Vol. 18, No. 06 – Dec 12 – Dec 24, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers

Joy – Netflix
4 out of 4 palm trees

“Joy” shares the extraordinary true story of the brilliant British team that was responsible for the birth of the world’s first in vitro fertilization (IVF) baby, Louise Joy Brown, in 1978. Biologist Robert “Bob” Edwards (James Norton) was the lead scientist on the project and first hired young nurse and embryologist Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie) as his lab manager at Cambridge in May 1968. Robert was determined to help women who were unable to give birth to their own children and worked with Jean for 10 years, overcoming tremendous obstacles to achieve their visionary dream to actually create a ‘test-tube-baby’.

Surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy) was the obstetrician for the team, having unique skills in women’s reproductive surgery compared to what was the norm at the time. He used what was referred to as key-hole surgery, laparoscopy, to operate on women instead of making large incisions in the abdomen. Patrick had attempted artificial insemination by placing sperm inside the Fallopian tube, but it hadn’t been successful. Bob believed that the key would be to fertilize the eggs with the sperm outside the body in the lab and then place the fertilized egg back inside.

They all knew that such science was unheard of, and would be scrutinized and chastised by the Church, the state, and the world but they believed that making mothers from childless women would be more strongly supported in the end. The team started working together in January 1969 in a lab at Kershaw’s Hospital in Oldham, where Patrick was a surgeon and had arranged for them to used an old part of the hospital for their research. Twelve women volunteered to be part of the research and were required to have regular hormone injections.

Once news got out to the press, many women contacted the team pleading for the opportunity to bare a child. Fighting the fight for reproductive medicine for women proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Jean was not only told not to go to her church, her own mother told her she was not welcome while doing such research. Jean didn’t quit and actually had something to personally gain as she suffered from endometriosis, which Patrick had done pioneering work to correct.

In August 1970, Bob was finally successful at fertilization, creating seventeen cells in one embryo outside the uterus. In February 1971, the team went to the Medical Research Council to obtain funding and support for their research, but were denied due to the council’s prejudice against women and the team’s controversial new scientific discoveries. They were not deterred, though as they continued they encountered much more negative press from popular newspapers like the Daily Mirror and BBC television. Luckily, they finally had a major breakthrough when one of the women name Rachel actually tested positive on her pregnancy test.

Unfortunately it ended up being and ectopic pregnancy so Rachel would not be able to bring the baby to term, but then another woman named Lauren tested positive. Lauren ended up having a miscarriage to they went back and reviewed their specimens and processes discovering that the fluid they used in mixing the egg and sperm was the problem. This meant that it could actually work with a different fluid, but Jean’s mom became terminally ill and she left the project to take care of her. Jean later discovered that the project fold a few months after she left.

Several years later when Jean’s mother passed, Patrick attended the funeral and Jean shared what she thought had caused them to fail. They got Bob, got back to work and finally succeeded, changing the world forever with the first IVF birth of Louise Joy Brown on July 25, 1978.

Runtime: 1h 55m

Ventura Receives $60.4M Federal Grant for Water Recycling Innovations

Rep. Carbajal and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited the construction of VenturaWaterPure.

The City of Ventura has been awarded an additional $60.4 million in federal grant funding under the Department of the Interior’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Program. This new award brings total federal investments in Ventura Water’s projects to $108 million.

The funding will support critical Ventura Water projects, including the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Project at the City’s decades-old wastewater treatment plant and the development of the VenturaWaterPure advanced water purification facility. Once operational, these combined efforts will provide up to 20% of Ventura’s total water supply—equivalent to approximately 3,600 acre-feet annually—by recycling and purifying treated wastewater.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is protecting the Central Coast’s access to clean water for generations to come through investments like the ones announced this week. I’m proud of my work delivering this landmark law for communities like Ventura, and I am grateful for the dedication of the Biden-Harris Administration to continue rolling out these overdue investments in our infrastructure,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I will keep working in Congress to protect this law’s programs in the next Administration.”

“This funding is a game-changer for Ventura,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “With federal support, we’re upgrading critical infrastructure and creating a sustainable, high-quality water supply that will serve our community for generations.”

“This critical funding underscores the importance of local and federal collaboration in addressing the challenges of water scarcity,” said Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington. “Ventura Water’s innovative solutions help meet legal mandates, protect the environment, and ensure long-term water reliability for our city.”

