Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Museum of Ventura County and California Resources Corp. host “Moment of Gratitude”

Elena Brokaw and Board Chair Kate McLean accepting a donation Amy Fonzo.

The Museum of Ventura County and California Resources Corporation (CRC) hosted a “Moment of Gratitude,” on Thursday, Nov. 9, to thank city and county officials and community members for their support throughout the Museum’s fiscal challenge. In a special presentation, CRC’s Amy Fonzo, manager, external relations, gave the museum a check for $5,000 to seed the museum’s new corporate giving program, and encouraged other corporations to ‘meet us or beat us’ in their support of the museum.

Ventura County Community Foundations Director Vanessa Bechtel, in attendance at the event, responded by committing VCCF to a Corporate Platinum Membership of $2,500.

In addition, Elena Brokaw, who recently accepted the permanent position as executive director, introduced the Museum’s new board of directors and shared an update on the museum’s progress over the past four months, including the securing of $1.675 million in corporate and individual gifts, and the procurement of one main location in Camarillo to be used to catalog and store the museum’s extensive collection . Brokaw credited TOLD Corporation’s Rod Gilbert, who is a special advisor to the Museum with being instrumental in securing the new storage location.

“The museum has so many treasures that for years have been packed away in storage,” said Brokaw. “We are eager to begin a formal process of identifying and cataloging the entire collection, and expanding our programming to incorporate all of the pieces of history currently in our care.”

The Museum of Ventura County celebrates, preserves and interprets the art, history and culture of Ventura County, the California Channel Islands and the surrounding region through its collections, exhibitions, events, educational programs, publications and its research library. Located at 100 East Main St., the Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Visit venturamuseum.org or call 653.0323 for more information.

Ventura resident Sheila Lowe pens new psychological thriller, “Written Off”

On Nov.14 Sheila Lowe and James Francis Gray shared a book signing at Mimi’s Café in Ventura.

“In the dead of winter, handwriting expert Claudia Rose journeys to Maine to retrieve a manuscript about convicted female serial killer, Roxanne Becker, written by Professor Madeleine Maynard, who was, herself, brutally murdered. While searching for the manuscript Claudia uncovers Madeleine’s explosive research, which exposes the shocking truth about a group of mentally unstable grad students dubbed “Maynard’s Maniacs.”

“The professor’s academic success and personal fortune made her the envy of fellow faculty members, and the University anticipates being the beneficiary of Madeline’s estate. But when a charming stranger shows up claiming to Madeleine’s nephew, brandishing a new will, all bets are off.”

The mother of a tattoo artist and a former rock star, Sheila Lowe lives in Ventura with Lexie the cat, where she writes her award-winning Forensic Handwriting mystery series. Like her fictional character Claudia Rose, Sheila is a real-life forensic handwriting expert who testifies in court cases. Despite sharing living space with a cat—a very bad one at that—Sheila’s books are decidedly non-cozy. Visit Sheila Lowe online at www.sheilalowe.com.

Written Off is available where fine books are sold. Published by Suspense Publishing, Written Off is available in trade paper (ISBN: 9781976507915, 266 pages, $12.99) and eBook ($3.99) editions.

Information and education at CAPS Media

Students from Pacific High School on CAPS set.

Pacific High School students are getting involved at the CAPS Media Center by producing a series for their AIM program exploring Ancestry, Immigration and Memories. CAPS Media staff will provide the training and support for the Pacific teams of six conducting interviews with family members. The CAPS Media component provides the students with a hands-on introduction into the world of multimedia, a vital skill in today’s world. The Pacific project, along with the award winning CAPS Media/ECTV program with El Camino High School students, demonstrates CAPS Media’s commitment to engage and support Ventura’s students.

Representative districting is moving quickly in Ventura and every resident is encouraged to get involved in the determination of the district mapping for the city council representatives. Go to www.CityofVentura.CA.Gov/districtelections to get meeting information for December as the process moves forward culminating in early January.

Season three of the city’s Mayor for a Moment program features exceptional fifth graders who are selected by the faculty of elementary schools throughout the city. Each month a young mayor is introduced at a city council meeting by a CAPS Media produced video followed by the student banging the gavel and presenting an original essay.

Ventura’s Spotlight on Local Business recognition program is in full swing with CAPS Media producing informative videos on unique and interesting businesses in the area. The series exposes new businesses and their importance in the community to Ventura. In addition, CAPS Media continues to create videos and supporting media materials for vital services and agencies including Ventura police and fire. All these programs can be found on channel 15 or on the CAPS website.

The Ventura Police Department shares the city crime statistics and offers helpful hints to stay safe every day on KPPQ-LP at 104.1fm. KPPQ is a great place to share your non-profit’s story and events. Support your local community by volunteering. Learn engineering and radio production. The final radio training class of 2017 will be held Wednesday November 29th. Call or email us at [email protected] for all the information.

CAPS Radio, KPPQ 104.1 FM and CAPS Television (Channel 6 & 15) are streaming worldwide. Now everyone in and outside of Ventura can enjoy the diversified programming on CAPS Media on cable, on the radio airwaves and streaming on the web. Go to capsmedia.org.

