The newest addition to the City of Ventura’s Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships division, Kellogg Park, is currently in its first phase of construction. Kellogg Park began as a community driven project to increase park area on the Westside of Ventura, and although there were no available funds to build the park, the City and its partners secured $3.5 of the $4.5 of the funds needed to construct the park through grants and donations. The first phase of the 2.41 acre park will feature community gathering spaces, an amphitheater, playground area, outdoor exercise equipment, and a perimeter walking path.Installation at the park is moving right along and completion of the first phase is scheduled for April, 2018.
Landings at the island will be restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. In order to ensure a safe landing, boaters will need to carefully assess the weather conditions, particularly the tide and swell heights, prior to landing in this area.
The dock remains closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe nature of damage that occurred with successive storms the past two winters.
The island trail system has been stabilized following severe damage from storms this past winter.
Santa Barbara Island is the smallest and one of the least visited islands within Channel Islands National Park. It is located over 50 miles from Ventura and about 24 miles from neighboring Catalina Island.
He wrote the book after purposefully spending weeks alone on the Channel Islands
On Jan 9, 2018, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Topping Room, EP Foster Library the Sierra Club Ventura educational series is presenting Ken McAlpine speaking of a time to rethink our place in the environment and why we need nature.
Ken McAlpine has written 10 books but will speak about one in particular. Islands Apart: A Year on the Edge of Civilization was called “a rumination on what it means to be human”, and McAlpine was lauded as “a humorous and humble guide who takes his contemplation of our busy world into unexpected places.”
“Author Ken McAlpine stands in his front yard one night in Ventura, California, trying to see the stars. His view is diminished by light pollution, making it hard to see much of anything in the sky. Our fast-paced, technologically advanced society, he concludes, is not conducive to stargazing or soul-searching. Taking a page from Thoreau’s Walden, he decides to get away from the clamor of everyday life, journeying alone through California’s Channel Islands National Park. There, he imagines, he might be able to “breathe slowly and think clearly, to examine how we live and what we live for.”
He wrote the book after purposefully spending weeks alone on the Channel Islands. Literary Travel says the book is “a humorous and wise look at contemporary American life—and how time spent alone in nature can give us a fresh perspective and greater clarity about what matters most. In this touching and surprising book, McAlpine does what many of us long to do – slow down and take a closer look at this one life we have.”
A great time to learn and chat with others in the club, open to supporters and members.
Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP) law firm, is pleased to announce that Joshua S. Hopstone has been elevated to partner, beginning Jan. 1, 2018. In his seven years at FCOP, Hopstone has built a strong practice focused primarily on complex business and real estate related matters. He is also an accomplished appellate advocate. Hopstone’s law practice is focused on issues affecting real property.
The Ventura Family YMCA is encouraging residents of Ventura to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than one in three Americans (84 million people) has prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes. Learning how to prevent prediabetes can reduce the chances of getting diabetes even more, making it a slim possibility. Small changes to diets and routines can help save peoples lives.
“As one of the leading community-based charities committed to improving the health of Ventura, the Y wants to all people to understand their risk for prediabetes and steps to take to avoid developing type 2 diabetes,” said Margo Byrne,Chief Operations Officer for the Channel Islands YMCA. “Developing type 2 diabetes impacts the lives of millions of people and their families each year physically, emotionally and financially.”
Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.
The Ventura Family YMCA also offers its members Y Fit appointments, three complimentary one-hour sessions with a Y Fit expert. During these appointments, members can discuss health concerns and develop a fitness plan and solutions with their expert in order to meet their specific needs and goals.
One diabetic Y member details their story of transformation, “Since joining the YMCA, I came in at 230lbs, diabetic, insulin dependent and generally unfit. After 18 months, I have dropped 35lbs, lost 6 inches off my waist. I am now insulin free, and my blood pressure is back to normal. I have been coming seven days a week to workout & swim. It has become a new way of life for me.”
Thanks to the Y programs, the people of Ventura Family YMCA are able to improve their heath
Making some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:
Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
Choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin.
Aim for whole grains with every meal.
Be moderately active, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.
Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.
Thanks to charitable donations from the community, the Y can continue to offer health programs to individuals and families in need of financial assistance. To learn more about the Ventura Family YMCA’s programs, please contact Sherry Maresca at [email protected] or 642.2131 ext 20.
Two Men and a Truck collected donations for Turning Point Foundation.
In honor of Veteran’s Day on November 11, the Simi Valley & Ventura Two Men and a Truck locations partnered with Ventura County businesses in Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura and Simi Valley – First Bank, Yolanda’s Mexican Grills, Sharkey’s, American Legion Post #741 in Camarillo, and Montecito Bank, to collect donations from the community to deliver to local veterans as a way to show appreciation for their service.
Donation stations were placed at these businesses throughout Ventura County to gather personal care, household goods and other items for the Turning Point Foundation, a local nonprofit offering transitional housing and support programs for our veterans.
