Ventura Outrigger Challenge 2018 was held at the Harbor Cove Beach on June 9.
This year has been challenging for Ventura and the surrounding area. “The Thomas Fire, the subsequent mudslides in Montecito and their collective effects deeply affected our ohana and aina, our land. In the sky, we have hokuloa, the north star, as our guide. The Hawaiian word for strong “Ikaika” reminds us of what we’ve overcome this year. When paddlers join hope they can appreciate not only the beauty of our area but also the aloha we have for each other and the land.”

Photo by Murray Robertson

Mermaids, pirates and a lady with wings with cute little girl all enjoyed Ventura Harbor Pirate Days by reading the Ventura Breeze. Several of the mermaids took the Breeze back in the water with them when the sun went down and couldn’t understand why it fell apart. We are working on waterproof issues for next year’s Pirate Days, we don’t want mermaids to be mad at us.

Pirate Days is one of Ventura’s most popular public festivals that attracts “pirates” of all ages for buccaneering and other piratey pursuits. Pirates Day 2018 offered guests an unforgettable voyage around the Ventura Harbor with pirate characters, entertainment, activities, and photo opportunities around every corner. Folks dressed up to win prizes! All the action took place in various courtyards near the Village’s shops and restaurants.

On June 3, Aloha Ranch Day was presented by Aloha Dog Grooming at the AB Ranch in Santa Paula on Wheeler Canyon. At the event, Diane Brown got to brush Sheldon the pig (yes, there are at least two Sheldon’s in the world).

by Jennifer Tipton

Located at 550 Sanjon Road in Ventura, Austen’s sits at the top of the hill beside the Pierpont Inn and offers an enclosed outdoor dining area along with tables inside. We had lunch in the outdoor area where the view began with lush green gardens and ended with the vast blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The ambience is truly spectacular!

These beautiful grounds are normally reserved for weddings and banquets, but while the main building of the Pierpont Inn is undergoing renovation, Austen’s is open to the public for breakfast 6:30am – 11:30am, lunch 11:30am – 5pm, Dinner 5pm – 10pm and a happy hour Monday through Sunday 4pm – 7pm.

The lunch menu begins with appetizers such as Kung Pao Calamari which consists of calamari prepared with peanuts, red bell pepper, chile de arbol, scallions and a sweet spicy sauce or Soft Pretzels served with Italian sausage, butter pickle chips, caramelized onions and a mustard sauce amongst others. Appetizers $4 – $12

There are a variety of salads to choose from such as Shrimp Nectarine, Grilled Steak or Cauliflower Falafel (for our vegetarian friends). I almost opted for the Salmon Salad with grilled salmon accompanied by Aleppo pepper gremolata, Peruvian potatoes, English peas, asparagus, baby arugula all tossed in a lemon dill vinaigrette. Salads range $6 – $14

On the next page there are sandwiches, burgers, tacos (including salmon tacos), pastas and clam linguini. Sandwiches and burgers come with a choice of French fries, sweet potato fries, homemade chips or a “small” salad and again, there are vegetarian selections available. Prices $10 – $12 except for the pastas and linguini at $15 – $16 (the fettuccini is homemade)

I had the Chile Lime Shrimp Tacos with a roasted tomatillo salsa, tomato and house coleslaw for $12, the shrimp was plump and juicy, the sweet and spicy flavors were tantalizing and each taco was packed so full, they were challenging to eat gracefully! My discretionary dining companion ordered the Pierpont Naan Chicken Sandwich that consisted of a grilled chicken breast with pesto, tomato, red onion, avocado, mozzarella cheese, bacon and butter lettuce snuggled into naan bread with a side salad for $10. The chicken breast was moist and tender and at least ½ inch thick, the warm gooey mozzarella embraced the crisp salty bacon and the “small” side of fresh chilled greens was not so small, each plate tasted as perfect as it looked and while my tacos were divine, have you ever had one of those “I wish I’d ordered that!” moments …?

The service was outstanding, our server, Martin refilled ice tea without us having to ask and checked on us routinely. A full bar is available and when we asked if Austen’s was dog friendly and the response was “sometimes”. I guess it depends on the dog, one of those cute little fur balls peeking out of your purse – ok, but a big Rottweiler named “Brutus” – not so much.

We asked to see a dinner menu and for starters there are selections such as Crispy Artichoke Hearts served with goat cheese aioli or Tuna Poke with a mango papaya relish, sea weed, Thai sweet chili and sesame sauce with wonton chips. Prices $10 – $14

Enticing soups and salads are listed for $5 – $10

A BBQ Tri Tip sandwich and an Ahi Tuna Burger with a choice of a side are offered along with that same Pierpont Naan Chicken Sandwich still priced at $10. There are pasta selections and taking it up a notch are the many entrees to choose from including Pan Seared Scallops with a roasted corn succotash and green mojo sauce, Filet Mignon with baby potatoes, grilled seasonal vegetable and a madeira wine sauce and Rack of Lamb with spring vegetables and carrot puree. They offer halibut, seabass and other steaks as well. Prices $10 – $32

Can you imagine dinner accompanied by the view of a beautiful Ventura sunset?