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. Our goals are to Engage, Educate and Inform. Informational and instructional classes are conducted every month with orientation on the first Thursday, HD videography/camera instruction on the 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing classes on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) on the 4th week, all at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center. CAPS Media Member/Producers receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production and more. Once trained member/producers may check out CAPS Media’s video cameras and other production equipment and book postproduction editing suites to craft the program they want to share. Details of training and signups are at capsmedia.org/events.

Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura may become a Member/Producer. Annual membership fees are only $25 for an individual and $75 for a non-profit organization. CAPS Radio DJs require an additional annual fee of $50. For complete information go to capsmedia.org.

Ventura Family YMCA Annual Prayer Breakfast

The Ventura Family YMCA hosted its Annual Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, November 15 at the Ventura Family YMCA. The popular annual gathering of local religious and community leaders featured keynote speaker, Chelsea Shaw, a two time national champion with the University of Oregon’s Acrobatic and Tumbling team and motivational speaker.

Along with Shaw’s appearance(shown addressing the gathering) attendees enjoyed breakfast generously donated by The Palms at Bonaventure as well as musical performances by Rubicon Harmonix and Laura Callen.

For 12 years, the Annual Prayer Breakfast has inspired and united the community to come together for the common good. Eight churches, Anthem Church, Harvest Bible Chapel, New Harvest Ventura, River Community Church, Mission Church, South Coast Fellowship, Mission San Buenaventura and Temple Beth Torah dedicated their time and efforts to making this event possible.

Photo by Michael Gordon

Be kind to one another

Charleen Morla and Jann making friends with the homeless.

by Jann Hurling

Can you make a difference in someone’s life today? It’s not money that is required, it’s a simple smile and actually listening to a story . Say hello, ask them their name, where are they from……..everyone has a story, embrace them and listen. Most of all don’t judge.

I saw a man pushing a shopping cart with a dog in the cart. I got excited and started to walk over to him. I watched his mannerisms and he put his head down and did not want to make eye contact. As I got closer I said” hi, my name is Jann and he would not look up. I said these are my dogs, Minnie Mojito and Sir Buddy Winston III and he looked up and smiled and asked me what their names were again. He said his dogs name was Sunny and he was Pete. We talked about his life journey and that he missed his family. He made some bad choices and I said that doesn’t make you a bad person.

We talked , walked and laughed. As we walked we got close to a little corner store so I asked him to hold my dogs leashes. I went in picked up some water, munchies and dog food. I bought him cigarettes and a big candy bar. I gave him the bag and a big long hug! And told him I will never forget him.

Driving down Pierpont I looked over at Surf Liquor and saw my homeless neighbor that calls himself Charcoal. Charcoal is a picky homeless friend! He doesn’t want left over food. I yelled Charcoal and he turned around and said hi Miss Jann. I pulled over and got the best hug ever! We sat and talked about life and I said do you want a smart water and he said…..honestly I want a Budweiser!!! I laughed and got him a smart water! He is a great guy with demons. My life is better because I have Charcoal as my friend.

I met Joey on my walk tonight! He joined me and we shared stories. He missed his mom a lot so I said let’s call her and 45 minutes of talking and crying they reunited and he is going home to Orem, Utah.

I stopped at Vons and as I walked I hear “Jann” real loud. I turn around and see Leroy and Francis my homeless neighbors, they had their heads lifted high and proud. (Which our homeless rarely do in public) I was so honored they remembered me that I ran to them and hugged them! I honestly felt that they had a purpose and a reason today and to see smiles was priceless. We can make a difference, learn a name, give a smile and give a little hope to our friends, even if homeless.

Island Packers has cruises for all occasions

View the decorated boats in Ventura Harbor. Photo by Doug Mangum

Island Packers offers a special holiday gathering. Schedule a Ventura Harbor holiday cruise or whale watching trip aboard the 64-foot catamaran.

These cruises offer a fun, unique way to bring relatives and friends together for an outdoor activity. View the decorated boats in Ventura Harbor as well as the decorated lighted homes in the Ventura Keys.

Island Packers offers the following holiday cruise selection:

One-Hour Caroling Cruises: Passengers can sing along with the crew or just relax and admire the decorated homes and boats in the Ventura Keys. The caroling cruise is 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hot and cold beverages and items from the snack bar are available for purchase. (Passengers may not bring alcohol on board.) Cruises are December 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22 and 23. The fare is $16 per adult, $13 per senior (55+), and $10 per child.

Ventura Parade of Lights: Friday, December 15 & Saturday, December 16. Passengers board our 64-foot catamaran at 6:15 for cruise from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to see the holiday lights, the boat parade, and ending with an onboard view of the fireworks display at 8 p.m.

Hot and cold beverages from the snack bar are available for purchase on these cruises. (Passengers may not bring alcohol on board.) The fare is $35 per adult, $32 per senior (55+) and $25 per child (12 and under). Discount rates for groups of 10 or more. Advanced reservations recommended.

