Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Tree carving artist John Mahoney

This wonderful tree carving is the work of artist John Mahoney, with the assistance of Jason Rose.

The tree is an American Redwood, and was a part of a grove of Redwoods planted in Arroyo Verde Park many years ago.

Our Southern California drought took its toll on the trees, and the grove of redwoods died within the last few years. West Coast Arborists removed the trees (39 of them) and the wood was harvested and milled and will be made into picnic benches that will be put back into the park. West Coast Arborist, Inc. are the Urban Forestry Contractor the city has used for over 10 years to help maintain the City trees.

Photos by Michael Gordon

The happiest 5k on the planet will make your dreams come true

The Baker and Kress families never looked so colorful.

The Color Run®, the largest 5k event series in the world, is bringing its 2017 tour theme, The Color Run Dream Tour, Presented by Lay’s®, to Ventura on Saturday, Nov. 18, kicking off at 8:00 a.m.

The Ventura run benefits Doing Good in Ventura – the Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Ventura. It provides assistance to needy individuals in our community by engaging in and carrying on programs for charitable and educational purposes, and encouraging greater philanthropy and appreciation of the needs of those less fortunate.

The Color Run Dream Tour creates a world where anything is possible, unicorns are real and foam clouds make everything better. The 2017 theme will make Color Runners’ dreams a lot more colorful with unforgettable music, color throws and an all new Lay’s Poppables™ Foam Zone and Dream Wall.

The Color Run Ventura is one of 5 cities on The Color Run’s “Colorfornia Dreamin’” mini-tour. Participants can collect Colorfornia Dreamin’ collectors’ button at each stop on the tour and buy a limited-edition Colorfornia t-shirt on-site and online.

Each Color Runner receives a custom race kit, including a limited-edition 2017 race shirt, a Unicorn Finisher’s Medal, embroidered headband, fun temporary tattoos and a color-in runner’s bib—to inspire participants to decoratetheir runner’s bib. An option to upgrade race kits to receive additional gear is also available with the deluxe registration package. Participants can color it up with more accessories, clothing and fun dream inspired items at The Color Run store.

The Color Run Dream Tour, Saturday, Nov. 18, 8:00 a.m., Ventura County Fairgrounds.

CAPS TV and radio are streaming on the web

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community.

CAPS Radio, KPPQ 104.1 FM has joined CAPS Television (Channel 6 & 15) by streaming programming on the web 24×7. Now everyone in and outside of Ventura can enjoy the diversified programming from CAPS Media on cable, on the radio airwaves and streaming on the web. What’s on? Programming schedules are on the CAPS Media website – capsmedia.org. Plus, with a click of a button, capsmedia.org has direct access to the television and radio programming.

CAPS Media joined the Art Walk festivities downtown by setting up the CAPS Production truck, stage and radio station recording on California near Santa Clara. CAPS Radio hosts and DJs were on hand interviewing a variety of guests, and the public had front row seats to watch El Camino High School students conducting interviews for their award-winning television series, ECTV. CAPS Media staff were on hand to provide tours of the production truck and CAPS Radio.

Tours continued on Tuesday when CAPS Media hosted a special open house and tour for Ventura College students and faculty at the CAPS Media Center. Tours included the studio, control room, editing suites, meeting rooms, production truck, KPPQ 104.1FM radio station and more. The event was an opportunity for VC students, faculty and friends to see the complete range of resources, services and training available at the CAPS Media Center located on the Ventura College campus.

The new school year brings Season 3 of Ventura’s Mayor for A Moment series where outstanding 5th graders are recognized by the City and the Ventura Unified School District. CAPS Media produces video profiles featuring the young mayors, principals and schools. The first two “Mayors” are Brayden Rocco from Portola Elementary and Olivia Blomquist from Poinsettia Elementary. Coming up in November and December are young mayors from Will Rogers and Citrus Glen.

The new school year is a good time to look into becoming a Member/Producer at CAPS Media. If you are interested (or just curious) orientation meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month. HD videography/camera classes are on the 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing classes are on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) holds classes on the 4th week. 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 equipment to record their story and then book 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 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 Unified School District high school countdown!

Foothill ranks in the 308th spot nationally.

by Jennifer Tipton

Foothill Technology High

Located at 100 Day Rd, Foothill Technology High School opened in 2000 to alleviate the overcrowding of our city’s two existing high schools, Ventura and Buena. A California Distinguished School since 2005, Foothill is also a magnet school, which is a public school offering special instruction and programs not available elsewhere and designed to attract a more diverse student body from throughout the district.

