Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters Instillation

From left to right: Olivas Adobe’s new board members: Member at large, Lila Basta; Member at large, Susan Muhrer; Secretary, Monica Shugart; Treasurer, Lisa Mirisola; VP, Marsha Brumana, President Mary Thompson, and DA Erik Nasarenko.

by Patricia Schallert

The Olivas Adobe in Ventura, California, features a unique installation that reflects the history and cultural significance of the site. The Adobe is a historic home built in the 1800s, and the Board of Directors installation ceremony often includes exhibits and displays related to the local Chumash Native American heritage, the Rancho period of California, and the everyday life of the families who lived there.

Outgoing President Bob Sandler with Kathryn Dippong-Lawson, who is stepping down after 18 wonderful years as the City of Ventura’s Olivas Adobe Site Supervisor.

On December 4th, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, administered the oath of office to the new members of the Board of Directors for the 2025 Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters. Mary Thompson will once again serve as the President of the Board. DA Nasarenko welcomed all the guests, congratulated the new leadership, and expressed his admiration for those who stepped up to serve. He also conveyed his gratitude for the honor of participating in the swearing-in ceremony.

Everyone is new to their roles, while Mary Thompson brings a wealth of experience. She mentioned, “I served as president for three years during COVID and have been involved with the Adobe for years.” Mary began her journey at the Adobe 18 years ago, starting with pruning roses. She later progressed to decorating the Adobe during the various holidays and has now taken on the role of President of the Adobe Historical Interpreters once again.

Outgoing president Bob Sandler called the meeting to order and introduced Kathryn Dippong-Lawson, who is stepping down from her position as Ventura’s Olivas Adobe Site Supervisor. Kathryn has tirelessly worked to keep the adobe thriving alongside the docent and volunteer programs. Bob noted that she is particularly admired by the docents, especially during the challenging times of COVID. “During that period, when there was almost nothing happening, she focused on keeping the docent program alive, and she did an incredible job.” Kathryn has always been there to support the Adobe, ensuring that the city took care of the site and attending to its needs. After 30 years in this position, serving the community, Bob, on behalf of the Olivas Adobe Board, the docents and volunteers, expressed gratitude, stating, “It has been a privilege to work with her.”

On Sunday, December 11th, the public was invited to step back in time and experience the holiday season as it was celebrated in the late 19th century during a candlelight tour of the City of Ventura’s historic Olivas Adobe. The Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, dressed in period costumes, guided guests through the house, which was adorned with various holiday traditions, while also presenting entertaining historical skits. The event was a sell-out success.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

The Teen Advisory Group of E.P. Foster Library invites you to celebrate the season at Winter Fest: Candy Cane Lane on Saturday, December 21, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at EP Foster Library! Bring your creativity and holiday spirit and make slime, gingerbread houses, and winter crafts. Snap pictures with our festive photo cutout and play fun winter games. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate from the Kalorama Coffee Cart. Don’t miss this cozy and cheerful event for all ages! 

Teens aged 13­ to 17 who would like to help plan events like the Winter Fest and earn community service hours can join the Teen Advisory Group at E.P. Foster Library. Volunteer applications are available at the library. For more information, contact: [email protected]

Ventura Friends of the Library raises funds to support the Teen Advisory Group and events like the Winter Fest. Shopping at the Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore, 2nd Look Books, in E.P. Foster Library contributes to this support. Bookstore hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Discover great bargains in gently used children’s books, cooking and craft books, audio books, jigsaw puzzles, vintage books and books with a seasonal theme. More vintage and collectible books are on offer at our eBay storefront: https://www.ebay.com/str/venturafriendsofthelibrary  

Avenue Library also has a teen volunteer group. The Teen Volunteer Club (ages 13 to 18) assists the Homework Center Coordinator by helping tutor students, as well as, helping to create STEAM projects for the children of the community. This group will meet on Wednesday, December 18, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

Kids can participate in Paws for Reading, a program that helps young readers build confidence and a joy for books in a warm, supportive environment., every week at E.P. Foster Library and Hill Road Library. At Hill Road Library on Wednesdays 3:30 to 5:00 pm and at E.P. Foster Library on Thursdays, 4:00 to 5:30 pm, children of all ages can practice their reading skills in the company of gentle and attentive furry friends. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch.

