While visiting family in Scotland, Nancy Brace-Thompson treated grandson Lukas to a birthday trip by train to Whitby, England. She read the Breeze while Lukas played among the ruins of St. Hilda’s Whitby Abbey, where Bram Stoker drew inspiration to write Dracula. Let’s hope young Lukas enjoyed more light-hearted inspiration (and reading the Breeze), especially when they hit the beach to search for fossils.
Strawberry Festival
Photos by Patricia Shallert and Yana Khiyod
On Saturday the 18th and 19th of May, the Strawberry Festival came to the Ventura Fairgrounds. It was an exciting and vibrant event that showcased the area’s rich agricultural heritage as it celebrated the delicious and juicy fruit that has become synonymous with this beautiful coastal city. This festival, which takes place annually brings together locals and visitors from all around to revel in the tastiest treats, lively entertainment, and an overall sense of community.
At the heart of the festival were the delectable strawberries, freshly picked and bursting with flavor. Local farmers proudly displayed their pride and joy, offering crates of these succulent red berries, perfect for indulging on their own or incorporating into various delightful culinary creations. From strawberry shortcakes to strawberry smoothies, and strawberry beer, the options were endless, and the taste sweet and satisfying. One of the highlights of the Strawberry Festival was undoubtedly the Strawberry Shortcake with volunteers from Pacifica Culinary Academy from Oxnard adding to the excitement as guests built their own shortcake tower.
The Strawberry Festival offered more than just strawberries. It boasted a diverse range of entertainment and activities suitable for all ages. The air was filled with the sounds of live music throughout the festival, courtesy of talented local bands and performers. Oxnard High School’s award-winning marching “Swarm ” band set the mood as guests arrived. Arts and crafts booths delighted visitors as they perused the talents of local artists, while a dedicated family fun section entertained children with thrilling carnival rides, face painting, and interactive games.
While strawberries were the star of the show, the Strawberry Festival ultimately celebrated the community, local farmers, and the vibrant spirit of Ventura and Oxnard. It fostered a sense of togetherness and appreciation for the area’s unique cultural heritage. Whether you’re a strawberry enthusiast or simply seeking a fun-filled weekend getaway, make sure to mark the Strawberry Festival at the Ventura Fairgrounds as a must-attend event on your calendar.
Sand Removal project Pierpont Beach
by Patricia Shallert
Starting on May 13th, 2024, the City of Ventura has proactively taken action to address the bi-annual sand removal on Pierpont Beach. Jose Drizzo, the Public Works Supervisor overseeing the project, explained “this ongoing project serves to replenish eroded areas, redistribute excess sand, and promote dune restoration practices, which play a vital role in stabilizing the ecosystem and reducing sand migration.”
The city also employs beach grooming techniques to manage the accumulation of sand in specific areas, particularly the lanes and end of the alleyways. Ventura holds community input in high regard and consistently engages with residents to explore effective and environmentally friendly methods for tackling sand removal on Pierpont Beach.
In 2011, after a lengthy legal dispute, an agreement was reached between the city and homeowners in the Pierpont neighborhood concerning the maintenance of the beach and sand. According to the settlement, bulldozers and trucks remove sand twice a year in front of participating households, with the homeowners sharing the associated costs.
As per the agreed terms, the city clears a stretch of the beach extending from San Pedro St. to Weymouth Ln. This process involves collecting the excess sand and transporting it to a designated facility on Stanley Ave., where it is appropriately stored and managed.
By implementing this meticulous approach, the City of Ventura ensures that Pierpont Beach remains easily accessible and safe for visitors while effectively managing the accumulation of sand. The city’s unwavering dedication to efficient sand removal and storage practices is vital in sustaining the beach’s beauty and functionality.
The beach work was anticipated to be completed by Friday, May 17th and any residual sand on the lanes and end of the streets will be removed by Tuesday, May 21st.
Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – A View from House Seats
by Shirley Lorraine
Exploring history from the inside out
The Elite Theater Company in Oxnard is now presenting an original work on its South Stage. She, tightly written by Kimberly Demmary and skillfully directed by Jolyn Johnson, is a thoughtful exploration into various inhabitants of an old Victorian home in San Francisco. As do the people inside, the building itself thrives, endures, and diminishes as it ages.
Built on the old saying “If these walls could talk,” the house itself becomes a staple character in this series of vignettes. Paris De La Huerta portrays the symbolic She, reminding the audience throughout to pay attention to what has transpired within its walls and how those involved have changed it throughout decades. The house itself reveals some secrets left behind.
Each of the four vignettes allows the Victorian to be, in turn, revered, cloistering, ignored and finally shuttered as the stories are told.
