Business Profile: Honey Baked Ham Ventura: A New Beginning with a Family Touch

Ventura, California, has long been home to a beloved Honey Baked Ham location, but this year, there’s been a notable change. The Ventura store was originally a franchise, but in a significant transition, it’s now proudly corporate-owned. Along with this shift in ownership comes a fresh and enthusiastic face at the helm: Nicole Cody. Nicole assumed the role of manager in July 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience in management and a deep commitment to customer service.

What makes Nicole Cody the perfect fit for Honey Baked Ham in Ventura? Not only has she been a resident of Ventura for the past decade, but she’s also a true Southern Californian at heart. Nicole’s roots in the region have given her a profound understanding of the community, its tastes, and its values, which she aims to reflect in her role at the store.

Nicole was drawn to Honey Baked Ham by its unique family atmosphere and core values. At Honey Baked Ham, it’s not just about the ham; it’s about the people. The company goes to great lengths to take care of its employees and instill in them the mission and values of fostering family meals and fellowships. This genuine commitment to both customers and staff is what sets Honey Baked Ham apart from the rest.

Honey Baked Ham is no newcomer to the food scene. Since its inception in 1957, this delectable delight has delighted palates across the nation. It all began in Detroit, Michigan, when Harry J. Hoenselaar opened the very first store. From there, the delicious tradition spread far and wide, earning a cherished place in the hearts of many.

What sets Honey Baked Ham apart as the world’s best ham is the care and dedication that goes into every product. Their special glaze and sandwich qualities are the result of using the highest quality bone-in smoked ham. Harry Hoenselaar, the visionary founder, developed a unique curing and cooking procedure that brings out a one-of-a-kind taste – a taste that can only be described as perfection.

One of the exciting developments for the Ventura location is the expansion of their offerings, along with their Ribbon Cutting on December 10 to celebrate their freshly remodeled space!

Honey Baked Ham isn’t just for the holidays; it’s a year-round indulgence. Nicole Cody is enthusiastic about the post-holiday season, with plans to focus on catering and lunch boxes. This extension of services will allow more people to savor the exceptional taste of Honey Baked Ham whenever they desire.

And here’s an exciting opportunity for those looking to join the Honey Baked Ham family this season: employees will receive a free ham or turkey breast for their holiday celebration, making it a truly special season. Additionally, they’ll enjoy free lunch during each shift and flexible schedules, providing a work environment that prioritizes their well-being and quality of life.

In the heart of Ventura, Honey Baked Ham continues to be a place where the community can gather, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories. With Nicole Cody at the helm, and the unwavering commitment to quality and family values, the Ventura store is set to be an even more cherished part of the local culinary landscape.

Come check out the newly remodeled store at 4255 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93003.

Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler to Retire After 36 Years of Service

Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler with the Holiday Patrol Team as he prepares to retire on December 28 after 36 years of service.

After a distinguished 36-year career in law enforcement, including 30 years with the Ventura Police Department, Police Chief Darin Schindler will retire on December 28, 2024. Chief Schindler’s tenure is marked by his unwavering commitment to community trust, transparency, and public safety.

“Serving Ventura has been more than just a career—it’s been a privilege and a personal honor,” shared Chief Schindler. “I’m deeply grateful for the relationships I’ve built with residents, business owners, and local leaders, and for the opportunity to work alongside the extraordinary officers and staff of the Ventura Police Department. Ventura has been my home, and I’ll always cherish the collective efforts to make it a safer, stronger community.”

A Ventura County native, Schindler began his career in 1989 with the Port Hueneme Police Department before joining Ventura Police in 1995. Over the years, he has served in every rank, with assignments spanning Major Crimes, countywide narcotics, and Patrol Operations. As a sergeant, he led the Traffic Unit and later Professional Standards and Training. His leadership as Police Commander included overseeing Detectives, Records, and the implementation of body-worn cameras. Promoted to Assistant Police Chief, Schindler managed departmental operations before being appointed Chief of Police in April 2020.

As Chief, Schindler prioritized community engagement, crime prevention, and officer well-being. His initiatives include:

  • Mental Health Wellness Program: Introducing annual mental health check-ins and adding Ventura’s first therapy dog, Asher, to support officers and community members.
  • Youth and Community Programs: Launching the Police Explorer Program for high school students and reviving the Public Safety Community Block Party, a beloved event dormant for 20 years.
  • Technological Advancements: Spearheading body-worn camera implementation and modernizing departmental operations.

“Chief Schindler’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Ventura,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “His dedication to building strong relationships, fostering a culture of integrity, and enhancing public safety has made Ventura a safer and stronger community. We are deeply grateful for his service.”

