The end of summer show at The HUD Gallery is their most progressive exhibit to date! This show is all about applications and this group of multi-disciplined artists have truly raised the bar. Featuring artists from Italy, New York, Texas and more! Exhibit curated by Dab Art. For more information visit www.dabart.me
Opening Reception Friday, August 7th 6pm -10pm
Exhibition Dates August 7th – 30th
Regular Gallery Hours | Weds/Thur/Fri 5-9pm
1793 East Main Street
626.8876
The goal of this operation was public awareness.
On July 2 the Ventura Police Department and Union Pacific Railroad held a joint violation enforcement operation that involved a Union Pacific police officer and Ventura police officers. The Union Pacific officer was Jorge O. Villaescusa, Senior Special Agent Public Safety.
Agent Villaescusa road on the train (actually just 2 engines connected back to back) and Ventura officers were on the train, were stationed at crossings and were on bicycles riding next to the tracks monitoring autos and people for violators.
The enforcement went from the Santa Clara River to Emma Woods campground as the train made several trips between the 2 areas.
It takes from one mile to 1 ½ miles for a loaded train to stop so pedestrians or vehicles that are on the tracks will most likely be hit as was the truck several months ago in Oxnard that resulted in the death of the train engineer and others. Amtrak trains can be extremely dangerous because they are so quiet and not heard by people thinking that it is romantic to walk down train tracks.
Several pedestrians waking along the tracks fled when confronted (to be issued tickets for walking adjacent to the railway) by police when the train stopped to speak with them. They were chased down and booked on miscellaneous charges by the VPD. Drivers who failed to yield at safety signals were also cited.
The Breeze asked Officer Jason Kohagen of the Ventura Police Department why this enforcement operation took place.
He told us “As far as the railroad operation goes, I started planning this operation in early May 2015. We had two pedestrians struck and killed along the tracks in the city in a very short time frame, and this perked my desire to try and come up with a solution plus the fatal Metrolink collision in Oxnard. I reached out to my supervisor and after getting the go ahead from him, I contacted the railroad. Logistically this was a challenging and complex operation to coordinate between the multiple agencies, and even the different work groups within the different agencies.”
“ The goal of this operation was public awareness. Often times motorists and pedestrians take for granted their ability to cross the tracks, not realizing that, legally, the only place to cross the tracks, is at the marked and designated crossings. Additionally at these crossings, if the lights are flashing, and bell sounding, it is illegal and unsafe to cross the tracks. If there are arms associated to the crossing, it is illegal to cross until the arms are completely back up, despite the train having passed. As a result of the enforcement associated with this event, two motorists were cited for going under the crossing arms as they were descending, and six pedestrians were cited for walking along the railroad right of way. Two of those pedestrians were arrested for outstanding warrants, and a third pedestrian was arrested for interfering with the operation of a train and assault on an officer. During this event Operation Life Saver information was handed out to inform pedestrians regarding grade crossing safety.”
For more photos of this operation visit www.venturabreeze.com.
From Ventura Tony and Linda Kinninger, Bert Van Auker, Barbara Brown, Kate Faulkner, Nikos Valance, and Mayor Cheryl Heitmann. From Loreto Lizette Inzunza, Maricruz Arce, Maria Gamez Castro, Hugo Castro, Ivette Granados Marines and Sergio Drew.
Representatives from Ventura’s sister city Loreto in Baja California, visited Ventura to enjoy and experience ArtWalk, the city of Ventura itself, and to strengthen ties between the United States and Mexico.
Welcomed by Mayor Cheryl Heitmann at the ArtWalk reception at City Hall, the Loreto visitors were accompanied by Linda and Tony Kinninger, discussing opportunities to further strengthen cultural and economic connections between the two cities.
Ventura local Kate Faulkner and Sister City board members Barbara Brown and Caryl Cantrell offered the hospitality of their homes to the visitors, and Father Tom Elewaut offered the mission rectory as home base for two of the visitors. Committee Co-Chair Suzanne Baird welcomed them through the Ventura Visitors Bureau so that they could share information and artwork with locals during the two days of the event.
“We are pleased to have hosted the delegation,” commented Sister Cities Chair Barbara Brown. “Highlights of the trip included a visit to the Wav, a tour of the Museum of Ventura County, and a visit to the Channel Islands through the generosity of Island Packers”.
Body worn cameras has impressed the department.
By Rebecca Wicks
A pilot program that has randomly-selected Ventura Police Department officers wearing cameras on their bodies since May, 2014 has impressed the department to the point they now aim to roll the program out department-wide.
