Breeze Senior Account Executive Breezy Gledhill, Alfred J. Lewis (from Studio Nothing) who makes the Breeze look pretty and Professor Scamp enjoying lunch at the pet friendly Traveler Café on Front Street
Category Archives: This ‘n’ That
County Board of Supervisors honors Ventura County Lions Clubs
Lions Clubs honored for their contribution and support toward the establishment of Pediatric Eye Center.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors presented members of the Ventura County Lions Clubs with a resolution in honor of their contribution and support toward the establishment of the Pediatric Eye Center at Ventura County Medical Center.
Ventura Downtown Lions Vision Projects Chairs Sandy Greenberg and First VP Don Fromberg along with Lions of the Pleasant Valley, Ojai, and Camarillo Amber Light clubs were on hand to present a check for $41,675.28 to Amy Towner, CEO of the Health Care Foundation for Ventura County.
The funds will be used to purchase a retinal imaging camera which will be used to screen babies for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and other needed equipment for the Ventura County Medical Center.
The Resolution reads in part:
“Whereas, upon becoming aware of the great need for additional optometric and other eye care services for the children served by the VCMC system throughout Ventura County, and of the need for the establishment of a Pediatric Eye Center at Ventura County Medical Center to reduce waiting times for needed eye exams and vision care, Lions in numerous clubs in Ventura County have, since February 2016, joined together and have, to date, raised in excess of $50,000 for the purchase of necessary equipment to assist in establishing this now operational VCMC clinic; and
Whereas, the Lions in Ventura County intend to continue to work with VCMC in its efforts to provide a Pediatric Eye Center at Ventura County Medical Center, potentially an adult vision center as well, and in efforts to address the very substantial problem of diabetes throughout Ventura County, a major cause of blindness.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved That, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors expresses its great than and appreciation to the Lions of Ventura County for their outstanding contributions and efforts and commends them most heartily for their dedication to service and to the great service they have done and are doing for the children and for all of the residents throughout Ventura County.”
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 venturalions.org or call 655-5595.
Vol. 9, No. 22 – August 3 – August 16, 2016 – Cute Grandkids
We have had a problem with our grandkids file and all of the text vanished
(maybe hacked by jealous grandpaprents).
So all we know about these grandkids is that they are all adorable.
Do you have an adorable grandkid?
If so send their photo to [email protected]
Farm Day Sneak Peek
The historic Faulkner House, built in 1894, is part of Hansen Research Center
by Sheli Ellsworth
On July 21, Ventura County farmers and Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture hosted a media preview of the November 5, Fourth Annual Ventura County Farm Day. Over a dozen journalist and other interested parties braved the sweltering July heat to visit a few of the over-twenty agricultural facilities participating in Farm Day.
The McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo kicked off the tour by serving lemon-lavender scones, coffee and fresh squeezed juice. Phil McGrath whose family has been farming the coast of California for five generations explained, “There are five Mediterranean climates in the world and Ventura County is one of them.” The McGrath Family Farm is certified organic and most of the fruit and vegetables raised goes to local restaurants and farmer’s markets, but their roadside market is open daily from 9-6. Depending on what’s in season, McGrath’s offers strawberries, Lima beans, broccoli, squash, pumpkins, heirloom tomatoes and more, including the you-pick-‘em option. McGrath’s is also home to several farm animals including a few chickens who refused to comment.
Chris Sayer of Petty Farms emceed the day’s events, “In 1893 there was a newspaper article that claimed that agriculture was going by the wayside. Ventura County is one of the top ten agricultural counties in the country and in California only Napa Valley does more dollars per acre.” Sayer reminded his audience that the upcoming November election may have a significant impact on local farming. Sayer says it is important for people to become educated about what farmers face and how the four SOAR issues will impact Ventura’s farm industry. SOAR is a series of voter initiatives that will require a vote of the people before privately owned agricultural or open space land can be rezoned for development.
The tour visited Houweling’s Tomatoes in Camarillo where over 100 million pounds of tomatoes and cucumbers are grown in 120 acres of greenhouses every year. President/CEO Canadian entrepreneur Chris Houweling, self-described “weird guy who thinks dumb things,” directed the tour. Houweling says he made “a lot of mistakes, but wanted to leave something for the next generation.” He strives to make the facility energy efficient as well as environmentally sound. The cutting-edge facility makes its own energy and recaptures its own heat and CO2 with “the least amount of environmental impact possible.”
