FREE Ventura reeze Your Hometown Paper B Vol. 3, No. 7 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 City expects Salvation Army additional $4 offers housing million in cuts and hope by Tim Pompey by Rebecca Wicks It’s been in Ventura since the 1920s Ventura is far from out of the woods and located at its current site near Oak financially. Last month Jay Panzica, the and Santa Clara Street since the 1950s. city’s chief financial officer relayed he Long enough for the building to blend expects the city will need to cut an addi- into the downtown scene. However, at tional $4 million from its budget by June this moment in our current economic this year. This is in addition to the $11 crisis, it stands out as one of the vital million the city already cut from its bud- forces in the City of Ventura’s effort to get last year. combat homelessness. It’s the Salvation Panzica cited weak sales taxes as the Army. Kettle ringers. Army uniforms. Big main culprit. Half or $2 million of the red shield. Also on the cutting edge in the shortfall is due to lower than expected Artwork, such as this wonderful painting by local artists like Hilda Kilpatrick helped inspire struggle against homelessness. sales tax revenues according to Panzica. VBG’s vision of a botanical garden that celebrates the natural beauty of Ventura The Salvation Army’s Oak Street He explained the economic recession site serves as a combination social ser- makes it more than difficult for govern- vice agency and food pantry. With their ment organizations to make revenue pre- Ventura Botanical Gardens most recent remodel in the 1990s, they dictions. He added unlike cities in other now provide nine rooms as a transitional states California cities wait months for Begin: Phase 1 Continued on page 8 the state to impart information regard- ing actual revenues. by John Burke Exact sales tax figures for the first Landscape Architect half of 2009 were recently in and they Plans for a botanical garden at Grant and Doug Halter, Co-Vice Presidents of were worse than expected. In addition, Park are advancing quickly thanks to Ventura Botanical Gardens a 501 (c) 3 property tax revenue is down 3 percent more than 300 passionate, dedicated vol- Charitable Corporation. this year translating into a $763,000 dip. unteers, a non-profit group called Ven- The group has been at work for three Other city revenues have also fallen short tura Botanical Gardens. years raising money, making friends and including building and inspection fees The City Council voted in November searching for a site. In Grant Park they and city fines which are down $900,000 to approve the garden concept and open found a site that is as Doug described it, more than anticipated. negotiations to lease the 107-acre park. “World class.” On top of these budget shortfalls, the Inspired by the vision of a garden that “Botanical Gardens have changed,” city will also need to spend more than celebrates the ecology of Ventura, the said Jonell. They are still places of learn- $310,000 in storm-water permits in order Council approved a lease option. ing but the lessons are different, it’s less to comply with new storm-water regula- An option is a sort of three-year about “taming” nature and more about tions enacted in 2009 to reduce ocean courtship in which both parties will try working with nature. contamination. to prove themselves worthy. The Council Asked if more traffic would impact “The economic recession is deep and will have the last word, at least five Mem- the neighborhood, Jonell said VBG has recovery is going to be weak and slow,” bers must vote yes. You can influence the worked on that for over a year, reaching said Panzica in his report to the city process. You can attend two Community out to the city staff and others through council. Workshops and a Design Charrette. the Grant Park Consortium. The Master The Salvation Army offers a full range of hous- Continued on page 5 I spoke recently with Jonell McLain Plan will address traffic and she thinks ing and social services to the homeless in Ven- the garden will be a good neighbor. tura. Pictured here: Shelli Locklear, Director The first step in the lease option of Operations, Laura Foster, Senior Adminis- courtship is to develop a Master Plan. trative Assistant, and Center Director Captain To do that, VBG hired the landscape Bill Finley. architecture firm of MIA LEHRER+ AS- SOCIATES, a firm well known for this Mail Box...... 2 type of work. Opinion/Editorial...... 3 Several professions are employed to develop the Master Plan: landscape ar- City News...... 4 chitects, civil engineers, planners, public News and Notes...... 5 works, archeologists, biologists, ecolo- gists and others. Community Events...... 8 Of equal importance, the plan must Art Scene...... 10 address the clients’ wishes and desires and in this case that includes you because Professor Scamp...... 11 this is a public/private partnership. Police and Fire Reports...... 11 MLA will conduct a series of meetings to determine what is both possible and Senior Living...... 12 desirable. They will try to forge a com- School...... 14 mon vision of the gardens while satisfy- ing accepted professional standards. The Sports...... 14 final Master Plan Document will include Business...... 16 several plans, maps, drawings and reports The Lighter Breeze...... 18 The City of Ventura has completed their 6th annual Digital Photography Contest. The Breeze that describe the future gardens. will be presenting some of the winners in this and future issues. This is the people’s choice in The first Community Workshop is Health...... 19 the People Portraits category “Surf’s Down” by Darren Block. February 6, 2010. It’s your first chance Continued on page 9 Movie Time...... 19 2 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze Mailbox Dear City Council Members and other Open letter of thanks: concerned people of Ventura; We would like to thank the more I am not a politician and I know that than 700 Ventura County residents, over Ventura has lots of money problems at the past two decades, who have rotated the moment. I just want you to know through as cast members of Every Now that myself and my family used to use and Then Theatre radio dramas. Be- the library facilities of Ventura at least cause of all of you, these broadcasts have once a week, and now we don’t. When raised funds for foster children in Ven- the Wright Library closed, my two kids, tura County and have provided more ages 7 and 10, lost a home away from than 1,300 show copies sent overseas home. They had grown up going to story to our armed forces—a piece of home times with Star, chatting with Jane, and for the holidays. We also wish to thank knew they could go to the Wright Library our many volunteer celebrity hosts, for help with homework, reports, or just whose talents have helped us benefit the finding the latest American Girl books. It community. And, thanks to Goldcoast was cozy and safe and clean and nice and Broadcasting, without whom we would welcoming. It had a HUGE selection of be voiceless. children’s books and books for ‘tweens As we celebrate our 20th year, we and Young Adults. It was easy to use and look back noting top local actors have my kids could always find whatever they been uniquely mixed with local doctors, were looking for. newspaper reporters, lawyers, radio tal- Since Wright closed, I have tried to ents, jewelers, mayors, TV news anchors, “talk-up” the downtown library by say- a police chief, rival theatre critics, a dis- ing how much bigger it is and how it is trict attorney, rival vehicle dealers, a su- fun that we get to go downtown more of- perior court judge, teachers, students, ar- ten. I have done my part in “selling” the chitects, so many local business owners, Foster Library. We have since visited the and all the rest—you know who you are! downtown library three times and have These productions are our way of been confronted by homeless men walk- giving back, while having fun. We hope ing in the door twice. My children don’t that each of you who have not yet, find a understand why the bathrooms have way to “pick your passion” and help oth- locks on them. I have to watch closely as ers. And, as Tiny Tim says, “God bless my kids try to find books to make sure us, every one!” they are not harassed by adults who are Regards, wandering the aisles of the children’s sec- James Wortman, Ventura tion without children. On two of our Linda Stiegler, Thousand Oaks visits, we were unable to find a particu- lar type of book my children were look- Breeze: ing for due to the lack of selection, books In your recent article on motorized that we knew used to be easily available bikes almost all the facts are wrong to us at the Wright Library (Geronimo who ever wrote that article seems to be Stilton and Captain Underpants). The saying the ventura police dept is giving downtown facility has less books for us to this infomation (information) which choose from, it is much more office-like is also false they talk about DMV laws and is FAR from welcoming and cozy. I which are totally all wrong I can (can’t) realize that the homeless have every right believe someone would print so many to use the library facility as much as the wrong statements. rest of the community, but the families of Phil Lehr Ventura also deserve an equally welcom- Phil Call us before ing environment. Okay, so in less then 350 words tell us PLEASE do whatever you can to have what was wrong with the facts so that we all the Wright Library open for us at least know what the truth is. one afternoon/evening a week so my chil- Breeze dren can once again have a home away Breeze: from home. My kids used to LOVE going You are not required by law to to the library and often asked to go every have: insurance, motocycle (motor- week. Now, when I tell them their books cycle) licence (license), not required are due, they ask if they have to go to the to be registered with DMV ,horns “yucky” library or can we go back to the ,mirrors,stoplights also not required. “Wright/right” one. This is not the feel- a helmet is required needs to be D.O.T ing I want them to have when they think approved that’s it. All laws regarding about reading and books. motorized bicycles can be seen on DMV PLEASE do whatever you can to own website Ventura police dept may help!!! We really need your help!!! want to read California law before edu- Lisa Urwick cating the public Ventura, CA Phil It’s Never Been So Easy you go under. Getting To & From The Airport

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Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 3

Ventura Opinion/Editorial “Ventura Politics registered voter of Ventura and has been sions of the council, shall sign official reeze 101” part 1 continuously, for at least one year next documents when the signature of the Your Hometown Paper preceding his election or appointment, a council or mayor is required by law and TheB Ventura Breeze is your free local community news- This is a much longer resident of Ventura. shall act as the official head of the city paper published every other Wednesday and circulated article then I usually The election of members of the Coun- on public and ceremonial occasions, but throughout Ventura and to many locations in Ojai. write but regarding cil shall be from the City at large (not dis- does not have veto powers. The deputy Sheldon Brown this subject it was nec- tricts). Candidates receiving the highest mayor, (new Council Member Mike Tra- Publisher Publisher essary and will even number of votes shall be declared elected cy), shall act as mayor in the absence or Sheldon Brown continue into the next issue. until the number declared elected equals disability of the mayor. [email protected] This “Ventura Politics 101” is based the number of Council offices to be filled The council may hold a closed ses- Pet editor upon someone I know saying to me that at the election (four the last elections). sion to consider any matter permitted Professor Scamp he thought that Jim Monahan was our Members of the Council shall to be considered in closed session by [email protected] Mayor (Jim is still a council member but hold office for a period of four years. state law. hasn’t been mayor since 1927, only kid- In 2011 Christy Weir, Bill Fulton and The city manager shall be the admin- Contributing Writers ding Jim). And when further speaking to Carl Morehouse are up for re-election istrative head of the city government (he Tim Pompey other Venturans I found that many didn’t The officers of the City of San Bue- runs the joint). He shall be chosen by the Rebecca Wicks have the slightest idea of how our mayor naventura are the seven members of the council without regard to political con- Nanci Cone is even selected. council, the city manager and the city sideration but based solely upon execu- So here goes “Ventura Politics 101”. attorney. Four members of the Council tive and administration qualifications. Karlene Lang Some of this is directly from the City shall constitute a quorum. The manager shall be appointed for Mira Reverente Charter but I have not put in quotes for City council members shall receive a an indefinite term, but shall be removed Joseph Owen the ease of reading. maximum pay of $600.00 per month. In by the council by a vote of four or more Peter Godinez And please understand when I say addition the mayor (Bill Fulton) shall council members. Sophia Kidd (from China) “he” it is “he/she”. receive a maximum of $100.00 addi- Some of the basic duties of the city Nelson Wallace We are governed by the City of San tional per month. Each member of the manager are: Buenaventura Charter. council shall receive reimbursement for Be responsible to the city council for PhotograPhy The City of San Buenaventura was authorized traveling and other expens- the administration of all city affairs” in- Joseph Boeing/Boeing Photography incorporated as a town by the California es when on official duty as approved by cluding hiring and firing department Legislature on March 10, 1866. the council. heads, preparing the annual budget and senior advisors The first Charter of the City was pre- The council has a travel budget of ensuring the effective implementation of Nanci Cone pared and proposed by a Board of Free- $30,000 per year (much less than other the city council’s policies and priorities. Suz Montgomery holders elected in October 13, 1931, and cities) for all members. There is not a set He advises council on strategic direc- advertising advisors was approved by the State Legislature on amount for each council member. tion for the city. Most of all, he provides Leselie Ann Matthias January 26, 1933. The city council appoints (hires) the overall organizational leadership to en- [email protected] Since approval of the original Char- city manager and the city attorney. sure the effective daily delivery of servic- Stacey Armijo ter there have been many amendments The compensation of the City Man- es, projects and programs, guided by the [email protected] that must be approved by the electorates. ager Rick Cole (2004) and the City At- City’s General Plan. In fact there are some in the community torney Ariel Pierre Calonne (2007) shall To appoint, or discharge all depart- Jules D. McCampbell that feel it is time to revise the Charter at be decided by the council. It is presently ment heads and all other employees ex- [email protected] this time and are working on proposed $174,000.00 for the city manager and empted from the personnel merit system ProduCtion revisions. $195,000.00 for the city attorney. of the city, except those appointed by the Alfred J. Lewis/studioNothing General municipal elections for the The council shall elect from among city council [email protected] election of officers and for such other its members the titles of Mayor and Dep- To prepare and to submit to the city purposes as the council may prescribe uty Mayor, each of whom shall serve a council the proposed annual budget and Printing shall be held biennially in each odd-num- two-year term. In no event may a mayor capital improvement program. Roger Wirsing bered year, or to coincide with any gen- for a two-year term, succeed himself as This is basically how it all works. American Foothill Publishing Co. eral state-wide election held in November mayor without at least one additional If you have any questions so far ------of each odd-numbered year. two-year term having lapsed. please email me at editor@ventura- REACHING US: No person shall hold, or be eligible There are no term limits. breeze.com and I will try to answer events & haPPenings for nomination to office unless he is a The mayor shall preside over the ses- them in the next issue. [email protected]

oPinions [email protected] Mailbox artiCles and Photos or bikeway in front of the bicyclist and ject, but are not under 406(b) [electrics]. use a bike lane along a roadway since cars [email protected] is visible from a distance of 300 feet in But again, since bicycles with accessory are going at a much greater speed than the front and from the sides of the bicycle”… advertising engine kits are by definition not “Motor- moped, even though the moped is going [email protected] “A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, ized bicycles” licensing is not required. faster than a bike. If a moped is going down shoe, or ankle visible from the front and The maximum engine size for either a a roadway at 30 mph in a 35-55 speed limit Ventura Breeze rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 bicycle with accessory engine kit or “Mo- zone, it must use the bike lane. 1575 Spinnaker Drive, 105B-393 feet”… “A red reflector on the rear that torized bicycle” is less 149cc’s for gas, or 21207.5. Notwithstanding Sections Ventura, CA 93001 shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet 1000 watts for electrics. Anything more 21207 and 23127 of this code, or any oth- 805.653.0791 • Fax 805.641.3158 to the rear when directly in front of law- becomes a “Motor driven cycle” or “Mo- er provision of law, no motorized bicycle ful upper beams of headlamps on a mo- torcycle”. Helmet requirement: under may be operated on a bicycle path or trail, C tor vehicle”. Turn signals, horn, and rear CVC 406(b), a bicycle helmet is satisfac- bikeway, bicycle lane established pursu- The Ventura Breeze is printed with lamp are NOT required. tory. Under CVC406(a) a helmet which ant to Section 21207, equestrian trail, or soy based ink on paper with minimum A “Motorized bicycle” is defined in meets the requirements of CVC 27802 hiking or recreational trail, unless it is 40% recycled content. 406CVC: 406 (a) A “motorized bicycle” will suffice. within or adjacent to a roadway or unless or “moped” is any two-wheeled or three- Alan Neuman the local authority or the governing body wheeled device having fully operative Ojai of a public agency having jurisdiction To: Editor pedals for propulsion by human power, over such path or trail permits, by ordi- Re: Motorized Bicycles, in your Novem- or having no pedals if powered solely by Motorized bikes nance, such operation. ber 18, 2009 issue. electrical energy, and an automatic trans- I just want to clarify a code section Jan Mendoza Dear editor, mission and a motor which produces less you mention in your article about Mo- Information Officer The following information is sub- than 2 gross brake horsepower and is ca- torized Bicycles. Department of Motor Vehicles mitted for educational purposes only and pable of propelling the device at a maxi- “Riders can’t use bicycle lanes (VC not to be construed as “legal advice”. My mum speed of not more than 30 MPH on 21207.5), due to the high rate of speed Dear Mr. Brown, recent correspondence with Gary Oliver level ground. gas-powered can go versus human-pow- I want to express my deep apprecia- of the DMV Customer Communications Look at the definition closely: “and ered.” tion for the most excellent article written and Assembly Member Audra Strickland’s an AUTOMATIC transmission”. VC 21207.5 states that mopeds can’t use by Nancy Cone entitled “Fighting Osteo- office concerning these misnamed “mo- Almost all bicycles with accessory en- bike paths or lanes unless they are ad- porosis by building strong bones!”. The torized bicycles” yields the following: gine kits are direct drive, no transmission! jacent to a roadway. Using the blanket Breeze is well served by having this type These are simply bicycles, and fall Registration: “Motorized bicycles” statement that mopeds can’t use bicycle of senior coverage in it’s pages. The article under the Motor Vehicle Code (CVC) as are subject under CVC5030. However, lanes is incorrect. Typically, mopeds must Continued on page 17 such! Equipment requirements for bicy- bicycles with accessory engine kits are cles fall under 21201(d) CVC. by definition, NOT “Motorized bicycles” Live as you will have wished to have lived when you are dying. Lighting: “A lamp emitting a white therefore registration is not required. light that, while the bicycle is in mo- Drivers Licensing: “Motorized bicy- – Christian Gellery tion, illuminates the highway, sidewalk, cles “classified under CVC 406(a) are sub-

