Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Submit your film now

watertake1Attention film enthusiasts and filmmakers: If you haven’t started working on your short film yet for the Water: Take 1 Online Short Film Festival, it’s not too late!

Awards include the Audience Choice Award, voted on by the general public with the winner receiving a brand new iPad; the award for Best Student Short Film, chosen by a jury of entertainment and water industry experts with a GoPro camera for a prize; and the Grand Prize of $1,500 cash presented by Ventura Water.

Film submissions are now being accepted through Dec. 14, so don’t miss the deadline! Winners will be announced at a celebration event to be held in Ventura in the spring of 2017. Last year, 48 films were entered from around the globe. The 5th annual contest kicked off with a party held on September 21 in Ventura.

Water: Take 1 aims to create a greater awareness of water as a valuable resource by inviting filmmakers locally and worldwide to submit short films of five minutes or less in any genre – drama, documentary, comedy, animation, sci-fi or experimental – that address the topic of water.

A new partner in the festival this year, the Palmdale Water District, is also sponsoring the Palmdale Vision Award, recognizing films that best represent its mission and objectives, also for a $500 cash prize.

If you’re not sure what your short film should look like, get inspired by watching the Palmdale Water District’s hilarious minute-long film, The Conservation Enforcer, which won the 2015 grand prize. View The Conservation Enforcer here.

For more contest details, visit www.watertake1.com.

USCIS to Present Citizenship Certificates to 60 Young People

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) on Nov. 10 by presenting 60 local kids their citizenship certificates at Channel Islands National Park. This ceremony is representational of the partnership between USCIS and the NPS, and is a step towards our goal of holding at least 100 naturalization ceremonies in national parks throughout this centennial year.

This ceremony is in recognition of children and youth who obtained citizenship through their parents. Some were adopted by U.S. citizen parents; others derived citizenship when their immigrant parents became naturalized citizens.

USCIS Supervisory Immigration Officer Mike Gorman will provide introductory remarks to youth and guests while Section Manager John Holland will deliver the keynote address and administer the Oath of Allegiance. Families and guests will also enjoy a welcome message from a NPS Ranger scuba diver from 14 miles off the coast of California. Immigration Service Officer Leon Jackson, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance along with local youths.

The 60 children hail from 23 different countries, including: Canada, Mexico, Egypt, Eritrea, Philippines, Colombia, Vietnam, Israel, Armenia, S. Korea, Iran, Guatemala, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Thailand, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, China, Romania, Yemen, Ethiopia and El Salvador.

The NPS has partnered with USCIS on promoting awareness and understanding of citizenship since 2006. Since the launch of the partnership, the NPS has hosted naturalization ceremonies for thousands of new Americans at sites across the country including on the rim of the Grand Canyon, on the Civil War battlefield at Vicksburg National Military Park, the base of Mount Rushmore, Ellis Island, and at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

To view a complete list of naturalization ceremonies held in units of the National Park Service today, please visit uscis.gov/news.

We encourage new citizens, their families and friends to share their experiences and photos from naturalization ceremonies held at National Park Sites on social media using the hashtags #newUScitizen and #FindYourPark.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at 10:30 a.m & 2:00 p.m.

NOTE:  Please arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony begins to allow yourself enough time to check-in with the Public Affairs Officer.

The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura

Gold Coast Transit District provides free bus rides to veterans

Veterans may simply show veterans ID upon boarding. Photo by Gold Coast Transit District
Veterans may simply show veterans ID upon boarding. Photo by Gold Coast Transit District

Gold Coast Transit District is participating in the countywide “Veteran’s Ride free on Veteran’s Day” promotion offering free bus rides to U.S. military veterans on Friday, November 11. In appreciation for the contributions of the 40,000+ men and women currently living in Ventura County who have served in our Nation’s armed forces, Gold Coast Transit District is also proud to announce that all Veterans will now be eligible to ride at a reduced fare (1/2 price) all year with valid identification.

“While many of our local veterans may already qualify for a reduced fare due to age or disability, we recognize that many veterans who are not seniors or disabled still find it difficult to meet their transportation needs,” said Steve Brown, Gold Coast Transit District General Manager. “It is our honour and frankly, our responsibility, to help our veterans where we can.” The cost of transport for veterans can also add up very quickly, which is why so many veterans are trying to claim disability benefits with the help of VA disability lawyers.

To qualify for the Veteran’s Day free bus ride and half price fare year round, veterans may simply show veterans ID upon boarding any Gold Coast Transit District fixed-route bus. Valid ID’s include those issued by the U.S. Departments of Defense or Veterans Affairs, current California Drivers License with a veteran’s designation, or other official government issued veterans ID accompanied by a current photo.