The Membrane Bioreactor Project is a key component of the upgrades at Ventura’s wastewater treatment plant, enhancing its ability to process wastewater efficiently while meeting stringent environmental standards. The VenturaWaterPure advanced purification facility will take this treated wastewater and further purify it to create a new, sustainable and drought-resilient water source for the city.

For more information about Ventura Water’s initiatives and benefits, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/venturawater.

Ventura Unified to Become 1st District on Central Coast to Utilize IRA Funding, Launching Clean Energy Program with ENGIE

Ventura Unified’s clean energy program delivers solar, sports LED lighting, and STEM internships, setting a precedent for schools across the Central Coast.

Comprehensive energy program will leverage Federal funding to implement integrated solutions at all 27 school sites and capture an expected $106 million in net energy savings.

Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) approved a contract with ENGIE North America (ENGIE) for comprehensive solar, LED building lighting, customized sports facility LED lighting, and an integrated STEM internship and student engagement program. As the first K-12 school district along the Central Coast to leverage Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding, VUSD will also utilize bond funding to help pay for the project and expand its technical scope which will positively improve sustainability outcomes across the District.

Serving approximately 15,000 students across 27 school and campus facility sites, VUSD leadership and the supporting community have long prioritized the design of a financially-viable energy program to capture energy savings and align with local and state climate action goals. ENGIE worked with the District to lock in favorable Net Energy Metering 2.0 rates for the next 20 years. VUSD is also committed to delivering sustainable solutions across all school sites – many of which are located in economically underserved parts of the city.

This project is financially attractive for the District and will reduce its overall electricity costs by 70 percent over 30 years. This work will be done across schools with a Southern California-based team of ENGIE project engineers. The combined project scope will include:

• 4,708 kW solar PV scope across 25 sites and parking canopy solar structures;

• Interior/exterior LED lighting and occupancy sensor controls at nine sites;

• Sports Field LED lighting at Buena High School and Ventura High School, reusing existing lighting infrastructure poles to minimize extended construction impact on the fields; and

• Integrated STEM offerings aligned with real-time project data production, including professional development for teachers, hands-on engineering design learning for students, and six dedicated summer intern opportunities for local students.

The VUSD program is expected to save $133 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the project. The District should be eligible for $14 million in IRA federal funding dollars that will go directly to it after the project is completely constructed.

“As thoughtful stewards of our community’s resources, Ventura Unified has been interested in solar energy and high-efficiency LED lighting systems for many years. Unfortunately, making those changes was cost-prohibitive until recently,” stated Board President, Sabrena Rodriguez. “Thanks to the generosity of our community by passing Measure E, a general obligation bond to update our schools, we can now make these changes a reality. These changes are not only a positive step towards sustainability and resilience for the District, but they will also provide opportunities for our students and staff to learn about how green technologies can be good for the financial bottom line — creating a win-win for the community and our schools.”

“The IRA is a true gamechanger for our ENGIE customers – now that we are seeing local leaders like VUSD start to directly build out projects that leverage potential IRA funding, it is clear what a win-win this is for energy communities across the U.S.,” said Jean-Francois Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE. “We are excited to help VUSD expedite their plan for long-term sustainability that will enhance and elevate the District’s financial and environmental impact through our range of comprehensive solutions.”

Ventura’s Oil Legacy: From Chumash Ingenuity to Modern Industry

Have any archival stuff that shows an Oil Rig By Chance?

by Richard Senate

Ventura’s connection to oil runs deep—both literally and historically. The Chumash people, the region’s original inhabitants, knew of the natural oil that seeped from the earth. They ingeniously used it to waterproof baskets and seal the seams of their plank canoes, known as tomols. They even discovered how to harden the tar for securing arrowheads to shafts.

The padres at Mission San Buenaventura were also aware of the area’s oil seeps along the Ventura River. They used the substance as grease for their ox carts—their version of pickup trucks—and even distilled it into a crude fuel for lamps. By the 1860s, as the demand for whale oil dwindled, crude oil emerged as a replacement. In 1865, one of California’s earliest oil wells was dug near Sulphur Mountain in the Ojai Valley, reaching an impressive 700 feet with the limited tools of the time. Though it was a gusher, the oil was too thick for practical use.

Ventura’s higher-quality crude oil, found near the Ventura River, proved more promising. In the late 1800s, George S. Gilbert, a former whale oil merchant, established one of California’s first commercial refineries on Main Street in Ventura. This early venture marked the beginning of the city’s oil legacy.

