A Vatican licensed copy of Michelangelo’s masterpiece Pieta is gifted to Mission San Buenaventura. A dedication and unveiling service was held Sunday, July 8.

Forty-one years ago, May 21, 1972, the Renaissance statue was damaged at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The incident, and what subsequently became one of the most delicate and controversial art restorations in history, stunned the world. Forty-six years later Mr. and Mrs. Brad Hanson of Arizona gifted Mission San Buenaventura the financial means to acquire the Vatican licensed exact replica from a mold of Michelangelo’s Pieta. Approximately 100 licensed replicas of the Pieta statue are being placed around the world.

Michelangelo was commissioned on August 27, 1498 and carved it out of a single block of Carrera marble he chose himself from a Tuscan quarry. The replica is composed of crushed Carrera marble from the same quarry Michelangelo chose. The crushed marble is mixed with resin and adhesives and then polished to resemble the original work of art. The Pieta at St. Peter’s Basilica is viewed by millions of people a year. Now visitors to the Mission will be able to view an exact replica of the sacred art in what is now the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, formerly the Baptistery.

The folds in the Madonna’s veil seem made of muslin rather than marble. When art historian Giorgio Vasari saw the statue in 1550 he wrote in his book about the lives of artists. “It is a miracle that a rock, which before was without form, can take on such perfection that even nature sometimes struggles to create in the flesh”.

Mission San Buenaventura was founded in 1782 by St. Junipero Serra and continues to be an active Catholic parish and is open daily to the public for pilgrimage and tour.

Mission San Buenaventura, 211 East Main St www.sanbuenaventuramission.org.

Much of the mud and boulders from the Montecito mudslide disaster was taken to the Fairgrounds to be cleaned up and distributed. The State is in the process of repairing and paving the parking lot that was destroyed by this.

Jacquelyn Ruffin and James Perero, attorneys from the Ventura’s Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones & Feingold law firm have been selected to the California Rising Stars list for the second year in a row. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Ms. Ruffin, a partner at the firm, was selected as a Top-Rated School’s and Education Attorney. Mr. Perero was selected as a Top

Rated General Litigation Attorney. Ruffin is a graduate of the UCLA School of Law and Perero is a graduate of Southwestern Law School.

The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners has announced a new mentoring program for college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals who are in their first five years of business.

“This valuable program is designed to connect aspiring young women entrepreneurs with successful and inspiring women business owners throughout the county and is ideal for those looking to develop and grow their business skills,” stated Kamie Abraham, NAWBO-VC mentor program coordinator and Certified Financial Planner® for Sagemark Consulting in Westlake Village.

Mentees are carefully selected and matched with appropriate NAWBO Ventura County mentors, ideally whose business is in the mentee’s industry or major, to ensure mutual goals and satisfaction. Mentor–mentee relationships will last formally for a period of one year with a minimum of four one-on-one meetings. At the end of a year, mentees can apply for different mentors, move on from the program, and/or continue the relationship informally.

NAWBO Ventura County is committed to strengthening the wealth creating capacity of its members while promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial Ventura County community. Additionally, the local chapter focuses on creating innovative and effective change in the business culture, building strategic alliances and transforming public policy for the benefit of its members. Membership is open to women sole proprietors, partners and corporate owners as well as those businesses that support women owned businesses.

To learn more about NAWBO Ventura County’s mentor program and to find a mentor please visit, www.nawbovc.org/mentor-program.

Ventura County’s hidden gem is the One Stop program for homeless people. It is a lifesaver for those most in need … especially for the newly homeless who are often overwhelmed by the many agencies they must apply to for help.

One Stop, under the leadership of Health Care for the Homeless, provides comprehensive care under one roof – in five different cities each week. Tuesday’s Ventura day at the County Public Health HIV Department is a prime example of compassion and efficiency. A dozen service providers gather for three hours to collaborate with each other so as to guide the many people seeking help through the system.

There are no prima donnas there … just worker bees, collectively figuring out how to best help each person.

Some need photo I.D.s in order to register for services, some need medical care through Medicare or MediCal, others need mental help care. Some have pets and need veterinary care, food or licenses for them, some are disabled, some are addicted; all need housing. The workers listen to their needs and figure out how to help. They compare notes with the other services to form as thorough a package of care as possible.

This is not your typical homeless agency: people are welcomed as soon as they come through the door. There is hot coffee to greet them, plus a bagged lunch and bottled water. As they form a line to sign in, they are offered candy and chit chat … this is the best waiting line in town.

People have mail delivered here and so there is a group of people at the mail counter. Friends have a chance to visit in the waiting room or out on the front lawn. Tables with Obamaphones appear so that those who have nothing at least have phones, which are often their lifesavers.

It is a congenial place where very serious business is conducted by representatives from the Health Care for the Homeless Department, Buddy Nation, Independent Living Resource Center, the Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health, Project Understanding, The Salvation Army, Turning Point/River Haven, the Human Services Agency and Whole Person Care. All of this is guided by James Boyd, who knows everyone in the service agencies and everyone on the lines. He keeps things running smoothly and resolves any problems that arise and comes up with answers for complex situations.

When the last person has been helped, the workers exchange ideas and talk among themselves, getting their notes and files ready for the next day of One Stop, which will be in Oxnard.

