Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

New school superintendent hired

David C. Creswell has been a teacher, principal and district administrator at all school levels for 35-years.

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board has selected David C. Creswell, 59 as the new school superintendent. He is the fifth superintendent in the past 30 years. His salary is $222,000 per year.

Creswell has an extensive school background including Fontana Unified School District’s associate superintendent of human resources and the associate superintendent at Fontana Unified. Assistant superintendent in Ontario from 2007 to 2013, an assistant superintendent of administrative services at Cucamonga School District from 2006 to 2007 and an administrator of alternative education from 2003 to 2006 at Alvord Unified School District in Riverside.

In 2016 has was selected as a Human Resources Leader of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.

He and wife Debra are passionate people helping victims of child human trafficking. For the past seven years, they have traveled to Southeast Asia to help young children who have been victimized. Creswell said he is looking forward to learning about his new community and starting relationships with district staff members, students, parents and teachers.

Creswell was selected after a four-month search that included 51 candidates. Public input was involved and a community panel of community leaders also interviewed the five finalists and made recommendations to the board.

In selecting him Board member Mary Haffner stated “The process we went through to find our new Superintendent was thorough and inclusive. I feel very confident in our selection and I believe that David possesses the attributes and characteristics that will allow him to be very successful in Ventura Unified.”

Pastor Jim Duran was on the community panel and told the Breeze “Our panel was diversified and extremely passionate about the City of Ventura and our School District. The eight of us had extremely stimulating dialog and after two days we were able to come to an agreement for our top choice. I know that each of us felt an incredible responsibility to give the School Board the best feedback in order for them to ultimately make their decision.”

Board member Velma L. Lomax continued “We went through a very rigorous process this time, with interviews by the Board and a Community Panel as well as a written portion and oral presentation. After three long days we decided on hiring David Creswell. I feel confident we have made the best decision and that he will be a great asset to our district.”

Board member Sabrena Rodriguez said “David’s considerable experience in education, the diverse roles he has held in other districts and his stellar communication skills were all significant factors in our choosing him to lead our district. I was most excited by his obvious commitment to the welfare of the children in our community – their educational outcomes and their personal well-being.”

Lastly Board member Madhu Bajaj, President, Ventura Education Partnership “I am thrilled for David Creswell to join our community. He lives and breathes a powerful and beautiful leadership style focused on service and relationship building. And, he sees areas of opportunity to strengthen VUSD by bringing people together for the benefit of our students.”

The Fair is coming

Huey Lewis and the News will be on the grandstand stage at the Fair on Friday, August 4.

Everyone knows kids 12 and under are admitted completely free on Kid’s day at the Ventura County Fair. But this year on Friday, August 4, even grown-ups become kids again because everyone 13 and older is admitted for the regular kid’s price of only $9.00, a 25% savings over the regular adult admission price of $12.00! Come out and enjoy all the Fair has to offer, including great rides and games, food, competitive exhibits, livestock, shopping, contests, headline entertainment, fireworks and more!

“We want to create more value and more opportunities for families with and without kids to be together at this year’s Fair,” said Barbara Quaid, the Fair’s CEO. “What better way than with free admission for those 12 and under and kid’s price for kids 13 and older?”

Many Fair departments offer special activities for kids on Kid’s Day. Please visit www.VenturaCountyFair.org or call 648-3376 for more information.

This year, to add more value to purchasers of our unlimited ride promotion wristbands, each purchaser of a wrist band will receive two free midway game plays with the purchase of two midway game plays during the unlimited ride promotion hours. An unlimited ride wristband is $30.00 and allows the purchaser unlimited access to all rides on the midway from opening until 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 3rd, Monday, August 7th, Tuesday, August 8th, and Thursday, August 10th. With each wristband the purchaser will receive coupons good for the free midway games. Wristbands must be affixed and free game offer is good only until 7:00 PM on the day issued. Midway coupons required to purchase game plays, no cash is accepted at midway game booths.

“Our game operators are offering thousands of free game plays with this new promotion,” said Barbara Quaid, CEO of the Ventura County Fair. “We are unaware of any other fair in California offering buy one get one free games in conjunction with unlimited ride wristbands.” The Ventura County Fair runs August 2nd through the 13th this year but the promotion is only good on Thursdays, Monday and Tuesday. Visit www.VenturaCountyFair.org or call 648-3376 for more information.

