Ojai Events and News

The City of Ojai has established a Second Residential Dwelling Unit Compliance process to allow property owners to legalize dwellings constructed without record of permits. Such units are often guest houses where kitchens have been added or garages which have been converted.

The program is operative for a limited time only ending December 21, 2015; units may not be currently recognized in the City’s inventory of housing. At the end of the program, unpermitted second dwelling will become subject to all City codes and regulations currently in effect.

Property owners who believe they may have a second residential dwelling unit which could meet the program criteria are encouraged to obtain a preliminary consultation with the City’s Building Official or the City-credited Ombudsman. The Ombudsman support process allows property owners to seek out the assistance of parties independent of the City to assist in determining if a unit qualifies to be legalized as a second dwelling unit on your property. Information provided to the Ombudsman is confidential and will not be provided to the City or other agencies.

If you have any questions regarding the information above or processing of a project in general, please contact the City’s Building Official at 646-5581 x116 or via e-mail at [email protected]

The management of diabetes, a common disease that causes long-term damage to the body, will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System, held on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Tricia Westhoff-Pankratz, M.D., a clinical endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disorders, diabetes and pituitary diseases, will lead the discussion during the seminar to be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the banquet room at Soule Park Golf Course, located at 1033 E. Ojai Ave. in Ojai.

Dr. Westhoff-Pankratz will cover new therapies available to treat diabetes and ways patients can limit prescriptions to reach their goals. She also will discuss current blood glucose goals and how they change with age; the new modalities in treating diabetes; and whether patients can “get rid” of diabetes.

Registration is free but reservations are required. Visit cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800/838-3006.

Future scheduled Speaker Series events include: the Treatment of Low Back Pain on Sept. 1 at Community Memorial Hospital; Ethics in Healthcare event: Disneyland, Measles and Vaccines: Should Parents Call the Shots, on Sept. 10 at the Museum of Ventura County; and the Breast Cancer Symposium on Oct. 3 at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

Course 2 of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Food Preparation Series is a sourdough bread and cheese making class on Saturday, August 22nd, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Instructor, Katie Zack, will share the basics of sourdough bread making and how to make a soft goat cheese.

There is a suggested donation of $35 for OVGC supporting members and $40 for non-members. Reservations are required and the class is limited to 12 participants. Visit ojaivalleygreencoalition.org for full details or call (805) 669-8445.

galerie102 presents Britt Ehringer’s “Insanely Beautiful” from August 22 – September 20. Opening reception with the artist will be on Saturday, August 22 from 5 – 7 p.m.

Artist Britt Ehringer examines the subjective expression of beauty in our culture and its outer boundaries in a solo show of new works featuring paintings, photography and sculpture. Straddling beauty and insanity, Ehringer questions what is considered beautiful and to what degree beauty exists in counterpoint to society’s, oft-times, rigid judgement of the beauty found on the “fringes” of “proper society.”

A self-taught artist with an irreverent pop-art sensibility and a penchant for tongue in cheek social commentary, Britt Ehringer deftly layers color, image and social message, with his multiple use of mediums, that defy easy definition of his work into a specific art canon.

Ojai Raptor Center, (ORC) a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of birds of prey and other wildlife, and to providing educational programs to teach communities about wildlife and our shared environment.

Sunday October 25th 2015, ORC will open its doors to the public for a rare opportunity to meet our non-releasable “ambassador” raptors, and tour the Center which is home to the largest flight aviary in CA. The Center is closed to the public year-round due to the sensitive nature of wildlife in rehabilitation.

Hawks, falcons, and owls will be on hand to greet guests along with stage presentations the entire afternoon. There will be plenty of fun activities for children, a silent auction, and a chance to release a raptor with ORC staff. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

Ojai Raptor Center Open House asks for a suggested donation of five dollars for entry. This is a dog-free event. Handicapped parking will be available. Additional parking will be located 1 mile from the Center with a Pegasus shuttle running every 10 minutes. Please visit www.ojairaptorcenter.org for more info.

