Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

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!

Rubicon stimulates Ventura County economy

Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company generates an impact of over $5 million to the economy of Ventura County each year according to a comprehensive economic analysis. This impact is equivalent to 160 full time jobs. The study was conducted by a team of top graduating economics students from California State University Channel Islands led by Tom Kozlowski and under the supervision of Professor Claudio Paiva, Professor and Chair of Economics.

The economic team based their estimate on detailed data of expenditures of Rubicon, its employees, and its audience. The estimate reflects both the direct expenditures of these groups and what economists call a “multiplier effect,” the way in which spending in one area influences spending in others. The research team compared results using different economic multiplier models, all of which reached a very similar conclusion—Rubicon spending has a significant impact on the local economy.

The analysis also notes important non-monetary impacts of Rubicon on the community. These include an active volunteer force of over 300 people, a strong youth educational program, and increased happiness for those who experience the theatre. The authors cite research that links these activities with better mental and physical health, benefits that cannot be captured by the data on expenditures.

Now entering its 20th season, Rubicon has presented more than 130 diverse main stage productions to more than 440,000 audience members and served more than 45,000 student attendees or participants. The company has received widespread acclaim for the quality of its productions, including the Los Angeles Drama Critics Margaret Harford Award for “Sustained Excellence” (2010), the Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s Poinsettia Award for Non-Profit Organization of the Year (2012), the New York Drama Desk Award for “Outstanding Musical Review” (2012), 14 Ovation Awards, a NAACP Award, and multiple Indy, Garland, and Robby Awards. Numerous stars of stage, screen, and television have appeared at Rubicon. Each year it presents five to eight main stage shows plus a Broadway Concert Series for the general public.

For further information about Rubicon Theatre Company, please visit www.rubicontheatre.org or call 667-2900.

Ventura Unified School District high school countdown!

There are eight career educational pathways at Ventura High.

by Jennifer Tipton

Ventura High

Located at Two North Catalina Street, Ventura High School is Ventura’s pioneer high school – it’s been around since 1889! Just think students that went here fought in WW1! Currently about 2,155 students in grades 9 – 12 are enrolled and Ventura High is recognized as a California Distinguished School. Students must apply to attend and I’m told that there is a waiting list every year.

Ventura High is the only school to have 3 students selected for the air force and naval academies with scholarships of over $500,000 provided to each. Many alumni go on to Cal State Berkeley, UCLA, LMU and other big-name universities.

In his 3rd year as principal, Carlos Cohen states, “I’m proud to be the principal at Ventura’s namesake high school, I feel like a Starfleet captain!” He is very proud of his students and shares that the VHS students donated the most blood in the entire county to The American Red Cross two years consecutively. According to principal Cohen, “our students are incredible community servants!”

The school’s mascot is the cougar and every Venturan knows it’s been the dogs (Buena’s bulldogs) against the cats for years but principal Carlos emphasized, “it’s a wholesome rivalry…”

VHS had 2 CIF championships last year and 7 Channel League championships. Several athletes have had “full ride” scholarships to college and many have gone on to become professional athletes.

There are eight career educational pathways including advanced computer science, automotive design and hospitality/culinary courses which are rigorous, yet well attended.

The music department is quite diverse with everything from a jazz band to a wind ensemble and the symphony orchestra competes at a collegiate level with a record of beating colleges!

Notable alumni include Mike Larrabee the double gold medalist in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Tyler Ebell and Chris Thomas the professional football players, Karen Grassle the actress (played Caroline Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie) and Bill Payne the founding member of the band Little Feat. And several City council members over the years.

When asked about the amount of homework the students are given, principal Cohen states, “it depends on the level of courses they’re taking and grade level, we provide students with many opportunities to be successful.” There are even online credit recovery classes (for when that homework didn’t get done?).

For more information venturausd.org/ventura/home.aspx.

Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 – Oct 10, 2017 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton

I asked 6 Ventura Unified School District grads and students about their favorite high school subject and future plans.

