Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Ventura author teaching Eleventh Annual Youth Summer Writing Camp

For the eleventh consecutive year, author and writing coach Dallas Woodburn is teaching a Ventura writing camp for youth ages 8 to 18. The camp consists of four two-hour workshops held on July 28 and 29, and August 4 and 5. There are two time slots available: 10 a.m. to noon, or 1-3 p.m. The camp will be held in the conference room at Jensen Design and Survey at 1672 Donlon St.

Students will have fun while learning how to improve components of their writing, including dialogue, characterization, plot and setting, through various creativity-inducing writing exercises. The early registration cost (before July 15) is $125 for all four sessions. Price bumps up to $150 after July 15. Students are welcome to attend one, two, three or all four sessions.

Dallas is an acclaimed author, speaker and teacher, with experience as workshop instructor and coordinator of the Young Writers Program of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. She is a graduate of Purdue University’s Master’s program in Fiction, and most recently was a John Steinbeck Fellow in Creative Writing at San Jose State University.

To register for the camp, or for more information www.writeonbooks.org or e-mail [email protected] or call 805-889-5570.

Ventura Downtown Lions Club celebrated 95 years of community service

by Randy Jewell

The Ventura Downtown Lions Club is a diverse group of men and women varying in ages, dedicated to providing assistance to individuals and the community. The club was chartered on April 27th 1923. The Club celebrated 95 years of community service on June 16.

It all started with 51 outstanding local business and community leaders. One of them was Fred W. Smith, who went on to become President of Lions Clubs International in 1947-48. Another was Charles Rea, former Mayor of Ventura. One celebrated club member was Erle Stanley Gardner, a local attorney, who became famous as the creator and author of the Perry Mason books later made into the television series and movies.

The Ventura Downtown Lions Club has a strong history of members serving the community and beyond. It has had public officials, 10 mayors, at least 20 city council members, school superintendents, health officials, educators, doctors, lawyers, dentists, county clerks, nurses, the list goes on. Members have through the last 95 years, helped raise or donate over $2,000,000 for the community and surrounding areas.

Among the many causes and efforts supported within the community over the years are: The Ventura County Historical Museum, the Rubicon Theatre, Special Olympics, The Rose parade, YMCA, city parks (Kimble Aquatic Center, West Park, Grant Park, and Arroyo Verde Park) and the local libraries. The Ventura Downtown Lions club has also provided scholarship funds, support to the American Cancer Society (Relay for Life), City of Hope, Alzheimer’s Association, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Ventura Boys and Girls Club, list goes on and on.

The membership has always and is still volunteering time and efforts to carry out events that raise funds for special causes. Two years ago a Retinal Imaging Camera was purchased for Ventura County Medical Center. The Lions club raised $50,000 to assist in the purchase. For over two years, the Club has joined forces with other Lions Clubs in Ventura County in a cooperative effort to raise $200,000 to improve or create an adult diabetes / vision clinic for all residents of Ventura County.

Every year the club puts on or assists in putting on community events such as: Ventura County East-West All Star High School Football Game, all you can eat “Crab Feast”and Thanksgiving Baskets for fifty families in need. And every day, eye glasses are collected for recycling.

The Ventura Downtown Lions Club is a great group of community minded people within the largest service organization in the world, Lions Clubs International (LCI). The Ventura Downtown Lions club is 138 members strong. President, Don Fromberg, has been looking at the future and believes growth will make the biggest impact on what can be done in the community.

On June 16th, there was also the installation of the new officers. Steve Shaw will take over as the club President. He spoke on continuing to build on the Ventura Downtown Lions Club traditions.
If you are interested in learning more about the Lions Club please call 805-655-5595 or visit Ventura Downtown Lions Club.org.

