Former VUSD teacher and assistant principal honored five years after death

Chris Prewitt, husband, and father was out training for a marathon.

On the morning of April 7, 2014, Chris Prewitt, husband, and father was out training for a marathon when he was hit by a driver under the influence and passed away. Chris’ students described him as inspiring, with an ever-present smile and welcoming attitude. Two organizations will honor his spirit this month.  Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recently hosted the Ventura County Walk Like MADD 5K in his honor, and the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) awarded the Chris Prewitt Eternal Optimist Award at a District-wide meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

Prewitt was a teacher at Foothill Technology High School (FTHS) from 2003-2012, after which he became an assistant principal at DeAnza Academy of Technology & the Arts (DATA).  He also coached the Buena High School girls water polo team for many years, where he began every practice with an inspirational quote to get the girls motivated and ready to work. FTHS teacher and close friend, Cameron Crouch, said that he could hardly process what happened when the accident occurred.

“My heart immediately broke over losing a best friend, a brother, my children’s amazing uncle, my son’s godfather. He was a friend of 17 years. We had many adventures and laughs together,” Crouch said. “His impact on the community of Ventura through his teaching, coaching, as assistant principal…he gave his all in each area of his life. The world lost an amazing man.”

Many VUSD staff and their friends and family walked in the Walk Like MADD event on August 10.  Ventura Unified School District Board President, Sabrena Rodriquez, led the “Do it for Pruitt” team, which had 35 walkers and raised funds which will go back to support MADD’s mission.

 

First female Ventura Police officer graduates from Supervisory Leadership Institute

Sergeant Sarah Starr and Police Chief Ken Corney are all smiles at her graduation.

The Ventura Police Department is proud to announce that Sergeant Sarah Starr graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute on August 23, 2019. She is the first female Ventura Police Officer to graduate from the 8-month leadership program. This intensive program, designed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, trains supervisors on the importance of leadership, ethics, decision making and management.

Sergeant Starr has been a police officer for 15 years. She began her career in 2003. She was promoted to Corporal in 2007 and to Sergeant in 2014. She has her master’s degree in Public Administration. She has served as a Patrol Officer, Major Crimes Detective and Field Training Officer. She has also served as a trainer for Scenario Based and Tactical Decision Making Under Stress, as a member of the Peer Support and Trauma Support Team, as a member of the Rifle Team and was the Assistant Team Leader on the Crisis Negotiations Team. She was recently assigned to the Professional Standards Unit where she will oversee training and hiring. In her new role she will be responsible for helping the City of Ventura select the most qualified people to serve the community.

“There aren’t very many jobs out there that let you do something different every day and challenge you both mentally and physically. Our department is a great place to work especially because of the great group of people I serve alongside. I feel very lucky to have found my career path here at the Ventura Police Department. I can’t imagine doing any other job,” said Sergeant Starr.

The Ventura Police Department is committed to providing the community with the best trained police professionals to serve and protect Ventura.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“A Country Fair with Ocean Air” brings thousands to their happy place

Attendance for 2019 Fair was up from last year.

The Ventura County Fair closed after another successful Fair. Celebrating the best of the best from throughout Ventura County, the 144th year closed with success. Visitors came from near and far to enjoy the 12-day Fair, July 31 through August 11.

The Ventura County Fair’s mission is to preserve, promote, and showcase agriculture and the traditions of Ventura County. This was accomplished with competitive livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits, baking contests, produce tastings, agricultural demonstrations and much more.

Fairgoers were greeted with many outstanding attractions, including The All Alaskan Racing Pigs who made audiences squeal with delight, Slim & Curly, the wise cracking cowboys who make people laugh everywhere they go, and Star Child Stilt Circus, who amused children of all ages as they strolled merrily, high above the crowds. Exciting new carnival rides, including the Insomniac and the thrilling Hyperloop joined the lineup of Carnival Midway favorites such as the Wave Swinger and the Giant Ferris Wheel. New food offerings included Deep Fried Philly Cheese Steaks and Dinosaur Nachos that fulfilled the curiosity for new summer treats while the mini donuts and turkey legs satisfied the traditional cravings of many Fairgoers.

Attendance for 2019 remained strong at 302,783, up 1.26%.  “We do everything we can to bring the people of Ventura County a better experience every year,” said CEO Barbara Quaid, sharing the Fair’s winning strategy, “For us the focus is not about the numbers of people coming through the gates, but about the quality of the experience our guests have at the Fair. We measure our success by the number of smiles are on the faces of the people at the Fair.  We are committed to offering a clean, safe and fun experience that people will remember forever.” To that end the Fair conducted a survey of visitors at the fair and continues to solicit and address public sentiment.