However, it wasn’t until January 10, 1914, that Ventura truly became an oil town. That day, the “Lloyd Number One” well struck oil at a depth of 2,558 feet. The gusher erupted with such force that it destroyed the drilling rig. This discovery brought Shell Oil to the region and led to the formation of Central Petroleum in 1917. By the early 1920s, additional wells, like Lloyd Number Nine and Lloyd Number Sixteen, were producing 5,000 barrels a day.

At its peak, the Ventura River Oil Field was second only to Signal Hill, producing an astounding 90,000 barrels a day. Oil became the lifeblood of Ventura’s economy, spurring not only extraction but also innovation. The city became a hub for oil tool manufacturing and new drilling technologies, cementing its status as a leader in the industry.

During World War II, Ventura’s oil fields were deemed so vital that a battery of coastal guns was installed at Seaside Park to protect the area from potential Japanese attacks. The cannons, mounted on circular platforms, could defend both the city and the oil fields.

The postwar era brought an unexpected visitor: a former Navy pilot and his wife, who stayed at the Pierpont Inn while learning about Ventura’s oil industry. Armed with newfound knowledge, the young man returned to Texas, became a successful oilman, and later ascended to the highest office in the land. His name? George H.W. Bush.

From its early days of tar pits and primitive wells to its boom as an oil production powerhouse, Ventura’s history is inextricably tied to the black gold beneath its soil.

Get ready for the 2025 Corporate Games!  

The Corporate Games hosts a diverse line-up of competitions to bring your company together in a unique and friendly atmosphere. Happening March 22–May 3, 2025, this action-packed six weeks of business-to-business team sports competitions is something you won’t want to miss. This year’s theme is Capture Team Spirit!

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Corporate Games can’t operate without the support of our sponsors. The city is currently seeking sponsors for the 2025 games! Receive special recognition during the games, print and media promotion, plus more! To learn more about becoming a sponsor, [email protected].

Important Dates:

  • Sponsor Applications Open: August 1, 2024
  • Registration Begins: January 7, 2025
  • Company Coordinator Meeting #1: January 16, 2024, 6-7pm
  • Company Coordinator Meeting #2: January 30, 2024, 6-7pm
  • Registration Ends: February 14, 2025

List of competitions: Eventsoccur after regular business hours on weekday evenings and weekends.

  • 5K Run (in-person & virtual)
  • Basketball
  • Billiards
  • Cornhole
  • Dodgeball
  • Flag Football
  • Golf
  • Kickball
  • Pickleball
  • Six-A-Side Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tug-O-War
  • Volleyball – Beach
  • Volleyball – Indoor
  • And many more to get excited for!

About the Corporate Games

The Corporate Games program is a business-to-business team sports competition for companies and organizations throughout Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties. Teams are welcome to sign up to compete in a diverse line-up of activities including pickleball, soccer, bowling, and much more.  The Corporate Games began in 1989 and is designed to build camaraderie and team spirit amongst professional work groups in a unique and friendly atmosphere.  www.cityofventura.ca.gov/645/Corporate-Games.

The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Launches Aviation Scholarship Program to Support Aspiring Pilots

The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing (CAF SoCal) is excited to announce the launch of its Aviation Scholarship Program, developed in partnership with the Si Robin Foundation, Lightspeed Aviation, and in association with Camarillo Flight Instruction. This scholarship aims to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals by providing financial support to young individuals aged 16-25 with a passion for aviation.

The new scholarship program reflects CAF SoCal’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive aviation community by helping aspiring pilots realize their dreams and enter the aviation field.

“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to our local community,” said Roland Fogel, Operations Officer at CAF SoCal. “This scholarship enables a deserving individual to pursue their dream of becoming a pilot and contributes to the growth of a talented workforce in the aviation industry.”

CAF SoCal is currently accepting applications through December 16, 2024. Candidates interested in this opportunity can apply online and learn more about the program by visiting the CAF SoCal website.

Application Details:

For More Information mail: [email protected]

About the CAF Southern California Wing:

The CAF Southern California Wing is a volunteer organization with members from many different backgrounds. The wing is dedicated to preserving the history of WWII aircraft for generations to come. This CAF location is assigned 12 authentic military aircraft maintained and operated by their volunteers. In addition to flying aircraft, the wing has a wide-ranging collection of World War artifacts displayed in a Hangar Museum. Their opening hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM. They are closed on Monday through Thursday and on some holidays. The newly expanded wing, at over 55,000 square feet, includes three hangar complexes to house their museum, flying aircraft, warbird restorations, and gift shop.