Does (did) this bike belong to any of you? If stolen, maybe this photo would help the police identify the thief. If this was a homeless guy, likely the police know who he is.

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is pleased to welcome the addition of Naomi Ontiveros and Victor Rodriguez to its Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are delighted to have new board members with professional and life experiences like Naomi and Victor”, said Cabrillo CEO Margarita H. de Escontrias.

Ontiveros, an Oxnard resident, is a consultant for the Department of Rehabilitation. She previously served on the Cabrillo board for five years, ending in 2006. She also served as the President of the Board for the El Paseo Homeowners Association, where she currently owns a home after being homeless.

Rodriguez has been a human resources professional for nearly 20 years. He is currently the Director of Human Resources at 4over LLC in Glendale. His professional background includes similar positions at Reiter Affiliated Companies, Monsanto Company (Seminis), and Your People Professionals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne.

Rodriguez grew up in Cabrillo Village farmworker community from which CEDC originated. He said growing up in Cabrillo Village had a positive impact on his life, creating opportunities for his family they otherwise would not have had.

Rodriguez also has served as a previous board member for Habitat for Humanity and the Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County.

“Cabrillo has a wonderful mission and a great brand. I am hoping my personal experience with affordable housing, my previous board experience with organizations in Ventura County, and my professional background leading Human Resources teams will help Cabrillo accomplish their goals and continue to create housing opportunities for low-income families,” he said.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to provide comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities through a community-building approach that facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and adjacent areas of Los Angeles County. Incorporated in 1981, Cabrillo’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Although this continues to be important, today there is a more widespread need for affordable housing in this region. As such, Cabrillo now provides housing for low- to moderate-income residents and families, including farmworkers, seniors, veterans and individuals with special needs.

by Silvia Benetti Simoes, Lieutenant Ventura Corps Officer

The Salvation Army is proving a free summer camp experience for the kids affected by the Thomas fire. Our camp is Located in the heart of Malibu Canyon, Camp Lawrence Daley at Mt. Crags, Gilmore and Wilderness . We have been providing life changing Christian summer camp experiences for up to 2000 children every summer since 1939. We are here to serve and build relationships that will lead to last lasting change.

Please contact Lt. Silvia Simoes for more information (805)859 3598.

The Salvation Army Southern California Division
650 S. Petit Ave, Ventura, CA 93004
www.salvationarmy-socal.org

CAPS Media extends congratulations to graduates throughout Ventura. CAPS crews recorded and streamed the Ventura College ceremony on May 18, and record and broadcast commencement ceremonies for El Camino High School on June 8 and Foothill Technical High School on June 14.

CAPS Media’s Thomas Fire Stories project premiered on Friday, June 1 with a harrowing first-person story by Jake and Jenni Dilbeck who live in Wheeler Canyon. On December 4, the first night of the fire, the Dilbecks evacuated from their home. Once the family was safe Jake, an LA County firefighter, returned to battle the fire and try to save his home and the homes of his neighborhood. As a result, Jake was trapped in the canyon by the swirling fire, dense smoke, and a tragic auto fatality that blocked his escape.

Every Friday evening at 6pm firefighters, first responders and members of the public share first-person experiences from the Thomas Fire. Each 20-30 minute story premieres on CAPS TV Channel 6 and CAPS Radio 104.1FM.

The monthly schedule of Thomas Fire Stories is posted on capsmedia.org and includes Chief Dustin Gardner, Ventura County Fire on June 8, Bonnie and Rich Atmore, Sexton Canyon residents, on June 15, Chief Chad Cook, Ventura County Fire on June 22, Chief John Spykerman, Ventura County Fire on June 29, and Clark Tulberg, Thomas Aquinas College on July 6.

The Thomas Fire Stories are produced by CAPS Media in collaboration with the Museum of Ventura County and are supported by photos and videos contributed by the public, firefighters and news agencies. The remarkable and inspirational personal accounts repeat throughout the week and can be viewed at any time online at capsmedia.org/videos.

The Museum of Ventura County is archiving all of the Thomas Fire Stories media material and will include selected portions of the interviews in a special exhibit in the fall to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the Thomas Fire. Portions of the individual Thomas Fire Story interviews will be included in a comprehensive documentary film produced by CAPS Media also slated to premiere in December.

Summer is here, and the CAPS Media’s Digital Storytelling Summer Program kicks off on June 26 at the CAPS Media Center. Designed for students ages 10-15 the program provides young videographers and storytellers with hands-on training with cameras, audio, and editing equipment utilizing the complete resources of the CAPS Media Center. Trained by the CAPS Media professional staff, the young crew members also learn teamwork and production skills needed to produce commercials, documentaries, news reporting, comedy shows and more. No prior experience is required to enjoy the three-day activity packed sessions on June 26 – 28, July 10 – 12 and July 17 – 19. The program runs from 9:30am to 1:30pm each day, Tuesday thru Thursday. The program fee includes use of professional gear, hands-on instruction, snacks, a t-shirt and a CAPS Media membership for a year. To learn more about the Digital Storytelling program or to sign up call 805.658.0500 or go to www.capsmedia.org/events.

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. To learn more about CAPS Media, the public is invited and encouraged to go to capsmedia.org or call 805-658-0500.