Nearly 16,000 County residents entered art, crafts, projects and other curiosities in the competitive exhibits, winning prize ribbons and sharing their inspiring talents with Fair visitors.

Free entertainment was one of the offerings that drew thousands to the Fair. Not only the top name Concerts including Styx, Melissa Etheridge and Brothers Osborne, but also local bands were a huge fan favorites. Revelers came out to enjoy and lend their support for Ventura County entertainers including KNS Rockstar, Juano and Friends, The Rockin’ Henrys, Twisted Gypsy, Doc Rogers Band, and many others.

As is the case every year, overall success would not be possible without the tremendous support of volunteers, sponsors and the community. While the gates have closed on the 2019 Ventura County Fair, planning is already underway for the 2020 Fair

The Ventura County Fair is the County’s original Social Network where thousands of neighbors and friends have gathered every year for generations. The Fair employs up to 700 seasonal staff during the annual 12-day event. With annual attendance of approximately 300,000 visitors to the Fair, the communities throughout Ventura County share in the economic vitality derived from the Ventura County Fair. The Fair brings economic, social, educational, and cultural resources and provides lasting impressions on Fairgoers.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds consists of a 62.5-acre parcel and operates as a multi-purpose, multi-functional, year-round facility accommodating a variety of events.  Regarded as a premier rental facility, the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center attracts some of the most popular shows and attractions in the county throughout the year, including livestock shows, dog shows, horse shows, home and recreation shows, concerts, dances, business expos, quinceañeras, weddings and receptions, motorcycle and automobile shows, camping groups, swap meets and much more.

Ventura County Mobile Library visited the Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market

A book giveaway was also available.

The Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market welcomed the Ventura County Mobile Library on Wednesday, August 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Pacific View Mall. The mobile library will be offering many of the main services offered at a small branch library.

The Ventura County Mobile Library was completely funded through grants and donated funds with a generous donation from the Ventura County Library Foundation, which included significant donations from Premier America Credit Union and the Port of Hueneme.  In addition, the Ventura County Mobile Library project was also funded through a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and awarded through the California State Library.

The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association a non-profit farmers’ market cooperative, serves the community of Ventura with two Certified Farmers’ Markets on Wednesdays at the Pacific View Mall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays in Downtown Ventura from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market held Thursdays at The Oaks Shopping Center, East End Parking Lot, Wilbur Road & Oaks Mall Drive from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and in Santa Clarita at the College of the Canyons from 8:30 to 12 noon.

For more information on the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association, call 805-529-6266, or visit the website at www.vccfarmersmarkets.com.

Ocean enthusiasts are all ages

Senior Shirley does it all, even paddles.

by Shirley Lorraine

The Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club is one of several outrigger clubs that launch from Harbor Cove beach at the end of Spinnaker Drive. Their Halau (clubhouse) serves as a meeting place and storage area for their equipment. Their colorful red and yellow canoes render them easily visible, even in the early morning mist.

The club’s purpose is to enable a wide range of people and groups to enjoy recreational ocean paddling sports, ocean conservation and education. While the primary focus is on traditional 6-seat Polynesian style canoes, the club also maintains one- and two-seat canoes for member use and promotes paddling sports of all kinds. The club has been going strong since 2006 and boasts members with a wide range of ages.

Over a third of their membership is over age 70. Recently, a hardy crew of six of these adventurous seniors paddled their way up to Ventura County’s Mondos Beach and back, about 19 miles. One of the members, Debbie, celebrated her 72nd birthday on that trip!

The club meets several times a week. Sundays are invitational days for new participants. A senior myself, I eagerly signed their waiver form that indicated I could swim and would be a safe rider and listened carefully to some basic instructions including what to do in the unlikely event the canoe should huli (capsize). Good to be prepared. And yes, I paddled – to just beyond the pier and back! Surrounded by experienced and encouraging paddlers, I found it easy to quickly get into the rhythm by following their lead. I was told the proper way to stroke with the paddle and was assured that I wouldn’t be sore the next day. I was surprised when I found that to be true! Technique really does matter.

At the halfway point we took a rest break and just enjoyed the calming ambiance of the water and birds. It was easy to see the meditational appeal of outrigger canoeing.

Some members are preparing to participate in the annual Queen Lili’uokalani Race in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii featuring events August 29 through September 2 where paddlers of all ages will convene.

The non-profit club regularly participates in community events such as beach clean-up, Caregivers of Ventura County Sailathons, and the Ventura Aloha Festival. Members also volunteer with the Best Day Foundation to assist kids with special needs enjoy an outrigger excursion day at the beach.

Take a look at the club’s website – www.venturaoutriggercanoeclub.org to get more information. Give outrigger canoeing a try. You may find it’s just the right way for you to get some exercise and mental relaxation at the same time.

