Focus on the Masters Volunteers present their annual Holiday Gift Shop

Focus on the Masters Volunteers present their annual Holiday Gift Shop located at the FOTM Archive & Library, 505 Poli Street, Suite 405 (right behind City Hall). For four days only The Holiday Gift Shop will carry unique, hand-made and lovingly crafted gifts. New this year is our Wine, Gifts and Wish Lists Happy Hour on Friday, November 20th from 5:00 – 7:00. This is a great chance to wind down from the work week, meet with artists and friends, and shop for those special people on your list.

Shoppers can select from a variety of one-of-a-kind items including colorful quilts, dazzling jewelry, unique clothing, meticulously crafted wood pens, handmade paper lanterns, charming felted wool creatures, ceramics, photography and much more. All items are produced by FOTM volunteers, staff, and outstanding Ventura County artists including Greta Lovina, Christine Beirne, Linda Carson, Alan Dante, Meg Easton, Cecile Faulconer, Aimee French, Mary Galbraith, Donna Granata, Maribel Hernandez, Judee Hauer, Mike Horwitz, Trisha Johnson, JoEllen Lee, Joyce Lombard, Deborah O’Brien, Michael Rohde, Gloria Rupio, Gayle Bentley Swanson, Genie Thomsen, Elaine Unzicker and more!

A portion of the proceeds benefits FOTM acclaimed Learning To See art education outreach programs.

To learn more about Focus on the Masters, visit www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or call 653.2501.

The Arts Collective Grand Opening party

From Friday October 16 through Sunday, October 18, a new creative activity center threw a Grand Opening party. Visitors met the five resident artists who will be on hand to show how they created their art. From miniature scenes with sparkling lights, to paintings of flowers or celestial scenes; to decorated gourds and carved walking sticks; to detailed color pencil paintings.

The Arts Collective, an initiative of the Ventura County Arts Council, is generously sponsored by Pacific View mall. Hours are: Thursday 1:00pm – 9:00pm; Friday and Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm – 7:00pm. You will find them on the second level next to the entrance to Sears.

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Sudoku

2015 Color Run comes to Ventura Saturday, October 17 – Street closure info

2015 Color Run – Street Closures, No Parking, and Traffic Impacts
Run Begins and Ends at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Traffic to be Impacted Within the Surrounding Area. Details Listed Below.

Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 8:00 a.m.
Road closures: Saturday, October 17, 2015 beginning at 6:00 a.m. All roads opened by approximately 1:30 p.m. Details below.

On Saturday, October 17, 2015, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the 2015 Color Run will take place in Ventura. The run begins and ends at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

We want to inform the community of street closures, no parking within designated areas, and potentially congested roadways in and around the area of the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Harbor Blvd, San Jon Rd., Hemlock St., Thompson Blvd., and portions of the downtown corridor.

Street closures will take place on Saturday the 17th beginning at 6:00 a.m. As runners circulate through the route roads will be reopened along the way with all roads anticipated to be reopened by 1:30 p.m.

Street Closures and No Parking Areas:

• Hemlock St. between Thompson Blvd. and Main St.

• Harbor Blvd. from the Fairgrounds to San Jon Rd.

• Main St., between Hemlock St. and Garden St.

• Thompson Blvd. between San Jon Rd. and Hemlock

Color Run Path:

• Runners will begin from northbound Figueroa St. (from Shoreline Dr)

• Proceed eastbound onto Harbor Blvd.

• Left turn (northbound) onto San Jon

• Westbound onto Thompson Blvd.

• Right turn (northbound) on Hemlock

• Left (westbound) on Main Street

• Left (southbound) to Garden and enter the Garden Street Fairgrounds gate

The Color Run is a unique race that that involves biodegradable colored cornstarch powder to be thrown at the participants along the route. The Color Run celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. To learn more about the event please visit the following link: http://thecolorrun.com/ventura/

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.

Celebrating a successful summer for tourism in Ventura!

Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) is proud to announce another successful summer for tourism in Ventura and more and more people discover our little piece of paradise on the Central Coast.

This summer, VVCB’s Visitors Center staff and volunteers welcomed over 8,000 visitors from 35 different countries and five different continents -an exciting feat at a time when other visitor centers are decreasing in visitation and some even closing.

The Visitors Center also continues to enjoy record retail sales which have quadrupled since 2012. Tourists and locals alike come to the Visitors Center to find Ventura-inspired gifts, souvenirs, apparel and more featuring 35 local vendors.