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 4 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze City News borhood.” Whether or not a new entrance Christmas; Police Chief Drop-in center can be designed or that neighbors will find the Center’s location and purpose any less approval delayed objectionable nine months down the road Miller’s last shift remains an open question. by Tim Pompey by Mayor Bill Fulton Responding to an appeal filed by sev- At about 9 o’clock on Christmas of trouble in the first place. eral residents and businesses surround- Copenhagen morning, a big Ventura Police Depart- The second is the way his leadership ing the proposed Kingdom Center site ment SUV pulled up in front of my house style focuses on results. Pat always says near the corner of Ash and Thompson, Accord at City on Anacapa Street in Midtown. I hope that if you can’t say what you’re after in the City Council voted on December 14 to it didn’t scare my neighbors into think- 20 words or less, you’ve failed. He usually continue its support of the project’s Tran- Hall Jan. 19 ing something had gone awry. In fact, it succeeds, and this no-nonsense style has sitional Living Center. However, it held off The City of Ventura invites the com- was just Police Chief Pat Miller picking helped him set clear goals and motivate on approving the adjoining daytime drop munity to attend a post-summit discus- me up. Christmas was Pat’s last day on his officers to achieve them. In doing in center for the homeless (called Opera- sion about climate change and what it the job, and – along with a reporter and this, he focuses – as police departments tion Embrace) until an agreement could be means for Ventura. Join in to hear from a photographer from the Star – I decided so often do these days – on tangible and reached between Pastor Sam Gallucci of the local speakers who will share their per- to ride along with him on his last shift. measurable results. His proudest accom- Harbor Church and surrounding property sonal thoughts and experiences follow- The fact that Pat was working the plishment is simply that crime has gone owners regarding the Center’s proposed ing the Copenhagen Climate Summit beat on Christmas Day on the last day down while he’s been chief. But it takes Ash Street entrance. (COP15). Speakers include Alec Loorz, 15, of his career is a testament to Pat and to meeting many other statistical targets to Instead, the Council, which had previ- of Ventura and the group Kids vs. Global the humane approach he has instilled in meet that larger goal. ously approved Gallucci’s Conditional Use Warming, Sarah Otterstrom, executive the Police Department. By longstanding For example, under Pat’s leadership, Permit for both projects on November 17, director of Paso Pacifico, a Ventura-based tradition, the senior brass at Ventura PD the Ventura PD set a goal of responding accepted an alternative suggested by the nonprofit that works to stop deforesta- work shifts on Christmas Day so that the to major calls within five minutes 90 per- Planning Commission. The alternative tion in Nicaragua and Rick Ridgeway, vice younger officers can celebrate Christmas cent of the time. When he set the goal, the asked that the City “deny the appeal in part president of environmental initiatives at with their families. Today, Pat was work- department hit the five-minute response by approving the reuse of the 30 unit hotel Patagonia. ing half a shift – 6 a.m to noon – before time 50 percent of the time. Now, with no to a Transitional Living Center . . . and con- Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 5:30pm heading home to be with his family. appreciable increase in resources, it’s 80 tinue Council consideration of the appeal Ventura City Hall, Community Meeting Pat was clearly born to be a cop. His percent. Pat may be a beat cop at heart, as it relates to the daytime homeless pro- Room, 501 Poli Street family moved to Ventura when he was in but he understands how to use informa- gram for a minimum of 9 months.” high school, and at the age of 21 he went tion and numbers and goals to get the job In an emotional and sometimes heat- to work as a police officer in San Fernando, done, and I admire that. ed exchange between local neighbors, the Fire and where his father was also a cop. In 1981, Back at the police station on Dow- Council, and Pastor Gallucci, two main he switched over to the Ventura Police De- ell Drive (yes, named for Dee Dowell), issues appeared to be at the center of the partment and he’s been here ever since. Pat greets his daughter Nicole, a veteran appeal: 1) the location of the Center’s main Police Chiefs To me, there’s far more to Pat than dispatcher who’s going on duty at noon. entrance, an alleyway running parallel to the passionate beat cop and the police (She had to wait for him to retire to be re- the residence of Hoo Tjhiang and Justine sworn in officer with the dry sense of humor. Af- hired, since a department head can’t hire Han on Ash Street; and 2) whether or not A swearing-in ceremony for the new ter all, here’s a guy who’s a member of relatives.) Just before noon, Nicole puts Gallucci and staff gave sufficient notice Fire Chief and Police Chief took place the President’s Homeland Security Ad- on her headset, and Pat heads out to the and explanation to the surrounding com- during the regularly scheduled City Coun- visory Council; he teaches homeland SUV with Ken Corney, his longtime assis- munity regarding the location, size, and cil meeting Monday, January 11 in Council security courses at the Naval Postgradu- tant chief, who will take over as chief as scope of the Center. Chambers at City Hall. ate School in Monterey. Beyond that, of soon as Pat steps down. In remarks given to City Council, Jus- During the ceremony, City Clerk Mabi course, there are other things about Pat Pat sits down in the driver’s seat of tine Han alleged that she and her husband Covarrubias Plisky lead new Fire Chief Kev- which – combined with the beat cop’s the SUV, picks up the microphone and were not contacted by Gallucci regarding in Rennie and new Police Chief Ken Corney passion – make Chief Miller one of the says, “151 – 10-C – 10-7.” 151 is his badge the location of the center’s entrance in their in a recitation of the oath of office, after most remarkable people I have ever met. number. 10-C means he’s the chief. 10-7 residential neighborhood. She expressed which, following tradition, the chiefs’ wives The first is his passion for prevent- means he’s checked out. concern that the nature of the project pinned them with their new badges. ing crimes as well as solving them. No- He stands up and Ken Corney grabs would “greatly impact our property value, Fire Chief Kevin Rennie took over du- body has been more forceful in arguing the mike. “199 – 10-C – 10-8.” 199 is Ken’s our safety, and the safety of others in our ties from outgoing chief Mike Lavery in for crime prevention programs that Pat badge number. 10-8 means he’s ready to neighborhood” as well as “change the fun- mid-December upon Lavery’s retirement; has. Gang prevention programs, police go. And 10-C means that Ken, not Pat, is damental characteristics of Ash Street.” while Police Chief Ken Corney replaced officers in the schools, after-school pro- now the chief. Gallucci responded by stating up front outgoing police chief Pat Miller upon Mill- grams – Pat has advocated for all of these Which seems fine with Pat. He shakes that “we’re not the problem, we’re the solu- er’s retirement at the end of that month. ideas and more, often when it meant everybody’s hand, thanks them all, cracks tion to the problem.” He defended his cur- All of the meetings are broadcast live taking resources away from his men on a joke, and drives away, ready for some rent program, located at his church in mid- on CAP’s Channel 15 and can be accessed the beat. That’s because he has always new challenge in life. town Ventura, and claimed that the Hans online by visiting the City’s website at www. believed in “community policing.” It’s a Thanks, Pat. It’s been a privilege to were notified and invited to meetings with cityofventura.net/video. lot better for everybody – including the ride with you – not just today, but for the the Kalorama Coalition as well as to an police -- if the teenager at risk stays out last five years. open house at Operation Embrace. Galluc- ci also stated that he has worked diligently on security concerns at the Center’s current long meetings before in his role as police site, including periodic meetings with the New deputy chief he rarely listened to every issue and City’s Police Chief. to everyone who spoke. Addressing the need for increased ser- mayor Tracy “I was very interested throughout the vice to the homeless population in Ventura, meeting, the time went by more quickly Councilman Neal Andrews acknowledged than you’d think,” said Tracy. that “there’ll never be a place anywhere that is longtime A Ventura native, Tracy ran on a plat- a number of people do not find objection form focused on three issues including to and will raise an issue about,” and that Venturan economic development, well-maintained “this solution is superior to what existed public places and public safety. He ended by Rebecca Wicks before in this neighborhood.” Andrews ad- up being the highest vote-getter in the dressed the tone of the discussion by stat- As the city’s former police chief, Mike November election. ing that “I hear fear. I hear very little in the Tracy is no stranger to city council meet- Tracy was also nominated and elected way of verified facts speaking against this ings. He is more than familiar with their deputy mayor by his fellow council mem- project.” proceedings, processes and protocol hav- bers though there was some controversy However, his proposal to reaffirm the ing attended them regularly in his former surrounding this title being bestowed Council’s previous approval did not receive capacity. Nothing however, might have upon him. Traditionally, mayor and a second. Instead, Councilwoman Christy prepared him for his first council meet- deputy mayor titles are given to council Weir proposed that the Council accept the ing as council member. The marathon members based on a rotation. Some be- Planning Commission’s suggested alter- meeting lasted more than six hours. lieve Neal Andrews was snubbed from the native. The vote was seconded and unani- “It was a long meeting and definitely deputy mayor position by the council. mously approved. different being on that side – the council Since retiring, he and his wife Lin- Given the fact that the Center is proba- member side that is,” said Tracy of lengthy da have travelled to Europe and visited bly a year away from opening at its new site, meeting. “I was actually surprised how grandchildren across the states. Now, Gallucci affirmed that he could live with engaged I was the entire time.” Tracy says his plans are to stay put for this alternative and that he was “very inter- Tracy admitted while he had attended Continued on page 15 ested and open to working with this neigh-

Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 5 News and Notes Obama campaigned as a reformer, his From SOAR’s Website current policies continue to follow Bush and Cheney’s example by expanding the by Matt Sayles and then worked with willing property powers of the Presidency. “…No other county in the United owners to acquire title or conservation Swanson sees a need to restore the States has more effective protections easements to protect valued properties. balance of power to Congress; in particu- against urban sprawl.” POST both holds the protected lands lar to reclaim their powers of subpoena While it is a testament to the residents directly, or conveys properties to the and impeachment. Reclaiming this pow- of Ventura County that they have imple- Mid-Peninsula Open Space District, a er would give Congress more incentive to mented SOAR, one must recognize that joint-powers authority dedicated to con- stand up to the Executive branch. “My SOAR is not the end-all solution to the serving open space on the San Francisco point is that we’ve lost touch with the threats of urban sprawl and open-space Peninsula. Once the properties are se- original intent of the founding fathers: fragmentation. Depending on the ju- cured, they are then managed in a shared that power was intended to exist more in risdiction, SOAR is set to sunset in public/private sphere for their farmland Congress rather than the Presidency and roughly 20 years, and consequently, is a or open-space uses. that having a powerful President and a means to an end—not enduring protec- Most residents of Ventura County weak Congress is dangerous.” tion legislation. would agree that SOAR is important David Swanson, nationally known author At his appearance in Ventura, Swan- What citizens need to do now is work —but it falls short of permanent pro- and political activist, will speak in Ventura on son will address what steps should be together to implement permanent land tection due to the continuous need for January 16 at the Foster Library in downtown taken to rectify these issues and restore conservation on a regional level—and ballot box regulatory measures every 20 Ventura. the protections afforded the American Land Trusts provide an excellent means years. Nor does SOAR do anything to people under the Constitution and Bill of doing so. protect land use for public benefit – it David Swanson of Rights. More information is avail- Land trusts are nonprofit organiza- merely holds current zoning intact and able about Swanson and his book at tions that achieve this mission by work- out of the reach of land use agencies (city to speak in www.davidswanson.org. For questions ing with willing landowners to acquire councils and the Board of Supervisors). or comments, contact Cindy Piester - by title or conservation easement - the Permanent protection is the next step, Ventura at [email protected]. The permanent protection of lands that are as it provides a mechanism to work with by Tim Pompey event is free. deemed valuable for habitat preservation, land owners — both of farming and graz- David Swanson, nationally known passive recreation, agricultural resources, ing lands, as well as floodplains and sce- author and political activist, will be the watershed protection, open-space values, nic areas — to compensate them for their featured speaker on Saturday, January viewshed protection and a host of other property values. Benefits accrue to both 16, at 7 p.m. in the Topping Room of the uses considered beneficial to the commu- landowners and the public. Foster Library located at 651 East Main nities in which they operate. SOAR has bought time for Ventura Street in Ventura. Swanson will discuss The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy County to establish a permanent solu- his new book “Daybreak: Undoing the (VHC) is Ventura’s local land trust. The tion to the threats of urban sprawl. It is Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Conservancy was founded in 2003 to now up to the citizens, land trusts and Perfect Union.” He is being sponsored lo- protect the open space and recreational the local governments here to take SOAR cally by the peace activist group Citizens values of the hillsides, canyons and open to its next logical step by working with for Accountability. space surrounding the Ventura region. land owners to secure permanent protec- Swanson holds a Master’s Degree in An example of a current public sector/ tion of our open spaces and agricultural Philosophy from the University of Virgin- land-trust balance can be found in Palo resources. ia. He has worked as a newspaper report- Miracle on Ash Alto, Calif., with Peninsula Open Space Breeze: er and communications director, includ- Trust (POST). POST has saved over Matt Sayles is the executive director of the ing press secretary for Dennis Kucinich’s Street 2004 presidential campaign, media co- 63,000 acres of threatened land by estab- Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, a land trust The crumbling street on Ash above ordinator for the International Labor lishing publicly agreed-upon open-space working for permanent protection of open Poli has been replaced as much-much Communications Associations, and three “zones” throughout their operating area, space in the Ventura region. needed street improvements projects are years as communications coordinator for scheduled throughout Ventura this year the Association of Community Organiza- and into 2011. tions for Reform Now (ACORN). In ad- a healthy balance between jobs and hous- Street improvements are financed by Housing dition to writing, he currently works for ing in Ventura County . HOME’s mis- gas tax and other special funding so do Democrats.com as its Washington Direc- Opportunities sion is to promote a diversity of housing not come out of general funds. opportunities which are essential for a tor and does consultation for other peace Made Easier healthy and sustainable quality of life for activist groups, including creating web- all Ventura County residents. sites and organizing campaigns. City expects cuts elects 2010 ex- Since 2000, HOME has established Swanson describes himself as an “ac- Continued from page 1 a Steering Committee to form a County- tivist who has tried to get our govern- Panzica cited the high jobless rate of ecutive officers Wide Housing Trust Fund, co-sponsored ment in Washington to represent us and 11 percent as having a negative effect on and produced 8 Annual Ventura County mostly failed.” His concern rests in what labor income and in turn what people Housing Opportunities Made Easier Housing Conferences, and hosted nu- he perceives as the imbalance between are – or aren’t purchasing. In addition, (HOME) has elected new executive of- merous public educational opportuni- Congress as the legislative branch and the according to Panzica the State intends ficers to serve for 2010: Karl Lauterbach ties discussing housing issues in Ventura Presidency as the executive branch. “I’m to delay property tax payments due to its – Chair; Russ Watson – Vice Chair; Ky County. trying to make a case for where power ex- own cash flow issues. Spangler – Secretary; and Nancy Tillie – ists today and how incredibly reckless it is He then outlined a recommended Treasurer. to have too much power in the executive strategy which included departments Mr. Karl Lauterbach is the CFO of branch of our government.” finding further efficiencies such as offer- Lauterbach & Associates, Architects. Mr. Rubicon revises That power, according to Swanson, is ing separation incentives and immedi- Lauterbach joined HOME in 2008, and being widely influenced and wielded by ately canceling, postponing or reducing was soon elected as Vice Chair for 2009. coming season the flow of money and campaign financ- lower-priority expenses. Details to how, Russ Watson has been elected Vice Chair Due to falling financial difficul- ing into political candidates’ coffers, par- and within which departments these of HOME, after serving two consecutive ties The Rubicon Theatre Company has ticularly from such industries as defense might be accomplished were not given. terms as Treasurer. Mr. Watson is the greatly reduced its budget and revised its contractors and healthcare. In addition, Panzica recommended “empowering Housing & Redevelopment Manager for coming season of productions. Smaller the recent formation of large national those closest to service delivery to make the City of Thousand Oaks. cast plays will replace previously planned media cartels only serves to filter pub- those adjustments, rather than aggregat- Ms. Ky Spangler is a Provisional large cast productions that will require lic communications. These conglomer- ing them into a citywide decision pro- Administrative Specialist for the City of fewer actors and production crews. ates include such giants as Fox, GE, and cess,” stating he believes a more dynamic Fillmore. As a recent addition to the While subscriptions and single-ticket Viacom. “With all the media mergers in and flexible plan will work better than a HOME Board of Directors, Ms. Span- sales remain fairly constant personal and recent years, it leaves little room for the static one. gler brings a fresh outlook to HOME’s corporate donations have fallen drastical- existence of an independent media and, City Manager Rick Cole agreed with mission and goals ly during these horrible economic times. in Washington, there really is no serious this course of action stating that if there Nancy Tillie is the COO of Cabrillo Rubicon’s Board of Directors has ap- talk of media reform.” are “significant impacts on services, Economic Development Corporation. proved a $1.8 million budget for 2009-10 Currently, the major concern for I will bring them here” for council ap- Ms. Tillie has been a HOME Board Mem- compared to the $3.2 million budget for Swanson is that the legacy of power proval, he said. ber since 2007, and has participated over last season. left by Bush and Cheney is being main- He warned of likelihood of more ser- the years with the Ventura County Hous- Rubicon has also announced that tained by the current President. “Bush vice cuts and slower emergency-response ing Trust Fund and Annual Ventura Patricia Baldwin has come out of retire- and Cheney went to extremes: rewriting times but stated he was confident the city County Housing Conference. ment and has been hired as chief finan- laws with signing statements, issuing could find enough to trim the needed Housing Opportunities Made Easier cial officer (CFO). Her stated goal is to executive orders, writing secret memos, amount. (HOME) was established as a nonprofit implement a two-year financial recovery telling Congress what laws to write.” In City council members okayed Cole’s 501(c)3 in 2000 to address the need for plan for the theater. Swanson’s view, however, even though plan.

