Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Project Understanding undergoes changes, continues serving community

Although Project Understanding has recently undergone several organizational changes, including reducing staffing and program reevaluation, the 40-year-old nonprofit remains committed to serving the underserved and at-risk in the Ventura County community.

“We want to assure our donors as well as the community as a whole that all of our programs are still viable and actively serving local needs,” said Jann Huling, President of the Board of Directors.

Project Understanding continues to help move the homeless off the streets and into safe, permanent housing. Its Food Pantry serves over 1,200 people a month, and hundreds of children are being tutored every week at its tutoring centers.

Lately, the Tender Life program, which serves homeless pregnant women with safe housing and support services, has seen a significant drop in the number of clients. It is the Board’s responsibility to study the program as currently structured and determine if it still serves the needs of our community.

Major fundraising events like the Hope Worth Giving breakfast, held in March, and Starlight Supper Club, slated for this November, are still going strong.

Financial and donation support from the business community through events like these enables Project Understanding to help thousands of people each year.

Founded in 1977, Project Understanding provides hope by developing and directing resources for the purpose of transforming lives and community through justice, mercy and compassion. For 40 years, Project Understanding has been assisting people reach their highest attainable level of independence.

For more information on Project Understanding, please visit www.projectunderstanding.org.

John Baker garners 2017 Norm Weitzel Award

Volunteer John Baker receiving the Norm Weitzel Award from Executive Director Tammy I Glenn.

Reaching back into the archives, CAREGIVERS (Volunteers Assisting the Elderly) team stumbled upon an interesting fact.  Volunteer John Baker, thought to have begun volunteering in 2007 after his retirement, actually came to CAREGIVERS as early as 1986.  Baker’s volunteer service to seniors spans more than 30 years, and that’s one of the first criteria CAREGIVERS reviews in making the Norm Weitzel Award.

“With all the talk about fake news, we wanted to set the record straight when it comes to John Baker,” said Executive Director Tammy Glenn.  “Previous articles about John had his start date in 2007, but that was after a relatively short hiatus he enjoyed in between serving seniors.  John Baker’s original file was started more than 30 years ago, and we’ve got the paper to prove it.”

Senior after senior, assignment after assignment, John’s volunteer file filled up with notes over the years.  “He is one of CAREGIVERS’ most trusted volunteers and a model of community service,” Tammy said.

Longevity is important, but it’s not the only criteria for the award.  The nomination of John Baker was forwarded by the CAREGIVERS Board of Directors to Norm Weitzel’s brothers at the Masonic Lodge of Ventura.  The Mason’s work closely to develop the award in Norm’s memory and were delighted to join CAREGIVERS in bestowing the honor which is now a centerpiece of CAREGIVERS’ Annual Evening of Gratitude, presented this year by SCAN Health Plan.

Norm Weitzel set a high bar, not only as a volunteer, but also as a donor. Doing good without self-advertising, influencing everyone towards right conduct.  Norm also was concerned about the sustainability of the organization which is why he worked with Jack Collings to establish the annual Wearin’ o’ the Green golf tournament, which is now lovingly known as the Norm Weitzel Open in his memory.

John Baker has clearly developed as a champion in the community.  While his volunteer time might not be visible to most, he is a humble representative exhibiting the fine qualities found in individuals who choose to spend their time as volunteers.

Interested in working with like-minded folks to make an investment in the community?  Give CAREGIVERS a call 658-8530 or visit their website at www.vccaregivers.org.

 

 

Memorial Day tribute to Face of Ventura

For two years artist Johanna Spinks painted the Face of Ventura with her wonderful portraits that appeared in the Ventura Breeze. As a Memorial Day tribute these are 6 of the sitters that we know of who have passed away.  When presented in the Breeze we asked each one what they loved about Ventura.

 

Howard Boroughs settled in Ventura from the Valley with his family looking for a more eclectic nature. They wanted to be close to the ocean and Ventura seemed like the ideal place. The Boroughs quickly loved their new home and became active in the community. Howard liked that there was an interest in the arts
in Ventura.

