Beginning in 2009, RCP has been working with community members and organizations such as conservancy groups, state parks and local public agencies to protect and conserve our natural resources. They have several active restoration projects in Ventura County. These benefit the public in numerous ways such as improving water quality, increasing water availability, and reducing wildfire hazards. By reaching out to the community through volunteer activities, participating in community events and conducting workshops, RCP strives to promote awareness about the importance of habitat restoration and conservation within our community.
Jessica West is a Biologist with Resource Conservation Partners and Wildscape Restoration in Ventura. Jessica is a graduate of Humboldt State University with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology as well as a graduate of the Exotic Animal Training and Management curriculum from Moorpark College’s “EATM” program. During college she practiced falconry with a red-tailed hawk and spent a summer in Yosemite National Park as a Bear Management Intern.
Hear her speak about saving our natural resources at 7:30 pm, March 13 at the Poinsettia Pavilion.
On February 15 a ribbon cutting (in this case seaweed) was held at the Ventura Harbor Village in celebration of the Village’s revitalized spaces that includes new hardscape and landscaping. The event included appetizers, lattes and more provided by Village restaurants and live music. It was presented by the Ventura Port District and the Ventura Chamber of commerce. The very large crowd attending included local dignitaries, Harbor merchants and locals.
George Ball leads cast of twenty in story of a narcissistic ruler.
Rubicon Theatre Company presents King Lear, the centerpiece of the company’s 20th Anniversary Season. Timely and trenchant, Lear is the story of a narcissistic ruler who craves adulation, casts out those who doubt his decisions, and neglects those on the fringes of society. Considered by many to be Shakespeare’s greatest masterpiece, King Lear is a haunting and epic saga of love, greed, family strife, and civil war. Directed by Co-Founder James O’Neil, the production features a twenty member cast led by acclaimed actor and company member George Ball, who has starred in previous Rubicon productions of All My Sons, Man of La Mancha, and Jacques Brel… (appearing in New York, L.A., and international companies of the latter).
Set in ancient Britain, the plot of King Lear follows an aging sovereign who announces that he will divide his kingdom among his three daughters in proportion to their professed affection for him. When his youngest daughter Cordelia refuses to falsely flatter her father, Lear becomes irrational and enraged, exiling his beloved child and his battle-tested longtime friend the Earl of Kent. The kingdom is thrown into a state of confusion, and more family drama develops when the Earl of Gloucester is deceived by his illegitimate son Edmund, who convinces his father that his half-brother Edgar intends to murder Gloucester. Lear’s elder daughters Goneril and Regan reveal their true natures and turn on their father; and Lear, his Fool and companions are turned out into a raging, bitter storm. They try to make their way to safety and peace. As the monarchy collapses, Lear is faced with the folly of his actions and descends into madness.
Dates: March 14-April 1
Opening Night Saturday, March 17
Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 E. Main St. Ventura, CA 93001
Ticket Range: $40 – $65 ($150 for opening night including post-show party)
Discounts for Seniors 65 and over, Students, Teachers and active Military available
Box Office (for single and group tickets) 667.2900
Each class culminates with a final presentation of the students’ work.
Enrollment is now open for spring acting classes at Rubicon Theatre Company for adults and children ages 5 and older. Classes will be taught by Rubicon Associate Artistic Director Brian McDonald, an award-winning professional actor and director and graduate of Boston Conservatory, whose credits include national tours and work with prestigious regional theatre companies.
McDonald heads Rubicon’s Education and Outreach programs and is has directed numerous summer and main stage productions. Brian McDonald recently starred in the acclaimed one-man show Buyer & Cellar at the Rubicon Theatre.
These process-oriented programs consist of vocal, physical and mental exercises; character analysis and development; scene study; theatre games, improvisation and audition technique. Classes provide opportunities for participants to think creatively and open themselves to new ideas and modes of expression. Each class culminates with a final presentation of the students’ work for family and friends.
Says McDonald, “We limit our class size in order to provide individual attention a nurturing environment where participants are able to participate and grow at their own pace.”
Costs range from $180-$240. And are divided into:
Acting (Ages 5-7): March 10 – April 14, Tuition: $180.
Acting (Ages 8-12): March 10 – April 14, Tuition: $200
Acting (Ages 13-18):March 5 – April 9, Tuition: $220
Acting (Ages 19+):March 5 – April 9, Tuition: $240
To learn more about the classes and to register please visit the Education and Outreach section at www.rubicontheatre.org. Or call 667-2912 ext. 234 for assistance.
Join on Thursday, March 8, for a Community Walk and Speakers Forum to further the fight against human trafficking and sexual slavery.
Did you know that every 30 seconds another person becomes a victim of human trafficking?
Help put an end to suffering through education, advocacy and involvement by joining the event at the Museum Of Ventura County. Registration begins at 5:00 pm with the Community Walk starting at 5:30.
