The links between sugar, obesity and addiction; an 80th birthday retrospective of music icon Neil Diamond; California’s medicinal herbs and the power of positive psychology on the aging process are all topics in CSU Channel Islands Osher LifeLong Learning Program (OLLI). “Taste of OLLI” consists of 25 two-hour a day courses that will enable adults aged 50 plus to sample OLLI’s university level courses taught by faculty and experts from many different walks of life. Registration for these affordable courses begins May 24. See the list of courses and register by visiting go.csuci.edu/OLLI.”
There are two major types of stroke.
A stroke happens when something changes how blood flows through the brain. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. If blood can’t flow to a part of the brain, cells that do not receive enough oxygen suffer and eventually die. If brain cells are without oxygen for only a short time, they can sometimes get better. But brain cells that have died can’t be brought back to life. So, someone who has had a stroke may have trouble speaking, thinking, or walking.
There are two major types of stroke. The most common kind, ischemic, is caused by a blood clot or the narrowing of a blood vessel (an artery) leading to the brain. This keeps blood from flowing into other parts of the brain and keeps needed oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells. Blockages that cause ischemic strokes stem from three conditions:
Formation of a clot within a blood vessel of the brain or neck, called thrombosis
Movement of a clot from another part of the body, such as from the heart to the neck or brain, called an embolism
Severe narrowing of an artery (stenosis) in or leading to the brain, due to fatty deposits lining the blood vessel walls
In the second major kind of stroke, hemorrhagic, a broken blood vessel causes bleeding in the brain. This break in the vessel also stops oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells.
Some risk factors for stroke, like age, race, and family history, can’t be controlled. But you can make changes to lower your risk of stroke. Talk to your doctor about what you can do. Even if you’re in perfect health, follow these suggestions:
With stroke, treatment depends on the stage of the disease. There are three treatment stages for stroke: prevention, therapy immediately after stroke, and rehabilitation after stroke. Stroke therapies include medications, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Medication or drug therapy is the most common treatment for stroke. The most popular kinds of drugs to prevent or treat stroke are antithrombotics–which include antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants–and thrombolytics. Thrombolytic drugs, like t-PA, halt the stroke by dissolving the blood clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain. Antithrombotics prevent the formation of blood clots that can become stuck in an artery of the brain and cause strokes.
Surgery and vascular procedures can be used to prevent stroke, treat stroke, or repair damage to the blood vessels or malformations in and around the brain. These include angioplasty, stenting, and carotid endarterectomy.
Someone who has had a stroke might be paralyzed or have weakness, usually on one side of the body. He or she might have trouble speaking or using words. There could be swallowing problems. There might be pain or numbness.
Stroke may cause problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory. Someone who has had a stroke might feel depressed or find it hard to control emotions. Post-stroke depression may be more than general sadness resulting from the stroke incident. It is a serious behavioral problem that can hamper recovery and rehabilitation and may even lead to suicide.
There are many different ways to help people get better after a stroke. Many treatments start in the hospital and continue at home. Drugs and physical therapy can help improve balance, coordination, and problems such as trouble speaking and using words. Occupational therapy can make it easier to do things like taking a bath or cooking.
Some people make a full recovery soon after a stroke. Others take months or even years. But, sometimes the damage is so serious that therapy cannot really help.
For More Information on Stroke
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
800-352-9424 (toll-free)
[email protected]
www.ninds.nih.gov
Opera SB first to return to Lobero Theatre with Wagner epic Das Rheingold
Opera Santa Barbara is thrilled to close its unexpected 20|21 Season with the company premiere of its first Richard Wagner opera, Das Rheingold. The only performance will be Sunday, June 27 at 2:30PM at the Lobero Theatre. This production marks the first for the company inside a theatre in more than a year.
