Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Art Walk at the Shores

Summer visitors, residents, first time art buyers, collectors, friends and neighbors can explore the beautiful beach community of Oxnard Shores while discovering the many works from talented professional and amateur artists.

With over 40 resident and local artists displaying their works for purchase, there is sure be something to please every shoppers’ taste! A wide variety of mediums are available each year such as sculpture, watercolor, acrylic, oil on canvas, beach art, photography, jewelry and much more.

Art Walk at the Shores began as a grassroots movement in 2017 by a small group of residents in the Shores as an effort to foster a strong sense of community through art awareness and inclusivity. Since then it has flourished and grown into a non-profit organization that strives to provide a platform for artists in the Oxnard area. Helping young artists find mentorship is also a strong desire for the Art Walk.

Come out and enjoy a wonderful day supporting the arts on August 26, from 11am-3pm. The walk begins at the corner of Harbor and Wooley in Oxnard. If you are an artist interested in showing at Art Walk at the Shores please contact us on our website artwalkoxnardshores.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Summer Reading Program End of Summer Party

You completed the Summer Reading Challenge, so visit the library for an end of summer celebration with Kona Ice! Free for kids and teens! Tuesday, August 15th at E.P. Foster Library, 4:00 pm
Foster Library’s Young Readers Book Club
For children ages 9-12 (4th or 5th grade reading level). E.P. Foster Library, Saturday, Aug. 26, 1:00 to 2:00 pm Discuss The Human Kaboom by Adam Rubin & create a character sheet (DND style)

Filmmakers Robin Rosenthal and Bill Yahraus will visit the Albert H. Soliz Library (2820 Jourdan Street in Oxnard) at 7:30 pm on Saturday, August 12, for a screening of their film Mariposas del Campo. The film will be shown outdoors in the library’s parking lot; limited seating available and attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating if they wish. Mariposas del Campo shares the stories of indigenous Mixtec, Zapotec, and Purépecha teenagers from Mexico striving to change their families’ destinies in the strawberry fields of Oxnard. This screening is being put on as part of Ventura County’s celebration of its 150th Anniversary. This event is free and open to the public.

Trio Manise will visit the Ojai Library at 2 pm on Sunday, August 20, for a special afternoon of music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Villa-Lobos, Malcolm Arnold, and Benjamin Britten. The members of Trio Manise are David Singer (clarinet), Ann Erwin (flute), and Fred Beerstein (oboe).

David Singer’s reputation as one of the most highly-respected clarinetists in the U.S. has been established through performances and recordings as principal clarinetist of the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, two separate performances at the White House and in chamber music performances with some of the greatest musicians of our time, including Yo-Yo Ma, Yehudi Menuhin, and Rudolf Serkin.

Ann Erwin has performed with the San Diego Symphony and Opera Orchestras, Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra, New Hampshire Music Festival and Santa Barbara Chamber Music Festival. She is currently principal flute of San Diego’s Classics Philharmonic and a member of the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra.

Fredric Beerstein, oboe instructor at California Lutheran University, is a member of the New West Symphony, as well as the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic and the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed with the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra on tour and the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

The performance will take place in the main library space, and is sponsored by the Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation. This event is free and open to the public.

For additional information on these special events, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected]

Ventura Friends of the Library invite you to visit our Bookstore in E.P. Foster Library Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm
We have rows and rows of fiction, from $.25 paperbacks to current bestsellers and a comprehensive children’s section. We have a variety of nonfiction from history, memoirs, current events to true crime. We have DVDs and CDs to entertain you. Come and browse!

We also invite you to browse anytime at our Online Bookstore for local sales.

https://venturafol-107753.square.site/s/shop Volunteers have been busy adding lots of exciting new inventory, so come take a look. In August, Notable Books for Youth are 10% off! Just order and pick up at the bookstore in E.P. Foster in as few as two days.