The CAF Southern California Wing is located at the Camarillo Airport at 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. Their website is www.cafsocal.com, and their phone number is (805) 482-0064.

 

Historic E.P. Foster Library Secures $13 Million for Major Upgrades

The City of Ventura and Ventura County Libraries are excited to announce a $13 million renovation project for the historic E.P. Foster Library in Downtown Ventura. These funds will transform the library into a modern, accessible space for the community, offering services year-round and serving as a cooling center during extreme heat events. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and be completed by 2027.

“The E.P. Foster Library has been a cornerstone of our community for over a century, and this renovation marks a significant step towards ensuring it remains a vital resource for generations to come,” said County Supervisor Matt LaVere. “These improvements will not only enhance the library’s services, but also provide a safe and welcoming space during extreme heat, reflecting our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all residents.”

The renovation project is backed by a collaborative funding effort, with significant contributions from state, federal, and local grants. In 2023, the library received an $8.7 million Building Forward Grant from the California State Library, focused on improving library facilities across the state. This grant requires a 50 percent match, with the City of Ventura and Ventura County splitting the cost to support this vital community resource. Congressman Salud Carbajal secured an additional $750,000 through Community Project Funding to help fund a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the library.

In past years, E.P. Foster has struggled to remain operational during heat waves due to the lack of air conditioning, leaving vulnerable populations—such as older adults and people without housing—without a safe refuge. Recently, on September 6, the library had to close for the day per the California Heat Illness Prevention Standard when temperatures reached over 80 degrees Fahrenheit inside the building.

The installation of an HVAC system and other critical upgrades will not only allow the library to stay open and operating during excessive heat but also serve as a crucial community cooling center. Additional upgrades to the E.P. Foster Library include a new elevator to improve accessibility, new windows, roof replacement, and restroom renovations to enhance the visitor experience.

“We have received tremendous support from our community partners in securing these funds,” said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram. “These renovations will ensure that that historic building remains a safe, accessible, and welcoming resource for all community members.”

Improvements will modernize the facility and address critical building and safety code requirements. Built in 1921, with additions in 1959, the E.P. Foster Library is a historic landmark that once served as Ventura’s original City Hall and library. While the planned upgrades will modernize its infrastructure, they will also preserve the building’s historic character. The renovations focus primarily on interior updates, ensuring the architectural integrity and aesthetic of the library remain intact.

“Our public libraries provide a safe and comfortable space for people to read, learn, access computers, pursue career development, and find community,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The City is proud to be a part of the collaborative effort to maintain and revitalize this important community resource.”

Annually, 339,434 people utilize the E.P. Foster Library. By investing in the infrastructure and accessibility of this historic building, the project aims to create a safe, sustainable, and functional space that meets the modern-day needs of the community while preserving its historic legacy.

Find updates on the project in the coming months at www.vencolibrary.org. For questions regarding the project, please contact Director of the Ventura County Library System Nancy Schram at [email protected].

2024 Legacy Award Winners Announced

Tammy Glenn, executive director at Caregivers, and staff.

by Carol Leish, MA

The 2024 Legacy Award winners were announced on November 13, 2024, at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Advisory Council meeting by the Optimal Aging Committee’s chair, Alice Sweetland. The Legacy Awards, which have been awarded since 2018, recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and organizations that dedicate their lives to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to live optimally. Legacy Awards have been presented annually to a local business organization, to a Dementia Friendly business/organization, and to community members/volunteers.

CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly got the Award for Business/Organization. It was founded in 1984, and has developed a community-based model to meet a growing need for assistance for older adults. The mission is to promote the health, well-being, dignity, and independence of frail, homebound older adults through one-on-one relationships with carefully screened, trusted, and trained volunteers. It provides non-medical, in-home support services and transportation that helps to prevent premature placement into board and care facilities. This makes it possible for these older adults to continue to live in the comfort and security of their own homes. Through the assistance of volunteers, these older adults’ confidence and self-esteem improves their quality of life. Tammy Glenn, MBA, is the Executive Director.