This summer, VVCB continued its support of community events in Ventura. The Visitors Center served as a venue for the Artwalk and sold tickets for the Ventura County Fair which complimented by beautiful weather, brought over 318,000 through its gates. “The biggest party of the summer was a phenomenal success not just in terms of numbers but in terms of smiles and happy fair-goers” said Ventura County Fairgrounds CEO/Executive Director, Barbara Quaid.

VVCB also worked on partnerships for conferences and group events that potentially generated an estimated economic impact of over $3 million this summer, and partnered with an array of travel writers from Dubai, Brazil and across the USA.

VVCB’s following has grown by 11,000 people since last year for a total of 40,000 social media fans. VVCB’s website has quickly become its number one marketing asset with over 200,000 visitors to the site this summer with top visitors from the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Russia, and Brazil.

At our hotels, our summer occupancy rate averaged 90 percent on weekends, up 2.5 percent from the same time last year, and our year-to-date occupancy rate is still growing and currently up 1.7 per cent from last year. “Great partnerships and terrific weather in Ventura led to best summer on record for the Ventura Beach Marriott!” said Ventura Beach Marriott General Manager, Shannon Hillygus.

Numbers also show that 2014 was a fantastic year for tourism in Ventura. In 2014, tourism expenditures on lodging, retail goods, meals and beverages and other taxable items brought an estimated $261 million. Of special significance is the tourism industry’s $4.7 million contribution generated through the hotels’ Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT). Without the funds collected through this tax, every Ventura resident would have to spend an additional $2,400 in annual taxes to maintain the same level of services the City of Ventura currently provides.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with our local, regional and state partners to keep the momentum going and top our success next year. We have no doubt tourism will continue to grow in and benefit Ventura, especially given rekindled community pride through upcoming celebrations for Ventura’s 150th anniversary.” said VVCB Executive Director and Central Coast Tourism Council President, Marlyss Auster.

Thirty-eight years of bringing great tennis and heath to Ventura

Joanne is definitely committed to her game.

The Pierpont Racquet Club is celebrating 38 years in the Racquet Sports & Fitness Industry this October. The Club has been a second home to so many in our community. Many of their current members who grew up here as little kids, are now raising families and making sure to share the same experience with their own kids that they had. With tennis, swimming, fitness and childcare, among many other amenities all under one roof, how could you not be a member at the Pierpont Racquet Club?

One member, Joanne Cunningham, has been a PRC member for a long time (30 years!) and has been playing tennis right from the start! Playing on Interclub Tennis League teams and taking Tennis Lessons from Brad. Joanne stated “Brad is such a nice person and has really helped me with my game! I believe taking tennis lessons is a lot better option than going to the doctor. I really love coming here! Tennis is what keeps me fit and looking younger.”

Zack is a cradle PRC member! He loves to stay fit at the Pierpont Racquet Club when he is at home in Ventura. Zack says “I grew up here at the PRC. I even worked here, built my resume and networked with members; which led me to my current awesome career, following professional sports around the country. Now Krystal, my girlfriend, and I enjoy the great facilities here together. This place has been my home for all of my 27 years.” Zack has given so much to the club and he always goes above and beyond for the members. if you’re interested in joining the club then take a look at this R Racquets review on the best arm-friendly racquets for you. This way you can get started straight away and won’t have the risk of injury.

You too can create your own personal PRC Member Story. Come down anytime during October as they celebrate 38 years in business, and get 38% off the Join Fee to become a member! Now is a great time! Call 648-5161 or visit www.pierpontrc.com or facebook for more information.

Foster VC Kids of Ventura County hosted Statewide

Foster VC Kids Elisa Carreno –Resource Liaison, Angelina McCormick-Soll , Foster Home Recruitment, Development, & Support Specialist,Alison Young Placement Stability & Support Division Clerical Supervisor,Elizabeth Thasiah Foster Home Recruitment, Development, & Support Specialist, Cynthia Hutchison Caregiver Support Coordinator, and Victoria Gonzales Foster Home Recruitment and Support Specialist

Jordan and Sandra Laby told the Breeze “We have been with the Ventura Music Festival from the very beginning of its inception with Sonia Towers, Elena Brokaw and our then city administration. We believe in the concept of this music festival of bringing world class entertainers to our intimate venues in our city. We value the collaboration of all the arts in this city such as the Ventura county Ballet Company, the Rubicon Theater, the New West Symphony and the many varied artists that have contributed to making our festival such a huge success for the last 21 years. With great joy we have opened our home each year for a celebration and introduction into the next years music festival season.”