Graham Vick and Jonathan Dove’s version of the Ring Cycle captures the mighty essence of Wagner’s masterpiece in an abbreviated time frame of 1 hour and 50 minutes, with just 12 singers and 18 orchestral players. The pocket-sized miracle premiered in Birmingham, UK in 1990, and has been presented by dozens of opera companies around the world. Described by reviewers as “ear opening” and “imaginatively fresh”, the “Dove Ring” has made it possible for smaller companies to introduce this much admired but often intimidating work to new audiences in an accessible way, while still satisfying Wagner fans. The plot unfolds with cinematic pace, character interactions become more intimate, and Dove’s masterful orchestral reduction beautifully reflects the splendor of the original score, while bringing out musical motives and details.
“Last summer I promised our fans, donors, and workforce that Opera SB will raise its curtain within 30 days from the time restrictions to indoor performances are lifted. The time is here, we’ve been preparing for this a year, and our team is in top form. I can’t wait to work with some of my favorite artists on our company’s first Wagner opera, and to conduct my own first Wagner with the amazing musicians of the Opera Santa Barbara orchestra,” says Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas.
Designed by director Crystal Manich (Il Postino, 2020) and Projection/Lighting Designer François Pierre Couture (The Cunning Little Vixen, 2017), Opera Santa Barbara’s new production brings Wagner’s mythical world to life through a combination of powerful vocals, video projections, and 80’s rock-inspired costuming. Bass-baritone Kyle Albertson and baritone Timothy Mix make their Opera SB debuts as Wotan and Alberich. Opera SB favorite mezzo-soprano Nina Yoshida Nelsen is Wotan’s defiant consort Fricka, while Anya Matanovich (The Crucible, 2019) returns as the beautiful Freia, the coveted goddess of love. Robert Norman returns as the cunning Loge, and the playful Rheinmaidens are portrayed by Christina Pezzarossi and Chrisman Studio Artists Brooklyn Snow and Max Potter. Nathan Stark (The Barber of Seville, 2018) and Colin Ramsey (Madama Butterfly, 2019) are the scorned giants, Fasolt and Fafner, Alissa Anderson the prophetic Erda, goddess of the earth, and LaMarcus Miller as the thunder god, Donner. Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas conducts his first Wagner opera, with 18 members of the Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra on stage.
Detailed health safety protocols will be issued to ticket holders a few days in advance of the performance according to the government and industry guidelines that are in effect at that time of the show.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, May 26 and will start at $79. For now, patrons can purchase VIP Premium Tickets with concierge service, Sponsorships, or get on a waitlist for pre-sales of General Admission tickets on May 24. Please visit the OSB website for more information.
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Feraud General Merchandise Store
Feraud General Merchandise Store, also known as the 1903 Building, was built in 1903 on Main. Jules Feraud opened the Feraud Bakery and Grocery Store and the bakery stayed in the family until 1944. It is now Paddy’s Bar+Lounge.
The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends
by Jill Forman
Welcome Back to Your Library!
Events are changing too fast to keep up with. Check the library website, talk to your local librarian in person or by phone to find out the latest updates.
Summer Reading Program Launching June 1 (from library press release)
Ventura County Library urges families to get ready, get set, go to the library and sign up for Reading Colors Your World!
Over the summer, the library is hosting a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults to encourage and support a love of reading. Participants may win prizes for reaching their reading goals. “We’ve planned a wonderful program for kids to make the library a great place to read, learn, and discover what’s available for their enjoyment,” said Molly Krill, Youth Services Manager.
Themed events include weekly STEAM Kits and challenges, participation in the library’s online reading and activity log (register at vencolibrary.beanstack.org), themed Storytimes, and a presentation by the Ojai Raptor Center. This year Ventura County Library is giving away six Nintendo Switch Grand Prizes in addition to smaller prize drawings throughout the summer. Once a child has logged 500 minutes they may visit their local branch to choose a free new book to add to their home libraries.
There is also a serious side to summer reading. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents reading loss. Studies also indicate students who read recreationally outperform those who don’t. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests.