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 6 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze News and Notes scription of the skills and experience they Incentives Work offer. In addition to matchmaking employ- by Coach Ron Tunick ers and candidates, the show also offers Our Master Mind group was discuss- practical advice on how to research job ing our New Year 2010. The topic was opportunities, how to structure a re- complacency and why people get stuck in sume, how to prepare for interviews, how their lives. Most people get to a comfort- to dress for success and what to say dur- able space and that’s where they stay and ing the interview. live. Growing stops and frustration sets in. People say I want to do more and be more …but cannot find the right buttons to push to get them go- ing in a new and positive direction. Try this idea….create a new incentive for yourself. Yes a new incentive that will move you and motivate you to accom- plish your new goals. The new incentive needs to be big enough to drive you and motivate you everyday. The new incentive could be as a simple promise to yourself or a promise to a loved one. Koby Bate- ment was a struggling businessman and Fresh & Easy will soon be here made a promise to a brother that he kept, and became a multi millionaire and then Serra Cross Conservancy is partnering with The Stone Foundation (based in New Mexico) to changed the lives of thousands of people. Fresh & Easy to build two unique castle ramparts adjacent to the steps leading into Serra Cross Park. Shown at The new incentive could be a new toy or a the project site: SCC President Christy Weir, Project Director Tomas Lipps, former SCC Board special gift to yourself. donate $1000 President Dan Collins, and current SCC Board Secretary Angie Hecht. Yvon Chouinard’s , the owner of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market Patagonia, new incentive was to invent will soon open its doors in Ventura at The Stone Foundation to design tools to climb mountains. Yvon wanted Telegraph & Day across from Ventura to climb the highest mountains in the College. Prior to the much anticipated new walls for Serra Cross Park world and needed special climbing tools opening, anyone from the neighborhood to do so…What is your incentive to climb is invited to nominate a local, non-profit by Tim Pompey your own mountains? organization to receive a $1,000 dona- Father Serra’s Cross has been a leg- local businesses such as Mosler Rock Proj- The new incentive must be attain- tion. Fresh & Easy will donate to the se- endary landmark in Ventura for more ects in Newbury Park to get the necessary able…the new incentive must be real and lected group as part of the opening day than three hundred years. The center of materials. Larry Mosler has agreed to do- the new incentive must be out side of your celebration. recent political and legal controversy over nate two hundred tons of sandstone for reach today. Focus on the little tasks of To nominate a local charity, simply the separation of church and state, the the project. daily accomplishments. One little step up visit www.freshandeasy.com/goodneigh- small park surrounding the Cross was re- “I’m a facilitator,” says Lindhard. “I your mountain at a time. Your mountain bor to explain why Fresh & Easy should cently purchased by The Serra Cross Con- guess it’s what I do around here to help top is waiting for you. Your new incentive select the group in 150 words or less. servancy, whose goal, according to past get projects done.” He believes this art can be attained by doing daily tasks each Store employees will vote on submissions president Dan Collins, is to “preserve the project will make a permanent imprint on day toward your personal commitment. and choose an organization. Fresh & park and make it a beautiful place for fam- the Ventura landscape. “The Serra Cross Chart your activity and write down the Easy will begin accepting submissions on ilies to come and enjoy themselves.” Little Conservancy has one of the most magnifi- progress that you’re making in a journal. January 4 with a submission deadline of did they realize that the park’s location cent properties in Ventura and any and all Little steps…little steps taken each January 22. would also become the hub for a unique work that is put there should be there for day up your mountain will get you mo- “We are so excited to open our doors art project. generations to come.” tivated and keep you motivated. 2010 and be a part of the neighborhood,” said Soon to be installed on both sides of The ramparts will consist of large could be your best year ever. Find that Michael Greer, district manager. “At Fresh the steps leading into the park: two stone boulders carefully fitted together in a special incentive and enjoy your climb up & Easy, we offer very fresh, great quality castle ramparts designed by international- method known as “dry stone walling.” your mountain. food at prices for any budget because we ly noted stonemasons Jyunji and Suminori When it’s finished, they will stand twelve don’t think our customers should com- Awata, 14th and 15th-generation stone- feet high and twelve feet long. Each ram- promise on where they shop and the type masons specializing in the restoration of part will have an open center in which an of food they eat.” medieval Japanese castle walls. And serving olive tree will be planted. “It’s a dying art,” Fresh & Easy’s own-brand products as coordinator for the project: The Stone says Lipps, “primarily because it requires contain no added trans fats, no artificial Foundation based in Santa Fe, New Mexi- skilled craftsmen.” colors or flavors, and only use preserva- co. It’s all part of their annual International Angie Hecht, current Board Secretary Employment 911 tives when absolutely necessary. Stores Stonework Symposium 2010 scheduled to for the Serra Cross Conservancy, is excited receive daily deliveries and all products meet in Ventura January 18-23. about the unique design of the walls. aids job seekers are date coded to ensure they are as fresh Why this site? According to Proj- “It’s not your typical mission style. This as possible. ect Director Tomas Lipps, every year the is a new way of building with stone for Everyone complains about unem- The store will employ approximate- group picks a different locale for their an- our area that still maintains an old world ployment, but few people do anything ly 20 to 30 people and hiring is already nual gathering. Lipps lived briefly in Ven- charm.” about it. Until now, that is. underway. Aiming to hire from the lo- tura while working on a public art project The work has already begun. Old walls Coach Ron Tunick and Craig Miller cal neighborhood, Fresh & Easy staff in Pasadena in 2003. He used Art City as and vegetation are being pulled out. Large decided to do something about the high are currently manning on-site tents and the site to fabricate the project’s stone ele- boulders lay in the parking lot. While the unemployment in Ventura County. They interviewing potential new store employ- ments and became acquainted with local Grant Park lot will be closed to cars during teamed up to create Employment 911, a ees. The company provides the oppor- sculptor Paul Lindhard. construction, the park itself will remain radio show to help unemployed residents tunity for all employees to work at least Lipps was looking for a temperate open and the public is invited to come by find work. 20 hours a week, which entitles them to place to hold a winter workshop and re- and watch. If you’ve ever visited Europe “Why did we choose the name Em- comprehensive healthcare and competi- membered his time in Ventura. Lindhard or Asia and wondered how stone masons ployment 911?” says Coach Ron Tunick. tive benefits. Entry-level positions pay welcomed the project and helped pick the managed to fit together all those smooth “Because when you’re out of work, it’s an well over the minimum wage with a po- Serra Cross site as well as coordinate with castle walls, now is your chance to find out. emergency. Too many of our fellow Ven- tential quarterly bonus of up to 10%. tura County residents need help finding As a good neighbor and steward of jobs. We’ve created a radio show to help the environment, Fresh & Easy recycles Jan. 18-23. them. We have employers looking for or reuses all its shipping and display ma- Harrison to Harrison Industries serves the cities workers on the air every week.” terials and uses environmentally-friendly and surrounding unincorporated areas Employment 911 airs each Tuesday trailers to transport food. The company maintain trash of Ventura, Ojai, Camarillo as well as at 5 o’clock on KKZZ AM 1400. It also is a pilot member of the Leadership in En- the unincorporated areas of El Rio and streams live on the internet at www.am- ergy and Environmental Design (LEED) collection Channel Islands beach communities as 1400coach.com. Volume Certification Program and has E.J. Harrison and Sons; Fillmore, Santa The show takes calls from employers invested in a 500,000 sq ft solar roof in- schedule Paula and surrounding unincorporated looking to hire employees and candidates stallation on its distribution center. Harrison Industries will maintain areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal; and seeking work. Each employer that calls in At roughly 10,000 square feet, the its regular trash and recycling or green Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and sur- describes the positions available and the stores are smaller than the typical super- waste collection schedule during the rounding unincorporated areas as New- qualifications they seek. Every candidate market while carrying everything custom- week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, bury Disposal. calls in and gives a brief, one-minute de- ers need to do their weekly shopping.

Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 7 News and Notes Digital Camera Playground - Part 9 - JPEG vs. RAW experiment by Nelson Wallace The previous article had some ex- charger, USB drive). Use a steady mount planation of data compression. There (tripod) for the camera. Set the camera are many levels of compression; as the to Aperture Priority, with flash off. Close amount of compression goes up, the file the aperture down all the way (f/11?). Set size gets smaller and the image quality the camera three feet from the tabletop. gets worse. Tilt the basket so it’s dead-on to the cam- On some cameras, the compressed levels era line of sight and center the tabletop are called Standard Quality (SQ), High in the picture’s frame. If the shot is going Quality (HQ), and Super High Qual- to be underexposed, get more light on the ity (SHQ). The TIFF mode is a loss- tabletop. Enable the self timer. Set the less image format that may or may not recording mode to SQ, and to the reso- be compressed. Within some of these lution mode that is common for both modes, there are also levels of spatial SQ and TIFF (1600 x 1200?). Check that resolution, i.e., 640x480 or 1024x768 or everything is set correctly. Shoot. Don’t 2048x1536, etc.. move the camera as you put it into TIFF “Big Read’ reconfigured and making the rounds. Photo by Boeingphotography.com Here’s the overview for the experi- recording mode & the same resolution . ment. You’re going to take the exact Shoot again. same picture twice with the same spatial Transfer the images to your comput- “Big Read” mural travels to resolution, first with maximum (lossy) er. The TIFF image file transfers more compression, second with lossless com- slowly because it’s probably ten times pression, and then compare them side-by- larger than the JPEG file. Now view both County Government Center side. To separate out compression losses images side-by-side in your digital edit- from all other effects, the shots will be ing software. They’ll probably look a The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Bell Arts Factory before being installed for taken stopped down for maximum depth lot alike. Now zoom up to 400% in both Division is pleased to announce the relo- six months in the pocket park on Main of field. Also, the camera will be mounted pictures. Look at the fine print region in cation of the “Big Read” mural from its Street in downtown Ventura. Although for maximum stability, and using the self both images. If there’s a difference be- former location in downtown Ventura to the mural was originally displayed in a timer will allow the camera to settle after tween them, it wasn’t because of motion a new location in the central courtyard of linear, saw tooth configuration, its design the shutter button is pushed. or defocus. Compare the edges in the two the Ventura County Government Center, allows for flexibility in that the panels can Backup up the pictures in your cam- pictures; you will probably see more “jag- 800 South Victoria Avenue, through June be separated and reconfigured to accom- era. Read the camera manual about re- gies” in the JPEG / SQ image than in the 2010. modate each new location. cording modes. In particular, find the lossless / TIFF image. Compare regions “The Government Center is an ideal The mural was funded in part by a highest resolution (1600x1200?) that’s of uniform color, and see if there’s more next stop for this remarkable traveling grant from National Endowment for available for both the maximum com- subtle texture in the lossless image. mural,” said Interim Cultural Affairs the Arts and in part by the City’s Public pression (SQ) and the lossless compres- Is lossless better than JPEG? It de- Manager Denise Sindelar. “A high num- Art Program. Since its inception in 1991, sion (TIFF) recording modes . pends on what you’re shooting. Now you ber of culturally diverse people visit of- the City of Ventura’s Public Art Program Set up a tabletop with a small basket can judge for yourself. If you want to go fices at the County Government Center, has sought to enhance the community containing several small objects that have the lossless route, you might think about which was also instrumental in the mu- through innovative public art projects some high contrast letters, edges, and a hard drive that spins really fast, and ral’s creation, in addition to the coun- that provide visitors and residents alike boundaries (pencils, toy soldiers, battery more computer memory. try libraries’ help in facilitating the Big with a new understanding of the unique Read project.” history and breadth of cultural resources The city-commissioned artist, MB in Ventura. Recognizing the economic He was born Michael Luther King Hanrahan, to work with 43 students – all benefits gained by a successful public art in Atlanta on Jan. 15, 1929 — one of the male youth attending Providence, a Ven- program, the City established an ordi- On January three children of Martin Luther King tura County Juvenile Court School – to nance allocating 2% of eligible capital im- Sr., pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, read the novel Bless Me, Ultima and cre- provement project costs for commission- 18th we and Alberta (Williams) King, a former ate drawings for the mural based on the ing artworks and artists design services schoolteacher. (He was renamed “Mar- novel’s characters and themes. for the aesthetic enhancement of public celebrate the tin” when he was about 6 years old.) Created with the intention that it spaces. Policy and project oversight of After going to local grammar and would be reinstalled in a new location ap- the program is the responsibility of the high schools, King enrolled in More- proximately every six months, the mural Public Art Commission, a seven-person life of Martin house College in Atlanta in 1944. He began its journey with a short stay at the volunteer City Council advisory group. wasn’t planning to enter the ministry, Luther King, but then he met Dr. Benjamin Mays, a tian Leadership Conference (SCLC). to the United States in 1960 to become scholar whose manner and bearing con- King was elected its president, and he co-pastor, with his father, of Ebenezer vinced him that a religious career could soon began helping other communities Baptist Church. Junior be intellectually satisfying as well. organize their own protests against dis- Time magazine designated him as Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the After receiving his bachelor’s degree crimination. its Person of the Year for 1963. A few main leaders of the American civil rights in 1948, King attended Crozer Theolog- After finishing his first book and months later he was named recipient of movement. A Baptist minister by train- ical Seminary in Chester, Pa., winning making a trip to India, King returned the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. ing, King became a civil rights activist the Plafker Award as the outstanding early in his career, leading the Montgom- student of the graduating class, and ery Bus Boycott and helping to found the the J. Lewis Crozer Fellowship as well. Southern Christian Leadership Confer- King completed the coursework for his ence. His efforts led to the 1963 March doctorate in 1953, and was granted the on Washington, where King delivered his degree two years later upon completion “I Have a Dream” speech, raising public of his dissertation. consciousness of the civil rights move- Married by then, he returned South ment and establishing King as one of the to become pastor of the Dexter Av- greatest orators in American history. In enue Baptist Church in Montgomery, 1964, King became the youngest person Ala. Here, he made his first mark on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his the civil-rights movement, by mobi- efforts to end segregation and racial lizing the black community during a discrimination through civil disobedi- 382-day boycott of the city’s bus lines. ence and other non-violent means. King overcame arrest and other violent King was assassinated on April 4, harassment, including the bombing of 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was his home. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme posthumously awarded the Presiden- Court declared bus segregation uncon- tial Medal of Freedom by President stitutional. Jimmy Carter in 1977. Martin Luther A national hero and a civil-rights King Day was established as a national figure King summoned together a holiday in the United States in 1986. In number of black leaders in 1957 and 2004, King was posthumously awarded laid the groundwork for the organiza- a Congressional Gold Medal. tion now known as the Southern Chris-

