Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

The Channel Islands Harbor Art Festival will return for its 17th year on July 8 – 9.

The art festival hosts both local and regional artists displaying their own original artwork in all mediums of fine art and fine craft. The artwork that will be presented includes ceramics, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, photography, and sculpture in glass, metal, and wood.

The hours are from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free. The event will be held at Harbor Landing, 2800 Harbor Blvd., at the corner of Channel Islands Blvd., in Oxnard.

Presented by West Coast Artists. For more information visit WestCoastArtists.com or call 818-813-4478.

Business Profile: Quality Windows and Doors

Erick Karlsen, currently is the owner of Quality Windows and Doors in Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Ventura. As he was living and growing up in Oxnard at 17 years old, he was looking for a way to occupy his free time.  So, he joined the Navy Seabee Reserves in Port Hueneme. His father, knowing that Erick needed something more to do during the summer break, asked his neighbor if Erick could work with him.  Erick’s neighbor installed, repaired and replaced windows within their neighborhood and outlining community and Erick spent the summer of his 18th year learning the window and door trade out of his neighbor’s garage. 

Erick’s neighbor became his mentor and when the time came for his neighbor to sell his business, Erick was the first one on the list. With the support of his grandfather and father, Erick became the sole owner of Quality Windows and Doors.  

Hard work paid off for Erick. He had a plan, vision, and commitment to what he believed his business and his employees would look like and what the business would be able to do within the Ventura community. He was able to articulate that plan by writing it down, and being clear so his support teams could understand it and make it happen. His plan shaped itself to reality, both the reality of success in the community and his own reality within. With hard work, patience and three storefronts later, he has become the sole owner of all three stores, with one in Oxnard, and Santa Barbara and his third store is in Ventura. 

Currently Erick uses a team approach with his workforce. His employees begin with training in installation for several months, window repair and replacement and then they will move into the sales force when they are ready. He provides an honorable service and works along with his team and his customers in completing final installations and inspections.  Over the years, he has built positive relationships with his customers and employees as he continues to demonstrate expertise and commitment to his business. Quality Windows and Doors is a success and works not only because of Erick but because of he envisioned the business in its entirety. 

As sole owner of Quality Windows and Doors he is also committed to the community where his stores are located. He is a member of the Contractor’s Association, sponsors local school sports teams and has banners on several sports fields. Hard work, long hours and commitment to service, quality and the homeowner have led to the success of Erick’s business. 

Quality Windows and Doors new design center featuring Marvin, Milgard, Fleetwood Windows, Entry doors and hardware is located at 4051 East Main Street in Ventura.

AIDS/LifeCycle rides through Ventura

Photos by Patricia Schallert

It’s a life-changing ride—not a race—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside. Co-produced by San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, AIDS/LifeCycle advances these agencies’ shared interest in reducing new HIV infections and improving the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.

They ride the 545 miles from SF to LA and fundraise a minimum of $3,500.

Besides the riders Roadies are the hardworking individuals who volunteer their time for the full week of AIDS/LifeCycle.

Day 6 was spent at the San Buenaventura State Beach.

Rotary Club of Ventura holds Fifth Annual Perspectives on Peace Scholarship Awards

First place winner Kimberly Fickerson accepts her check for $5000

by Richard Lieberman

Recently at the fifth annual Peace Scholarship Awards Luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Ventura scholarships were awarded to local area students. The awards were presented to high school seniors and is unusual for art students to be presented with a financial incentive to pursue and continue their education in art related subjects.

Second place winner Ixzel Nava

Five scholarship awards were offered in amounts ranging from five thousand dollars to the first-place winner, two thousand five hundred dollars for the second-place winner, one thousand five hundred dollars to the third-place winner, seven hundred fifty to the fourth-place winner and five hundred dollars to the fifth-place winner.

