All Kids Bike is on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. 

All Kids Bike, the national nonprofit teaching kindergarten students how to ride bikes in PE class, is activating their All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program at Lincoln Elementary School, thanks to a generous donation from X Games. 

The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, a fleet of 24 balance-to-pedal Strider bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, an instructional bike for teachers, two rolling storage racks, and access to a resource portal with live support for the duration of the program. Lincoln Elementary celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside X Games representatives and Visit Ventura attendees. 

X Games’ gift is given in memory of five-time BMX medalist Pat Casey in hopes of inspiring the next generation to love bikes as much as Pat did. “X Games is proud to honor legendary BMX innovator Pat Casey by giving the next generation of local Ventura elementary students the chance to learn to ride a bike,” said, Valerie Ryan, Vice President of Fan Experience, X Games. “We can’t think of a better way to continue Pat’s legacy while also giving back to the Ventura community.” 

“We are thrilled and deeply grateful for the generous donation from X Games,” said Lisa Weyer, Executive Director of All Kids Bike. “This support is invaluable in helping us achieve our mission of teaching every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. The X Games’ commitment to fostering a love of sports and outdoor activities aligns perfectly with our goal of empowering kids with the lifelong skill of biking. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier, more active future for our children.” 

Lincoln Elementary won a district-wide contest put on by the Expanded Learning Programs that aligned with key goals for students in reading, attendance, and creativity. Because of the students’ dedication at Lincoln Elementary, they were announced the recipients of the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program. At Lincoln Elementary, this program will positively impact approximately 50 expanded learning students each year. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 500 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade. 

Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District, Dr. Antonio Castro, is looking forward to the program’s implementation. “We are grateful to X Games and All Kids Bike for bringing this exceptional program to the Ventura Unified School District. This initiative provides our youngest students with fundamental bike riding skills and promotes physical activity, confidence, and independence.  By equipping our staff with the necessary tools and training, they are ensuring that this program will have a lasting, positive impact on our community for many years to come.” 

X Games and All Kids Bike are committed to enriching the lives of young learners and cultivating valuable skills through the joy of bike riding. This collaborative effort exemplifies their dedication to building healthier, happier communities, one pedal at a time. 

The All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program launched in 2018 with a simple mission: to give every child in America the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike in school. The program includes everything needed to teach thousands of students at a school for 7-10 years: teacher training and certification, a fleet of 24 balance-to-pedal Strider bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, an instructional bike and helmet for the teacher, 2 rolling metal bike storage racks, and access to a resource portal and live support for the life of the program. Supported by the Strider Education Foundation, All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Programs are active in over 1,400 schools across all 50 states, teaching more than 100,000 kids to ride each year. In 2023, the Strider Education Foundation added the All Abilities Bike Inclusive Learn-to-Ride Program to empower older individuals with developmental disabilities with the life skill of riding a bicycle. For more information visit www.allkidsbike.org

Image by Freepix.

Fourth of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade

Ventura’s 47th annual 4th of July Street Fair & Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, begins at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continues into Downtown Ventura, leading into the Street Fair. The road will be closed, and participants are welcome to begin queuing up as early as 9:00 a.m. This is a pedestrian parade. This year’s Street Fair features artisan vendors, a car exhibit, live entertainment, a kids’ activity area, a corn hole zone, and more. Attendees can also enjoy Downtown’s local shops and outdoor dining as part of Main Street Moves. Community members are welcome to bring their bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. No registration is required.

A complimentary Bike Valet, courtesy of the City of Ventura Transportation Division and Bike Ventura, will be located at the corner of Main Street and South Chestnut Street from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Subhead: Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Ventura College 

Tickets are now on sale for the spectacular, 31st annual 4th of July Fireworks Show & Family Picnic at Ventura College. This fun, family event features a Kids’ Zone, Live Music, Food Trucks and a world-class Fireworks Show. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, the event starts at 5 pm on Thursday, July 4th at the Ventura College Athletic Fields. Fireworks start at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $5 child, $10 adult and a Family-of-4 ticket is $30. For more information, visit www.VenturaFireworks.com. 

by Patricia Schallert

Jessica Alten’s journey into the world of brewing began at Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria, where she started working. It was during a visit from her parents, particularly her father who had years of experience at Nestlé Purina, that she became intrigued by the manufacturing side of beer. With a newfound interest in brewing, Jessica began asking questions and delving deeper into the craft. Her passion skyrocketed when she had the opportunity to collaborate with the brewers and owners of Island Brewing as part of the Pink Boots Collaborative.

Jessica joined the Pink Boots Collaborative, an inspiring and vibrant community within the beer industry that brings together women who are passionate about brewing and promoting quality craft beer. Founded in 2007 by Teri Fahrendorf, a veteran brewmaster, the collaborative hosts events, workshops, and networking opportunities for women in brewing. Through this initiative, Jessica and many other women have come together to brew unique beers using hops generously donated by hop producers. These collaboration brews celebrate the talents of women in brewing while raising awareness about their crucial role in the industry.

The Pink Boots Collaborative has played a pivotal role in encouraging diversity and inclusivity within the beer industry, an aspect that Jessica finds particularly important. By offering a supportive and creative community, the Pink Boots collaboration has helped elevate the voices and talents of women brewers worldwide. It has also shattered barriers and served as an inspiration for future generations of women to pursue their dreams in the beer world. Additionally, the collaborative organizes “Brew Days” at local breweries, providing hands-on experience and educational opportunities for members.

As Jessica’s experience and knowledge in brewing expanded, she was given the opportunity to assist in opening the tasting room for Ojai Valley Brewing. Eager to learn more about the brewing process, she shadowed the brewers and developed a deep fascination with the craft. Determined to explore the various aspects of brewing, she seized the chance to work at M. Special Brew Co. Starting from the bottom, Jessica steadily worked her way up to becoming an assistant brewer. With the guidance and support of the head brewer, Michael Alcantar, and owner, Josh Ellis, she honed her skills and growth as a brewer.

After two years at M. Special Brew Co., Jessica, now a brewer, moved to Ventura and began working at Seaward Brewing in January 2024. What captivates her the most about brewing is the chemistry involved, especially in the “hot side” of the process. She emphasizes the importance of precise timing and temperature control, comparing it to the precision of baking. Interacting with patrons and discussing beers brings her immense satisfaction as well, and she cherishes compliments for the beers she crafts.

Being a woman brewer, Jessica has faced her share of challenges. Some men, for unexplainable reasons, doubt her abilities as a brewer. She often encounters skepticism and questioning at beer festivals regarding her role and brewing knowledge. Nevertheless, she remains dedicated to her craft, preferring to keep her beer traditional and straightforward. However, when it comes to making seltzers, she especially enjoys experimenting with different flavors and embraces the spicy notes of rye malt, which complement dark malty beers and IPAs.

Currently, Seaward Brewing is gearing up for the X Games in Ventura, which will take place from June 28 to 30. Jessica is thrilled about this event and has crafted a pilsner called the White Knuckle Pilsner with a motocross theme, which will be perfect for a hot day at the X Games. She also hopes to collaborate with Balcom Canyon Cidery, located nearby, to create a shandy-style cider-beer hybrid. Exciting endeavors lie ahead for Jessica and Seaward Brewing!

Becoming a skilled and accomplished brewer requires time, dedication, and a constant drive for improvement. Jessica is continuously honing her skills, experimenting with new brews, and staying passionate about the craft. Cheers to Jessica and her unwavering dedication to the art of brewing!