Stay for the Speaker Forum at 6:30 featuring:
Dawn Schiller, Survivor/Advocate
Michael Munn, Ventura County DA Investigator II
Dr. Allison Santi-Richard, Emergency Medicine physician, Los Robles Hospital
Christan Perez, Client Services Program Manager, HEART Program (Helping to Educate, Address, and Respond to Trafficking), Interface Children & Family Services’
This event is being put on by Soroptimist International, a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls in our community and throughout the world who work to achieve this through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Soroptimist International was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. Since then it has grown in more than 120 countries and territories worldwide with 95,000 members. The Ventura Chapter was chartered on March 15, 1930. The name, Soroptimist, means “best for women” and that’s what the organization strives to achieve.
What have the Thomas Fires taught us? Do you have an evacuation plan and what would be the top 3 items you’d grab?
Barbara Bean
age 88
retired teacher
“Oh yes, I have an evacuation plan and a little bag packed because I was evacuated at 2:30 that night and was I prepared at the time? … no!”
What would be the top 3 items you’d grab?
“I would grab shoes, a change of clothes and my purse, because a woman has everything in her purse!”
Greg Jordan
age 40
school counselor
with daughter Tohpia age 4 (turns 5 in March – Happy Birthday Tohpia!)
“It’s definitely showed us the necessity to be prepared. In school, we actually did a presentation discussing preparedness a couple of months before the fires and then lo and behold! Our family did evacuate but were we prepared? … no! I grabbed some legal stuff, the computer and Tohpia grabbed her little treasure box filled with family heirlooms, there’s a locket with her great gramma’s picture in it.” “And my vitamins!”, Tohpia added.
Gayane Sarkissyan
age 41
personal banker
“For me honestly, what it taught us is not to complain about the little things in life, knowing that so many people lost everything. Do I have an evacuation plan? I do not, I should though!
I would grab my purse and my daughter, but my boyfriend’s a big guy so he’s just too much to carry … that’s really it, everything else is replaceable.”
Marc Thompson
age 51
systems administrator
“Most definitely, I think far too many people were unprepared for it. Do we have an evacuation plan? We do! Because of the fires we were under voluntary evacuation and we grabbed the kid, the dogs, a suitcase each and some pictures. You can always go to a bank outside of town and find shelter somewhere else, but without your family, you’re pretty much lost!”
Angie Henry
age 41
teacher
“I want to say yes, I’m hoping people will start doing more for themselves and their families as far as emergency preparedness. We had earthquake supply kits in place before the fires and I think that would’ve helped us, now our family does have an evacuation plan and we’ve discussed a meeting place with our kids. The top 3 things I’d grab? … photos, cats and clothes.”
Al Villegas
age 81
retired from Vons with his wife Anita age 76
“I’ve heard so many stories, I heard when the fire broke out there wasn’t enough water on the hill, a plumber friend told me if the neighborhood was old, the city didn’t want to cause any problems by putting in a higher-pressure system, so it really isn’t the city’s fault.”
Do you have an evacuation plan? “No, not really, but we did think about it.”
Anita adds, “we do have a lot of stuff in the garage, like water etc., but in an emergency, how are you going to get in the garage?”
What are the top 3 items you’d grab? They thought together… “our cell phones so we can call our kids, maybe some important papers and each other.”
Nominations are open for the eighth annual Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards, the most prestigious awards for women entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. This year’s winners will be announced at the annual Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards dinner on Friday, May 4, at the newly renovated Hilton Santa Barbara Seaside Resort. Outstanding women entrepreneurs will be recognized for their success and contributions to the economy and our community:
The nominations are open to any woman entrepreneur in Santa Barbara or Ventura County. “We are so pleased that we expanded our nominations to Ventura County last year,” said Cathy Feldman, Board Chair/CEO of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Foundation (SOEF). “By encouraging these nominations, SOEF will bring well-deserved attention to the valuable contributions made by the many women who are influencing the economics of our region and other communities.”
Nominate a woman entrepreneur (or self-nominated) via the quick and easy online form at http://soefoundation.org/nominate/. The deadline for nominations is Monday, March 5.
The selection of award winners will be done by successful business women from outside the area who are not affiliated with the Foundation to insure fairness and integrity in the decision-making process. Three Finalists in each category will be announced at the end of March. While all the Finalists will be recognized before the Awards Dinner on Friday, May 4, the winners will be announced for the first time at the Awards Dinner, just like the Oscars.
Proceeds from the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards benefit the student winners of the SBCC Scheinfeld Center’s New Venture Challenge, a business pitch competition for area high school and college students that promotes youth entrepreneurship. The student winners will be the Foundation’s guests at the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards dinner where they are recognized and receive their prizes in the form of seed money. The student finalists from the New Venture Challenge participate in a Student Startup Showcase on May 4th at the SOE Awards Dinner.
For more information about the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Foundation or the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards go to www.soefoundation.org, email [email protected], or call 682-8380.
Jessica Morrison is the agency’s new Executive Director.