The focus of the scholarships presented was on the subject of peace. Students were asked to “Express your voice and show what peace means to you.” For the fifth year of the program the focus on peace remains one of the Rotary Clubs major areas of interest. Peace as defined by the Rotary Club International is an environment that supports equality and justice for all.” An initiative for peace can be anything that supports the human condition, for example the need for food, water, shelter, health care, literacy, jobs and human rights.”

The scholarships were awarded to: First place winner Kimberly Fickerson, for her short film “Rain”, Second place winner Ixzel Nava for her short film “Peace is Infinite”, Third place winner Clarisse Cortez “Let’s Live Together “, Fourth place winner Summer Rose Hayashi for her “Justice is Peace “and Fifth place winner Juan Orozco Mendez for “Peace”

Kimberly Fickerson of Foothill Tech Highschool said “I found out about this scholarship during a presentation from my art teacher. He said it was a really important opportunity for us to try to do it, my mom really encouraged me to take part in It and so then on one rainy day I was sitting down trying to figure out what I was going to do I thought well I could use the rain because I really like the rain. Rain is my favorite type of weather pattern, so I used that to inspire me to write a short poem about rain and then filmed it,” she said “I was quite shocked to receive the award, but I also knew I put a lot of hard work in it, so I was really grateful to receive the award” she added.

Third place winner Clarisse Cortez accepts check

Clarisse Cortez of Foothill Tech High School said, “It started out at the beginning of the school year I noticed the blue poster for the perspectives on peace scholarships I left it on the back of my brain for two weeks.” Cortez said. “Okay, then what should I do so it was really interesting for me because it was like I had to go through a little bit of a paradox like what would war be without peace and what peace would be without war.” Added Cortez. “I worked on the project for three days. Working eight to ten hours each day until completion” she added.

Second, fourth and fifth place winners were not available for interviews after the presentation.

Fifth place winner Juan Orozco Mendez accepts check for $500

Chip In For Charity: A Non-Competitive, Family-Friendly Golf Event to Benefit Ventura Land Trust

Chip In For Charity is more than just a golf event;

Chip In For Charity is thrilled to announce its upcoming event, a non-competitive and family-friendly golf experience dedicated to raising funds for local non-profit groups. This year, Chip In For Charity is proud to support Ventura Land Trust. The event will take place in Ventura, on June 17th, and aims to bring together the community in support of local non-profit efforts.

With a history of successfully raising over $25,000 for local non-profit organizations, Chip In For Charity is excited to continue its mission of giving back to the community. This unique golf event encourages families and individuals, regardless of their golfing experience, to participate in a day of fun-filled activities. The event will take place at Olivas Links Driving Range from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The goal for 2023 is to raise $15,000 to support the local conservation and preservation work carried out by the Ventura Land Trust. Participants will have the opportunity to chip golf balls towards sponsored targets strategically placed throughout the venue, while enjoying local food and drinks and the chance to win prizes. Through generous target sponsorships by local businesses and ticket sales, Chip In For Charity is proud to donate 100% of the event proceeds to their non-profit beneficiary.

“Chip In For Charity is more than just a golf event; it’s an opportunity to make a difference in our community and have fun while doing it!” expressed Maria S, a previous participant.

“I like to think of it as a spin on Top-Golf, but for a local cause,” added Todd G.

Brandon Wasilewski, the media contact person for Chip In For Charity, is available for any inquiries regarding the event. He can be reached at 805-856-8773 or via email at [email protected].

Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to visit the official website at www.ChipInForCharity805.com for more information and to secure their spots.

Chip In For Charity is dedicated to supporting local non-profit organizations through non-competitive, family-friendly golf events. With a proven track record of raising over $25,000 for local non-profits, Chip In For Charity strives to make a positive impact on the community through engaging experiences that blend golf, community, and philanthropy.

Email: [email protected]

Firefighters’ Ball and Awards Ceremony

Photos by Mary Thompson

The Firefighters’ Ball and Awards Ceremony was a huge success honoring Ventura City firefighters and providing fire families a night of fun and camaraderie.

Highlighting the Ball were the Department’s annual awards:

Firefighters honored at ball.