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 8 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze Community Events Classroom. Admission and parking are due to the size of the venue. Author of free. Performed by Deb Chase and Mick Canyon Club Contact: Susan Herrera 504-3610. Doherty, Thumbelina is one of Danish “Fabulous Mended Hearts Of Ventura. Share if storyteller Hans Christian Andersen’s Events you have had heart surgery or stent im- most delightful characters, a miniature PONCHO SANCHEZ Parties” at plant. girl born from a flower who has to find THUR JAN 14 - $20.00 Group meets the first Tuesday each her own way in the world of nature popu- Doors 6 PM Show 8 PM museum book month at the Community Memorial lated by a rainbow cast of mice, frogs, STEVE MORSE BAND Hospital - 8th floor, Ventura . birds and bugs. SARAH SPENCER & ANGELFIRE signing They have excellent speakers - leading While the plot of the play follows An- FRI JAN 15 - $29.50 Peggy Dark grew up in Ventura in Cardiologists, Nutritionists, dersen’s story, the script supports a comic Doors 6 PM Show 7:30 PM a family of devoted cooks, and follow- Dietitians, etc. from our area who sub text linking music of the 1960’s and GUTTERMOUTH ing that tradition, eventually founded give excellent information. ‘70s to Thumbelina’s desire to find her VOODOO GLOW SKULS The Kitchen for Exploring Foods, one of Contact: Dick Hiser 646-4636. home in a land of flowers. The live music MAJORITY LOST Southern California’s premier catering Jan.17: Bird Mart and Pet Expo from 9 is performed on hammer dulcimer, elec- THE SHEDS firms. On Saturday, January 16 at 3 pm, am to 3 pm at the Ventura Fair Grounds tric guitar, and an assortment of percus- THE BRACES Dark comes to the Museum of Ventura in the Santa Cruz building. All types of sion and sound effects devices. SAT JAN 16 - $15 ADV $18 DOS County to sign the new book “Fabulous birds and supplies. cages toys, food, nest Oregon Shadow Theatre’s produc- Doors 6 PM Show 8 PM Parties: Food and Flowers for Elegant boxes and a lot more. Birds from finches tion of “Thumbelina” has been awarded HYPER CRUSH Entertaining,” which she wrote with flo- to macaws. Puppies and more, pure bred the UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence THUR JAN 21 - $15.00 rists Mark Held and Richard David of puppies, silky chickens and lots more. in the Art of Puppetry. Doors 6 PM Show 7 PM Mark’s Garden. Along with food tasting, Jan.17: The Ventura County Chapter The Ojai Playwrights Confer- BELLA DONNA (STEVIE NICKS TRIB- the event will include Dark’s discussion of USA Dance is holding their Janu- ence opens its 13th season with “Hearts UTE) about the book, which adapts the princi- ary Dance Party on Sunday, in the Santa on Fire” a Winter Benefit that will honor FRI JAN 22 - $19.50 pals of planning lavish large events to the Paula Room of the Poinsettia Pavilion, four-time Tony Award winning play- Doors 6 PM Show 9 PM more intimate scale and budget of home 3451 Foothill Road, in Ventura. A free wright Terrence McNally with the 2010 TED NUGENT entertaining. She will also talk about how dance lesson at 1:30 PM will be followed OPC Award. Scheduled for Saturday, SUN JAN 24 - $68.50 her career was influenced by her family by open dancing from 2:00 to 4:30 PM. January 30, the Benefit begins at 5:30 Doors 6 PM Show 8 PM and her hometown of Ventura. Big band CD music, ballroom, Latin and pm at Matilija Auditorium with comedy, CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO Attendance is $15 for the general swing. Featuring: Male Dance Hosts, drama, and inspired acting. THUR JAN 28 - $20.00 public, $10 for museum members. Call 50/50 raffle and refreshments. Info: Following the reading, festivities Doors 6 PM Show 8 PM 653-0323 x 10 to make reservations. Be- 646-6271. Admissions: $10 General, $9 continue at St. Thomas Aquinas Hall AIR SUPPLY cause there is limited space, reservations Dance Buddies, $7 USA Dance Members, with a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef FRI JAN 29 - $39.50 are on a first-come, first-taken basis. $5 Juniors Michael Hollingsworth, live music, the Doors 6 PM Show 9 PM Dark, a graduate of the University of OPC Awards, and a celebrity auction SUGAR RAY California Santa Barbara, co-founded The Ojai events featuring international vacations, the- SAT JAN 30 - $25.00 Kitchen for Exploring Foods in Pasadena ater tickets, and Valentine’s Day themed Doors 6 PM Show 8 PM in 1984, a catering and gourmet take-out The 26th Annual Ojai Peddler’s packages. Actress Dana Delany and Ojai business with a devoted Southern Cali- Fair is being held from 9am-4pm, Satur- Valley News Editor/Publisher Bret Bra- fornia following. Mark Held and Richard day and Sunday, January 16 & 17. Lo- digan are pleased to serve as honorary David are the owners of Mark’s Garden cated in the Chaparral Auditorium at 414 co-chairs of this year’s gala. Tickets are in Los Angeles, recognized in 1999 by the E. Ojai Ave., in downtown Ojai . Parking available online at www.ojaiplays.org. London Financial Times as one of the is free in the adjacent Municipal parking “The OPC has become one of the outstanding florists in the world. lot, and admission is always free. most acclaimed new play development Held rain or shine, the Peddler’s Fair programs in the country, and these stars is chock-full of quality antiques, collect- want to support our efforts,” notes Egan. Ventura poetry ibles, handcrafts and international crafts. “We are the only one whose primary mis- This is a benefit for the Mira Monte PTO. sion is to develop plays and writers whose readings Vendors are sought. For more informa- focus is on the major social, political and The Olivas Adobe is having seis- tion, please contact Pat at 964-8915 or ethical issues of our day.” Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Av- mic retrofit construction being per- Jodie at 640-4384 x2284. Ticket options are: $85 for the Read- enue. formed and also some much needed Performances To Grow On will pres- ing only; $225 for the Reading, Dinner January 30: Sarah Maclay new lighting added. The re-roofing was ent the Oregon Shadow Theatre in and Auction Package; and $2,000 for a February 27: Florence Weinberger necessary because of the seismic work their award winning rendition of Thum- VIP Package for Eight that includes pre- Artists’ Union Gallery, 330 South in order to connect the roof sheathing belina at the Ojai Art Center Gallery on ferred seating and a group photo with California Street to the walls. Special fire-treated wood Friday, Jan. 22 @ 7pm. With stunning the cast! A limited number of $70 back Every Tuesday at 7:30pm shingles are being used for the re-roof- shadow puppets and live music featuring row tickets are also available. Host: Roe Estep, 320-3524 ing to comply to state fire codes. music from the 60’s and 70’s, Thumbeli- Proceeds from the event will benefit Open-mic. The construction is being done na is enjoyed by both adults and children. the Ojai Playwrights Conference, a non- January 19: Paul Fericano by Frank Schipper Construction from OST productions are noted for exquisite, profit 501 c 3 organization whose mission January 26: Razor Babes Santa Barbara. colorful puppets, live music and sound ef- is to develop and advance unproduced February 2: Polly Bee An interesting side note is that fects, and lively good humor. Tickets are plays of artistic excellence by established February 16: Molly Burns Dale & Ira Reeder, who were the care- $15 for adults and $10 for children and and emerging playwrights, and to nur- Friday Night AA Meeting followed by takers there in the 1950’s were relatives are available at the Ojai Coffee Roasting ture a new generation of playwrights by Open Mic every Friday at 6:30 A drug and of Alan Von Doeren who is the project Company, by phone at 646-8907 or on- providing a comprehensive Youth Play- alcohol free Open Mic. 896 East Main superintendent for Schipper. line at www.ptgo.org. Seating is limited writing Workshop. Street, www.aplaceofpeace.org. 794-9878 Train of Thought every Thursday at Salvation Army those types of clients. Some of our people he would like to address is the completion 6:30pm. 856 East Thompson Blvd. Ven- Continued from page 1 survive based on what they can gather from of a local homeless shelter. “We’d like to see tura, (between Ash and Kalorama, behind living center. They also provide housing our food pantry and other sources, but you’d a shelter somewhere in the City. But, more Kids and Families Together) Open Mic. in an apartment complex they own on never notice them on the street.” than just a place to find a bed, the differ- Ventura Avenue. Each family that enters Originally from Seattle, Finley gradu- ence would be that, when they decide to the transitional living program receives ated from Colorado Christian University leave, we’d like to ask them: What’s next? Ventura events a full array of services, including meals, in Denver with his B.A. in Biblical Studies. This means the shelter itself would offer The Ventura County Philatelic So- laundry, one-on-one case management, Eventually, he came to California to receive the services they need to help them get ciety meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of and marriage and family counseling. two years of Salvation Army officer’s train- off the street.” each month. Kids also receive in-depth tutoring from ing at their school in Palos Verdes. After he Beyond the red kettles and shield, the 7:30 - 9pm at the Church of the Foot- the Center’s Malibu education partner and his wife served for three and a half years Salvation Army exists to help people find hills, 6279 Foothill Road , Ventura . Ad- Schools on Wheels. as chaplains and directors in training in Los long-term solutions to their problems: spiri- mission and parking are free. Go for a “Homelessness is more widespread than Angles, they moved up the coast in July 2008 tual, physical, and financial. Finley works in great evening. They are a fun group. people think,” says Captain Bill Finley, the to Ventura. “When we learned about this po- a Christian organization but understands Contact: [email protected] Center’s Director. “We estimate, in the City sition,” he says with a smile, “the first ques- the value and priority of service. “We’re not The Conejo Ventura Mac User Group of Ventura, that 25 percent of our residents tion my wife asked was: Where is Ventura?” looking to force spiritual requirements on (CVMUG) the world’s first MAC User are on the fringe of homelessness, just a pay- The Salvation Army is one of several people,” he says. “We’re here to help people Group is an educational user group. They check or two away.” And Finley knows it’s community leaders in the fight against get back on their feet and find their own meet the first also a complex problem that defies stereo- homelessness in Ventura. Finley was recently spiritual direction.” Thursday each month - 7pm at the typing. “There’s not a single face to home- appointed as co-chair of the Ventura Social Additional information on the Salva- Ventura Adult Education Center , 5200 lessness. Half of our clients are single and Services Task Force and chair of the Gate- tion Army in Ventura can be found at www. Valentine Rd. , Ventura - in the Ron Halt live in downtown hotels – SSI recipients, way subcommittee. One of the major issues salvationarmy-ventura.org.

Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 9 Community Events TA ll ShiP

The topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain is a replica of a typical European merchant trader of the JANuAry 21-28, 2010 turn of the nineteenth century. Visit with the Hawaiian Chieftain & Abraham Lincoln at the Ventura Harbor The Tall ship, Hawaiian Chieftain an antique gun display on the Ventura makes it’s annual voyage along the Cali- Harbor Village Main Lawn. This event is fornia coast and sails into Ventura Harbor open to the public and includes a Presi- on Thursday, January 21. The historical dent Abraham Lincoln impersonator vessel will remain in the Ventura Harbor wandering through the camp. through Thursday, January 28, 2010. “The Ventura Harbor is always excited Open to the public from January 21- to host the historical Hawaiian Chieftain 28, the Dockside Tours will take place Tall Ship. This is an important opportu- each weekday from 4 – 5 PM (closed Mon- nity for the public to explore the vessel day) and on Saturday and Sunday from and experience a sense of sailing history” 10 AM – 1 PM in front of the Fisherman’s says Oscar Pena, General Manager of the Memorial, in the Ventura Harbor Village. Port District. A donation of $3 is requested to support The topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport edu- is a replica of a typical European mer- cational programs. New this year, Tours chant trader of the turn of the nineteenth Aloft! Brave souls can climb the rigging century. Her hull shape and rigging are for an authentic 18th-century sailor’s similar to those of Spanish explorer’s view of the Harbor and surroundings, ships used in the expeditions of the late $20 donation recommended. 18th century along the Washington, Ore- Looking for more adventure? Three gon, and California coasts. The Hawaiian Hour Adventure Sails complete with fir- Chieftain travels down the West Coast ing cannons and hoisting of the main stopping in ports and harbors for histori- sails are just the ticket! Adventure Sails cal and educational visits. These ships Hawaiian CHieftain take place on Saturday, January 23 & host over 15,000 school children a year. Sunday, January 24 from 2 – 5 PM. Come Educators should contact the Historical early to hear strolling pirates sea shanties Seaport education office, (360) 589-2299 at ventura Harbor from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Saturday & to make arrangements for dockside or on Sunday. For Adventure Sail reservations the water programming. call 800-200-5239 or visit www.historical- For more Tall Ship and Civil War Re- 4:00 - 5:00 PM Weekdays (closed Monday) seaport.org. enactment Camp event details visit www. On Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, venturaharborvillage.com. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday & Sunday January 24 the First Company Washing- Mailing Address: 1603 Anchors Way ton Artillery of New Orleans makes a re- Drive, Ventura, CA 93001. NeW! Tours Aloft - Climb the rigging for an appearance complete with living history Office Location: 1583 Spinnaker replica military camp from 1861 - 1865 Drive, Suite 215, Ventura, CA 93001. 18th-century sailor’s challenge! $20 recommended donation. including a hospital, tents, musket and Phone: (805) 477-0470 • Fax: 644-1684 pistol demonstrations, cannons, and www.venturaharborvillage.com. Dockside Tours - Come aboard & meet the crew! $3 donation requested. Ventura Botanical Gardens ups is that they seldom include snacks. Continued from page 1 Perhaps someone could bring that up at to participate. You’ll see a presentation the first Community Workshop? Saturday, January 23 & Sunday, January 24 by Mia Lehrer + Associates then have a A second Community Workshop will chance to express your opinion. Probably follow the charrette. Its purpose is to ex- 3-hour Adventure Sail - Become a crew member! have written questionnaires too. They alt the winning design team by showing Visit www.historicalseaport.org or call usually have snacks. beautiful color drawings, maps, sketches The charrette builds on the work- and poems that describe the winning ap- 800.200.5239 for reservations. shop. Charrette is a sort of professional proach. competition where teams (typically 3) The losers will be humiliated by hav- take different approaches to the same ing to show bubble diagrams of their Ventura harbor Main lawn problems and vie for the best solution. dumb ideas. For example, the judges might choose But the winners are always gracious Civil War reenactors, including united States President three different approaches to infrastruc- because they know they still have to ture: streets, water and sewer, which work with these losers plus next char- Abraham lincoln reenactor, and living history demos. would change how each team laid out the rette the shoe could be on the other gardens. foot. They might get stuck with an idea Often they let the public sit in on so dumb even Fredrick Law Olmstead charrette judging sessions, called “pin couldn’t sell it. ups’. There, audience members can boo, VBG must do other things before the VenturaharborVillage.com hiss or cheer on their favorite designer. city takes a final vote. They must conduct A big problem with these charrette pin- Continued on page 20

