Category Archives: Youth

Fire Department hosts National Fire Prevention Week

Fourth Graders taught fire safety at training grounds

On, October 13, and, October 14, as part of National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10), the Ventura City Fire Department and the Ventura Unified School District hosted two days of hands-on demonstrations, fire science and fire safety lessons for about 1,500 fourth-grade students, their parents and school staff at the Ventura City Fire Training Grounds. Fire safety is not just relevant for kids though. Even business owners could benefit from learning more about fire risk assessments. Fires are a deadly risk and if a business building doesn’t have the correct measures in place, deaths can happen. It is very saddening to learn that many don’t employ a fire guard at their commercial buildings. When it comes to learning about fire safety, it isn’t just homeowners who need to know this. Even if you own your own business, the idea of learning about the importance of Fire Door Installation, for example, could make your office a lot safer for yourself and the staff. Plus, it is always best to be safe than sorry.

Fire Chief David Endaya led the day’s activities. He spoke to the kids about fire prevention, what firefighters do in their daily jobs, and what it takes to become one.

There were several demonstration areas at the facility, which is located at 765 S. Seaward Ave. at Alessandro Drive. One area included a simulated fire displaying how and why firefighters sometimes cut through the roofs of burning buildings.

This year’s National Fire Prevention Week focused on educating families about what causes home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency situation. Fire prevention and safety was emphasized to the students so that they could take the information home to teach the whole family.

They were told that everyone in their families has a role to play in home’s fire safety. Both adults and kids should be familiar with smoke alarms and home fire escape planning. Ventura City Fire Department encourages you to visit www.firepreventionweek.org to find in-depth information and tools that will make your home, your work, or your classroom a safer place.

Fires spread amazingly fast due to modern construction materials and synthetic based home furnishings. Sometimes the difference between life and death can be minutes, or even seconds. A little preparedness and prevention can go a long way toward keeping you and your loved ones safe in the event of a fire.

More emergency preparedness information is available at cityofventura.net/fire or visit facebook.com/venturacityfire and youtube.com/VenturaCityFD.

Reel Anglers Guppy Outdoor Program Launch

Reel Anglers Fishing Show invites to all to attend the launch of their “Reel Guppy Outdoor Program” launch and program presentation on Thursday, October 29 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at Pizza Man Dan’s located at 1601 Victoria Ave. in Oxnard.

Throughout the evening, an informational presentation about the new and upcoming program will be given by Kevin Brannon, Founder and TV Host of the Reel Anglers Fishing Show. This new program will include organized outdoor programs for youths of all ages including fishing trips, educational workshops to learn about the history of the Channel Islands, a “Dream and Visions” component, and more.

“Whenever I would go out fishing with my kids, a lot of other children in my apartment complex started asking me if they could tag-along”, say Brannon. “A lot of these children are raised by single parents who are tied up with work and hardly have time to take their kids on these outings.” Brannon began taking a few of the youth in his complex out which then led to a few other projects he coordinated including “Hooked on Fishing” with the local Girl Scouts Chapter, a Lake Casitas Kids Fishing Day in partnership with the West Coast Christian Anglers, a “Fish in the City” program with the Long Beach State Parks, and Friends of ROLLO – a day of deep sea fishing with children from the Oxnard Police Activities League and children from homeless families of The City CenterTransitional Living.

The purpose of the program launch is to inform any community partners about the mission as well as act as a fundraiser to raise money to cover costs in programming materials, marketing, and securing a space to house the program.

The event is free to attend. Pizza Man Dan’s will be donating a portion of the proceeds from any pizza purchased the evening off at all locations.

Ventura Breeze has a new editor

stuff Evin The Ventura Breeze has a new editor 10-year old Evin Brown. Even though he is very young because of his relationship with the Breeze publisher he has been reading the Breeze since he was 2. As his first change to the paper he has decided that classified ads can be on the cover.

Día de los Muertos at Buena High

The third annual Día de los Muertos event is going to take place on Wednesday, October 28, from 6 – 8 p.m. in the hallways of Buena High School. Día de los Muertos is a holiday that celebrates the lives of those who have passed in many countries in Latin America. In Mexico, it is a joyous two days of displaying altars and offerings for deceased family members and in no way is a sad time! At Buena, the students and the Spanish teachers transform the place into a little mini-Mexico in order to give the students the opportunity to really experience this cultural day hands on. The students are in charge of making altars for a person of their choosing, making authentic desserts, performing, promoting the event, designing the t-shirts and decorating. During the event, the whole community comes out! It’s a night filled with celebratory remembrance of those who have passed, performances, raffles, games, face-painting, delicious food and drinks, art work and gallery walks of the altar displays and more. Please join them in this celebration.