NAWBO VC hosts “Clear the Smoke Around Marijuana in the Marketplace” June 19

NAWBO Ventura County hosts “Clear the Smoke Around Marijuana in the Marketplace”
~ an informative evening for employers and business owners

Join NAWBO Ventura County (NAWBO VC) on Tuesday, June 19th at the Wedgewood Center, 901 Sterling Hills Drive, Camarillo from 5:30 pm-8:00 pm for a must-attend presentation about Proposition 64, the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana and how it impacts your business as an employer. The dinner meeting is open to all and seats may be reserved at www.NAWBOVC.org.
Guest speaker Rabiah Rahman, Esq. of Strauss & Strauss, APC, will address many questions and concerns
employers are raising about their rights and liabilities with regards to marijuana use by employees. Everyone’s going to have their opinions about the use of marijuana, which is unverstandable. But if you are someone who is a regular user of this drug (for medical reasons), then you’re employer should be aware of this. If not and you fear that you may get into trouble if you’re found out, you may want to read this how to article here about how to potentially save yourself from any pitfalls that failing a drug test could have.

Rahman will discuss:

California’s new recreational marijuana law and CBD based products such as a CBD vape pen
Employers’ rights and obligations under the law
What effect the law will have on drug-free workplace policies
Whether employers must accommodate an employee’s use of medical marijuana
Drug testing policies
Employees’ rights, learn more about how to get help with a drug test – visit www.trickortreatment.com

Rabiah Rahman is an employment and labor law attorney who received her law degree from the UC Berkeley
School of Law. While at Berkeley she interned for the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney
General in the Criminal Appeal Division, where she defended criminal appeals on behalf of the State of
California. She currently works at Ventura-based Strauss & Strauss, APC.

“NAWBO supports business owners as they traverse the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship,”
stated Elaine Hollifield, President of NAWBO VC. “We feel the topic of recreational marijuana and employment
law is extremely important to understand for our members and the business community overall and are thrilled
to bring this important discussion to Ventura County.”

NAWBO Ventura County – The local Ventura County chapter of NAWBO is committed to strengthening the
wealth-creating the 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. Learn more: www.nawbovc.org.

Dee Dowell Memorial Scholarship Award Winners

Winner Philip Drescher accepting his check from VPOA board members Schuyler Heard, Mike Hibdon and Bill Griffin.

The Ventura Police Officers’ Association (VPOA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 15th annual Dee Dowell Memorial Scholarship. The scholarships are to honor Sergeant Darlon “Dee” Dowell, who was shot and killed on August 7, 1978. Sergeant Dowell is the only officer in Ventura’s history to die in the line of duty.

In selecting scholarship recipients, the VPOA considered academic achievement, school and community service, financial needs, and the following requirements:

Applicants must:

Be entering his/her freshman through senior year in college;

Plan a course of study related to the field of public service;

Ventura resident or have graduated from a high school in Ventura within the past three years, or a Ventura Police Department employee or employee’s child.

Have a grade point average of 3.0 or better (based on a 4.0 system);

Maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better if selected as a recipient;

Submit a resume of school and community activities, including a copy of transcripts through the most recent semester;

Submit an essay of 1000 words or less on “Leadership, what it means to me”;

Submit a letter of recommendation from a public servant.

2018 Scholarship Awards Winners:

1st Place $5,000.00 Philip Drescher

2nd Place $3,500.00 Haiden Henderson

3rd Place $2,000.00 Elissa Root

The VPOA thanks all of the applicants and congratulates the 2018 winners of the Dee Dowell Memorial Scholarship!

“Be honest, be safe, and look forward to each day.” Sgt Dee Dowell.

Happenings at the Museum

Proceeds from this concert will go toward the purchase of a bookmobile.

Live Performance Benefit and Fundraiser was a big success on Saturday May 19 at the Museum of Ventura County. The concert featured two-time Grammy Winner Laurence Juber, lead guitarist for Paul McCartney’s Wings and Fingerstyle Guitarist of the Year. Juber displayed his acoustic firepower with Beatles medleys, his own compositions and Won’t Get Fooled Again, by the Who.

Proceeds from this concert will go toward the purchase of a bookmobile to be used by the Ventura County Library to better reach and serve all residents of Ventura County.