Admittance is determined by a random lottery that is very competitive but I’m told not in an academic way. There is an “anchor sibling rule” whereas if an applicant has a sibling already at Foothill, they will also get in but they still must go through the application process. Principal since 2002, Joe Bova reports that each year just under 600 students apply and about 275 are accepted. Offering grades 9-12 the current student enrollment is a little over 1000. Due to the smaller student population, Principal Bova feels the staff is more connected with the kids, in fact, all six of Bova’s kids currently attend Foothill!

There is the Bioscience Academy and a new Design Technology Academy blending engineering, design and entrepreneurship that was just developed last year. Technology is infused everywhere on campus with over 800 mobile devices available and students can also use their cell phones (when appropriate) for instructional purposes.

The school mascot is Dragons and although there is no gymnasium on campus, there is a Core Athletics Program (CAP) similar to what universities offer that was developed about four years ago. Students can choose from classes offered at Maverick’s Gym, Ventura College and the Ventura Aquatics Center. There are 11 sports and 37 teams to choose from.

Principal Bova reports that the students at Foothill are given more homework than kids at other high schools, with the honors and A.P. (advanced placement) students averaging 3-4 hours of homework per night. While many graduates go directly to a 4-year university, 40-45% go to Ventura College first. Bova states, “the success rate is really good, not only are the students well prepared for a university, many come back saying it’s easier than it was at Foothill (unless of course we’re talking about Harvard!)”.

Famous Alumni? I could only find one, Brandon Paak Anderson (stage name Anderson Paak), a singer, songwriter, rapper drummer and record producer that graduated from Foothill Technology High School.

Bragging rights? Foothill Technology High School won the National Blue-Ribbon Award in 2006 and again in 2012. The school also ranks in the 308th spot nationally, 53rd in all of California’s high schools and 63rd of all the magnet high schools.

For more information visit foothilltechnology.org.

Media Day for PowerShares QQQ golf Championship

Photo by Richard Lieberman

On Sept. 25, Breeze Publisher, Sheldon Brown, and Richard Lieberman attended the annual Media Day of the PowerShares QQQ golf Championship at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks (mostly for the free lunch). Defending champion Tom Pernice, Jr. spoke with the media about his win last year at the inaugural event, as well as how the 2017 season has gone so far. Afterwards, Pernice’s chipping game was tested as he hit shots against VIP guests, actor Tom Felton and UCLA men’s golfer, Tyler Collier.

 

Vol. 10, No.1 – Oct 11 – Oct 24, 2017 – Tech Today with Ken May

News about the massive Equifax data breach has been unrelenting since the credit bureau publicly disclosed its lapse at the beginning of September. It’s difficult to keep up with all the company’s blunders, not to mention the complicated fiscal policy and regulatory debates the incident has fueled. But weeks later, most consumers in the United States are still just trying to figure out what the whole thing means for them, and how to steel themselves against identity theft and fraud.

Equifax will be extending the enrollment period for its credit monitoring and freezing services through January. Credit monitoring sends you alerts so you can catch any suspicious activity early, while credit freezes actually lock down your credit files so institutions you don’t already do business with can’t access your data without specific permission from you and special PIN numbers. A freeze significantly reduces the chance that a fraudster will be able to do things like take out a line of credit in your name. Personal identity security advocates have long favored freezes, but acknowledge that the measure isn’t necessarily for everyone (say, someone who anticipates applying for student loans) since it is fairly rigid and restrictive.

It is worth utilizing one or both of these tools, but at the end of the free year 143 million social security numbers (not to mention other valuable data) will still have been compromised in the breach, necessitating ongoing defense. “We generally tell people that if an entity is offering a free service they should strongly consider taking advantage of it,” says Eva Velasquez, president of the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center. “Consumers have to demand security over convenience so that businesses will respond. Just don’t be the low hanging fruit. Anything is better than nothing long term.”

The free monitoring and freezes have a short time span, perhaps because they are services Equifax wants to resume capitalizing on as quickly as possible.

The third service Equifax is rolling out, a so-called “credit lock” tool, will debut in January, and will be a more flexible option through which consumers can lock and unlock access to their credit data whenever they want.