Two Men and a Truck brought all items collected to Turning Point Foundation’s Veterans Transitional Housing Program on Thursday, November 16 to hand deliver the items to local veterans. Dozens of veterans received goods from more than 12 boxes filled with a variety of toiletries, clothing items, blankets and other generous gifts. The Movers for Military Campaign served to help Turning Point make the greater Ventura County area a more veteran friendly community.
For more information on Turning Point’s programs [email protected] or go to www.turningpointfoundation.org.
This is an invitation to come out and make a difference and have fun. Every 3 or 4 months, the Ventura Act of Kindness team gets together to go out and do good deeds in the Ventura area and neighboring cities. On Saturday, Dec.16 they will go out and make a difference in our community. Meet at Trinity Lutheran Church on 196 N. Ashwood Ave at 11am and get your assignments. Spend on the average 3-4 hours helping others. Children are encouraged to participate. Please invite a friend.
Acts of kindness will include:
1. Visiting with the homeless (a group will visit with the homeless who congregate down at Mission park across from the Ventura mission.) It’s a simple but powerful act by just spending some time talking to a person, asking their name, and listening to them. Makes a huge difference in their day.
2. Assist elderly person in Ventura getting home cleaned and organized.
3. Assist Ventura Tender Life organization (www.tenderlife.org) with yard work and maintenance tasks.
In addition, there is an opportunity/need to provide supplies and gift cards to The City Center transitional living facility (www.thecitycenter.org). You can bring supplies and gift cards at 11:00 or you can deliver them straight to The City Center.
Supplies needed: Dressers Small Fridges Cleaning Supplies (sponges, gloves, cleaning detergents,/liquids) Diapers (All sizes) (4) a bagless upright vacuum (4) Carpet Steam Cleaners (10) Brooms and dust pans Bathroom tissue Paper towels Napkins Plastic utensils Paper plates Feminine hygiene products Food – prepared or canned foods
Please reply to Jim O’Neill ([email protected]) if you can come out and support this event or 218-4563.
In March 2007, City Council launched a new Downtown Specific Plan that included future upgrades to the bridge.
Question. What ever happened to the fancy lights proposed on the new C-Street pedestrian overpass?
I take the overpass every day and have to laugh remembering that it was delayed because the barrier color was not “right”. It’s design (small holes acting as a filter) capture so much dirt you can’t tell what color it is. 🙂
Ed Melinn
Answer by Burris DeBenning:
Good question Ed! A lot of residents have been wondering when the bridge will be finished.
The Breeze got ahold of the City’s Public Works Engineering Division to find out the latest. City officials are eager to wrap up the work, but say that there have been some unforeseen delays, like the one Ed mentioned about the color scheme. First, we should refresh our readers as to why the City believes the construction is important.
Since it’s cutting the City’s oceanfront off from the downtown core, the 101 has deprived City of a vital economic corridor. For decades, the only link between the Promenade and downtown was the hazardous and narrow sidewalks on the California Street overpass. There was no easy access for cyclists, and pedestrians had to walk next to low railings, over which anyone could easily have fallen to the busy freeway below. Most would agree the bridge was a bit of an eye sore, certainly not inducing to the drivers that whizzed by the California Street exit in daily estimated 91,000 vehicles per day, according to Caltrans.
In March 2007, City Council launched a new Downtown Specific Plan that included future upgrades to the bridge to make it more pedestrian and cyclist friendly, link downtown and the waterfront, and improve the bridge’s aesthetics to conform with the City’s seaside ambiance. New bridge enhancements would include widening of the sidewalks to accommodate walkers and bikers, higher decorative barriers to replace the low railings and new lighting fixtures for safer and more eye-pleasing illumination. Unfortunately, the national economic downturn and the City’s belt tightening over several years caused the project to be deferred. In early 2016, construction got underway.
Mayor Erik Nasarenko said of the endeavor, “This project connects two of Ventura’s greatest assets and economic drivers, our historic downtown and the Pacific Ocean. Creating a more walkable environment encourages pedestrians to explore downtown and patronize businesses.”
The original construction timeline forecasted completion by August 2016, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans. In the summer and fall of 2016, the project was delayed because the fabricator of the sidewalk barriers used improper measurements in the manufacturing process, forcing total re-dos. At the same time, the design artist changed the barrier color causing a further two-week delay. With these changes, City Public Works moved the completion date to November 2017. However, “the ongoing delays are due to unforeseen issues such as the lights. They are required to be built at a Caltrans approved audited facility which took a significant amount of time to complete this process,” said City Construction Manager, Loree Pryce. This requirement is necessary to ensure that the manufacturer will conform to strict Caltrans design standards during fabrication of the light pole structure.
The City states it is doing everything possible to expedite the completion by having regular weekly contact with Caltrans and the contractors. The latest estimate is Summer 2018, when both sides will have tall barriers and new lights. Presently, only the west side of the bridge has barrier panels. The City’s objective is that the $2.7 million upgrade, which is funded almost entirely by outside funding and grants, will create and optimize economic development by drawing the public to support surrounding businesses through this corridor connecting historic downtown with California Street Plaza, the pier and promenade.