The District: Gold Coast Transit District provides safe, responsive, convenient, efficient, and environmentally responsible fixed-route bus and paratransit public transportation that serves the diverse needs of the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura, and in the unincorporated County areas between the cities.

 

Ventura Downtown Lions Club serves Ventura County veterans

“We Serve”
“We Serve”

Lions Clubs International’s motto “We Serve” was definitely exemplified by members of the Ventura Downtown Lions Club. Following a full day of deep-sea fishing sponsored by Anglers Anonymous Ventura Coast, Ventura Downtown Lions Club members Kathy Shurtleff, Ken Cozzens, Adam Casillas, Rick Robinett, Tim Brown, Mike Vaseth, Ed Rogoff, Joel Crawley, Charlie Burnham and Robin Westmiller served more than 150 veterans from every branch of military service.

Lions Bar-B-Que Chair Don Fromberg arrived early to organize the team who prepared and grilled several pounds of chicken, tri-tip and garlic bread. The Lions also served baked beans, coleslaw and pumpkin pie.

The Ventura Downtown Lions Club meets the first three Thursdays of every month for lunch at Noon at The Derby Club , Ventura County Fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.venturalions.org or phone 655-5595.

For information on Anglers Anonymous Ventura Coast, visit their website anglersanonymousvc.weebly.com.

 

The San Salvador has a new paint job (and flags to come) .

The legacy of Sam Povar lives on through his family and the community. Photo by George Robertson

Sam Povar was a man who loved Ventura and who spent his time and resources in creating, preserving and protecting the beauty of the city that he loved.  Sam passed away in 2015, but he sparked a commitment to continue beautifying the city for residents and visitors alike.

Michael PovarSam’s son and daughter, Michael and Paulette, are continuing this legacy of giving back to the city. “Our father wanted to recognize the beauty of this place and to make a mark that lasts,” says Paulette.  “We are celebrating Ventura as a place where residents and visitors can come to talk, walk their dogs, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.”

stuff-the-boat-insetSam’s dream of refurbishing the San Salvador, that sits on the sand in Marina Park is now happening.

“Almost every day you can see children playing on the replica of a Spanish galleon in Marina Park “ says Michael.  “The large boat represents Juan Cabrillo’s flagship, the San Salvador.  Our latest project includes refurbishing the big ship with new paint, aluminum flagpoles and flags celebrating the 150 years of Ventura’s cityhood.”

The Povars are happy that homeowners are contributing to the efforts in Marina Park. Michael explains, “We think this is the most beautiful park, with close to a 360 degree view of water, including the harbor, the inlet and the Pacific itself.  It’s a historical place and a very beautiful one.  We want residents to have a stake in continuing to make this area a more beautiful place and keeping it that way.”

“ I want to thank our neighbors for their donations. Please tell your friends and neighbors to donate. This is our community, our park and our ship. There is nothing better than donating to the ship and to see the results of your donation on happy faces (kids and adults).”

Sam Povar’s vision was to inspire others to use private capital along with public cooperation and support to envision something beautiful then make it happen.  “This is something we are passionate about,” says Paulette.  “We hope members of the community will join us not only in beautifying the park, but also in continuing to contribute to Ventura’s future.”

Donations are accepted for continuing projects at the Ventura Community Partners Foundation for the Sam Povar Memorial Fund.  For further information, call Michael Povar at 818-705-7600.

 

Free Business Resource Seminar and Expo comes to Ventura Nov. 9

Strategies for success in today’s economy will be one of the featured topics at a free business resource seminar and expo at the Ventura College Wright Event Center on Wednesday, November 9. The seminar will highlight a variety of approaches and techniques that can help local businesses position themselves for success, capitalize on billions of dollars in tax credits, and minimize the frustration of taxation. Jerome E. Horton, Member, Third District, California State Board of Equalization (BOE) will host the event, and Ventura County Assessor Dan Goodwin and Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko will also be present. The Ventura Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor the event.

Representatives from the BOE, Employment Development Department, Franchise Tax Board, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration, and Small Business Development Center will be available to answer questions on topics such as basic sales and use tax, forms of ownership, and recordkeeping. “My goals are to help California businesses capitalize on available tax credits and to offer strategies and solutions that will help local businesses thrive domestically and internationally,” Member Horton said.

The seminar will be held on Wednesday, November 9, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ventura College Wright Event Center, located at 57 Day Road in Ventura. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Parking is $2. Those interested in attending are invited to register online or by calling toll-free 1-888- 847-9652.