Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Some remarkable people rest at Ventura’s Ivy Lawn

Ballplayer Charlie Hall is buried at Ivy Law

by Richard Senate

A visit to the Ivy Lawn Cemetery is a a journey back to the very roots of our history because many unique and special people rest here. As the fall Season is here cemeteries and graveyards are highlighted in advertisings and media at this time of year so a look at who rests at our 1917 era cemetery. The list is long and includes some amazing people. I will start with the most famous of the lot, once the richest man in Ventura County and a true mover and shaker from the world of politics.

US Senator Thomas R. Bard (1841-1915) The senator built Port Hueneme and sponsored a young George Patton for West Point.

Congressman General William Vandever (1811- 1845) Union General who served under General Sherman in the Civil War and was part of the capture of Atlanta.

Congressman Marion Cannon (1834-1920) Reformer, served in the 53rd Congress as a member of the now defunct Populist Party.

State Assemblyman Charles R. “Chuck” Imbrect, (1949-2000) Two term State Assemblyman and lawyer attended Ventura High School (a classmate of mine). He ran for State Senator but lost.

Actress Ethel Clayton (1882-1966) She began her film career in 1909 with the movie Justified. A very beautiful starlet she aged well and made the transition into talkies playing wealthy, snobbish matrons in such films as Alan Ladd’s The Blue Dahlia

Actress Bessie Eyton (1890-1965) She became a star on the New York stage before making the transition into silent films.

Actor John “Johnny” Leal (1905 -1980) A little person, he was blessed by a great singing voice that helped him find jobs on the circus and vaudeville stage .

Voice Actor Knox Manning (1905-1996) Voice Actor for many radio shows such as “Congo Bill”, “The Desi Arnez Show,” “The Phantom,” “Batman” and “The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”.

Ballplayer Charlie Hall (1887-1943) Born in Ventura he started playing local baseball making it into the big leagues as a pitcher at the age of 21. When he retired from baseball he joined the Ventura Police Department.

Ballplayer Fred Snodgrass (1887-1979) A noted outfielder he played for the New York Giants

Football player Eric Turner (1968-2000) Defensive linebacker he played for the Cleveland Browns and The Oakland Raiders.

Alexander Sarantos Tremolis (1914-1991) Car designer worked for Cord Automotive, Duesenberg, Ford as well as took part in the design of the innovative Tucker Automobile.

The Mass grave of the victims of the Saint Francis dam failure and flood on March 13, 1928. Over 500 people lost their lives that terrible night. Many of the bodies, battered beyond recognition, were recovered at the Santa Clara delta, they were buried at Ivy Lawn. Only a few were identified.

The Rotary Club of Ventura fourth annual holiday event

Approximately 500 children attended with their families.

The Rotary Club of Ventura co-hosted its fourth annual Holiday Event for Ventura Westside Families on Saturday, December 16, 2023.  Approximately 500 children attended with their families and received free coats, toys, earrings for mom, a food box, a hot lunch, and a photo opportunity with Santa and his Elf.  The event was held at Arise Ventura, 831 N. Olive Street, Ventura.

Hosting the event were Arise Ventura, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, CHP, Children’s Hunger Fund, Coats for Kids, The Gideons International, Interact, Rotary Club of Ventura, Spark of Love (fire departments), and a generous donation of coats from SoCalGas.

Mr. Neal Lassila, President of the Rotary Club of Ventura, said, “Our Rotary Club is proud to partner with SoCalGas and all the charitable teams and organizations who make this event happen.  The Westside Holiday Event has become our way of helping our neighbors who need our collective support to experience the spirit of the holiday season.   We help to provide coats, earrings for Mom, toys, food and of course a visit with our very own Rotary Santa!  We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”

Ms. Maria Ventura, Senior Public Affairs Manager of SoCalGas, said, “SoCalGas is proud to support the Rotary Club of Ventura’s ‘Coats for Kids’ program which distributed hundreds of coats to children at this year’s holiday event.  The work Rotary does to serve our neighbors in need is truly inspiring and we are proud to support their efforts.  SoCalGas is committed to supporting local organizations that are working to bring holiday cheer.”

The Rotary Club of Ventura celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.  Its members include business leaders, nonprofit leaders and civic professionals who meet regularly and perform charity and community service in Ventura and throughout the world.  It is part of Rotary International, which has more than 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs in 168 countries.  People join the club for fellowship, friendship and to give back to our local community and the beyond.  The Rotary Club is actively seeking new members. To learn more, visit [moorparkmorningrotary.com] venturarotary.org [venturarotary.org] .

Christmas Came Early!

Volunteers gathered to help decorate, sort toys and be personal shoppers.

Christmas came a little early this holiday season as Mission Church partnered with James Storehouse, an organization that supports children in foster care from the crib to college, to host a free holiday shopping experience for families who have been assigned a social worker and are a part of Children and Family Services in the County.

