Category Archives: Youth

2019 Fall League registration for United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL)

The United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL) is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2019 Fall Leagues. These signature programs provide a fun, safe, and supervised environment for boys and girls to learn and play volleyball.

The Ventura USYVL runs from Wednesday, September 11, 2019 – Saturday, November 2, 2019 on Wednesdays: 5:30 – 6:30 PM & Saturdays: 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura.

The eight-week Fall Leagues provide instruction to boys and girls ages 7 to 15 that is designed to teach basic volleyball skills in a positive environment. The leagues operate twice per week beginning the second week of September and ending the first week of November. Practices and games operate in a coed format and offer participants the opportunity to develop self-esteem and confidence.

Programs fill quickly, so register early to reserve a spot for your child. The registration fee includes a volleyball, uniform t-shirt, and participation medal for each participant. Visit our online registration page to locate a program in your area.

For information on registration, programs, locations, or schedules visit www.usyvl.org or contact us at 1-888-988-7985 or [email protected].

Founded in 1997, the United States Youth Volleyball League is a non-profit youth sports organization that hosts more than 15,000 participants annually, nationwide. USYVL’s mission is to provide every child between the ages of 7 and 15 a chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, and supervised environment. Visit www.usyvl.org today!

Softball All Stars represent Ventura

There were formidable local foes like Moorpark, Westlake-Agoura, and Goleta.

by Tom Marshall

Realistic expectations were impossible. The Ventura Girls Fastpitch 12u All Stars had previously played a handful of the 33 teams in the USA Softball Western National tournament. There were formidable local foes like Moorpark, Westlake-Agoura, and Goleta. There were also teams from San Diego, Hawaii, Oregon, and Nevada. Every one of the 33 teams invited was going there to win. Ventura’s only option was to leave everything on the field and play to win. Only one team would emerge a winner but every team had an opportunity to display their true character.

Anxiety played a part in the lead up to the tourney. A nasty wild fire was choking southern Oregon with smoke and the specter of cancelled games (possibly the entire tournament) established residence in parents and coaches’ minds on the long drive or flight north.

The 12u squad out of Ventura got their nervous disastrous inning out of the way in the first game. They looked like an early regular season rec ball team on defense at times in that first game. Their offense wouldn’t be denied and after a very rough defensive start they defeated their first opponent. They went on a 5-0 run to start the tourney and found themselves in a battle with the physically imposing Bonita Valley squad in game 6. Ventura ended up suffering a 1-0 loss in that first game against the team from San Diego county. The girls would enter the loser’s bracket for the first time in the tournament.

Facing near triple digit temps amplified by the 100% artificial turf playing surface didn’t faze the Ventura girls. They maintained their focus and regrouped. “The girls had a championship mindset all week. We were focused on winning every pitch, every game. Very proud to see this team represent Ventura,” said manager Ruben Segovia. His assistant coaches, Jeff Staniland and Angel Chavez, worked to keep the team positive and focused on winning the next pitch.

They went on to win their next two games in the loser’s bracket 6-3 and 3-0 to set up a rematch against Bonita Valley. The winner would face All Star team from Poway in the championship game. Poway was undefeated in the tournament up to that point. They put up a valiant fight but fell 3-1 in their rematch with BV.

The Ventura Girls Fastpitch 12u All Star squad finished 3rd out of 33 teams in the USA Softball Western National tournament. They left everything on the field and never gave up. Only one team wins a tournament but our Ventura girls showed up prepared to play winning softball and proved they belong with the best in the west.

“Positive Rocks”

The team is there to play winning softball.

First published at Parentdugout.com

“We try to throw positive rocks at them during games and practices to keep them up. Just a little encouragement or positive reinforcement.” Ruben Segovia is a modern-day coach. He’s been coaching baseball and softball for decades yet retains his trademark high levels of enthusiasm and positivity. “These young athletes are always on the receiving end of negativity. It comes from the stands during games, their homes, or in the classroom. You hear some coaches during games and they only speak negatively to their team. We try to be positive.”