Nancy Schram, Library Director says, “Children who don’t read over the summer may lose up to two full months of learning by the time they return to school in the fall. To succeed in school and life, our children and teens need continuous opportunities to learn and practice critical skills. Your public library is a key part of the solution during the summer when school is out.”
Registration continues through August 22, 2021. To learn more about the summer reading adventure at the library, please call your local branch or check out the library’s website at vencolibrary.org.
This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Molly Krill, Ventura County Library Youth Services Manager at (805) 218-3592
Friends of the Library Foster Library Bookstore
We are hoping to be open by July 1. Updates will be announced on our website venturafriendsofthelibrary.org. Or sign up for our newsletter at [email protected]. We anticipate needing volunteers; if you are interested contact us at [email protected].
Friends of the Library Hill Road Used Book Sale Shelves
We hope to be back in business by mid-June.
Online Bookstore
The Friends will continue their online bookstore. Pickup days and times will change but we plan to still have pickups at Hill Road as well as Foster Library. Details are being worked out and will be communicated when an order is placed.
Remember, all purchases support programs such as Summer Reading described above.
Ten local business owners receive the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award
On Friday, May 21, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announced the 10 winners of the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship (SOE) Awards at a virtual event celebrating outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
“The SOE Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honor these amazing women for the hard work they have put in to keep their businesses thriving. This year’s winners are even more inspirational when you factor in the challenges presented throughout the past year,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV.
In addition to the 10 category awards, WEV also presented entrepreneur and activist, 92-year-old Lupe Anguiano with the 2021 Rock Star: Lifetime Achievement Award. Anguiano was honored for her more than seven decades of work on women’s rights, the rights of the poor, and the protection of the environment. This prestigious award is presented annually to an individual who has made an indelible impact on our community and who serves as a role model for women.
Major sponsors of the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards include Aligned Pilates, Wellness and Physical Therapy, American Riviera Bank, City National Bank, Cox, County of Ventura, JP Morgan Chase & Co, La Arcada, LinkedIn, Lure Digital Agency, Montecito Bank & Trust, Pacific Western Bank, Tileco Distributors, and Ventura County Credit Union.
Winners by Category:
Arts & Entertainment: Devyn Duex, Nebula Dance Lab, nebuladance.org
Green & Social Entrepreneur: Pam Plesons, Plow to Porch Organics, Inc., plowtoporch.com
Health & Wellness: Jill Agonias, Divinitree Yoga, divinitreesantabarbara.com
Hospitality & Tourism: Gabrielle Moes, Seasons Catering, seasonscateringca.com
Media & Communications: Lynnette Coverly, Coverly Professional Services, coverlypro.com
Nonprofit: Mary Maranville, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture, Inc., seeag.org
Professional Services: Laurice Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts, Inc., urbanplanningconcepts.com
Retail: Ashe Browne, Pura Luna Apothecary, puralunaapothecary.com
Science & Technology: Rashi Bahri Chitnis, Shoonya, shoonyadigital.com
Wholesale, Mfg, Online Retail: Reyna Chavez, Scrubs on the Run, scrubsontherununiforms.com
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills. WEV provides small business training, advisory services, financial literacy programs and small business loans in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes people of all gender identities into the WEV community. Business courses, programs and loans are provided in both English and Spanish.
Seeing sites in the city of angels
Linda Burroughs, Staci Brown and Susie Tucker enjoyed a walking tour of downtown Los Angeles. After visiting California’s largest used and new bookstore called “The Last Bookstore” they stopped at Angel’s Flight to read the Ventura Breeze.
Celebrating black composers in choral music
by Molly Kohler Pei, Channel Islands Choral Association
Channel Islands Choral Association (CICA) presents a Virtual Choral Experience, streaming On Demand from June 4th – 20th. Into the Light: Celebrating Black Composers in Choral Music features the CSU Channel Islands University Chorus and the Pleasant Valley School District Chorus. The program is hosted by CICA Artistic Director Dr. KuanFen Liu and President Dean Butler.