The Museum of Ventura County announces new events coming in august

Saturday, August 19th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula – Honey Bee Day – Shop, learn, create and taste all things Honey Bee! Guests are invited to join in on this family-friendly event that offers an interactive bee demo, beeswax products for sale, honey tasting, crafts, story time, an artist demo, lively discussion on pollination, and more. Stop by and learn how to help protect some of Ventura County’s buzzy-est residents. (Free in-person event, with registration required – https://venturamuseum.org/event/honey-bee-day/)

Thursday, August 24th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., The Museum of Ventura County – Exhibit Spotlight: Ventura Land Use Panel Discussion – In connection to the contentious issues highlighted in our new exhibit, The Murder of Tom More: A True Crime Story, the Museum of Ventura County will host a panel discussion on the dramatic struggles for land use in Ventura County, past and current. The panel will be moderated by Maureen McGuire, CEO of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, with representatives from agriculture, economic development, land conservation, and the Chumash to discuss the past, present, and future of Ventura County’s land. (Free in-person event, with registration required – https://venturamuseum.org/event/exhibit-spotlight-ventura-land-use-panel-discussion/)

Thursday, August 31st, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., The Museum of Ventura County – Playdate in the Children’s Garden – Learning is more fun when you can get your hands dirty. Families are invited to join the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office for an afternoon of learning about pollinators and the life cycle of a monarch butterfly. Children will learn about different native plants and how they benefit pollinators and can take native seeds to plant at home to help pollinators thrive! Elementary school children of all ages welcome. (Free in-person event, no registration required. Parent supervision is required. – https://venturamuseum.org/event/playdate-in-the-garden/)

Ventura County joins hands with Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Surfrider for a Successful Beach Cleanup

The participants made a significant difference by collecting a total of thirty pounds of trash.

Ventura County Surfrider, in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC) is elated to announce the triumphant outcome of the beach cleanup event held at Surfer’s Point on July 16, 2023. This cooperative effort witnessed the convergence of environmental enthusiasts, with twenty passionate Girl Scouts stepping up to demonstrate their love for the environment and commitment to preserving our beaches.

Surfer’s Point in Ventura County, a cherished location renowned for its natural beauty, received a much-needed boost to its environmental health through this successful cleanup endeavor. The enthusiastic Girl Scouts, accompanied by Surfrider representatives, dedicated their time and efforts to make a positive impact on the local environment, displaying an unwavering commitment to the cause.

During the cleanup, the participants made a significant difference by collecting a total of thirty pounds of trash, including the removal of 110 cigarette butts, 18 plastic bottles, and 20 plastic utensils from the beach. Their diligent efforts exemplify the power of community action in safeguarding our precious coastlines.

“We are immensely proud of our girls who participated in the weekend’s beach cleanup for their exemplary dedication and enthusiasm in helping keep our beaches clean,” said Tammie Helmuth, GSCCC CEO. “Their participation in this joint initiative with Surfrider showcases the potential of youth-led environmental stewardship in driving positive change within our communities.”

In addition to their invaluable contribution at Surfer’s Point, the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast are gearing up for further collaborative cleanups with Surfrider, spreading their environmental advocacy to regions including San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and Santa Cruz. Moreover, the Girl Scouts are partnering with the California Coastal Commission to conduct cleanups throughout the remaining summer months, extending their impact along the picturesque California coastline.

The GSCCC x Surfrider sponsored beach cleanup also offered participating Girl Scouts a chance to earn a special fun patch, recognizing and celebrating their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our beaches.

Ventura County extends its heartfelt gratitude to Surfrider for inviting the Girl Scouts and making this event possible. The county remains committed to supporting and fostering such collaborative initiatives that promote environmental conservation and inspire future generations to be custodians of our planet.

Looking for a Church Home?

by Pastor Leonard DeWitt

Permit me to introduce you to Ventura Jubilee Fellowship, located at 1956 Palma Drive.

First, we believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, and that is what we teach. It speaks to just about every issue of life that we face in this present world.