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 10 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze Art Scene photographer. She passed away in Oak View, California on December 17, 2009 after battling stomach cancer. Alberta’s paintings and prints com- mented upon the human condition. She was an artist for whom the process of making art was more than a means to an end. The final artwork is, by her testimo- ny, only partly an artifact; it is also proof of the mental and physical manipula- tions that have gone into its making. Alberta’s formal training began when she moved from New Jersey to California where she studied at Pasadena City Col- lege, Valley College and UCLA. She was a member of the Los Angeles Printmaking “The Secret,” paper on tile, 12 x 12 inches by Society and the Ojai Studio Artists. Wendy Halderman. Alberta Fins’ work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and lo- Wendy cally her work has been displayed at the Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard, the Admiring art lovers enjoying the drawings of young artists at the Boys & Girls Club member art Halderman, Museum of Ventura County and the Ojai show(who is that fine looking gentleman on the left?) Inset photo is the judges of the art competition Valley Museum. Her work is also featured Sandra Laby, Gwenlyn Norton, John Brant and Sharon Fleur. Photo by Boeingphotography.com renaissance in numerous prestigious collections in- cluding the City of Ventura Municipal woman Boys & Girls Club art show held Art Collection and the Carnegie Art Mu- Wendy Halderman, community ac- seum Oxnard. tivist and recent city council candidate, is at Foster Library also an accomplished artist. The First Annual Boys & Girls Club & Girls Club of Ventura. The goal is to Her latest works are fashioned out of of Ventura’s member art show was held enable young people (6 to 18) to develop found items and junk mail, such as “The at the E.P. Foster Library. On Thursday their creativity and cultural awareness Secret,” a Da Vinci painting recreated us- January 7 an open house reception and through knowledge and appreciation of ing cut up Victoria’s Secret catalogs, and viewing of the artwork created by mem- the visual, tactile and/or the perform- “What So Proudly We Mail,” an 80 x 40 bers of the five Ventura, Saticoy and Oak ing arts. The other four age-appropriate inch replica of a U.S. flag composed of View Clubs was held also at the library . Club programs are focused on: Character thousands of shredded ads and mailers Refreshments were served by members & Leadership Development; Education on a recycled door, sprayed with latex and of the teen leadership group’s Keystone & Career Development; Health & Live exploded paintballs. Club. Skills; and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. While working on her art thesis at The judges selected a winner from The Club has a no discrimination policy CSU Channel Islands, she decided to each media category and age group who on the basis of race, religion, gender, cul- look beyond traditional materials. The will advance to the regional competition tural, national origin, sexual orientation ultimate inspiration was no further than and be entered into the next phase of the or financial considerations. her mailbox. “I thought it would be fun Boys & Girls Club of America’s National For additional information, to sched- to take everyone else’s messages and turn Fine Arts Exhibit competition. ule a tour or volunteer please check their them into my own.” The arts are one of the five diversi- website at www.bgclubventura.org or call Inspired by the dynamic culture of fied core programs offered by the Boys 641-5585. the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s, she learned early on how imagery is “Administrative Trial & Error,” 8x8x12 ft., used to influence group behavior. mixed media, 2008 can be seen at CSUCI The participation of wonderful local “My friends and I grew up at ground artists from Camarillo, Oak View, Ojai, zero for some of the most transformative Santa Paula, and Ventura solidifies the Worth the drive cultural and technological events in his- relationship between art and music in tory. Political imagery was everywhere… varying forms, each an expressive inter- to see “Adminis- on our album covers, posters, jewelry, pretation of passion. clothing, cars…you name it. It was not The Ventura Music Festival will in- trative Trial and simply decorative--it carried a message.” troduce the chests to the public at it’s A career in advertising and marketing Annual Fundraising Dinner and Auc- Error” allowed her to further pursue her interest tion on March 6. Proceeds will benefit the Venturan’s are familiar with the won- in the commercial applications of imag- Ventura Music Festival and assist its ef- derful art from CSUCI that can be seen ery. “The power to persuade using visual forts of promoting Education Outreach at their gallery located on Main St. in Janet Black’s collages are unique in their use of imagery should not be underestimated,” programs in local schools throughout downtown. strokes of color with a variety of papers, gener- she says. “A picture truly paints a thou- the County of Ventura. California State University Chan- ating form and value by tearing and layering sand words.” The contributing artists are Janet nel Islands art program presents “Ad- instead of brushing. Her Treasure Chest and 14 Visit her website at www.tinyurl.com/ Black, Ventura, Karen Brown, Ventu- ministrative Trial and Error” mixed others are on display at the Ventura City Hall. whalderman to see more of her work. ra, Susan Cook, Ventura, Judy Gibbs, media sculptures by Michael Aurbach Ventura,Jack Farquhar Halbert, Ventura, at the John Spoor Library Gallery on Ventura Music Dorothy Hunter, Ventura, Norman Kirk, the campus of California State Univer- Santa Paula, Christine Leong, Camarillo, sity Channel Islands. Festival Art Leslie Marcus, Ojai, Gail Pidduck, Santa The exhibition opened on January Paula, Leslie Plimpton, Santa Paula, Len 12 and continues through February 18. Series, Poteshman, Ventura, Betsy Quinn, Oak Michael Aurbach is an artist and View, Roxie Ray,Camarillo and Sylvia professor at Vanderbilt University “Treasure Torres, Camarillo. in Nashville, Tennessee. His socially The Treasure Chests will be on ex- inspired works have been exhibited Chests” 2010 hibit from January 13 to February 11, at throughout the United States. For “Young Bakers” by Nomi Wagner can be seen For several seasons, art has been an the Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St. or go more than two decades Aurbach’s at Fox Jewelry integral component to the Ventura Music to www.venturamusicfestival.org to see sculpture addressed issues related to Festival, enhancing and supporting each photos of all of the chests and the artists death, identity, and the plight of so- season by promoting the visual essence bios and photos. cially disenfranchised groups. Much of Art show by of passion, romance, creativity, promise, his recent work serves as commentary and song. on academia, secrecy and institutional Nomi Wagner In past years, original art has been behavior. commissioned from local artists who Alberta Fins The John Spoor Library Gallery and Karen Santo created pieces to specifically support the is located in the center of the CSUCI Nomi Wagner and Karen Santo will festival theme. This year, 15 handcrafted (1931-2009) campus, 1 University Drive, Camarillo. display their art in A Passion for Paint- wood chests, known as “Treasure Chests,” It is with great sadness that Focus on For additional information, contact ing, a show at Fox Fine Jewelry, located at have been included in the gallery in sup- the Masters has announced the passing the CSUCI Art Program at 437-8570, 210 E. Main St. running from January 21 port and celebration of the Ventura Mu- of Alberta Fins, an Ojai based Abstract or email: [email protected] or visit the through March 15. The artists’ Reception sic Festival’s 16th Season, “Romanze!” Expressionist painter, printmaker and web site: http://art.csuci.edu/gallery. Continued on page 13

Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 11

Professor Scamp, Ph.D (Pretty Happy Dog) at home and in the community. The Ca- The nine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet Wizard ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs that pass the Dogs to Adopt of Paws 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate Professor Scamp Ph.D by Nanci Cone (who is from the American Kennel Club. almost as cute as Scamp) With more than 15 years of experi- Hi, I’m Mamba a beautiful one Hundreds of thousands of dogs have ence, Rich and Lisa guarantee that your year old female Shepherd mix. I was been turned into animal shelters because dog will become the perfect companion. found by good Samaritans wander- their owners didn’t know how to deal With their help, your dog will complete ing in an alley. Unfortunately they with behavior problems and couldn’t CGC training and testing with flying col- can not keep me, so I’m waiting for find a reliable resource to help them. The ors. From there, you may want to con- my forever home. I’m affectionate Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) sider therapy dog certification. There are and I enjoy playing and running. is planning a variety of events in January local therapy dog groups, including The I’m good with other dogs and chil- 2010 to celebrate National Train Your Wizard of Paws, that certify therapy dogs. dren. I come when called and walk Dog Month. ADPT hopes that the dog Therapy Dogs International (TDI) uses well on a leash. I’m hoping it’s not owners will visit the event web site, www. the AKC Canine Good Citizen test as a long before I’m a cherished mem- trainyourdogmonth.com to see how easy key component of its therapy dog assess- ber of a loving family. and fun training can be, and how pa- ment and the McComb’s are qualified to I’m in need of a foster home tience, consistency and a deeper under- help your dog receive his certification. as well as a permanent home. standing of their dog’s behavior can lead “It takes from three months to a year If you are interested in foster- to happier, healthier and more harmoni- to become a therapy dog. The more the ing call the Adoption Center at ous households. owner is willing to put in, the more both 652-1001. Also, APDT has more than 5,000 dog and human will learn,” says Rich. He members who are willing and able to help adds, “What your dog can accomplish The Canine Adoption & Rescue League dog owners who need help with their is only limited to your imagination and 3004 Telegraph Road, 805.652.1001 dogs including Lisa and Rich McCombs willingness to work with your friend.” www.carlvc.org [email protected] of Ventura, owners of “The Wizard of Lisa goes on to note, “If you are not train- Paws,” a program offering positive pet ing your dog, your dog is training you! reinforcement training. “Often, it is not What we do is a true passion of ours and easy to leave your favorite canine com- it’s really rewarding seeing the change in panion behind and, as we age, it is also dynamics once the dog and his human more comforting to be able to bring our companion are on the same wavelength.” dogs along because of the sense of secu- They offer a free evaluation of any Scamp rity they provide,” says trainer Rich Mc- rescue regardless of age or breed. If your Combs. canine friend needs to learn anything Rich and Lisa both believe, “There is from the basics through therapy training, no such thing as a bad dog!” That phrase call Rich or Lisa McCombs at 207-6762 Club is emblazoned on their business cards or email them at wizardofpaws4u@live. Hi: I’m Kobe and I’m a one and it’s a philosophy they stand behind. com. year old Shepard mix and I live Besides being members of the APDT, Scamp: in Ventura. My favorite things they also belong to the American Ken- I let Nanci be my guest writer because I are walking and chewing (I nel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen® think that the fact that the McCombs can train lead a simple life). (CGC) Program. Started in 1989, CGC is dogs as therapy dogs is very worth while. Also, a certification program that is designed of course, bad dogs give us all a bad name and I to reward dogs that have good manners don’t want that.

–10% off dog wash at Cameos Dog Police and Fire Reports Join Grooming, 1058 S. Seaward 648.3800 by Joseph Owen –$3.00 off bathing at Applause Four Paws, 2008 Thompson 648.2757 Attemped burglary on Miller Court ed to a serious injury traffic collision on ScampClub –Wed. $3.00 off Grooming, 10% off for Around 2:30 in the morning on Wednes- Telegraph Rd. just east of Kennedy Ave. Animals of all sorts can join the Scamp- all Seniors (Over 62) Naturally for day December 23 a resident was sleeping Officers determined that 89 year old Fred club. Email me your picture and a little Paws, 1766 Thompson 648.7297 in his home located in the 800 block of Yoder was driving his 1990 Ford Taurus about yourself, including your address, –50% off first grooming - 10% off fol- Miller Ct. when he heard someone knock- Station wagon eastbound on Telegraph to [email protected]. lowing grooming at Aloha Grooming, ing on the front door. The man soon Rd. when he collided with a pedestrian, You will be in the Breeze and receive a 1076 Front Street, 643.4852 spotted a young male skulking around 84 year old Mary Cox, walking north- Scampclub Card that will get you the –10% off pet sitting, dog training and in his backyard. The home owner quickly bound across Telegraph Rd. following discounts. Scampclub mem- MORE at Prancing Pet Services, locked himself inside his bedroom and Mrs. Cox was transported to a local bers can receive: 890.1406 called 911. While talking to the Ventura hospital and was treated for multiple se- Police dispatcher he heard glass break- rious injuries. Unfortunately, on Sunday ing and someone entering his residence. December 20 Mrs. Cox passed away due Ventura Police quickly arrived at the resi- to complications related to her injuries dence and found a burglar attempting to sustained in the traffic collision. force open the victim’s locked bedroom Due to the seriousness of the injuries door. the Ventura Police Department Traffic Ventura Automotive Repair The thief attempted to flee the resi- Unit took over the case. After a lengthy Complete Auto, Truck Repair and Service dence, but was confronted by police offi- investigation the Ventura Police Depart- cers in the kitchen and was arrested after ment Traffic Unit determined Mr. Yoder a brief struggle. The 17 year old juvenile was at fault for failing to “exercise due was treated for minor injuries at the Ven- care for the safety of any pedestrian upon $37.00 tura County Medical Center incurred a roadway.” Smog Check with Certificate during the struggle and was booked at All reports and findings related to the (Most vehicles) Juvenile Hall for residential burglary. The collision will be forwarded to the Ventura Must present Coupon Expires 1/31/10 Must present Coupon Expires 1/31/10 homeowner and officers involved were County District Attorney’s office for re- Japanese Engines not injured. view, an action customary in many fatal and Transmissions Neighbors reported hearing several Available traffic collisions. No arrests have been Emergency Service suspects running in the area just prior to made and no citations have been issued 24/7 the burglary and an investigation in iden- so far regarding the collision. 657.8341 tifying these individuals is continuing. If Garage fire on Lafayette Street 866.304.2957 you have any information related to the At 6:15pm, on Jan. 8 Ventura City Fire Open Seven days and on Sunday, too! burglary please contact Ventura Police or units responded to a garage fire on the Crime Stoppers. 4800 block of Lafayette Street. Respond- 500 N. Ventura Avenue, Ventura Injured pedestrian dies ing units reported a large column of 648.5262/218.9846 On Wednesday November 25 Ventura Po- smoke visible from two miles away. The vtaautorepair.com lice Department patrol officers respond- Continued on page 13

