Vol. 14, No. 13 – Mar 24 – April 6, 2021 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Spring has sprung and with warmer weather on the horizon, it will be a lot more comfortable supporting live music outdoors at such venues as Winchesters, Leashless and the brand new Vaquero y Mar (formerly the Hong Kong Inn). Along with the venues of course are the drive-in style concerts where you can stay in your car, or just outside on folding chairs. For all the latest listings please visit VenturaRocks.com for the daily updates.

And speaking of drive-in concerts, after a winter hiatus, both Concerts in Your Car (Ventura Fairgrounds) and the Canyon at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center are both ramping up with shows schedule in April. Concerts in Your Car has Don Pasquale from Opera Santa Barbara on April 10, Ziggy Marley on April 17 and Hippie Sabotage on April 24. Canyon Club dates are all tribute bands such as 4NR on April 2, Robert Plantation on April 3, Strange Days (Doors) on April 9 and Erotic City (Prince) on April 10.

Will calls the Central Coast home

Meanwhile, I caught up with Will Breman who appeared on NBC’s The Voice just before the pandemic hit where he made it all the way as a semifinalist on Season 17. Will calls the Central Coast home and is currently ramping up for post-pandemic shows.

Pam: What has been the biggest impact to you personally and professionally this past year during the pandemic?

Will Breman: The hardest part of the pandemic last year was cancelling all of my national tour dates. Especially after coming immediately off of a show like NBC’s The Voice, that hit hard. I had to figure out very quickly how to make up for a lot of lost income, as well as hold on to the wave I was riding from the show.

Cancelling a national tour had to be so hard! What else was put on hold?

Will Breman: I had to delay a lot of recording plans. I have a couple projects that I’ve been sitting on top of until recording them in a studio with a group was safer to do. Thankfully though I was fortunate enough to record one of the songs I did on The Voice last year in Nashville with some legitimate studio cats, so at least something got done.

What do you miss the most?

Will Breman: I miss hugging people a lot, especially my close family. I feel like people were a lot less anxious before the pandemic. I think what I miss the most however is being able to play regularly in front of people. Doing it on Zoom is just not the same.

How did you work during the past year (writing/performing/recording)?

Will Breman: I had to switch to a lot of virtual gigging. I’m thankful to have an amazing manager who set me up with a lot of awesome corporate gigs that I could record from home.

Anything good from the close down?

Will Breman: I was able to go back to school. I’m in my second year of my masters in vocal techniques/performance. Now if the whole singer-songwriter thing doesn’t pan out, at least I know I have a career somewhere in opera or teaching at a higher academic level.

What are you most looking forward to doing again?

Will Breman: I’m looking forward the most to seeing, and playing, some excellent live shows. I know coming up I’m working closely with Kristen Stills and a wonderful team at Autism Speaks in hopefully setting up a festival at the Greek Theater in LA sometime in the fall. I’m also slated to open for Paul Thorn at the Lobero around that time, as well as playing Topa Mountain Music Fest. Hopefully there’s more where that came from.

Do you have a game plan coming out of the pandemic?

Will Breman: I know I want to finish those recording projects I’ve been sitting on. I’ve been taking a break from social media lately, but I’m hoping soon to get back into creating some high-quality content for Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok specifically.

For more information on Will Breman go to WillBremanMusic.com or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WillBremanMusic. You can also look for Will on a future episode of the VenturaRockSpot.

Oh! By the way, the VenturaRockSpot is a monthly interview show where mostly local artists out of the 805 are interviewed and they share some of their music either live, or with pre-recorded videos. Will Breman is scheduled to be a guest soon. You can view all episodes to date at www.VenturaRockSpot.com where you can see bands/artists such as Star Goes Nova, Jayden Secor, Medicine Hat, Jodi Farrell and more (27 episodes to date).