Chief Schindler’s professional development includes an Executive Certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), an Executive Development Certificate from the California Police Chiefs Association, and degrees in Criminal Justice Management and Business Administration. He has chaired the Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee and is a graduate of California POST Command College and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Policing.

Recruitment for Ventura’s Next Police Chief
The City is conducting a nationwide search for Chief Schindler’s successor, facilitated by Bob Murray & Associates. Applications are due December 15, 2024, at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Jobs.

The public is invited to provide input on the recruitment process. An online survey is available through December 15 at www.surveymonkey.com/r/QPHXVJJ.

For more information about the Ventura Police Department, visit www.VenturaPD.org.

Ventura Superior Court Introduces CARE Act Program to Support Mental Health Recovery

Connecting care, community, and the courts. The Ventura Superior Court’s CARE Act Program helps those with severe mental health challenges access vital support.

The Ventura Superior Court proudly announces the launch of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act Program. Established under Senate Bill 1338, the CARE Act empowers a wide range of individuals—including family members, behavioral health professionals, licensed clinicians, first responders, public guardians, and conservators – to petition the court on behalf of someone struggling with severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders.

This program provides a structured legal pathway to connect eligible individuals, referred to as “respondents,” with tailored treatment and support services. The focus is on fostering long-term recovery through a collaborative court process.

Key components of CARE Act proceedings include mental health assessments and court hearings to determine eligibility. Ventura County Behavioral Health oversees the evaluation process, coordinates treatment plans, and ensures compliance with program standards. For respondents unable to afford legal representation, the Ventura County Public Defender offers free legal support to safeguard their rights throughout the process. If a respondent qualifies, the court may approve and enforce a CARE agreement or plan.

Starting December 1, 2024, CARE Act petitions can be filed at the Ventura Hall of Justice and the Oxnard Juvenile Courthouse. Filing is free, and hearings will be held weekly on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 22 at the Ventura Hall of Justice, located at 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009. To improve accessibility, participants can opt for remote appearances if unable to attend in person. All CARE Act proceedings are confidential and closed to the public.

The court’s Self-Help Legal Access Center is available to assist petitioners, respondents, and their families through every step of the program. Services include guidance on filing petitions, preparing for hearings and connecting with community resources.

For more information, including forms and additional resources, visit the Ventura Superior Court’s CARE Act webpage at https://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/care.html.

Downtown Ventura Businesses Inspire Young Entrepreneurs

Ben Medina, Buena High School, CTE Woodworking Program and downtown Ventura partner, Michele Foster from Visit Ventura

Ventura Unified School District has partnered with local businesses to teach entrepreneurship to students.

Several Downtown Ventura businesses have partnered with Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) in the fourth year of the Vision to Marketplace program, which matches local merchants with Career Technical Education (CTE) students from throughout the school district.

This program introduces and teaches students about entrepreneurship, product design, development, and delivering products to market. Career Technical Education students go through the process of evaluating market demand, visioning, prototyping, manufacturing, marketing, and selling wholesale products to participating Downtown businesses for December holiday sales. Funds from the wholesale purchases go back into the participating CTE programs.

Dr. Rene Rickard, VUSD’s Chief Innovation Officer, explained, “Keeping with the tenets of Career Technical Education, Vision to Marketplace allows students to tap into their own creativity, build on existing skills, and learn how to become innovative entrepreneurs. Ventura’s business owners have been extremely generous with their time and expertise, mentoring our students throughout the process and providing them with valuable feedback. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with local businesses and expanding Vision to Marketplace to engage more students.”

Students met with Downtown business owners in September to determine viable products for sale in their shops. Participating businesses provided mentoring and feedback on prototyped manufactured products throughout October and placed orders. Then, students produced and delivered products to the stores in late November for holiday sales.

To help facilitate production, participating students were provided with access to the IDEA Center manufacturing lab in the heart of Ventura’s Westside. The IDEA center is a dedicated community center for Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship and Art, and was created by the non-profit organization STEMbassadors. The center provides training and access to industry-standard equipment such as laser cutters, CNC routers, direct-to-garment printers, 3D printers, and other advanced machinery.

Donna von Hoesslin Pu’u, Founder and Designer of Betty Belts and Ocean Ohana is an annual partner engaging with Vision to Marketplace. “This is our fourth year participating in this outstanding program. We just love working with the students on product development, entrepreneurship and manufacturing!”

Student-made products created through the Vision to Marketplace program are available for purchase at several downtown businesses, including Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery, Betty Belts, Ventura Visitor Center / Visit Ventura, Ecugreen, and Sea Things Ventura.

Businesses that are interested in participating in Vision to Marketplace in the future may contact Sarah Ayala, VUSD’s CTE Work-Based Learning Liaison at [email protected].

 

18th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk and Speaker Panel

Stand up, speak out, and raise awareness. Be part of the movement to end human trafficking in Ventura County.

Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action in Ventura County

Soroptimist International invites the community to participate in the 18th Annual STOP Human Trafficking Community Walk and Speaker Panel. This free event aims to shed light on human trafficking and empower the community with education and resources.

Featured Speakers Include:

  • Eric Nasarenko: Ventura County District Attorney
  • Detective Ash’lee Gray: Ventura Police Department
  • Rafael Magana: OUR Rescue

The panelists will define human trafficking, discuss its impact within Ventura County, share insights from previous cases and prosecutions, and present the 15-minute film “I Luv You”, which explores the dangers of sextortion. The discussion will also focus on how sextortion affects survivors and their families and offer practical advice for parents, teachers, and community members on educating youth and preventing exploitation.

Additional Highlights:

  • Community partners will provide resources and information about their services.
  • The four Ventura County Soroptimist clubs—SI Oxnard, SI Ventura, SI Camarillo, and SI Channel Islands—are amplifying the message with their “Dream Big” awareness campaign, featuring digital signage along the 101 Freeway throughout January, National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.
  • CAPS Media Ventura will broadcast a PSA on Channel 6 and KPPQ FM104.1’s “In the Women’s Room” with hosts Kathleen Good and Debbie Gohlke.

This event is an opportunity to increase awareness of the pervasive issue of sex and labor trafficking in Ventura County and inspire collective action to combat it.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Location: Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa Street, Ventura
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE

For more information, visit: www.stoptraffickingventuracounty.org.

Register for the City of Ventura’s Junk Drop Off Day Event!

Saturday, December 14, 2024

City of Ventura residents are invited to participate in the next Junk Drop Off Event to properly dispose of hard-to-manage waste and recycling. This outdoor event takes place at the City Maintenance Yard at 336 Sanjon Rd. in Ventura. Please enter from Sanjon Road.
What to bring:

    • All waste types EXCEPT for Household Hazardous Waste.*
      Tires will not be accepted at this event site, but can be dropped off at Avenue Tire in Ventura during the event hours (up to 4 tires per household.)
    • Government I.D. or utility bill: Attendees will be required to show proof of City of Ventura residency.

*Electronics are accepted, however you can also save time and event space by dropping off unlimited quantities for free 6 days a week at Gold Coast Recycling. Learn more here.

What not to bring:

    • Household Hazardous Waste such as: Batteries (Automotive and Household), Compressed Gas/Propane Tanks, Cosmetics (Nail Polishes, Removers, Etc.), Fire Extinguishers, Fluorescent, Tubes and Light Bulbs (CFLs), Paints, Pesticides and Fertilizers, Pool Supplies, Smoke Detectors, Thinners and Lacquer, Used Oil Filters, Used or Contaminated Motor Oil and Gasoline. For more information on how to dispose of HHW or to register for an upcoming HHW drop-off event, please visit our website www.cityofventura.ca.gov/hhw.
    • Commercial and business waste is not accepted at these events and vehicles clearly marked for commercial purposes will not be allowed entry.
  • Junk Dropoff Bins are organized by material type: Yard Waste, Electronics, Metal, Trash, and Bulky Items. Separating ahead of time is not required, but you may find it useful to organize your materials by these categories. Staff will be available onsite to assist you with separating.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Environmental Sustainability Division. (805) 652-4525, [email protected]. Registration Required. https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1790/Junk-Drop-Off-Day

Food Share Brings Holiday Cheer to Ventura County 2,000 Holiday Food Boxes Distributed at College Park

Jennifer Caldwell, Chief Development Officer at Food Share, accepts a generous $5,000 donation from Noel Grigsby Jr., LA Rams Social Justice and Football Development Representative.

The festive event, part of the Los Angeles Rams’ annual Season of Giving initiative, featured appearances by the Rams mascot Rampage, cheerleaders, and team leadership. Spirits soared as volunteers, sponsors, and community partners came together to fight food insecurity.

Event Highlights:

  • Special Guests: Rams leadership, mascot Rampage, and cheerleaders helped distribute food.
  • Sponsors: Driscoll’s, Vons/Albertsons/Pavilions, California American Water, and the City of Oxnard played key roles.
  • Community Partners: Sysco, Reiter Affiliated Companies, Amgen, and Sun Air Jets contributed with volunteer support.
  • Volunteers: Over 80 individuals helped ensure a seamless and efficient distribution process.

“We’re grateful for the incredible generosity of our sponsors and the support of the Los Angeles Rams,” said Monica White, President & CEO of Food Share. “Together, we’ve brought joy and relief to countless families in Ventura County this Thanksgiving.”

Food Share of Ventura County hosted a heartwarming Holiday Food Distribution at College Park on November 26, providing more than 2,000 families with food boxes brimming with turkeys, Thanksgiving staples, and fresh produce. An additional 2,000 turkeys were distributed to local pantries and partner agencies, ensuring no family went hungry this holiday season.

Additionally, Food Share celebrated Chief Development Officer Jennifer Caldwell, who was honored by the LA Rams as a pLAymaker. This prestigious recognition highlights Jennifer’s tireless dedication and her impact on the community, exemplifying the legacy of trailblazers Kenny and Woody Strode.

Food Share continues to serve over 267,000 people annually, distributing 19 million pounds of food—equivalent to 16 million meals—through its programs and 174 partner pantries. As a proud member of Feeding America and the California Association of Food Banks, Food Share remains steadfast in its mission to lead the fight against hunger in Ventura County.

Learn more or get involved by visiting FoodShare.com.

Left to Right: These great volunteers came out to build The Breeze’s CanTree. Mary Johnson, Susan Uribe, Jesse Blystone, Janie Tran, Angela Tran, Ruth Blystone, Betty Ann Wright, and Liz Linde.
The Breeze is honored to support the Can-Tree Food Drive, helping to fight hunger and uplift our community.

 

 

 

13th Annual Festive CAN-tree Food Drive.

Figueroa Street Downtown transformed into a magical forest of creative CAN-trees – a fairyland of food to combat hunger in our community. www.foodshare.com/cantree

Paws for Reading” Marks 20 Years of Building Confidence and Literacy with Therapy Dogs

Star Soto and First reader with Paws program Lizzy Urwick.
Photos by P. Schallert and Yana Khiyod

by Patricia Schallert and Yana Khiyod

It was a tail-wagging day at the library!

The 20th anniversary of the “Paws for Reading” program in Ventura was celebrated on December 7th at E.P Foster Library in Downtown Ventura. This milestone event highlighted the commitment to nurturing a love of reading in children by providing a supportive and welcoming environment. Through the program, children read aloud to certified therapy dogs, creating a “non-judgmental space” where they can practice their reading skills, build confidence, and improve their fluency.

Launched in 2004 by Star Soto, the Ventura Librarian Youth Coordinator, the “Paws for Reading” program was designed to encourage children to read in a relaxed atmosphere, supported by certified therapy dogs.

Sienna Sydlaske, Youth Coordinator and Star Soto, launched Paws for reading in 2004.

Under Star’s guidance, the program has flourished, thanks to the dedication of staff and volunteers. She has witnessed the remarkable impact it has had on the children—observing how their personalities blossom, confidence grows, and they become lifelong readers and dog lovers. The initiative has also benefited children with special needs, some of whom have learned English—an unexpected but wonderful outcome. The welcoming environment encourages kids to return repeatedly, making it a cherished experience.

Over the years, “Paws for Reading” has gained significant popularity, aiding countless children in developing their reading skills and boosting their confidence. It remains a vital resource for promoting literacy and fostering a love for books in the Ventura community. The interactive experiences with therapy dogs create a fun learning environment, motivating children to read more frequently.

Sienna Sydlaske, the current Youth Librarian Specialist at the E.P. Foster Library, shared that the “Paws for Reading” program “provides a judgment-free environment for both the children and their furry companions.” She emphasized that the program has greatly improved the children’s reading comprehension, confidence, and fluency. The engaging interactions foster a positive relationship with books and storytelling, with the primary goal being to “cultivate a genuine love of reading.”

Phillips family enjoying the “Paws for Reading” experience.

The program typically features trained therapy dogs that are friendly, calm, and sociable, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The presence of these dogs helps alleviate anxiety some children may feel when reading aloud. As they read to the dogs, the children receive positive reinforcement from both the animals and their handlers, enhancing their motivation and making reading an enjoyable pursuit. Sessions are often held in local libraries or community centers, making them easily accessible for families. During these interactions, children can read aloud in a fun and engaging way, deepening their love for literature. While primarily aimed at elementary-aged children, specifics may vary based on the organizing group. Engaging with therapy dogs alleviates pressure, allowing children to focus on their reading without fear of judgment, ultimately building their confidence and skills.

To learn more about the “Paws for Reading” program in Ventura, including schedules or how to participate, you can check with local libraries, community centers, or organizations that run literacy programs in the area. At E.P. Foster Library, the “Paws for Reading” program takes place every Thursday from 4 to 5:30 PM. www.vencolibrary.org/locations/ep-foster-library.