Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Job well done

All that is left at the Fairgrounds of the dirt that was being cleaned from the Montecito mudslides is the equipment and gravel. The private firm American Integrated Services brought the dirt to the Fairgrounds where it was tested and separated to remove toxic elements. The Fairgrounds were being used for this purpose because it owned by the State.

Festival of Talent

Ventura Education Partnership will present the 17th Annual Festival of Talent: “Walking on Sunshine” on Saturday March 24, at 7:00 p.m. The performance is open to the public and showcases the amazing talent of Ventura Unified School District students, staff and family members. Brian McDonald, Rubicon Theatre Company Associate Artistic Director, will direct the show.

Since its inception 17 years ago, the Festival of Talent has raised more than $500,000 for the VEPGrant program, which awards grants to VUSD schools. These small grants have enabled over 500 teachers to provide extra enrichment activities, to acquire new technology, or to undertake innovative projects with their students. The VEPGrant program touches every student who graduates from Ventura Unified, supplementing and enhancing their education.

“We are grateful to live in a community that prioritizes youth and education, that community partners work tirelessly to showcase students’ talents and that sponsors care about strengthening student learning by funding innovative classroom grants. It’s a not to be missed experience!” stated Madhu Bajaj, President, Ventura Education Partnership

This year’s production will feature a variety of acts, including choirs, rock bands, vocalists, cheerleaders, dancers, and a comedian! Don Wood, the show’s original and long-standing Master of Ceremonies, returns, as does Musical Director Miriam Arichea.

“Thanks to the talents of director, Brian McDonald, and musician, Miriam Arichea, Festival of Talent, while performed by amateurs associated with the Ventura Unified School District, is as close to a professional show as one can get. It is a “must see” for all Venturans.” said Bart Bleuel, Kiwanis Member and Chair of Festival of Talent.

Festival of Talent will take place at the Ventura High School auditorium with preshow entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the show at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at all VUSD school sites and online at https://festivaloftalent2018.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, please visit www.VenturaEducationPartnership.org

Ventura Education Partnership continues to welcome new sponsors for the 17th Annual Festival of Talent: Walking on Sunshine. The audience interested in the event and attracted to its advertising will be in excess of 50,000 people. If you are considering becoming a sponsor email Kay Giles at [email protected]. To learn more on how you can help, please visit http://www.venturaeducationpartnership.org/.

Jeffrey Allan “Jeff” Suggs

Jeffrey Alan Suggs, 53, of Ventura, passed away on Friday, March 2 after a long struggle with cancer. Jeff was born in Los, Angeles, on March 24, 1964 to Russell L. Suggs and Barbara J. Suggs. He attended elementary and jr. high school in South Pasadena, CA and finished his education in Ventura, earning his GED.

He enjoyed surfing, fishing, motorcycling, and camping. He worked offshore and in local construction until disabled in a motorcycle accident. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Suggs, sister, Julie Powell and her husband Harold, nephew and niece Cooper and Lauren Powell, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Russell Suggs and brother, Greg Suggs.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Assisted Home Health Care and Hospice in Ventura for their compassionate care, and to family and friends for their expressions of love. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 pm at The River Community Church, 889 E. Santa Clara St. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The City Center transitional living program in Ventura at www.thecitycenter.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ventura.

City of Ventura Barranca Vista Imagination Center classes

Check out hundreds more on web-site.

Call 658-4726 or 654-7553 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net Classes and events held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston St. unless otherwise noted

Billy Clower Parent & Me Movement 18 months-2 years with adult

3/16-5/11 F 9-9:45 am $80 #10551

Bond with your child in this 8-week class as they discover movement and expression in a fun upbeat class with weekly themes. Your child will dance, tumble, stretch, play and imagine with instruments and props. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Instructor Sage Schneiderbauer.At BVC. * No class 4/6.

Billy Clower Broadway Babies 2.5- 5 years

3/16-5/11 F 9:45-10:30 am $80 #10553

This 8-week class introduces your toddler to the world of Broadway Musicals! Students will dance, act and sing along to famous Broadway songs while building confidence in and exploring their talents. Dancers should wear a t-shirt with leggings/shorts and will go barefoot during class. Instructor: Sage Schneiderbauer.

Billy Clower Cirque Du Ballet 3-5 years

3/16-5/11 F 10:30-11:15 am $80 #10555

Step right up for this 8-week Circus themed Ballet Class. Students will learn ballet vocabulary, positions and dance while having fun walking on a tight rope, performing with hula hoops, and being graceful with scarves. They will also gain flexibility with beginning acrobatics and partner stretching. Dancers should wear a leotard or t-shirt with leggings/shorts and will go barefoot and use our classroom set of ballet shoes during class. Instructor: Sage Schneiderbauer.

Spice Blending Workshop

3/18 Su 2-4pm $40+$20 supply fee due to instructor at start of class

In this workshop, students will get to smell and taste all sorts of spice blends from around the world. Make and blend your own dip mixes, rubs or Dukkahs and spice blends. Students receive a notebook of spice blends and directions on what to do with them. Instructor Annie Koretz. To register call 658-4726.

EDC-VC welcomes Executive Board Leadership

Chris Meissner, president and CEO, Meissner Filtration Products was installed as 2018 chair of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s board of directors at the organization’s 21st Annual Meeting. He is joined on the executive board by Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Ramirez as vice chair and Peter Zierhut of Haas Automation, Inc., who is continuing as secretary/treasurer.

“As an executive leading a well-established local company, Chris brings first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge concerning the challenges and opportunities existing in our local business economy. He has served on our board for 20 years and has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for business growth and workforce development,” said Bruce Stenslie, EDC-VC’s president and CEO.