Volunteers are always welcome to help sort mail, make the coffee, greet people, and generally assist. Call James Boyd at 805-652-6694 and pitch in to help your fellow Venturans get through a rough spot.

by Mark Bailey President PMCCPOA

From the coast to the mountains in just 90 scenic minutes. Come and visit us in the beautiful, picturesque village of Pine Mountain Club; an area surrounded with pine trees, unique shops, a general store, gas station, hotels and restaurants. The valley lies between two mountain ranges, with peaks soaring well above 8000 feet. Remember, this is the mountain; if you linger into the evening after the show is over it can cool off quickly once the sun goes down. But chances are, blue skies, a few clouds, and crisp, pine – scented air will make for a most enjoyable late summer day! This is our 20th annual Run to the Pines Car Show!

Saturday August 11th is the event. Registration starts at 7am, with the event beginning at 9 a.m. and the awards presentation taking place around 2:00 p.m. Admission and parking to attend the event are free! Trophies are awarded for classes such as, Merchants Choice, People’s Choice, Best Paint, Best Classic, Best Muscle Car, Best Hot Rod, Best Off Road, Best Truck, Best Motorcycle, and Best in Show. Weather in August is mild compared to 100+ in the valleys.

Take a short drive for a great day of food, fun, and live music while browsing beautiful vehicles! To participate in the event, download applications from www.runtothepinesautoshow.com and mail in. Pre-registration is $25 and $35 at the gate the day of the event. Email questions to – [email protected]. The event is located at 16200 Mil Potrero Hwy, Pine Mountain Club, 93222. Great for all car lovers! See You There!

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer

Consuming an abundance of processed, preserved and refined foods loaded with sugar such as store-bought cookies, cakes and candy or foods and soft drinks laden with chemicals names that can barely be pronounced may cause momentary bliss. However, indulging in excess over time can ultimately wreak havoc on a person’s waistline and mood as well as contribute to serious health consequences. In fact, research shows that regular consumption of these types of foods can lead to elevated blood sugar levels (putting offenders at a higher risk for diabetes) and contribute to a myriad of adverse health effects like an impaired immune system and vulnerability to chronic disease.

Clean Eating = Sustainable Health

“Clean Eating” is a popular term that means consuming “whole” or “real foods” (enjoyed in their natural form as found in nature) that are minimally processed and provide our bodies with the vitamins and nutrients they need.

In beautiful Ventura County, one of the agricultural hubs of the nation, abundant local produce is readily available at local groceries and Certified Farmers Markets.

There are tremendous health benefits to buying and consuming locally produced, in-season fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as sustainable meat and fish, and it’s also good for the environment. Food that doesn’t have to be transported over long distances translates into less travel time. Reduced travel time means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which curbs air pollution and thus lessens the impact on climate change.

Get to Know Our Local Farmers

A trip to one of the Ventura Certified Farmers’ Markets is an excellent opportunity to meet and converse with local growers about their growing practices, whether or not they use chemicals in their food production, as well as their favorite recipe and storage tips. At the Certified Farmers’ Market Midtown at Pacific View Mall (Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm) or Downtown Ventura (8:30 am-Noon at the corner of Santa Clara and Palm Streets), open rain or shine, all farmers and producers must raise, catch, gather, grow or otherwise produce the products they sell. That goes for baked products too.

What’s in season for summer?

Here’s a partial list from Daylightfoods.com’s seasonal guide:

Fruit: Summer Squash, Melons, Tomatoes, Stone Fruit (Peaches, Nectarines,

Cherries, Apricots, Apriums, Plums, and Pluots), Persimmons, Pears, and Figs.

Vegetables: Broccoli Rabe, Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Celery, and Chard.

Farmers’ Market Quick Shopping Tips

Peruse kitchen cabinets and make a grocery list before venturing to the market to help reduce food waste.

Bring reusable shopping bags to carry purchases.

Ask farmers about their growing practices, storage tip suggestions, and how to use an unfamiliar fruit or veggie in a recipe.

Current California State health regulations make it illegal to bring dogs to farmer’s markets unless they’re service animals. Make appropriate plans for furry friends before your visit.

Find out more about Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Markets: vccfarmersmarkets.com.

Movies, Music and So Much More!

The 9th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival is coming to Ventura on Saturday, August 18. Nature lovers and film buffs can join with the Ventura Land Trust (VLT) at this popular annual community event to enjoy a line-up of beautiful and inspirational award-winning short films outdoors under the stars!

“The Wild and Scenic Film Festival brings us together to celebrate the beauty of the natural world and remind us why we should be steadfastly committed to protecting it,” said Derek Poultney, Ventura Land Trust Executive Director. “This year our celebration will be bigger and better than ever before.”

Before the sun sets and the films begin, music will be provided by two great local bands:

Bill Jones and J. Peter Boles – Bill is a founding member of the SoCal acoustic band Blind Horse Canyon and Peter is an Ojai-based storyteller and minstrel. Together they have played venues small and large across the state.

Mid Life Crisis – A hugely popular six-person Ventura cover band whose set list ranges from the 60’s through the new millennium.

The campus of the Ventura County Credit Union’s headquarters, 2575 Vista Del Mar in Ventura, will be transformed into an outdoor theater where festival-goers can sit back and relax on their own blankets and chairs while enjoying the movies, live music, food trucks, beer and wine, family-friendly games plus a raffle with high-end items. Vendors and community supporters will have tables lining the festival grounds and VLT will even serve up special family-friendly activities for parents and kids.

Tickets, which sell out every year, are $25 for adults and $5 for children. To purchase, go to www.venturalandtrust.org and click on the 2018 Wild and Scenic Film Festival ticket tab.

Ventura Land Trust (formerly Ventura Hillsides Conservancy) is dedicated to permanently preserving and protecting the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 600 members, local businesses and government partners. The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. Ventura Land Trust’s offices are located in the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.