Vol. 8, No. 23 – August 19 – September 1, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

8-1 5:33pm, harbor patrol received a report of a two vessels near the Surfers Knoll groin in need of assistance.  Officers responded in two separate boats.  Upon arriving on scene, one of the vessels was observed in immediate danger in the surfline.  Patrol passed a tow line to the small disabled vessel.  The boat was rescued along with all ten souls onboard.  The other vessel was not in immediate danger and was assisted without incident.
8-1 7:54pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue at Emma Wood group camp.  Officers responded in the fireboat from the harbor.  The victim was rescued from a rip current and released at the scene.
8-2 3:45pm, officers observed a vendor, 805 jetski rentals operating without a permit at the public launch ramp.  He was contacted and advised of the violation.  The individual is under investigation for operating without a permit.
8-5 7:15am, officers received a report of a stolen standup paddle board from a VIM tenant.  After a few days of investigation, the board was discovered for sale on craigslist.  The incident is under investigation.
8-6 12:05pm, officers received a report of a vessel sinking at the fuel pier.  Patrol responded and dewatered the fishing vessel.  With assistance from a crew member, the source of the leak was discovered in the rudder post.  The owner was notified and was en route from Long Beach to repair the boat.
8-7 4:25pm, officers received a report from lifeguards of a stingray strike at Surfers Knoll Groin.  Patrol responded, assessed and treated the injury, transported the patient to his vehicle where a family member drove him to a local hospital for further evaluation.
8-8

 

8-9

 1200pm, harbor patrol received a dispatch to a water rescue near the South Jetty.  Officers responded by boat to assist lifeguards with four persons caught in a rip current.

5:23pm, officers were dispatched to a person not breathing on their sailboat in Ventura West Marina.  After arriving on scene it was determined that the male had died earlier and was not viable for resuscitation.

Vol. 8, No. 23 – August 19 – September 1, 2015 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Would you like to meet new friends? Whatever the reason, Ventura’s Conversation Group is the right place for you. This eclectic group meets Wednesdays from 4p.m. to 5:45p.m. Located at the Yolanda’s Mexican Restaurant at 2753 Main St. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Be sure to bring an interesting topic to discuss.

Free admission stage show, 2p.m. to 4p.m. First Sunday of every month.  Old Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. For more Information call 517-1131.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45p.m. Located at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $9, non-members $11. Call 407-9971 for more information.

Aug. 20: Michael Badner, of Williams Homes, will talk about the “Farm Project”, a housing development to be built at Saticoy and Telegraph, on land held formerly by the UC Hansen Trust. Chairperson John McNally will report on his recent tour of the Walker-Hearne Ranch, and an update on the Water Rate Increase by the council’s development chair, Dan Cormode.

The council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue. Books in good condition are always accepted by San Buenaventura Friends of the Library, and are very much appreciated. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate! Check our Facebook page for updated agenda items. For more information call 804-7558.

Aug. 23: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura invites the public to join them to review ways we as individuals can help reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in our community.  Come hear about the many ways you can make a difference in a homeless person’s life and in your life.  Join us Sunday, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary at 5654 Ralston St.  For more information, email [email protected].

Aug. 25: Dine Out and Donate, support Pier into the Future while enjoying a night out at Winchesters. Winchesters Grill and Saloon will donate 20 percent of sales to Pier into the Future. Free Pier Wine Glass to the first 50 in attendance. 632 E. Main Street from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Aug. 29: August 29: Interested in lowering your carbon footprint and making your home more energy and water efficient? Visit emPower Ventura County at the Golden Lawn Conservation Expo. emPower staff will be offering advice on how to improve your home’s health and indoor air quality, while saving on utility bills.

At the booth, you can sign up for a free home energy site visit with an emPower Energy Coach for a comprehensive look your whole home’s energy performance. You can also learn how to take advantage of utility incentives up to $6,500 and low-interest, unsecured financing that starts at 5.9%.

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 500 Main Street (between Parking Structure and Main St).

For information on the emPower program, call 654-3834 or email [email protected].

Aug. 29: You are warmly invited to an end-of-summer Evensong on Sat., at 5 p.m.  Musical offerings will feature Haydn’s elegant St. Nicholas Mass as well as excerpts from Saint-Saëns’ Sonata for bassoon and Bach’s serene aria Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust (Pleasurable rest, beloved soul’s delight) from BWV 170.  Directed by Helen Farson with artists including Nick Akdag, bassoon, Louis Grace, oboe and Mariana Smith, flute as well as members of the Ventura Chorale. Admission is always free.  Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church, 6300 Telephone Rd.  Please call 641.9646 for more information.

