Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Vol. 10, No. 17 – May 24 – June 6, 2017 – CAPS

Caps Media Summer Digital Storytelling Program

In July the popular CAPS Media Digital Storytelling program kicks off at the CAPS Media Center for students, ages 10-15.  Young videographers, film makers and video storytellers get hands-on training with video cameras, audio recording equipment and computer editing software to create the stories the crew wants to tell.  Registration is open for the three week-long programs scheduled July 10 – 14 (in association with Ventura Parks & Rec), July 17 – 21 and July 24 – 28.  Each fun, creative and engaging program runs Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm.  The fee includes a t-shirt, use of pro gear and instruction, and a free CAPS Media membership for a year.  To learn more about the Digital Storytelling program, go to www.capsmedia.org/events.

CAPS Radio is on the air at 104.1FM.  The recently launched Ventura community radio station is here for you.  Drop by the CAPS Media Center for a tour and learn how to become a radio host and DJ.  Two-part training classes begin at 6pm on Thursday June 1 and Monday June 5.  Even if you don’t have an idea for a show just yet, come to class and you’ll get inspired.  If you prefer to produce a program, report news, fundraise for KPPQ, spread the word about an idea or issue you care about, CAPS Radio is the place for you.  To reserve a spot in the class, call now at 805.658.0500 or go to the CAPS Media website. And, listen in and let us know what you think and what you want to hear on CAPS Radio KPPQ-LP at 104.1FM.

Become a Member/Producer of CAPS Media.  With our new radio station, the CAPS Media Center has new membership options.  Both our television and radio member programming is rich and diverse from travel to music to drama to politics and more.  As a membership organization CAPS Media supports our Member/Producers’ creativity and helps them share their voices with the community.

Aspiring (or experienced) journalists, photographers, videographers and storytellers are invited and encouraged to get involved at the CAPS Media Center. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura is eligible to become a member. For annual fees of only $25 (individual) and $75 (non-profit organization), member/producers are trained by the knowledgeable CAPS Media staff in the art and fun of video and radio communication.  Once certified, member/producers may check out video cameras, tripods, and other gear for video production and book editing suites for postproduction to create the stories they want to tell.

Ongoing CAPS Media classes include new member orientation the first Thursday of the month, the next one is June 1st. The HD Videography/Camera class is held the second Thursday and the Edit class follows up on the third Thursday. We introduce our newest class, the production/storytelling class to be held May 25th and every fourth Thursday of the month.

The CAPS Media website has all the info.  Go to www.capsmedia.org to see a schedule of upcoming programs on Channel 6 & 15, search the archives for past programs, get info on upcoming video and radio classes and much more.

Mehta at the Museum: the story of American classical music

Join spellbinding Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta for music and stories.

The community is invited to join the Ventura Music Festival’s spellbinding Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta on Sunday, June 4th, at 3pm, where he will spin music and stories about the people and developments leading up to what is recognized today as authentically American Classical Music.

The event is free and open to the public.

Included in the story: the starts and the misfires, the impact of European composers, the importance of Jazz, the landmark contribution of Gershwin, the distinctly American imagery and music of Aaron Copland followed shortly after by the glorious work of Samuel Barber. Ojai’s John Biggs the well-loved composer of numerous  rich classical pieces will also be there

Besides serving as Ventura Music Festival’s Artistic Director, Mehta is Special Project Director of the San Diego Symphony.

Located at 100 E. Main St; ample parking is provided. On June 4th, the Museum is open all day for its “Free First Sunday” event featuring a celebration of the Summer Solstice and the new exhibit, Secret Paintings, by Michael Pearce.

While Mehta at the Museum is an admission-free event, reservations are requested. Simply go to VMF’s website – VenturaMusicFestival.org – and the Mehta at the Museum link on its homepage. Click and reserve.

 

 

Wine in the Pines

Great live music and wine-themed vendors completes this wonderful heavenly mountain setting.

by Mark & Debbie Bailey  Owners, The Wine Room Gallery, PMC

Fine wine lovers; mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10th, for the annual Pine Mountain Club “Wine in the Pines” in the Pine Mountain Village Center, an easy and scenic 90-minute drive from Ventura.

