Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Ventura Family YMCA making news

Pattie currently serves as Senior Community Development Officer at VCCU9

The Ventura Family YMCA has received a grant from Autism Speaks which will provide funding for Water Safety & Swim Lessons for Children and Adults in our community with Autism. The announcement was made by Nicole Eads, Support Services and Development Director of the Ventura Family YMCA.

“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.

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, or to reserve a spot, please contact Nicole Eads at [email protected] or 642.2131 x 11.

The Ventura Family YMCA Board of Managers is proud to announce the election of Pattie Braga as its new Board Chair. Pattie has served as a member of the Y’s Board for four years and Chair Elect for one year. She began her two-year term as Board Chair on July 1st.

Pattie currently serves as Senior Community Development Officer at Ventura County Credit Union. Her responsibilities include hosting financial literacy seminars for many local community organizations and businesses as well as a variety of other community related projects. Pattie is also a director on the board of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and is on the executive board for the Ventura County Leadership Academy.

“I was born and raised in Ventura and have a strong sense of ownership for our wonderful community,” said Ms. Braga. “I feel the biggest assets here are the beautiful coastline and the amazing people that live, work and volunteer here. The Ventura Family YMCA embodies the unique spirit of Ventura and impacts the lives of so many in our community.”

As Board Chair, Braga will lead a board of 21 volunteers and work closely with the Executive Director on many strategic endevors including facility expansion, outreach program growth and increased fundraising.

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

Not all repellent methods are equal

by Kevin O’Connor

Mosquitoes and ticks have started biting again. In the Eastern USA you can expect to start seeing mosquitoes as early as April and ticks by May. In California in warmer areas, the pest season can be much longer. In the next few months you can also expect to be hearing a bit more about diseases spread by these arthropods. As we move into our second summer of Zika you will likely be hearing a lot about mosquitoes, but it is important to keep ticks in mind as well.

For the first time, ticks have been reported in areas of California. They are not only back East. Ticks and mosquitoes are not just annoying pests that leave you itchy. Together these arthropods are responsible for most of the emerging infectious diseases in the world today. Additionally, with only a few exceptions, the diseases spread by these arthropods cannot be prevented by vaccinations.

The best defense against these highly efficient arthropods is taking measures to avoid getting bitten, such as using insect repellents. However, not all repellent methods are equal. Here are some facts regarding repellents that your family may want to know.

DEET is commonly considered the gold standard of repellents, this chemical ingredient has for decades proven itself as effective against mosquitoes and ticks. Decades of use of DEET have not resulted in any significant detriment to health including no evidence of causing cancer or resulting in birth defects when used as directed. We have learned that DEET should not be worn under sunscreen or clothing and is a strong eye irritant and may damage some plastics and fabrics.

Picaridin is a chemical found in plants that produce black pepper. Some studies have indicated that picaridin may be slightly more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET and may also provide longer protection times. It is odorless, non-irritating, and does not melt plastics.

IR3535 is a chemical that has been used in Europe for more than 20 years with no serious adverse effects reported. Evidence suggests that IR3535 is as effective as DEET at repelling ticks, but is slightly less effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. We find that concentrations weaker than 10% may not be effective, and we should avoid brands with added sunscreen. IR3535 is also a serious eye irritant and also melts some plastic and damages some fabrics.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus originates as an extract of the eucalyptus tree. The tree extract can be refined to create an oil known as PMD. It has been reported that this oil is not recommended for use on children 3 years old or younger. It can irritate lungs and may contain possible allergens.

In final analysis of all repellents, do not rely on just repellents. Use clothing to protect as much skin as possible and perform regular tick checks. Families must always follow the product label instructions. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proved safe and effective even for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Reapply insect repellent only as directed. Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing. Finally, if you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first. It does not hurt to ask questions of your pharmacist and your dermatologist.

Knowledge is vital to good service to the families we care about in the California communities we serve. To speak with one of our technicians for service, call 1-800-284-7985. http://kevinmoconnor.blogspot.com

City of Ventura classes and camps.

City of Ventura classes and camps.
Check out hundreds more on web-site.Call 658-4726 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net 

Eureka! The Inventors Camp with Mad Science
6-11 years
7/24-7/28 M-F 9 am-12 pm $179+$35 materials fee #8503
Create catapults, forts, light sticks, light bulbs and circuits with batteries to take home using your own ingenuity and tips from such famous inventors as Edison, da Vinci and Rube Goldberg.