The 2019 Ventura Girls Fast Pitch 12u All Star team is in Medford, Oregon. They will compete against the best softball teams in the western United States over the course of a week. There will be skills contests, hotel pool parties, and other fun, distracting activities that can only occur during a sports vacation. The team is there to play winning softball but will find some fun away from the diamond.

Headed to Oregon to compete against the very best isn’t where this team appeared to be headed when the all-star season began. “We lost badly in one of the first tourneys we played in. Our older girls weren’t being leaders and there were separate groups within a team,” lamented Coach Ruben. Anyone who was paying attention could see this and a true team formed in the aftermath of disappointing early results on the field. “I really let them have it after a bad game. I knew they could take it and needed to hear it. The older girls on the team needed to step up and lead the team on the field and in the dugout,” Ruben said. Coach Ruben’s words didn’t fall on deaf ears as he noticed changes in the players’ attitudes and efforts in practice and games. Team parents stimulated team chemistry by coordinating team parties at homes and at the beach. The coaching staff strategically assigned groups during practices to encourage team bonding.

The coaching staff, players, and parents make up a team in any form of youth sports at every level. Success is dependent upon all 3 groups putting in max effort and staying positive.

About half of these girls have played together for 6 years or more. They’re sisters now. They have played regular season, all stars, and fall ball together. High school and travel softball are on the horizon for many of these athletes but first there’s some business to handle in Oregon.

Good luck ladies. The city of Ventura will be cheering you on!

Non-profit offers several programs for boys and girls to learn and play volleyball

The United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL) is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2019 Fall Leagues. These signature programs provide a fun, safe, and supervised environment for boys and girls to learn and play volleyball.

The Ventura USYVL runs from Wednesday, September 11, 2019 – Saturday, November 2, 2019 on Wednesdays: 5:30 – 6:30 PM & Saturdays: 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura.

THe eight-week Fall Leagues provide instruction to boys and girls ages 7 to 15 that is designed to teach basic volleyball skills in a positive environment. The leagues operate twice per week beginning the second week of September and ending the first week of November. Practices and games operate in a coed format and offer participants the opportunity to develop self-esteem and confidence.

Programs fill quickly, so register early to reserve a spot for your child. Registering early also allows participants to save with the early registration pricing available until August 1. The registration fee includes a volleyball, uniform t-shirt, and participation medal for each participant. Visit online registration page to locate a program in your area.

For information on registration, programs, locations, or schedules visit www.usyvl.org or contact us at 1-888-988-7985 or [email protected].

Founded in 1997, the United States Youth Volleyball League is a non-profit youth sports organization that hosts more than 15,000 participants annually, nationwide. USYVL’s mission is to provide every child between the ages of 7 and 15 a chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, and supervised environment. Visit www.usyvl.org today!

A Night to Remember, a free prom for students with special needs

Dancing it up at last year’s prom.

Over 450 students with special needs, 700 students from local high schools and over 1,000 volunteers are expected to celebrate together on this special night the eighth annual Night to Remember. A free prom for students with special needs (ages 12-25) at Ventura County Fairgrounds

The night includes dresses and tuxedos, hairstyling, makeup and corsages or boutonnieres, limo rides and a walk down a red carpet cheered on by paparazzi. Each guest is accompanied by a student host from the community, given a formal photo, special food and treats and a night of dancing with a professional DJ.

Friday, May 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Ventura High School shines at Grand Nationals

The Ventura High Wind Honors Ensemble will be performing their last free public concert of the year on May 23.

The Ventura High School (VHS) Honors Wind Ensemble returned from the Dixie Classic Grand Nationals in Atlanta, GA as winners. The VSH group, made up of 52 students, was selected to perform in the prestigious grand finale of this two-day event that saw15 schools and 19 performing groups. Ventura High School is the only group from California to appear in the last 20 years. They performed at Grand Nationals four years ago and again this year.

The team had two weeks to prepare for the Grand Nationals. They performed March from Symphonic Metamorphosis by Paul Hindemith, Sunrise at Angel’s’ Gate by Philip Sparke, and Rocky Point Holiday by Ron Nelson. This festival splits up groups based on music ability before participating, and the event requires several years of superior ratings at national invitational festivals as prerequisites. Based on their performance at the national level, the Ventura High team placed into Division 6, the Professional/Collegiate Level and performed in front of hundreds of musicians in Atlanta’s Symphony Hall. Ventura High earned Superior ratings, which translates into Gold, and they scored above a 96%. In addition to the group’s success, Noah Laber received recognition as Outstanding Soloist.