 

 

Tony Barrios enjoyed Ventura 100%. He enjoyed everything Ventura had to offer. Surfing, fishing, cycling, strolling along the promenade and pier just to name a few. Over the years Tony said the people of Ventura were so good to him. He felt truly blessed.

 

 

 

 

Jalopy Joe Moody came to Ventura in 1999 from Santa Barbara. He had a love for motorcycles and jalopies and opened up Jalopy Joes with his lifelong friend Brenda McDaniel. Joe loved the people of Ventura and was a friend to all. One of his favorite things to do was ride and see the wonderful sunsets Ventura had to offer.

 

 

 

Sandra Laby loved Ventura’s people, location and weather. She felt Ventura was such a relaxed place to raise a family. Sandra enjoyed watching the ocean, birds and boats. She loved that the people were kind and caring which gave her the feeling of a very small town. She loved it all.

 

 

 

 

 

Martha B. loved everything about Ventura. She felt very accepted here. Martha loved listening to jazz music and was amazed at all the talent in this town. She had the privilege of singing at various venues as well.

 

 

 

Glenn Dale Gooss settled in Ventura in 1939. He believed it was the residents of Ventura that made Ventura great. He felt the city had a lot of vitality and that it was very charming to visitors. Glenn loved the near perfect weather Ventura offered and the small town feel, in spite of its growth over the 80 years he had lived here.

Vol. 10, No. 17 – May 24 – June 6, 2017 – Library Events

E.P. Foster Library

A California Native Plant Society Lecture 6/20 Tuesday @ 7-9pm .Tarja Sader “Studies of a National Park Botanist” presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter.

E.P. Needlecraft and Fiber Arts Club
6/8 & 22 Thursdays @ 10:30am
Get together with makers from all across the fiber-arts world.

Children’s Events Summer Reading (SR) Show: Luce Puppets!
6/21 Wednesday @ 11am & 3pm

Summer Reading (SR) Show: Silly Science! 6/28 Wednesday @ 3pm Silly Science Ric Morton Science Extraordinaire! Celebrate Summer Reading on the 2nd Floor!

Gaming Daze
6/16, 23, & 30 Fridays @ 2-4pm
Gaming Daze with both plugged and unplugged options! Play the WiiU and board games!

STEAM Boxes
6/20 & 27 Tuesdays @ 3:30-5pm
Join us for creative STEAM projects! Rocket Launch and Necklace Coding!

3D Printing Club
6/22 & 29 Thursdays @ 2-4pm
Our 3D Printing Club inspires individuals to explore this emerging technology through hands-on experiences.

Father’s Day Crafternoon
6/15 Thursday @ 3:30-5pm
Join us for a Father’s Day Crafteroon!

Avenue Library

Gaming @ the Library
6/6, 13, 20, 27  Tuesdays 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Socialize and strategize with Wii games and board games

STEAM  Boxes
6/7, 14, 21, 28 Wednesdays 3:30pm – 4:30pm

6/7 LED Circuit Art , 6/14 Bot Draw 3:30-4:30, 6/21 Gumdrop Bridges 3:30-4:30, 6/28 Lava Lamp 3:30-4:30. Create and build! Use your imagination and engineering skills with these fun STEAM activities! Aimed at children ages 9 and up.

Superbrain Yoga 6/10 Saturday 10:00am – 12:00pm Simple exercises to relieve stress and make you smarter!