Gills Onions, a Camarillo processor, also hosted the group and explained how three to four million pounds of onions are peeled, diced and sliced every week. Like Houweling’s, the plant strives to be energy and environmentally responsible. The plant uses an advanced energy recovery system and utilizes onion waste/juice in fuel cells. A miniature version of the bioreactor will be available for viewing on Farm Day in November.
Farm-to-Table chef Tim Kiloyne served the group a delicious lunch on the grounds of the historic Faulkner House at the University of California Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Santa Paula even though it seems like Ventura. Tour guide Jose De Soto explained that farming is a dynamic undertaking. The center is always researching different crops and watering methods. They also grow native trees they hope to export to the park system. Current concerns about Bagrata bugs and mealy bugs are being addressed as well as soil improvement alternatives. The Center hosts classroom tours, adult gardening classes and after school gardening programs for children.
Before returning to the McGrath Farm, the tour swung by Chris Sayer’s family farm in Saticoy. Sayer is the fifth generation to farm the Petty Ranch. Sayer agrees that farming requires change. He says he is always experimenting with cover crops like sugar beets, sunflowers and Daikon radishes to enrich the soil. Sayer, who is mainly a citrus grower, is currently parenting ten varieties of figs that seem more like a hobby than a crop. “Figs are drought friendly and what any farmer wants is a crop with minimal impact on the environment and benefits as broad as possible.”
The tour concluded back at McGrath Family Farms for drinks, hors d’oeuvres and one last chance to ask a chicken to go-on-record.
Ed Summers announces candidacy for Ventura School Board
Former Ventura City Councilmember, Ed Summers announces candidacy for Ventura School Board
Longtime resident and active community member, Ed Summers announced that he is running for a seat on the Ventura Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Having served this community for the past 26 years, including as a former City of Ventura Councilmember and financial services industry executive, Mr. Summers brings hands-on fiduciary experience, which will be valuable in balancing the needs and goals of the schools with the realities of a budget.
“I have worked with Ed for over 20 years. He always brings a wide range of resources and stakeholders to the table so that we can provide the students in our District with the best possible opportunities,” commented Debbie Golden, Ventura School Board member. “I am pleased to endorse Ed Summers for Ventura School Board.”
Mr. Summers lists among his priorities, developing relevant career and job skills education for students; growing connections and involvement between the business and educational communities; and establishing a supportive educational environment that encourages lifelong learning to grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“To excel, students need to feel connected to the entire community,” stated Ed Summers, candidate for the Ventura School Board. “Connecting students to local business for instance, will help them think about and take charge of their future. Career ready means life ready,” he continued.
Ed Summers has spent countless hours working directly with organizations that support school-to career education while also working with students to help them gain valuable real-world job experience. He has a well-documented track record in building viable partnerships to support Ventura students and schools and is laser focused on career skills education, job creation and economic prosperity for our youth.
“Our local schools need to be the core of our community. We are all stakeholders in the education of our youth whether we have children in the District or not,” stated Ed Summers, candidate for the Ventura School Board. “Our future depends on it.”
To learn more about Ed Summers for Ventura School Board please visit, www.Summers4Schools.com.
Lynn Jacobs passes on
Lynn Jacobs, 69, passed away recently at Community Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient for several weeks. Her husband Gary and kids were at her side.
The amazing Ventura affordable housing advocate resident had been diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year.
Her career started in international banking and evolved into building farmworker and other affordable housing projects which eventually took her to Sacramento to serve all of California from 2006-2011 when she headed the state Department of Housing and Community Development,
Included among her wonderful life accomplishments she was a member of Ventura’s Planning Commission, Design Review and Charter Review Committee. Was on the board of the California Building Industry Association and helped young women by working with the Soroptimist International of Ventura and the Ventura Affordable Homes, an organization that she founded.
In remembering her Ventura Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann stated. “Lynn was truly one of the most interesting people I have ever known she was smart, thoughtful, caring, funny and a very good friend. She was a mentor to many of us and a true leader. Lynn was very involved in our community, serving on the planning commission and DRC and most recently on our Charter Committee. She was an advocate for and an expert in Affordable Housing. She has left a lasting mark on our city and we will miss her wise counsel and friendship.”
Councilmember Neal Andrews told the Breeze “She was a tremendous advocate for affordable housing. She provided invaluable service both to the City and the State. After her stint with the Governor in Sacramento, she jumped right back into her volunteer work in the City and her experience and knowledge made a significant difference.”
Lynn Jacobs was raised in Los Angeles and after high school graduation attended Harvard University.
Project Understanding functions primarily on donations and volunteers
Project Understanding is a nonprofit social service center serving clients in the Ventura County area. With a variety of programs they are able to serve a wide range of community needs. They firmly stand behind the “A Hand up Not a Handout” model.
