Applications are currently being accepted for the upcoming Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA). New and emerging leaders who either live or work in Ventura County are encouraged to apply.

The Ventura County Leadership Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership training through an intensive program that delves into the critical issues facing Ventura County. Meeting for a full day once a month, over the course of nine months, participants will learn about topics such as agriculture, healthcare, education, economic development, water, the environment, and more, as part of a diverse cohort of leaders from a variety of sectors, backgrounds, and ages. Cohort members also travel as a group to Sacramento to meet with elected officials and others involved in the legislative process. Another key component of the program is leadership training: encouraging, educating and inspiring the cohort members to gain insight and confidence into their own leadership potential.

Once cohort members graduate, they are then encouraged to take their new knowledge, skills, and relationships and join with the more than 500 other alumni of the program to help to make Ventura County an even better place to live through their work and volunteerism in the community. Many of the top leaders in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors in Ventura County are graduates of the program. They serve on many boards and volunteer with a wide variety of community-based organizations.

The program for Cohort XXIV will start in September 2018 and run through May 2019. Applications for Cohort XXIV are being accepted through May 18, 2018 and can be found at www.vcleadership.org The process is competitive with a limited number of cohort members chosen via an application and interview process. Interviews are conducted during the month of June, with notifications of acceptance arriving in early July.

Many employers will cover the cost of tuition for cohort members; however, VCLA does not turn qualified applicants away due to financial constraints; in addition to flexible payment arrangements, a limited number of partial scholarships are available to applicants in need of assistance via TAP (Tuition Assistance Program).

VCLA seeks diversity in their organization and program participants, encouraging anyone interested to apply.

For more information about VCLA, please email [email protected], reference the website www.vcleadership.org, or find the Ventura County Leadership Academy on Facebook

@Ventura.County.Leadership.Academy or call 665-3504.

by Mark Bailey President PMCCPOA

One of the best kept secrets in California remains the quaint “Aspen like” village of Pine Mountain Club (PMC). Located in the Los Padres National Forest at a little over one mile above sea level and nestled between Mt. Pinos and San Emigdio Mountain, Pine Mountain Club is remarkably easy to get to. Just a comfortable and scenic 90-minute drive from Ventura, about 50 minutes north of Magic Mountain. Those in the know often refer to PMC as “the nearby faraway place”.

The Villagers of PMC are already busy preparing for their 36th annual Lilac Festival set for the weekend of May 19th and 20th. It has been estimated that around five thousand visitors join the approximately three thousand locals for a weekend of arts, music, food, fun and family play. About 100 artisan vendors will begin displaying their unique works of art, fashion, jewelry and other creations both days starting at 10am. This is followed on Saturday, by acrobatic skydiving daredevils due to land at 11:00 am. This kicks off our yearly parade through the village center after the singing of our National Anthem by Larry Craig, a live theatre artist with a powerful voice.

Throughout the weekend there will be entertainment for all ages including live music, pony rides, kiddie shows, a small petting zoo, golf, a horseshoe tournament, great food, and a large children’s play area with state of the art slides, inflatable bouncy houses, wall climbing etc. Most restaurants will be featuring live music on their outdoor patios.

Climatology wise, as with any place, the weather in PMC can vary. Typically, in late spring, we can expect blue sunny skies during the day with temperatures in the mid 70’s and crisp clear star filled nights with temperatures in the 40’s.

To get to PMC, take the 126 East to Interstate 5 north and exit at Frazier Park. Go west 18 miles following the signs to the Pine Mountain Club Village. For further information, including vendor applications, please go to our website at www.pmclilacfestival.com.

For fine wine enthusiasts considering visiting PMC, please visit our wine website www.wineinthepines.com for details on our world class wine tasting event taking place this June 9th.

