Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

The Inaugural Ventura Women’s Conference: A Triumph of Empowerment, Connection, and Giving Back

Shannon Vasquez making opening remarks and introduction of Monica White, CEO of Food Share.

by Janie Tran

On the memorable day of October 21st, the first annual Ventura Women’s Conference lit a beacon of inspiration and success. In a world where women uplift each other, this event was a testament to the power of unity, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to giving back.

The day commenced with a delectable breakfast, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. As attendees savored their meals, they were already forging connections with like-minded women who shared a common purpose – to empower and be empowered. The best part? The proceeds from the breakfast went to benefit Food Share, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in the community.

The heart of the conference beat with motivational activities that stirred the spirits of all present. The energy in the room was palpable as women embraced challenges, celebrated their achievements, and discovered new horizons. It was a day of personal growth and transformation, and it was all in support of a great cause.

However, the true essence of the event lay in the connections made. In the world of business and personal development, networking is invaluable, and the Ventura Women’s Conference provided a platform for women to connect, exchange ideas, and find support from their peers, all while contributing to the noble cause of helping those in need through Food Share.

The crowning jewel of the day was the lineup of inspirational speakers who graced the stage, each sharing their unique journey and wisdom. At the center of it all was the keynote speaker, the remarkable Laura Diaz. Her words resonated with the audience, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be present. And as a part of this remarkable event, Laura Diaz also emphasized the importance of making a positive impact on the local community.

The first annual Ventura Women’s Conference was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of the strength, resilience, and unity of women. It served as a reminder that when women support women and come together to benefit organizations like Food Share, incredible things happen. This inaugural event was a resounding success, igniting a spark that will continue to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of all who attended. The Ventura Women’s Conference is a testament to the power of community, the boundless potential of women, and the profound impact of giving back to those in need.

Join Us November 8 – Become A Member of CAPS

CAPS Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Ventura.

Are you interested in learning more about CAPS and becoming a member? Join us on Wednesday, November 8 from 4-8 pm for a special Orientation with the CAPS Crew open to anyone who is interested in becoming a CAPS member or just learning more about CAPS. No reservations needed.

The Information Orientation will last 30 – 40 minutes and includes how to become a CAPS Member, learn about programming and distribution information by Donald McConnell, CAPS Operations Manager. Meet the CAPS crew members who will train you in videography, studio production, video editing, radio & podcast production and register for classes. Plus, see all the CAPS gear that is available for members to use at no cost to create their own productions, including cameras, tripods, sound gear, editing computers and more.

CAPS Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Ventura. The CAPS Creative Community includes families, teenagers, young adults, mid-career professionals, educators, storytellers, retirees, and more. Plus, nonprofits, faith-based groups and community service organizations throughout Ventura County can become CAPS Members. Our member-produced programming includes community event coverage, local organizations, talk shows, music and dramatic performances and shows by, for and about local youth.

The CAPS mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. CAPS needs you, our community, neighbors, and friends, to help us continue to fulfill that mission by helping you uncover your creative talent and master the skills you need to create and launch your own media projects.

Over the past few weeks CAPS Crews have been busy – managing multiple city council and other meetings at City Hall, and produced a wide variety projects in collaboration with the County and the Museum of Ventura County including Voices of Ventura County, a special collection of previously unheard local oral histories from the MVC archives remastered by CAPS, Feast of Flop, a fun and engaging cooking show that combines the culinary world with the treasures of the Museum archives, and the video component of the major MVC presentation: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, a photography exhibition that highlights the diversity of our communities.

CAPS ECTV Crew members were on the scene at the County 150th Celebration Extravaganza in Santa Paula getting on-the-street comments and interviews with festival goers. CAPS recently produced a major video presentation for the Ventura College Community Foundation that premiered at the Museum on Friday, October 20th.

The CAPS Media Center is located a 65 Day Road, between Loma Vista and Telegraph, on the east side of Ventura College directly across from Foothill High School. CAPS is Ventura’s public access media center, managing Channel 6 (public) and Channel 15 (government and education), plus KPPQ radio at 104.1 with all channels and station streaming. CAPS crew members provide expertise and service to the City of Ventura by covering City Council and other meetings at City Hall, as well as producing informational public service videos more.

Join us on Wednesday, November 8 between 4-8pm for Orientation sessions at 4, 5, 6 or 7pm. For those who dropped by the CAPS Open House in October, this is a good time to learn more. The November 8 sessions will offer everyone an opportunity to discover a world of limitless creative possibilities at CAPS.