On July 7 a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of their new location at 2734 Johnson Dr. in Ventura. The new location is centrally located between downtown Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo to better serve their clients.
Helping celebrate were the Ventura and Camarilla Chambers of Commerce, volunteers, Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko, a representative from the office of County Supervisor Steve Bennett, Ventura Chamber CEO & President Stephanie Caldwell and well-wishers. Ample food, welcoming speeches and drinks were offered to the many guests in attendance.
Project Understanding provides many levels of care and help.
They currently have 13 tutoring sites in Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Paula. These sites enable them to connect with over 400 children a week with homework assistance and mentoring.
The Food Pantry (located at their new location) serves approximately 1,000 people per month with food, including fresh organic fruits and vegetables, frozen proteins, low-sodium and glute-free items and dairy products such as milk, eggs and cheese. Clients are greeted as customers and served with dignity and respect.
The Homeless2Home Street Outreach Program is a hands-on approach to homelessness. Each worker takes the time to reach out to the clients and build a rapport with them. They meet them where they are in their life’s journey. The “Housing First” model has made it possible for over 400 homeless individuals to become permanently housed since the program started in 2012. This has reduced the number of chronically homeless in Ventura by over half.
Tender Life Maternity Home accommodates up to six pregnant women and their newborn babies for approximately 3 months after their babies are born. Once they have successfully completed the program, they are eligible to apply to the transitional housing programs in Ventura County.
By providing case management at the Shore for previously homeless families, individuals and adult foster youth, residents are guided to successfully obtain the necessary tools and eventually move forward to self-sufficient housing.
Project Understanding provides a 5-unit apartment building in Oxnard. In collaboration with Behavior Health and the Veterans Administration, they can offer low rent housing to previously homeless clients.
In collaboration with other county agencies, they are able to operate a number of community programs. The School Outreach Program, families are chosen in collaboration with the Ventura Unified School District and provided with a complete Thanksgiving meal. Adopt-A-Family pairs donors with qualified families in need to provide gifts for the holiday season. The Senior Nutrition Program delivers food twice a month to at-risk seniors and disabled adults who cannot otherwise access pantry benefits. Homeless Court program provides clients the opportunity to volunteer their time for a credit of $10 per hour. Their fines are forgiven and eliminated from their credit report.
With only 12 paid staff members, and countless volunteers the work they do is immeasurable. Their function in the community is vital and the need is rapidly expanding. To learn more, donate, or to get involved, you can visit their website at projectunderstanding.org or call 652-1326.
Brooks Institute moving to Downtown Ventura
From their current campus location on Ventura Ave. Brooks Institute is becoming an integral part of Ventura with several planned locations in the downtown area.
Brooks has several locations that are now being renovated spread out Downtown that will be their classrooms, studios and offices.
In February the City Council approved a five-year lease for the for-profit school to move into the top two floors of 505 Poli St. located being City Hall. The 20,000 square feet will house offices, a conference room, student services and photography studios.
Among their other locations will be the Erle Stanley Gardner Building and a portion of the downtown building that houses Pacific Western Bank.
These locations will allow students, instructors and staff to eat, drink and purchase merchandise downtown or take a casual walk to the beach or grab the trolley to the Harbor from their urban campus. And some will be living in Ventura.
The move has already sparked new interest in attending Brooks. Approximately 175 new students have enrolled to start in September which will bring their student count to about 350.
Parking will become an issue at all of their new locations and the City is working with them for ways to mitigate the parking situation.
“We want to thank the City of Ventura for offering a new home to Brooks Institute,” said Edward Clift, President of Brooks Institute. “We are excited about the many possibilities this relocation will bring, including partnering with Ventura to become an increasingly vibrant arts and media hub in the region. It is a bold step and true testament to the innovative spirit of this city. We are looking forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship.”
Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko stated “We welcome Brooks to Downtown Ventura and recognize the value that this move will have in stimulating the local economy of our historic downtown. Not only is this a unique collaboration between public and private institutions, it also marks a significant accomplishment for the City of Ventura in terms of business attraction. Bringing more than 340 students and 80 faculty members into Downtown Ventura on a daily basis will stimulate the local economy and our city as a whole.”
Brooks Institute is celebrates 70 years of educating students in the visual and media arts. Brooks offers bachelor’s degrees in fields including Professional Photography, Graphic Design, Film and Visual Journalism, a Master of Science in Scientific and Technological Imaging and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. For more information about Brooks Institute and the school’s programs, visit www.brooks.edu or call 585-8000.