Focus Area One: Ventura Business is Growing!

Focus Area One will bring business, jobs and revenue to the City. Photo courtesy of City of Ventura

by Gail Field

Action has begun on a project slated to bring business, jobs and revenue to the City of Ventura. The project, called “Focus Area One,” will expand the Auto Center and create space for additional commercial sites by developing the adjacent vacant area and extending Olivas Park Drive.

“This is a project planned to bring jobs and dollars to the City of Ventura,” says Community Development Director, Jeff Lambert. “The development will provide an integrated mix of automobile sales and retail establishments to meet the needs of the residents of the City of Ventura and surrounding communities.”

The project is bounded on the south by vacant land and on the north by US 101 near the Johnson Drive on- and off-ramps with visibility from the freeway. The site will have excellent access when the new freeway ramps are constructed as currently planned.

“In addition,” says Lambert, “we plan to apply a high level of design standards in order to ensure creating an aesthetically pleasing area that will enhance the entry point for the east end of the City.”

City planners face some constraints in developing the Auto Center project.

Some of the challenges have to do with roadways. The area has excellent visibility from the freeway, but access is constrained by the configuration of the Johnson Drive interchange. However, the site will have improved access once the new on-off ramp is constructed as currently planned. Also, overhead utility lines on the north side of Auto Center Drive will be removed to permit road widening. The lines are proposed to be located underground. The plan also includes improving the signage, making it more visible from the freeway and attractive to destination retail.

Ventura city council member Matt LaVere expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “One of my top priorities as a new council member is economic development and ensuring that our City’s economy is strong. Commercial and industrial space is at a premium in Ventura. Bottom line, we need more of it. A lot more.”

LaVere speaks from his perspective as a business attorney who represents many Ventura-based businesses and believes this project will be a boon for the Ventura economy. “A thriving economy not only creates a larger sales tax base, but ideally, it creates the jobs that allow Venturans to live and work here,” he says. “I hate to hear stories about how so many Venturans are forced into long commutes for their jobs. Not only does that create the traffic congestion we all despise, but it means less time for these individuals to spend with their family or giving back to their community.”

“I am particularly excited about the interplay of Ventura’s auto center and Focus Area One,” says LaVere. “The Auto Center is the number one sales tax generator in Ventura and provides close to a thousand jobs. Together, the new Focus Area One and a strong Auto Center have the potential of being the economic center of east Ventura.”

All in all, the project is set to encourage a stable, diversified, and well-balanced economy, to add to the job base within the city and to create a more beautiful shopping area going up according to plans.

The ‘C’ Street / Surfrider’s Point Beach Cleanup August 26

by James Francis Gray

Mark your calendars. The next Surfrider Foundation, Ventura County Chapter cleanup is August 26th, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meet in Ventura on the beach promenade at the end of California Street.

They are breaking their previous year records each month. Using 124 volunteers, last month alone, the total collection was 396 pounds of trash, including 3,500 cigarette butts and two Star Wars characters.

So for tons of fun, join in for two + hours of cleaning up.

This group is one of the most successful out of eighty Surfrider Foundation chapters in America. It’s one of the best recreational opportunities in Ventura County. Bring your friends and family. Be a part of this worthwhile cause.

A volunteer,Ryan Power exclaimed, “Heads up: September 16, 2017 is the record breaking Coastal Cleanup day, the biggest volunteer event in the world!”

This vibrant chapter of volunteers, compromising of ocean enthusiasts interested in all aspects of beach management and ocean protections is waiting for you.

General meetings are every first Tuesday night of the month, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at Patagonia – Great Pacific Iron Works, 235 W. Santa Clara St. All are welcome.

Surfrider Foundation, Ventura County Chapter: serving our local community for over twenty years. For more information and details, please go to ventura.surfrider.org

Ventura Family YMCA making news

Dan Lyon, Danielle Brinkman and Ric Ruffinelli and Pattie Braga honored by the YMCA.