And don’t forget to tune into the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ-LP out of CAPS Media at 104.1 FM here in Ventura. My show airs Tuesdays at 5 pm with repeats on Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon. You can also listen via the MyTuner app on your smart device or online at CapsMedia.org/radio.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows (online or live) you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Vol. 14, No. 13 – Mar 24 – April 6, 2021 – Community Events

March 28: This Sunday NAMBA Performing Arts Space kickstarts its’ return to regular programming with a monthly streaming event featuring musicians, dancers and improvisational theatre. Dubbed ‘IN PERFORMANCE Live’, the show is donation based and designed to re-engage a shuttered community in the power of artistic expression. Curated by Doc Ventura of Delta by the Beach, Cathy Butter formerly of Aloft Dance Theatre and Ventura College Dance, and Gary Best of Ventura Improv, IN PERFORMANCE Live is NAMBA’s collaborative expression of performance as a means to bridge rising waters in challenging times.

Due to on-going issues related to the pandemic and the nearly impossible restrictions on live performance, NAMBA has been shuttered to audiences for the last year. With vaccines and loosening restrictions, NAMBA is anticipating a return to live community service. Tamara Varney, Chairperson of NAMBA’s Board said, “NAMBA seeks to engage Community partners to safely access our Theatre, to energize performing arts disciplines and to deliver programs to the public.” To contact NAMBA, or for information on upcoming limited in-person dance and theatre classes, senior and youth programming, continued streaming/zooming opportunities for teachers and performers, as well as to register for IN PERFORMANCE Live, visit nambaarts.com.

April 17: George Yenney Book Signing Saturday 1-3 pm Bank of Books 748 E. Main (805) 643-3154. Mr. Yenney, a Navy brat, was born in Virginia, raised in California and attended military boarding school in Wisconsin before serving two tours with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. He earned degrees from UCSB and CSUDH. He has lived in Oregon, Texas and Mexico. For more than a decade he taught English and conducted international business in the republic of China on Taiwan. He was a bilingual educator in Oxnard for 20 years. He speaks Spanish and Chinese. He currently resides in Ventura where he is working on his next novel.

George has seven novels to share at this book signing. They are: “Ventura, A Novel of 1975”, “Education by Chaos”, “The Cayeguas File” “West Pac”, “Nayeli Means, “I Love You”, “Ellie, A Vietnam War Romance” and “The Spoils of War “

Vol. 14, No. 13 – Mar 24 – April 6, 2021 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday 3/02

2:01pm, received a report of a vessel accident at VIM H-dock. Officers responded in Fireboat 1 and found a 32ft sailboat up on the finger of a dock. No injuries were sustained, and officers were able to tow the vessel off the dock.

4:15pm, dispatched to an ocean rescue, kite surfer in distress at the Ventura Pier. Officers responded in Fireboat 1, but were canceled en route, self-rescue done.

Wednes 3/03

8:30pm, Harbormaster advising that the Port District commissioners voted to declare Barranca Shoaling an emergency so that Manson can dredge the area.

Thursday 3/04

8:37am, Manson dredge is inbound, completed with federally funded maintenance dredging of the entrance, main channel and sandtrap areas. They are awaiting a ruling for emergency dredging of the stub/barranca channel.

12:15pm, receiving requests for information about possible tsunami from an 8.0 earthquake off New Zealand. No threat or tsunami warnings were issued for it.

Friday 3/05

4:33pm, received request to tow commercial fishing vessel back to their slip because they lost their steering. Officers responded in Fireboat 1 to assist.

Saturday 3/06

8:00am, officers assisting State Parks with lifeguard tryout near San Pedro Ln in Pierpont. Officers responded in Fireboat 1 to assist with swim test.

8am-5pm, Oxnard College Lifeguard Academy utilizing the Port District facilities for lifeguard candidates to learn deckhand skills and special rescues.

3:46pm, received report of a personal watercraft operating more than 5mph in the inner harbor. Officers responding in Rescue B-17, found the perpetrators and conducted safety inspection and issued educational warnings for violation.

Sunday 3/07

8am-5pm, Oxnard College Lifeguard Academy using Port District for training.