Saticoy Library

STEAM Boxes
6/6, 13, 20, 27 Tuesdays 3:30pm – 4:30pm

6/6   LED Circuit Art  6/13 Draw Bot  6/20 Gumdrop Bridges 6/27 Lava Lamp  Create and build! Use your imagination and engineering skills with these fun STEAM activities! Aimed at children ages 9 and up

Gaming @ the Library
6/7, 14, 21, 28  Wednesdays 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Socialize and strategize with Wii games and board games

Summer Reading 2017 “Reading by Design”

6/12 10:30am
Kick Off Show Luce Puppets.  @ ATLAS Elementary School

6/22 3:00pm Silly Science with  Professor Ric Morton @  E.J Harrison Boys & Girls Club 11321 Violeta St, Ventura, CA 93004

6/29 3:00pm Magic with Shawn McMaster @ Saticoy Library

Vol. 10, No. 17 – May 24 – June 6, 2017 – Restaurant Review

Spencer Makenzie’s – A family affair
by Jennifer Tipton

John and Jennifer Karayan started out as a fairground concession stand in May 2007 with their giant fish tacos and have now seen their dream come true to own a successful family business.

Located at 806 E. Thompson Blvd.  Spencer Makenzie Fish Co. is named for their two oldest children, their son Spencer and daughter Makenzie. The next two children also have a place in the business as you can choose to have your tacos “Brooklyn style” and they now offer a “Parker burger”.  John stated, “My kids own me!”

Spencer’s is just a walk from the beach, the parking area is small but there are plenty of spots on the street. They offer a covered patio and bench-bar type seating outdoors with heaters on when it’s chilly.  Dogs are always welcome to the outside dining area and even offered water. One employee, Amy says, “My favorite part of working here is going out to see the dogs!”

Inside there are small tables, cozy booths, or you can sit up at the bar where you get a bird’s eye view of the chefs cranking out the food (did I mention this place is always busy?). These guys move at the speed of light and there is something quite nice about an open kitchen if not also entertaining. They have 36” flat screen TVs that feature skateboarding, surfing and other sporting events, for added entertainment.

And about that food – all the fish is sushi grade and there are many selections on the menu. I strongly suggest you order the tacos “Brooklyn style” which consists of adding a sweet chili sauce and the Spencer sauce (a mayo – sour cream base with signature seasoning), but grab plenty of napkins! The Parker burger is another big hit with an ahi steak, marinated red onions and can also be ordered Brooklyn style. I like the ahi salad as a lighter choice but if you were to accompany this with the homemade clam chowder (which has bacon in it and is probably not a lighter choice) … well, maybe you could call it a balanced diet?

Taco Tuesdays are the deal with parmesan crunchy shell tacos for $2.50 either chicken, carne asada or ground beef all loaded with cheddar cheese, lettuce and fresh bell peppers. Here’s a tip though, if you want to add avocado, order it because sometimes they forget to ask. Tuesdays also offer Mexican beers on tap for $4.50 and there is never a charge for bubbly water –  such a deal!

Very clean and very green, consistently good food along with outstanding service and friendly atmosphere that make you feel like one of the family at Spencer Makenzie’s.

 

 

 

 

Vol. 10, No. 17 – May 24 – June 6, 2017 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton

How long have you lived in Ventura and why did you move here?

Dorrie Aguino
age 58
Retired from an accounting firm
“We moved here after the Northridge earthquake and it’s the best thing that ever happened to us! Ventura is the best town and has good schools too!”

 

Mike McBain
age 74
CEO – McBain Managerial Accounting
“I moved here in 1977 from Los Angeles because I like it better than L.A… Ventura has the beautiful ocean, the pier, the marina, the hillsides and not too much traffic.”

 

Kerry Anderson
age 52
Court Reporter turned Homemaker
“It’s been about 31 years since I moved here from New York, because at the time my family was here … apparently, I love it!”

 

Carol Reeves
age 66
Homemaker
“I’ve lived in Ventura for 35 years, we moved here because of my husband’s work-he’s a civil engineer. It’s beautiful here, we love it! The weather’s perfect and … the house is paid off!”

 

Jonathan Kennedy
age 37
Horse Trainer
“I’ve lived here 4 years because my wife had a home here (we just got married 2 years ago). I moved from Sacramento and I consider this a nice beach town, it’s not pretentious but very laid back.”