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Volunteers gathered to help decorate, sort toys and be personal shoppers for families who came through the shop on December 15 and 16, and the Holiday Toy Store allowed over 300 caregivers to shop for the Christmas wishes of the children in their care in a fun and dignified way.  “We can’t always do everything, but we can do something,” said Jen Oakes, associate pastor of Mission Church, “Partnering with James Storehouse is such a privilege for us. We believe in their mission and love supporting families who are caring for foster youth in our community. This is what Christmas is all about!”

Museum relaunches its 100% tax deductible membership program

The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its Membership Program. MVC’s updated Membership Program features accessible payment options, two new membership levels, and an expanded selection of member events and benefits. As admission fees are reinstated at MVC’s Downtown Ventura campus in 2024, the relaunched Membership Program affords visitors a completely tax-deductible alternative and maintains the Museum’s dedication to accessibility.

The first significant update to MVC’s Membership Program is the introduction of a monthly payment option for most levels, starting at just $6.25 per month. All membership dues—regardless of payment schedule or amount— are 100% tax deductible, amplifying the impact of members’ generosity while saving money on their year-end taxes. Expanding on its current membership tiers, the Museum of Ventura County is introducing two additional levels:

Neighbor ($25 annually): Geared towards families, this membership level grants a year of free admission for two adults and unlimited children at all three MVC campuses and spacious gardens. Building on the Museum’s mission of inclusivity, this membership level ensures that returning visitors can enjoy MVC at the lowest price possible.

Lifetime Member ($10,000, or $833.33 per month for a year): For those seeking an enduring connection to MVC, this level offers a lifetime of all member benefits. Lifetime Members also receive a commemorative tile in the MVC plaza, annual recognition in the Year-In-Reviews, and the opportunity to shape the future of the Institution with their impactful giving.

New Member Newsletter: Members (Student/Senior level and up) now have access to exclusive content in this members-only newsletter. This is a conduit to members’ benefits, including invitations to member events, advanced notice of upcoming programs, accessing member merchandise, and more.

Annual Member Events: Recipients of MVC’s member newsletter will be invited to special events including the Museum’s Annual Holiday Reception, which offers a boutique shopping and networking experience with champagne and holiday music, and a spring emerging artists fête on May 18, 2024, showcasing upand-coming artists and celebrating the new Bonita McFarland Scholarship award winners.

Exclusive Member Merchandise: MVC members will have access to unique Museum merchandise available only to them. These items range from exclusive 1/1 art prints by emerging local artists to limited edition holiday ornaments and more.

Free Admission to 1,300+ Museums: At the Adventurer level (previously Associate) and above, MVC members are granted free admission to over 1,300 participating NARM museums—beginning at a price of just $12.50 a month. The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association is an extensive network of cultural institutions across the continent, of which MVC is a part.

The Museum of Ventura County is a member-supported institution, and community is the driving force that pushes us all to explore, share, and flourish. Whether members are an Adventurer, Trailblazer, Trendsetter, or Champion, their membership fuels MVC’s educational initiatives, outreach efforts, dynamic art and history exhibitions, and the preservation of our County’s rich culture. Beyond the wealth of exclusive benefits, MVC members are empowered to influence the future of Ventura County—one compelling story at a time.

For more information and to become a member, please visit https://venturamuseum.org/membership/

the main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura, (805-653-0323). The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, (805-525-3100). Both museums are open Thursdays through Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – venturamuseum.org.

The funds were announced to cheers from Rubicon’s opening night audience

Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere, Ventura City Councilmember and Rubicon Board President Doug Halter, State Senator Monique Limón, Rubicon Co-Founder and Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns and State Assemblymember Steve Bennett with a big check. Photo by Lauren Haar.

On Saturday, December 9, California State Senator Monique Limón and Assemblymember Steve Bennett presented a check for $1.5 million to Rubicon Theatre Company.

“The arts are an essential part of our lives,” said Senator Limón, “and Rubicon Theatre has been dedicated to providing access to the performing arts and educational opportunities in Ventura County for 25 years.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of being a season ticket holder to the Rubicon Theatre for nearly two decades,” said Assemblymember Bennett. “The contributions the theatre makes to our community are enormous, and this investment will allow the Rubicon to expand their impact.”

“This gift is the most significant in Rubicon’s history, and we could never fully express our gratitude to Senator Monique Limón, Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Governor Newsom and the State of California,” says Rubicon Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns. “It comes at the perfect time as we celebrate our Silver Anniversary and begin to plan for ways Rubicon as an institution can serve future generations of Ventura and California residents.”

“The funds provided will help us create an accessibility plan, upgrade our technical equipment and complete a kitchen renovation which will enable us to expand and diversify our programming and encourage new audiences and participants to ‘cross the Rubicon.”

“This is an incredible endorsement from the State of California of Rubicon’s 25-year impact on the cultural, artistic and educational life of our region and bodes well for the future,” says Board President Doug Halter.

“ I am moved not only by the professional work on stage, but also by Rubicon’s commitment to providing opportunities for young people that didn’t exist before the company came into existence. We gratefully accept this incredible gift and we want to thank you, Monique, for heroically leading the charge, and you, Steve, for being a part of the Rubicon family since the beginning.”