Our worship of the Lord is a mix of inspirational hymns and worship choruses that focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Next, I want to share with you some of the DNA of Jubilee, so that you will know what to expect when you visit us.

1. We offer a weekly Women’s Bible Study that meets every Wednesday at 10 AM.

2. Also, a weekly Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study, every Thursday, at 6 AM.

3. We offer four adult “Bible Alive” classes, every Sunday at 8:45 AM.

4. You will enjoy our diverse music ministry. You will be enriched by our choir, handbells, Gospel Band & keyboard ministry.

5. Each year we offer guest speakers and two Bible Conferences. One is usually on Bible prophesy and the other focuses on the dynamics of living out our faith.

6. We are committed to the Great Commandment to love one another and the Great Commission to go into all the world to help people develop a personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ.

7. To help people deal with losses, we offer a monthly Grief Support Group, led by a Pastor and Certified Grief Counselor.

8. We make every effort to stay in touch with our people, especially if they have been coping with health or age-related issues. We want to be assured that they are safe and well.

9. We believe that the Holy Spirit has given every believer at least one spiritual gift that is to be used to enrich others in the church; so, we have developed many ways for people to serve and bless others.

We are not a perfect church, but we are a joyful people and our goal is to make people feel welcome from the moment they enter our doors. I hope you will visit and give us a try. I believe you will be blessed by what you discover in Jubilee. Our services are 10 AM and 11:30 AM. www.vjf.church; [email protected]

When you come, please introduce yourself to me. I want to get to know you.

Blessings, Pastor Leonard DeWitt.

Ventura welcomed the X Games

Sunday, July 23, was the conclusion of the 2023 X Games held under Ventura’s most beautiful weather. Many thousands visited Ventura to enjoy and celebrate the X Games.

They also stayed at our hotels, motels and ate at our restaurants and spent money at our wonderful stores and shops. The $250,000 that the city invested in the games was well worth it. It was much less than other cities have spent.

The games drew some of the biggest names in skateboarding, BMX and Moto X to the Ventura County Fairgrounds for three days of fierce, but friendly competition.

The large range of alternative transportation options made for easy access to the Fairgrounds for many. Others enjoyed the games on KABC and ESPN.

Both Amtrak and Metrolink announced special X Games schedules for the weekend, with extra trains running Friday night through Sunday as part of plans by the city of Ventura and its partners to ease the traffic conditions.

Other alternate transportation was Gold Coast Transit Bus, VCTC Big Blue Buses and Pacific Surfliner.

For those that took their bikes or skateboards to the games there was a Bike Valet and a Skateboard Valet to store them while enjoying the day.

In her Breeze column Pam Baumgardner wrote ‘I’m happy to report Ventura survived the X Games. The traffic was no worse than it is for the fair, in fact, it was better. Great traffic control and I was amongst those who chose to ride their bikes.”

These were the first summer finals held in front of large crowds since 2019. Saturday

was sold out before the three-day games even began. It was estimated that Saturday attendance was 15,000. The fairgrounds’ parking lot was also sold out.

Headline events on Friday’s opening day include the BMX dirt elimination, the BMX street finals, the men’s skateboard vert and the motocross best trick.

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder stated “ From the drone show on Thursday to finials on Sunday we witnessed a well-organized, wildly popular X Games for the ages. I was so impressed with how polite everyone was, how well traffic was managed and the incredible talents that were on display the entire weekend. Congratulations to the X Games staff and the Visit Ventura team for putting on a first-class event. The world saw why we all love living in Ventura.”

Marlyss Munguia Auster, President & CEO Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau proudly stated “We did it! Ventura stepped on stage and shined bright! I am so proud of the community, partners, and Visit Ventura team! Thank you to everyone, you were part of making history in Ventura with X Games 2023!”

X Games

xGames02
xGames05
default
xGames04
xGames12
xGames01
xGames15v
xGames10
xGames14winners
xGames08
xGames06
xGames09
xGames11
xGames03
xGames07
xGames02 xGames05 default xGames04 xGames12 xGames01 xGames15v xGames10 xGames14winners xGames08 xGames06 xGames09 xGames11 xGames03 xGames07

Ventura Unified School District celebrates retirees

Fifty-eight retirees were invited to the annual retiree reception.

