T
he property located at 505 N. Ventura Ave. that now contains a grocery store is being planned to become a 7-Eleven and a laundromat. The 7-Eleven would allow sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits. It would be open 24-hours each day and alcohol sale hours would be-limited to 6am to 10pm.
Category Archives: This ‘n’ That
Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 – March 14, 2017 – CAPS
Manny Reynoso (Ventura Breeze movie reviewer) recording his latest show on CAPS Radio KPPQ.01
What does CAPS Media do?
by Elizabeth Rodeno
“What does CAPS Media do?” It’s a question that we sometimes get asked and the answer is… A lot! CAPS Media is your local, public access television station and, most recently, Low Power FM radio station. We cover stories in the community and make available a professional grade television studio and radio station.
You may have seen our mobile television truck at the 150th Celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day parades of years past, and if you’ve gone to a City Council meeting you’ve most likely seen our Executive Director Patrick Davidson covering the meeting and showing the “Mayor for the Moment” segment which is created at CAPS. The station also works with the local school system to film the Festival of Talent, which is coming up on Saturday. This year, the film crew will be fully staffed by our student interns from El Camino! Staff is available to make presentations on what we do at CAPS to civic and other groups around town.
CAPS Media is calling all budding disc jockeys, radio talk show hosts, and all others interested in helping to create radio by the community, for the community. As promised, staff at CAPS have created a 2-session Radio KPPQ Membership Training that will be offered in the coming months. The first session covers Membership Program Information and Preliminary Training and the second session is a Radio Presentation and Performance Practicum. Call us at 658-0500 or email us at [email protected].
Tune into KPPQ at 104.1 FM to hear some great radio created by our community. Programs include Pam Baumgardner’s Mostly Local Music, Art n’ Stuff hosted by Phil Taggart, Sounds hosted by Elizabeth Rodeno, In the Women’s Room hosted by Kathleen Good and Johnny Petrol Deleted name. In addition, we are hosting Democracy Now, a daily news program, The Rock N’ Down Under show featuring the music from Down Under, Spoiler Alert featuring interviews with filmmakers, and more courtesy of Pacifica Radio among others.
As always, you can watch Channel 6 to hear what the public has to say and watch Channel 15 to experience the city’s vision to provide the best and clearest information for all. All programs are also available to the public via streaming service on our website. Go to www.capsmedia.org to see what our members are creating for you and sign up to be part of the story. A full year’s membership is just $25. Radio memberships are now available! For more information, contact us at [email protected].
What could be better for your commute than local radio programming, created by and for your community?
As always, you can watch channel 6 to hear what the public has to say and watch channel 15 to experience the city’s vision to provide the best and clearest information for all. All programs are also available to the public via streaming service on our website.Go to www.capsmedia.org to see what our members are creating for you and sign up to be part of the story. A full year’s membership is just $25. Radio memberships are now available! For more information, contact us at [email protected].
Poinsettia Pavilion has new Business Manager
The Board of Directors of the Ventura Women’s Center, better known as the Poinsettia Pavilion, has announced that Margarida Eidson as the new Business Manager of the non-profit event center. Margarida will be responsible for restructuring the Center’s operations, adding to the client base, and pursuing new avenues for the Center to serve our community.
Margarida brings extensive business knowledge and a diverse background to the Pavilion. Margarida was previously the Human Resources director of a technology services company and the Director of All American Ballet in Ventura. She is now the owner of a small business, which provides bookkeeping, human resources and management services.
To handle the increased responsibilities of managing the Pavilion, Margarida has assembled a team consisting of Mary Jackson, Pam Nothwang, Joyce Abelson, and Brooke Jepsen to assist with serving customers.
“I am so honored and excited for this opportunity. I have been at the Pavilion so many times over the years. I look forward to building on the Pavilion’s wonderful past and helping write the next chapter in its history. My team and I are committed to continue making the Poinsettia Pavilion the premier event location in Ventura.”
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy expands Board of Trustees
The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) recently announced the induction of a new president and three new members to their board of trustees. Paul Meehan was elected as VHC president and Steve Doll, John Hankins (VHC secretary) and Ed Wehan, were voted in as new trustees.
“Our new president and board members bring an invaluable depth of experience and passion for our conservation to VHC,” said Derek Poultney, VHC Executive Director.
Meehan, currently an IT advisor for FedEx, has a diverse career history ranging from being a naturalist on the Channel Islands, to a boat captain for Island Packers, to serving as a law enforcement ranger for the National Park Service on Anacapa Island to being a backcountry ranger in Lassen Volcanic National Park. A father of two, he volunteers for animal and environmental causes in his spare time.
