Museum Celebrates New Exhibition Openings

Maria Adela Diaz. Image by Sheldon Brown

The Exhibition Opening event on June 8 was a celebratory evening unveiling the Museum of Ventura County’s two new exhibitions: Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection and InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch! These unique and innovative art exhibitions showcase the past, present, and future of art in Ventura County.

Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection celebrates the extraordinary artistic legacy of seven artists who have significantly shaped Ventura County’s art history and achieved international acclaim. This showcase displays the dynamic range of talent within our county, from Jessie Arms Botke’s turn-of-the-century paintings that synthesize various artistic influences, to Omar D’León’s vibrant cross-hatching techniques, to Hiroko Yoshimoto’s intimate connection with nature, to the innovative ceramic glazing techniques of Beatrice Wood and Vivika, Otto Heino and Cheryl Ann Thomas (runs through Jan. 5, 2025).

Artist Jasmine Delgado. Image by Sheldon Brown

Artists included in the exhibition: Jessie Arms Botke / Omar D’León / Otto Heino / Vivika Heino /Cheryl Ann Thomas / Beatrice Wood / Hiroko Yoshimoto.

InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch

Celebrates the innovation and the artistic spirit of Ventura County. This interactive exhibition highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal views on current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County. Embracing core values of inclusivity, boldness, empathy, and integrity, this is more than an art exhibition; it is a reflection of Ventura County, a community with vigor and creativity. Featuring the works of nine artists, it serves as a testament to the museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic practices and artists who are innovating in their respective fields (runs through May 11, 2025).

For more information, visit venturamuseum.org

Artist Clark Song. Image by Sheldon Brown

Vol. 17, No. 20 – June 26 – July 9, 2024 – The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Time for another large book sale – Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Vons grocery at Telegraph and Victoria, Ventura. Saturday, July 13, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s books, Puzzles DVDs and CDs $1.00 each; Books on CD $1.50-$2.00 each We have a nice collection of well cared for CDs: Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, John Hiatt, Joni Hendrix, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Van Morrison, to name a few. All proceeds benefit Ventura libraries.

Summer Reading Program: Read, Renew, Repeat is well underway at Ventura County Library. Kids, teens and adults can register at vencolibrary.beanstack.org and record their reading for opportunities to win prizes for reaching reading goals. Youth may visit their local branch to choose a free new book to add to their personal collection when signing up, with additional prizes for completing 500 minutes and 1000 minutes of reading.

Science Heroes reveal secrets of chemical reactions, the transfer of energy, physical explosions, and more, in the course of an “Adventure of the Lost Treasure”. Experiment with adventure! Help act out a story about a lost treasure deep within the jungle.

Avenue Library: Wednesday, June 26, 3 to 4 pm
Hill Road Library: Thursday, June 27, 3 to 4 pm

Learn all about bees with Ventura Bee Rescue:

Avenue Library: Monday, July 1, 1:00 pm
Saticoy Library: Monday, July 1, 4:00 pm
E.P. Foster Library: Thursday, July 11, 11:00 am
Hill Road Library: Thursday, July 11, 3:00 pm

Christoper T. Magician performs magical feats inspired by and based upon popular children’s books, bringing each book to life with wacky, interactive, and hysterical magic.

E.P. Foster Library: Tuesday, July 9, 11:00 am
Saticoy Library: Tuesday, July 9, 3:00 pm
Avenue Library: Monday, July 15, 3:00 pm
Hill Road Library: Friday, August 2, 10:30 am

Innovations Lab at E.P. Foster Library. Tuesdays, 2 to 3:30 pm. Unleash your imagination in a world of hands-on exploration, where science, technology, engineering, art, and math collide to spark innovation and creativity. Each week offers an exciting opportunity to learn, discover and invent.

Little Lab at Hill Road Library. Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 am. Children, ages 3 to 7, side-by-side with caregivers as co-learners, explore and experiment with sensory play, process art, and constructive play outdoors on the patio.

Book Clubs in July

Girls Who Code Book Club at Hill Road Library Tuesday, July 9, 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Pick up your copy of Girls Who Code #2 Team BFF: Race To The Finish at the Hill Road Library Service Desk. After the book discussion, make binary bracelets!