The Museum has announced the recipients of the Bonita C. McFarland and Forum of the Arts 2018 scholarships. This year’s scholarships as recommended by the Museum’s Fine Arts Committee:

Kyle L. Cobian, who will be graduating from Foothill Technology High School in Ventura
Lane Domke, who will be graduating from Foothill Technology High School in Ventura
Marissa Gonzales, who attends Ventura College
Elaine Sanders, who will be graduating from Foothill Technology High School in Ventura
Elwood Walker, who will be graduating from Thousand Oaks High School

An awards reception was held on Wednesday, May 30, in the Museum Courtyard. Family members, instructors and supporters attended.

The Bonita C. McFarland scholarship is named for a generous benefactor to the arts in Ventura County. The Forum of the Arts scholarship takes its name from the organization originally created in 1961 which was the first arts organization to offer grants to the local arts community. The funds for the scholarships are generated from two endowments, held and administered by the Museum of Ventura County. The scholarships are available to any high school senior preparing to enter college in the fall of 2018 or any continuing college level student of the visual arts who is also a Ventura County resident.

Recipients of the Bonita C. McFarland awards with Barbara Barnard Smith and Elena Brokaw.

Ventura County writer-journalist Ivor Davis was in the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel half a century ago to witness the horrendous assassination of the man who would be President—Senator Robert Kennedy, younger brother of John F. Kennedy. On Wednesday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m. – the 50th anniversary of the assassination – Davis will appear with an eyewitness account, which vividly brings to life that shocking night in American political history. Admission is $5 for museum members, $10 for non-members

Leonard Bernstein at 100 – a tribute, presented by the Ventura Music Festival and the Museum of Ventura County, to an artist whose impact has transcended genres and generations, Sunday, June 24, in the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion. This presentation will celebrate the life of Leonard Bernstein, a great American composer, conductor, pianist and humanitarian during this, his centenary year. The reception starts at 3 p.m., with the program beginning at 4 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at www.venturamusicfestival.org. For more information, call 805-648-3146.

Torch Run benefits the Ventura County Special Olympics

You might get to see some of the Ventura Police Officers, K9 Officers, police volunteers and Chief Corney who gathered for this photo taken at the St. Pats Parade.

On Thursday, June 7, at 8:00 am, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) will participate in the annual Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) benefiting Ventura County Special Olympics. This will be the twenty-ninth year the Ventura Police Department has supported this effort.

At 8:00 am, Ventura Police Officers and Civilian Personnel, City of Ventura Employees, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents, Mile 26 Sports Ventura Running Club and Special Olympics Athletes, will meet at the steps of Ventura City Hall and carry the Special Olympics’ Torch, also known as the Flame of Hope, through the streets of Ventura. Community members are encouraged to come out and cheer on the participants as the Flame of Hope makes its way through Ventura.

The Special Olympics Southern California LETR is comprised of nine different “legs” ranging from San Luis Obispo to the California-Mexico border. Legs are run in conjunction with various members of law enforcement agencies from throughout the region and Special Olympic Athletes. All legs will ultimately meet at the California State University at Long Beach (CSULB) as the Flame of Hope enters the stadium and the cauldron is lit to mark the opening ceremonies beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 9th. The games will take place on June 9 and 10 at CSULB.

The LETR is an international fundraising and public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics and is comprised of the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, and other fundraising events. For over twenty-five years, Ventura County law enforcement agencies have been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics of Ventura County. The money helps Ventura County Special Olympics to offer free, year-round, sports training and competition to over 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities ages eight years and up, who participate in seventeen sports at forty-five training sites throughout Ventura County.

Approximate Timeline of Ventura Flame of Hope Route:

8:05 am: The Flame of Hope will begin its journey from Ventura City Hall and travel south on California Street

8:30 am: Then the Flame will travel east onto Thompson Boulevard to the Five Points Intersection

8:40 am: From the Five Points Intersection the Flame will continue East on East Main Street to Telephone Road

9:00 am: South on Portola to Ralston Street where it will pass by the Ventura Police Department

9:10 am: East on Ralston Street to Johnson Drive

9:30 am: South on Johnson Drive and over the 101 Freeway Footbridge where the Flame will be handed off to members of the Oxnard Police Department on Ventura Road

First Thomas Fire rebuild in Ventura is underway

The Fuller’s are number one.

by Richard Lieberman

Six months ago, the Thomas Fire raged through communities in Ventura County. Burning nearly 282,000 acres and destroying 1,063 homes and buildings. Today in our on-going series we examine the re-building process of one homeowner in the Scenic Way Dr., community. Homeowners Ed and Sandy Fuller are the first homeowners to receive re-build permit approval from the city.