Because of this support the Rubicon will be able to complete a commercial kitchen downstairs ,which means that in the spring, the will have cabaret, comedy and music on off-nights and events in the Rose Room downstairs.

This funding will also allow the buying of lights, sounds and projection equipment and save the company hundreds of thousands of dollars in rentals.

And finally, funds are available to create the plans and start a campaign for an outdoor terrace, accessible restrooms and parking.

Rubicon Theatre Company is located at The Karyn Jackson Theatre, located at 1006 E. Main Street in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District.

Ventura County’s Total Futbol Academy Youth Soccer Team: A force to be reckoned with

These young athletes demonstrate unwavering dedication to their sport.

In the heart of Ventura County, an unassuming youth soccer team is quietly making waves on the national stage. These young athletes, representing the club team TFA (Total Futbol Academy), are between the ages of 9 and 10 years old, yet they have already demonstrated exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and a passion for the sport that rivals their more seasoned counterparts.

At the helm of this remarkable team is head coach Jose (Pepe) Ibarra, a local business owner and soccer enthusiast who has been guiding the team since 2022. With his infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the game, Coach Ibarra has instilled in his players a winning mentality, a deep appreciation for sportsmanship, and a love for the beautiful game.

Alongside him is Assistant Coach Arturo Zaragoza, a soccer expert and Director of Financial Equity Programs at Ventura County Credit Union. Coach Zaragoza brings his vast soccer experience and commitment to equitable opportunities to the team, ensuring that every player, regardless of background, has the chance to excel.

Both coaches volunteer their time and effort, driven by a shared passion for soccer and a belief in the power of sports to transform lives. Their dedication has allowed the team to compete at the highest level without compromising their principles of fairness and accessibility.

Coach Ibarra’s philosophy revolves around treating his players as soccer players, not children. He challenges them with advanced concepts, believing that their young minds are capable of absorbing and applying complex strategies. This approach has proven highly effective, leading to impressive results on the field.

The TFA team competes as a flight 1 team in southern California, consistently securing victories in major tournaments across Nevada, California, and most recently, a second-place finish in Arizona. They strategically select only the top tournaments in different states, competing against the best teams in their age group. This commitment to facing the toughest competition has undoubtedly fueled their growth and success.

These young athletes demonstrate unwavering dedication to their sport, committing to rigorous training schedules of 3-4 times a week, coupled with weekend tournaments that often require extensive travel. They embrace the challenges and sacrifices, driven by a shared passion for soccer and a desire to compete at the highest level. Their hard work and determination are evident in their impressive performances on the field.

Who are these athletes??? Adrian Torres, Angel Garcia, Alexander Zaragoza, Carlos Esquivel, Enrique Cristales, Giovanny Ruiz, Isaac Meza, Maximiliano Ibarra, Pedro Rodriguez, and Gael Thiago Munguia.

The TFA team of Ventura County serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and the guidance of passionate coaches, anything is possible. Their success on the field is a testament to their talent, determination, and the unwavering support of their coaches and families. The TFA team’s story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with hard work, dedication, and the support of a community, anything is possible. They serve as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and the guidance of committed coaches, dreams can become a reality.

Mission Church’s Christmas Party Extravaganza Illuminates Hearts and Sparks Holiday Giving

Nearly a thousand people gathered to revel in the festivities.

On December 1, as festivities adorned Downtown Ventura with the annual tree lighting event, an enchanting celebration unfolded on the opposite side of town – Mission Church’s Christmas Party Extravaganza! This heartwarming spectacle left hearts aglow amid the magic of the season.

Nearly a thousand people gathered to revel in the festivities, surrounded by bounce houses, face painting, (temporary) tattoos, popcorn, hot cocoa, cotton candy, giveaways, Christmas candy, and the joyous sight of Santa posing for pictures under snow falls. Adding to the festive ambiance, the classic Elf movie played in the parking lot amidst laughter and cheer.

Beyond the glitz, Mission Church had a deeper mission at heart. The event served as a beacon for a noble cause – the collection of new toys for the Holiday Toy Store, offering hope to foster families in our county during the Holiday season.

In collaboration with James Storehouse, Mission Church is on a heartfelt mission to gather new toys for the Holiday Toy Store. This unique store provides a free holiday shopping experience for families affiliated with Children and Family Services in the County. The grand finale will be hosted at Mission Church, turning the lobby into a haven for caregivers to shop for the Christmas wishes of the children under their care in a joyous and dignified manner on December 15 and 16.

Museum of Ventura County presents “Winter”

The Museum of Ventura County is excited to present a new exhibit, “Winter,” featuring figures from the popular George Stuart Historical Figures® Collection. The exhibit includes miniature depictions of life through six cultures from around the world and throughout time including Russia, Norse Scandinavia, Qing Dynasty China, Winter at Valley Forge, Victorian England, and the native Chumash and examines the rich history of their winter symbols, customs, and celebrations. Each of the figures in this exhibit demonstrates the comprehensive historical research and artistic details essential to their creation.

Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director, “We are fortunate and grateful to be surrounded by such talented artists.”