The department is only half way through the year-long program, originally part of a research project headed by Detective Josh Young, a student at the University of Cambridge but has seen enough advantages to cause department heads to look to integrate cameras permanently. And, while the pilot program aims to measure specific outcomes including citizens’ complaints; use of force; and prosecution outcomes, Assistant Chief Brock Avery of the Ventura Police Department points to ways the cameras can work to help Ventura specifically that may be different from other police departments.
“We have a great police department and a lot of public support,” said Avery. “We don’t necessarily need body worn video for identifying misconduct; it’s another tool for success for us, for putting together better cases.”
While Avery is less concerned with recognizing officer wrong-doings, City Manager Mark Watkins sees how body worn video can helpful to the City when it or one of its officers is put in the position of defending its actions.
“In the event we are put in that position, of being accused, if you have video you have proof you are doing the right thing – it’s not what we said versus what they said,” said Watkins.
The department currently uses cameras which remain on, but do not record until an officer presses a button. When an officer presses that button, it automatically begins saving – beginning 30 seconds before the officer pressed the button. This means if an officer sees something which they deem important for example, someone getting rid of what may be evidence, the officer can press the button and it will capture the incident even if it happened just before pressing record.
According to Assistant Chief Avery, the department is beginning the process of pulling together a proposal to implement an ongoing body worn camera program. In addition to equipment costs the budget is likely to include a new full-time employee to manage the video data as well as storing the data for, in some cases, multiple years. He estimates startup costs for the program to be in the $400,000 range with ongoing year-to-year costs somewhere around $100,000.
“It will come down to funding,” said Avery who would like to see the program approved for the next fiscal year which would begin this summer. “It will be our job to show the need, and the value of a program like this.”
According to Watkins, the budget for a camera program would most likely first appear in April, 2015 when the larger budget is proposed and outlined for the City Council. And, while the budgeting process for the next fiscal year hasn’t begun yet, Watkins is optimistic about the City being able to fund a new program like this.
“We don’t have a complete picture yet, but looking at expenses and revenues, so far everything is tracking,” said Watkins who mentioned there may even be grant monies or other funds available to offset some of the startup costs of a program like this.
Watkins explained he hasn’t seen any data on the camera program yet, but from what he’s heard so far, believes the program has merit.
“There is so much technology available, it’s a matter of figuring out which technology to invest in – and that goes for all the departments in the city,” said Wakins.
The store also carries a variety of fruit spreads, salsas and candies all made with honey.
Photos by Michael Gordon
by Sheli Ellsworth
Heritage Honey encourages tasting. Feel free to mosey up to the honey bar and sample some of the intoxicating flavors of locally grown natural honey. Unlike wine tasting however, honey tasters are safe to drive after sampling creamy mango, avocado, raspberry, orange, creamy cinnamon, eucalyptus, the ever-popular creamy lemon and other honey flavors. The store located at 2031 E. Thompson is owned by David Mitchell, a local, long time bee keeper and Suzanne Lamey who manages all packaging on site and handles the daily store needs.
Lamey has 8 years of experience in Honey Packing in Ventura County, “My job title grew from Quality Control Manager to Managing all the day to day operations at that facility. I felt like Ventura was the Supreme location to start a Honey Packing Facility and Retail Store. Ventura is well known for its support of local businesses and for this reason our idea to bring this unique Honey business to the City of Ventura would benefit the health of its community.”
Mitchell’s first experience with bee keeping was when his mother took a bee keeping class while he was a kid. At age 15 he went to work for a bee keeper. Now Mitchell has 1400 hives scattered around the county each one with 30,000-50,000 bees. “David Mitchell’s years of service to this industry along with countless others are the history of the Heritage in Beekeeping,” says Lamey.
For anyone interested in the health benefits of bee products more than the taste of nature’s nectar, the store also sells bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis from local hives. Bee pollens have been used for centuries to energize, soothe digestion, boost the immune system and treat allergies. Bee pollen is rich in free amino acids, vitamins, folic acid and contains more proteins than any animal source. Heritage Honey bee pollen sells for $8 for an 8 oz jar. Royal Jelly is also an excellent source of nutrients and is believed to help with memory loss, sleeplessness, immune problems and to reduce anxiety. Some have even called it nature’s Viagra, but if it doesn’t work as you’d hoped, perhaps looks at something like VigRX. Propolis, a compound bees produce to coat their hives, was used by the ancients to fight infections and embalm mummies. Today it is used for sore throats, cold sores, wound healing and healthy skin and hair.