The Graphic Novel Guild, recommended for 3rd – 6th graders, explores exciting stories with amazing artwork and a creative activity related to the story. Space is limited. Sign up at the 2nd floor desk and pick up a copy of the selected book. E.P. Foster Library July 23: INK GIRLS and August 27: NEW KID @ 4 – 5 pm

Hill Road Library Book Club: Tuesday, July 30, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin –Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selection.

For questions about what’s happening at any of the library branches, call (805) 626-READ.

Vol. 17, No. 20 – June 26 – July 9, 2024 – Mailbox

CELEBRATIONS AND SAFETY

Americans sport the red, white and blue in summer at parks, beaches, and ball games. Keep festivities fun and safe.

Notice the increase of DUI arrests in the last two years of the Fourth of July weekend: for 2022, the California Highway Patrol made 998 DUI arrests on the Fourth of July weekend. In 2023, ABC10 News in Sacramento reported 1,224 DUI arrests were made in California that weekend.
I am puzzled with the stats. Why can’t drinkers learn to remain sober if driving? A drunken driver hit me when I was 16 in 1992. After 30-plus years I can walk okay, but my hearing is damaged, and I have a deep tone to my voice. My life changed personally, physically, and socially.

Taking Ventura Freeway to and from a gathering? Think before you drink. People will drink, but it is illegal if you drive drunk. Don’t take chances: have a sober driver transport you if you had one too many. Save lives and your reputation: Don’t drive drunk.

Lori Martin
Tracy, California

Blue Whales and Dolphins Thrill Guests on Island Packers’ Summer Whale Watching Tour

Image by Bob Forbes

by Janie Tran

With warmer weather and the sun finally shining, it’s the perfect time for a summer whale-watching expedition. Island Packers’ Summer Whale Watching season spans from June through September, coinciding with ocean upwelling that brings abundant plankton for these majestic creatures.

On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, our whale-watching adventure included encounters with California sea lions, sunfish, and at least four blue whales. One particularly striking whale could easily be mistaken for Uno, a well-known whale identifiable by its missing half tail. Unlike Uno, which lacks the right side of its tail, the whale we saw had the left half missing. In good humor, the crew suggested naming this second whale “Duo,” continuing the theme of tail variations. Blue whales in the Channel Islands channels displayed their flukes approximately every six minutes before diving into the depths.

Our experience was enriched by sightings of two types of dolphins: over 500 common dolphins and more than 50 offshore bottlenose dolphins, both year-round residents of the Santa Barbara Channels. For daily updates on these magnificent creatures, visit www.islandpackers.com.

Leading our excursion were Holly Lohuis, a marine biologist, conservationist, and educator with over 30 years of experience, alongside crew member Tina Samson and Captain Jason Wendel. Lohuis is renowned for her passionate advocacy for ocean conservation and emphasized the emotional connection to nature felt by guests and children on these outings, inspiring future conservation efforts.

Education and conservation are paramount. It’s awe-inspiring to be guided by these beautiful creatures to the Channel Islands, and Island Packers provides an ideal opportunity to witness these majestic animals in our own backyard. This area of sightings is recognized as the 9th whale heritage area in the world under WCA and the first wildlife area as the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.

Camilla Zoida, an Oxnard resident, summed up her experience in three words: “Magical. Breathtakingly magical.” Lori Jacques, a Ventura resident, believes “Everyone should experience what’s right in their backyard and enjoy nature aboard Island Packers. It’s so good for the soul.”