Doll, an independent commercial real estate broker, currently serves on the boards of Ventura Fair Foundation, Pier into the Future Foundation, and Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau. He previously served as chairman of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and the Ventura YMCA, commissioner for the Ventura Port District, and president of the Ventura Downtown Rotary and Lions Clubs. Doll is a long-time endurance event competitor and co-founder of the Ventura Marathon and Ventura Turkey Trot.
Hankins, VHC Secretary, a lifelong reporter and editor, writes extensively about the political process, the environment and grassroots action. He previously owned the Santa Barbara County News Service and companion News Clipping Service. Now semi-retired, Hankins serves as the editor of Condor Call, the Sierra Club’s newsletter covering Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. He occasionally writes for the Ventura Breeze.
Wehan, served for 16 years on the City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Commission and on the board of the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau. He currently is the chair of the Ventura Community Partnership Foundation. Wehan, retired from Decker’s Outdoor Corporation, stays active in the community as a parks, recreation and open space advocate.
In one day flat they produced a remarkable music video
Guitarist Laurence Juber, Harmony Project young musicians and Jordan Laby at the sleek blue bus. Photo by Bernie Goldstein
The Lennon Bus has provided hundreds of thousands of students and educators with opportunities to tour the bus and get hands on experience with the equipment found on board. Tours give students an overview of what really goes on in a recording or video production facility and are led by the Lennon staff. Visitors learn about the history of the Bus, and are introduced to the various production skills needed to produce projects on the bus.
Recently the bus was at Sheridan Way Elementary School and Cabrillo Middle School working with students who are part of the Harmony Group which was formed five years ago by Jordan Laby, and his late wife Sandra.
The Harmony Group, working with the New West Symphony—includes students who were provided with musical instruments and music tuition.
On the bus, Grammy winning guitarist Laurence Juber , from Los Angeles came to coach the youngsters. In one day flat they produced a remarkable music video featuring the young Harmony students who attend several Ventura schools. Their video was premiered at Harmony Group’s Feb. 12 fundraiser at the Marriott Ventura Beach..
Ivor Davis (writer of The Beatles And Me On Tour) told the Breeze “John Lennon has been dead for 36 years—but his irrepressible spirit lives on in Ventura County in the shape of a $6 million bus—the best mobile recording studio in the world. The John Lennon Educational Bus—a living legacy to the late Beatles life– came to Ventura as part of its mission as Yoko Ono puts it, ‘to give young people a chance to express themselves through music, video and broadcast productions.’ The original purpose in getting the bus to come to Ventura, was to publicize the Laby’s magnificent efforts in launching the Harmony Group here. But alas, Sandra didn’t live long enough to see it herself.”
Rodie Award Breast Fest
Suz Montgomery told the story of Rodie the Wonder Dog at the monthly “Breast Fest”.
by John Hankins
A local cancer survivors’ group has literally gone to the dogs – and cats – in honoring the animals who give their ‘owners’ emotional support during the life-threatening disease.
It happened during Ribbons of Life’s monthly “Breast Fest” gathering at Mimi’s Café in Ventura, and was inspired by a dog named Rodie, said Ribbons Founder Lisa Barreto, a three-time “survivor-thriver.” Check out this advocacy and support foundation at: www.ribbonsventura.org
Rodie, a Bichon-Frise, “diagnosed my cancer and never left my side throughout every chemo and every radiation treatment,” said Suz Montgomery, noting that his name came from Auguste Rodin as he liked to create “sculptures” in the back yard.
Rodie knew Suz had cancer by licking her arm where the lymph nodes were packed with cancer cells. “He showed me what love and support animals can be.”
This first annual “Rodie Award” featured a dozen cancer survivors (out of the over 30 attending) who told the stories of their own animals during the Feb. 11 event. Each one received a special card with the pet’s picture and the owners’ comments, designed by graphic artist Karen Brown, a past president of Ribbons. They included:
~ “Rocky and Lulu (Cockapoo and Shih Tzu) work as a support team. The two would guard over Bob and me, alternating between bedrooms while I recovered from surgery and chemotherapy … they share our journey.”
~ “Oz, the good dog (Yellow Lab), lived to please. He was enormous therapy as he joined Bill and my journey.”
~ “Zoey (Beagle mix) is youthful and wise and has a gentleness about her that makes me calm and content. She is my constant companion, my healer, my wonder pup and my best friend.”
~ “Mr. R (Chocolate Lab) is a loyal and loving companion. He is always happy to see Dave and I, even happier when we are ready for a walk.”
~ Guigui (Blue Russian cat): With beauty, grace and a slight tease, a velvet coat and infinite gaze, I know your Majestic reign has only brought comfort and joy to our humble kingdom.”
~ “Wubbies (Tuxedo cat) is a gentle giant and a cutie who likes to exercise her sandpaper tongue. She is there for me as I go through my journey. Thank you my special friend.”