11:30pm, while on patrol, officers observed an individual sleeping in their vehicle near 1902 Spinnaker Dr. The individual was advised of the no camping ordinance and moved along after given options of areas where they could park.

Monday 3/08

3:35pm, dispatched to unknown problem at 1414 Angler Court. Officers responded and assisted VFD/VPD with a male who fell off his sailboat while working on it in the storage yard. Patient was treated and transported.
Tuesday 3/09 11:55am, rain beginning to fall, while observing the weather, officers observed the steel dredge pipe adrift in the Pierpont Basin where it was previously anchored. Contacted Manson construction and some crew from the H.R. Morris were able to launch a small vessel and secure the pipe to an anchor.

Thursday 3/11

12:22pm, maintenance dredging of Ventura Harbor completed. Manson dredge H.R. Morris being towed to Long Beach. Officers conducting traffic control in Rescue Boat 17. The rest of the pipes and other equipment will follow.

Saturday 3/13

7:00am, Oxnard College Lifeguard Academy utilizing Port District for training.

10:05am, received report of a sick/injured sealion near the Portside Marina. Officers investigated but were unable to locate the mammal reported. Gave RP CIMWI (Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute) contact info for the future.

2:45pm, received report and observed a large group (200+) of juveniles on BMX-type bikes inundating Marina Park. Observed the group leaving, headed out in vehicle to monitor movement. The group headed North on Pierpont Blvd.

Sunday 3/14

2:22pm, dispatched to an Ocean Rescue at the Ventura Pier, person hanging from the pier. Officers responded in the Fireboat and were cancelled en route, First Responders on scene were able to pull the victim back onto the pier.

Monday 3/15

10:38am, US coast guard helicopter cancelling training operations due to winds gusting to 35kts and Rescue B-17 unable to stay on station.

3:11pm, observed Gale warning issued by NWS, raised pennants at Port Dist.

Tuesday 3/16

3:01am, dispatched to a cardiac arrest in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with AMR/VFD, unfortunately unable to resuscitate victim.

 

 

Vol. 14, No. 13 – Mar 24 – April 6, 2021 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On March 9, at approximately 7:00 pm, a Ventura Police patrol officer saw a reported stolen vehicle driving in the area of Mills Rd and Main St. The officer initiated an enforcement stop on the vehicle and the driver, 23 year old Ventura resident Audrey Githens, was arrested for grand theft of a vehicle, as well as an outstanding warrant.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Githens has prior arrests for disturbing the peace, being under the inf luence of a controlled substance, prowling, and battery.

Narcotics Arrest

On March 5, at approximately 5:00 pm, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU Narcotics unit conducted a search warrant at the above address due to an investigation into narcotics sales.

Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as David Moreno. During the execution of the search warrant and the subsequent investigation, detectives recovered narcotics, evidence of narcotics sales, and a loaded firearm inside Moreno’s residence.

As a result of the investigation, David Moreno was arrested for a felon in possession of a firearm, ammunition, and possession of methamphetamines, Nathan Scheibelhut was arrested for transportation and possession of methamphetamines for sales.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court’s shows that David Moreno has prior arrests for robbery, narcotics sales, and street terrorism. Nathan Scheibelhut was prior arrests for vehicle theft, possession of narcotics for sales, and under the influence of a controlled substance.

Vehicle Pursuit / DUI Arrest

On March 14, at approximately 8:15 pm, the Ventura Police Communications Center received a citizens report of a possible DUI driver in the area of Harbor Blvd and Seaward Ave. The reporting party said the driver of the vehicle was veering out of his lane and almost struck several other vehicles on the roadway as he crossed the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic.

Ventura Police Patrol Officers located the vehicle driving in the area of Main St. and Donlon St. and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield and continued to drive onto the 101 freeway Southbound from Main St. Officers pursued the vehicle at speeds up to 60 mph until it exited the freeway at Victoria Ave. The vehicle stopped in the area of Sperry Ave. South of Valentine Rd., where the driver was taken into custody without further incident.