The store also carries a variety of fruit spreads, salsas and candies all made with honey. They sell several lines of honey-enriched skin care products as well as bee pot holders, bee pillows, queen bee mother/daughter aprons, tea pots and cups for bee lovers. There are plenty of fun bee books for children and informative ones for bee enthusiasts. The store also sells bee keeping supplies as well as live bees for beginner bee keepers and offers bee keeping classes.
If you are interested in the possibilities of bee keeping, a séance flanked by beeswax candles might help you discover if your bees are in your future. Or you could just stop by the store and taste some of the delicious flavors of honey.
Foto: Besides in front of City Hall Father Junipero Serra hangs out in the atrium at City Hall
When Pope Francis’ announced that Father Junipero Serra, would be canonized it was welcomed by some and condemned by local Chumash leaders. Serra personally founded nine of the 21 missions that exist along the California coast, the first, Mission Basilica San Diego in 1769 and the last, Mission San Buenaventura, in 1782, by decree of the Roman Catholic Church and the Spanish government.
Local Chumash Ceremonial Elder Mati Waiya of the Wishtoyo Foundation stated that the Chumash people were made to work on building the missions, and if they refused, they were beaten. And the Spaniards brought with them diseases that nearly wiped out the native peoples.
You have all seen his bronze statue across from City Hall but perhaps not the wood carving that the statue was formed from.
The 9”-4” wooden statue was carved by volunteers from the Channel Islands Carvers under the direction of W.L. Rubottom, a master woodcarver before he was a cabinet manufacturer. Throughout 1950s and 1960s he put his carving on hold to focus on growing the fine cabinet business (Still active in Ventura the W.L. Rubottom Co. in West Ventura is run by his sons and son-in-law.), but in the 1970s he picked it up again.
Around this time one of Ventura’s most important landmarks, the concrete statue of Father Junipero Serra in front of City Hall, was disintegrating. The statue had been commissioned in 1935 during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
The sculptor, John Palo Kangas, was commissioned by the WPA and Ventura County to create a statue of the Franciscan missionary, Father Junipero Serra. The Finnish-born sculptor used concrete to create the statue. However, over the decades the combination of the materials used for the statue, the salty ocean, and some minor vandalism inevitable decline and disintegration.
In the 1980s the city of Ventura, led by Councilman Russell Burns, set on a course to recreate the statue. Because of the frailty of the original, there was no way to remove it or create a cast of it and so, in the creativity characteristic of their generation, it was decided that an exact wooden copy would be carved and then used to create a bronze casting. Keep in mind, the status is over 9′ tall! As you might guess, Wilbur Rubottom was tasked with leading the team of volunteer woodcarvers to complete the project.
Carving on the Father Serra statue began in February of 1987 and was completed on July 21, 1988. Wilbur recorded almost 10,000 hours of work by all carvers involved.
Foto: Mayor Heitmann, City Attorney Greg Diaz and Ventura Water General Manager Shana Epstein speaking at the first water commission meeting.
The city of Ventura’s Water Commission met on Tuesday, June 23 for their first meeting at the Avenue Water Treatment Plant at 5895 N. Ventura Ave.
A tour of the facility, which opened in 2007 and can treat up to 10 million gallons of water per day was the first order of business at the meeting. The facility treats water that comes from wells next to the Ventura River at Foster Park.
The commissioners are:
Bryan Bondy
Grant Burton, Alternate
Ted Cook
Christopher Cooper
Gerhardt Hubner
Parker Mann, Alternate
Don Mills
Scott McCarty
Suzanne McCombs
First order of business was Cynthia M. Rodriguez, City Clerk sworing in the new commissioners that were present.
Mayor Cheryl Heitmann then thanked them for volunteering, recognized the complexity of the issues that they will be dealing with and how important their work will be in advising and guiding the City Council. She acknowledged it would be a lot of work and that the Council looks forward to working with them and is available to guide them and answer any of their questions.
Shana Epstein, Ventura Water Manager also thanked them for their service to Ventura and gave a brief over view of our water situation in Ventura and answered their questions.
Greg Diaz, Ventura City Attorney gave an important Brown Act (The Ralph M. Brown Act)presentation. The Brown act states that “the people insist, on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instructions they have drafted.” It applies to legislative bodies including council commissions. It was designed by the Legislature to ensure that the deliberations as well as the actions of local public agencies are performed at meetings open to the public and free from any veil of secrecy it states how open meetings must be run.
They closed by voting on a tentative agenda for the next six months. That agenda includes a discussion on “net zero” policies at the commission’s July 28 and subsequent meetings. Their work is about to begin.
As dictated by the Brown Act a brief public comment was made by one speaker.