The Rubicon Harmonix and the Museum of Ventura County together will present a unique program, May 11, that honors the shared losses of our community from the Thomas Fire, through spoken word and song. The event will begin with a pre-concert wine reception at 5:15 pm and the 75-minute program will start at 6:00 p.m.
Harmonix, a six-member vocal troupe widely known for its appearances at community and Downtown Ventura events, will perform a program of monologues and vocal selections that touch upon the myriad of experiences and emotions shared by so many in the wake of the Thomas Fire. The program will be produced and directed by Rubicon Theatre Artistic Director Brian McDonald, with musical direction provided by Miriam Arichea.

The stories – compiled by local writers Ivor Davis and Michael Sigman, as well as by McDonald and Arichea – are drawn from poetry, social media posts and blogs written immediately after the fire, as well as interviews with Ventura residents.

Out of the Ashes is a collaboration between Rubicon Theatre and the Museum of Ventura County, which is undertaking an extensive project to create a multidimensional, multimedia series of presentations that capture the remarkable stories of the most devastating natural tragedy in county history.
The wine reception will continue after the program, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the persons whose stories were told. Information will also be available to individuals interested in contributing to the Museum’s own compilation of oral histories.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and proceeds will go toward the Museum’s Thomas Fire project. Tickets can be purchased at https://harmonixoutoftheashes.eventbrite.com.

The Museum of Ventura County presents Pedal Pushers! Bicycling in Ventura County, a new exhibit that showcases the bicycle as an object of design as well as personal expression. Everyone is encouraged to ride their bikes to the opening reception at 6 p.m. on May 11 at 100 East Main St.

Shown in conjunction with the Amgen Tour of California, the exhibit will have photos and a racing bike from the Museum’s collection, other bikes and photos on loan from the public. From the convenient and useful city bike to the newest lightweight BMX racer and the tricked-out Lowrider tricycle, this exhibit has something for everyone.

The Pedal Pushers exhibit will be open May 11 through June 17. Admission is included in the Museum’s general admission.

The Museum of Ventura County is open Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.

The Ventura Police Community Foundation and Aera Energy, LLC proudly present the 21st Annual Police Activities League Golf Tournament June 1, at 8:00 am at Olivas Links Golf Course located at 3750 Olivas Park Dr. Proceeds raised at the tournament help to support afterschool programs for local youth. The $135 donation per player includes: green fees and cart, gift bag, awards ceremony and lunch by Scooter’s BBQ.

PAL was founded back in 1997 with a primary goal to provide at-risk youth with meaningful recreation, educational, and cultural programs designed to keep youth away from the influence of gangs, drugs, violence and delinquent behaviors. Today, PAL now operating as the Ventura Police Community Foundation, plays an important role in Ventura’s Program Enrichment for After-school Kids (PEAK) and After-School Enrichment and Safety (ASES) Programs. These programs are a partnership between PAL, Ventura’s Parks, Recreation and Community Partnership Department and the Ventura Unified School District. The programs proudly serve over 630 youth each day in a safe and supportive environment.

“It is the support of the sponsors, contributors, golfers, and volunteers who help to make this tournament and the Ventura Police Community Foundation a success. While we have many long-time sponsors, I want to mention the long-standing support of our Title Sponsor – Aera Energy, LLC. Aera has been a major sup­porter of PAL and the annual golf tournament since 1997,” said Police Chief Ken Corney.

Over the years, Aera’s support has included the offset of startup costs for the program and much needed equipment. Aera donated funds to purchase a van to provide transportation to and from the program for area children and recently donated funds to build and equip a fitness area at the Westpark Community Center so that our local youth can be active in a safe environment.

The mission of the Ventura Police Community Foundation is to foster and support programs and initiatives that strengthen a safe community and enhance the quality of life in Ventura. The Foundation supports public safety improvements, community partnerships and youth programs. The goal is to strengthen partnerships between citizens of our community, including youth and schools, business members and police in the City of Ventura.

Question: Perhaps I missed it, but has the Breeze found out or reported anything about the work being done on the building behind Staples and behind bus depot? It’s been vacant for probably 10 years. Not sure what it used to be, but probably a department store. Would love to know if there are plans in the works to do something with it.