During a subsequent investigation, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle, 32 year old Oxnard resident Saul Avalos, was driving under the influence of alcohol. Avalos was arrested for Misdemeanor evading, driving under the influence and driving under the influence with a BAC of .08% or more.

Artlife Foundation

Carol Vogl’s 6” x 9” submissions that reveal the character and quality of work folks are sending in.

The pandemic has curtailed our “live” interactions, and we hope to get to some in person events soon. But be assured the Foundation is alive and well and has a current ongoing project we want to tell you about.

We are receiving submissions for our Post-Pandemic Mail ART project on a daily basis. So far, we have over 60 pieces of art from the USA and from Spain, Turkey, Romania, Basil, Japan, Germany, Italy, Macedonia, Poland, Uruguay, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, and several pieces from University of the Arts, Berlin, Germany.

The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2021. You may want to submit a piece, with information about how to do so available at our current website http://joecardellalegacy.blogspot.com.

The plan is to copy all entries, which are limited to 6” x 9” originals, and place originals on placards for display in various store fronts in downtown Ventura. And then have an exhibit of all of them in some gallery space.

Finally, we received a note from a Romanian artist Stefan Balog who praises Joe Cardella for his mail art endeavors, a tradition we are keeping alive: “Hello again. We are involved for many years in the mail art movement, and we organized till now 26 international mail art shows. I as an artist love mail art. Mr. Cardella is a legend in this field. I am looking forward for future cooperation. Sincerely, Stefan Balog, Alba, Romania.”

The Artlife Foundation Inc. Board is Bob Chianese President, Nello Panelli, Curtis Cormane, Jonell McLain, Jone Pence, Jeanne LaRocco, Pete Ippel.

Vol. 14, No. 13 – Mar 24 – April 6, 2021 – Opinion/Editorial

∙Wonderful that new county regulations are allowing most businesses to open and allow inside dining and other activities. There are still some restrictions, but things are getting somewhat back to normal. Schools will be opening also.

Ventura County is on its way to recording one of the driest rainy seasons on record.

Rainfall totals have reached less than one-third of normal for this time of year.

A few was supposed to be storms but never happened.

Average rainfall in April totals around an inch to an inch and a half for most areas. Much of Ventura County would need 8 or more inches just to get close to normal for this time of year.

In Ventura, normal would be about 12”, and we have had 3.3”.

∙Ventura County reported Wednesday that it had administered 281,751 COVID-19 vaccine doses: 195,297 first doses and 86,454 second doses. More information about who’s eligible and how to make an appointment can be found on the county’s website.

Vaccines have eradicated most common diseases. Hopefully, they will eliminate COVID but only if enough people get vaccinated. 49% of Republican males say they will not be vaccinated, even though Trump was vaccinated in the White House but didn’t let people know. Leadership at its finest.

Some say it is their right not to get vaccinated, that is true and okay if they live on an island by themselves, but they are jeopardizing the lives of others.

These are the percentages of diseases eliminated by vaccines.

Measles 99%

Pertussis (whooping cough) 92%

Mumps 98%

Rubella 99%

Smallpox 100%

Diphtheria 99%

Polio 100%

∙ The US Food and Drug Administration warns of investigation of acute non-viral hepatitis illness linked to “Real Water” brand alkaline water. Do not drink, cook, sell or serve “Real Water.”

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a number of reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in the state of Nevada.

The consumption of “Real Water” brand alkaline water is the only common link identified among all of these cases to date. This brand of alkaline water is owned by Real Water Inc., headquartered in Mesa, Arizona.

Although the investigation is ongoing, epidemiologic information currently indicates that this alkaline water product may be the cause of the illnesses.

“Ventura County is one of those few places in the nation where this product is sold. Please do not use any more of this product if you have any,” said Doctor Robert Levin, Public Health Officer. “See a physician if you begin to develop any of the symptoms of hepatitis, the most typical of which are dark urine, light colored stool and yellow eyes.”