Vol. 17, No. 20 – June 26 – July 9, 2024 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednesday 6/12	1:45pm, dispatched to a boat fire in the Ventura Boatyard. Officers responded in the Fireboat, fortunately it was a false alarm, cancelled en route. 6:28pm, dispatched to a fall victim in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD / AMR to assist the patient with treatment & assessment. 9:23pm, dispatched to a possible pier jumper at Ventura Pier. Officers responded in Fireboat but the subject was apprehended by police at end of pier.
Thursday 6/13	10:00am, Ventura City and Ventura County firefighters utilizing Ventura Port District facilities for Water Rescue watercraft training. Officers participating. 4:15pm, received report of a dog locked in a vehicle at launch ramp. Officers responded, found the vehicle, the dog was inside but the owner was also inside. 5:09pm, dispatched to Ocean Rescue, surfer in distress at South Jetty. Officers responded in Fireboat to assist State Parks. Patient was safely brought to shore. 7:13pm, received a call from a disabled electric boat in the keys by big beach. Officers responding in Fireboat to assist. Towed vessel to their dock in the keys.
Friday 6/14	6:15am, observed NWS issued a Small Craft Advisory, raised warning pennant. 12:35pm, received report of a child locked in a vehicle in the village. Officers responded and found Ventura PD on scene, they were handling the call.
Saturday 6/15	6:15am, observed NWS issued Gale Warning, raised warning pennants. 6:42am, received request for water quality results. Looked up testing on Ventura County website. Only Rincon and La Conchita tested below threshold. 9:30am, while on patrol in Rescue Boat 19, observed individuals bowriding on a small vessel in the South Basin of Harbor, issued warning to the skipper. 1:15pm, received report of a dog locked in a vehicle in the village. Officers investigated, found the vehicle with windows down and dog not in distress.
Sunday 6/16	6:19am, observed weather service issued a Gale Warning, raised pennants. 10:35am, dispatched to a water rescue at the South Jetty, 4 swimmers caught in a rip current. Officers responded in Fireboat and Rescue Watercraft to assist victims. The RWC was able to pull three of the victims onto the ski and sled and transport them safely to the beach. 4^th victim climbed out of the water onto the jetty. VFD / State Parks, were able to assess patients on the beach. 7:13pm, received report of a fuel sheen near VWM B-dock. Officers responded in Rescue Boat19 to investigate. Upon arriving on scene, a rainbow sheen was found in the area report, it was breaking up, unretrievable. No source found.
Monday 6/17	6:20am, once again, NWS issued Gale warning for NW winds gusting to 35kts in the Western Portion of the Santa Barbara Channel. Pennants raised. 7:45pm, dispatched to an Ocean Rescue, surfer in distress in front of State Parks HQ. Officers responded in Fireboat to assist, victim made it to shore safely.
Tuesday 6/18	6:05am, finally, NWS took down Wind Advisories for calmer conditions. 5:30pm, while on patrol, observed a broken water pipe near the entrance to the Port District parking lot. Officers were able to find the turn off valve, closing it.

Vol. 17, No. 20 – June 26 – July 9, 2024 – As I See It

• The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education voted to ban smartphones for its 429,000 students in an attempt to insulate kids from distractions and social media that undermine learning and hurt mental health. The board voted 5-2, approving a resolution to develop within 120 days a policy prohibiting student use of both items. The policy would be in place by January 2025.

I think this is wonderful. If parents need to reach their kids at school, they can call the office (like the good old days). Now we need to get parents to hold off on giving kids cell phones until at least middle school and permanently ban them from use while the family is eating.

Recently I saw a family of 4 eating at a restaurant and all 4 (parents and 2 teenagers) were using their phones. I wanted to scream.

•Donald Trump is taking aim at business leaders, saying they should be fired if they don’t support him.

In two long Truth Social posts quoting a Wall Street Journal article, Trump said “Business Executives and Shareholder Representatives should be 100% behind Donald Trump! Anybody that’s not should be fired for incompetence!”

We don’t need a president who gets elected by blackmail.

•I was excited when I read this, but it was a little misleading. “The Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit challenging the Food and Drug Administration’s approach to regulating the abortion pill mifepristone with a ruling that will continue to allow the pills to be mailed to patients without an in-person doctor’s visit.”

They did not rule on the matter at all just refused to hear the case on a technical issue. The court ruled that the doctors and anti-abortion groups that had challenged access to the drug did not have the standing to sue.

•The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has given Ventura $30 million to support the city’s planned water recycling program. The grant is for the VenturaWaterPure project that will ultimately treat wastewater to drinking water and reduce discharges of effluent into the Santa Clara River.

The project is expected to deliver up to 20% of the city’s annual water demand when fully operational.

The VenturaWaterPure program has already received some federal funding. The Reclamation Bureau previously provided $18 million, and the Environmental Protection Agency last year provided nearly $174 million of low interest loans.

Overall cost estimates for the project just keep getting higher and higher. In November, city officials estimated the price had risen at least $182 million more than previously budgeted. The figure increased from $374.4 million to $556.9 million.

Inflation, bids and project design costs all went up, officials said. Shouldn’t that have been factored in the original projected costs? This is how government agencies get a project started. When half completed, they run out of money and, of course, need more to complete the project.

The project has been very disruptive to many of our streets and continues to be. I certainly hope the final results will be worth at least $556.9 million. To learn more, you can visit VenturaWaterPure.net.

Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.
~ Plato

Chamber celebrates Stych’s Grand Opening.

Images by Janie Tran

Business Profile – Stych Inc.

Jim Stych, a seasoned professional haberdasher, has been designing wardrobes and providing custom-made clothing to a prestigious clientele, including stars, dignitaries, Olympic gold medalists, and professional athletes. Jim’s expertise is highly regarded by his valued in-store clients.

Jim’s career as a custom clothier began in 1990. Since 2013, he has also served as an executive protection consultant and dresser, merging style with functionality.

He started by helping business professionals dress for success, notably assisting Merrill Lynch, TransAmerica Insurance salespersons, and Keller Williams agents and brokers. Jim’s advice helped these clients make strong first impressions, conveying professionalism, class, and success. He soon expanded his services to sports figures, guiding them to project confidence and professionalism during and after their careers.

Jim’s entry into executive protection began as an image consultant for the bodyguard of hip-hop artist Logic. This success bolstered his reputation, leading to roles teaching at prestigious training academies like Covered 6 and Pacific West Academy. Here, he instructed students on how to dress to achieve their career goals.

In the executive protection field, appropriate attire can be crucial. Jim developed three generations of executive protection clothing, vetted and endorsed by professionals in defense, security, and entertainment. Some of his G1 generation attire was worn by stuntmen in “Mission Impossible: Fallout,” earning the slogan “Stuntman-Tested and Hollywood-Approved.” These endorsements attracted more clients, leading to the current G3 Stealth attire. This third-generation clothing looks civilian while providing law enforcement and security officers with the flexibility and safety needed for their demanding roles.

Stych Inc. & NMBL Vault Collection proudly offer over a century of combined experience from a team of haberdashers, tailors, and image consultants. Their expertise ensures each patron receives the best in personalized custom-tailored attire, whether for business, formal wear, or dress casual outfits. Stych excels in craftsmanship and attention to detail, guaranteeing a perfect fit and allowing clients to dress for success on any occasion.

Stych Inc. suits are meticulously crafted from high-quality fabrics and construction techniques. Every custom suit involves time and collaboration, ensuring customer satisfaction. Stych Inc. offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, reflecting their commitment to excellence.

X Games Ventura: a ‘Festival Experience’ for All Ages

A spectacular Ventura sunset from last year’s X Games. Photo courtesy of Visit Ventura.

The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated X Games Ventura, set for June 28-30 at the Ventura Fairgrounds. After last year’s hugely popular event, the summer games are returning to Ventura, where some of the world’s top extreme athletes will compete against the stunning coastal backdrop. “Southern California is the birthplace of action sports and a culture that is now global,” said long-time host and recently appointed X Games Chief of Sports Culture Selema Masekela. “Last year was legendary, so we are excited to return to Ventura and turn things up a notch.”

Last year’s event drew an estimated 52,000 attendees. This year, the City of Ventura, Visit Ventura, and local partners are collaborating to ensure sustainable travel options, ease traffic impacts, and foster community involvement throughout downtown. “To say we’re stoked is an understatement,” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura. “We’re still beaming with hometown pride with what took place in our Ventura last year. We’re excited to make this summer even better… We’re ready to see athletes break more records and do it all by the beach with our coastline as the perfect backdrop. We’re stoked — let’s do this!”

In an announcement on the official X Games Ventura website, organizers promise this year’s event will be bigger and better than last year, with a larger footprint and improved viewing options, new medaled events and greater experiences, “We’re stoked to be bringing a full-fledged festival experience to X Games Ventura 2024 presented by SONIC, featuring special musical guest appearances, art installations, cultural activations, immersive brand experiences, and of course all the action sports.”

Tony Hawk, a pioneer of vertical skateboarding and one of the most famous figures in the sport’s history, is a 10-time X Games gold medalist and telecast host. When asked about the significance of the summer event, Hawk said, “X Games is a breeding ground for milestones in our sports. It’s where the best in the world consistently go for their biggest, their best, and their firsts. This summer will be huge for action sports, but X Games is where the athletes choose to showcase their most innovative tricks and progressive runs. Ventura will witness history in the making.”

Single day tickets start at $61. Children under five are free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Locals enjoy a 15% discount using this code: XGV24LOCAL. The discount applies to general admission, superfan, bleacher, VIP, Owner’s Club, and Club ’95 tickets. Go to www.VisitVentura.com or www.XGgames.com for more information and purchase tickets.