Foto: Keynote speaker Maureen Shea, with student speaker and graduate Jannini Lopez, shared a moment at the Vista Real ceremony.
On Thursday, June 25, Vista Real Charter High School held their Graduation Ceremony at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
This year, Vista Real graduated over 100 students through its independent study program throughout Ventura County. Many of these students, who found themselves “at-risk” at one point or another, were given a second chance at education.
The graduation speakers — Kevin Cogen, Enrique Hernandez, Jannini Lopez and Esteban Gomez — all shared personal obstacles they had overcome and how Vista Real teachers helped them to achieve a high school diploma.
The keynote speaker was the notable boxer, Maureen Shea (the current International Boxing Association Featherweight Champion) who shared with the students that “life isn’t going to be easy, but you have to believe that you’re going to get ahead and get through whatever obstacles life throws at you.”
Vista Real is a non-profit accredited high school program that includes job training and wrap around services. Its goal is to help the students who are not currently enrolled or engaged in school to get back on track and graduate high school. It does this by giving students a flexible schedule, personalized learning and Career Technical Education (CTE) experience, so they can graduate high school with confidence and job skills.
As stated by graduate Esteban Gomez, “It’s a place where teachers get to know their students and adapt to their learning methods.” These graduates are now ready to move forward and in the words of student speaker Kevin Cogen, now starts “the beginning of another adventure.”
In Ventura, Vista Real Charter High School is located at 5100 Telegraph Rd.They can reached at (877) 360-5327.
Foto: “What time does this bar open?”
A friend of mine (who lives by the beach) lets his four year old kitty cat “Blackie” play in the sand by his house. Recently a Pierpont neighbor saw his cat killed by an off leash dog on the beach. So please keep your dog on a leash (which is also law) even if you think that they are very friendly and not a threat to other animals.
Sometimes even the most friendly dog will run after a cat if it is running. And how will you know if your dog poops if it is far way on the beach?
The Foothill Food Truck Fest takes place on the first Tuesday of each month at Ventura’s Poinsettia Pavilion from 5-9pm. Dining options range from their fresh maine lobster delivery, to grilled cheese sandwiches to homemade desserts. Beer, wine and margarita sales are available and diners have the option to dine indoors or eat outdoors while watching the sunset over Ventura.
Proceeds from the free monthly Foothill Food Truck Fest fundraisers, which have grown in size and popularity since being launched in 2014, help fund much-needed capital improvement projects at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Established in 1954, the facility is one of the oldest public venues in Ventura. It serves the local nonprofit community by providing affordable meeting and event space to non-profit and charitable. The historic venue, which includes a panoramic view of the city and Channel Islands, is available for public or private events. For more information, call 648-1143.
On Tuesday, July 7 the Poinsettia Pavilion combined the array of food trucks with the opportunity to adopt a new furry family member at their monthly Foothill Food Truck Fest event. The event included on-site dog adoptions hosted by several local animal rescue organizations that included the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.), Paw Works and the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, Inc. (SPARC).
“Our hope is that Foothill Food Truck Fest attendees will stop by to enjoy a delicious meal with us and also decide to open their hearts and homes to a homeless animal patiently waiting to be adopted,” said Carol Shiells, Poinsettia Pavilion Executive Director.
On June 20th Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) launched its new ‘Pit Crew’ Program and website, at the Ventura Harley Davidson, located in Camarillo.
Ventura Harley Davidson stepped up as a “Powered By” sponsor for the Pit Crew, which educates the public on responsible pit bull ownership and the many fallacies that surround this breed. The partnership with Harley Davidson seemed a natural one to Animal Services Director Tara Diller.
The new website www. VCASPitCrew.com is a resource for pit bull pet family members.
The Pit Crew Mission is to re-brand the pit bull in our community. By informing the public and dispelling commons myths, promoting spay and neuter, as well as sharing responsible ownership facts, area residents are given the opportunity to make informed choices when choosing their next forever family member.
In 2013 an orange house cat by the name of Kevin went missing from Anderson, South Carolina. Very recently he was united with his buddies and found his way home! After hitching a ride on a U-Haul trailer to Riverside County Kevin was found hiding in the trailer during a regular routine inspection at the Arizona border. Once found, the very dehydrated tabby was taken to the Blythe Animal Shelter, and then animal-control officials were able to track down the owner, Cheryl Walls. She told animal control that Kevin had been an outdoor cat and one day he didn’t come home. She said that she is looking forward to Kevin’s return.