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not drink, cook with, sell, or serve “Real Water” alkaline water, until more information is known about the cause of the illnesses. These products include but are not limited to 5-gallon containers (sold through home delivery/subscription), bottles (sold on-line and in stores), and the “Real Water” concentrate (sold on-line).

∙Guns in the news

A 21-year-old white man went on a shooting spree at several Georgia spas, killing eight people, including six Asian women.

Capt. Jay Baker, a spokesperson for the Cherokee County sheriff’s office, said, during a press conference about the murders about murderer, Robert Aaron Long: “Yesterday was a really bad day for him, and this is what he did.” When I have a really bad day, I have a glass of wine. Amazing thing to say.

Since March 19, 2020, there has been 3,800 reported hate incidents against Asian Americans. This is just a small percentage as most hate crimes go unreported. Recently this is becoming a daily event.

A worker shot and killed two colleagues at a supermarket distribution center near Milwaukee before crashing his vehicle during a police pursuit and then killing himself.

A 21-year-old woman was killed, and eight people were wounded following a shooting early Saturday at a Dallas nightclub, police said.

Officers responded to an active shooter call around 1:30 a.m. at the Pryme nightclub after a “disturbance” between two groups of people according to the Dallas Police Department.

∙The House passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, a measure that would require universal background checks on all commercial gun sales, part of a new push for gun control after Democrats won control of the Senate.

Some Republicans strongly objected to the expanded checks, one saying they’re “meant to turn law-abiding citizens into criminals.” Despite their criticism, eight Republicans backed the bill, which passed 227-203. Citizens are law abiding until they commit a crime or kill someone.

∙For the fourth year in a row, Finland has come out on top in the annual list for the most happy country. Iceland, Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands followed in second, third, fourth and fifth position. The United States moved up from 18th to 14th place. But never near the top.

∙Some Democrats, and Republicans, want New York Governor Cuomo to resign or to be impeached for inappropriate actions toward women. How ironic that Republicans are calling for his impeachment while they have never felt the same toward Trump who bribed several prostitutes (oops, I mean porn stars who get paid for having sex with men) and has bragged that he could have sex (while married) with any woman that he wants. He makes Cuomo look like a saint. Scum1 and scum2 (sounds like a Dr. Suess title).

∙Former President George W. Bush said the January 6 Capitol riot made him “sick to my stomach” and that he continues to be “disturbed” by it. “I can’t remember what I was doing, but

I was sick to my stomach … to see our nation’s Capitol being stormed by hostile forces,” Bush said in an interview with The Texas Tribune. Bush said the siege “undermines rule of law and the ability to express yourself in peaceful ways in the public square.” “This was an expression that was not peaceful,” he added. “I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement,” he said. “The violent assault on the Capitol and disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting of Congress was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.”

∙A Hamas Islamic court in the Gaza Strip has ruled that women are required to have permission from a male in order to travel outside of the territory. Further restricting the rights of women and their movement and lives.

 

Camarillo Quilter’s Association welcomes quilt artist, Mathew Boudreaux

Camarillo Quilter’s Association welcomes quilt artist, Mathew Boudreaux, on Tuesday, April 13 at the monthly Zoom meeting at 9:30 AM and quilt workshop on April 14.  He will speak about the traditional Lone Star quilt pattern, and how to make it lively, colorful, and contemporary.  Those interested in joining the zoom session at no cost should contact CQA at [email protected].  

Endurance exercises for older adults

You’re never too old to learn new exercises.

Endurance activities, often referred to as aerobic, increase your breathing and heart rates. These activities help keep you healthy, improve your fitness, and help you perform the tasks you need to do every day. Endurance exercises improve the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. They also can delay or prevent many diseases that are common in older adults such as diabetes, colon and breast cancers, heart disease, and others. Physical activities that build endurance include:

  • Brisk walking or jogging
  • Yard work (mowing, raking)
  • Dancing
  • Swimming
  • Biking
  • Climbing stairs or hills
  • Playing tennis or basketball

Increase your endurance or “staying power” to help keep up with your grandchildren during a trip to the park, dance to your favorite songs at a family wedding, and rake the yard and bag up leaves. Build up to at least 150 minutes of activity a week that makes you breathe hard. Try to be active throughout your day to reach this goal and avoid sitting for long periods of time.