Game On! Board Games at Hill Road Library is back on Sundays, 1:00 am to 1:00 pm. Drop by and choose from over 35 games to play! Fun for families or a great reason to meet with friends.

The Maker Lab at Hill Road Library is open on Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 pm. On December 12, Let it Glow! Make LED Circuit Holiday Cards. Craft a glowing card for friends and family this holiday season with paper circuits! Learn how to create simple paper circuitry using only a few items and a basic understanding of how circuits work. On December 19 at the Maker Lab, participate in Lego Challenges.

Noon Year’s Storytime at Hill Road Library . Families and children are invited to a daytime celebration of the new year this Noon Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Enjoy crafts, storytime, and a Countdown to Noon Year’s Eve!

 

BAA’s Holiday Party and Open House at Harbor Village Art Center Co-op

1591 Spinnaker Dr., #207, Ventura, on the second floor above the restaurant Le Petit Cafe & Bakery in the Ventura Harbor Village.

Saturday, December 14, 1 – 4pm

Free Open House for BAA members and the public!

Come see our latest location and new headquarters! BAA members can bring one piece of artwork which we will display for the evening, to show our visitors the depth and variety of your creativity.

And later in the same evening, join us on the veranda for the Parade of Lights at 6:30pm. Suggested donation: $20. Bring your holiday spirit and enjoy the festive views!

Special note to those who have donated $50 or more in the past year:
Thank you for your generous support! We’re delighted to reserve a seat for you to enjoy the Parade of Lights from the veranda on December 14th at 6:30pm. RSVP to [email protected] to secure a warm drink and ensure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!

Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library Learning To See Outreach Art Showcase

Paper Weaving Collage by Joanna & Evelyn, Elm Elementary School

Three Student Exhibits at Local Libraries

The public is invited to join Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library (FOTM) for celebrations of the creative spirit by students of Learning To See Outreach (LTS).  The exhibits include student artwork from Elm Street Elementary at South Oxnard Library, from Sheridan Way, E. P. Foster, Lincoln and DATA Schools at Avenue Library and Mound, Portola, ATLAS, Serra, Anacapa and Balboa Schools at Hill Road Library.

  • South Oxnard Library:
    • December 17, 2024-February 20, 2025
    • 4300 Saviors Road, Oxnard
  • Avenue Library:
    • December 14, 2024-February 18, 2025
    • 606 N Ventura Ave, Ventura
  • Hill Road Library:
    • December 19, 2024-February 19, 2025
    • 1070 S Hill Rd, Ventura

FOTM documents the lives and works of extraordinary artists from our community, providing art programming for all ages.  Each lesson of the innovative LTS in-school, hands-on art program is inspired by one of these artists, beginning with a PowerPoint presentation and demonstration.  Students then apply themselves to their own art projects, gaining confidence and respect for themselves and others as they realize the rewards of creativity and concentrated endeavor. With an emphasis on critical thinking and innovation, art anchors them to a greater caring for their community and celebration of cultural diversity.

For more information about Learning To See, contact [email protected] or call 805.653.2501. www.FocusOnTheMasters.com

Prismacolor Design by Streilitza, Anacapa Middle School

City Council Results – Dec 5, 2024

District 2:

  • DOUG HALTER: 5,422 votes – 58.68%
  • NAZ MADAEN: 3,818 – 41.32%

District 3:

  • RYYN SCHUMACHER: 2,741 votes – 38.31%
  • CLINT GARMAN: 2,246 – 31.39%
  • MARICELA REYES: 926 – 12.94%
  • WILLIAM CORNELL: 665 – 9.29%
  • HEATHER MAY ELLINGER: 577 – 8.06%

District 7:

  • MARIO ‘ALEX’ MANGONE: 4,207 votes – 53.31%
  • BRIAN BRENNAN: 2,938 – 37.23%
  • ERIK EISER: 747 – 9.47%

 