Fall City of Ventura Classes & Camps

Fall City of Ventura Classes & Camps – check out hundreds more on web-site.
Call 658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
Classes/Events held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston St unless otherwise noted.

Fridays with Friends: Beach Hike Plein Air 18 years-adult
10/16 F 9:30 am-12:30 pm $40+$10 materials fee
Enjoy Friday mornings with a hike, an art project, camaraderie and a new perspective on our great beach community. Meet at Ventura City Hall Atrium, 501 Poli St. Please wear sturdy shoes that lace. Bring water and sunscreen. We may go into lunchtime (a self-paid meal) we are having so much fun. Facilitator Alison Mytych. On our hike from City Hall to Ventura Pier we stop to sketch ocean waves, the Channel Islands, and animals along the way! Course# 42178

Mad Science Fall Break Camp: Eureka! The Inventors Camp 6-11 Years
10/19-10/23 M-F 9 am-12 pm Half Day $220+$35 materials fee Course# 42249
10/19-10/23 M-F 9 am-3 pm All Day $370+$40 materials fee Course# 42250

Mad Science sparks every child’s imagination and curiosity with fun interactive and educational activities that instill a clearer understanding of how science affects the world around us. Our fall break camp is designed to inspire the inventor and scientist within! Each day campers will overcome challenges using basic materials. Send a non-perishable snack or lunch, water and sunscreen with your child daily. Select link for “$35” or “$40” to pay materials fee online at register.madscience.org/losangeles.

Dynamic Singers Children’s Choir 5-12 years
10/26-12/7 M 4:30-5:30 pm $75+$5 materials fee
Learn basic music warm-ups, fundamentals and theory through different genres of music, languages and dance moves for a concert on the last day of class. At BFC, 6950 E Ralston St. in Ventura. No class 11/23. Instructor Daniela Flores-Palomino. Course# 42020

Tap and Jazz 3-5 years
10/27-12/1 Tu 2:30-3:30 pm $70
Learn tap and jazz fundamentals, rhythm and small motor skills to fun music. Wear comfortable clothes to move and bring tap shoes. Instructor Marni King. Course# 42288

Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop 6-10 years
10/27-12/1 Tu 3:30-4:30 pm $70
Learn tap, jazz and age appropriate hiphop. Wear comfortable clothes to move in and bring tap shoes and clean sneakers. Instructor Marni King. Course# 42289

Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government Program gives insight into the skills gap

Ventura YMCA Youth & Government teens posing in front of the California State Capitol Building.

The Ventura Family YMCA is paving the way for the leaders of tomorrow through its Youth & Government program. Since 1948 this nationwide initiative has been the top youth leadership and development program for 9th through 12th grade high school students. Through hands on experience, each participant is enlightened on how the U.S. government is run. They review the passing of government bills, practice public speaking and case work, and they even travel to Sacramento to put all of their skills into practice at the California state capitol building.

This program is unique because of the impact from the Y’s leadership staff and the knowledge each participant gains. There is also fundraising in place to provide scholarships (while they last) for students who may not be able to afford the program otherwise, giving those students an educational advantage like no other.

“We want to make sure that everyone in our community has the equal opportunity to better themselves, and one example of us helping is through our Youth & Government leadership program or by raising money to provide scholarships so that those who would not be able to attend because of the cost, may do so,” says Alicia Cattoni, the Y’s Marketing and Communications Director.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current unemployment rate for the U.S. is 5.3%. To help teens in the community prepare for the future, the Y is providing teens with experiences that will set them apart from others. The importance of job relevant experiences when searching for employment is so crucial that some studies suggest the 70-20-10 Development Rule where a job is broken down into percentages. The 10% is formal training, 20% is relationships and feedback, while 70% is on-the-job experiences.

The Y’s Youth Programs Coordinator, Sherry Gutsch, speaks about the importance of nurturing our youth to become future leaders, “There are very few places and even fewer opportunities for high school teens to gain the job specific experiences they learn in our Y&G program. We are doing what we can to set them up as our future leaders.”