Captain Austin Araiza received the Firefighter of the Year award for his exceptional work in arson investigations, training new team members, and ensuring the correct use of protective gear.

Engineer Zach Benner was recognized as the Paramedic of the Year for delivering high-quality care and serving as a leader among peers (see separate article).

Captain Christopher Pironti received the Greg Andrews Safety Award for his commitment to workplace safety and support for the Peer Support Team.

Luis Martinez was honored as the Fire Prevention Employee of the Year for his dedication to customer service and producing quality work.

The Matthew Clapsaddle Career Achievement Award was created to honor fallen Firefighter-Paramedic Matthew Clapsaddle, and it was presented to Firefighter-Paramedic Ryan Howard for his support to the Clapsaddle family and his role in the Peer Support Team.

Additionally, Captain Shawn Hughes, Captain Kyle Tong, and Administrative Assistant Kris Edwards received the 3rd Alarm Award for their exceptional support to the department.

After the awards, guests enjoyed dancing, casino games, and a raffle.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Ventura County Library encourages families to “Find Your Voice” and participate in Summer Reading!

The Ventura County Library (VCL) Summer Reading Challenge is underway. VCL encourages the love of reading with a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults throughout the summer. Participants may register at vencolibrary.beanstack.org and record their reading with opportunities to win prizes for reaching reading goals. Registration continues through August 4th. Once again VCL will give away 13 Nintendo Switch Grand Prizes as well as other STEAM prizes throughout the summer to
readers who reach various reading challenge goals. Youth may visit their local branch to choose a free new book to add to their personal collections, once they log 500 minutes of reading.
Families are encouraged to stop by their local VCL branch to participate in themed bi-weekly STEAM activities and challenges.

The Summer Reading Kick-off program features bilingual Magician Zany Zoe. She will appear at Oak Park Library on Monday, June 5 at 3:00 pm; Albert H. Soliz Library on Friday, June 9 at 4:00 pm; Saticoy Library on Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 am; Hill Road Library on Friday, June 16 at 11:00 am;
E.P. Foster Library on Friday, June 16 at 2:00 pm and Avenue Library on Saturday, June 17 at 4:00 pm.

Find Your Voice! Family Musicals Film Fest and Coloring at Hill Road Library offers fun family musicals, drawing, and coloring for all ages.
Tuesday, June 6, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: Encanto
Tuesday, June 13, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: Sing II
Tuesday, June 20, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: The Lego Movie Part 2: The Second Part

Foster Library’s Young Readers Book Club
Saturday, June 24 @ 1 pm – 2 pm: Discuss One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia & create a
summer journal.

Minecraft Club meets at Hill Road & Foster Library
Mondays: June 12 & 26, 3:30 – 5 pm. This program is limited to participants ages 5-17 years old.
Space is limited. First come, first served.

Purchases from Ventura Friends of the Library bookstore and sales help support the Summer Reading Program.

Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore in E.P. Foster Library open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:30 to 4:00 pm.
You can also shop at our online store at https://venturafol-107753.square.site/s/shop and pick up your purchase at the store in E.P. Foster.

A Busy Season for CAPS Media

Nadine Piché, KPPQ Producer of the Month

As Ventura cruises into the summer, May and June are very busy and exciting months for CAPS Crews with a variety of productions including City press conferences for the upcoming X Games and grants for Ventura Water Pure treatment program, two State of the City presentations with a live and streaming presentation at the Museum of Ventura County hosted by the City of Ventura and one at the Crown Plaza hosted by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. CAPS is also recording and live streaming graduation ceremonies at Ventura College and at all VUSD high schools: Buena High on June 14, Ventura High on June 15 and El Camino and Pacific High Schools and VACE on June 16.