We met Ed and Sandy Fuller at the site of their destroyed home, burned to the ground during the fire. The re-build had already begun, and the organized chaos of the job site was evident. A new structure on the property was already in the final stages. The small out-building will serve as Ed Fuller’s workshop, and office during the re-build process. Still remnants of the destructive fire could be seen around and on the site. Burned shrubs, the remnants of burned and disfigured trees and plants all a reminder of the devastation the fires caused.

“There is no sense in grieving about it for a long time the loss was the loss.” Fuller said. “The reality is its just things and things can be replaced” he added. Like others the Fullers were glad that they got out safe. “We did get out with a few of our photos, some of our important documents, we had enough time.” said Fuller. The Fullers even managed to get out with a few paintings that held sentimental value to them. They evacuated to a friend’s house on the same street and the house didn’t start to burn until three in the morning” said Sandy Fuller. “All we could see was this huge fireball wafting across our property.”

One possession that meant a great deal to Ed was a wooden toolbox that his grandfather had made that was in his woodshop that burned to the studs. “To me it was big deal.” Added Fuller. After getting to see the damage the fire caused Sandy said, “We looked at each other and said we know how to re-build we know how to do this.”

Some of the Fullers neighbors have also begun the re-building process and Fuller believes some will even surpass them on the re-builds. “Since the fire we are probably closer to our neighbors than we have been.”. he said. “We even met neighbors that we had not met before.” Added Fuller. “Now it seems like everybody knows everybody.” He added. “We try to encourage each other, this is what we did to get through this process, this is what we did to get through permitting or this is who we are using for whatever. Were all trying to help one another.” Sandy said.

Ed Fuller retired now but was a construction manager for a large oil company so “I am very familiar with the construction process. “he said. The Fullers are acting as general contractor for their re-build. Their insurance company paid only 75% of total value, and Fuller added “most contentious thing we have with the insurance company is some of the personal property.”

When asked about how the city has responded Sandy responded, “When we went into Building and Safety with our architect we took our plans to a back room and with all the department heads and they mark up the plans with what is additionally needed.” “What most people need to know is that most of the rules and guidelines are state mandated and not city rules that make the process so overwhelming.” She said.

When asked about the timeline for completion Ed said” We have an incredibly aggressive timeline with the hope of celebrating Christmas in our new home.” “We are just finishing compaction and next week we expect start laying the foundation.” Fuller said.

“The only thing I can say in conclusion, in the end this can be a very positive experience.” Ed Fuller added.

Yolanda Bundy, Chief Building Official at the Building and Safety Division, Ventura was instrumental in aiding and guiding the Fullers in expediting the permit process for the first permit to be issued for re-building after the fires.

“We’re very excited that the Fuller family is on their way to rebuilding.” “It was a true team effort” said Bundy. The detailed and comprehensive effort by the Fullers was instrumental in speeding the process. “The Fullers were very responsive and cooperative throughout the process.” Bundy added. Acting as their own general contractor the Fullers were able to present to the city plans that met the requirement of both local and state governments. “The quality of the plans provided by their design professionals was a key to successfully helping us meet our goal of issuing their permits with a 14- day business turnaround.” Bundy continued.

Bundy also commented “We want our community to know that we care about them, and that we are committed to working with both Thomas Fire Rebuild applicants and with all the other permit applicants who come into our office at city hall daily. As members of the Ventura community we take our role in helping our community build or rebuild very personally. We all need these milestones of hope right now.”

Ventura Harbor Village celebrates Pirates Day

Hold onto your valuables when you see the pirates.