The Democratic Club of Ventura: “Grim Realities and Silver Linings”

The Democratic Club of Ventura met on November 20th, with Professor Tim Allison highlighting election challenges, progress, and California’s role in driving change. Image by Patricia Schallert

by Patricia Schallert

The Democratic Party is like a lively family reunion—spirited debates over issues as trivial as pineapple on pizza or as serious as taxation. Despite differences, members ultimately come together, as they did at the Democratic Club of Ventura’s meeting on November 20th at Foster Library. The evening was filled with reflection, gratitude, and determination to navigate the challenging political landscape ahead.

A highlight of the event was guest speaker Professor Tim Allison, a seasoned labor leader and professor at CSU Channel Islands, whose presentation, “Grim Realities and Silver Linings,” struck a balance between sobering truths and hope for progress. Allison discussed the November 5th election results, including Donald Trump’s victory in battleground states and the Republican Party’s slim control of both the Senate and House. However, he emphasized that these challenges present opportunities for Democrats to regroup and push forward.

Newly elected city council and school board members, including Doug Halter (District 2), Ryyn Schumacher (District 3), and Mario “Alex” Mangone (District 7), expressed gratitude for the club’s support and commitment to a shared vision for the future.

Allison touched on key issues shaping the political landscape:

  • Demographic Shifts: California remains a blue stronghold, driven by urbanization and progressive values like environmental protection and social justice. Latino voters have become a powerful force, prioritizing immigration reform and economic opportunity, while targeted efforts are needed to re-engage Black voters who face systemic barriers.
  • Gender Gaps: Women, particularly college-educated voters, continue to favor Democratic candidates, driven by reproductive rights and equity issues. Allison praised Vice President Kamala Harris’s focus on education and gender equity as vital steps toward empowering women.
  • Labor Influence: Workers’ rights played a significant role in recent elections, with younger voters championing unionization and stronger protections. Harris’s advocacy for fair wages and job security resonated with union members and working-class families.

Despite the election’s setbacks, progress was made in areas like marriage equality, with California removing discriminatory language from its constitution and standing firm on protecting same-sex marriage rights. Ventura County also made history by electing an all-women board in the Oxnard School District, a milestone for educational leadership and equity.

Allison remains optimistic about California’s role as a “Voice of Resistance.” Citing conversations with Attorney General Rob Bonta, he reiterated the state’s commitment to justice, corporate accountability, and environmental reform.

“History shows that the moral arc bends toward justice, but the path is rarely straight,” Allison reminded attendees. While the journey ahead is challenging, the Democratic Club of Ventura is poised to forge ahead, turning grim realities into silver linings.

Grants will fund Highway 126-corridor EV chargers

$1.5M in awards to improve air quality in Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru

Ventura County Expands EV Access: $1.5M in Grants to Fund Highway 126 Charger Installations. Image by Freepik

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is offering $1.5 million in grants for organizations to install and operate electric vehicle chargers along the Highway 126 corridor.

The 126 Corridor EV Chargers Incentive Program is designed to improve air quality in Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru and support the transition to EVs by providing much-needed chargers along the heavily trafficked route.

On-road vehicles are a major source of Ventura County air pollution, especially near major roadways. The harmful pollutants they emit include nitrogen oxides, which react with sunlight to form ozone, and fine particulate matter. The county exceeds state and federal standards for ozone, or smog.

An average of up to 106,000 passenger cars and 67,000 heavy-duty trucks traveled along Highway 126 daily in 2022, according to Caltrans. This impacts the residents of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru, areas that are designated as low-income and disproportionately affected by air pollutants by the California Climate Investments program.

The grants are available to public and private entities located in Ventura County including government agencies, school districts, colleges, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Projects that provide public access to chargers will receive priority consideration.

Public entities and any plans that provide public access are eligible for grants covering up to 100% of costs. Private projects that do not provide public access can receive grants for up to 85% of costs. Requests for less than maximum grant amounts will receive priority, though.