CICA continues its commitment to present choral literature and composers that represent diversity in genre, style, racial, ethnic, and cultural heritages. The event highlights non-idiomatic choral music of some of the most famous and influential Black composers that have too long been neglected in the Western tradition. The Virtual Choruses perform music by Bobby McFerrin, Undine Smith Moore, Mark Miller, Victor C. Johnson and Ysaÿe Barnwell.
CICA in partnership with CSU Channel Islands and Pleasant Valley School District aims to promote choral music that raises awareness and celebrates the diversities among us. Southern California is shaped by the remarkable contributions of its residents. The program pairs the music with examples of individuals and communities that showcase the rich diversity of Los Angeles.
The CSU Channel Islands University Chorus is composed of students, faculty and staff and community members. A highlight of the weekly Zoom rehearsals are the dedicated segments for a community circle in which the participants engage in subject matter related to the music and the theme of the program. Dr. Raquel Baker, Assistant Professor of English at CSU Channel Islands, facilitated a Two-Way Conversation about performing the music of Black composers as well as other provocative issues. Highlights of this unique exchange is a part of the virtual program. Viewers will enjoy the robust dialogue covering topics such as how to use choral music to create equality and how a community can advocate for Asian Americans during this time when there is an upsurge of anti-Asian violence. Inspired by the interchange of heartfelt comments and calls to action for social justice, the students in the chorus created a video poem performance piece in which each reflects on how to be a part of change.
Virtual performances are mastered by Arts Laureate, an elite recording team that sets up virtual performances for groups such as the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and NPR’s JazzSet at the Kennedy Center.
Tickets are $15. Proceeds benefit the Virtual Choir programs sponsored by CICA. Information for the On Demand event and ticket purchase is available at cicachoir.org.
Vol. 14, No. 18 – June 2 – June 15, 2021 – Opinion/Editorial
∙ In a previous issue, we had and article, along with my comments regarding a proposed Haley Point 72-unit townhome residential project on a 4.3-acre site in mid-town. I generally favored the project. The Ventura Planning Commission, by a 4-0 vote, has approved the development to be located on Channel Dr.
There was some opposition to the development mostly over density and parking.
An appeal can be filed within 10 days of the planning commission decision. Such an appeal would cost $1,000. If the project is appealed, it could be heard by the City Council by the end of June.
∙Finally, Ventura is moving closer to the opening of commercial cannabis businesses by proceeding with the permit application process and evaluation criteria. With the closing of the card club in Ventura, the City is losing several million dollars in tax money that this might make up for.
An Orientation “Kick Off” Meeting will be scheduled for mid-June. At this Orientation
Meeting, consultants and staff will review all application materials including the
Procedures and Guidelines. This meeting is for potential applicants, landlords, and other
interested parties to learn about the requirements in the application process.
Application Period 1 will be open for a 45-day period from Monday, June 28 – Thursday,
August 11, 2021 @ 4:00 pm. Application Period 1 will still only allow for businesses to
apply outside of the Coastal Zone for up to 3 retail and 10 industrial-type permits.
Ventura has a new timeline to bring up to 15 cannabis businesses to the city.
The city announced it was pushing back its window for businesses to apply for a cannabis permit to June 28-Aug. 11.
The city did not want to hold an application kick-off meeting, originally set for May 19, or the launch of the permit program prior to a council update later this month, said Ventura spokeswoman Heather Sumagaysay.
Last week, the council did adopt a resolution authorizing two application periods; one for coastal businesses and one for inland; for a commercial cannabis program with a maximum of 15 businesses.
The first application period, scheduled to start June 28, is for non-coastal zone applicants. The second application period would begin after the California Coastal Commission gives its approval, which is expected before the end of the year.
Speaking about marijuana, more than three months after voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question legalizing adult use of the drug in New Jersey, it has become law.
Also, in San Diego, a Superior Court judge has reduced felony marijuana records for 26,000 people to misdemeanor convictions and additionally some 1,000 people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions had those cases completely dismissed.