Andrew Bergum
age 19
works at Play It Again Sports
Andrew just graduated from Buena High School June 2017. His favorite high school subject was anatomy and physiology, “I loved it so much! It was really cool!” Now at Ventura College and taking some difficult courses such as anatomy, intro to psychology, intro to kinesiology and statistics and communication, Andrew plans to transfer to a 4-year state school and major in prosthetics. He wants to take his prosthetics to third world countries one day!

Garrett Weinell
age 18
also works at Play It Again Sports
Garrett is also a recent grad, he graduated from Ventura High School June 2017. Favorite high school subject? “Government, because I like history and I’m more government inclined.” Now at Ventura College, he’s taking E.M.T. courses. When asked what happened to government Garrett said, “I don’t like politics” and denied running for office one day…

Jacob Somer
age 13
freshman at Ventura High School
“For my favorite subject, I have to go with math because I really like the teacher, Mr. Spellman. He plays music while we’re doing work and he’s friendly!” When asked how he likes his first year in high school he said, “It’s really different than middle school, but I like it.” Jacob is thinking of pursuing college for graphic design.

Sara McGuire
age 20
plays water polo for the V.C. Pirates
Sara is a Buena High School grad and tells me her favorite high school subject was physics, “It was kinda tough, I was the only girl in the class so it was special to me because I had to show up the guys!” She is currently taking music classes at V.C. and plans to get her Ph.D. at a private music conservatory. Sara wants to continue to water polo and adds, “I also play the cello.”

Paige Treloar-Ballard
age 21
another V.C. water polo player
Paige was a Foothill Technology High School graduate and for her favorite high school subject she said, “I really enjoyed physiology!” She just graduated from V.C. and is now headed to U.C.S.B. where her major is geography. When asked what happened to physiology, Paige tells me, “I’m very squeamish with blood, so I decided to explore other options. I took the geography class and really enjoyed it and the professor, Mr. “C”.”

Josie Thorp
age 17
student at Foothill Technology High School
Favorite class? “The sciences, especially life science because I like learning about life and I also get to work in the lab – that’s fun and interesting! I really like Mrs. Anderson for a teacher.” Josie currently works at the Ventura Aquatic Center as a life guard but plans to attend a 4-year college and do research someday in a lab, “that would be awesome!”

Harvest Festival celebrates 28th Annual Fall Showcase

Treasures range from stunning jewelry, ceramics, and blown glass to hand-turned wood and much more.

Shopping gets personal when the Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show comes to the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 6-8 featuring over 24,000 handmade original creations.

Close to three hundred artisans join in the 28th annual Ventura showcase that combines shopping and entertainment for limitless fun with live entertainment, contests, strolling performers, demonstrations, and a Kidzone with a pumpkin patch.

Treasures range from stunning jewelry, ceramics, and blown glass, to hand-turned wood, leather goods, clothing, specialty foods, eclectic art pieces, seasonal décor, ornaments and more. While crafting demonstrations inspire DIYers, many artists can also personalize items for the perfect gift. As the largest and most prestigious indoor showcase on the west coast, the Harvest Festival features artists and crafters who push the boundaries of creativity to spark excitement and new trends.

“We work year-round to create the quintessential shopping encounter that engages our patrons at every level,” says Harvest Festival owner Nancy Glenn. “It’s a feast for all the senses, whether you’re an avid art collector, a DIY devotee, or on a quest for that special handmade gift you won’t find anywhere else.”

The celebration gives back to the community by partnering with FOOD Share and the Boys & Girls Club of greater Ventura. Patrons who bring canned goods for donation receive $2 off general admission. Macaroni Kid and My Gym host the Kidzone complete with make “n” take crafting and a pumpkin patch for romping, courtesy of Green Thumb Nursery. Lowe’s of Ventura hosts an interactive “build it” area.

The outdoor stage comes alive with performances from Southern California’s favorite party band, HyJinx, and comedy entertainer John Park, featuring his funny waiter antics with audience participation.

Harvest Festival general admission tickets are $9, while seniors (62+) and military are $7, youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are good for the entire weekend and return visits. Information is available at www.harvestfestival.com or by calling 925/ 392-7300.

Festival Hours: October 6-8

Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Ventura County Fairgrounds

Seaside Highland Games begins with a grand Single Malt Scotch Tasting

Those vying for prize money will be properly outfitted for the occasion.