It’s so nice to hear a beautiful story like this. Savana was very happy when I told her. We’re all so happy that Kevin finally found his way back home!
by Victoria Usher
Paw’s Corner by Sam Mazzotta
Dear Paw’s Corner: You recently put out a notice about a new strain of dog flu that was affecting dogs in Chicago. Now I’m hearing about it everywhere. Can you update us on this virus? — Jane in New York City
Dear Jane: This strain of flu, classified as H3N2, has now spread to at least 10 other states in the continental U.S. How concerned should dog owners be? Well, they should certainly stay alert, but it is not a cause to panic or to drastically change your dog’s daily routine. For example, some media outlets are recommending that owners stay away from dog parks. That isn’t exactly practical advice for urban dwellers, as no one knows how long this outbreak will last. Instead, let common sense rule. If your dog is healthy, by all means take it to the dog park. Keep an eye on the other dogs, and if one seems unhealthy, don’t let your dog near it. If you have a puppy or a senior dog, you already know that they don’t have strong immune systems. So visits with strange pets or other situations where they can be exposed to illness — not just canine flu but other infections, too — should be off the table anyway.
Monitor your pet for signs that it may be getting ill. A cough, sneezing and runny nose are typical symptoms of H3N2. Consult your vet right away if these symptoms show up, or if your dog has a fever or other symptoms like a lack of appetite, lethargy or weakness. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
Foto: This pirate is not as scary as he looks.
Phot by Bernie Goldstein
Gather your crew and head to Ventura “Aarghbor” Village for swashbuckling fun at the 10th Annual Pirate Days Festival on Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Ventura Harbor Pirate Days is one of Ventura’s most popular public festivals that attracts “pirates” of all ages for buccaneering and other piratey pursuits.
This year’s theme is “X Marks the Spot: A Decade of Pirates” in celebration of the festival’s 10th year. Exciting new elements include strolling sea shanties by Sisters of the Coast, pirate bubble shows, chalk painting by artist Lysa Ashley, exotic birds, all new professional pirate shows, dockside tours and two sails daily aboard The Schooner Bill of Rights historic Tall Ship and performances of “Peter Pan 2: Hook’s Revenge” by Fairy Tales in the Park. Back by popular demand are festival favorites- Lunch with the Pirates at The Greek Mediterranean Grill & Lounge at 11:45am (both days), the Reece Ryan Kids’ On-Land Pirate Ship, Tinker Bell (look-a-like) meet and greet, and pictures with mermaids.
Festivalgoers will meet enchanting mermaids and famous pirate re-enactors, including Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook. Mateys strolling through the Pirate Marketplace can spend time at Port Royal Privateers’ historical encampment, visit unique vendor booths for face painting and henna body art or find precious wares, such as woodcrafts, pirate attire, jewelry, handcrafted glass and metal gifts and nautical-themed loot.
The fun continues throughout Ventura Harbor Village where children, tweens and adults dressed to impress can strut their stuff in the daily costume contests at 2:30pm (Kids 0-7 yrs.), 2:45pm (Tweens 8-15 yrs.), and 3:30pm (Adults 16+ yrs.) for a chance to win theme park tickets. On Saturday at 3pm piratey pets will vie for $50 in Ventura Harbor gift certificates.
Wee ones will enjoy the Mermaid Treasure Hunt ($2) and free craft activities provided by Macaroni Kid and Village galleries. Treasure seekers can find pirate merchandise, pirate hats, swords, gifts, eye patches, flags, and gear at seaside shops. For grog and grub, Village restaurants offer a variety of cuisine for hungry crews; including roasted turkey legs and rum drink specials. Live music and entertainment provided by Ship of Fools strolling pirate band and Pirates for Hire (daily professional pirate shows).
For pirates who seek adventure on the water, The Schooner Bill of Rights Tall Ship will be offering sails at 9:00am and 4:00pm and dockside tours from 11:00am to 3:30pm and on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19. Sails cost $25 for children (14 years and under) and $35 for adults (15 years and up). For more information and to purchase sail tickets, visit SchoonerBillofRights.com and click on “Tickets.”
Admission, parking and shuttle buses are free. Pirate Days shuttle parking is located at Schooner Drive and Harbor Blvd. or Schooner Drive and Anchors Way Drive both Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 5pm or catch the Downtown – Harbor Trolley for a free ride to the festival.
For a list of shopping and dining specials and entertainment schedule please visit VenturaHarborVillage.com/PirateDays , or call 477-0470. The 2015 Pirate Days is supported by Gold Coast Broadcasting, Cumulus Broadcasting, VC Reporter, The Ventura County Star, and the Ventura Breeze.