Resource Conservation Partners (RCP), a non-profit organization formed in 2009 to focus on habitat restoration and enhancement of open spaces throughout Ventura County, has hired Jessica Morrison as the agency’s new Executive Director. RCP projects improve water quality and reduce wildfire hazards through the removal of invasive, non-native plants in collaboration with organizations such as conservancy groups, state parks and local public agencies as well as community members. Information is available at www.resourceconservationpartners.org.
Morrison brings a broad range of diverse industry experience as well as a passion for restoring and protecting our environment combined with a genuine ability to bring together nature enthusiasts, sustainability stewards and partner organizations throughout Ventura County. Morrison received her BA in English from Cal State Northridge and earned her Executive Master’s degree for Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability.
RCP Board Member Dr. Sean Anderson says, “We’re grateful to have Jessica bring her experience and leadership to Resource Conservation Partners to nurture our brand, develop new projects, and create a coalition of passionate stakeholders.”
Community members are invited to volunteer at the upcoming RCP habitat restoration and conservation project February 17, 9am to noon, at the Ventura Wildlife Ponds removing non-native ice plant (sign up required Ventura Wildlife Ponds registration.)
New board members:
Sean Anderson, PhD is a broadly trained ecologist and conservation biologist who works on a variety of coastal zone management issues across California, Louisiana, the South Pacific, and Middle East. Anderson received his Bachelor’s degree from UCSB, Ph.D. from UCLA, and was a postdoctoral and then research fellow at Stanford University before moving to Ventura County to help launch CSU Channel Islands, where he chairs the Environmental Science and Resource Management Program.
Todd Kaufman, Realtor and Marketing Specialist is a licensed Realtor, providing great insight in both marketing and real estate for Resource Conservation Partners’ growth.
Eileen Guettler, is a Habitat Restoration and Environmental Educator with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Restoration and Conservation from Sonoma State University. She volunteers as the Garden Coordinator for Pierpont Elementary School in Ventura where she teaches organic gardening and healthy eating.
Damian Bourguet is a licensed Realtor and outdoor enthusiast with a deep appreciation for maintaining open spaces in Ventura County for all generations.
Erik Eiser is a Ventura County native with experience in regulatory oversight, environmental surveillance and designing Hollywood sound stages. As an accomplished photographer, he brings a different vision to each genre he shoots and is especially interested in preservation of native coast lines while maintaining public access.
RCP collaborates with organizations such as conservancy groups, state parks and local public agencies as well as community members. Projects are funded directly through state programs and grants; operational expenses are sought to be covered by private sponsorships and donations. Visit at www.resourceconservationpartners.org.
The 6th Annual Water: Take 1 Film Festival presents water-themed short films that showcase critical water issues as well as community efforts in water conservation, resource management, and sustainability. Through the medium of film, Water: Take 1 brings together a community of difference makers to put a focus on educating and activating sustainable water solutions!
In 2018, Water: Take 1 aims to highlight the outstanding efforts and innovation of local residents, businesses, and non-profits. This year instead of asking for film submissions, Water: Take 1 will feature short films that tell the story of innovative leaders that inspire collaboration and bring awareness to the essential life source of water! Please partner with Ventura Water and become an event sponsor!
On Thursday, March 22 at 6:00 pm, at the Ventura Beach Club, 281 E. Main St. there will be food, cocktails, and films! The event is free and open to the public with an RSVP.
6:00 pm appetizers and cocktails, 7:00 pm screening of films.
John spent 18 years as a Trustee of the Community Memorial Hospital. He was Chairman of the Community Memorial Hospital Benefactors and an Executive Board member Community Memorial Health Care Foundation. John joined the staff of Community Memorial Hospital in 1992 as Vice President Community Relations. He remained for 25 years retiring at the age of 81.
His accomplishments were very many. These are just a very few of them.
He was President and Founding Member of the El Cien Dance Club and served on the Ventura Grand Jury in 1969. He was a founding member of the Ventura College foundation and was deeply involved with local school sports serving as President of the Ventura College Booster Club, Chairman of the Ventura County Stanford Buck club and founding member of the St Bonaventure Booster Club. He was a great supporter of the Ventura Boys and Girls club and he was a member of the Ventura Boy Scouts council.
John was also a published writer. He wrote a column for the Star Free Press “Wheels” section for 10 years winning “Best Business Column” from The L.A. Press Club in 1993. He was a member of the Greater Los Angeles Press Club and the Motor Press Guild and contributed pieces to various automotive publications. In addition, he wrote an occasional piece for the Santa Paula Times on the theater called “Masterson on Stage”. He was a Board member of the Santa Paula Theater Center.
John pursued his love of the theater, appearing on stage in over 25 productions in Ventura, Santa Paula and Camarillo. He was versatile – taking parts in musicals, drama and comedies. It didn’t matter if he was the lead or in the supporting cast.
John produced the weekly Western Automotive Consultant (WAC) report. He was Executive Director of the Ventura Auto Mall Dealers Association and spent 5 years on KVTA radio hosting “Auto-Talk” with Ross Olney as his partner.