∙ If you are taking the AMTRAK, next to the Fairgrounds, leave yourself a lot of extra time to drop people off or park your car because you might get very confused. Normally, you can drive into the large Fair parking area, drive over by the tracks and park or drive through to drop off folks. Because the parking lot is closed, you can’t do this. And the street next to the tracks is
one-way only. The only way to drive up is to take Olive to the end to what looks like an alley and take that to the train.
One of our clever readers suggested driving backwards up the one-way street so it looks as if you are driving in the right direction. This is, of course illegal, and I wouldn’t suggest doing something illegal.
∙ Drivers throughout the country are complaining about the high cost of gas. The national average price at the pumps is around $3.00 – the highest price in 7 years. We should be so lucky to pay only $3.00.
∙ Earthlings are always concerned that aliens are going to land here. I’m sure when they fly over earth and see what an incredible mess we have made of it they just turn around and fly home. Perhaps they bring students here to show them what happens when people do awful things, so they appreciate where they live in a parallel universe.
∙ When state’s pass laws restricting abortions and women have kids that they can’t afford I think that the state should be required to support the kids until they are 18 – just like any father should need to do.
∙ Senate Republicans have blocked creation of a bipartisan panel to study the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, which, in my opinion was one of the worst days in our history. It certainly felt like as I was watching it. I assume this was to show party loyalty to former President Donald Trump.
The Senate vote was 54-35, short of the 60 votes needed to take up a House passed bill that would have formed a 10-member commission evenly split between the two parties.
Six Republicans (my heroes) voted with Democrats to move forward. 11 senators (nine Republicans and two Democrats) missed the vote, with some saying they had scheduling conflicts. This is inexcusable to me and just shows that they were gutless.
Certainly, we need to determine the cause of this insurrection, how it can be prevented in the future and why Capital police were completely unprepared for it. I would think all politicians should see this as their obligation to the country regardless of their party.
∙ Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a bill to allow public schools to offer yoga, ending a ban that stood for nearly 30 years. Christian conservatives who back the ban said yoga would open the door for people to be converted to Hinduism. How absurd is this.
The new law allows yoga to be offered as an elective, for grades K-12. While it erases a ban that some schools had not realized existed, it also imposes restrictions on how yoga should be taught. Students won’t be allowed to say “Namaste,” for instance. Meditation is not allowed. They also aren’t allowed to say evolution (I made that up but it would be just as stupid).
As goes yoga, goes the world.
Ventura city staff to receive pay raises
by Richard Lieberman
Ventura city staff are going to receive salary increases. The pay raises will affect 550 Ventura city employees. At a recent City Council meeting the council unanimously voted to approve salary increases of about 2.0 % for 118 staff represented by the Ventura Maintenance Employees Association, the Ventura Police Officer’s Association and for an unrepresented employee’s groups.
Additionally, groundskeepers, welders, and others in the maintenance group are slated for a 2.25% increase that is scheduled to begin on July 10th. Also included will be an additional 2.25% lump payment.
Currently the Ventura Police Association, which counts 129 officers, corporals, and sergeants will receive a 0.25% salary increase. The salary increase is scheduled to take effect starting the week of May 25th. Also, a one-time payment of $211.80 instead of a retroactive pay increase to January 1st. The association will also receive a one-time, lump sum payment of 2.25%, plus a 2% salary increase effective July 10th.
The salary increases are included in 18-month agreements with the city. The contracts are scheduled to expire June 30, 2022.
A total of 79 employees who are unrepresented will receive a 2.25% salary increase beginning July 10 and a one-time payment totaling 2.25% of their salary. In lieu of retroactive pay, the employees requested an increase in their deferred compensation in January.
Ongoing negotiations with the Ventura Fire Association and the Police Management Associations will result in a 2% pay increase. The 2% salary increase also includes a 0.25% increase they received following the city’s approval of their contract in January.