Mountains To Sea Jubilee Family Fair and Music Festival

The Mountains To Sea Jubilee Family Fair and Music Festival in Santa Paula on October 21st was a sensational hit! A whopping 3500 excited guests gathered to continue to commemorate 150 glorious years of Ventura County.

This incredible event kicked off at the Agriculture Museum with electrifying live music, a mouthwatering array of foods from vendors and food trucks, and a bustling marketplace that extended throughout the area. And the grand finale?

The Jubilee Music Festival at Veteran’s Park, right on the big stage! The entire community joined hands and danced the night away, serenaded by the melodic tunes of local bands and the mesmerizing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. It was a night of pure joy and celebration!

The Great Olivas Music Box Mystery Inbox

by Richard Senate

The Olivas Family is scattered far and wide, with branches all over Southern California, as far north as Seattle, Washington and as far east as San Antonio, Texas. And these are just the ones we know about! One branch of the family even extends to the Hawaiian Islands. In 1920s the US Navy brought in well paid workers to build the Pearl Harbor base. One of them was an Olivas who, liked the climate and people, and stayed on, he married an Asian woman and settled down. Like all the many branches of the family, they visited California and made the pilgrimage to the Olivas Adobe. When I was site manager I made a special point to meet with them and give them a tour of the house. I also asked them what they knew about stories of the house and events linked to the family. The Hawaiian Olivas family came on a rain-soaked afternoon well after closing time, but they had called ahead, so I stayed open to give them a tour. They didn’t drive in until after five but, I was happy to meet with them and get their family history.

They told me their story of the great robbery, in this one the bandits cut the gold buttons off the girls dresses took their rings and earrings as well as $30,000 in coin. Then they told me about the “Great Olivas Music Box.” They said that Don Raymundo was rich and purchased a huge music maker with a gigantic crank on its side, one had to turn it with both hands. It also had two life-sized dancing marionettes, a man and a woman, operated by strings, that performed for each song. This music box played a number of songs and became well known all over California, so much so that the governor of the state made a special trip to San Buenaventura to see the thing and marveled at its performing figures.

I know that Don Raymundo collected music makers, one we have at the house, another is in the Ventura County Museum of Art and History. I have seen two others and have heard of three more but nothing like the massive machine they were describing. Then it hit me–the music maker was our Barrel Piano! It has dancing figures but they are only three inches tall! Telling the story of the music machine in faraway Hawaii they described the figures as bigger and bigger with each account, until they were life-sized! Story telling is like that. Each time a tale is told it’s slightly changed and made just a little bit “better.”

I brought them into the Sala and played the Barrel Piano for them. They couldn’t believe this was the legendary Olivas Music Box. They said it must have been another one that was sold or given away. They enjoyed their stay and took many pictures of the house to take back to Pearl City. They were so crestfallen over the music box I had to tell them it was possible that there was such a massive music maker, there is much we do not know about Don Raymundo, maybe such a piece will be discovered someday.

Business Profile: Honey Baked Ham Ventura: A New Beginning with a Family Touch

Ventura, home to a beloved Honey Baked Ham store, has recently undergone a significant change. Formerly a franchise, the Ventura store is now proudly corporate-owned. Along with this shift in ownership comes a fresh and enthusiastic face at the helm: Nicole Cody. Nicole assumed the role of manager earlier this year in July 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience in management and a deep commitment to customer service.

What sets Nicole apart is her decade-long residency in Ventura and her deep connection to Southern Californian culture. She understands the community, its tastes, and its values, which she aims to reflect in her role at the store.

Nicole was drawn to Honey Baked Ham by its unique family atmosphere and core values. The company prioritizes its employees and instills in them the mission of fostering family meals and fellowships. This genuine commitment to both customers and staff is what sets Honey Baked Ham apart.

Honey Baked Ham is no newcomer to the food scene, delighting palates across the nation since its inception in 1957. Harry J. Hoenselaar opened the first store in Detroit, Michigan, and the tradition spread far and wide.

What makes Honey Baked Ham the world’s best ham is the care and dedication that goes into every product. Their unique glaze and sandwich qualities result from using the highest quality bone-in smoked ham. The founder, Harry Hoenselaar, developed a unique curing and cooking procedure that creates a one-of-a-kind taste – a taste that can only be described as perfection.