Do a little light activity, such as easy walking, before and after your endurance activities to warm up and cool down.

Listen to your body: endurance activities should not cause dizziness, chest pain or pressure, or a feeling like heartburn.

Be sure to drink liquids when doing any activity that makes you sweat. If your doctor has told you to limit your fluids, be sure to check before increasing the amount of fluid you drink while exercising.

If you are going to be exercising outdoors, be aware of your surroundings.

Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothes as needed for hot and cold weather.

To prevent injuries, use safety equipment, such as a helmet when bicycling.

Your muscular strength can make a big difference. Strong muscles help you stay independent and make everyday activities feel easier, like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, and carrying groceries. Keeping your muscles strong can help with your balance and prevent falls and fall-related injuries. You are less likely to fall when your leg and hip muscles are strong. Some people call using weight to improve your muscle strength “strength training” or “resistance training.”

Some people choose to use weights to help improve their strength. If you do, start by using light weights at first, then gradually add more. Other people use resistance bands, stretchy elastic bands that come in varying strengths. If you are a beginner, try exercising without the band or use a light band until you are comfortable. Add a band or move on to a stronger band (or more weight) when you can do two sets of 10 to 15 repetitions easily. Try to do strength exercises for all of your major muscle groups at least 2 days per week, but don’t exercise the same muscle group on any 2 days in a row.

Always remember to breathe normally while holding a stretch.

Talk with your doctor if you are unsure about a particular exercise.

For More Information About Exercise and Physical Activity

American Council on Exercise
888-825-3636 (toll-free)
[email protected]
www.acefitness.org

American Physical Therapy Association
800-999-2782 (toll-free)

Vol. 14, No. 13 – Mar 24 – April 6, 2021 – The Pet Page

∙SPAN Thrift Store is open to the public and looking for donations of adult clothing, household items and tools if you’ve got items you no longer use.

SPAN Thrift Store regularly provides $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Three upcoming clinics in April are: Tuesday, April 13th at the Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036, a second one on Tuesday, April 20th at Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015 and a third one on Tuesday, April 27th at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main).

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙ Bravo Packing is expanding its March 4, 2021 recall of pet food products for possible Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No human or animal illnesses related to the consumption of these products have been reported to the company to date.

The recall now includes all Bravo Packing pet food and bones in all package sizes. During an FDA inspection, samples collected tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The recall is being expanded due to potential cross-contamination.

The recalled products include Performance Dog chub frozen raw dog food in 2 pound size; Performances Dog chub frozen raw dog food in 5 pound size; “Green Tripe” cub – ground bovine stomach frozen raw dog food in 2 pound packages, and “Green Tripe” chub-ground bovine stomach frozen raw dog food in 5 pound packages.

Also recalled is “Beef” chub – ground frozen raw dog food in 2 pound packages and “Beef” chub – ground frozen raw dog food in 5 pound packages. “Performance Dog” patties frozen raw dog food in unknown sizes is recalled, as is “Tripe” in 1/4 pound patties frozen raw dog food in unknown sizes. Finally, smoked Bones, in 14 varieties, of unknown package sizes, is recalled.

Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can cause illness in pets and in people. Pets can eat this food, get sick, and spread the pathogens in their feces, which can contaminate their fur and environment. Pets who are sick may be lethargic, have diarrhea that may be bloody, fever, and vomiting. If your pet has been ill, see your veterinarian.

If you have any of these products in your home freezer, do not feed them to your pet. You can throw them away after first double bagging them. Put them into a secure garbage can with a tight fitting lid so other animals can’t access them. ou can also take them back to the store where you bought them for a full refund.

∙The Bidens’ 3-year-old German shepherd Major “nipped” a Secret Service agent’s hand.