Thanks! Daniel Burke

Answer: This is former Barker Brothers building that have been vacant well over 10 years. It is historic structure which did take years to resolve. It will be new 24 Hour Fitness Center and is moving into construction now. Planning Manager Dave Ward

Do you have a question? Send it to [email protected] and we will try to get an answer.

The Rose Garden located at the Olivas Adobe is abloom with gorgeous mulita-colored roses. Be sure to visit before they go away.

On Thursday, April 26, the Ventura Chamber of commerce presented their Annual State of Education Luncheon “Safety Today Security Tomorrow: Adapting to Societal and Economic Change” at the Wright Event Center at Ventura College.

Opening remarks were made by Stephanie Caldwell, Ventura Chamber President & CEO and John Silva, Ventura Chamber Chair Board of Directors.

Reports were presented by four leaders from local education sectors (Ventura Unified School District, Ventura College and California State University Channel Islands) who explained how they are adapting to the rapidly changing environment. The event included an excellent buffet lunch.

The presenters were:

Erika D. Beck, Ph.D., President, California State University Channel Islands

Erika beck began her tenure as President of California State University Channel Islands in August 2016. Prior to her appointment, she served as Provost and Executive Vice President at Nevada State College. A native Californian, President Beck holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego; M.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University; and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of California, San Diego where she also served as a faculty fellow.

“CSU Channel Islands expects a record number of graduates this May and received a record number of applications for the 2019 fall semester, according to CSUCI’s Chief of Staff, Genevieve Evans Taylor, Ed.D. The university provides a top-quality, affordable education to a student population largely from the local region and the first in their family to attend college. CSUCI offers immersive, hands-on learning experiences that allow its graduates to thrive in the 21st century workforce. Many of the university’s degree offerings, such as nursing, teaching and computer science, were developed in partnership with, and to meet the needs of, local employers” said Beck.

Greg Gillespie, Ph.D., Chancellor, Ventura County Community College District

Dr. Greg Gillespie serves as the Chancellor for the Ventura County Community College District. The District includes Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura Colleges that serve over 33,000 students each year. Dr. Gillespie served as the President of Ventura College for four years before moving into the Chancellor position in July 2017. Dr. Gillespie is focused on supporting the colleges in providing student-centered access to quality and relevant educational programs and support services. He works with employer, education, and governmental partners to address shared educational and community priorities.

Greg Gillespie stated “The three Ventura County Community College District colleges, Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura, serve approximately 33,000 student each year. The colleges provide classes and programs to prepare students for the workforce and transfer to baccalaureate degree program. Career education is an important priority across the VCCCD and successful program implementation requires communication and collaboration between employers and the colleges. These partnerships have resulted in programs training our community college students for high demand jobs in our county. These efforts help to meet workforce needs and support economic development. The VCCCD also actively conducts training and education opportunities to help students and employees respond appropriately to emergency situations. Response decisions at Ventura College and across the VCCCD to the recent Thomas fire incident were prioritized to address health and safety needs and to minimize the impact of college closures on student progress and achievement.”

Kimberly Hoffmans, Ph.D., Vice President, Ventura County Community College District

Dr. Kim Hoffmans has served in the Ventura County Community College District for the last 24 years as a nursing faculty member, coordinator, dean, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Ventura College. Through her past experiences as a nurse and an educator, Dr. Hoffmans has had the opportunity to work with colleagues and students with diverse academic, social, economic, physical, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and finds the diverse climate of community colleges rewarding, challenging, and full of opportunities.

Joseph Richards Jr., Deputy Superintendent, Ventura Unified School District

Mr. Joseph Richards Jr., Deputy Superintendent, Business Services for the Ventura Unified School District. Mr. Richards has worked in the field of business for approximately 43 years, eight years in financial institutions and over 35 years in school business. Mr. Richards is a firm believer in giving back to the community he lives and works in, thus has served in various organizations in the Ventura County community for many years.