A Scottish/Celtic Festival called the Seaside Highland Games is about to invade the Ventura County Fairgrounds once again as they have done for each of the past fourteen years! On one magical weekend—this year on October 14 & 15—the entire seaside Fairgrounds becomes the re-creation of a giant Scottish village with all the activities going on just as they would have in times of old. And the entertainment to be experienced is endless! And you may participate to the level that suits you. Come in full Highland dress—kilts and hose for the gentlemen and kilted skirts and tartan sashes for the ladies—all the way down to shorts and flip-flops if the weather permits. It doesn’t matter!

Those vying for prize money in one of the judged competitions will be properly outfitted for the occasion. Kilts are a must for the giant Scottish athletes, whether laddies or ladies, and Highland and Scottish Country Dancers will look every inch the part as they would have before the dukes and duchesses of old. The Seaside Games is well known for their generous purses and scholarships assisting students of the Celtic arts to further their education toward professional prowess. Observing these young competitors as they strive for excellence is a special privilege reserved for those who attend the Festival.

Festivities begin Friday evening at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel with a grand Single Malt Scotch Tasting at 5pm followed by a fine buffet supper and an elegant Scottish Fashion Show.

Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9am for your enjoyment of all venues on the field. Four entertainment stages with great local and long distant talent, bagpipers and drummers, of course, alone and in the many bands marching and competing. Fiddles and harps—an actual Harp Glen with Harp Petting Zoo—the amazing herding dogs demonstrating their sheep-herding skills and an endless array of Clan and Societies stretching along Clan Row where you will be welcomed and feted by the tent you choose to visit.

Beautiful Scottish and Celtic products displayed for sale at a wide array of top vendors for your consideration (excellent for Christmas/Holiday giving) and a fine selection of authentic British food and beverage when you are ready to take a welcome break. The two days will fly by so quickly that you will want to take in both so as not to miss anything. Beautiful Opening Ceremonies on Saturday and a fine and emotional Closing Ceremony Sunday as well-deserved prizes are granted. A solid two days of culture and camaraderie. Make plans now to be there on that special weekend in October. www.seaside-games.com

Audubon bird watching

October 1, 8:30 a.m. Laguna Tams – Linda Easter 818-519-2833

The tamarisk trees at Laguna Rd are a migrant hot spot. Migrating birds mostly warblers are attracted to the insects in the trees and a number of uncommon to rare birds often show up at this location. Call Linda Easter if this location is unknown to you.

October 7, 8:00 a.m. Work Day Hedrick Ranch Nature Area.- Sandy Hedrick 805-340-0478.

Arrive at 8:00 for self-guided birding which usually yields some interesting birds. Work from 9am – noon. Long pants and boots or closed shoes are required. Bring water, gloves & sun protection.

October 14, 8:30 a.m. Canada Larga- Neil Zeigler 805-983-7207

We will walk and drive the canyon. Always a great walk! Some birds we may see are Western Bluebirds, Road-runners, sparrows, swallows, Phainopepla, Red-tailed Hawks & perhaps a barn owl.

October 16, 8:30 a.m. Ventura Settling Ponds- Adele Fergusson 805-415-4304.

Enjoy a morning of mostly waterfowl birding. Spotting scopes are always welcome.

October 21, 8:30 a.m. Lake Casitas Joint trip with CVAS.- Kay Regester 805-258-1025 Co-Leader: Dee Lyons

Join us for a walk by the lake. We will be looking for hummingbirds, grosbeaks, gnatcatchers as well as ducks, geese and waterfowl. Target birds will include the resident Bald Eagles, Green Heron, Chipping and Lark Sparrows, Common Merganser and Spotted Sandpiper. Park out front of the Lake entrance and we will walk into the park.

October 28, 8:00 a.m. Carpinteria Salt Marsh- Rob Denholtz will be our guide. There will be a limit of 25 people.

This is a joint CVAS/VAS field trip to the restricted part of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve and approved by UCSB. This is a unique opportunity to have a guided tour of the private part of the salt marsh that is used by UCSB and affiliates to study the ecology of one of the last coastal salt marshes in Southern California. Please contact Linda Easter at 818-519-2833 or [email protected].