did you know there was once a murder there and it was the first case where they used DNA evidence!”

Debbie Fox
age 58
owner Fox Fine Jewelry downtown Ventura
“Our historic buildings are important, with wonderful memories. The Top Hat has a special place in the hearts of many. The option to move the Top Hat was opposed by Ventura’s Historic Preservation Committee.  The public was invited to comment, but none was made.

Building proposals have been through years of design and redesign for the long vacant corner. The latest design still struggles to carve out the Top Hat. It’s simply a fact: a large, corner property of shops and apartments can’t do justice to the Top Hat memory. You get one or the other.

Is the decision that the Top Hat stay in the same exact location the view of the majority of Venturans? Or are we the silent majority who would be fine seeing the Top Hat in another location? No it should not stay there.”

Writer’s note: Please, if you have an opinion about Top Hat, take a moment and email your council members at [email protected] or write to us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear your opinion!

Celebrity Extra

by Dana Jackson

Q: Is Hollywood seriously remaking the classic film “Mary Poppins”? Why must they remake everything? Leave well enough alone. — Aimee G., via email

A: You have about three months to prepare for the premiere of “Mary Poppins Returns,” starring Emily Blunt, but based on the trailer, it looks surprisingly good! This film is actually a sequel, not a remake, of the original “Mary Poppins,” which came out back in 1964.

Directed by Rob Marshall, the screenplay for the sequel was written by David Magee based on the original “Mary Poppins Stories” by P.L. Travers. You may remember that Emma Thompson played Travers in the biographical movie “Saving Mr. Banks” alongside Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. Travers reportedly was not happy with Disney’s interpretation of her literary character; even though it went on to win five Oscars.

In the sequel, set in Depression-era London, little Michael and Jane Banks are all grown up, and Mary returns to take care of Michael’s children after the untimely death of his wife. And if you’re wondering why Miss Poppins hasn’t aged, remember, she’s magic.

The Disney film will premiere in theaters Dec. 19 with a star-studded cast. In addition to Blunt, Meryl Streep, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Colin Firth all have lent their talents to the musical production.

Q: I saw that John Legend is one of the rare stars to win an EGOT. How many others have there been? — Sally R., via email

A: To qualify for the elusive EGOT status, you must have won all four of the big showbiz awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Singer John Legend just achieved this by winning an Emmy as one of the producers of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” in which he also starred.

Others who can boast EGOT status are Mel Brooks, Whoopi Goldberg, Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, John Gielgud, Audrey Hepburn, Mike Nichols and Scott Rudin. Rounding out the list are composers Richard Rodgers, Martin Hamlisch, Jonathan Tunick, Robert Lopez, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

Q: Is it true that Guy Pearce might become the new James Bond? Isn’t he from Australia? — Molly B., via email

A: I haven’t heard even any unfounded rumors about Guy Pearce being slated to take over the James Bond legacy from Daniel Craig, but I have to admit I’d buy tickets for that film. There were rumors that Idris Elba (“Molly’s Game”) would be next to don the tuxedo, but he told People magazine that it simply isn’t true.

As for Pearce, he grew up in Australia, but was born in England. You can see him in the series “Jack Irish” on the subscription streaming service Acorn TV. Now in its second season, “Jack Irish” is about an antihero, played by Pearce, who finds himself battling to clear his name while searching for a missing person.

Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service focusing on British and international television.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.

Miriam Schwab Estate donates to Ventura College Foundation

Schwab was a local philanthropist and long-time Ventura College supporter.

Ventura College Foundation, which provides financial support to students and programs of Ventura College, received $12 million from the estate of Miriam Schwab. It is the largest gift ever to a community college in Southern California according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy Gift Database.

Schwab, who passed away December 24, 2017 at age 89, was a local philanthropist and long-time Ventura College supporter. She was also a music lover. She played the violin with the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra for over a decade and started the Henry Schwab Violin Competition, named after her late husband, 11 years ago.

“We are grateful for Miriam for her long-time support of Ventura College and her generous donation,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Miriam understood the power of education and the arts. The Ventura College Foundation receives most of its donations from individuals who see their gift as a way to help students achieve their educational goals that will set them on a path to be successful in life. Her legacy will continue at the college for decades to come.”

Eighty-five percent of Schwab’s gift will go to the Ventura College Instrumental Music Program including funding for a permanent violin and viola competition, a sustainable year-round symphony orchestra and the creation of a Summer Music Institute of Instrumental Music.

While schools are cutting music from their curriculum, Ventura College, through Schwab’s donation, will be enhancing its program, making it one of the premiere community colleges for music education in all of California.

“Miriam was a very determined, sweet person with a vision,” says Robert Lawson, Ventura College music chair and symphony conductor. Lawson knew Schwab for more than 25 years, but their working relationship grew once the violin and viola competition was created. “Her passion was for students to learn instrumental music, particularly string instruments. The creation of the Summer Institute of Instrumental Music will ensure high performance levels are maintained during the summer that will carry forward throughout the fall and spring academic year. Her gift will enable us to provide better instruction and more opportunities for beginning, intermediate and advanced training.”

Fifteen percent of Schwab’s gift will go to support the Ventura College Aquatics Program. “This gift will go a long way to build and enhance aquatics opportunities for Ventura College students,” says Dr. Damon Bell, president of Ventura College. “It is a wonderful surprise to receive this additional support. We’re honored that Miriam chose Ventura College.”

Over the coming months, the Ventura College leadership team will implement a specific plan for the use of the gift that will honor Schwab’s wishes to support the college’s Aquatic Programs and students.

To celebrate further Schwab’s life and commitment to the college, the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra will kick off its season Saturday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. with a memoriam concert. Tickets are free on a first come, first served reservation basis and are available at www.VCgiving.org. The entire concert season will be held in her honor with additional celebrations throughout the year.

For more about the Ventura College Foundation, go to www.VCgiving.org, or call 805-289-6461.

The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot.