The Future of Energy: Energy & the Environment presented in Ventura

Jeremy McCool, Paul Hullar, Bob Grundstrom, Jonathan Koehn, and Erik Takayesu attended the sold out event.
Jeremy McCool, Paul Hullar, Bob Grundstrom, Jonathan Koehn, and Erik Takayesu attended the sold out event.

On Oct. 14 the Chambers of Commerce Alliance of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties hosted The Future of Energy: Energy & the Environment which brought industry professionals, local leaders and community members together to explore the complex issues of energy production, renewable resources and responsible energy use in California held at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. The sold out event kicked off with a panel discussion featuring speakers representing the various sectors of energy including sun, wind, petroleum, biofuels, battery storage and electricity. The panel, moderated by Bruce Stenslie, President/CEO of the EDC-VC, was aimed to provide a balanced discussion about energy needs and energy realities as it relates to the various energy sectors.

Robert Grundstorm, Vice President of Planning and New Ventures for California Resources Corporation served as the panelist representing the petroleum industry. He addressed a variety of topics including hydraulic fracturing, stating that it is not a new process and is heavily regulated in California. Jonathan Koehn, Director of Project Development for Infinity Wind Power, provided insight into wind-produced energy and identified California as a low-feasibility state for this type of energy production. Jeremy McCool, Business Development Manager for Desert Solar Inc., said the current trends in solar are reflective of energy-storage options including battery storage for extended use. Erik Takayesu, Director of Electric System Planning for Southern California Edison, spoke about increasing capacity on the grid and developing battery storage options to increase energy resources during peak times. Paul Hullar, Founder and CEO of Brightwave Energy, asserted that fossil fuels will continue to be a vital part of the community. He also addressed the exploration of solid waste gasification, biodigesters and microturbines for electricity output. Utilising energy efficient innovations is only going to become more and more important as time goes by. This is why MOSFET semiconductors have been so greatly welcomed.

Alex Epstein, New York Times best-selling author of “The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels,” was the keynote speaker. He energetically addressed the audience, donning an “I Love Fossil Fuels” T-Shirt and defining two typical views of fossil fuels: They’re either a necessary evil that we need to stop using or it will take years to get off fossil fuels all together. Epstein’s assertion, however, was that fossil fuels are not evil and should be used more. Epstein suggested fossil fuels are in fact anti-pollution and pro-development. His moral philosophy suggests people look at the big picture and develop a clear standard for examining use. Epstein noted that people see fossil fuels as “dirty.” He argued that they can only be identified as dirty because they come from fossilized plants that have been in the ground and that they truly are a renewable resource. He called them original green energy. His thought-provoking presentation left attendees with much to think about regarding the subject of fossil fuels.

Epstein emphasized that human ingenuity makes all resources valuable and that we are running out of the ability to seek new forms of energy. Ultimately, he said, it is up to us to maximize human-wellbeing while minimizing impact.

Vol. 9, No. 3 – November 11 – November 24, 2015 – Ventura Music Scene

music scene
Ashford Gordon and Glade Rasmussen at the Hong Kong Inn’s Blues Jam Sunday.

Blues to jazz and all points in between
By Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The Hong Kong Inn has started hosting a monthly Blues Jam Session on what will be the first Sunday of the month. The kick-off session was on Sunday November 8 with Ashford Gordon supported by Ray Jaurique, Glade Rasmussen and Chris Jensen. All players of all skill levels are welcome to sit in during the second set.

Having signed a distribution deal with Mesa Blue Moon Records last month, Nathan McEuen has been pulling out all the stops, touring more aggressively and will be making a stop at Salzer’s Records on Friday, November 13.  Get out and support Nathan who will have Jesse Olema and special guests with him, but more importantly, pick up a copy of his latest release, “Side by Side”.

Our good friend Dan Grimm with his brand of California Flip-Floppy-Tonkiness returns to the Wine Rack for a gig on Friday, November 11; there’s no denying Grimm’s love for Ventura when he sings original material such as “Two Trees” or “Ventucky.” Meanwhile, Mike Cregan continues his Monday night residency and Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson have taken over Tuesday nights.

The Channel Cities Jazz Club will feature Clyde Reaslinger Big Band on November 15 at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club in the Channel Islands Harbor. The proceeds will be split between CCJC’s Jazz Camp Scholarship fund and the Pacific Corinthian Youth Foundation. Besides giving musicians of all ages a forum to perform and share jazz, the club’s mission is to build bonds between generations and to enhance musical educational opportunities for youth.

Doug Webb returns to Squashed Grapes with not only Steve Fister, Jimmy Earl and Danny Carey of Tool, but added to the mix this time will be Mike Garson on Piano. Garson has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins and No Doubt. This promises to be the epitome of the expression, “Off the Hook.” Tickets are on sale for Saturday, November 14 at Squashed Grapes; downbeat is 7 pm.

I’ll admit I’m a tad giddy with anticipation for a several shows coming up at the Majestic Ventura Theater.  There’s Pepper on November 21, Everclear’s 20th Anniversary of Sparkle and Fade on November 22 and Sublime with Rome on November 27.  By the way, Rebelution returns for two shows in March, don’t miss out and get your tickets soon as they always sell out.

And finally, local musician Gary Best has invited everyone out for an afternoon of Los Dudes at Grapes and Hops on Sunday, November 15 before he goes in for heart surgery.  He’s been taking care of the body and getting healthy, and we love and support him in all those endeavors.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing?  Send all information short or long to  [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

 

Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau is committed

Brook’s student Alex Kay is getting access to publishing opportunities and exposure through the VVCB.

The Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) is committed to engaging community partners in order to develop meaningful relationships that benefit the community.

Over the past year, VVCB has focused its efforts to actively seek out opportunities to strengthen its relationships with Brooks Institute. Last year, Brooks Institute invited VVCB Executive Director, Marlyss Auster, to give a graduation commencement speech, kick-starting growth in our relationship. Since then, VVCB has partnered with Brooks Institute to offer a photography internship funded by a federal grant program. VVCB is honored and proud to offer real-life experience opportunities to students in Ventura and is excited to continue this win-win partnership through which the VVCB gains access to fantastic photography, and learning photographers get access to publishing opportunities and exposure. In fact,  VVCB’s new Inspiration Guide for Ventura features many images captured by VVCB’s photography interns that will be seen all over California and across the USA.

 

VVCB has also begun participating in Brooks Institute’s student orientations to welcome them to Ventura and ensure they have the information they need. VVCB’s newest undertaking in partnership with Brooks Institute is a semesterly photo contest for students and alumni. Prizes include a trip for two to the Channel Islands National Park courtesy of Island Packers and the VVCB. Going forward, VVCB hopes to keep this relationship growing by developing graphic design and film internships, as well as partnering on community projects to enhance Brooks Institute involvement and maximize benefits for the community.

Take A Hungry Person to Lunch Day

Everyone interested in the plight of those in our community who are experiencing homelessness is invited to join in “Take A Hungry Person to Lunch Day” on Thursday, November 19. This event provides a comfortable way for individuals from different walks of life to sit down together in fellowship and to get to know one another’s stories. Participants will meet at 10:30 am at the UU Church of Ventura at 5654 Ralston for an orientation before lunch.

“By signing up as a host, you’ll provide a welcome moment of connection for someone who is currently without shelter. Although homelessness is a complex issue, and each person has a unique story, spending time with someone who is homeless is a wonderful, moving way to learn more about the issue,” says Lift Up Your Voice Interim Director Sue Brinkmeyer.

This event is being held as part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which runs from November 14 to 22nd, and is sponsored by Lift Up Your Voice. For more information or to sign up to participate, contact Kathy Powell [email protected] or 910-8860 for details.

BRAVO seeking nominations for eight extraordinary women

BRAVO is the annual awards luncheon of the Ventura County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-VC). To be held on Friday, April 1st, 2016 NAWBO shines the spotlight on outstanding business women of Ventura County, honoring them for their vision and perseverance, which is creating a brighter future for women business owners and women-led business ventures in our community.

NAWBO-VC is currently seeking nominations for nine local, outstanding women in the following categories:
Woman Business Owner of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award (new in 2016)
Innovator of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
Community Advocate of the Year
Education Advocate of the Year
Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
NAWBO-VC Member of the Year
Corporate Leader/Partner of the Year (new in 2016)

“We’ve had some truly stellar women business owners and leaders nominated over the years,” stated Dr. Janis Shinkawa, President, NAWBO Ventura County and 2014 Bravo Rising Star of the Year. “We encourage nominations from throughout the county, whether the outstanding woman you know is a NAWBO member or not.”

To nominate an extraordinary woman, simply go to www.NAWBOVC.org and click on the 17th Annual Bravo Awards found under Events. Online, fax and email submissions are being accepted through Tuesday, November 24. Nominees need not be NAWBO members.

How to prepare your wood deck for a heavy winter season

Everyone wants their decking looking the best. This is why they use composite deck sealer to keep it looking good throughout the year. However, not many people tend to think about the safety of their decking. This is why the City of Ventura’s Building and Safety division is offering a free one hour deck construction guide and repair workshop to residents, including homeowners and contractors, Monday, Nov. 16 from 9am-10am at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Community Meeting Room.

Community members are encouraged to attend this workshop to learn more about safe deck connections and railings to help prevent damage from heavy rains or earthquakes. Nearly 15% of all deck related injuries are from structural failure, 60% of structural failures are due to the deck connection to the house, and 33% of all structural failures are from deck railings. This shows how important it is to keep up with deck maintenance. Take a look at Austin Fence & Deck – Repair & Replacement if you’re needing to make your decking safer.

At this workshop, residents will learn about changes to the Prescriptive Residential Deck Construction Guidelines and repairs, and how to identify the minimum requirements for wood decks including wood members and fasteners.

For more information contact the City of Ventura’s building and Safety Division at 654-7869, or visit www.cityofventura.net/cd/buildsafe.

Dear Interested Parties of the LaViera Pre-screen

The LaViera Pre-screen has been confirmed for the November 30th City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. The City Council protocols are different from those of the Planning Commission, so it is important that you understand these as we move toward this hearing. Staff will be releasing an “Advance Administrative Report” on November 16th; this report will include all correspondence received through November 12, 2015, by 5:00 p.m. All correspondence received from November 12th (after 5:00 p.m.), through Monday, November 30th, by 12:00 noon will be uploaded to the City’s website as a supplemental attachment to the report.

If mailing or hand delivering correspondence, please provide 11 copies as follows:

Mail:
City Council
City of Ventura
PO Box 99
Ventura, CA 93002-0099

Hand Delivered:
City of Ventura
City Council Office
501 Poli Street, Room 205
Ventura, CA 93001

If you prefer to email you comments, please do so at: [email protected]

Please note the City Council’s Protocols excerpt below related to submitting your written comments sufficiently in advance:

Section VI. Addressing the Council. 4.c. Presentations Submitted in Writing – Persons who anticipate oral presentations exceeding three (3) minutes are encouraged to submit comments in writing at the earliest possible time for distribution to the Council and other interested parties. Comments should be submitted sufficiently in advance of the scheduled meeting date to insure distribution to the Council prior to the meeting. Written submissions delivered to the Council prior to the meeting, or later than five (5) days before a Council meeting shall not be sufficient to exhaust administrative remedies and may be disregarded by the City Council.

Based on the above protocols, we encourage you to submit your comments no later than five (5) days before the Council meeting (Wednesday, November 25, 2015).

Thank you.

Jeffrey Lambert, AICP
Community Development Director

Ventura City Fire crews respond to injury traffic collision with fire at Telephone Rd and Victoria Ave.

On Nov.5, at 5:30am Ventura City Fire crews responded to a reported injury traffic collision with fire at Telephone Rd and Victoria Ave. The first engine company to arrive found that a mid-sized delivery van and a semi-tractor/trailer had collided, resulting in rupture of the saddle tanks on the semi and diesel fuel spilling onto the roadway. Fire in the engine compartment of the delivery van was suppressed by the driver of the semi, using a dry-chemical extinguisher, prior to arrival of emergency personnel. Fire and Streets personnel used absorbent materials to contain the spilling diesel fuel before it could enter the storm sewer. The absorbed fuel was eventually collected and disposed of following removal of the two vehicles. No injuries related to the accident were reported.

Ventura launches its 150th anniversary celebrations on November 8

A special reception, free and open to the public, officially launches the city’s 150th anniversary celebration on Sunday, November 8, from 2 to 4 pm at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main Street.

Attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments and special limited edition 150th anniversary souvenirs as they take part in a rich menu of festive activities: stories by a panel of descendants of historic families (Chaffee, Harrison, Smith-Hobson, and Tumamait), a presentation on our local history and performances courtesy of the Ventura Music Festival.

A video created by (CAPS-TV) Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura will introduce the Ventura Legacy project. Also on display will be simulations of the 1860 census, finalists in the poster contest presented by the Boys and Girls Club, Friends of the Library and the Ventura Unified School District and the museum’s current “Portraits” exhibit featuring local historic photos.

Guests are encouraged to bring copies of family photos from past decades to post on special  photo boards which will travel to various events and be on display at the Pacific View Mall. The sesquicentennial finale on April 2 will be a free community fair and picnic in downtown Ventura, followed by a concert in Mission Park by “hometown boys made good,” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a partnership between the City and the Ventura Education Partnership to benefit arts in our schools.

The City’s 150th anniversary is made possible by the generous donations of the Ventura Auto Center Dealers and Ventura Townehouse; and this inaugural event is supported by EJ Harrison and Sons.

The City of Ventura turns 150 on April 2, 2016. To observe this milestone the city is working with community partners to present a series of special events, programs and activities over five months (150 days) celebrating the amazing span of Ventura history and culture reaching before and after the California State Senate approved “An Act to Incorporate the Town of San Buenaventura” on March 10, 1866 that took effect on April 2 – from the indigenous Chumash to the waves of Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, European, Yankee and today’s international immigrants who have enriched our city over the years.