The Ventura Family YMCA has received a grant from Autism Speaks which will provide funding for Water Safety & Swim Lessons for children and adults with Autism.

“Learning to swim and safety around water are necessary life skills. We are grateful to Autism Speaks for their financial support and are pleased to partner with them to provide these important lessons and safety tips,” said Mrs. Eads, Support Services and Development Director of the Ventura Family YMCA.

These free lessons are one-on-one and available on a first come, first served basis. Membership is not necessary to qualify. For more information Nicole Eads at [email protected] or 642.2131 x 11.

The YMCA Board of Managers has announced the election of Pattie Braga as its new Board Chair for a 2-year term. Pattie has served as a member of the Y’s Board for four years and Chair Elect for one year.

“I was born and raised in Ventura and have a strong sense of ownership for our wonderful community,” said Ms. Braga.

As Board Chair, Braga will lead a board of 21 volunteers and work closely with the Executive Director on many strategic endevors.

The YMCA held a celebration to honor Board Members who have reached milestones in their service on the board.

Ric Ruffinelli was recognized for serving 15 years as a board member and Dan Lyon was recognized for serving on the board for 20 years while Pattie Braga and Cherie St. Jean were both recognized for serving on the board for 5 years.

In addition to honoring these outstanding long term volunteers, the Ventura Family YMCA celebrated outgoing Board Chair, Danielle Brinkman who served 3 years as the Ventura Family YMCA’s Board Chair.

For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/ventura/ or call 642-2131.

Top notch happy hour at Rhumb Line

Just a few of the wonderful Happy Hour selections at Rhumb Line.

by Jennifer Tipton

A Rhumb Line is the course of a ship that keeps a constant compass direction, good name for a restaurant that delivers consistently great food and service!

Also called “The Sunset Restaurant”, Rhumb Line is located where the old Scotch and Sirloin used to be in the Ventura Harbor. If you haven’t lived in Ventura for long, you probably have no idea where this is – 1510 Anchors Way Drive. With plenty of parking, the location provides beautiful views of the harbor just about anywhere you sit, there are indoor bistro type tables, a more formal dining area, bar seating that faces the harbor and a dog friendly outdoor patio also overlooking the harbor.

Everyone knows the best way to advertise (only second to running an ad in the Ventura Breeze) is word of mouth, so when a friend shared his experience at Rhumb Line, we all went to see for ourselves and what we found was indeed notable!

A Happy Hour is about the “tapas” or “small plates”, the adult beverages and great company, Rhumb Line delivered just that with the beauty of the boats and water as an added bonus.

The menu includes items you may not find anywhere else such as Blackened Ahi Sliders, Beef Sliders with bacon and blue cheese, a variety of Flatbread Pizzas and Oysters. These range from $5 to $10 each. The adult beverages selection offers the usual well drinks, beers and house wine for $5 and specialty cocktails such as Fresh Margaritas and one called a Rubedo (that sounded pretty tasty) for only $8 each.

The clever way to do happy hour is with a group so that each can choose a different selection and then share to taste a variety of tapas. We shared the Baby Back Riblets with a Szechuan glaze, the Ahi Poke served on large fried wontons with a sauce that again was delectable, the Shrimp/Chicken Quesadillas with pepper jack cheese, spinach and Pico de Gallo, Fried Calamari with a lemon aioli, Shrimp Bruschetta Bites with an aged balsamic glaze and the Lamb Sliders with arugula, tomato jam and goat cheese served with shoestring fries! The portions were not small, the flavors were fabulous and not one of us could choose a favorite, two of us even said, “wow, that calamari was good, and I don’t even like calamari!”

Service was good although we were missing a place setting and waited on a glass of water, but our plates were replaced with fresh ones for each dish which I thought was a nice touch and our server was very personable and kind.

A big shout out to Tommy Alizotis who we had a chance to meet, he is one of the 3 new owners that took over Rhumb Line about a year ago and is also the General Manager and Kitchen Manager – very impressive!

Rhumb Line’s Happy Hour is open every day from 3-7pm with all these tempting tapas and refreshing beverages, but bring your own great company (although the staff is very friendly). You could even invite me to join you.

