Category Archives: This ‘n’ That
Attend CAPS media open house and tours
CAPS Media is offering a series of great opportunities to get a first-hand look inside CAPS Media with special tours, open houses and on site demonstrations over the next few weeks. The opportunities start on Wednesday, October 4 at 6pm when CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) hosts a community wide Open House at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road. Everyone interested in, or even curious about, community radio is invited to tour the center and join the exchange of creative programming ideas and direction for the new radio station.
Art Walk on Saturday, October 7 provides a second opportunity to learn about CAPS Media. The CAPS Media Production Truck will be part of the Art Walk demonstrations. Set up at the corner of California and Santa Clara, the CAPS Crew will offer tours of the truck and front row seats to watch El Camino High School students produce segments for ECTV to air on CAPS Television and CAPS Radio – KPPQ 104.1FM. Drop by, take a tour of the production truck and see El Camino High School students in action.
On Tuesday, October 10 the tours continue at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road, when CAPS Media welcomes Ventura College students and faculty for a special open house and tour of the facility starting at 6pm. The tour includes the studio, control room, editing suites, meeting rooms, production truck, the new KPPQ 104.1FM radio station and more. This is a chance to see the complete range of equipment, facilities and resources at the center and to meet the knowledgeable staff to explore media training opportunities offered at the CAPS Media Center next to the campus of Ventura College.
If you have ever thought about checking out CAPS Media to be part of the fun, these events offer great opportunities. Now that everyone is settling into the new school year, this is a terrific time for community members to become CAPS Media Member/Producers. CAPS Media offers new member orientation meetings on the first Thursday of every month. HD videography/camera classes are held on the 2nd Thursday, and Final Cut postproduction editing classes are on the 3rd Thursday. CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) holds training classes on the 4th week – Wednesday and Thursday evenings. 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. Once 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 postproduction editing suites to craft the story they want to tell.
CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. Go to capsmedia.org to see programming schedules, search the archives for past programs, get general info and sign up for classes. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura may become a Member/Producer. Annual 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.
Rubicon Theatre conducts search for executive director
Company moves into 20th anniversary season.
Rubicon Theatre seeks to hire an experienced and energetic, hands-on Executive Director (ED) to take the organization to the next level. According to the Chair of the Search Committee Walt Wood, “We are especially looking for someone with a proven record of success in board and committee development, fundraising, financial management, and administration.”
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will work closely with founding artistic directors Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil to support and carry out the mission of the company. The ED will have responsibility for a “Capital and Comprehensive” campaign, make and manage donor solicitations, and oversee facility renovations and expansion during and after the campaign. Exceptional verbal and written skills are a necessity.
Rubicon Theatre, founded in 1998, is about to embark on its 20th Season as one of the premiere nonprofit professional theatre companies in Southern California. Rubicon Theatre Company has served more than 440,000 audience members and 45,000 students in an intimate 185-seat renovated former church built in the 1920s. Rubicon began as an actors’ and directors’ company and is committed to creating a nurturing environment for artists and creating an atmosphere where experimentation and exploration are encouraged and supported. As a result, a number of notable artists have graced the Rubicon stage, including Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and Obie Award-winners.
Annual programming consists of a season of 5-8 diverse shows (dramas, comedies and musicals); a Broadway concert series; festivals; special events; and education and outreach programs. The company has presented numerous World Premieres and has launched national and international tours. Last year, three Rubicon-originated or developed productions played Off-Broadway. The company has been the recipient of multiple Ovation and Indy Awards, an NAACP Award, the L.A. Drama Critics Margaret Harford Award for “Sustained Excellence,” and the N.Y. Drama Desk Award.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Search Committee, Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001. Fax 667-2904. Or e-mail: [email protected]. No phone calls please. EOE. For complete details http://siteline.vendini.com/site/rubicontheatre.org/job-opportunity-executive-director.
Help to clean up our beaches
Bring your own bag, bucket and gloves.
Be one of the 60,000 people across all of California in the upcoming 33rd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, on September 16! Volunteer to remove debris from beaches, creeks, rivers, and lakes all around California to protect wildlife from harm while taking care of our environment.
Last year, nearly 3,000 dedicated volunteers from Ventura County collected close to 10,000 pounds of trash and recyclables.
Volunteers are encouraged to attend their local cleanup site and bring their own bucket or used grocery bag, gloves, and a reusable water bottle to lessen the amount of trash created during the event.
The California Coastal Commission and the Ventura County Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways will once again coordinate this regional cleanup event made possible by our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers.
Thousands of marine animals die each year from becoming entangled in debris or from ingesting it. Marine debris can impact critical habitat, smothering sea grasses or dislodging or injuring corals. Debris can also pose human health and safety risks. Syringes, broken glass, and other hazardous items pose obvious dangers to barefooted beach goers. Grocery and trash bags, fishing line, nets, rope, and other debris can wrap around boat propellers and clog seawater intakes, causing costly damage and becoming a safety hazard.