“No skin was broken,” said the official, who described the injury as “extremely minor.”

The White House medical unit handled the incident, press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters, adding that “no further treatment was needed.”

∙The French Bulldog, once again, claimed Los Angeles’ top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2020 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The French Bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in West Palm Beach, FL and San Francisco.

Pomeranians have gained a bit of popularity moving from a 10th spot ranking to 9th, signifying the only real change in Los Angeles’ 2020 list.

“No wonder I’m LA’s favorite dog I’m sooo cute.”

“The French Bulldog continues to be a top favorite for people of Los Angeles for a third year in a row,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. “This breed’s playful, alert and smart temperament make it a popular choice for both current and potential dog owners.”

Los Angeles’ top 5 breeds for 2020:

1. French Bulldog

2. Bulldog

3. Labrador Retriever

4. German Shepherd Dog

5. Golden Retriever

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings at the AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC.

The Labrador Retriever celebrates a milestone! The loveable Lab remains the number one most popular breed in the United States for the 30th year.

While the Lab holds firmly to the top spot, the French Bulldog has continued to skyrocket in popularity. The Frenchie landed at number two in 2020, knocking the German Shepherd Dog down to third. The German Shepherd Dog had been the second most popular dog breed since 2009.

Most Popular Breeds Nationwide 2020

1. Labrador Retriever

2. French Bulldog

3. German Shepherd Dog

4. Golden Retriever

5. Bulldog

∙Get ready for what El Paso Animal Services is calling “Straylight Savings,” a play on daylight savings time. Animal Services is asking you to take time to check if your pet’s microchip is up to date.

While the fire department reminds residents to check the batteries in your smoke detector when daylight savings starts and ends, Animal Services said it’s also a great reminder to check the contact information on your pet’s microchip.

El Paso Animal Services said microchips are so important in making sure that your pet gets back home to you in case they ever get lost, but only if the contact information attached to the chip is current and registered.

You can update your pet’s microchip information by contacting the microchip manufacturer directly and ensure they have your current address and contact number. You can also register your pet’s microchip for free on the foundanimals.org database as an extra layer of protection.

El Paso Animals Services reminds residents that if your pet does not have a microchip, microchipping is usually only about $20 at most veterinary clinics.

The nonprofit is also hosting free microchip clinics throughout the year through the Resource Rover program.

For more information on Animal Services’ next Resource Rover Pop-Up Microchip Clinic will be held, be sure to follow them on social media by searching for “El Paso Animal Services.”

∙From King Features: Are High Rehoming Fees Legitimate?

In a private Facebook group I belong to, someone is offering a pet for adoption, saying it belonged to their recently deceased mother-in-law. They want a $650 fee for “rehoming” the pet, because they say it has AKC registration. Is this a legitimate fee? It seems awfully steep. — James in Burlington, Vermont

James: Rehoming fees are a fact of life for private pet placements, but $650 to simply adopt a pet is unreasonably steep.

That isn’t to say that rehoming fees are a bad thing. A reasonable rehoming fee can prevent a pet from being adopted by people with bad intentions, who can’t financially care for a pet, or who are impulsively adopting a cute little dog that they might abandon at the first hiccup in behavior.

The flip side is someone abusing the rehoming fee for personal profit. That person may claim that the fee offsets their costs of caring for the pet, but when the rehoming fee far outstrips the cost of adopting from a shelter, it’s time to proceed with caution.

“ I need to take a break while delivering the Ventura Breeze. It’s hard work for a little dog. I need a raise” Glenda

Find out what the local shelter charges to adopt a pet and ask online what average rehoming fees are for your area. If you’re interested in the dog, contact the offerer and find out as many details as possible about its breed, temperament, health and the environment it lives in. Do not send any money beforehand. You need to meet both them and the dog in person, and no money should change hands until both sides agree (in writing, ideally) to the rehoming.

Further, if they are truly concerned for the dog’s welfare, they will have questions for you — maybe even an application — to make sure you are genuinely adopting the dog and will be a good owner.