Kudos to the ECTV crew
by Elizabeth Rodeno
Congratulations to the ECTV Crew from El Camino High School and their mentor/guru Phil Taggart and Assistant Manny Reynoso, whose program ECTV has won a national award for Best Informational Talk Show Series in the Student Category at the Alliance for Community Media National Conference. The award will be presented at the ACM conference in Boston in August.
The ECTV students, Sumaya, Ethan, Grace, Zayan, Josh, Katerina, Gabriella, Cherika, Kianah, Jade, Fernando, Kali, Kalin and Nathan worked diligently, learning the ropes of video journalism.
Instructor Phil Taggart said ”the students are a delight to work with. Their enthusiasm, intelligence and desire makes this class what it is.” This program offers “a way to present the world, their world, and all the joy and sadness that is a part of it.” Phil is looking forward to the start of the new year when last year’s students return to share their talents with new ones.
Grace Johnson-Glick took last year’s class to gain experience and she embraced the opportunity to learn. “I got to meet a lot of like-minded people that helped me become a better filmmaker, to be honest, it helped me become a better everything-maker because of all the skills I learned.”
Ethan Messecar shares that he has always loved filmmaking but “I lacked the knowledge of how to actually make films. Now through my training I have improved on my technical know-how. Most of all, I appreciate the people I now call my friends”.
Grace’s mom says “the internship program was an eye and mind opening experience for Grace. Her participation allowed her to merge her love of storytelling and film with her abilities in organization and leadership.” The program has inspired her to continue filmmaking in college.
It is not just about the filmmaking and storytelling skills that the students acquire but, as Grace and her mom share, their organization and leadership skills are honed as well.
The program has been so successful that, with the help of a grant, El Camino and CAPS Media will again work together to share knowledge and encourage ideas to be spread through visual media. It’s really wonderful when the students work together and realize that their voices matter. The ECTV series is currently broadcast on channel 15, CAPS educational and government channel, Sunday & Saturday at 9:30AM. Sunday & Tuesdays at 6:30pm.
Go to our website for more information. We always appreciate more likes on all social media including Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube. View it all on our frequently updated website. Don’t forget the training classes and professional gear we offer. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25. Go to www.capsmedia.org or call 658-0500 for more information.
The Bargain Box is moving—up!
by Karen Helen Szatkowski
Ventura’s Assistance League’s Bargain Box thrift store that supports many programs benefiting Ventura County’s children will be moving into the Goodwill and old post office building at 3351 Telegraph Rd. Their last day on Main Street will be in late July and opening at the new store is estimated for early to mid-August. The building will be able to support many more collections and vintage items for sale. Volunteers are abuzz brainstorming on how to best use the increased space.
The Assistance League’s Ventura chapter was founded in 1950, fifty years following the Los Angeles philanthropic organization’s beginning. The unique mission of our Ventura chapter is that it provides funding to identify and assess the particular needs of children in Ventura County and has developed programs to fit precisely those needs.
Their six programs are:
Girls Club/Teen Club
Assistance League School
Operation School Bell®
B.U.F.F.Y. Bear
Assault Survivor Kits®
Assisteens
Operation School Bell has received recognition and many thanks from school districts, children and parents in our county. It provides new school clothing to children in need from the Oxnard, Hueneme, Ventura and Ocean View Elementary School Districts. Initiated in 1993 by the League, the children receive a sweatshirt, six pairs of socks, underwear, tops and a gift card for pants, shorts, skirts and shoes as well as a personal hygiene kit, school supplies and a book. Since the program began over 20,000 kids have been able to go to school with new clothes that fit, maybe for the first time. Teachers and parents agree that the program increases students’ self-esteem and a sense of belonging with their peers–better academic performance almost always follows.
There are 400 active Assistance League member volunteers that are dedicated to the mission of the League for the, “enrichment of the lives of children in Ventura County and the betterment of their future” and because of their efforts 89% of all money raised through fundraising activities goes directly to supporting chapter programs. Over 30,000 children have received benefits from one or more of the programs since 1950.
There are several different options for membership in the League. Most members are active members and serve one shift (four hours) per month in the Bargain Box and one shift (four hours) in the program of their choice, attend monthly chapter meetings, serve on at least one committee, and have voting privileges. Dues are $60 per year.
There is always another person out there in our communities that needs help, can assist in giving help or wants to donate for others to help. Anyone interested can check out the website at http://assistanceleagueventuracounty.org or email [email protected] or 643-245 for more information.
The details of the other programs can be found on their website.