Wizardry and Literacy Camp
7-13 years
7/24-7/28 M-F 9 am-4 pm $195+$10 materials fee #8550
Live the magic of Harry, Ron and Hermione on a journey through reading, writing and acting as we study the J. K. Rowling book, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”® (This event is not endorsed, sanctioned or any other way supported, directly or indirectly, by Warner Bros. Entertainment, the Harry Potter book publishers, or J.K. Rowling and her representatives.)

Zaney Zootopia Dance Camp
5-11 years
7/24-7/28 M-F 9 am-12 pm $130 5-7 years #8634
7/24-7/28 M-F 1-4 pm $130 8-11 years #8635
Join us in a mammal metropolis as campers research and become their favorite animal to solve a mysterious case. Campers will dance daily and make fun costume pieces and props to go along with their end of the week dance performance for parents. Students will dance barefoot or bring in ballet/jazz shoes. Camp held at Billy Clower Dance Studio, 75 MacMillian Ave.

Sewing by Hand
9-12 years
7/25-8/29 Tu 4:30-6 pm $60 #8985
Learn hand-sewing skills to make dolls, folk pictures, purses and more. Instructor Judee Hauer.

Start Your Own Small Business!
18 years-Adult
7/27 Th 6-7:30 pm $45 #9195
Have you wanted to start your own small business but have been unsure of how to make that happen? Do you have a hobby that you would like to turn into a business? This course will give you an overview of business ownership, what permits and licenses may be required and how you can position your product or service in the market for success! Instructor Clare Briglio, owner of design company Kings & Priests.

Kids and Dogs Seminar
8 years-adult
7/29 Sa 10 am-12 pm $20 #9002
Find out how parents and children can safely interact with dogs by understanding dog body language. Children are encouraged to attend but a parent must accompany those under 14. Please leave your dog at home for this seminar. Classes held at 3521 Arundel Circle #B.

Billy Clower Cheer Camp
5-12 years
7/31-8/4 M-F 9 am-12 pm $130 5-8 years #8636
7/31-8/4 M-F 1-4 pm $130 9-12 years #8637
Learn jumps, motions, stunting, pom routines and tumbling plus hip-hop, jumping rope, hulahoops, making cheer crafts and more. BC Cheer shirt given with County Fair performance. Camp held at Billy Clower Dance Studio, 75 MacMillian.

Rock & Roll High Guitar Building Camp
10-18 years
7/31-8/4 M-F 1-4 pm $100+$99 materials fee #8536
Design and build your own custom electric guitar to keep and rock out with. No experience necessary. We provide everything: the $99 materials fee is due in cash at first class, no exceptions. At Arroyo Verde Park Center, 5005 Foothill Rd.
All held at the Barranca Vista Center, 7050 E Ralston St in Ventura. Unless noted.

 

Coffee with a Cop fosters fellowship, discourse between VPD and community members

VPD Officers and residents enjoy coffee, conversation at Sandbox Coffeehouse.

by Jared Brewer

On Thursday, June 29, the Ventura Police Department hosted Coffee with a Cop at Sandbox Coffeehouse from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. in an effort to create a friendly, informal environment for officers and residents alike to discuss community issues, forge relationships, and enjoy a good cup of coffee together.

However, the VPD is not alone in hosting such events; Coffee with a Cop is a nationwide initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, with similar events being held all across the country. As a whole, the program aims to advance the practice of community policing by improving the overall relationships between police officers and community members.

Corporal Al Gomez, who has been with the Ventura Police Department for 17 years, is a long-time proponent of bridging the divide between citizens and police officers. And five years ago, he helped organize Curbside Coffee and Chat, which sends school resource officers to every elementary and middle school throughout the Ventura Unified School District. Though he no longer supervises the program, Gomez underscored the continued importance of facilitating positive police-community relations: “Events like Curbside Coffee and Chat or Coffee with a Cop provide avenues for us to talk to the community and show them that we care and want to help them with whatever problems they have. Sometimes it may not seem that way, but ultimately that’s our goal.”