Santa Clara Valley Hospice won the Award for Dementia Friend Business/Organization. It has served residents within the Santa Clara River Valley, including Santa Paula, Piru, Fillmore, Somis, Saticoy and East Ventura, since 1980. It has a mission of continuing a commitment of support and care through service, compassion and empathy for those with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, and their families. Services are free of charge, since generous donations have been made by the community. Caregiver support groups, training, and respite care are provided. They also provide a free medical supplies program that has distributed more than 100,000 pieces of equipment for those in need.

Marty Blumenthal got the Award for Community Member/Volunteer. He began his involvement with Senior Concerns when his wife Debbie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Besides taking on the role of caregiver for his wife, he also began volunteering as a home-delivered meals driver for Senior Concerns in 2021. He would bring his wife with him on the deliveries in order for them to stay active together, and to give back to the community. He also joined the Board of Directors of Senior Concerns, and has been very active in generating support and raising awareness of the organization’s mission. He joined a caregiver’s support group in order to better assist his wife. He is also involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, the Westlakers, and the Westlake Yacht Club. He is definitely an advocate for helping others.

Sylvia Fulton won the Award for Community Member/Volunteer. She joined the City of Oxnard’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) back in 2007. She is still active in the program at the age of 97. She has been an instructor with the RSVP Bone Builders program, which she started as a participant. As an instructor, she has become a master trainer and is a constant advocate for the program, her fellow instructors, and its many participants. She has amassed almost 8,300 hours of recorded service, with many more hours that haven’t been recorded. In 2017, at the age of 90, she and another volunteer were honored by the Ventura County Fire Department for actions taken to pull a woman out of a home that was on fire. Sylvia credited her years of weight-lifting in Bone Builders for the ability to help the panicked neighbor.

To learn more about Caregivers Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, visit vccaregivers.org, email [email protected], or call 805-658-8630. To learn more about the Santa Clara Valley Hospice, visit SantaClaraValleyHospice.org, email [email protected] or call 805-525-1333.

Ojai Women’s Fund Awards Over $90,000 in 2024 Grants

Six of the seven winning grantee representatives are pictured left to right: Dan Parziale, Co-founder and Executive Director of Mesa; Ali Sadreameli, Director of Development for Livingston Memorial; Esther Anaya, Executive Director of The Arc of Ventura County; Grace Bueti Mallory, Co-Director of Poco Farms; Susan Kapadia, Executive Director of OjaiCARES, and Vince Serrano of The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura.

The Annual Grantee Awards Celebration from the Ojai Women’s Fund(OWF) was announced on November 7 at a memorable evening filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude. The historic Ojai Woman’s Club was brimming with OWF members, this year’s grant recipients, and new friends, enjoying the delicious food and wine presented by the talented Events Committee co-chairs Gayle Whitaker and Jenny Taft. As everyone mingled, the air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and heartfelt connections.

This year, OWF awarded a remarkable $91,155 to seven nonprofits, each dedicated to uplifting the community. The awards were accepted by nonprofit executives and included:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura – $15,000
  • Interface Children & Family Services – $11,995
  • Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association – $10,000
  • Mesa – $14,160
  • OjaiCARES – $10,000
  • Poco Farm – $15,000
  • The Arc of Ventura County – $15,000

A heartwarming moment unfolded during the final acceptance speech. Esther Anaya, Executive Director of The Arc of Ventura County, shared a story that illustrated the incredible, often unseen impact of OWF’s support. At the Grantee Presentations in September, she described how three nonprofits with no prior connections collaborated after learning of each other’s missions.

Dan Parziale, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Mesa, mentioned a young man seeking work. Esther stepped in to help, and after completing the necessary requirements, he joined Arc’s Ojai office, now contributing meaningfully to the Ojai community. Dan recalled, “He thought he’d end up as a cashier at Chevron, but he found a fulfilling role helping others, thanks to the connections fostered by OWF.”

Poco Farms also reached out to Esther at the September event, seeking assistance to secure an off-road wheelchair so individuals with physical limitations could fully participate at the farm. With Arc’s help, they achieved this goal.

Reflecting on these connections, Esther remarked, “None of this would have happened had we not been invited to speak at that September OWF meeting. We had never met, and our paths likely wouldn’t have crossed otherwise. OWF made it possible for us to collaborate and extend our missions. I can’t express how grateful we are.”

Entering its tenth year, the Ojai Women’s Fund has given almost $800,000 in grants to nonprofits serving the Ojai Valley. Anyone interested in joining this giving circle of over 360 women can learn more at OjaiWomensFund.org.