Sept. 1: Mended Hearts of Ventura group will meet at the Health Science Building at Ventura College, Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Contact for more info: Richard Hatcher 644-2733

Sept. 6: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. accompanied by period music in the parlor and upstairs library landing. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets. For information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

Sept. 1: Ventura Retired Men’s Group will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ventura Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Drive. Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information on VRMG and its future events, please visit http://www.VenturaRetiredMen.org/fp.html , call Gene Wink at 647-2513, or email [email protected]

Sept. 7,21: The Ventura County Philatelic Society will have their Stamp trading and camaraderie event.

Mondays from 7:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road.  Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening.  They are a fun group. Contact: [email protected] or 320-1601

Sept. 14: The Master Children’s Choir is auditioning Children ages 6 through teens, for the fall session. The choir sings light classical music arranged for children and shares a traditional Christmas Concert at the historic Mission in Ventura in December and an annual Spring Concert in Camarillo.  The award-winning choir competes in festivals and plans to attend the International Children’s choir Festival in England, July 2016.  Rehearsals begin in Camarillo Monday. Auditions are friendly.  Call now for an appointment and more information 390-6500. Scholarships available.

September 26: The Ventura & Santa Barbara chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors will hold a 2 day introductory workshop on antique clocks on September 26 & 27, at the Dudley House Museum at 197 N. Ashwood. Hours are from 8:30 am to 4:00pm each day. The workshop is open to the public and no prior experience is required. Class size will be limited to 10 students.

Topics to be covered include a brief history of the American clock industry, tips on clock collecting and care and theory of how clocks work.  Each student will disassemble and reassemble a clock movement. All tools and the clock movements will be supplied.

There is a charge of $100 for the workshop.For registration or information contact Mike Schmidt  988-1764 or [email protected]

 

City of Ventura end of summer classes for youth

Call  658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an account online, visit www.cityofventura.net Camps held the Barranca Vista Center,7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted.

Drawing & Painting for Youth  8-14 years
8/27-9/24            Th            3:15-4:30 pm            $64
Explore relevant artists and their styles to create your own acrylic paintings and pencil and charcoal drawings. Course# 40379

Clay Fantasy Creations for Youth  8-14 years
8/27-9/24            Th             4:45-6 pm       $64
Create dragons, mermaids and other imaginary creatures plus clay jewelry and flowers. Course# 40380

Dynamic Singers Children’s Choir  5-12 years
8/31-10/2            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. Instructor Daniela Flores-Palomino. Course# 40282

The Fall 2015 class Guide is now on-line for class registration.

Register for City of Ventura Adult Fall Sports Leagues & Golf by September 2

Register now for City of Ventura Fall Adult Sports Leagues in men’s and coed softball, men’s basketball, flag football and six-a-side soccer with a registration deadline of September 2 or until full.

All leagues begin the week of September 13. Games are played weekends or weekdays after 6 pm at local parks in Ventura followed by playoffs after the regular season for qualifying teams. Team fees range from $300-$375 with additional fees paid for umpires and referees.

Golf lessons at the Olivas Links are offered for youth, women, and families with six-week sessions starting in September and November. Registration fee is $75.

Get information on rules and league format and complete the easy to fill-and-save team rosters at www.teamsideline.com/ventura or www.cityofventura.net/adultsports.

Or contact Adult Sports Coordinator Doug Reed at 658-4743 or [email protected]

Ventura Community Bank to be moving downtown

Ventura Community Bank, a division of Ojai Community Bank, announced today that it will be moving its offices to a new location in downtown Ventura during the first quarter of 2016.  The Bank has entered into a lease at 89 S. California St. subject to regulatory approval.

“The downtown location is a perfect location in the heart of Ventura with easy freeway access and access to our business community,” Dave Brubaker, President/CEO commented.  “We love downtown and are looking forward to becoming a larger part of its success as we continue to serve our community.”

At a time when larger banks are removing lenders from branch locations, Ventura is beefing up its lending services by providing lenders in the actual branch location. “

“People need to talk to people, not computers or call centers. We pride ourselves in always answering the phone, knowing your name and willing to assist you however we can.” continues Brubaker. “We’re old school with hands-on customer service, but have the technology that banking customers need.”

“We’re a hometown bank, most of the staff has grown up here, and we look forward to our friends and family visiting,” added Brubaker. “We want to make a difference in the lives of our customers and look forward to spreading our good works to others.”