Ahoy all you landlubbers and buccaneers – head to Ventura Harbor Village for a newly designed pop-up pirate experience at the 13th Annual Pirates Day on Sunday, June 10th from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Pirates Day 2018 offers guests an unforgettable voyage around the Village as the “Streets of Port Royal” with pirate characters, entertainment, activities, and photo opportunities around every corner.

For one day only, Ventura Harbor Village transforms into the “Streets of Port Royal”. Venture along the waterfront to find pirates in sword fights by professional Pirates for Hire, mermaids, treasure, exotic birds, live entertainment, rum drinks, and pirate eats. Keep an eye out for Reece Ryan’s on-land Kids Pirate Ship, Captain Jack, Hook & Tink (look-a-likes), belly dancing, and strolling pirate musicians. Take an exclusive look inside the underwater Mermaid Curse Ultimate Escape Room. Visit Port Royal Privateers’ historical encampment, unique vendor booths for face painting and henna body art or find precious wares, such nautical-themed loot. Unique selfie spots everywhere you turn!

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate garb! Strut in the Pirates Day costume contests held throughout the day for different age brackets

For grog and grub, Village restaurants offer a variety of cuisine for hungry crews; including roasted turkey legs and rum specials. Live entertainment will range from Steel Drummers to the Sword Coast Medieval Fighters Club. Ventura Harbor Pirates Day gives you a chance to get in your best piratical gear and wander by the sea to interact with pirates and gypsies of all ages.

Admission and parking for Pirates Day are free. Book your overnight stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor. Catch the Downtown – Harbor Trolley for a free ride to Pirates Day.

For a list of shopping and dining specials and entertainment schedule please visit VenturaHarborVillage.com, or call 477-0470. The 2018 Pirates Day is supported by Cumulus Broadcasting, VC Reporter, The Ventura Breeze and The Santa Clarita Signal.

Non-profit affordable housing developer has opened a new office in Ventura

One of Peoples’ Self-Help Housing properties, the El Patio Hotel in Ventura provides affordable and safe housing for County residents.

To better serve the Ventura County community, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH), the largest nonprofit affordable housing developer on the Central Coast, has opened a new office in Ventura.

Although the office is new, the organization is not new to the community. Through its 48-year-old home ownership program, 62 families built their own homes at Villa Campesina in Moorpark in 1991 and, in 2003, 47 first-time homeowners earned the keys to their own front doors at Citrus Pointe in Piru.

In 2011, PSHH took ownership and remodeled the landmark El Patio Hotel in downtown Ventura. The rehabilitation project preserved the historical integrity of the property while upgrading and furnishing the 41 existing rooms to studio apartments for low-income individuals, including the formerly homeless.

The new Ventura office, located at 474 E. Santa Clara, will principally be used for meetings with community groups, with office hours by appointment only. Members of the public in search of affordable housing can visit www.pshhc.org, call the main San Luis Obispo office at 781-3088 or stop by any PSHH property to speak to an onsite manager.

Founded in 1970, PSHH has the mission of building homes and providing site-based services that offer opportunities to change lives and strengthen communities. PSHH serves low-income working families, seniors and veterans; it is also provides welcoming environments for those living with disabilities and the formerly homeless. In addition to its rental properties, PSHH offers homeownership opportunities through an owner-builder, “sweat equity” program that has seen nearly 1,200 homes successfully constructed. Through its properties and offices, PSHH has a presence in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, manages over 1,800 rental units, and employs nearly 200 staff members.

For more information on PSHH, visit www.pshhc.org, email [email protected] or phone 781-3088.

John Calvin Brewster (1841-1909), professional photographer

John Calvin Brewster (1841-1909), professional photographer who moved to Ventura in March 1874 where he first established a gallery in a run-down adobe on Main Street near Mission San Buenaventura. He moved to several temporary locations, until 1880 when he built a custom, studio and attached residence on Oak St. Brewster’s photographs were often published in Sunset Magazine and Overland Monthly and now in the Ventura Breeze.

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