VUSD held a Retiree Reception to recognize 2022-2023 school year retirees. Fifty-eight retirees were invited to the annual retiree reception, which was held at the District’s Education Service Center. Among the retirees were employees who devoted many years to serving in Certificated (teaching) and Classified (non-teaching) positions. In their positions, they provided support, care, and inspiration to the students, staff, and families of VUSD. Five of them held a longevity of over 35 years. Collectively, the Retiree Class of 2022-2023 has served the VUSD community for 1,389 years.

One member of the VUSD team retiring after 38 years of service is Mr. David Hess, Athletic Director for Ventura High School. Mr. Hess stated, “Too many things to name” as his reason for dedicating many years to VUSD. He shared that he immediately felt a sense of a great community, and Ventura High School felt incredibly connected to its members.”

Another staff member retiring after 36 years of service is Ms. Sheila Clow, Kindergarten Teacher at Poinsettia Elementary School. Ms. Clow, originally from Ireland, wanted to establish herself in the school district where she was hired.

Dan Larson, a US History teacher at Ventura High School, is retiring after 34 years of service. He expressed his gratitude for working for VUSD, stating that it has paid off numerous times. Mr. Larson said, “I couldn’t have made a better choice” about working at VUSD and feels fortunate to be a part of a united community with a strong culture.

“We cannot adequately express our appreciation to our retirees for their impact on our schools and community. They have served as mentors to new staff, modeled professionalism for their peers, and provided a source of continuity for the District. Most importantly, they have helped our students grow and prepare for their futures,” stated Dr. Antonio Castro, Superintendent.

Retirees mingled with each other and enjoyed refreshments and a photo station. They were given a small appreciation gift to use on their upcoming adventures, along with individual floral arrangements provided by the students of Ventura High School’s Floral Design Capstone Class.

In her congratulatory speech, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Gina Wolowicz noted, “Reflecting on the years of service these educators have given, we are reminded of the transformative power of education. Their unwavering belief in the potential of every student has led to our students reaching heights they may have never thought possible”.

“It was a lovely event in honor of their essential role in helping district students grow and discover who they want to become academically, personally, and socially. VUSD wishes the 2022-2023 retirees a happy, healthy, restful, and exciting retirement,” stated VUSD Talent Acquisition Specialist Jackie Lopez.

For more information on Dave Hess, Sheila Clow and Dan Larsen visit our News & Updates webpage, https://www.venturausd.org/about/news-updates.

 

Tender Life Maternity Home stands as a beacon of support

Since 1985, Tender Life Maternity Home has offered a safe place to transform lives.

by Patricia Schallert and Yana

On July 15th, Tender Life Maternity Home, had an open home tour and invited members of the community to see the property, have conversations with the residents and ask questions of the staff and board members.  With a strong commitment to providing a nurturing environment, Tender Life Maternity Home stands as a beacon of support, empowering women with the tools and resources they need to navigate pregnancy and beyond. For Tender Life, this open home tour was a time for residents to tell their stories.

Information about Tender Life was provided to the guests at this well attended event and attention to detail in their preparations for the event was obvious with a BBQ, desserts, tours through the property and speakers.

Since 1985, Tender Life Maternity Home has offered a safe place to transform lives. Tender Life Maternity Home’s vision has provided comprehensive support and assistance to pregnant women (18 years and over) in need and encourages healthy alternatives for a better and productive life. The well-being and comfort of mothers and their unborn children have been top priorities.

The Tender Life Staff offers supportive services and provides an environment that can break the patterns of homelessness, addiction, and abuse. Some of Tender Life’s early babies have graduated from college, found their careers, and are living productive, fulfilling lives. With a capacity of six women at a time, Tender Life Maternity Home is a warm, nurturing refuge where the women are encouraged to focus on making their future both positive and fulfilling. They learn group and relationship dynamics, coping and life skills along with learning to avoid the self-destructive behaviors that got them to their current place in life.