For more information visit VCCoastalcleanup.org.
Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – Person to Person
by Jennifer Tipton
I asked 6 Ventura surfers “Where’s your favorite surf spot in Ventura?” … and it was unanimous because these are all the same spot!
Lilly Givner
age 26
works at Ventura Surf Shop
“The Cove – probably because I grew up surfing there, it’s my number 1 go to.” Lilly learned to surf at age 13 and goes out 2-3 times a week.
Luke Williams
age 20
also works at Ventura Surf Shop
“Ventura Point because it’s definitely the most consistent break in Ventura, it usually always has a wave!” Luke learned to surf at age 14 but says he didn’t get serious until 15 or 16 and he goes every other day.
John Siman
age 16 another
Ventura Surf Shop employee
“C street! It’s just really fun and the whole stretch is well rounded, it can get big and scary up on top but it’s more friendly down in the cove. My favorite is the cove.” John has been surfing since he was 11 or 12 and goes out “like every day or every other day.”
John DeSurro
age 46
General Contractor / Musician
“The Point because you can surf it at high tide or low tide and you can use a variety of boards. I’m reading a book right now that names Ventura as one of the best surfing spots, it was the choice spot in the 60’s when I lived off Pierpont.” John’s daughter, Rhea goes out with her dad and rides on the nose of his board.
Maddie Maple
age 29
Middle School Teacher
“C Street by and large! I mostly come here for the people, I used to surf another spot because it’s closer to me but the people weren’t quite as welcoming. I tell people I chase the welcome not the wave, it’s a lot more fun to be here!” Maddie started surfing “off and on” at age 15 but now comes out “usually every day, we’re here a lot.”
Nicole Tenorio
age 44
Single Mom of 3 – does everything!
“C Street! The break is the best, you can almost always catch a wave, even when it’s flat it usually picks up and it’s a long ride!” Nicole has been surfing for 20 years but only gets out a couple times a month. She’s trying to get her 6-year-old son out there with her…
Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – Tech Today with Ken May
What Are Password Managers?
One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself online is to use a unique, strong password for every one of your accounts and apps. Unfortunately, it is most likely impossible for you to remember all your different passwords for all your different accounts. Reusing the same password for different accounts is dangerous, because once someone compromises your password, they can access all your accounts. A simple solution is to use a password manager. These are programs that securely store all your passwords, making it easy to have a different password for each account. Password managers make this simple, because instead of having to remember all your passwords, you only must remember the master password.
Password managers work by storing all your passwords in a database, which is sometimes called a vault. The password manager encrypts the vault’s contents and protects it with a master password that only you know. When you need to retrieve your passwords, such as to log in to your online bank or email, you simply type your master password into your password manager to unlock the vault. In many cases, the password manager will automatically retrieve your password and securely log in for you. This makes it simple to have hundreds of unique, strong passwords, since you do not have to remember them.
Most password managers include the ability to automatically synchronize your password vault’s contents across multiple devices that you authorize. This way, when you update a password on your laptop, those changes are synchronized to all your other devices.
When you first set up a password manager, you need to manually enter your logins and passwords. Afterwards, the password manager can detect when you’re attempting to register for a new online account or update the password for an existing account. This is possible because most password managers work hand-in-hand with your web browser. This integration also allows them to automatically log you into websites.
It’s critical that the master password you use to protect the password manager’s contents is very difficult for others to guess. In fact, we recommend you make your master password a passphrase, one of the strongest types of passwords possible. If your password manager supports two-step verification, use that for your master password.
Meanwhile, when trying to find the password manager that’s best for you, keep the following in mind:
• Your password manager should be simple for you to use. If you find the solution too complex to understand, find a different one that better fits your style and expertise.
• The password manager should work on all devices you need to use passwords on. It should also be easy to keep your passwords synchronized across all your devices.
• Use only well-known and trusted password managers. Be wary of products that have not been around for a long time or have little or no community feedback. Cyber criminals can create fake password managers to steal your information.
• Make sure whatever solution you choose, the vendor continues to actively update and patch the password manager, and be sure you are always using the latest version.
• The password manager should include the ability to automatically generate strong passwords for you and show you the strength of the passwords you’ve chosen.
• The password manager should give you the option of storing other sensitive data, such as the answers to your secret security questions, credit cards, or frequent flier numbers.
The celebration of Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. Jewish Year 5777 at sunset on Sept.21. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American New Year.
There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one. Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making “resolutions.” Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.
The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue.
No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in temple, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. There is a special prayer book called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.
The common greeting at this time is L’shanah tovah (“for a good year”). This is a shortening of “L’shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem” which means “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”
On Sept.30, Yom Kippur also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Some Jewish people traditionally observe this holy day with an approximate 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
Yom Kippur completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days or Yamim Nora’im (“Days of Awe”) that commences with Rosh Hashanah.