Because the majority of contacts between the police and the public occur during emergencies or high-stress situations, opportunities to establish rapports, ask questions, or simply learn more about the department’s services, are often limited. “Unfortunately, most people in the community only see us when they are involved with a minor crime or are victims of some kind,” said Officer Trenner Marchetti. “The reality is that we are usually there because we have to be, not because we or anyone else wants us to be. Coffee with a Cop creates a low-stress environment for us, as officers, to be able to get to know the community and show them that there’s a different side to us.” Marchetti has been with the VPD for 12 years and is currently working as a part of the Major Crimes Unit.

Several community members present cited increased approachability as a primary reason to attend Coffee with a Cop. “It takes a little bit of the fear out of meeting with police officers,” said Myriah Gonzales, outreach coordinator with the Coalition for Family Harmony and crisis advocate at California State University, Channel Islands. “They’re carrying guns, they have the uniforms on, and that’s often scary to people. So to meet them in a casual place—and be able to put faces and names to people that might be helping them—that’s the importance for the community.”

Emily Wisma, herself an aspiring police officer, lamented current public opinion of the police: “Police officers are peace officers,” she said. “They’re here to help us and to keep the community safe. And I think a lot of them really need us to understand that right now because they’re being portrayed so negatively in the media. They’re here for our safety, not to beat us or arrest us.”

For more information, or to request Coffee with a Cop at your business, please email [email protected] or call 339-4317.

CAPS Media is all about sharing stories

CAPS Radio’s Open House with Evan Carpenter sharing the KPPQ studio with the crowd.

CAPS Radio brought together producers, disc jockeys and those interested in radio together last week for an open house. It was a pleasure to visit with over two dozen people passionate about radio. Thanks to all those who shared their stories. This is what CAPS Media is all about, sharing stories. Listen to KPPQ-LP 104.1fm as you’re driving to work, around town or at home and hear programming from locals as well as committed grass roots radio across the country. Go to the radio page on the CAPS Media Center ‘s website for information. Community support is welcome in any way. Let us know what you think, what you like and what you want to hear on CAPS Radio KPPQ-LP at 104.1FM.

The ECTV students are taking their well-earned break from school but not from their projects at CAPS. It’s great to see them supporting each other and other members with their projects and fine tuning their skills. There are still spaces available for our Digital Storytelling classes beginning July 17th. Call or come by.

Once again, we are out there covering the Chamber’s Economic Breakfast and sharing the interesting and thought provoking issues affecting the community. Check the schedule for broadcast dates and times. City meetings are ongoing and we continue coverage weekly. Tune in to channel 15 for Ventura’s important meetings.

Summer is a great time to come by the CAPS Media Center with family and friends to learn about why we are here, what we do and how we can support you in obtaining the skills to produce your own show. It’s been said before that we are one of Ventura’s hidden gems. Those who live, work or attend school in the city of Ventura are eligible to become a member. Non-profit organizations are invited to join too.

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 media 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.

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

Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo at Fairgrounds July 8

Golden Future Expos is pleased to announce the 6th Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo to be held on Saturday, July 8 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds inside the San Miguel Expo Hall from 10:00am – 2:30pm.

The event to be held in conjunction with the following sponsors: Not Born Yesterday Monthly Newspaper, New Lifestyles Magazine, Senior Alternatives, California Senior Guide, and the Ventura County Star.

The event will feature 60 vendors with products, services, and resources tailored for Baby Boomers, Seniors, Caregivers, and Friends/Family.

Highlights Include:

  • Free Admission and free parking at the Fairgrounds!
  • Free Health Screenings (Blood Pressure, Carotid Artery/Stroke, Blood Glucose, Vein Ultrasound Screening & More)
  • Free Resume Review & Career Consultation
  • Free Medicare and/or Financial Planning Advice
  • Live Comedy Show by Michael Sherman, “The Michael Sherman Comedy Hour)
  • Great Speakers & Workshops (Social Security, Medicare, Oral Health, Meditation Class, and More!)
  • Hourly Door Prize Drawings & Giveaways
  • Mini Job & Volunteer Fair
  • Food For Purchase
  • $250 Grand Prize Drawing
  • Golden Future Social Hour
  • Fitness Classes

“Baby Boomers and Seniors have redefined every stage of their life and are now redefining the aging process” says Toyia Moore, Event Producer at Golden Future Expos. “The Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo will be a Power-Up day for people to get out and socialize, access health resources, shop for products and services, and be entertained and informed. Our participating Sponsors and Exhibitors put a tremendous amount work into their expo presence; we are certain that attendees will really appreciate and enjoy it! These events are really a who’s who of those who offer goods and services to the 50+ market” said Moore.