Through Tender Life, the women receive therapy, take classes, develop spiritual nourishment as well as lifestyle coaching. They discover Tender Life as a safe, nurturing place from the beginning of their stay. After their baby is born, the women receive guidance for up to 12 months that includes training in parenting, child development, and life skills along with employment coaching and financial responsibility.  A team of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals are on hand to provide personalized care and guidance, ensuring that each woman’s unique needs are met. Tender Life Maternity Home in Ventura, California, offers a haven of compassionate care, guidance, and support, ensuring that every woman’s journey into motherhood is nurtured and cherished. Tender Life Maternity Home is where “courage meets compassion to build new lives”.

Tender Life Maternity Home is having an annual walk on July 29th.  Please register now to help raise as much as possible for Tender Life Maternity Home to shelter unhoused pregnant women. Over the past 5.5 years, Tender Life Maternity Home has given 49 babies a chance at life. Tender Life is asking for your participation to help continue this rich 40-year legacy. http://www.pledgestar.com/TenderLife/

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” Jim Duran Executive Director

CAPS/KPPQ – Spotlight on DJ of the Month – Pam Baumgardner

Pam launched VenturaRocks.com in 2009 to support Ventura’s music scene.

Pam Baumgardner is host/DJ/producer of the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour airing at 5pm on Tuesdays and Fridays and again on Sunday at noon on KPPQ 104.1 fm and streaming on myTuner. With a degree in radio and TV broadcasting from Fullerton, she began her career as Stephanie Rose at KEZY/KPZE out of Anaheim, then moved to Ventura in 1988 for a job at KZTR.  She earned her Program Director stripes converting KXBS radio (The Bus) from oldies to alternative rock. She worked at KHTY in Santa Barbara as well as at KBBY in Ventura.

She launched VenturaRocks.com in 2009 to support Ventura’s music scene and running a website to support local artists and writing the Music Scene column for the Ventura Breeze. Pam produced VenturaRocks at CAPS, a half hour music TV show highlighting local artists such as Crooked Eye Tommy, Medicine Hat, Shaky Feelin’ and others. When KPPQ launched she jumped onboard enthusiastically and created The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour, one of the first locally produced shows back in January of 2017 that highlights local artists out of the 805 as well as artists who come to our county to play. The show has many faithful listeners from across the county and the nation. She joined CAPS Media’s Board of Directors and continues to be a true champion of both community radio and tv.

Pam says, “It was my favorite thing in the whole wide world listening to my favorite artists and bands on the radio growing up, and to be able to do that over the span of almost forty years has certainly been a privilege.”

Pam joined the KPPQ crew with a wealth of experience that she has generously shared with other DJs at the station. In the past six years CAPS staff members, directed by Elizabeth Rodeno, have trained more than 100 local DJs and produced hundreds of hours of original programming on KPPQ. Unlike Pam, many of her fellow DJs had very little or no prior experience in creating radio programming. All the KPPQ DJs share Pam’s enthusiasm for the CAPS Media community of voices.

July marked the reopening of CAPS Media Center to current members. In the fall CAPS Media Center will expand training and access to members of the public who become new CAPS members. As a kickoff, in the coming months, the CAPS crew is planning an Open House, where the public will be invited to drop by and take a tour of the Center including the video studio, editing stations, and KPPQ radio station. The knowledgeable CAPS staff will give brief overviews and demonstrations on the multiple CAPS gear. At the daylong event, guests will learn the benefits of becoming a CAPS member and how to utilize the full extent of the CAPS Media resources and staff expertise. More information on the Open House will be provided in the coming weeks on the CAPS website at capsmedia.org, on KPPQ, on social media, and elsewhere.

CAPS Membership will be open to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Ventura. The annual membership fees are currently $40 for an individual or $100 for a nonprofit organization.