Vol. 12, No. 24 – Aug 28 – Sept 10, 2019 – A View from House Seats

Sweet Jay’s Roadhouse Now Open
by Shirley Lorraine

Tucked away in an industrial area of Ventura is a Speakeasy. The Speakeasy Project: American Roadhouse, that is. Billed as an underground evening of new comedies and live music, the interactive roadhouse atmosphere is provided by the Fractured Actors Theater Company.

New name on the community theater scene? It was to me although this is their second Speakeasy Project and other productions have been mounted.

Apparently, others were already in the know however, as most of the tables in Sweet Jay’s Roadhouse were already filled when I arrived. Libations were available, both complimentary and for purchase, and the place was already jumping.

The evening featured Sumter Skaggs and the Screamin’ Armadillos, a versatile band churning out country, rock and blues classics. A standout vocalist was Stella Ruby Rose (Shelby Figueroa) who not only belted out the tunes, she also played piano and guitar accompaniment.

The evening was a mixture of original one-acts plays depicting snapshots of American Life written by FATC’s producers, Jeff Ham and Shannon McNally Ham, and boot-scootin’ music from the band.

Stage crew deftly changed the minimal settings while the audience was enjoying the musical interludes. A large cast of actors assumed various roles in the one-acts, performing with enthusiasm. The Fractured Actors website decrees family friendly, but I would caution those with an aversion to cuss words (both in scripts and songs) to leave the kids at home. The one-acts, in my opinion, were placeholders for the music. Scripts were complicated and filled with what seemed to be comments on life while dancing around the subjects. Maybe it was just me, but I felt some interpretation was required. At least one act seemed unresolved to me.

A few of the actors were difficult to hear with soft, unamplified voices in stark contrast to the interim amplification of the musicians. For me, it was like when you’re watching TV and must turn the sound up but then the commercial comes on and you’re blasted with volume.

However, a few performers stood out with excellent diction, projection and confidence. Hudson Ham, the youngest of the group, shows promise. He was composed, articulate and had excellent timing.

Anthony Contreras and Benjamin Wilson each stood out in several one-acts as did the trio of Jeff Ham, Michael Lie Murphy and Karyn Noel in the second play titled Animal Behavior.

Overall though, the entire evening was different, enjoyable and lively. Although the black box theater utilizes space in the Ventura Vineyard Church on Palma Drive, the theater company is fully independent of the church, hence their hashtag #NotAChurchPlay.

The entrance is around the back, as a Speakeasy should be – through an unmarked door. However, the bouncer will check for your name on the list so be sure to reserve tickets/seats early. Seating is limited and the tables fill up fast.

This end-of-summer special engagement is a limited run ending August 31. It is a non-smoking venue, wheelchair accessible (mention the need when you make your reservation). Go and have fun.

Sweet Jay’s Roadhouse Now Open

A View from House Seats
by Shirley Lorraine

Tucked away in an industrial area of Ventura is a Speakeasy. The Speakeasy Project: American Roadhouse, that is. Billed as an underground evening of new comedies and live music, the interactive roadhouse atmosphere is provided by the Fractured Actors Theater Company.

New name on the community theater scene? It was to me although this is their second Speakeasy Project and other productions have been mounted.

Apparently, others were already in the know however, as most of the tables in Sweet Jay’s Roadhouse were already filled when I arrived. Libations were available, both complimentary and for purchase, and the place was already jumping.

The evening featured Sumter Skaggs and the Screamin’ Armadillos, a versatile band churning out country, rock and blues classics. A standout vocalist was Stella Ruby Rose (Shelby Figueroa) who not only belted out the tunes, she also played piano and guitar accompaniment.

The evening was a mixture of original one-acts plays depicting snapshots of American Life written by FATC’s producers, Jeff Ham and Shannon McNally Ham, and boot-scootin’ music from the band.

Stage crew deftly changed the minimal settings while the audience was enjoying the musical interludes. A large cast of actors assumed various roles in the one-acts, performing with enthusiasm. The Fractured Actors website decrees family friendly, but I would caution those with an aversion to cuss words (both in scripts and songs) to leave the kids at home. The one-acts, in my opinion, were placeholders for the music. Scripts were complicated and filled with what seemed to be comments on life while dancing around the subjects. Maybe it was just me, but I felt some interpretation was required. At least one act seemed unresolved to me.

A few of the actors were difficult to hear with soft, unamplified voices in stark contrast to the interim amplification of the musicians. For me, it was like when you’re watching TV and must turn the sound up but then the commercial comes on and you’re blasted with volume.

However, a few performers stood out with excellent diction, projection and confidence. Hudson Ham, the youngest of the group, shows promise. He was composed, articulate and had excellent timing.

