Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

In January we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 1964, he became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the main leaders of the American civil rights movement. A Baptist minister by training, King became a civil rights activist early in his career, leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott. His efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, raising public consciousness of the civil rights movement and establishing King as one of the greatest orators in American history.

In 1964, he became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King’s birthday, January 15.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Martin Luther King Day was established as a national holiday in the United States in 1986. In 2004, King was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.

Our Ventura TV to feature series on homelessness in Ventura County

For 2023, Our Ventura TV is initiating a new interview series to shed light on the issue of the unhoused. The series will feature a diverse range of guests, including those who are currently experiencing homelessness, those who have experienced homelessness in the past, as well as nonprofits, church, community and government representatives and anyone who would like to add their voice to potential solutions.

The series aims to provide a deeper understanding of homelessness and its causes, as well as highlight the challenges and barriers faced by those who are unhoused. It will also explore the various resources and support systems available to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and examine the efforts of local organizations and government agencies to address the issue.

“We’re excited to share these powerful and important stories with our viewers,” said Sandra Siepak, Our Ventura TV host.

The series will include personal stories from individuals who have experienced homelessness, as well as insights from experts in the field.

Our Ventura TV host, MB Hanrahan said, “By highlighting a range of perspectives, including those impacted by homelessness and those who have worked to address homelessness in our community, we hope to create a more informed and compassionate conversation about this pressing issue.”

The series will also feature interviews with a variety of local individuals and organizations, including homeless service providers, government agencies, and community groups.”Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it’s important that we take the time to listen to and understand the experiences of those involved,” said George Alger the creator and producer of Our Ventura TV.

Additional Our Ventura TV crew, such as Hosts Monique Nowlin and Bonnie Rose; Director, Michelle Hoover; and Manager, Mary Christine Ballestero, will be integral to developing this series, as well.

Our Ventura TV airs on Ventura cable 6 TV and the segments are also available online at OurVentura.com and on social media platforms.

This special series is in addition to the routine Our Ventura TV programs, which are established on the theme of “People doing good things in Ventura County.”
For more information, or to request an interview, visit ourventura.com and click “Contact.”

Do you know which paper products are recyclable?

Paper items accepted in the curbside recycling program include: newspaper, colored paper, white computer paper, cardboard, magazines, catalogs, wrapping paper, junk mail, and envelopes (with or without clear windows).

Paper products to keep out of the recycle bin include: paper towels, napkins, tissues, receipts, wax paper, and paper coated with plastic or wax.

Please do not throw loose shredded paper directly in the recycle bin. Shredded paper can be bagged or contained in a cardboard box or a cereal box and then placed in the recycle bin.

The Great storm of 1969

“Sending water and mud into the harbor and sending boats out to sea.”

by Richard Senate

Sixty-four years ago, January of 1969, a chain of storms hit California and resulted in forty-seven deaths. Anyone who was in Ventura County at that time remembers the terrible destruction that took place in that disaster. Ten in Ventura County lost their lives in the storms.

The Santa Clara River turned into a raging killer. By the time the rain and debris filled waters reached Ventura  it reverted to its old bed that emptied into  the new Ventura Harbor sending water and mud into the harbor and sending boats out to sea, to  be washed ashore and pounded to kindling in the surf.

The harbor was filled with mud and sunken boats, masts protruding at odd angles that had the harbor resemble a war zone.   One surprising find in the river was a dead twelve foot long alligator that had escaped from the Africa USA Compound and been  beaten to death by rubbish in the water.

Sadly, several boys at a camp were lost when the Sespi Creek flooded and they were trapped in a camp. The Adults unwisely tried to cross the rain swollen creek using a bulldozer. The boys lashed to the vehicle. They got mid-stream before water got into the engine and they were stranded in the surging water. The foolish adults tried as best they could but were swept away. Then, one by one, the boys were pulled from the tractor into the rushing water, where only one managed to survive the ordeal and make it to dry land to tell the tale.

The storm brought wood down all the rivers and streams to the sea, where it was washed onto piles on the beach. In time the wood was burned, filling the sky with black clouds of smoke. It caused the most devastation to hit Ventura  in many decades and no one who lived through the storm can forget  the destruction it caused.