Experts agree that to protect themselves, consumers need to see past the gimmicks and noise to the long game of utilizing what Equifax and other companies that have experienced data breaches provide while planning to supplement as needed. If your data is compromised in multiple breaches over time you may be able to daisy chain years of free services together. And everyone can pull and review one complete credit report per year for free from AnnualCreditReport.com. Additionally, consumers need to be aware that credit monitoring, locks, and freezes alike don’t protect against things like tax fraud and medical fraud, in which identity thieves can file bogus tax returns on your behalf to claim your refund or jeopardize your insurance coverage by scamming your provider.

Ventura Breeze Painted Rocks

The Ventura Breeze has a new Facebook page for hiding and finding painted rocks: “Ventura Breeze Painted Rocks” can be found at www.facebook.com/venturabreeze/.

There are many people taking part in this unique outdoor treasure hunt around the world. Ventura Breeze Painted Rocks wants to help spread this activity, and help share it with as many people as possible in Ventura, and beyond.

When you find one of our rocks (turn it over to see if it is one of ours), take a photo of you holding it and post it at www.facebook.com/venturabreeze. Also, send us a message to let us know where you will be hiding it next.

If you want the photo to be included in the Ventura Breeze, please email [email protected].

Hawk wedding soars!

Photographer Karey Cottrell climbed a ladder onto the roof to get all guests into the photo!

by Jennifer Tipton

We’ve all had that invite to a wedding when it feels more like an obligation than an opportunity to attend, not this one!

A little history… at 59, Jim Hawk had married before, he and his two sons had been on their own for some time. Jim had dated but never met the “right” woman and Lisa at 53 had never married although she had the chance more than once.

The two met at a friend’s birthday party but it was “hit and miss” for some time, (I was really hoping to hear “love at first sight”- much more romantic). The first few dates were on the marginal side, but because of the advice of a friend, Bobbi Blum Palmer who is a dating and relationship coach for women over 40, Lisa stayed with it. The advice paid off when Lisa realized she missed Jim when they were apart and this was a first. Jim proposed to Lisa while vacationing in Paris, France in 2016 just two days after her birthday (now that’s romantic!).

On Saturday, September 16th Jim Hawk married Lisa Ross in a most exceptional ceremony and celebration to follow.

The ceremony took place at the couple’s home on the hillside in Ventura which they refer to as “Hawk’s Nest”. The wedding/reception was a beach theme since they share an affection for the beach, even Jim’s boutonniere was a starfish. They were married beneath a driftwood arch handcrafted by a friend, Rich LaJoie, with the view of the city behind them as Jim’s brother, Dave officiated the ceremony. Jim had lost his dad in February so it was very touching that it was his dad’s wedding band Lisa placed on Jim’s finger. Also touching was Lisa’s 91-year-old mother walking her only daughter down the aisle and the radiant look on Lisa’s face as she gazed at her soon to be husband.

At the house everything was spectacular, a large framed photo for guests to sign, a mimosa bar, a variety of beer, tempting appetizers such as an antipasto platter, bruschetta and caprese skewers. There was a large “Nothing Bundt Cake”, assorted small ones, and a most impressive cake that looked like an actual sand castle! But it gets so much better…

From here, the 150 guests were taken by shuttle to the Ventura Beach Club where the attendance was close to 400! Upon entering, there was a complementary whiskey and cigar area, a fun photo booth that served as a guestbook and of course, sea shells everywhere!

The large dinner buffet was provided by a friend, Cathie Moreno who pulled off some very tasty food with no kitchen on site! A favorite feature was the candy “bar” where beach themed treats stood in fishbowls including gummy worms labeled “bait” and green licorice labeled “seaweed”. Guests were encouraged to fill a bag that read “Happily Ever After” to take home. There was a no host bar and music that was so good even those that don’t dance were on the dance floor. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, a complimentary hot dog cart arrived with all the goodies.

40 years old and still going strong

Pierpont Racquet Club is excited about the planned renovations.

When the PRC first opened its clubhouse doors 40 years ago this October 1st it was one of the first multi-purpose clubs in the United States. Tennis and swim clubs were common and racquetball was growing in popularity throughout the country. Yet the Garrett brothers were among the first to combine tennis, racquetball, swimming and a workout room to create a private membership club. Fourth generation Venturans, Scott and Spencer Garrett returned to Ventura in the summer of 1975 and started developing the Club on 5.5 acres leased from the Pierpont Inn. With the backing of their parents Betty and Joe Garrett they attracted a few investors and secured a loan from the Bank of A Levy. Over the years the Garrett’s have continued to make improvements to the Club to keep pace with the changing needs of its members.