Private Group Holiday Parties (great for company functions): Cruise options are: a buffet-style dinner, a no-host or host bar, and entertainment. Group rates are available for 30 up to 100 passengers. Contact Island Packers for private charter information.

Whale Watching Excursions, December 26 through April marks the official start of the gray whale migration. Regular trips are scheduled through mid-April. Departure times are listed daily on the Island Packers website. Rates start at $38 per adult for this half-day trip.

Island Packers Gift Certificates are great stocking stuffers and gifts! They are easy to purchase by calling the office or stopping in at Ventura location, 1691 Spinnaker Dr.

Recommended cruise attire: Passengers are strongly encouraged to dress in layers with a coat and gloves, and wear flat shoes. The Island Packers gift shop offers a variety of warm fleece pullovers and vests, T shirts and hats to purchase if needed before boarding.

For information, reservations or to purchase gift certificates: Visit www.islandpackers.com, call 642-1393, or visit Island Packers at 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Suite 105B, in Ventura Harbor Village.

Vol. 10, No. 4 – Nov 22 – Dec 5, 2017 – On Vacation

Carl Morehouse and Janna Minsk sharing the Breeze with Prince Henry the Navigator in Lagos, Portugal. Being a navigator Prince Henry especially enjoyed the Harbor Patrol reports.

 

 

Diana Murphy-Roberts, James Francis Gray, Mary Carr and Marcia Gray enjoying a surprise birthday party for Marcia in Fort Myers, Florida. Her best present was receiving the Breeze.

 

The Breeze’s own contributing writer Jill Forman outside the World Famous Giant Artichoke Restaurant in Castroville, CA. After eating deep fried artichoke heart, artichoke soup, and artichoke bread she finished reading the paper.

 

Eliane and Rick White In Baja Mexico. This place is owned and managed by Americans ex patriots. They cook a feast and really took good care of us. Sat in front of the post office and read the Breeze.

Left it in the snack bar seating area for the next tourist.

Ventura High annual Cardboard Boat Race

On Thursday November 16th Ventura High School had their totally awesome, annual Cardboard Boat Race. It is a long-standing, student run, lunchtime activity.

Each team is given a refrigerator box-size piece of cardboard, a roll of duct tape, a yardstick, and a box cutter. They are not allowed to leave their 10‘ x 10‘ area in the parking lot while building their “cardboard boat”

The races then take place in the school pool. Teams try to get their cardboard boat across the pool without sinking! At least 1000 kids were on the pool deck watching the races! Good, clean fun!

Even Principal Carlos Cohen gave it a try.

Kids & Families Together celebrates new center

David Friedlander cutting the ribbon with help from Stephanie Caldwell, Ventura Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Michael Gordon

On Thursday, Nov.9 Kids & Families Together and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of their new center with a ribbon cutting and open house at 864 Santa Clara St.

In addition to the headquarters for Kids & Families Together operations the new center houses children’s therapy rooms, training facilities and room to grow.

The celebration included tours of the center, wine and appetizers and musical entertainment.

Volunteer Beth Morris stated “The new location for Kids & Families Together is sunny, warm, and welcoming, just like the amazing people who work there”.

Ventura Councilmember Matt LaVere and Ventura Community Development Director Jeff Lambert were there celebrating the opening.

Kids & Families Together is a not-for-profit support, education and counseling resource center that provides services for individuals and families in foster care, kinship care and adoption, for the preservation of families and the physical, emotional and mental health of children. Kids & Families Together provides services through its collaboration with the Ventura County Human Services Agency and Ventura Behavioral Health Agency as well as other family serving organizations throughout Ventura County.

For more information about how to get involved with Kids & Families Together or utilize their services please contact David Friedlander, President/CEO & Co-founder (818) 643-1446 x 100 or email him at [email protected].

Celebrating the Life of an Irish Pig

Gone but not forgotten. Photo by Michael Gordon

He’d grown a little frail in his old age. Still, when he finally went to hog heaven, he broke a lot of hearts.

And so it is that, eight months after his sad public demise along the 2017 County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade route, the Great Inflatable Green Pig – everyone’s favorite parade entry for 26 years – will be remembered this month in a mass community wake along Main Street in historic downtown Ventura.

The final procession of our porcine pal will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, in the parking lot at the Museum of Ventura County, at 100 E. Main St.

A throng of public mourners will join city dignitaries, St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee members, pall bearers hoisting the casketed pig aloft and four bagpipers as they make their way down Main Street to celebrate the pig’s life and enjoy some libations along the way.

The Great Inflatable Green Pig – also lovingly known as Pig o’ My Heart and Shamhock – collapsed from exhaustion and passed on March 11, in view of the parade judges among many others, on the occasion of Ventura County’s 29th annual St. Patty’s Day Parade.

To properly honor his memory, the parade committee spent months planning this fitting Irish Wake and Memorial Procession on his behalf.

The public is invited to come out and help celebrate a pig’s life well lived and pay their respects to the end of a true legend.

For more information, email parade co-chair Nan Drake at [email protected], parade co-chair Jim Monahan at [email protected] or parade committee member Tim O’Neil at [email protected].