Women’s BMX Park Medaled Event
X Games organizers have doubled down on their commitment to the progression of women’s sports, with the debut of Women’s BMX Park in Ventura as a medaled event. Athletes participating in the event will include several Olympians, including Team USA’s Hannah Roberts who earned silver at Tokyo 2020. “I’ve always dreamed of competing in X Games and it was never a possibility until this year,” said Roberts. “ Women and girls are bringing so much progression, creativity and energy into action sports across the board and it is exciting to see X Games continue to grow these sports for the next generation.”

Women’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick will also make its debut this year, giving 11-year old Reese Nelson another opportunity to showcase her extensive skills. Nelson competed in the Women’s Skateboard Vert at X Games California 2023 at just 10 years, 8 months old, making her the youngest female competitor and second-youngest competitor in X Games history. Known for incredibly technical liptricks, including some never-been-done tricks, organizers believe there’s a strong possibility that she’ll bring something attendees have never seen before.

X Games Ventura 2024 Events Schedule

X Games Day 1, June 28

10:00 AM – Women’s Skateboard Park Elimination
11:15 AM – Women’s Skateboard Street Elimination
12:45 PM – Men’s Skateboard Park Elimination
2:15 PM – Men’s Skateboard Street Elimination
3:30 PM – Women’s BMX Park Final
4:45 PM – BMX Dirt Elimination
6:00 PM – Men’s Skateboard Vert Final
7:00 PM – Men’s BMX Street Final
8:10 PM – Moto X Best Whip
8:30 PM – Music Festival Day 1

X Games Day 2, June 29

10:45 AM – Women’s Skateboard Street Final
12:00 PM – Men’s Skateboard Park Final
1:15 PM – Men’s Skateboard Street Best Trick
2:00 PM – BMX Dirt Final
3:15 PM – Women’s Skateboard Street Best Trick
4:00 PM – Women’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick
5:00 PM – Men’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick
5:45 PM – Men’s BMX Park Final
7:15 PM – Moto X Best Trick
8:30 PM – Music Festival Day 2

X Games Day 3, June 30

10:00 AM – Women’s Skateboard Park Final
11:30 AM – Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick
12:00 PM – Men’s Skateboard Street Final
1:15 PM – Women’s Skateboard Vert Final
2:15 PM – Moto X QuarterPipe High Air
3:15 PM – BMX Dirt Best Trick
8:30 PM – Music Festival Day 3

X Games Ventura Music Schedule
X Games Ventura features three-days of live music. Friday kicks off with multi-platinum selling recording artist Wiz Khalifa, AG Club and Oxymorrons. Saturday features Grammy-nominated Kaskade, Devault, Mija and Emo Nite. Sunday closes out the weekend with Fever 333, Blame My Youth and Metalachi. All music is included in the price of admission, see below for a tentative schedule of appearances by day.

Friday, June 28
Oxymorrons – 4:15 – 4:45 PM
AG Club – 8:30 – 8:55 PM
Wiz Khalifa – 9:15 – 9:45 PM

Saturday, June 29
Emo Nite – 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Mija – 4:30 – 5:00 PM
DEVAULT – 8:15 – 8:45
Kaskade – 9:00 – 9:30 PM

Sunday, June 30
Metalachi – 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Blame My Youth – 12:30 – 1:00 PM
Fever 333 – 3:45 – 4:30 PM

Getting to the X Games Ventura
There will be no event parking at Seaside Park. There are, however, plenty of options for stress-free travel to and from the X Games Ventura.

Ventura Shuttle Park-and-Ride
The Ventura Shuttle offers frequent, free trips to and from the Ventura Fairgrounds: Friday, 9 am – 11:30 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 11:30 pm; and Sunday, 8 am – 6 pm. Ventura Shuttle locations: Government Center, Pacific View Mall, Oxnard High School, Harbor and Seaward and DeAnza Middle School. Go to www.visitventuraca.com or www.cityofventura.ca.gov for more information.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Got family or friends traveling to Ventura for the X Games? They can arrive steps from the action – the train station is even closer than some parking spaces in the fairgrounds parking lot! Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner has a special schedule in place for the X Games, with two extra daily train trips to Ventura. In anticipation of increased ridership, reservations for travelers will be required from June 28 to 30. Space is limited, so customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and book early to guarantee available tickets. For information and to buy tickets, visit www.pacificsurfliner.com.