The fun continues in the coming months with CAPS producing multiple projects supporting Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary celebration – 150 days of events starting in June and culminating with the State of the County presentation in October. CAPS is collaborating with the Museum of Ventura County to produce a series of programs for the county celebration including “Interviews with Innovators” with engaging discussions hosted by museum director Elena Brokaw featuring fascinating innovators throughout the county; “Feast or Flop” a tasty menu celebrating the savory unique heritage of agriculture and cuisine in Ventura County; “Ventura Voices” selected Oral Histories from the vast museum archives and more.

KPPQ Producer of the Month Nadine Piché, longtime Ventura resident and host of Ventura Vibe!, joined KPPQ – CAPS Radio in 2017. She heard about CAPS Media through her son who had taken a digital filmmaking class one summer. With her interest in podcasting she asked for recommendations on local resources. She learned about KPPQ. “I could learn right there. I hadn’t thought about radio. But of course! I took the introductory class. I wasn’t sure if radio was for me. There were so many buttons! But I stuck it out. And I’m so glad I did.” She produced her first show in the KPPQ studio in January of 2018. With so many great ideas she launched two radio shows/podcasts at KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM: A limited series titled Spotlight on Special Education and an ongoing weekly series, Ventura Vibe! Nadine says “Both shows taught me so much about production and the process of putting a show together. The best part of the process is connecting with people in the community and getting to ask lots of questions.” Ventura Vibe! currently airs on Mondays at 2pm, Tuesdays at 8am, Thursdays at 1pm and Saturdays at 3pm on 104.1fm and on myTuner. Both programs are featured on the KPPQ Podcast network, a plus for KPPQ community producers and listeners. You can find her podcasts at capsmedia.org/podcasts and tune in to KPPQ at 104.1fm or on the myTuner app.

CAPS’ channel 6 presents programming created by and for the public including community information programs, faith-based services and more. CAPS manages and presents government meetings at City Hall including city council, design review, general plan advisory committee and planning commission on channel 15 which also features education and information programs including those by El Camino High School students.

To learn more about CAPS, visit capsmedia.org. CAPS Media City Council Presentation 2023 video presents an overview of the organization. Additional information on the CAPS website includes links to programing and information regarding reopening of the CAPS Media center to the public.

They are Ventura citizens trying to make it

You can meet Des most days on the Promenade.

by Sheli Ellsworth

Destin (AKA Des) Starchile was fortunate. “I was adopted in San Antonio at a young age and my father was president of the Texas Cradle Society,” he says. “My parents were pillars of the community. As a child, I had numerous health problems and spent a lot of time recovering from surgeries on my legs.”

Starchile is now a local artist who enjoys painting pictures of animals and landscapes. “I’m always willing to paint someone’s pet for donations to cover supplies.”

His professional life has been varied. “Starchile says he earned his GED and even attended a police academy in Florida. “I was a private security guard, a gaffer, a roughneck in the oil field and a mechanic.” “As a young kid, my dad taught me the ins and outs of fixing engines.” Starchile’s father had been a driving force in his life until Starchile left home for government service.

“Five years ago, I was on my way to Hawaii with equipment to start my own motorcycle repair shop when the police confiscated my tools over on Mission Street.” Starchile says that he is a Christian and believes that God brought him to Ventura for a reason. “I don’t know the reason, but I pray and meditate every day, hoping for guidance. I went home to care for my mother after she fell and came away with the realization that my family worships the almighty dollar.”

He is unable to have a relationship with them. “I started painting to relieve my anxiety.” Starchile can often be found painting at the Ventura Promenade.

The 66-year-old Starchile lives in a tent and has been homeless for the last five years. He is a self-described artist, writer and Texas hippie. When asked if he would consider living in government housing, Starchile says that the state’s 5150, rules and curfews would keep him from embracing most housing programs. When asked if he is ever afraid, Starchilde says the only time he feels threatened is when the police stop him.

A philosophical approach has helped Starchile cope with homelessness. “Basic things like brushing teeth can be a challenge. There is the way we want things; the way they should be; and the way they are.”

For his wonderful art see the Art Scene:
https://venturabreeze.com/2023/05/31/local-artist-des-starchile/