“The clinicians and judges told me that no one else is doing what our students are doing, it is remarkable and uplifting to see this caliber of training and performance,’ stated Ventura High School Music Director Paul Hunt.

In addition to performing, the students received a private clinic with a musician from Emory University and were able to watch the Atlanta Symphony perform.

“We are incredibly proud of our student musicians, our music Director Mr. Paul Hunt, and the entire music team for this extraordinary accomplishment. They consistently bring out the very best of their superior rated musicianship and character by working tirelessly with each other note-by-note, measure-by-measure, day in and day out. They are a total exemplar of our programs and community,” stated Principal Carlos Cohen.

The Ventura High Wind Honors Ensemble will be performing their last free public concert of the year on Thursday, May 23 at the Ventura High School Auditorium at 7 pm. For more information on Ventura High School and their outstanding Music Program visit https://www.venturausd.org/ventura/home.aspx or contact Music Director Paul Hunt at [email protected].

Chasing Tail Fishing event

Big Ross, John Fuller, John Williams and Bob Loaselle presented the Chasing Tail Fishing event which was held on April 14, on the Ventura Pier. Cassidy Weddle was excited at her great catch.

Every year they do a kid’s day on the Ventura pier. Parents bring their children and they teach them how to fish and hopefully catch their first fish. They get donations and try and get enough fishing poles so every kid can take a fishing pole home. This will be their 5th year doing this event.

For more information please phone 805-258-2031 or email [email protected].

Photos by Bernie Goldstein

Cabrillo Jazz Band to perform near and far this Spring

Kids playing jazz, how wonderful!

The Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band has a full performance calendar this Spring with appearances and competitions at a wide variety of events from auctions and carnivals to law firm mixers and graduations. Competitions will take them as far as San Francisco this month alone. The 19-piece jazz group is led by the school’s music director, Mario Boccali. And, while he leads three wind ensemble groups and three string orchestras, there is clearly a special place in his heart for his jazz bands.

With nine jazz band performances scheduled in a three-month span – most outside school hours – Boccali’s dedication to the students’ success is evident to many. The choice to have the Jazz Band at an upcoming event was an easy one according to Mike Velthoen, managing partner of Ferguson Case Orr Paterson.

Most band members didn’t play an instrument before entering middle school in sixth grade, explained Boccali. The band, which features comprehensive rhythm and brass sections regularly takes home a number of awards both individually and as a group.

The event at the law firm is part of the organization’s “Engage and Enlighten” series which has featured musicians, authors and other artists in the recent past. The event is open to the public, however an RSVP to the firm is requested.

In addition to the May 2nd performance at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, the Jazz Band is scheduled to perform publicly at the Museum of Ventura County on May 5th, the Loma Vista Elementary School Carnival on May 10th, the Westlake Jazz Festival on May 11th and a benefit concert at Boccoli’s in Ojai on May 18th.

RSVP for the May 2nd event at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson by calling (805) 659-6800.

is open to the public.

How long have you been leading the jazz band

  • 2005

How long have you been music director at Cabrillo

  • 2002/2003

What do you like about leading the jazz band

  • That it’s get to explore ameircan music, art form, and kids a chance to be creative, right on the spot in the form of imporivinsng

What are your music philosophies when teaching kids jazz

  • I want them to basically get to know the art form, want them to learn how to play without having to read music, play by ear, be able to create a solo.

I want them to be able to learn how to be creatinv on the spot, jazz gives them an opp to this, it’s an oral tradition, not helpd to the restriction what the composer wrote, piece of what people created, put their own input on It, wonderful for studenad and jazz

They regularly have events over there, I don’t’ know how often, he approvedhed him last year. I didn’t know much about it, got it on the schedule for this year, and he mentioned it, publicity. Supporing tht ekdis is terrific, kids sounds amazing and a lot of the community doesn’t get to hear them.