Exotic Treasures

Is there gold buried under the mission?

by Richard Senate

Ventura County has some exotic treasure yarns that implies that treasures still are to be found here. These include the lost padre’s gold mine (at the headwaters of Piru Creek) to the lost Olivas Gold (buried on Red Mountain) But few realize that some treasures exist within the city limits of Ventura! This is a partial list of the lost gold rumored hidden beneath our feet. Now are these just stories or could they really exist? You be the judge. Have they been found but not reported? Perhaps but still, they are worth examination.

The Lost Mission Vault. The story is that the padre’s of Mission San Buenaventura operated a gold mine and formed the gold into crude ingots. They were taken down the Santa Clara River Valley and stored in a hidden vault at the mission Church. Once a year a black painted galleon of the Jesuit Order would come and take away the gold for the use of his Holiness the Pope in Rome. The galleons stopped coming with the Mexican War for Independence and the gold is still there! Some say it was within the thick walls of the church, others say it was under the Mission Padre’s Quarters, still others believe it is located in an underground room in the hill behind the church.

The iron bound chest at the Cross. In 1818 a pirate threatened California so the mission treasures were hidden and the settlement abandoned for several weeks. They saw the pirates as godless men who would be repelled by the cross–so they buried the contents at the foot of the cross on the hill. Native people saw them and curious dug up the goods, only to re-bury them on the hill. When they padres returned the treasure chest had vanished. The present site of the cross was not the original location. Maybe the rusted chest could be found with a metal detector?

The gangster’s loot. In prohibition times gangsters smuggled Canadian Whiskey into LA though Ventura. The ships would carry in the booze and fast boats would take it ashore, all the while avoiding the Coast Guard Cutters. The ship captains demanded to be paid in cash. So, the gangsters brought cash in suitcases to pay them. This was hidden in a tunnel under the city. But, before the ship came, an earthquake caved in the tunnel and buried the bag of cash. Those gold certificates would be worth a fortune today!

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

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Photos by Patricia Schallert.

On December 16 & 17 the Ventura Harbor held the Parade of Lights “Out of This World.” The boat parade was ended with a beautiful display of fireworks.

Vol. 16, No. 07 – Dec 28, 2022 – Jan 10, 2023 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

Grief support during the holidays

It’s that time of year when the expectations we place on ourselves can be unrealistic, especially when faced with the absence of a loved one. Livingston Memorial’s Grief and Bereavement Program can offer compassion and understanding during this difficult time of year. Livingston offers multiple support groups that focus on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again. All support groups are free for the community. Visit www.LMVNA.org for more information.

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Men of all descriptions are always welcome to stop to sample our shenanigans. Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820 or Rick Follenweider at 650-520-1098 can supply details.

Do you want a Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30. All levels of play, and we guarantee a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are

available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or

[email protected]. All Welcome.

Jan. 7: Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will conduct our monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic.

There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice, we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you still need a fly rod, don’t worry; just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit, and Waco, 9 – 11 a.m., in East Ventura, off Telephone Rd. For more information: Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall (805) 377-5249

www.sespeflyfishers.org

Jan. 8: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.

Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill Rd. Live Music on stage. Jamming in the Canada Room. Free Admission. Free parking. Open to the Public. For more information, call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA.

Jan. 17: At 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, program staff from Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) will join the Ventura County Library to lead a Financial Education Webinar titled “How to Navigate your Budget with Confidence and Purpose.” This program will take place virtually via Zoom. Are you ready to navigate your financial mindset and its role in your finances? Join us during this 75-minute workshop to identify your financial priorities so you can manage your numbers and budget with confidence and purpose. This session will be facilitated by Irene Kelly, WEV’s Financial Education, and Community Engagement Manager. A Spanish-language version of this program will take place on Wednesday, January 18, from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. To register for this event, visit bit.ly/VCLWEV17. Contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected]. Instructions for registering for this event on Zoom can also be found on our online calendar at www.vencolibrary.org/library-events.