“In addition,” said Pryce, “the raised height of the new railing will provide safety to pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge.” Pedestrians and cyclists should notice a safer environment with significantly improved lighting and attractive “kelp” railing panels designed by Southern California artist Michael Davis.
If you have a question you would like answered send it to [email protected] and we will try to get an answer for you.
Porterhouse Porkchop with sautéed apple and parmesan spinach.
by Jennifer Tipton
Located on the corner of Oak and Main (where American Apparel used to be), Casa Bella opened her doors in June 2017.
I first visited the new establishment on July 4th when friends wanted to meet for cocktails, I was very impressed with the beautiful and spacious interior, a large open bar, and tall backed booths (for privacy) set elegantly! The Bloody Mary I ordered presented as a meal, garnished with a large prawn, olives and cocktail onions along with the usual celery stalk.
Interested to return and sample the fare, we dined with friends one Saturday evening and although it is not uncommon to have a server bring the entrée with the warning, “be careful, the plate is hot”, in this case it wasn’t just the plate, the food was so hot it scalded the tongue and we had to wait for it to cool before we could eat…
Recently, my husband persuaded me to “give them another chance”. Seated in the separate dining area that sets behind the bar, the tables were so close together for the size of the room that I wondered how the servers could get in and out and back and forth without knocking anything or anyone over.
Our server’s name was “Chelsea” and she was outstanding, Casa Bella always appears to be well staffed.
Appetizers include Chorizo Mussels with Tequila Crème, Spanish Deviled Eggs and Shrimp Avocado Rolls (these were so good, I should’ve skipped the entrée!). Prices range $8 to $13.
Entrées sound impressive with selections such as the Chef’s Chateau, a prime center cut chateau with lump crab cake, a cilantro aioli, parmesan risotto and a tequila gorgonzola cream. Several steaks are offered, each with a unique and enticing description, but going for that “Mexico City” flavor are other choices such as Mexican Shrimp and Lobster Pasta or Mexican Chicken Cordon Bleu. Prices range $22 to $42 with the average price per plate at $39.
All entrées come with one side, choices include the Jalapeno Creamed Spinach and the Cheesy Sweet Corn and Rice. Ordered separately, prices range $8 to $12 or a large “Specialty Lobster Garlic Mashed” for $25.
I had the Porterhouse Bone-In Porkchop with sautéed apple and parmesan spinach and was allowed to substitute a salad for one of the side dish selections, I ordered the chopped salad but was brought the Bella Romaine salad which consisted of fennel, shaved parmesan, red onion, walnuts and a gorgonzola dressing … not a winning combination.
Overall; beautiful ambience, great service and although the food sounds impressive, it was just “okay”, certainly not price worthy. Our bill for one appetizer, two entrées and a couple of cocktails was $150 (with tip).
There is no outdoor seating, so Casa Bella is not dog friendly and because of the location, parking is limited. There’s live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays and sometimes during the week, this we enjoyed very much as I sipped my $15 chocolate martini (a new way of doing dessert), the server forgot to charge me until I reminded her.
Community Memorial Health System’s inaugural Nurse Resident graduating nurses back row Jennifer Wise, Taylor Edsel, Camille Finnerty, Marika Schipper, Kierstyn Polte and Jocelyn Briggs, and front row Annel Lupian, Sara Maffet, Lauren Barnett, Darcy Young, Rachel Alan and Riley Friedl. Photo courtesy of Community Memorial Health System
Community Memorial Health System is proud to congratulate the 12 registered nurses in its inaugural Nurse Resident Class. The graduates completed CMHS’s new Nurse Residency Program, which assists student nurses as they make the transition to healthcare practitioners. Hopefully, this will inspire the next lot of students who want to get into nursing.
Community Memorial Health System created its Nurse Residency Program to help with the assimilation challenges many new nurses face. Such programs are part of a new trend in nursing, with nurse residency programs being formed at hospitals nationwide that transcend the standard orientation programs in duration, focus and complexity.
The CMHS Nurse Residency Program provides a structured experience that supports newly graduated RNs, guides their career development, and helps them begin their nursing careers with confidence. The curriculum incorporates proven methods of adult learning and emphasizes the development of clinical and leadership skills as they transition from student nurse to acute care professional. Nurses in the CMHS Nurse Residency Program work in a direct care role at Community Memorial Hospital. The one-year program begins with 16 weeks of preceptor-led programming and is followed by monthly seminars. It will involve the majority of new graduates at CMHS.
The newest addition to the City of Ventura’s Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships division, Kellogg Park, is currently in its first phase of construction. Kellogg Park began as a community driven project to increase park area on the Westside of Ventura, and although there were no available funds to build the park, the City and its partners secured $3.5 of the $4.5 of the funds needed to construct the park through grants and donations. The first phase of the 2.41 acre park will feature community gathering spaces, an amphitheater, playground area, outdoor exercise equipment, and a perimeter walking path.Installation at the park is moving right along and completion of the first phase is scheduled for April, 2018.