From 1-4pm (noon to 4pm with a VIP ticket) you’ll be able to taste exciting wines from throughout California’s wine- growing regions, with dozens of premiere wineries to choose from. If you need a break from too much fine wine, then enjoy some cold craft beer or cider from several wonderful breweries. And then there’s the food; some of Kern County’s favorite restaurants will be on hand serving everything from classic gourmet finger-food to good-ol’ western barbeque, to Asian and other culinary delights to compliment the fine wine. Want a food pairing for the brews? Then how about a bacon-wrapped gourmet hot dog from “Brazil’s Gourmet Hot Dogs” of Bakersfield? Feel like cooling off and satisfying that exotic sweet tooth? “Mountain Dream Café and Ice Cream” will be serving ice cream topped with Late Harvest Ampelos Cellars Viognier.

Due to its immense popularity last year, we will once again have a specific Lompoc Wine Ghetto section in the PMC Village Center, featuring many of the wonderful Ghetto Wineries.

Great live music and wine-themed vendors completes this wonderful heavenly mountain setting. Proceeds this year benefits the American Cancer Society and various local non-profits.

You must be 21 or older to purchase tickets for Wine in the Pines and ID’s will be checked at the entrance. General Admission to the wine festival is just $55 in advance and $70 at the door if any tickets remain. VIP tickets allow for an intimate early noon entry. They are $80.00 and must be purchased in advance. This event usually sells out, so buy your tickets early. Admission includes wine & beer tasting, a logo glass, a custom wine glass holder plate, fabulous food, live music and scenery like none other.

Pine Mountain Club is located just 20 minutes west of Interstate 5 at the Frazier Park exit. For a map and directions, hotel and cabin rental links and other information, go to www.wineinthepines.com, or email [email protected].

Tickets for Wine in the Pines can be purchased online at the event website: www.wineinthepines.com. Wineries wishing to pour at this world-class event can click on the winery link also located on our website.

Ramos promises to perform her role as student Trustee with pride and integrity

Ventura College student Kimberly Ramos voted student trustee.

The Associated Students of the Ventura County Community College District have announced that Kimberly Ramos was elected student trustee of the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees. Ramos received 1,521 votes from a total of 3,417 votes cast.  “Ramos demonstrates a passion for serving, having held positions as president for the Latina/o Leadership Network, student office assistant for Supplemental Instruction Coordinator, student aid for BEACH community within the department of Learning Resources and as a tutor,” said VCCCD Chancellor Bernard Luskin.

“My role as a student worker has provided much insight into the needs of students that go beyond tutoring,” stated Ramos.  “I have witnessed first-hand the challenges many students face and understand the services needed to support student retention and successful class completion,” she added.

Equitable access to housing, day care, technology and a safe place for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are among the many issues she plans to address during her tenure as student trustee.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we look forward to working with Ms. Ramos and supporting her efforts to improve student retention – a primary goal of the Board,” stated VCCCD Board Chair Bernardo Perez. “We thank outgoing student trustee Josue Ruiz for his service and welcome Kimberly Ramos as the newest member of our governing board,” added Perez.

Ramos has completed 35 units within the VCCCD and holds a cumulative GPA of 3.0.  She will take office beginning June 1 and will be sworn in during the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, June 13.

Summerfest quickly approaching

Stop by and meet local professional athletes.

Summerfest, the free, family-friendly, healthy living event, is returning for its twelfth season on Saturday, June 3rd, from 9am to 2pm at Ventura Unified School District’s Education Service Center.

Presented by Ventura Education Partnership and Ventura Unified School District in alliance with the City of Ventura, Summerfest begins with a 3K Middle School Race and One Mile Elementary School Run. Student athletes can even get a free sports physical.

Get an autograph and take a picture with NFL linebacker Freddy Keiaho, champion long boarder Mary Osborne, pro-boxer and the real “Million Dollar Baby” Maureen Shea, marathoner Chris Frias, and All-Americans Jake Colman (football) and Paige Treloar-Ballard (water polo).

The mission of the Ventura Education Partnership (VEP), a community-based, non-profit, non-political association, is to support and enrich education in the Ventura Unified School District through community partnerships. This all-volunteer group fosters community recognition of the work of district teachers and staff and enlists the participation of parents, businesses and community members in the education of our district’s children.