They have regular mixers for their clients,

People have been

Robots battle at Ventura College

The competing team’s robots were required to enter deep space. See end of article for photo descriptions.

Article and photos by Richard Lieberman

The FIRST Robotics competition held in Ventura commenced to a sizeable crowd cheering the competitors to win the championship and head for the FIRST Robotics Championship held in Houston, Texas, April 17 – 20, 2019.

FIRST stands For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, the organization is an international organization that inspires and motivates students to participate in science, engineering and mathematics activities.

Among the participants were 13 schools from Ventura County including Conejo Valley, Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Ventura.

The competing team’s robots were required to enter deep space where they had two and a half minutes to prepare their ship with hatch panels and load cargo. The competition begins with a simulated sandstorm that lasts for 15 seconds where teams can drive blind or get visual feedback from cameras attached to their robots.

“It’s amazing to see what young children can do.” said Velma Lomax, who was instrumental in bringing the competition to the county, she also helps run the event. “They build these robots from the ground up. What we are watching is not just about robots but about corporate America and getting along in the world economy today.” She added.

The competition winner Team 4414, High Tide is a local Ventura based team. Industry mentored the team which is made up of participants grades 9-12 and attend classes at Buena, Foothill or Ventura High schools teaming with a manufacturing facility in Ventura. Michael Sessa owner of Sessa Manufacturing said “With the guidance of mentors, the students are designing, manufacturing parts, wiring, and programming. They also learn the importance of fundraising and participating in community outreach.”

Jalen Hsu, a Junior at Ventura High School said “For six weeks we’ve worked day and night to design, manufacture, wire, and program our robot. The experience has taught me so much about my capabilities as an individual and even more about how to work with the other brilliant members and mentors of our team.”

Local team 4414 High Tide earned Regional winner at FIRST Robotics Competition, including a second award for quality in concept and fabrication. The team also won an award for innovation in control. The award for innovation and control is based on the best overall control system, electrical or mechanical or software to provide unique machine functions.

The team named their robot Banzai with a sleek design and colorful paint job made it easy to see in the competition.

Here at the Breeze, we offer our congratulations on this well-earned win and wish our local team members great luck at the upcoming competition in Texas.

Photo: Team 4414 poses in front of their entry into the “First” robotics competition held at Ventura College. The five team members were preparing their robot entry for the first challenge. From L to Ranshul Bajaj, Anidh Bavkar, Olga Qoshilli,Phillipe Nipact, Alessandro PanighcHi.  Robots do battle at the FIRST Robotics Competition. The circuit of Life Team 3925 prepares their robot to compete in the “First Robotics Competition” competing with 42 other high school teams from all over the United States and several foreign competitors. From L to R Ashley Mach, Gabriel Bacon, Vendang Joshi, Warren Murphy, Derrick Ramirez.

YMCA Summer Camp is more than just child care

Leadership abilities that last a lifetime.

The Ventura Family YMCA is gearing up for another summer filled with adventure, laughter, and enriching the lives of the Y campers, parents and staff.

Summer Camp is more than just child care, Y camp creates a world of good where children find a sense of belonging, and parents are assured their child is safe and making new discoveries every day.

Y Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which recognizes that the YMCA facilitates summer camp programs that are committed to building a safe, nurturing environment for their children.

The memories, friendships, and skills from summer camp stay with a child long after back-to-school. While a child is free to play and explore at camp, they are also developing cognitive and social-emotional abilities.

“I was a bridesmaid in a wedding of a friend I met at Y Camp. We were campers, then camp staff together. I led her entire wedding party in a repeat-after-me song we learned while at Y Camp. It was a full circle moment.” Shianne Motter, former Y camper.

Play time with new friends is not time wasted. Summer Camp at the Y is structured with adventure, songs, sports, and crafts, which serve as powerful forms of self-discovery, and teachable moments.

The enrollment & registration process can be completed online for the first time this year, and camp is filling up at record speed. Make sure your camper does not miss out on the best summer ever at the Y. To register, visit: www.ciymca.org/camp

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA visit www.ciymca.org/venutra