Elizabeth Rose reflects the role of Maddy, who is grieving the loss of her husband. In a loving gesture of homage to their shortened life together, she encourages Trish (Aubrey De La Huerta) and Robert (Steven Silvers) to take their own leap into love. The three play well off each other with Silvers providing much of the humor. This opening scene clearly envelopes the feelings of security and hope which imbues the walls of the structure with warmth.
Next, a glimpse into inner turmoil is provided by Hayley Silvers (Adora) and Lauren Rachel (Toni). Both are slightly confused, conflicted and challenged by the collision of old and new feelings. Christine Adams as Adora’s grandmother Babette is delightful as she adds wisdom and guidance in a surprising way.
After intermission, an aura of darkness descends. Emily Redman Hall as the character Nadine takes on the scenes monologue vigorously, building from each obstacle thrown her way. Ultimately a few dark truths come to light. The subject matter is sensitive and managed well by the writer, the actress and the director.
The final scene takes an unusual and unexpected turn. Slickly played by Lea Roman, one can almost hear the walls shudder as the action unfolds.
This overall mélange of thoughts and feelings, given recognition by the stately structure that is the home, is a complex and fascinating whirlwind of emotion. There is quite a bit packed into this play. The audience will find some parts uncomfortable, some humorous, some poetic and all well thought out. Helpful resources are provided in the lobby for those who wish to explore further how to cope with some questions that the play and life have a way of throwing in our direction. The effort of providing resources is an excellent touch.
She continues through June 16. Reservations are highly recommended as the seating is limited. Catch it if you can.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. One performance Thursday, June 13 at 8 p.m. www.theElite.org or 805-483-5118.
Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – The Pet Page
• 14 Warning Signs Your Pet May Be Sick (and What to Do)
Some symptoms are more serious than others. So how can you tell if your dog or cat needs to go to the vet? Experts explain.
by Jennifer Billock
As all pet owners know, our four-legged furries are more than friends — they’re family members. So when they seem sick, it can be easy to decide to drop everything and run to the vet. The good news is, that’s not always necessary. Some issues are better off being monitored at home, and some require a vet visit. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Wait-and-See Symptoms
No one wants to see Boots or Mittens in pain or ill, but observing your pet for a few days is often the only way to determine if there’s really a problem. Like us, animals can suffer from passing aches and sniffles. If you notice your pet drooling, limping, whining, dealing with an upset tummy, coughing, itching or wiping away eye or nose discharge, keep a close eye on them. Believe it or not, these symptoms could be a cry for attention (hello to my dearly departed Boston terrier who pretended to limp when he wanted snacks) or simply a 24-hour bug.
Other subtle signs to note during observation days are changes in eating and drinking habits and in activity level. “This could look like the water bowl being emptied more quickly; hesitancy jumping up or taking stairs; or not wanting to go on walks that are as long as usual,” says Rena Carlson, D.V.M., president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. If these behaviors continue, consider a call or trip to the vet.
It’s also important to note that animals deal with pain differently than we do. If you haven’t noticed any drooling, wincing or whining but have seen a new fear or an outsize reaction to something typical, it could mean they’re in pain. Give it a couple of days and see if the fear or overreaction resolves. If not, head to the vet.
Ultimately, you know your pet better than anyone else, so watch for changes in their normal patterns and routines. If it’s just a onetime thing, they’re probably fine. But changes over a longer period of time might be reason for concern. “Remember that animals can be good at hiding symptoms of illness or injury, and that even subtle changes may be a sign that something is wrong,” Carlson says.
Signs You Should Take Them In
Pets like to hide when they’re sick, so sometimes it can be difficult to notice an emergency situation right away. But even if they’re hiding, check on them every now and then to be sure nothing is seriously wrong.
Specifically for cats, Carlson advises watching for open-mouthed breathing. “Open-mouthed breathing is almost always an emergency situation for cats,” she says. “Any cat exhibiting this behavior should be brought to the veterinarian immediately for emergency care.” That said, some cats will keep their mouths open for a moment after smelling or seeing something unusual for them. If yours leaves theirs open longer, call your vet.
Also, while you may not think of this, pets can get sunburn — if you see any sign of severe burns or heatstroke, you’ll need a vet visit.
More Serious Signals
Diabetes and heart problems are difficult conditions to spot in pets. Luckily, some warning signs can show up long before things get really bad. Be concerned about diabetes if your furry friend is:
- Drinking and peeing more
- Losing weight (with or without an increased appetite)
- Eating less
- Enduring chronic or recurring infections, including skin or urinary infections
- Has cloudy eyes (particularly in dogs)
Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – Scamp Club
I’m Mitten a 5-year-old Tortoise Shell.