Buses
Gold Coast Bus will offer buses from the park-n-ride at the Pacific View Mall (3301 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93003) to the venue during X Games weekend. Purchase for $1.50/trip on the Token Transit App or the UMO App. Tickets can only be purchased on the day of transit. Parking is free at the mall. Gold Coast service can be taken from the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai and Port Hueneme. For more information, visit www.goventura.org/vctc-transit/routes-schedules/

Visit Ventura Drone Show: A celebration of X Games Ventura 2024
Watch as 500 drones take flight! The Visit Ventura Drone Show is a free, all-ages community event happening during the week of X Games Ventura 2024. This year there will be a total of five Visit Ventura Drone Shows. The shows will be visible from the Ventura Harbor, Downtown Ventura, and the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Visit Ventura Drone Show: Ventura Harbor Village
Wednesday June 26, 2024 9:00PM
Best Viewing Location: Ventura Harbor’s lawn area along the waterfront

Visit Ventura Drone Show: Downtown Ventura
Thursday June 27, 2024 8:45PM
Thursday June 27, 2024 10:00PM
Best Viewing Location: Intersection of California St and Main St looking up to City Hall

Visit Ventura Drone Show: Downtown Ventura
Friday June 28, 2024 8:45PM
Saturday June 29, 2024 8:45PM
Best Viewing Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds inside the X Games

Skate Jam: X Games Ventura 2024
Don’t miss Ventura Skate Jam, Thursday, June 27, 4 pm – 8 pm in downtown Ventura. This celebration of the skateboarding community offers open skate sessions, exciting competitions, and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

For children 10 years of age and younger, Skate and Create, a new Ventura skateboarding and art-based after-school program launching in Fall 2024, will be offering young participants an opportunity to skate in a mini skatepark and create their own custom t-shirts and skateboard decks. All skill levels are welcome, and skateboards and safety gear will be provided for those who don’t have their own.

Ventura County Special Olympics Thrives with Successful Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser

Ventura Police officers and staff took to the streets carrying the symbolic “Flame of Hope.” Photo courtesy City of Ventura.

by Patricia Schallert

Finney’s General Manager, Jordan Cole with Goretti Ortiz, Director of Corporate
Partnerships, Special Olympics

On May 28, there was excitement around the return of the “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser, in partnership with Finney’s Craft-house, to support the remarkable athletes of Ventura County Special Olympics. The Ventura Police Department (VPD) officers joined forces with Finney’s Craft-house staff and worked as servers at 494 E. Main Street in downtown Ventura for this fantastic community event.

Sergeant Ryan Reynosa emphasized the significance of every single dollar raised during this event. “Not only did it help support the Special Olympics athletes, but it also fostered unity and acceptance within our Ventura community. With our sights set on surpassing the previous year’s total of $6,600, we were immensely grateful to Jordon Cole, the general manager of Finney’s Craft-house, along with his staff, for their unwavering support. We will continue to be immensely grateful for the dedication shown by our fellow officers.”

What made this event even more special, Finney’s Craft-house generously pledged to donate 20% of the proceeds to Ventura County Special Olympics. This incredible contribution went a long way in ensuring the success and growth of the Special Olympians from Ventura County.

Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser: Sergeant Ryan Reynosa with Steve Gluck, Antonio Morales, Ben Watt , Ian Eaton Photos by Patricia Schallert

During the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, there were VPD officers, Special Olympics athletes, and Finney’s staff working hand in hand as guest servers. They collected the “tip” donations from diners, all while ensuring that the regular earnings of the servers were not affected. To make donating even more convenient, each guest received envelopes to contribute directly to the cause. This way, the impact was felt without any unintended consequences for the servers.

For Special Olympics athletes like Steve Glick, the opportunity to “meet new people” was the highlight of the Special Olympic event. Another athlete, Antonio Morales, on the other hand, while he enjoyed participating in the Social Olympics, mostly enjoyed “mingling with well-known individuals.” “The famous people,” he said who attended the Special Olympic Games. And let’s not forget Ian Eaton, who eagerly awaited the torch run, which kicked off on June 6.