The Other Mozart

There were two of them?

The name Nannerl Mozart has long been a footnote in classical music history, but Sylvia Milo’s award-winning The Other Mozart reveals the extraordinary talent and rich inner thoughts of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister in the acclaimed Off-Broadway drama the N.Y. Times describes as “strikingly beautiful.”

A prodigy, keyboard virtuoso and composer, Nannerl performed alongside her brother throughout Europe as children to great acclaim, but was forced to give up her artistic passion as a young woman due to the societal expectations of her gender.

Her brother would rise to become one of the preeminent composers in history, while Nannerl’s own works were lost. This monodrama is set in a stunning 18-foot dress. Directed by Isaac Byrne, The Other Mozart is based on facts, stories and thoughts culled from the Mozart family’s humorous and heartbreaking letters. This poetic and poignant production features music composed by Mozart and Marianna Martines, (a female composer who inspired Nannerl), along with original music written for the play by Nathan Davis and Phyllis Chen. The modern-styled music created for the play utilizes clavichords, music boxes, bells, teacups, fans and other objects d’art. The Other Mozart is a multi-sensual experience that transports the audience into a surreal world of oversized beauty and delight – but also one of overwhelming restrictions and prejudice where, finally, this other Mozart tells her story.

Dates: May 31-June 18.
Previews Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 7 p.m. ($30)
Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 8 p.m. and Friday, June 2, 2017 at 8 p.m. ($35)
Opening Night  Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 7 p.m. ($99)
Rubicon Theatre Company , 1006 E. Main St.
Ticket Range: $30 – $55 . For regular performance times and prices go to http://www.rubicontheatre.org.

 

See the garden grow

by Gail Field

It doesn’t have silver bells an cockle shells, but it has plenty of vegetables tended with care by Ventura children.  The Kids Garden  Brigade, with the under the guidance of Gerardo Gallegos is giving kids a chance to learn and practice caring for plants and harvesting fruits and vegetables for their families and residents.

The garden on 572 Ventura Ave., an affiliate of Restore Ventura, is holding a Volunteer Day for teens and adults as part of Serve Day, which is a movement to provide volunteer opportunities to help people and projects in need.  Serve Day is held this year the morning of Saturday, June 3, from 8:30 – noon.

The call is for volunteers to participate in three projects in the garden:  painting the fence, extending water lines, and building a treehouse. All of these projects enhance the functionality and beauty of the garden. Volunteers are encouraged to bring tools including brushes, screwdrivers, wrenches, cutting tools any other supplies appropriate to the planned projects.

In charge of the project is Gerardo Gallegos, the Director of Operations for the non-profit Restore Ventura. Teens and adults are welcome.  No children, please, because of the space needed to do sawing, cutting, and irrigating.  Please come at 8:30 to get assignments and a head start on the morning.  For more information about this event, call Gerardo Gallegos at  550 – 7890.

You can find out about other Serve Day opportunities online: http://meettheneed.org/event.php?id=564266&orgtemp=6688

Island descendent shares illustrated history of Santa Cruz Island

John Gherini, great-great-grandson of Santa Cruz Island ranch owner Justinian Caire, will share images and stories of Santa Cruz Island during the June From Shore to Sea lecture.

Gherini recently published the two-volume Santa Cruz Island: An Illustrated History, the most comprehensive illustrated history of the island ever to be released. Together, both volumes contain almost 600 images of life on the island, some of which have never been previously published.

During his lecture Gherini will recount the fascinating history of the island, from the time of the Island Chumash to the Spanish-Mexican period, to the Caire family ranch era, and ending with the transfer of the island for conservation by the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy.

Gherini’s unique blend of natural and cultural history is supplemented by his personal experiences on the island, as well as the experiences of generations of his family members; Gherini’s family owned the eastern ten percent of Santa Cruz from 1926 until 1996. His lecture will provide an exclusive insight into the struggles and triumphs of life on Santa Cruz Island.

John Gherini was born and raised in Santa Barbara and currently works there as an attorney. The island has long been a part of his life; growing up, he traveled there often and spent time building and repairing fences, herding sheep, sacking wool, and performing other ranch tasks.