“Free “Learn to Row” on Saturday Aug. 29th @ 8:30am at Lake Casitas


photo by Dani Thole
Casitas Rowing is now signing up Boys and Girls 9th-12th grade for the fall High School Rowing Team and kids 6th-8th grade for the fall Middle School Team. PE credits offered for all local Ventura high schools for the team.
Practice begins with a “Free Learn to Row” on Saturday August 29th @ 8:30am at Lake Casitas and athletes will then get a Free 2-week Trial to try rowing before signing up.
Contact Coach Wendy for more information wendy@casitasrowing.org 805.642.2288 or check out the website for videos and more information about the training schedule www.casitasrowing.org

Ventura Water Announces VenturaWaterPure Demonstration Facility

city venturawaterGina Dorrington, Wastewater Utility Manager explaining the demonstration facility to interested attendees.

Recently Ventura Water unveiled the VenturaWaterPure Potable Reuse Demonstration Facility to distinguished guests including Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann before it officially opened to the public for tours on July 18.

VenturaWaterPure is a pilot program for the City of Ventura. Ventura along with other water providers throughout California, is investigating sustainable ways to meet long term water supply demands. The City currently provides recycled water from the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility (located on Ventura Ave.) to two golf courses and landscape irrigation in the Harbor and Olivas Drive areas.  Adding “potable reuse” purification technologies at the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility will extend Ventura’s use of “local” sources of water including sewer water.

This water purification process has already been successfully used by San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange counties. Ventura Water has been studying  additional water reuse for many years as well. Ventura Water has chosen to be involve in a nationwide study that evaluates blending options with other water resources prior to the delivery of drinking water to customers.

This “test” installation now produces 20 gallons of water per minute. This water is being sent to many testing labs throughout the country to analyze its use as drinking water and domestic use. If a large reuse facility is ever built it will take one acre of land which is available at this site located on Spinnaker Dr. across from the Harbor.

city venturawater insetTours of the VenturaWaterPure demonstration facility will be held every Saturday from 9 to 11 am for the
general public. Tours are limited to 20 people. Please sign up for the public tours before noon on the Friday before the tour by emailing Gina Dorrington ([email protected]) or calling  677-4131. Private groups interested in week day tours can also be accommodated with advanced notice.

The tours are led by Gina Dorrington, Wastewater Utility Manager who very carefully explains the process and the many steps that are necessary to turn sewer water into potable water and what it would mean for Ventura. Her presentation includes a slide show and video prior to touring the small actual demonstration facility.

This might also give you the opportunity to walk around the beautiful holding ponds located there (A Ventura secret gem) and see the many birds that call it home. Gina would be happy to explain how you can do this.

Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann has stated “The City of Ventura relies entirely on local water supplies which have become limited during this unprecedented drought. The VenturaWaterPure demonstration facility brings attention to the value of potable reuse as a renewable resource that can provide a cost effective and sustainable supply of high quality water. It will help Ventura to expand our water supply portfolio and improve supply reliability.”

There are many benefits of potable reuse in Ventura:

 

  • Locally controlled, reliable water supply
  • A sufficient supply to support the economy
  • A high-quality water supply
  • Reducing wastewater discharge
  • Seawater intrusion protection
  • A more diversified water supply portfolio
  • Increased water supply at a lower cost than imported water
  • Reduced impact on groundwater and river sources

A concern that will need to be addressed when a working facility is constructed is convincing people that it is safe to be drinking water that was once sewer water. Other cities have managed to do this.

Barber RV has a new location

business barber rvAlso in attendance were manufacture representatives.

Barber RV has relocated from Main Street where it had been since it opened in 1978, to the Ventura Auto Center at 6660 Auto Center Drive. Kirby Subaru remians in its current location, 6404 Auto Center drive.

August 1 and  2 were celebration days at the location.  Live music was provided by Nathan McEuen and Friends and fresh tacos and condiments were provided by Juan Mendoza.

On Sunday attendees were treated to the Ventura K 9 Search and Rescue Unit and Carol and her PR Dog.

Also in attendance were manufacture representatives from 7 different companies who answered detailed questions for those interested in purchasing their vehicles.

Jeff Sukay, President of The Kirby Auto Group invited customers, city officials and Ventura Chamber members to attend the 2 day celebration.  Motor homes, trailers, towables, and campers were put on display which amounted to over a one-quarter mile of  traveling toys for all their visitors to enjoy, tour and purchase.

For nearly 50 years, The Kirby Auto Group has been treating customers like family.