I like flowers of all kinds and dogs.
Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – Forever Homes Wanted
Hi: I’m Sadie, a beautiful 8 year old Chow in need of a new home as my owner sadly passed away. I’m thankful to my sponsor so I could come into CARL’s adoption program.
I’m gentle, affectionate and confident. I’m good with other dogs and older children. It’s unknown how I would do with cats or younger children. I may wander if a door is left open. I enjoy going for walks and I walk well on a leash.
If you have room in your heart and home for me, please fill out an online application to meet me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. https://carldogs.org/
CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.
Hi: I’m A847483 so you will get to name me.
I’m a 3 Years female French Bulldog. We are the number one dog.
City Found: Ventura
Shelter: Camarillo Animal Shelter Kennel: 506
Ventura County Animal Services
Venerable Ventura arts group marks milestone
Sacred Spring, Delphi by Gerd Koch. Courtesy of BAA
A free, four-day exhibition at the Museum of Ventura County next month will celebrate seven colorful decades of cultural contributions by members of the Buenaventura Art Association.
Visitors can enjoy “Retrospective: BAA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration” from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. June 13-16 in the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion. A reception from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15 will feature awarding an Honorary Lifetime Membership to a couple of current members for service to the group and the area arts community, plus a presentation about recent BAA accomplishments.
Distinguished top-tier BAA artists, both current and past, and their collectors are lending pieces for the show, which will include artworks by Gerd Koch, Norman Kirk, Dorothy Hunter, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Gail Pidduck, Len Poteshman, Rex Kochel, Don Fay, Margy Gates, Carlos Grasso and more than 20 others, many of them BAA Honorary Lifetime Members.
The association’s roots date to the April 1954 founding with city help of the Ventura Arts and Crafts Association to promote interest in and participation by schoolchildren, adults, and professional and amateur artists. The group arranged art classes, exhibits and an annual Ventura arts festival. Initial endeavors also included drama, dance, literature, minerals and rocks, and science as well as painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography and weaving.
A formal meeting a month later at the Pierpont Inn set the association’s structure, leadership and goals, and work began on bylaws and articles of incorporation. The first general meeting was Sept. 24, 1954, and that year 76 people paid dues to join. Charter members paid $5 that first year, then general memberships were $3 a year. Students paid $1, and a lifetime membership cost $100.
The association currently operates Studio 99 in Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., downtown Ventura, and Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 106, in Ventura Harbor. For more about BAA and its programs, phone the gallery at 805-648-1235 or visit buenaventuraartassociation.org.
Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – As I See It
• On May 14, the Ventura City Council presented me with a Proclamation celebrating my “retirement” from being the publisher of the Ventura Breeze and declared May 14 “Sheldon Brown day.”
It was an amazing and emotional event for me. A special thanks to Mayor Schroeder for his introduction of me, and to member Mike Johnson for stating that an article I wrote several years ago inspired him to run for city council.
•Very sad to see Steves Plumbing close. It has been a Ventura staple for many years.
The store opened in 1971 on the Avenue and moved to Thompson Blvd. in 1973. Denis Stanley purchased the business several years ago and sadly passed away last year.
•The summer of 2023 was Earth’s hottest since instrumental records began in the 1800s and possibly making 2023 the hottest in more than two millennia.
I sure wish we would get some of that hot weather. I’m tired of being cold. The weather station that gives us current condition information is at the county government center off Victoria. The weather by the harbor where I live is usually colder and has more wind.
The primary cause of the exceptional heat was human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, (oh sure, blame us). Other factors pushing up temperatures include El Niño, the natural climate pattern that warms the surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The U.N.’s climate chief stated the world has only has two years to take action to avert far worse climate change. Scientists say halving climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is crucial to stop a rise in temperatures that would unleash more extreme weather and heat. Some argue if we have global warming why are we having more snow, more rain and more cold weather? These are all just some of the effects of climate change, so maybe just call it climate change.
•Governor Newsom has announced that the state will make $3.3 billion available in July to begin building inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment centers to provide very much needed housing facilities and address the homeless crisis. It is estimated that at least 1/3 of the homeless are suffering major mental health issues. The money comes from the $6.4 billion bond measure Proposition 1 narrowly approved by voters in March.
•I heard a sports announcer say, “I don’t dislike cats, but they aren’t pets.” He is correct, dogs are pets, cats are family members. You don’t say “sit” and “rollover” to a family member.
•I bought a pair of pants that has a “hidden pocket” for my phone, and now I can’t find it.
True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.
~ Socrates