In 1994 the Ventura Music Festival was created calling for “creation of an artistically focuse music festival “burns taft was named its first Artistic Director As far back as 1998 the Laby’s received the first Festival Founders Award

The Ventura Music Festival Board has recently concluded a productive year-long organizational assessment that resulted both in a renewed vision for going forward and, we believe, in a sustainable budget. The vision includes moving the Festival from May to July, which is viewed as a more optimum time for music Festivals and also provides for a pre-Festival series of more intimate concerts and events designed to bring our supporters closer to VMF, one another and the music. We’re excited about the changes and feel ready to commence our search for a new full-time Executive Director.

Susan Scott, our wonderful “Consultant to the Festival,” has helped lead us through this important year of assessment, decision-making and renewal. While she continues to work hard on VMF plans for the coming Season, she is eager to move on to her next assignment and see VMF welcome a new ED. Please join us in thanking her and in supporting our search if you can.

VMF introduces season 2016

Guests gathered in the Laby’s living room after enjoying a wonderful dinner to listen to Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta.

On October 1, at the beautiful home of Sandra and Jordan Laby a Ventura Music Festival Donor Appreciation and 2016 festival preview was held before about 30 invited guests.

Betsy Chest past Board President, Doug Wied current Board President and Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta welcomed the guests and spoke about the plans for next year’s concert series.

Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta told the gathering that the Festival will start in July instead of the usual May and explained the reasons for this decision. He presented a multi-media of the “possible” acts that will be featured in next year’s VMF but explained that not all contracts have been signed so names of the performers cannot be divulged yet.

For the first time the Festival will have a theme and it will be the piano, from jazz to classical. In keeping with this pianist Egle Januleviciute played magnificently for the event on the Laby’s recently tuned grand piano.

A wonderful dinner was served that included salmon, chicken and lasagna prepared and served by Regina’s Catering of Ventura. Wine and deserts were also available.

In 1994 the Ventura Music Festival was created calling for “creation of an artistically focused music festival Burns Taft was named its first Artistic Director. As far back as 1998 the Laby’s received the first Festival Founders Award. Ventura is lucky to have them, and other wonderful supporters of the arts that help to enrich out lives.

“The Ventura Music Festival Board has recently concluded a productive year-long organizational assessment that resulted both in a renewed vision for going forward and, we believe, in a sustainable budget. The vision includes moving the Festival from May to July, which is viewed as a more optimum time for music Festivals and also provides for a pre-Festival series of more intimate concerts and events designed to bring our supporters closer to VMF, one another and the music. We’re excited about the changes and feel ready to commence our search for a new full-time Executive Director” said Doug Wied.

“Susan Scott, our wonderful “Consultant to the Festival,” has helped lead us through this important year of assessment, decision-making and renewal. While she continues to work hard on VMF plans for the coming Season, she is eager to move on to her next assignment and see VMF welcome a new ED. Please join us in thanking her and in supporting our search if you can.”

“Weave the cloth so tight that no child falls through”

Education Service Center named for retired VUSD superintendent.
Photos by Michael Gordon

On September 29 the Ventura Unified School District held a dedication ceremony for the naming of the Trudy Arriaga Education Service Center at the District’s office located at 255. W. Stanley Ave.

The longtime superintendent of the Ventura Unified School District Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga retired after 14 years as superintendent and forty years working for the Ventura school district.

When Trudy was a small child attending Loma Vista Elementary School she would climb into an old oak tree. In later years the tree became sick and had to be cut down. The Facilities Services Department salvaged enough of the tree to fabricate a Memorial Bench in her honor.

Her retirement was just the start of another job in academia as she joined the faculty in the California Lutheran University’s Graduate School of Education where she will serve as the Distinguished Educator in Residence.

Arriaga began working for the Ventura Unified School District in 1975 as a paraeducator. Her journey toward the role of superintendent includes teaching grades three – adult in special education, migrant education, and adult education, as well as serving as an assistant principal, principal, and director of administrative support services. Arriaga is the first woman superintendent of the Ventura Unified School District, the third largest district in the county.

Sidebar