The Ventura location is expanding its offerings, making Honey Baked Ham a year-round indulgence. Nicole Cody plans to focus on catering and lunch boxes beyond the holiday season, allowing more people to savor the exceptional taste.

Employees at Honey Baked Ham receive special perks, including a free ham or turkey breast for their holiday celebration, free lunch during each shift, and flexible schedules.

In the heart of Ventura, Honey Baked Ham remains a place for the community to gather, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories. With Nicole Cody’s leadership and the commitment to quality and family values, the Ventura store is set to be an even more cherished part of the local culinary landscape. Don’t miss your chance to join the team on National Hiring Day on Nov. 4th from 10 AM to 4.

www. honeybaked.com/stores/8982

Vol. 17, No. 03 – Nov 1 – Nov 14, 2023 – Community Events

by Ana Baker

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Men of all descriptions are always welcome to stop in to sample our shenanigans. Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820

Do you want to Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or [email protected]. All Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society’s meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. For more information https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup First Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family. Supplies provided BYO water.

Nov. 4: Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will conduct our monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice, we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you do not yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit, and Waco, 9-11 a.m., in East Ventura, off Telephone Rd. For everyone’s safety, we ask all attending to please comply with any current recommendations by the Ventura County Health Department.
For more information: Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall, [email protected]
(805) 377-5249 www.sespeflyfishers.org.

Nov.5: Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will take place on Sunday from 1 – 4 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood). For information, call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at dudleyhouse.org.

Nov. 10: Friends of Ventura Harbor invites 6-10-year-old children to Chumash Storytelling with Alan Salazar Friday from 10 -11:30 a.m. at The Greek Mediterranean Restaurant, 1583 Spinnaker Dr. RSVP to [email protected] (First 40 reservations will be honored)

Nov.12: Annual Holiday Arts & Craft Fair Saturday from 11- 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston St. Do not miss unique locally made arts and crafts—lots of great Holiday gift ideas.

Nov. 12: What Lies Beneath exhibit at the Olivas Adobe . In 1985 archaeologists took to the dirt to study the roots of the adobe and develop a framework of its relationship to the Olivas family.   Artists from Plein Aire Ventura County have supplemented this exhibit with paintings inspired by the grounds .  Come meet the artists at 11:30 am for a meet & greet. Feel free to stay and paint, take a docent lead tour, or learn about volunteering at the Olivas Adobe during a volunteer open house at 1 pm.  The Olivas Adobe ~ a great way to spend your Sunday.  www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OLivasAdobe

Dec.5: Free documentary film showing about the Thomas Fire: “The Perfect Firestorm” at 7 pm at Poinsettia Pavilion. The film by CAPS Media highlights how our community pitched in to help others during and after the disaster. Q&A after the film. Sponsored by the Ondulando Firewise Community. For more information email: [email protected]

 

Obituary: Margaret Jolene McBee

Margaret Jolene McBee
(January 25,1944 October 3, 2023)

Several years ago friends and ex-employees gathered at the Main Street Restaurant & Steakhouse visiting with Jolene and remembering the good times and food they had with her at the closed Vagabond Coffee Shop.

“Jolene”

It is with a heavy heart, full of treasured memories, to acknowledge the passing of a beloved icon of our Ventura downtown community, Jolene McBee. She was the owner operator of another beloved icon, The Vagabond Coffee Shop.

As the many hundreds of faithful customers that stepped through the doors of the restaurant, some daily some simply visiting, they all looked forward to seeing Jolene sitting at the counter watching the plates of the customers favorite meals being delivered.

Before heading out for their next destination those same customers stopped by to visit and find out the latest happenings at the Vagabond, knowing that Jolene was just as interested in their world as they were in hers. That smile and the Texas drawl Jolene never lost, was exactly what people knew they would see in every stop at the restaurant.

Jolene’s generosity for the community was shown during many Christmas Holidays when she sponsored a fundraiser for Foster Children of Ventura County which was presented by KVTA Radio at the restaurant which proved to be a success year after year.

In times of Ventura County tragedies, Jolene offered free meals to responders in appreciation for the endless hours they worked to preserve our communities, and when the less fortunate needed that hot cup of coffee or a hot meal, they knew that Jolene was ready to help. Jolene’s shoulders were truly broad, along with her own life’s tragedies, she shared the tragedies of many people that needed that caring shoulder to lean on. She was a “one of a kind” that comes along in this world so seldom but that we are all so appreciative of. Jolene leaves behind four children, 17 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many extended family members.

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