 

Chris Michaud
age 26
Business owner at Ubreakifix
“I’ve lived in Ventura since 2001, my family moved here because of my dad, he works for Raytheon. I’ve stayed because this is the best place ever-sunniest city .”

State of Education

Ms. Nan Drake E.J. Harrison & Sons Inc., Joseph Richards Jr.  Interim Superintendent VUSD, Dr. Erika D. Beck President, CSUCI, Dr. Greg Gillespie  newly appointed Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District,  Stephanie Caldwell President and CEO, Ventura Chamber of Commerce.

by Jennifer Tipton

On Thursday, April 27 the Ventura Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of Education, the event took place at the Wright Event Center here in Ventura. The event focused on presentations from the Ventura Unified School Superintendent and the Ventura College President who provided their perspective on past accomplishments, current state and a future forecast of education in the City of Ventura.

Ventura Unified School District Est. July 1, 1966 is the largest land owner in the City of Ventura which is about 165 sq. miles and serves 21,656 students with 576 of these being special education students.

Many attended the State of Education including our Mayor Eric Nasarenko, representatives for other leaders in the community, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and countless others that support education in our community.

The first speaker was Nan Drake from E.J. Harrison who emphasized that making children successful meant much more than just providing an education, but preparing them for life.

The second speaker was Joseph Richards Jr. the Interim Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District who spoke about the changes that have taken place including the cultural population we serve and economic uncertainty.

For instance, 52% of students are Hispanic, 40% are Caucasian, 2% are African American while the remaining are of other cultural descent and 25% of these are English learners.  The cultural population of the students has changed dramatically over the years.

Regarding the economic uncertainty, in 1978 proposition 13 limited taxes which put schools at the mercy of the State, in 2012 proposition 30 increased revenues and they have been increasing ever since but we are still significantly below the State average for funding. Mr. Richards encouraged businesses to assist schools by collaborating partnerships and described the many ways to accomplish this.

Dr. Greg Gillespie the President of Ventura College since 2013 and the newly appointed Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District was the third speaker. Dr. Gillespie stressed that education is critical to opening doors to our community and again he spoke of how the demographic has changed with a decrease in student age and a dramatic increase in the need for financial aid. He spoke of a six-year educational masterplan in which priority #1 would be to put Ventura College in the top 5 colleges in the State and explained, “because we want to do a better job to provide a future to our community.” Dr. Gillespie wants to see kids “grow up here, get an education here, get a job here and raise a family here.”

The last speaker was Dr. Ericka Beck the President of California State University Channel Islands, she was excited to see some of her alumni in the audience and spoke about the changes taking place on her campus including a new program that builds drones to support the bee population using “swarm technology”.

The Traveler’s Café, (a new family owned restaurant located on Front St.) provided an outstanding buffet luncheon.

Oopsies! We were all wrong

by Jennifer Tipton

In our last issue, we reported that Kevin Costner was a graduate of Ventura High – oops! Kevin attended Cabrillo Junior High and although that would have put him attending Ventura High, his family moved to the east end of Ventura so he attended Buena High instead. However, he did not graduate from Buena either! Kevin’s family moved again before his senior year where he graduated high school from Villa Park (In California) in 1973.

And so, the rivalry between the Cougars and the Bulldogs continue spurred on by the Ventura Breeze.

Circus Vargas unveils original new production – SteamCirque!

Circus embarks on a brand new epic adventure under the big top!

Goggles, gears, and gadgets set the stage for Circus Vargas’ 2017’s retro-futuristic production, SteamCirque! Join them on a journey of fantastic proportions where children of all ages will marvel at the wacky and wonderful cast of characters that come alive in this exciting steampunk, science-fiction fantasy inspired circus odyssey!

Arrive 45 minutes early for an entertaining, interactive pre-show celebration, where kids can create their own magic under the big top, learning circus skills such as juggling, balancing and more! Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance. Capture the fun by posing for pics or selfies with your favorite cast members, all part of an unforgettable Circus Vargas experience!