A mysterious and beautiful new play
Rubicon Theatre Company presents the West Coast premiere of Incognito, a mysterious and beautiful new play that has dazzled audiences in London and New York. Written by award-winning playwright Nick Payne (Constellations), Incognito speaks to our yearning to know ourselves and our desire to be known by others.
Four actors play 21 characters in interwoven stories (some based on true events) about memory and identity. Thomas Harvey steals Einstein’s brain in hopes of discovering the elusive nature of genius. Henry loses his memory after an operation, but recalls his deep affection for his wife, whom he greets anew each time she comes into the room. Martha is a scientist who understands the working of the mind but struggles in matters of the heart.
A Critic’s Pick in the New York Times, the play was described as “ingenious, remarkable and tantalizing.” The Telegraph called Incognito “astonishing” and “original.” Directed by Katharine Farmer (The Nibroc Trilogy), Incognito previews on Sept. 13-15 and opens Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Rubicon Theatre followed by an after-party with the cast at Rhumb Line Restaurant in the Ventura Harbor. The show continues through October 1.
Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 E. Main St.
Ticket Range: $30 – $55 ($125 for opening night including post-show party)
Previews: $30-$35
Prices do not include a $4 ticket service fee
Discounts Available for Groups of 10+
Discounts for seniors 65 and over, students, teachers and active military available.
Box Office 667.2900.
Wine – Brew & Chews!
The 3rd annual Taste of Local Festival announces its new workshops, music and more. What better way to learn about local food and drinks than to experience it firsthand?
The Taste of Local Festival is about bringing together farmers, chefs, purveyors and community to celebrate our local harvest and the diversity of great food we have right here in Ventura County.
Over 60 area chefs, farmers, purveyors, wineries, breweries and distilleries are expected to showcase their culinary expertise. This year, they have expanding the event space, added more food tasting booths, workshops and more all geared to highlight our local food scene.
Don’t Miss the Totally Local Educational Workshops. Attendees can learn about everything form Hombre wing, Mixology to Fermenting for health as well as cooking demons and more. All this for the price of your admission.
Back by Popular demand the popular Local Homebrew Challenge as local home- brewers compete for the title of Grand Champion of Local Homebrewing.
And it would not be a Totally Local event without our local musicians this year’s music line up will feature The Dan Grimm Band, Bryan C Titus Band and The Ventura County Bluegrass Association. Special guests to also be announced.
The Taste of Local Festival takes place on Sept. 24th at the historic Olivas Adobe in Ventura located at 4200 Olivas Park Dr.
General admission: $45.00 in advance, $55.00 at the door; VIP admission: $65.00 in advance, $75.00 at the door All food and samples are included in the admission price. This is a 21 and older event.
All this and the event gives back. Proceeds front the event will go to Project Understanding and Totally Local VC’s Educational programs.
For tickets and more information go to TotallyLocalVC.com.
Ventura College in the news
by Veronica Johnson
Ventura College Foundation is pleased to announce the appointments of Mike Orman, Patty Wendt and Leslie Herrera to its board of directors.
Orman embarked on a career in banking following his graduation from the University of Southern California. Orman is currently EVP and COO of Ojai Community Bank, and will become Market President upon completion of the bank’s acquisition by Bank of the Sierra.
Wendt is a counselor at the Ventura College’s Educational Assistance Center. She’s an advocate support services and community resources for students with disabilities, and teaches the class, “Strategies for Success in College and Life.”
Herrera, a student at Ventura College, is the 2017/18 President of the Associated Students of Ventura College. She brings an expertise in communications, where she will serve as student representative.
The Ventura County Community College District and Ventura College have established a transfer agreement with Bellevue University, which grants Ventura College students, who meet the qualifying criteria, guaranteed admission into Bellevue University’s online bachelor’s degree programs.
Bellevue University is recognized nationally as a leader in preparing students with career-relevant knowledge and skills for lifelong success.
Ventura College students transferring with an associate’s degree will receive credit for all coursework in their degree program and enter Bellevue University with junior status.
Bellevue University also offers a one-time Fellowship Grant to community college employees based on their employment status.
To learn more about the Ventura College and Bellevue University partnership, contact Bellevue University Relationship Manager Spellman Cunningham at 289-6559 or [email protected] to schedule an office visit.
Ventura College and the California Transition Assistance Program (CalTap), Veterans Services Division, CalVet, will present the Ventura County Student Veteran Expo, Friday, September 15, 9 a.m., at Ventura College Applied Science Center, Lecture Hall ASC-150. The expo is free and open to student veterans throughout the Ventura County Community College District. Register online at the Ventura County Student Veteran Expo website located at https://goo.gl/Fg8q3U.
The expo is designed to connect student veterans with services and benefits. Representatives from CalVet, College of the Canyons Small Business Development Center, Support Services Veterans Families (SSVF) Salvation Army, and others are scheduled to attend and present valuable information to help student veterans.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees. Parking is free in the east parking lot of the campus during the expo. For more information, please contact Bruce McFadden at 289-6060 or [email protected] or visit https://goo.gl/Fg8q3U.