The talk will be held on Thursday, June 8. The From Shore to Sea lecture series is sponsored by Channel Islands National Park to further the understanding of current research on the Channel Islands and surrounding marine waters. The 2017 lecture series will take place at 7:00 pm on the second Thursday of each month, January through December, at the Channel Islands National Park Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, 1901 Spinnaker  in Ventura Harbor. The programs are free and open to the public.

This lecture can also be viewed live online, at: Shore to Sea lecture series.

“Small-dollar” expenditure

GUEST COLUMNIST
by  Bob Alviani, Chairman, Venturans for Responsible & Efficient Government’

Complaining about how Ventura spends tax money is like complaining about the weather. Everyone talks about it, but nobody does anything about it.

You trust city officials would spend it as though it comes out of their own pockets. However, many believe that City officials view tax revenue as an endless faucet spewing money.

So, we rely on our elected officials to question spending when necessary. The following example illustrates how dysfunctional the oversight has become.

At a recent meeting, the City of Ventura Finance Committee considered a “small-dollar” expenditure. The Finance Department wants to spend $29,600 per year on outsourcing the opening of payment envelopes and processing of water bills.

Currently, Ventura Water sends water bills every two months and when payment is made, city personnel open envelopes and process the payments through the bank. The City will soon change to send out water bills monthly. Since Ventura will change to monthly billing, the outsourcing costs would double to $59,200.

The city’s finance staff justified outsourcing this service to improve cash flow and increase efficiency. The staff did not discuss or offer any evidence on just how they would be more efficient if adopted.

Only two City Councilmembers attended the committee meeting.

A citizen asked how much money we would save and how many staff people would be reduced or redeployed. The initial reply was the cost savings would be “minuscule.” When pressed to define minuscule, the staff member was unprepared to provide numbers. When pressed about changes in staffing, the answer was “none.”

That should cause every tax payer in this city to express concerns about the issues surrounding this spending proposal and by extension any plans to spend tax money regardless of the amount:

Why would any staff member ask for $29,600 per year and not support the request with time and cost savings?

Why didn’t the City Council members ask the hard questions about time and cost savings?

If the city wasn’t planning to reduce staff, what would these staff employees do instead of opening envelopes and processing payments? How would they be more productive in their new duties?

You may be asking, “Why so focused on one instance such as this?” After all, it’s only $29,600 today. But soon, it’s going to double to $59,200. We must remind ourselves of Benjamin Franklin’s admonition — “Watch the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves.”

In this case $29,600 doubles within the year. No City Councilmember noted or questioned the expense.

Why? Have our elected City Council members have become complacent? Do they trust staff

recommendations unquestionably? Or, are they no longer concerned about how they spend our tax dollars?

No matter the reason, the City Council has to stop looking at taxpayers as an endless faucet from which money flows. It’s time they started spending our tax money as if it was coming out of their own pockets, not some faceless person.

When pennies turn to dollars and dollars turn to thousands then turn to millions, who do YOU think they will look to for more money?

Gold Coast Transit District breaks ground on new Operations and Maintenance Facility

Helping break the ground is Ventura City Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann (3rd from the left).

Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest provider of public transit, broke ground recently on the future home of its new Operations and Maintenance facility that will support future transit needs for thousands of riders in Ventura County.

“This facility is an investment in both the future of transit serving Ventura County and the transit workers we depend on to keep a modern, efficient transit fleet in good working order,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley.

The new facility will replace an outdated and deteriorating bus garage located on a 3-acre site that was originally built in the 1970’s for a much smaller fleet. Once built, the new “green facility” will allow GCTD to maintain a future fleet of up to 125 buses and will include an administration and operations building, an eight-bay maintenance and repair building, a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel station and bus wash. Noted Darren Kettle, Executive Director of Ventura County Transportation Commission, “This is the largest transportation infrastructure project in the last 10 years.” The new facility is located at 1901 Auto Center Drive in Oxnard, and is expected to open in late 2018.

“We have to keep our buses, equipment and facilities in good shape so that people can rely on public transit to get to work, school and appointments,” said Steve Brown, General Manager.