An eccentric group of adventure seekers stumble upon a traveling circus in an imaginary Victorian city, far, far-away. SteamCirque’s peculiar protagonist, part magician-part inventor, attempts to industrialize the circus by incorporating his steam powered mechanical contraptions into the ordinary, typical circus rigging, filling the big top with new, imaginative acrobatic apparatus for the artists to perform their acts.

“SteamCirque is inspired by adventure, colored by imagination and brought to life by the amazing cast of Circus Vargas!”

Join for an amazing experience, under the big top as Circus Vargas celebrates its 48th year and create new and treasured memories for generations to come! This wonderful show has something for everyone! It’s 2 hours of amazing music, lights, magic, acrobats, aerialists, daredevils, comedians and more!

General admission tickets are $17-$32 for children and $27-$37 for adults. Reserved Ringside seating is $52-$67 for children and $57-$72 for adults. For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.

In Ventura: Ventura County Fairgrounds

  • Thursday, May 25 – Monday, May 29
  • Thursday, May 25 – 7:30pm
  • Friday, May 26 – 4:00pm, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, May 27 – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, May 28 – 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:00pm
  • Monday, May 29 – 2:30pm, 6:00pm

 

 

Vol. 10, No. 16 – May 10 – May 23, 2017 – CAPS

 

The State of Education held at the former Wright Library (see article in this issue)

CAPS is prepping for Digital Storytelling programs and more

CAPS Media is busy with City, school and community productions, prepping for the Digital Storytelling programs and more.  Recently CAPS Media collaborated with the City’s Economic Development Department and the Chamber of Commerce to launch a new video series called “Spotlight on Local Business,” that offers an inside, behind-the-scenes look into the diverse and unique companies doing business in Ventura.

CAPS Media also recorded the annual State of Education event hosted by the Chamber featuring enlightening presentations by leaders from Ventura College, VUSD and CSU Channel Islands.

The City and VUSD’s popular Mayor-For-A-Moment video series is nearing the end of Season II.  Every month deserving 5th graders are selected to represent elementary schools.  CAPS Media produces video profiles on each young leader for presentation at City Council and VUSD School Board meetings.  This school year young mayors were honored from Loma Vista, Saticoy (ATLAS), E.P. Foster, Blanche Reynolds, Elmhurst, and Pierpont.  May and June will wrap up the series with mayors from Mound and Portola.

CAPS Media is gearing up to cover graduation ceremonies at Ventura College (May 19), El Camino High School (June 9) and Foothill High (June 15).  Home base for the extensive multi-camera productions is the CAPS Media mobile production truck. The elaborate productions are managed by the CAPS Media staff and supported by outstanding volunteer crew members from El Camino high and throughout the community. All these videos are available to view on channel 6 & 15 and on the caps media website.

In July the Digital Storytelling program continues at the CAPS Media Center for students, ages 10-15.  Young videographers, film makers and video storytellers get hands-on training with video cameras, audio recording equipment and computer editing software to create the stories the crew wants to tell.  Three week-long programs are scheduled July 10 – 14, July 17 – 21 and July 24 – 28.  To learn more about the Digital Storytelling program, go to www.capsmedia.org/events.

Aspiring (or experienced) journalists, photographers, videographers and storytellers are invited and encouraged to get involved at the CAPS Media Center.  Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura is eligible to be a member. 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 video and radio 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.  And, for a small additional fee, member/producers can learn to create their own radio program to air on CAPS Radio 104.1 (KPPQ-LP).

Upcoming CAPS Media classes include: HD Videography/Camera, May 11, postproduction editing, May 18, a new production/storytelling class, May 25th and new member orientation, June 8th.  All classes start at 6pm.  Studio and Radio training classes will also be scheduled in the next few weeks.  To learn more and to sign up for classes go to capsmedia.org, email info @capsmedia.org, call 805.658.0500 or drop by the CAPS Media Center Monday 9a-6p, Tuesday or Wednesday 9a – 9p or Friday 9A – 6p.