Shortly after the 40th Anniversary party to be held Sept. 30th, the Club will begin yet another construction phase. More fitness areas will be created, an elevator added, and the locker rooms, clubroom and lobby will be remodeled.

There aren’t many businesses that make it through 40 years. When asked what gives him the greatest satisfaction, Spencer Garrett said “I think what we have done well and still do is to create an atmosphere where people can meet and make life-long friends.”

There are still 44 people who have been members ever since the clubhouse opened in 1977. As they did for the 35th Anniversary in 2012, the Garrett’s have invited the Charter Members to a special reception the afternoon before the club wide party. On Saturday, September 30th, this year’s party, “Neon Nights”, will feature a barbecue and dancing to the tunes of D.J. Marty Glassman. Once again party proceeds will go to benefit a local non-profit. This year the Museum of Ventura County is the beneficiary.

Club Manager Kerrie Anderson, who first started at the Club in 1986 as a Fitness Director, is excited about the planned renovations to the Pierpont Racquet Club. “The changes we are making will enhance our partnerships that we have now with various community groups such as CMH to provide services not only to our members but to the general public as well,” added Kerrie.

When asked about future plans, Spencer Garrett said, “Scott and I never gave much thought to what was in store 10 years after we opened let alone 40. We’ve been blessed with so many great employees and members that this has never felt like a job. It’s been a privilege to see all that we have created and I know the future will be even brighter. It is a dream come true.”

Pierpont Racquet Club, 500 San Jon Road 648-5161

www.pierpontrc.com

The G.I.F.T. Garden in Ventura

Besides teaching gardening techniques Marco would like to build a stage and see community events happen there.

by Jill Forman

“The givers of life grow food from the Earth.” Those words are from Marco Arroyo, a native Venturan with a dream. Several of them, actually.

A musician, founding member of the local band Herbal Rootz, he is also trying to bring a garden back to life. His vision includes food, education, community togetherness, activism, beauty, music and poetry. He calls it the G.I.F.T. Garden: Growing in Faith Together.

This is how it happened. He lives downtown, and works as a grocery store supervisor on the East side of town. Every day, he drove along Poli, past E.P Foster Library and the vacant slope in back of it. It was nothing but weeds, but he could see where someone had tried to make a garden there. It was such a waste of land and it really bothered him.

About three months ago, he just pulled over and started cleaning the site. He pulled weeds, raked, dug up earth. Friends and family joined him, and a recognizable garden started to take shape.

He assumed it was city-owned, and went to City Hall to get authorization for his work. Turns out its private land; he was able to contact the owner and get permission to revamp the space. He has no funding, just community goodwill at this point. People have donated tools, plants and labor. A construction company gave him a load of wood.

Marco’s interest in gardening started at Sheridan Way Elementary School, when his class worked on the garden at West Park. “Food keeps growing,” he says, and there is no reason for people to go hungry. He wants his garden to be a source of learning for kids, hands-on, both to grow food and teach them to live closer to the earth and to share nature’s gifts.

The band, which he described as roots/rock/reggae and his nephew (with a chuckle) calls “heavy roots,” is made up of his family and friends. They have a history of food donations, giving pumpkins to the E.P. Foster pumpkin drive. The school had to cease funding for the drive, so Herbal Rootz started asking audiences to bring pumpkins for the school as the price of admission to band events.

Marco has researched the site, and discovered the story of Theodosia Burr Shepherd who was the first woman to hybridize flowers and had a very prosperous seed company based in Ventura. Burr was called the “Flower Wizard of California” and is credited with founding California’s seed industry. Susan B. Anthony visited; she was compared to Luther Burbank. Another garden had been planted there in her honor a few years ago, and had harvested the community, but is no longer active.

The garden, being on a slope, is being formed with the Aztec style of farming; watering in a pyramid effect, trickling down from one bed to another. There is a bee hive nearby, and pollinator-friendly plants. Besides teaching gardening techniques, he would like to build a stage and see community events happen there: speakers, music, poetry, activism; his vision is broad.

The band’s Facebook page will soon have a Pay Pal link to contribute to the G.I.F.T. garden. Donations of plants, gardening supplies, tools etc. are welcome. Some grant writers would be handy too. Marco can be reached at 651-6056, or just stop by if you see someone working. Best of all, get out and start digging!