The chargers must be available at cost to the public or the organization’s employees for at least the term of the grant, which can range from three to eight years. Longer grant terms will receive priority. The chargers must be level 2 or higher.

Eligible expenditures include charging equipment and the costs of building, installation, design, engineering, consulting and fees. Grants also can cover software, card readers, specialized tools and three years of operational costs not including regular maintenance. Projects that expand or enhance existing chargers to improve efficiency or safety also are eligible.

The district is funding the program with a portion of the $6-per-vehicle registration fee surcharges it receives from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Since 1991, the district has used this money for cost-effective projects that reduce vehicle emissions as part of its mission to protect public health and agriculture in Ventura County from air pollution.

For additional details and applications, visit vcapcd.org/126-Corridor-EV.htm. For more information, contact Holly Galbreath at [email protected] or (805) 303-3666.
 

 

‘Tis the Season to Have Fun!

by Leslie Sokol

Image by gpointstudio on Freepik

Holidays mean fun activities to look forward to and time with family and friends. The holidays are usually a wonderful time for all ages, but they are an especially important time for seniors. Festive social interactions, where friends or family come together to celebrate together, do wonders for mental health and keep feelings of loneliness and isolation at bay. Time with others is critical at all stages in our lives but as we age, the holidays provide opportunities to reflect on our lives, share our experiences with loved ones and create new memories that will bring us joy throughout the year.

Suggestions for Making the Holidays Cheerful and Joyous

Share memories and traditions with the younger generations. Reuniting with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren is a wonderful bonding opportunity. Some fun activities you can do together include driving around town and enjoying holiday lights and decorations, cooking and sharing a meal together, singing holiday and Christmas carols, looking through family albums, doing arts and craft projects, and watching holiday movies. All of these are great ideas for lifting spirits and sharing joyous times with loved ones!

Take time to reflect and look ahead. The holidays are a great time to think about the year that has just passed. Seniors can be very busy later in life or get lost in retirement. Make this holiday season a time to take a break, slow down, and reflect on what has happened during the year and begin to make plans that excite you for the upcoming year.

Reconnect spiritually with yourself and others. The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with your faith. Many families incorporate a religious or spiritual element into their holiday celebrations. This might be a great time to give thanks for all of the many blessings in your life.

Give back and help your community. Many seniors are involved in volunteer activities during the holidays. From caroling to coat drives, there are many opportunities to serve others less fortunate and in need. Volunteering is important because it provides you with a sense of purpose and allows you to be active and utilize your talents and abilities.

Stay active. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to feel drained and fatigued with all the preparations and added activities that come with this time of year. One of the best ways to manage the holiday season is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It will keep your energy levels soaring during this festive time. Regular physical activity is not only good for you, but it also gives you more stamina to get things done. Whether it’s a brisk morning walk, a quick workout, or a fun activity, you will reap the benefits throughout the whole day.

In my For the Young at Heart dance and fitness classes, which are specifically designed for seniors, I like to keep everyone’s spirits high and get fully engaged, especially during the holiday season. We begin with upper body exercises, calisthenics, stretches, and basic combinations with our arms and legs. Lively, festive and popular holiday music motivates us to do Jazzy dance steps and routines. Dancing with others is a great way to focus on your health while having fun and socializing with others. So, grab your partner and friends, head out on the dance floor and get your body and spirit moving to the beat. May your holiday season be joyous and full of health and happiness!

About the Author
Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For more information, please contact Leslie at [email protected], by calling 805-312-8089 or by visiting her website: www.LeslieSokolsDance.com.

Outdoor Holiday Ice Skating Rink Returns to Pacific View Mall

Outdoor ice-skating returns to Pacific View Mall for the first time since 2016.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with an activity the whole family can enjoy! Whether you’re gliding across the ice, sipping hot chocolate while watching the skaters, or shopping in the mall while the kids have fun on the rink, it’s a win for everyone. Join the community in showing support and gratitude to Ventura On Ice for bringing back holiday ice skating for the first time since 2016. The rink is open now through January 5, 2025, at the main entrance of the Mall. For more details, visit www.venturaonice.com.