Andi Girl

Andi-Girl hooping it up at the Earth Day Festival in Ventura’s Plaza Park.

by James Francis Gray

World traveler Andi Epstein, also known as Andi Girl, is the creator of Hoop Habit Teacher Training. Her mission is to instruct practitioners of energy and therapy. This movement brings the fun of hooping to a new level, offering a bio spiritual life tool that helps you guide your own path.

She just returned in July from Ireland where she was teaching Energy workshops, Tantra Fusion and offered a Hoop Yourself Well retreat at Creacon Wellness Centre. https//www.creaconwellnessretreat.com/.

She also takes a week long training session to refresh her credentials with her teacher. Ireland is truly a magical place where healing is found for everyone. Andi loves offering this yearly event on the Emerald Isle.

She, in her mid-thirties, began in the autumn of 2005, putting the “Cutie with the Bootie on the Move” into action, shedding her dress size from 20 to 12 in six short months. Talk about hard work. Her motto, “Feed the Craving,” works for her and it can work for you.

This added skill brought a new addition to her 30-year career as a Certified Life Coach, specializing with hands-on holistic training.

Andi’s energy is off the charts with her passion where Hooping fun meets functionality. She shows her clients where they are now, using their own currency grid, or energy system. Then she helps remove boundaries, navigating limited beliefs to free up movement. You can heal yourself into a new reality—the one you’ve always dreamed of, and more!

In 2009, Andi-girl was called a ‘Modern Goddess of the Boardroom’ fusing the alternative Healing Systems of Tantra Fusion, Rising Star Hoop Habit ™, the Healing Habit into Corporate Wellness programs. These programs are committed to raising global consciousness through healing and applying practical tools for healthy living.

This fall, Andi will be touring the east coast of the U.S. She’ll also give weekend retreats in the Midwest.

Web page: Welcome to www.HOOPHABIT ™.com!

Hoop Habit … is a one-stop source in play therapy and motivational movement.

For contact information [email protected].

A parade of productions at CAPS Media

Follow the Fair Parade on Channel 6 live

The CAPS Media Crew will record, broadcast and stream the 2017 Ventura County Fair Parade on Saturday, August 5th on Channel 6 live at 10AM. This year’s theme is Rooted in Tradition and the annual parade festivities including marching bands, floats, horses, vintage cars, tractors and more. The CAPS Media crew of staff members and volunteers will set up on the corner of Main and California to cover all the fun. If you are in the parade give us (and your friends watching at home) a big wave when you pass by. The parade will rebroadcast and stream throughout the week on CAPS Media Channel 6.

Congratulations and welcome to CAPS Media partners David Creswell, the new superintendent of the Ventura Unified School district and to David Keebler the interim president of Ventura College. VUSD and the college are valued collaborators and have representatives on the CAPS Media board of directors.

There’s always something new happening at the CAPS Media Center. Every month CAPS Media offers new member orientation meetings on the first Thursday at 6pm. The orientation includes a tour of the CAPS Media Center, a presentation by a CAPS Media staff member and an open Q&A. For CAPS Media Member/Producers instructional classes are scheduled every month. The HD videography/camera classes are held on 2nd Thursday, Final Cut postproduction editing classes are on the 3rd Thursday, and CAPS Radio (KPPQ, FM 104.1) training is on the 4th Thursday of the month. 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.

In addition to offering Member/Producers training, support and production equipment CAPS Media also provides professional production services to outside partners and agencies throughout Ventura County. Recent productions include instructional videos for Ventura College microbiology, a series of public information videos for the Ventura Shellfish Enterprise, ground breaking ceremonies for a new headquarters for Gold Coast Transit, an ongoing series of public information programs for the Ventura County News Channel, monthly staff updates for the Ventura County Fire Department, and the recently completed 2016 Video Annual Report for VCFD.

Go to 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.

Every member of the community is welcome and encouraged to visit the CAPS Media Center to take a tour and consider becoming a Member/Producer. CAPS Media is a nonprofit, membership organization located at 65 Day Road on the east side of Ventura College. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura is eligible to become a Member/Producer at CAPS Media. Annual fees are only $25 for an individual and $75 for a non-profit organization. CAPS Radio is an additional annual fee of $50 for DJs. For complete information go to capsmedia.org.