Youth & Government is currently running now until February and includes weekly meetings, two training weekends in Fresno and a 5-day trip to Sacramento. The deadline to register is October 2nd and scholarships are available, while the funds last!

The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Rd. Log on to ciymca.org/ventura for more information about the Y.

How local students have given themselves the best chance to succeed in the new school year

Straight Up staff member Roland Roberts leads an interactive activity/discussion abo with students at El Camino High School.

For the past few weeks, we’ve watched as Ventura students, from middle school to college, have been returning to their studies. With the new academic year, young people face new challenges. Some have found ways to find fresh starts, and prepared themselves so that they have the best chance to excel, and to avoid the many pitfalls they can face.

Some educators have helped with the transition, scheduling icebreaker and team building sessions during the summer, so that students can meet and interact with their peers.

Straight Up, a County-based youth development program that works with young people, has often been involved, scheduling activities and discussions to encourage young people to share, work together and gain confidence.

“Being able to open up channels of communication among young people is important,” says Straight Up’s Executive Director Katherine Kasmir.

One student who feels prepared is Nathan Silva, 11, of Ventura, who has started middle school. He recently participated in a Straight Up advocacy workshop, which armed him with information about the dangers of tobacco and other substances.

Does Nathan feel ready for the new school year? “The new grade is more competitive and I want that,” he says. “I want to push myself harder to achieve my goals and get a lot more done.”

Another young person facing a lot of change is Chris, 18 and from Ventura, who is on the road back from a struggle with drug and alcohol use.

“I was a ‘varsity Christian’ – I didn’t drink or smoke weed. But then in my senior year, I was in a relationship that ended badly, and I spiraled into destructive behavior.”

He has been open about his experiences, and has spoken to groups about his struggles, which helps his own resolve to stay sober, productive, and focused.

“I have never had a more solid sense of belonging and hope,” Chris says. “This is what I was meant for. “

Do either Nathan or Chris consider themselves role models?

“Yes and no,” says Chris. “Because of my experiences, I can relate and sympathize and get a deeper understanding of others – and hope they can find a good path, as I have done.”

Nathan does think he can be a positive influence on others. “I can warn other people who are making bad decisions not to make them and that there will be consequences,” he says. “I show people they should be nice and respect others.”

Ventura County 4-H launches “Trick Or Treat So Others Can Eat”

Ventura County 4-H Club and FOOD Share, the non-profit organization devoted to feeding those in need in our community, are inviting all youth in Ventura County to join their annual October Youth-Led Food Drive for the month of October through November 13th. “Trick Or Treat So Others Can Eat” (TOTSOCE) is returning for its 18th year, and is open to all youth in Ventura County. Over the years, Ventura County youth have raised thousands of pounds of food donations for FOOD Share through this fun seasonal campaign. This year, youth collectors are also searching for business sponsors who may be interested in matching funds for pounds collected.

TOTSOCE is simply a youth-led canned food drive with all donations directly benefiting individuals and families in need in Ventura County. To register your youth group, school, team or club, please contact [email protected] or contact the Ventura County 4-H office or FOOD Share for more information. Collection starter kits are available through email registration or 4-H http://ceventura.ucanr.edu

Collection should take place between 10/1 and 11/13 and all food donations should be at FOOD Share by 4:00 PM Friday 11/13.

Golfers to raise money for basketball players

Ventura High School will host its 13th Annual Cougar Golf Classic to raise money for the boys and girls basketball program. The proceeds from the fundraiser will give the teams the ability to purchase new uniforms, training equipment, provide transportation and allow for the program to pay for tournament and summer travel expenses for the players.

The 2015 Cougar Golf Classic will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 1:00pm at the San Buenaventura Golf Course. The day will include 18 rounds of golf including green fees, cart and lunch. There will also be dinner, prizes and a raffle. Sponsorships are available at all levels of participation. Golf and dinner is $150.00

For golf tournament details and entry form visit www.cougargolfclassic.org or contact Dan or Ann Larson at 558-2520 or [email protected].

Ventura Buccaneers and the Ventura Packers play for the first time in history

History was made! This is the first time since the inception of the Ventura Buccaneers, 8 years ago, that these two Ventura teams have meet in competition at the senior division level. On August 23rd, the Ventura Buccaneers, coached by Jim Duran and The Ventura Packers, coached by Dave Winter, faced off in a competitive game of youth football. After the scrimmage, the boys from both teams went out for pizza.

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