An expert in his field, Meissner has received numerous awards, most recently, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year for 2018. Other honors include Camarillo Waste Watch’s “Most Innovative Reuse/Recycling Program,” Start magazine’s 1997 and 2000 “Most Admired Manufacturers” and CSU Channel Islands Business and Technology Partnership selected Meissner as the 2015 recipient of the Community and Business Leader of the Year Award.

Ramírez was first elected to the Oxnard City Council in November 2010. She is currently serving her second term in office after being re-elected in November 2014. She was named Mayor Pro Tem in December 2012 and December 2016. Ramírez is a public interest lawyer who has served the Oxnard community since her graduation from the Loyola University School of Law in Los Angeles.

An EDC-VC board member since 2012, Zierhut is a senior-level manager at Haas Automation, Inc. His role is vice president of outside operations. Responsibilities include government and community relations as well as the Haas Technical Education Center (HTEC) network, comprising more than 2,000 educational institutions around the world that use Haas products for educational purposes.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or [email protected]. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.

Vol. 11, No. 12 – Mar 14 – Mar 27, 2018 – Tech Today with Ken May

Top Tips to Securely Using Social Media

Overview

Social media sites, such as Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, are amazing resources, allowing you to meet, interact, and share with people around the world. However, with all this power comes risks–not just for you, but your family, friends, and employer. In this newsletter, we cover the key steps to making the most of social media securely and safely.

Posting

Be careful and think before posting. Anything you post will most likely become public at some point, impacting your reputation and future, including where you can go to school or the jobs you can get. If you don’t want your family or boss to see it, you probably shouldn’t post it. Also, be aware of what others are posting about you. You may have to ask others to remove what they share about you.

Privacy

Almost all social media sites have strong privacy options. Enable them when possible. For example, does the site really need to be able to track your location? In addition, privacy options can be confusing and change often. Make it a habit to check and confirm they are working as you expect them to.

Passphrase

Secure your social media account with a long, unique passphrase. A passphrase is a password made up of multiple words, making it easy for you to type and remember, but hard for cyber attackers to guess. To further improve the security of your password you could make it long and complex to the point it’s difficult for you to remember, and choose a good password manager so you’ll be safe and secure for the foreseeable future.

Lock Down Your Account

Even better, enable two-factor authentication on all of your accounts. This adds a one-time code with your password when you need to log in to your account. This is actually very simple and is one of the most powerful ways to secure your account.

Scams

Just like in email, bad guys will attempt to trick or fool you using social media messages. For example, they may try to trick you out of your password or credit card. Be careful what you click on: If a friend sends you what appears to be an odd message or one that does not sound like them, it could be a cyber-attacker pretending to be your friend.

Terms of Services

Know the site’s terms of service. Anything you post or upload might become the property of the site.

Work

If you want to post anything about work, check with your supervisor first to make sure it is okay to publicly share.

Follow these tips to enjoy a much safer online experience. To learn more on how to use social media sites safely, or report unauthorized activity, check your social media site’s security page.

Help patients rebound by giving blood

In March, while basketball teams are fighting for the chance to be crowned champions, patients battling cancer and other illnesses are fighting for their lives. The American Red Cross is asking blood donors to help patients rebound by making a lifesaving donation this spring.

Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure that the Red Cross can collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations needed every day for patients.

Giving blood takes less time than it takes to watch a single basketball game. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Ventura:

March 20: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

March 20: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

CAPS and your stories

Share recordings of the Thomas Fire for the historic project.

CAPS and your stories

CAPS Media is recording Thomas Fire Stories with the public, fire fighters, first responders and others who want to share their story. The extensive documentary project is a collaboration with Ventura City Fire and Police, Ventura County Fire, Sheriff, Office of Emergency Response and the Museum of Ventura County. The year-long, comprehensive project includes an ongoing series of television and radio archival interviews and recordings with first responders, individuals and families whose lives were dramatically changed the night of December 4th.

We began our first recording schedule Sunday March 11th at the Ojai Valley Museum. The stories we have heard so far were powerful and inspiring and we look forward to hearing many more. We will continue with our pop-up recording booths in libraries and museums throughout the months of March and April. The next one is scheduled for March 25th at the Ojai Library from 12pm to 4pm. The following session with be held at the CAPS Media Center on Saturday March 31st at 11am. On April 2nd at 5pm we will be at EP Foster Library and at the Avenue Library Saturday April 14th from 10am-2pm. The final two sessions will be held at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula Sunday April the 22nd with the final session on May 20th at the Museum of Ventura County from 11am-3pm. If you can’t make one near you, feel free to stop by any location to share your story.

If you have photos or video to contribute to the legacy, CAPS Media has set up a simple process for the public to share recordings of the Thomas Fire for the historic project. Go to the CAPS Media website homepage (capsmedia.org) and click on the Read More arrow on the lower right corner of the Thomas Fires Stories image. The page presents more details on the project and step-by-step instructions on how to contribute photos, video and other media.

If you have a story to share, send an email to [email protected] or call the CAPS Media Center at 658.0500.

Members, producers, technicians, hosts, dee jays and performers are what makes CAPS Media Center click. Our mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. Find out more about how you can be part of this enthusiastic community by attending orientation on the first Thursday of every month. Member classes include HD videography/camera class held on the 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing class on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) two-part classes this month on the 5th week. In every training session Member/Producers receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production and more. All classes begin at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road. Trained member/producers may check out CAPS Media’s video cameras, tripods, audio gear and other production equipment to record their story and then book editing suites to craft the story they want to tell. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 658-0500.