Vol. 10, No. 22 – Aug 2 – Aug 15, 2017 – City classes

Check out more camps and classes on web-site.

Call (805) 658-4726 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net Camp held at the Barranca Vista Center, 7050 E Ralston St in Ventura unless noted.

Fairytales in the Park for Families
8/12 Saturday 4pm FREE
Fairytales in the Park is celebrating its 23nd season! Join us at Barranca Vista Park for a production of The Clash of the Titans. Bring a blanket, picnic and low lawn chairs. For more information call -654-7553

The Aerial Studio: Cirque-Themed Summer Camp 6-16 years
8/7-8/11 M-F 9 am-3 pm $325 #8498
8/14-8/18 M-F 9 am-3 pm $325 #8499
Explore all the different Cirque arts and work towards a themed showcase for the last day of camp in our Cirque training center! We offer trapeze, silks, hammock, dance, acrobatics and more! Wear clothes without zippers that cover underarms and knees. Camp held at Aerial Studio 4476 Dupont Ct, Suite B.

NASA Space Academy CAMP 6-11 years
8/7-8/11 M-F 9 am-12 pm $179+$35 materials fee #8504
Study stunning space phenomena, and unlock the mysteries of meteors and secrets of space travel and rocket science. Learn about Living in Space by working on a model space station just like a real astronaut!

Young Creators: Stop Motion Animation CAMP 10-12 years
8/7-8/11 M-F 9 am-12 pm $190 #8531|
Work with your favorite toys to create fun and original stop motion animations as you learn basic concepts such as camera angles, storyboards, scripting elements and theme as well as voiceovers and a musical score. Note for Parents: Bring large sized toys from home for animating. No LEGOS or small toys. Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 E Ralston St, Pavilion #1.

Rock & Roll High Music Camps 6-12 years
8/7-8/11 M-F 9 am-3 pm $299+$25 materials fee #8535
Form your own rock band, write a song, make a CD, do a photo shoot and music video–all in one week with a performance for the parents on Friday. Guitars, bass, drums and microphones provided. All experience levels welcome.

Capturing Color Art CAMP At Red Brick Gallery 8-15 years
8/7-8/9 M-W 9 am-12 pm $120 A Little Bit of Everything #8617
Push your creativity and understanding of art into a new direction! Work in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, pencils, mixed media, print making, mosaics and sculpture. All supplies are included in the cost of class. Red Brick Art 4601 Telephone Road #112 (Telemark Business Center). To register 658-4726.

Billy Clower Cheer Camp 3-9 years
8/7-8/11 M-F 9 am-12 pm $130 3-5 years #8638
8/7-8/11 M-F 1-4 pm $130 6-9 years #8639
Enjoy building cars out of cardboard boxes and racing around fun obstacle courses. Car Campers will dance daily to the “Cars 3” soundtrack and make fun costume pieces and props. Billy Clower Dance Studio, 75 MacMillian Ave. To register 658-4726.

Survivor Challenge CAMP 7-12 years
8/7-8/11 M-F 1-4 pm $120+$35 materials fee #8624

You and your tribe will be challenged in sports, group competitions, individual contests, mind games, cooking and much more. Race through obstacle courses, target practice and create nature inspired meals, make a Hunger Games bow and arrow and survival kit. Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 E Ralston St, Pavilion #1 in. To register 658-4726.

Jedi Engineering Using LEGO® Camp 5-7 years
8/14-8/18 M-F 9 am-12 pm $190 #8525
The Force Awakens in this introductory engineering course for young Jedi! Explore engineering principles by designing and building projects such as LEGO® X-Wings, R2 Units, Energy Catapults, Defense Turrets, and Settlements from a faraway galaxy. Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 E Ralston St, Room 206 . To register 658-4726.

Jedi Master Engineering Using LEGO® CAMP 8-12 years
8/14-8/18 M-F 1-4 pm $190 #8526
Discover key engineering concepts such as gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics and eccentric motion as you build LEGO® X-Wings, AT-AT walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, Settlements, Fortresses and other complex machines and structures in this advanced engineering course for young Jedi. Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 E Ralston St, Room 206 . To register 658-4726.