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 Color Run, the world’s first Color 5K™ and Color Dash event was recently held in Ventura. Founded in 2011, their mission is to bring people together and make the world a happier, healthier place by creating an experience that’s more about the memories you make than your mile per minute.
Jann is always serving the community in a big way.
Jann Huling was born and raised in Ventura County. Graduating from Ventura High and UCLA. She is with ServiceMaster by Integrity in Oxnard as the business development manager .
Jann has one grown son Ian and has adopted his childhood best – friend Bobby. Bobby also works for ServiceMaster by Integrity. She has one granddaughter Meadow Lily.
Jann is the Vice-Chair of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. Serves on the board for The City Center Transitional Living Center and is on the Marketing Committee. She was awarded Volunteer of the year in 2013 from the Ventura Chamber Ambassador. She was also awarded Board Member of the year with Project Understanding 2016. She is the 2017 President of Project Understanding and won Ambassador of the year for Camarillo Chamber 2017. At Project Understanding she also serves on the Executive Committee and Operations.
She developed a program that she calls “I am not hopeless I am homeless” where she personally engages with homeless to hear their story. Put a name to the homeless…instead of that guy at the Victoria Shopping center or that lady at McDonalds. Jann stated “I believe in putting a name to every homeless neighbor I meet.”
New County Library Director at the opening of the new Hill St. Library. Photo by Michael Gordon
By a unanimous vote the Board of Supervisors concurred with the recommendation of County Executive Officer Mike Powers to name Nancy Schram as Director of the Ventura County Library System.
“Nancy was selected after a nationwide search that resulted in more than 85 applicants,” said Powers. “Nancy’s collaborative style of management, her tremendous enthusiasm for the role of libraries in our communities and her professional experience showed Nancy was the right choice for the position. Representatives of our local city library partners also participated in the selection process and noted Nancy’s innovative and collaborative approach in supporting her appointment.”
Schram joined the Ventura County Library System as the Deputy Library Director in 2016. Prior to that, she served as the Deputy Library Director for the City of Thousand Oaks for nine years after having worked for the County of Los Angeles Public Library for 10 years. She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and is a member of two professional library associations.
“I’m excited to take a leadership role in County government and to serve our residents with superior library services,” said Schram. “I envision a thriving, sustainable, relevant and collaborative library system that will meet the needs of all our communities far into the future.”
Schram will succeed Jackie Griffin who is retiring in December after 15 years in the Ventura County Library System. Under Griffin’s direction, the library system added the Ventura County Library Foundation, internet connectivity, 3-D printers, laptop computers that can be checked out, innovative reading programs and activities for all ages, and many other accomplishments.
Schram will begin her new duties on December 17, 2017, at an annual salary of $176,766.
Since joining the County, Schram has implemented innovative technology at the soon-to-open Hill Road Library. The technology will empower patrons and provide services on demand, while increasing by up to 70 percent the hours the library is open to the public. She also initiated a Library Staff Training Academy and a program to work with homeless patrons at the E.P. Foster Library.
It has been said that many people have more fear of public speaking than the fear of death
In 1924 Dr. Ralph Smedley created Toastmasters. The purpose was to provide a positive and mutual learning experience where people could practice and improve their communication and leadership skills.
The basic format of a Toastmaster meeting presents 5 to 7 minute speeches with 2 to 3 minute evaluations. There are 1 to 2 minute impromptu speeches called Table Topics. There are also contests for Humor and an annual International Speech Contest.
Originally women could not participate. Then in 1973 Helen Blanchard from San Diego joined. In order to participate she identified herself as Homer Blanchard (After the Greek Poet Homer). She got to be president of her club and Toastmasters International. Now women are welcome.
Today there are 325,000 Toastmasters in the world. There are 20,000 clubs in 142 nations including China. In 2017 the International Convention was held in August in Vancouver, Canada.
There are many Toastmaster clubs in this area. One Ventura club is Sandpipers. It meets every Wednesday 6:30 to 7:45am at the Ventura County Human Services Agency, 855 Partridge Dr.
The President is Dave Culton 983-1327. The Vice President for Membership is Wayne Choate at 750-3121 for more information.
A recent report states that by 2050, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish
On Sunday, Nov. 19, the Ventura Land Trust (VLT) and Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation teamed up to host the 1st Annual Ventura River to the Sea Coastal Cleanup. Both organizations invited volunteers to join them to clear trash and debris from the Ventura River estuary and beaches near the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
“The sad fact is that 80 % of plastics and other trash found in our ocean comes from land–based sources,” said Dashiell Dunkell, VLT Conservation Director. “Our goal is to remove as much trash as possible from the beach and along the Ventura River before the rainy season begins and washes it into the sea.”
“This is one day when the community can come together in defense of the beautiful coastline, waterways and ecosystems that make Ventura such a beautiful place to live,” said Dunkell.