Anthony Contreras and Benjamin Wilson each stood out in several one-acts as did the trio of Jeff Ham, Michael Lie Murphy and Karyn Noel in the second play titled Animal Behavior.

Overall though, the entire evening was different, enjoyable and lively. Although the black box theater utilizes space in the Ventura Vineyard Church on Palma Drive, the theater company is fully independent of the church, hence their hashtag #NotAChurchPlay.

The entrance is around the back, as a Speakeasy should be – through an unmarked door. However, the bouncer will check for your name on the list so be sure to reserve tickets/seats early. Seating is limited and the tables fill up fast.

This end-of-summer special engagement is a limited run ending August 31. It is a non-smoking venue, wheelchair accessible (mention the need when you make your reservation). Go and have fun.

Spending time with pets provides benefits for older adults

” The pigeons should be here shortly to join us.”

As loved ones get older, it’s important to find good senior care in Rochester, MN (or wherever you’re located) for them to live out their golden years as happily and as comfortably as possible. However, growing old can be challenging for people because they see their body getting weaker and people they know dying of old age. This can lead them to feel depressed and lonely if they don’t get the right support. Luckily, experts say seniors who interact with animals feel less depressed and isolated. Social isolation is becoming an increasingly common issue, with one in five Americans reporting they feel lonely.

This is why it is really important to make sure that if you have got an elderly member of your family (or even a friend) who is living alone, then you need to try your best to speak to them and spend time with them. This is a lot easier with things like mobile phones, however, a lot of senior members don’t want to have a phone because they don’t understand how it works, or they can’t see it. However, they can easily get a cell phone for elderly with large buttons to help them see their phone better so that phone calls can be made. You don’t want someone you know to feel lonely and sad, so you might as well give them a call if you can. Seniors are especially vulnerable to feelings of loneliness though. In fact, 43 percent say they experience loneliness regularly. A new survey[1] of adults age 65 and older by Home Instead, Inc. found regular interaction with animals can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

“While we recognize that pet ownership isn’t for everyone, we find that interaction with pets, even on a small scale, can have a big impact on older adults,” said Joe Malagon, senior care expert and owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Thousand Oaks. “A simple act like petting a dog, holding a cat or watching a bird can bring so much joy to a senior who may be feeling lonely.”

Additional survey results found that nearly half of older pet owners cited stress relief, sense of purpose and exercise as leading advantages to owning a pet. In addition to providing positive health benefits, pets can also provide constant companionship for older adults who would prefer to age in place. In fact, 82 percent of senior animal owners surveyed said they would not consider moving to a senior living community without their pet.

These findings are not a surprise to Steve Feldman, executive director of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), a nonprofit research and education organization. “There is a strong connection between heart health and pet ownership or interaction,” Feldman said. “Pet owners are more likely to get recommended levels of exercise, have lower blood pressure and experience reduced levels of stress. Pets have even been shown to aid in recovery after a heart attack.”

While there are many benefits to owning a pet later in life, Home Instead also found that even occasional interactions with pets prove to be beneficial for older adults. Survey results indicate that older adults achieve the same positive feelings when spending time with animals in other capacities, such as visiting with pets owned by family, friends or neighbors.

“This interaction is especially important, as it also provides the opportunity to socialize with other people, further reducing feelings of loneliness,” Malagon said. “Our goal is to keep seniors safe and happy in their own homes for as long as possible and many times that includes helping them with their own pet, taking them to dog parks or visiting pet-friendly businesses to gain that animal interaction they desire.”

“Research also shows animal interaction can help perceptions of pain and discomfort, and improve motivation for treatment protocols for diseases such as cancer by helping individuals feel more focused and positive moving forward,” said Van Every. “Even interactions for half an hour a week can make a difference.”

Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIART) hosts annual Art à la Mode Gala Sept. 7

Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIART) is hosting its annual Art à la Mode Gala, 5:30 p.m., Sept. 7, at the Saticoy Country Club, 4450 Clubhouse Dr, Somis. The Art à la Mode Gala offers an evening of gourmet dining, an opportunity to see inspirational artists demonstrating their craft and a chance to walk away with a work of art or other item from the live and silent auctions. This year’s event honors Dr. Joseph (Joe) Halcomb III and his wife Joani Halcomb as the recipients of the 2019 Medici Award, SCIART’s highest recognition, for their support of the arts, artists and the art community. The Art à la Mode Gala is SCIART’s largest fundraiser with all proceeds going to support its art education and outreach programs, and contemporary art exhibitions.  Tickets are available online at http://bit.ly/SCIART_2019_Gala or by calling 805-383-1368. For more information or to submit an auction item or donation, contact Peter Tyas [email protected] or call 805-383-1368.