The Ventura County Special Olympics is a truly remarkable organization that offers year-round sports training and competitions. They provide individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities a platform to develop their skills, enhance their fitness, and build meaningful friendships.

Calendars were marked and the word was spread on the “June gloom” morning of June 8. The athletes from Ventura were ready to compete at Cal State University Long Beach. Ventura County participants and spectators supported not just Ventura athletes but all of the 1,100 Special Olympians as they competed in swimming, basketball, track, gymnastics, and more. This event was a resounding success thanks to Ventura and the VPD and sponsors: Walden Surfboards, Mile 26 Running Co, the Ventura Police Officers Association, and the Ventura Police Community Foundation, for their generous support.

“Let me win…But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Ventura Police Officers Illuminate the Path for Ventura County Special Olympics

Ventura Police officers and staff took to the streets on Thursday, June 6, carrying the symbolic “Flame of Hope” torch for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. Starting at the Ventura City Hall, participants embarked on a non-competitive, segmented run, passing the torch through the heart of Ventura before handing it off to the Oxnard Police Department. This relay spans 1,100 miles across Ventura County, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of the torch at the start of the Games.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run serves as the primary awareness and fundraising initiative for Special Olympics, uniting law enforcement agencies and athletes alike. In Southern California, nine legs of the run connect communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, symbolizing the collective commitment to inclusion and support for Special Olympics athletes. The journey concludes with the much-anticipated Special Olympics California Summer Games, held in Long Beach last weekend, celebrating the spirit of athleticism and camaraderie.

The City of Ventura secures grant for VenturaWaterPure

Water recycling project awarded $48 million in federal grants to date

The City of Ventura has announced that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has awarded the City an additional $30 million under its WaterSMART large-scale water recycling program to support the VenturaWaterPure project.

USBR Commissioner Camille Touton and Senator Alex Padilla announced this historic award in a formal ceremony alongside the Metropolitan Water District, Pure Water Southern California, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. These agencies received $159 million funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Securing our water future goes beyond infrastructure; it’s about investing in our community’s resilience and prosperity in the face of environmental unpredictability,” stated Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The USBR funding is vital to the City’s long-term goal of drought-proofing our region. It offers much-needed support amidst inflation and rising costs. The assistance will contribute to our mission to deliver affordable, safe, and reliable water to our ratepayers while staying dedicated to environmental stewardship and ensuring a resilient water supply for all Ventura residents.”

VenturaWaterPure joins the many communities throughout California and globally in delivering purified recycled water, including San Diego, Monterey, Pismo Beach, and Orange County, which has operated a potable reuse facility for the last 40 years. VenturaWaterPure is a multi-benefit program that will recover, treat, and reuse water currently discharged into the Santa Clara River Estuary. This will create a new, local, drought-resilient water source that meets legal and regulatory requirements and is resilient to changing climate conditions.

“VenturaWaterPure is expected to deliver up to 20 percent of the City’s annual demand when fully operational,” said Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington. “We are honored to receive this grant alongside leading water and wastewater agencies. This support allows us to continue progressing and delivering drought-resilient water supply.”

Federal support and financial backing continue to grow for VenturaWaterPure. In addition to the newly awarded $30 million grant, the program has received $18 million in funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and a $173 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These funds strengthen Ventura’s efforts to invest in locally developed water supply infrastructure.

“Grants like this are crucial in helping offset project costs, ensuring the successful implementation of VenturaWaterPure while minimizing the financial impact on local Ventura Water ratepayers,” said Ventura City Manager Bill Ayub. “The City remains committed to exploring all options, including pursuing outside funding and identifying cost-saving opportunities throughout the design and construction phases of the project.”

The history of the VenturaWaterPure Program began over two decades ago with a legal settlement with Heal the Bay and Ventura Coastkeeper – Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation in 2012.

VenturaWaterPure Program also supports compliance with federal and state regulations to divert wastewater discharges away from the Santa Clara River Estuary, restoring the area’s natural hydrology and environment, protecting endangered species by reintroducing natural habitats and preserving coastal ecosystems.

The VenturaWaterPure Program continues to move forward on critical components such as the ocean outfall, with the next step being to initiate the design of its Advanced Water Purification Facility. Meanwhile, Ventura Water is simultaneously preparing for critical structural upgrades to its reclamation facility through a membrane bioreactor project.

Learn more about the history, benefits, and environmental partners of this program at VenturaWaterPure.net

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