For more information, visit www.goldenfutureseniorexpo.com or contact 424-772-6039.

Cooking classes at Spice-Topia

Chef Amy inspires you with new recipes at downtown spice store. Photo by Michael Gordon

by Jennifer Tipton

Spice-Topia is the quaint little shop downtown on Main Street where fresh spices from all over the world, a variety of teas, infused olive oils, tasty balsamic and many other items tempt your culinary curiosity. One cannot walk by without being drawn in by the inviting scents of cinnamon and assorted spices, offering an invitation to create new recipes or bump the old ones up a notch or two!

Looking for new recipes or inspiration? Cooking classes are offered at Spice-Topia by either Chef Amy or Chef Lu usually every other week in the evening 6:30-8:30. These kitchen divas attended the same culinary school, both are personal chefs and have their own catering business.

The classes are demos so that the students participate like a live studio audience with attendees from all age groups, gender and cooking experience. Complimentary herbal iced tea is served and the menus range in theme from “Gourmet Italian” to “Taco Night” with special holiday menus such as “Sweetheart Supper” and the one I recently enjoyed, “Summer with Chef Amy”. This was a celebration of summer that offered Bloody Mary Tomato Crostini’s, Sticky Balsamic Ribs, Corn Skewers with Cilantro Lime Butter, 5 Bean Salad with Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette and Blueberry Peach Portable Pie – oh yes!

As the chefs demo the preparation, students learn the fundamentals of chopping an onion (without crying), peeling garlic the easy way and other tricks of the trade such as proper technique and safe food handling. These types of lessons might be useful if you are deciding to open a restaurant. Make sure that you buy all the relevant equipment before deciding what food to serve. So, why don’t you have a look for this equipment at somewhere like Nella to get you on your way.

Chef Amy teaches about the origin of certain foods and emphasizes the importance of certified organic produce, the best cuts of meat, best places to shop and don’t even get her started on GMOs … Chef Amy states, “It’s okay to disagree with me, but remember, I have knives!”

Both chefs stress the importance of checking expiration dates which prompted me to tear through my pantry only to find a can of baking powder from 1986, (maybe that’s why my cakes kept falling) and maybe that’s why everything at Spice-Topia is so fresh and aromatic.

Although the classes are demos, all items on the menu have been pre-prepared, students are served samplers of everything and sent home with the recipes. Classes are only $35.00 and everyone gets 15% off their store purchase the night of the class. Such a deal!

Check their website for details: www.spicetopia.com

Vol. 10, No. 20 – July 5 – July 18, 2017 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton
What type of housing do you think Ventura needs –
affordable or executive?

Connie Colloizo
age 51
Office manager for Dr. Faulstich D.D.S.
“Affordable housing! Prices are going up and that way everyone can afford their own home.”

 

 

Sally Campbell
age 68
Business owner at Spa Warehouse
“I think we need more executive type beach houses or apartments. Ventura is known for all the upscale restaurants, attractions and (of course) the beautiful beaches – perhaps people from the movie industry or young dynamic executive families would move here.”

 

Jessica McGuire
age 27
Does billing for The Trade Desk
“I don’t think Ventura needs either, I think we have plenty of both. I don’t qualify for low income and yet I don’t make enough to own an executive home – what about the middle class?”

 

Louie Luna
age 60
Truckdriver
“I’d say the majority of people would say affordable housing, but I think they should still offer executive (expensive) homes. There is a difference between affordable and low-income housing. I think it’s a balance and I don’t think Ventura meets the balance.”

 

Bon Wakam
age 58
Business Broker
“I think we need both, but to attract a lot of big companies we need to have housing for the executives to live in and there is more of a shortage of executive housing.”

 

Dennis Stevenson
age 61
Construction Contractor
“They both have merit – low income housing allows more people to get into the housing market, but executive housing would bring wealthier people and with them they would bring commerce and jobs’”