~ “Angie (Pomeranian) was Cindy and Steve’s guardian angel before they met her in 1999. She gave them so much comfort … they are together in Heaven now.”
Apply now for Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee
Residents of the city of Ventura are encouraged to apply for volunteer positions on the Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The Committee’s responsibilities include review of the projected revenues and recommended expenditures for the funds generated by Measure O and to make recommendations to the City Council as part of the City’s budget process. After a review of the independent audit, the Committee shall provide findings to the City Council.
The seven members of the Committee are restricted to residents and registered voters of the city of Ventura at the time of their appointment and during their term of office. Members may not be an elected official or employee of the City of Ventura, or a dependent of either an elected official or employee.
The terms of members first appointed to the committee shall be staggered. Four members will serve a 1-year term and three members will serve 3-year terms. Succeeding members shall be appointed for terms of 4 years. Committee members will be required to file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) disclosing all reportable interests held at the time of appointment, and are required to attend ethics training every two years.
Ventura voters approved Measure O—a half-cent sales tax increase for 25-years—in November 2016. This new local funding mechanism is estimated to generate $10.8 million a year.
The new sales tax rate is effective beginning on April 1, 2017 (essential purchases like groceries and medicine are exempt). Voters approved the sales tax measure with strict accountability requirements–annual independent financial audits, a Citizens’ Oversight Committee to ensure all funds are properly spent and public review of expenditures.
Applications are available online at www.cityofventura.net/involved/advisory or from the City Clerk’s Office, Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Room 204. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017, and may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected], by fax to the City Clerk’s Office at 641-1046, by mail to the City Clerk’s Office P.O. Box 99, Ventura, CA 93002, or hand-delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall.
For more information call the City Clerk’s Office at 658-4787.
Ventura County Fair wins top awards
Fair was honored at Convention & Trade Show. Photo by Bernie Goldstein
The Ventura County Fair was honored at the Western Fairs Association’s Convention & Trade Show, in which roughly 125 fairs from throughout the Western United States attend to gather new ideas, attend seminars and participate in the annual Achievement Awards.
The Achievement Awards recognize the very best efforts that a fair puts forth for its community. This year, Ventura County Fair received 10 Achievement Awards recognizing everything from the Fair’s advertising to its Social Media Campaign.
“I am proud of our staff’s representation of our Fair and our community at the Western Fairs Association Achievement Awards.” said Barbara Quaid, CEO, Ventura County Fair. “Our awards speak to the quality of our overall marketing efforts and programs.”
At the WFA Achievement awards ceremony, Ventura County Fair collected a total of five 1st place, four 2nd place and one 3rd place awards. The First-Place Awards:
- Newspaper Ad
- Sponsorship collaboration
- Interim Events
- Guest Services
- Television Advertisement Series
“The Comeback of the California Condor” proves popular with public
On the evening of Thursday, Jan. 26, more than 40 people joined the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) for free community lecture entitled “The Comeback of the California Condor.” Experts from Friends of the California Condor Wild and Free discussed how in the early 1980’s this majestic bird was almost wiped off the face of the earth. Thanks to coordinated human intervention efforts, today there are 450 California Condors, 240 of which are flying wild and free over the mountains of California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California.
The free community lecture is a part of VHC’s ongoing Environmental Speaker Series. The next installment in the series will take place on Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Angela Rockett Kirwin, Adjunct Professor of Anthropology, will present “The Ethnobiology of Local Native Plants,” a discussion of how California’s indigenous people used many of the native plants found in Ventura’s hillsides for food, cultural practices and environmental stewardship. To RSVP, go to: www.venturahillsides.org/events.
Changes in leadership at Gold Coast Transit District
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest provider of public transit, has announced several changes in its Board of Directors and senior management team.
The City of Port Hueneme has appointed Councilmember Jim Hensley and the City of Ventura has appointed Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann to the Gold Coast Transit District Board of Directors.
Cheryl Heitmann replaces Ventura Councilmember Carl Morehouse who did not run for reelection last year after serving 18 years on the Ventura City Council and 5 years on the GCTD Board of Directors.
Cheryl told the Breeze “I am excited to join the Board of Directors of the Gold Coast Transit District. Public transit is an important resource for Ventura and I look forward to working with the Board and staff to continue to look for even better ways to serve the public transit needs of our community.”
“We are thankful for the input and perspective our outgoing Directors have given us over the years. With several major projects on the horizon, including construction of our new facility, we look forward to engaging and working closely with our entire Board to address the opportunities GCTD will face this year,” commented Steve Brown, Gold Coast Transit District’s General Manager.
The five-member Board of Directors represent nearly 4 million annual passengers who utilize GCTD’s fixed route and paratransit services in the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura and the County of Ventura.