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 12 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze Senior Living Your Senior Tidbits conditional love and all they ask for, is to be fed and to be loved in return. The best I remember reading stories how cats were put in the Pharaoh’s tombs when medicine they were buried to help them journey on into the spiritual realm in safety. In some sometimes has religions, it is felt that when an owner is ill, the animal actually can take on the ill- paws and a tail ness to help in healing their owner. Once a month, my wife and I bring by Claudio & Maggie de Medeiros. our Golden Retriever “Rudi” to an el- Royal Retirement Services Inc. derly rehabilitation center. Walking into Do you feel lonely or did you lose the center, we see men and women sit- someone recently? This might be a good ting in their wheelchairs with their heads solution to your problems. Adopt a pet. down, some diagnosed with Dementia, Researchers, say $3 billion is saved on sadness fills our hearts. Rudi comes into health spending in Australia, due to the the center, wagging his tail and introduc- benefits of pet ownership. ing himself to all the patients. Smiles, The health benefits people gain from laughter and stories evolved with each animals are social, mental, physical, psy- meeting. It is incredible to see the signifi- chological and emotional health. cant changes to all the patients. Researchers also conclude the health Ojai has a wonderful facility called benefits of animals can include a reduc- the Humane Society of Ventura County tion in blood pressure, reduced risk of 646-6505 with many pets to choose. heart disease, increased sense of well-be- Make your life a happier, healthier and ing and an increased feeling of connect- adopt a pet. edness to their community. Dogs, cats, Breeze: fish, birds and other pets all contribute Scamp will be visiting with the residents at to enhancing your lifestyle. Pets give un- Cypress Place soon for just this purpose

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Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 13 Senior Living Senior Cone-nection knowledge to make an informed decision remove the thickly layered wood shake arm, possession of a concealed knife and regarding their health care insurance and shingles that were accelerating the fire driving under the influence. Officers also HICAP can help! that’s where HICAP comes in. As Katha- spread. Preliminary damage estimates recovered the loaded firearm and knife by Nanci Cone rine Raley notes, “I’ve been doing this stand at $110,000 to the structure and from the vehicle. The Ventura County Area Agency on for years and I’m still amazing at how $20,000 to contents. Seven residents were Michael was treated at the Ventura Aging’s program HICAP (Health Insur- much people don’t know about Medi- displaced as a result of this fire County Medical Center for minor inju- ance Counseling and Advocacy Program) care and supplemental programs. Too Structure fire on Harrison Avenue ries he suffered in the struggle with Her- provides counseling for Medicare ben- often I see people buying insurance they On Jan.8, at 6pm the Ventura City Fire nandez and then was booked into the eficiaries and those who will soon be re- don’t need or paying too much. We’re Department was dispatched to a reported Ventura County Jail. Neither victim was ceiving it. Trained volunteer counselors, here to make sure they make important, structure fire on Harrison Ave. and Ven- injured. registered by the California Department informed decisions.” tura Ave. The first arriving engine compa- Brawl at Buena High School of Aging offer objective information re- To learn about upcoming seminars ny found smoke and fire coming from the On Monday January 4 immediately after garding medical plan options and also or to make an appointment with a coun- rear attic area of a one story single-family school ended at the Buena High School provide assistance with problems relating selor to discuss your options, call HICAP home. Additional responding units were campus an altercation between several to Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, at 477-7310.or your local senior center deployed to assist. An aggressive fire at- students began to develop in the Quad supplemental (Medigap) insurance poli- to find out when counselors are available tack helped to confine the fire to the attic area. The problem quickly escalated when cies, long term care insurance and pre- and to make an appointment. Don’t get space above the rear of the home. a fight erupted between a 14 year-old and scription drug plans at no charge. caught in the cold – learn your options A Ventura City Fire Department In- a 17 year-old student. A crowd soon gath- Individual counseling allows for a and be prepared! vestigator conducted an investigation ered of about 30 to 40 students to watch better understanding of Medicare, com- and determined the cause to be from or cheer on the fighters. The Ventura Po- pares HMO’s or Managed Care Options, overheated electrical wiring in the attic. lice Department School Resource Officer prepares Medicare appeals or helps chal- Senior Damage was primarily to the structural and campus security personnel respond- lenge claim denials, explains the various components of the roof and electrical ed and used their radios to request addi- government assistance programs, dis- wiring in the attic. Three adults occupied tional emergency assistance. cusses long term options and clarifies Recreation the home at the time. All were able to es- As the officers tried to disperse the consumer’s rights. cape uninjured prior to the arrival of the crowd and deal with the fighters a third Since HICAP counselors are volun- Center first engine company. male teenager, previously expelled from teers, they do not sell health insurance Due to the extent of damage to the the campus, approached the campus se- or endorse or recommend any particular Investment home and loss of electrical power, the curity supervisor and challenged him to plan or policy. Counseling is always free home was placed under conditional oc- a fight. By now other officers had arrived of charge – whether it’s information re- cupancy until properly repaired. The to assist and when they tried to detain ceived at a group presentation or a one- Group three residents were able to be assisted by the non-student he fled. The officers on-one meeting. According to Katharine The Investment Group meets at the local family members and did not need chased the suspect through the campus Raley, the HICAP program coordinator, Senior Recreation Center, located at 420 assistance from the Red Cross. and across Victoria Ave. into a shopping “It’s important to meet with a counselor E. Santa Clara Street in Ventura on Mon- Assualt with a deadly weapon on center. or attend a group presentation every year days from 10 to 11:30 am. Activities may Redwood Circle Motorcycle officer Cpl. Jeff Corbin since insurance policies for seniors are include a review of the week’s economic 32 year old Michael Young of Ventura ar- soon spotted the suspect and repeatedly always changing. It’s also important to events, viewing investment-related vid- rived late and unannounced on the night called for him to “stop”. Each time the know what is happening with Medicare eos, review of relevant articles, presenta- of December 27 at the home of his es- suspect would feign compliance, then that might affect you, the consumer.” tions by guest speakers, and discussions tranged wife, 33 year old Lindsay Young continue fleeing. When the officer finally Did you know that at the time you about potential investments for seniors. located in the 100 block of Redwood Cir- caught up to the suspect he began throw- start receiving Medicare, you can sign Membership is free but there is no meet- cle. An argument ensued outside the resi- ing punches at Corbin as he was trying to up for a Medicare Supplemental Insur- ing on January 18. dence and Michael, brandishes a loaded get off his motorcycle. Corbin fought the ance Plan that will pay your Medicare On January 25, Dr. Robert Ginn, firearm, threatened the life of Lindsay’s suspect and when other officers arrived deductibles and the 20% of charges that Director of Engineering at Acumen Sci- friend, 23 year old Paul Hernandez, who to assist, took him into custody. The sus- Medicare does not cover? At that time entific, will discuss solar electricity. Dr. was inside the residence. Michael then pect continued to be uncooperative and insurance companies that sell Medicare Ginn, a solid state physicist, will relate concealed the firearm, pulled a knife and spat in the face of officers as they escorted Supplemental policies must issue you his experiences with the rooftop solar he held it to Lindsay’s neck while threaten- him from the area. a supplemental policy. However, after installed on his home in Ventura . He ing her life. Lindsay then began fighting As a result of the investigation, the 17 being on Medicare for six (6) months, will also discuss more general aspects of back trying to get away. year old student was cited, then released no insurance company is obligated to the emerging solar power technology. Hernandez, seeing the confrontation for fighting on a school campus and the sell you a Medicare Supplemental In- through a window, ran outside and tack- 14 year old student was lodged in Juve- surance Policy. led Michael. During the struggle, Michael nile Hall for the same charges. This means that if you are using an Police and Fire reports pulled the firearm and they both wrestled The non-student suspect was lodged in HMO and planning to go back to regular Continued from page 11 over the gun. Hernandez eventually dis- Juvenile Hall for fighting on a school Medicare, you need to think about wheth- first arriving units found an attached ga- armed Michael who then ran to his ve- campus, trespassing on school grounds, er or not a company would be willing to rage fully involved with fire, beginning hicle and fled the scene. resisting a police officer, violent resis- sell you a supplemental policy based on to extend into the home. Firefighters Ventura Police Officers responding tance to a police officer and battery. No your present age and health. mounted an aggressive attack and suc- to the call spotted Michael fleeing at high one incurred major injuries during any of Did you know that nearly one third cessfully prevented the fire from spread- speed along Telegraph Rd. near the in- the altercations. of all Medicare beneficiaries know al- ing into the living area of the structure. tersection of Mills Rd. A high-risk traffic Shipping container burns on Beene most nothing about health-maintenance Massive damage occurred to the garage stop was initiated and Michael was ar- Road organizations and half of all seniors are and its roof, with some fire spread to the rested for assault with a deadly weapon, Ventura City Fire Department responded enrolled in them? According to an AARP roof over the home itself. Rooftop fire- criminal threats, domestic battery, pos- to a large shipping container on fire in survey, 89% of seniors lack adequate fighters worked quickly and diligently to session of a concealed and loaded Fire- Continued on page 14

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 14 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze School Sports for coaches and game officials, skill de- Anglers should velopment for players and resources for youth football league commissioners. purchase 2010 The independent non-profit is the official youth football development partner of fishing licences the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Play- The Department of Fish and Game ers Association. USA Football manages is reminding anglers to purchase a new U.S. national teams within the sport for sport fishing license before casting a international competitions and provides line in 2010. Licenses are required of $1 million annually in equipment grants any person 16 years of age or older when and youth league volunteer background taking any fish, shellfish, reptile or am- check subsidies. Giovanni is a 6’-4”, 250 pound, offen- Beth Brooks is shown with her parents and phibian in California. sive tackle with the athleticism of a defen- Louise Hewitt, her independent study teacher Information about the specific license sive end. He is quick off the snap, uses his and the one who nominated her for the Poinset- types and fees is available at DFG’s Web hands well, and maintains leverage in his tia Awards site at www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/ fishdescrip.html. blocks. The future Trojan is ranked No. In December, the Fish and Game 20 nationally among offensive tackles Poinsettia Award’s winner Channa Samara- Two of a kind Commission voted to rescind the long- and is the No. 26 prospect overall within sena is as handsome as he is intelligent by Mira Reverente standing requirement that fishing licens- California, according to Rivals.com. Their teachers love them and their unteer, Samarasena mentors students at es be worn above the waist. This regula- families think the world of them. They Portola Elementary School. At Buena High tion will go into effect March 1, 2010. Police and Fire reports have volunteered countless hours around School where he is a senior, Samarasena is Until then, all licenses purchased online Continued from page 13 the community. They have promising fu- one of the junior BARK (Buena Advising Re- or from an agent must still be displayed the 2800 block of Beene Rd. in the early tures. And they are only 17. lationship and Knowledge) mentors, coach- above the waist and clearly visible while morning of December 26. The container Meet Beth Brooks and Charith Samara- ing students who need academic help. He fishing. was in a storage yard adjacent to an- sena, recently named 2009 Students of the also volunteers with the elderly, assisting Anglers can find a list of sales offices other container and near a single-family Year by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. them with daily chores. and business hours or look up license residence. When firefighters arrived they The annual Poinsettia Awards luncheon are Monica Fierro, Samarasena’s counselor agents in their area at http://www.dfg. found the container fully involved and usually held at the end of the year and recog- since his freshman year explained her choice, ca.gov/licensing/. it’s plastic roof had already burned off. nizes local businesses and individuals who “Charith diligently does the work of about Anglers with Internet access can also Firefighters quickly established a hose have been nominated by the community for 10 students. That’s what impressed me so purchase a sport fishing license and se- line to protect nearby property and the their exemplary achievements and contribu- much about him. He is studious but funny lected stamps online at www.dfg.ca.gov/ fire was controlled within 20 minutes. tions. and outgoing too. That’s why he’s well-liked licensing/ols/intro.html. Firefighters remained at the scene The standout around here” Aside from being senior class DFG sells approximately 2 million for an additional 2 hours overhauling Brooks, a senior at El Camino High president, Samarasena is also an academic sport fishing licenses and generates more the burned debris and investigating School was nominated by Louise Hewitt, her decathlon medalist and a varsity swimmer. than $62 million in revenue annually. what caused the blaze. Ventura Fire In- independent study teacher. Hewitt described Samarasena also managed to juggle One-third of the revenue generated by vestigators soon determined the cause to her nominee, “Beth just gives so much of two to three college classes a semester while these sales is earmarked for DFG’s Hatch- be from careless use of a cigarette while herself to others. She genuinely enjoys being maintaining a 4.3 GPA. Samarasena de- eries and Fish the owner was looking for items in the with people and they are so drawn to her, es- scribed his role model, “My older sister has Planting Facilities Program; the rest dark. All contents including household pecially the younger ones. She would be the been a big influence in my life. Her achieve- supports fisheries management and pro- furnishings were destroyed and the esti- first person to welcome a new student to the ments and the many good choices she has tection through the Fish and Game Pres- mated property loss was near $5000. No school.” made have stayed with me.” ervation Fund. nearby structures were damage and no As an independent study student, Their aspirations one was injured. Brooks consults with Hewitt weekly to get For college, Samarasena is considering Fire behind Tony’s Pizza assignments and take tests. The flexible the University of California at Irvine, where Venturan Late Monday night on January 4 the schedule allows time for travel and artis- his sister is a graduating senior. He has his Ventura City Firefighters responded to a tic pursuits. Unknown to many, Brooks is sights set on becoming a biomedical en- Giovanni Di reported trailer on fire behind Tony’s Piz- a pantomime and performs with a drama gineer and envisions himself inventing or zeria located at 186 E. Thompson Blvd. team from her church around Ventura and working on something similar to the artifi- Poalo to play Upon arrival, firefighters found a small Los Angeles counties. She has also traveled cial heart that many will benefit from. motor home fully engulfed in flames. The to Peru to visit missionaries and to Romania Channa Samarasena, Charith’s father, for America’s fire had also spread to some adjoining to work with orphans. recalled, “When he was in elementary, he palm trees and was threatening to ignite The straight A student also volunteers won an award at the science fair. He’s always Junior National the pizza parlor itself. Firefighters used at the emergency room of Community Me- been into science and inventions so this was a large master stream to control the fire morial Hospital. Brooks describes a typi- no surprise to us. And I think it’s a good path Team in within 5 minutes of their arrival. Smaller cal day for her at CMH where she has been for him with the many exciting changes in hoses were used to fully extinguish the volunteering since 2008, “I help where they that field.” Football fire and to conduct overhaul operations. An investigation was conducted and the need me. Sometimes I’m putting supplies Brooks plans to spend a year at Ventura USA Football, the sport’s national motor home was determined to belong away, cleaning up, comforting patients or College and follow in her mom’s footsteps governing body on youth and amateur to an employee of the Pizzeria whom bringing patients what they need.” On Sun- and become a teacher in an inner-city school. levels, has announced its 2010 Junior Na- resided behind the parlor. The cause of days, she teaches Sunday school at the same “The inner-city schools just have a certain al- tional Team which will compete in USA the fire is still under investigation and is church where her father is a pastor. lure to me. I think I will have more of an im- Football’s “Team USA vs. The World” listed as undetermined at press time. As- The overachiever pact there and be able to reach out to more game in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 30. sistance from the Red Cross was request- An equally dedicated community vol- kids,” explained Brooks. The game matches USA Football’s 2010 ed to help in finding temporary housing Junior National Team – 45 of the coun- for the adult male occupant of the motor try’s top high school seniors – against a home. According to the fire department “World” team composed of 45 of the best no one sustained any injuries from the players aged 19 and under from outside conflagration. the United States spanning eight coun- tries on four continents. USA Football’s roster consists entire- ly of high school seniors. The Ventura City The Jan. 30 game will be televised live by NFL Network. Fire Players selected for USA Football’s Ju- nior National Team are chosen through Department- high school coach nominations, research, and film study. Roster selections are ul- Responding to timately made by USA Football’s coach- ing staff and includes Giovanni Di Poalo your needs from Ventura’s own St.Bonaventure High The Ventura City Fire Department School. responded to over 12,000 calls for service USA Football, the sport’s national in 2009. The overwhelming majority of governing body on youth and amateur those responses were to provide Advanced levels, hosts more than 80 football train- Life Support at the scene of medical and ing events annually offering education traumatic emergencies. As with any emer-

Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 15

gency, time is of the utmost importance. nia Auctioneers located at 8597 N. Ven- how services will be prioritized. Some A little preparation, before an emergency tura Ave. (www.calauctioneers.com) have been disappointed to see what local happens, can shave precious minutes off of Internationally collected Beatrice and state governments have chosen as ex- an emergency scene. We would like to pro- Wood, the “Mama of Dada”, was a pro- pendable. vide some suggestions that will help us, to minent 20th Century Artist/Ceramist. “You can really judge a community help you, in the event of an emergency. She lived from 1893 until 1998 and resi- by how it treats its most vulnerable mem- A large part of giving prompt and ac- ded in Ojai. bers of society,” said Morgan Ramirez curate medical care, from the home to the a mother of two young children. “And, emergency room, is gathering detailed in- right now, they – the children, the elderly, formation about a person. This informa- “Games People the handicapped – aren’t being treated all tion is critical for us to quickly determine that well.” the correct course of treatment. Quite often Play” at the Vita Ramirez referred to a number of a patient is unable to provide this informa- dwindling and cut programs including tion verbally, depending on the severity of Art Center many social service programs, less main- their illness, injury, or condition. A simple When Vita Art Center put out a call tained playgrounds and other areas in- sheet of paper with pertinent information for collaborative works, long-time friends cluding arts programs. can be kept, in a convenient location within Jennifer Guernsey, Amy Schneider and Tracy is aware of the need to maintain the home, and provided to emergency per- Jill Shanbrom phoned each other to ask and grow a well-rounded community. sonnel when they arrive. Anyone who may “Hey, do you want to do something for “Jobs and businesses prosper in a be present in the home, be it family, friend this show?” community where basics are maintained,” The Breeze had the following article in our or neighbor, should know where this infor- They set a date to meet having no idea Tracy said. “If someone wants to do busi- May, 2008 issue. It could now be titled “Mur- mation is located. Pertinent information to of what they’d collaborate on or how they ness here, they are going to look around der Has Killed the Top Hat” as the Top Hat has be listed would be a person’s name, date of would work considering their completely and see our streets aren’t maintained as just recently received a 30-day eviction notice birth, significant past medical history, med- different painting styles. They realized well, we’re closing libraries, and look at from the property owner Downtown Ventura ications (including dosage and frequency), the brainstorming process itself felt like our basic levels of safety service.” Properties. The Top Hat has been living on allergies to medications, emergency con- they were playing a game and that was Tracy also believes after Ventura gets borrowed time since 2004 because the owners tacts, your local hospital of choice, and the their ah-ha moment... games! For the col- through these difficult economic times wanted to build on the site several years ago names of all treating physicians. laborative show they settled on playing there will be a period of time where the but their plans were dropped because of the Another aspect of a timely response is the game “Telephone”...with paint, on city will need to regain the public’s con- declining economy. being able to locate you. Have your street canvas! fidence. He acknowledges this task will address numbers clearly visible on the front In the actual game of Telephone, a not be easy but is seemingly up for the of your residence, as well as painted on the whispered sentence is passed to one per- challenge. Murder Stalked curb if possible. If you live in an apart- son, who then whispers it to the next, ment be sure that your unit number is throughout a chain until the end reveals posted on your front door. Should you be the surprising changes wrought through Ventura the Top Hat alone and unable reach the door, having translation. by Richard Senate an emergency means of entry for respond- The game began with one artist who joins “Cities of ers, such as a trusted neighbor with a spare painted with no set subject matter or The small burger joint at 299 East key, is very important. When you are on agreed upon concept. The second art- Service” Main St. is a downtown favorite and the phone with a 911 dispatcher you can ist then responded solely to this paint- has been for decades. Maybe it’s the provide this information to them, which ing and passed only that response to the coalition retro style fast food or the homemade is then relayed immediately, and securely, third artist. chili that keeps the customers coming to incoming responders. In fact, they were so wowed by the The City of Ventura – led by former back or maybe its just the atmosphere The population of our city is ever grow- process that took place and by its end re- Mayor Christy Weir and the city’s Volun- the laid back establishment. ing, and the demand for service is always sult that they decided it would be fun to teer Ventura! program – has joined more The popularity of the Top Hat was rising. Please help us continue to provide do it again with other games. Thus was than 70 cities across the country in a bi- put to the test when word got out that prompt and professional emergency care to born the idea for “Games People Play partisan coalition of mayors committed it would be closed. Many rallied to you and your family in your time of need. “Games People Play” opens on Friday to work together to lead a multi-year ef- the defense of the small eatery. Few Quick access and detailed information are February 5 at the Vita Art Center on Ven- fort to coordinate expanded community remember that the place is in fact a two very important components of our tura Ave.. In addition to viewing this fun service and volunteerism. historical spot and the site of an awful emergency care. show there will also be an assortment of “Cities of Service,” founded this murder. Kris McDonald, Captain games for you to play too! Which games, fall by a core of 17 mayors, aims to en- In 1988 a 63 year old homeless man Ventura City Fire Fighters Association (VCFFA). you may ask? You’ll see when you go to gage millions more volunteers nation- named White secured a job at the Top Vita Art Center. Exhibition dates: Febru- wide and harness the power of everyday Hat. He was hired to get the grill ready Wagner and Santo ary 5 - 26 Americans to help solve the nation’s in the morning for business. It was a Continued from page 10 Gallery Hours: M-F 10-5 and week- greatest challenges by promoting grass- hard job but a start for a man down on will be Saturday, January 23rd, 6 – 9 pm. ends by appointment. Opening Recep- roots opportunities to energize every his luck. The owners of the Top Hat Wagner is a digital portrait artist. The tion: February 5, from 6-9 p.m. community with the spirit of service. never left the cash for the business in process begins with a blank canvas on a The City of Ventura is well posi- the building. Some say it was because computer screen. She uses a photograph tioned to usher in the new era of service they didn’t trust Mr. White, but most for inspiration, but does not manipulate Deputy mayor Tracy envisioned in the Edward M. Kennedy believe it just was policy to take the the original image. Instead, she paints Continued from page 4 Serve America Act by offering the most cash box home each day. What ever stroke by stroke in a conventional water- awhile, his focus turning to the council progressive and comprehensive mu- the reason, Mr. White came in and color style. Technology has given her the and the city of Ventura. nicipal volunteer program in Ventura started the day cleaning and getting freedom to experiment and innovate. It According to Tracy the most pressing County. The City’s robust Volunteer things done when a woman got into has enabled her to paint not just the like- issue for the next couple of years will be Ventura! Program demonstrates that the tiny business. She was a drug ad- ness, but to catch the true essence of her allocating monies for essential and basic volunteering is a core value of local dict and was looking for ready cash for subjects as well. services. Late last month, the city an- residents, city staff and city officials by a new fix. She was armed with a knife Karen Santo’s paintings invite you nounced in addition to the $11 million establishing itself as an area leader in and demanded money. White didn’t to step inside. Lie on your back and view cut from last year’s budget, another $4 building strong communities through have any and a scuffle took place in the the crimson sunset, picnic amongst the million will most likely need to trimmed. innovative volunteer alliances. narrow confines of the burger stand. autumn leaves by the river, or wind your “We’re going to have to prioritize the “Communities like Ventura thrive The man was stabbed and died on the way through the desert wild brush. San- basics – police, fire, public works, parks not just because government serves the blood-stained floor. Before he passed to’s careful use of tone and color create a and recreation,” said Tracy. “Just keeping people, but because people serve each away, he seized the killer’s long hair three dimensionality to her canvases. the doors open is going to difficult.” other,” said Mayor Bill Fulton. “Cit- and pulled some from her head. For information on the show, contact Tracy would like to focus on making ies are well positioned to help engage When the police came the strands Debbie Fox at 652-1800. sure all city departments are run as effi- millions more volunteers in service to of hair were still clutched in his fin- ciently as possible. help communities around the nation. gers. The murderess was found, and in “We’re going to have to be more co- I’m grateful to Mayor Weir for initiat- the trial, DNA extracted from the roots ordinated and more cost-effective,” said ing our participation in this effort, and of the hair were used to make a convic- Wood for sale Tracy. I look forward to working hard on this tion. The guilty party was sentenced His concern however, is in his opin- ambitious volunteer effort in the New to 26 years to life for the murder of Mr. (Beatrice Wood, ion most city divisions have already been Year.” White. It was the very first time DNA forced to find efficiencies. For information about volunteer evidence was used to secure a convic- that is...) “Departments have gone through opportunities in Ventura, visit: www. tion in the state of California. The Randall and Ellen Richman of Ven- major squeezing already,” said Tracy. “At cityofventura.net/volunteer. humble hamburger stand has earned tura are pleased to present for sale the some point in time, we’re going to have More information about the coali- a place in the law books of California Great Beatrice Wood Fine Art Collection to cut services.” tion can be found at www.citiesofser- and should be spared from demolition on January 31 at Ventura’s own Califor- Many residents are concerned with vice.org. for that reason alone.

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 16 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze Business cations, a Ventura marketing and pub- lic relations firm. She can be reached at 701-2605 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ventura College of Law open house Local residents considering pursuing the study of law are invited to attend an open house and information program at the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleg- es of Law on Wednesday, January 20. Mario and Tony Vitale stand at the entrance of their new restaurant, The Dume Room Seafood The event will be held from 6-7 p.m. Bar, being opened at the former location of Franky’s on Main Street in downtown Ventura. The at the Ventura campus located at 4475 After 26 years as a Chamber of Commerce ex- Dume will have its grand opening on January 30 Market Street. ecutive Zoe is now a business consultant Attendees at the program will learn Business Spotlight what the study of law entails, the spe- Zoe Taylor to cific curriculum offered at the colleg- The Dume Room Seafood Bar to es, the student services available once enrolled, and what’s involved with tak- open in downtown Ventura become ing the California State Bar Examina- by Tim Pompey tion. Conducting the program will be Colleges of Law Dean Heather Georga- Talk to restaurateur Mario Vitale for rio tells it: “I was friends with the owner. consultant to kis and Assistant Dean Barbara Doyle. any length of time and you can’t help One day, he walked into the room, gave They will be joined by a law school but be regaled by his entertaining life. me the keys and said ‘I’ll give you 50 per- several alumna who will discuss a career in the In addition to running restaurants, he’s cent of the action.’ I ran it for several years legal field and how entering the pro- also an actor, artist, and musician. For and made it very successful.” chambers fession changed her life. Ventura, the good news is that he’s now Mario now brings his sense of style As previously reported in the Breeze “Our colleges offer students the bringing his many talents to the down- and experience to Ventura. Still, he realiz- after 26 years as an award-winning opportunity to pursue their dreams town area. His new restaurant (actually es that some things should remain tradi- Chamber of Commerce executive, Zoe by becoming part of a program that an old landmark in downtown) is hav- tional. Things like the breakfasts that ev- Taylor is taking on a new role as a busi- combines outstanding instruction ing its grand opening on January 30. Re- eryone once loved. What will set the The ness consultant. with a supportive environment and member Franky’s? Well, thanks to Mario Dume Room apart from the past will be She served as president and CEO an affordable tuition,” says Georgakis. and his brother Tony, it’s reopening as its emphasis on seafood and vegetarian of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce “This open house is a perfect opportu- The Dume Room Seafood Bar. dishes. Mario wants to bring an old east from 1996 through Nov. 30, 2009. Be- nity for those considering the study of Still, what’s new is also familiar. The coast tradition to downtown Ventura - fore that, she had served as president law to ask questions and learn about former owner, Chris Pustina-Haldane, is the oyster bar, featuring steamed clams and CEO of the Chambers in Burbank this wonderful local resource before now one of the chefs. Julie is coming back fresh from the Pacific Northwest. and Pico Rivera. making this big decision. Whether you as a waitress. Best of all, Mario is keep- In addition, he wants to make The “I plan to utilize my years of experi- are considering entering law school di- ing the frogs. As he describes it, “When Dume Room a creative hangout for mu- ence working with the private and public rectly after college or after years away I walked in, I met the frogs and realized sicians and artists. Mario is a graduate of sectors to provide connections for busi- from academic life, this open house is they were people.” the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and has nesses and organizations with govern- for you.” Mario brings a wealth of experience a keen appreciation for the creative side ment entities,” Taylor said. “My goal is to Currently celebrating its 40th an- to The Dume Room, not to mention of life. He’s already found a house band be recognized as one of the premier con- niversary, the Santa Barbara and Ven- some pretty entertaining stories. Raised that includes musicians from the Berk- sultants to business and organizations in tura Colleges of Law offers a State Bar- in the Bronx, he began at age 12 work- lee School of Music in Boston. Students assisting them in their dealings with gov- accredited part-time evening program ing in a restaurant at City Island in the from the Brooks Institute were recently ernment agencies at the local, state and leading to the awarding of a Juris Doc- Bronx. “It was mandatory,” he explains. granted permission to do a photo session federal levels.” tor degree and academic eligibility to “It belonged to my cousins and everyone inside the restaurant. And, of course, the She was named the “Small Business sit for the State Bar of California Ex- in the family was required to work there.” fine paintings will remain on the walls. Advocate of the Year” in 2004 by the Pa- amination. With a faculty comprised When he moved to Florida, he worked for As Mario sees it, The Dume Room cific Coast Business Times. She was rec- of working professionals who bring eight years in Ft. Lauderdale with Joe Na- will continue Franky’s long tradition of ognized for her history of building strong real-world experience into the curricu- math and Bobby Vann’s restaurant chain. serving good food, lively entertainment, programs with an emphasis on business lum, its classes are taught in a support- In 1979, he came to California to go into and fine art to its customers. The name development, government affairs, work- ive and practical learning environment the music business and worked for many and menu items may change, but he force development and membership ser- that encourages students to fulfill their years with legendary rock promoter Bill would like to continue what Franky’s did vices. She also was cited for her ability dreams while adhering to the highest Graham. In Southern California, he spent for twenty-two years. Now, after a four- in bringing together diverse groups of levels of ethics, professional respon- ten years at the Beau Rivage in Malibu. year hiatus, the doors have reopened and people to build consensus for a common sibility and civic duty. Its more than Mario’s connection to The Dume Mario is ready to bring his creative in- purpose or project. 1,600 graduates include judges, court Room began in Malibu. The original was stincts to an old downtown hangout. He She was named to the Business Times’ commissioners and numerous elected a local beach landmark, the hangout for likes the frogs. He likes the atmosphere. list of Top 50 Business Leaders each year officials as well as hundreds of lawyers numerous Hollywood celebrities. As Ma- He intends to carry on the tradition. from 2006 through 2009. In 1995 she practicing throughout California. was named Woman of the Year in the Orientation dates: 43rd Assembly District. She was named Free orientation Ventura Location: Ventura Continuing Citizen of the Year during her tenure in Education, 5200 Valentine Rd, Room 205 Burbank, among numerous other awards to WEV and January 13, 6-7 pm in her lengthy Chamber career. January 20, 6-7 pm As a board member of the Workforce SET class January 27, 6-7 pm Investment Board of Ventura County, Women’s Economic Ventures is hold- February 3, 6-7 pm Taylor participated in a number of coali- ing free self-employment training ori- Thousand Oaks Location: Goebel Senior tion-partnerships to improve workplace entations in Ventura. Learn more about & Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road skills. WEV’s 14-week comprehensive course January 18, 6-7 pm (Foothill Lupin Among her first clients will be sev- on how to start or grow your own Room) eral chambers throughout California, successful business. Find out about January 25, 6-7 pm (Valley Lupin who she will assist in improving their the various services available through Room) programs and in their own directories WEV, a nationally recognized, local February 1, 6-7 pm (Valley Lupin in-house. She also will lead a chamber Affinity Bank, now officially gone from non-profit. Orientation attendance is Room) board retreat in California. Ventura and the world required to enroll in the SET course, For reservations, please call (805) 667- Taylor will collaborate on some which begins in February. 8004 or visit www.wevonline.org projects with Whisenhunt Communi-

Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 17 Business such as the personalized fitness pro- you, contributed to the overwhelming grams and nutritional consults intact. success of the 2009 Festival. We are es- Fausset stated, “I go to The Gym four to pecially appreciative of your donation in five times a week. Usually, I’m following these difficult economic times. a workout routine they have designed for Your sponsorship of the Festival sup- me or I’m on the treadmill. I really like ports VHC’s land conservation efforts. the fact that they update the gym equip- We believe that your conservation con- ment periodically.” tributes to the economic vitality of Ven- But trends and equipment aside, tura as well as the quality of life in our those who knew Mackey saw him as more community. We are committed to work- than just a business owner and personal ing with landowners, elected officials and trainer. “He was also a life coach and he the business community to preserve Ven- touched many lives that way. To this day, tura’s hillsides and open space areas , and I still get phone calls from members who connect people to the land. Thank you have moved away, telling me how my dad for your help in making conservation helped them,” explained Freeman. happen in Ventura. Local artist Leslie McQuaide, a mem- Sincerely, ber since 1976, remembers how MacKey Brook Ashworth supported her while recovering from an Matthew Sayles injury. “He devised this training plan for Trustee and VHMF Sponsorship Chair Execu- me and showed me how to use the vari- tive Director ous machines and free weights properly. He was very particular about that so I A thank you from the Rotary Club of don’t injure myself further,” recalled Mc- Ventura Quaide. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Ven- Mackey’s teachings also apply beyond tura, I wish to extend a special thank you the four walls of the 40-year-old gym as to two organizations and their managers: Freeman attests that she can feel her fa- J. C. Penney department store, manager ther working through her at times. Free- Steve Phillips, and the Crowne Plaza hotel, man recalled, “My dad taught me to find, manager Doug Wood. focus, flex and feel. It also makes sense in On December 9th, our club sponsored life and in business.” our 25th annual Christmas Shopping For more information: Spree for 51 children from three elemen- The Gym tary schools in Ventura: EP Foster, Sheri- 2498 East Main Street dan Way, and Lincoln. Thank you to Mr. Ventura, CA 93003 Phillips and J. C. Penney for helping us to 805.653.9151 buy over $75 dollars worth of clothing in- www.thegymventura.com cluding shoes for each student. Mr. Phil- lips and his sales crew arrived early and Mailbox proved to be extremely helpful during the Continued from page 3 hour and a half shopping activity. is well written, accurate and motivation- After shopping, we took the students al to the reader. Nanci has a gift for pas- to the top of the Crowne Plaza where they sionate writing that shows in everything were able to get a free warm coat (donated Dan Mackey is shown at The Gym’s opening in 1970 with the legendary bodybuilder Dave Draper she does and in particular all things senior. by the community and cleaned free by Thanks again for providing our com- Four Seasons Cleaners), an individual gift, Business Spotlight munity with such excellent coverage of se- a stuffed animal, and lunch. Thank you to nior events. Mr. Wood and the Crowne Plaza for mak- The Gym: enduring and Many seniors will turn to The Breeze ing the wonderful room available and for for this type of information as the daily pa- preparing the food for us. The students per has downsized its senior coverage. loved the day, the view, the lunch, the pres- endearing at 40 The Breeze is so very community/cus- ents, and the clothing. Without Mr. Phil- by Mira Reverente tomer oriented. I love it! lips and Mr. Wood, and their organiza- When most teen-agers were holding Considered the oldest athletic center Yours for Healthy & Independent Se- tions, this would not have been possible. part-time jobs in burger joints or babysit- in Ventura, The Gym has prevailed for niors, Thank you. ting the neighborhood kids, Shawn Free- various reasons. “Other folks hang out at Steve Lehman MPH, MBA Manager/ Larry Emrich, President man was busy learning the ropes of her the bar or spend time at the country club. Health & Resource Specialist The Rotary Club of Ventura father’s business. Freeman learned by This is where I hang out with my friends,” SCAN Senior Resource Center shadowing her father, Dan Mackey, a said Mike Fausset, a gym member since Dear Sheldon, multi-awarded bodybuilder and owner of 1981. Fausset was friends with Mackey Breeze: On behalf of the City of Ventura’s The Gym on East Main Street. and liked Mackey’s genuine concern for Does downtown need another thrift Cultural Affairs Division, I would like to Dan Mackey’s foray into bodybuild- gym members. shop? I think there are already at least two thank the Ventura Breeze for sponsoring ing started when he was a scrawny teen- The Gym’s clientele is diverse - stu- big ones (Coalition and Caan Abuse) oper- our 2009 Music Under the Stars sum- ager with a passion for football. He decid- dents and executives, young and mature ating now. I wonder about the motivation mer concert series at the historic Olivas ed he needed to “bulk up” and build his athletes, and the proverbial greenhorns of Goodwill. It already has a store on Tele- Adobe. The series was a great success self-confidence. Not long after, Mackey and gym rats, who are drawn to its active graph near Mills Rd. Why do they need to and we enjoyed promoting your business was competing in bodybuilding events vibe, quaint charm and more personal- expand into an area already flush with thrift throughout the evening for the nine con- and held the titles of Mr. Pacific Coast ized attention from the staff. stores? This strikes me as the same as a big certs presented. and Mr. USA. Mackey died in 2007 at the There are many members like Fausset box store coming to town and putting the Thank you for your generous sup- age of 70, not long after passing the torch who are loyal and consistent in their fit- competition out of business. Can there be a port of our program We could not pro- on to his daughter. ness regimens as well as their patronage. downtown development plan that foresees duce such a wonderful summer concert “I have two sisters but I was the only “I’ve been to other gyms in my travels. a downtown with thrift shops anchoring series without the sponsorship of our lo- one in the family that had shown any in- This one definitely has character. It has lower Main St? cal businesses. We look forward to work- terest in The Gym. My dad was just de- an eclectic feel to it without the hype that John Deegan, ing with you at next year’s Music Under lighted that I came back after eight years some of the big chains have,” described Ventura the Stars concert series. and wanted to carry on,” said Freeman. Fausset. Sincerely, By then, Freeman was certified in person- Her father’s daughter Sheldon: Georgeanne Lees al training and had more hands-on expe- Just like her father, Freeman foresees no Thank you for your generous spon- City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Supervisor rience, having managed a chain-owned expansion or franchising in the imme- sorship of the 2009 Ventura Hillsides Mu- gym in Northern California. diate horizon, and wants to highlight sic Festival. It was a gorgeous day ion the No hype, just good vibe a mind-body fitness approach. FitSkin, park with great sounds from The Neville Editor; “This was originally a weight-lifting a day spa extension of The Gym was Brothers, Dave Mason, Keb’Mo’ and Jay Last week, the Top Hat Burger Palace or body-building gym, which was the fad launched with this in mind. Services in- Nash. Over 2,500 attendees enjoyed the in downtown Ventura was given 30 days when it opened in 1970. Women were not clude massage therapy, facials and vari- event and we were successful in raising to vacate its location of sixty years. into weight-lifting at that time so it was ous skin care treatments. approximately $48,000 for the Ventura Here we go again. Another little piece primarily a men’s gym till the late 70s In the constantly evolving world of Hillsides Conservancy (VHC). The musi- of Ventura's soul sacrificed to the Al- or early 80s when it became co-ed,“ ex- fitness, Freeman strives to stay on top of cians, over 150 volunteers and nearly 50 mighty Dollar. plained Freeman. trends while maintaining core services national and local sponsors, including Continued on page xx

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 18 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze

The Lighter Breeze Solutions on page 20 Amber Waves

Sam and Silo

Zits

Krazy Kat, 1923 Bizarro

Solutions on page 20

Solutions on page 20

Ventura Breeze www.venturabreeze.com Y ourHom etownP aper Ventura Breeze Wednesday, January 13, 2010 19 Health Movie Time Family-to-Family Class Sheeni Saunders (Doubleday) and real- Livingston VENTURA Review of izes he has found his quest. She may ARC Ventura County, 295 S. Arcade be aloof and a tease, but Nick knows: Memorial Drive Sheeni is his “angel.” What results is a Class begins: January 13, 2010, 12 Youth in sometimes amusing adventure in which offering hospice Wednesdays, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Nick, in an effort to bolster his cour- De Familia a Familia, for Spanish- age, turns to his twin alter ego Francois volunteer speaking attendees Revolt Dillinger for help. Nick is good. Fran- OXNARD by Tim Pompey cois is bad. To win Sheeni’s heart (and training Pacific Clinics, 141 W. 5th Street body), Nick needs to be bad, and, with ★ ★ 1/2 Livingston Memorial VNA and Hos- Class begins: January 28, 2010, 12 Thurs- Francois’s help, he gets off to a good pice will be offering hospice volunteer days, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Starring Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Jean start. training starting Tuesday, January 26. To register, call NAMI Ventura Coun- Smart, Zach Galifianakis There are some genuinely funny ty at 641-2426 or email: namiventura@ moments in this film. The problem is, The class will be held from 9:30 Am to Currently Playing at Century 16 12:30 Pm for 8 consecutive Tuesdays. gmail.com in between these moments, director The class will be held at Livingston, 1996 January General Meeting You should know up front this movie Miguel Arteta’s approach is so low key, Eastman Ave. Suite101, Ventura. Gradu- NAMI General Meetings are free and is about sex. Adolescent and raging. Boy the pace of the film feels flat. Maybe ates of the training will provide support open to anyone interested in learning wants girl. Boy is a virgin. Boy must that’s deliberate. Maybe he wants to in the community to the terminally ill about mental illness. Speakers address a figure out how to “unvirgin” himself. contrast Nick’s hog-tied personality to and their families. If you are interested wide range of topics such as: research on What’s unusual about this film is that Francois’s much more direct and blunt in this program that could change your schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, new it chooses to take a (mostly) low key ap- approach. Maybe that’s why Francois life contact Maddy Hazard, Volunteer medications, proven rehabilitation ap- proach on the subject, using irony and has those strange contacts in his eyes. and Bereavement Coordinator, 642-0239 proaches, financial planning for families sarcasm in place of raw lust and nudity. Whatever the case, the film feels like it’s x775 or [email protected]. with a disabled member, early diagnosis But make no mistake. This boy is des- on Prozac. When it goes off its meds and intervention, public and other com- perate and willing to do just about any- and becomes bi-polar, it’s good. When munity mental health services, disability thing to get laid. it goes back on its meds, it’s not. NAMI is there benefits, etc. As the story goes, sixteen-year-old I’d like to recommend this film. I NAMI General Meetings are held on Nick Twisp (Cera) is one of those geeky don’t mind low-key works (for instance to help the second Tuesday of each month. Tues- high school outcasts who wants to be the recent release “Away We Go”). I just The NAMI Family-to-Family Educa- day 12th January , 7:00 pm anything but. Yes, he adores Frank Si- think that, in this case, most people tion Program is a series of twelve weekly PSYCHOTHERAPY natra and watches old foreign language will scratch their heads and wonder classes for family members, partners and Recovery from Serious Mental Illness films, but in his heart, he wants what what the fuss is all about. Is this film friends of individuals with a diagnosed with Michael D. Rosberg, Ph.D. Program any adolescent boy wants: sex. Unfortu- really about sex or obsessive compul- or undiagnosed mental illness. If you are Director, Anne Sippi Clinic nately, alone in his room, enduring life sive disorder? I appreciate the humor a family member and have not taken the Are there benefits to using psycho- with his flighty mother Estelle (Smart) of the situation. Being a fellow geek, I class, you are encouraged to sign up im- therapy when helping people with a seri- and her neanderthal boyfriend Jerry can soulfully identify with Nick’s di- mediately. Classes start in January ous mental illness? How does small group (Galifianakis), Nick realizes his chances lemma. Still, it turns out that “Youth,” Family-to-Family Class therapy compare to individual therapy? are zero. When a car deal brokered by like sex, is a mixed bag. You have to en- WESTLAKE VILLAGE Can these types of therapy help a person Jerry goes south, everyone decides to es- joy the good, endure the bad, and pray Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via who is struggling to balance medications cape to Jerry’s so-called house on a lake. things will get better. But that’s about Rocas and side effects? What are the different In actuality, it’s nothing more than a life. This is a movie, and, like most of Class begins: January 7, 2010, 12 Thurs- types of psychotherapy? Are they best broken down trailer. Things couldn’t my fantasies, it just didn’t pan out like days, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Continued on page 20 be worse for poor Nick, until he meets I hoped. Ventura County Fairgrounds Swap Meet Every Wednesday 7am to 2pm Free Parking and Admission Antiques • Collectibles Farmers’ Market Vendor Space Available For Information call Sue Adams 818.590.5435 10 West Harbor Boulevard Planning An Estate Sale? Call Sue Adams for a Free Consultation. www.snaauctions.com

Your Hometown Paper www.venturabreeze.com Ventura Breeze 20 Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Ventura Breeze Health NAMI is there followed the treatment guidelines in AC- me, poor me"? Continued from page 19 TION Registry–GWTG for 24 consecutive Bowl for the A wise man once said something to the employed in community settings or in months. These include aggressive use of effect of "Hell is what you get when the law- residential treatment centers? With im- medications like cholesterol-lowering drugs, Cure yers and accountants finally take over every- proved social models such as clubhouses, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, and The men’s Ventura County Bowling thing." wellness centers, family supports, does anticoagulants in the hospital. “The Ameri- Association is having their 2nd Annual Truer word have never been spoken. psychotherapy still have a place? can College of Cardiology Foundation and Bowl for the Cure Fundraiser on February Alfred J. Lewis Michael Rosberg is a Licensed Clini- the American Heart Association commend 13, from 12:30 to 3:30 at Buena Lanes in cal Psychologist and a Licensed Marriage Community Memorial Hospital for its suc- Ventura. The cost is only $25.00 which in- Family Therapist (MFT). He has worked cess in implementing standards of care and cludes: Bowling, shoe rental, event T-Shirt in multiple treatment environments, in- protocols,” said Dr. Christopher Cannon, & B.B.Q., Music and Fun. cluding outpatient and inpatient settings ACTION Registry–GWTG Steering Com- There will be a silent auction, raffles directed toward the care of individuals mittee Chairperson and Associate Professor and 50/50 drawings.. The American Cancer with refractory mental disorders, resis- of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Society will be there to sell their daffodils. tant to treatment. Dr. Rosberg is the Di- Associate Physician in the Cardiovascular All net proceeds will be donated to the rector of the Anne Sippi Clinic in Bakers- Division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Ventura County American Cancer Society field, and maintains a private practice in in Boston. and the Susan G. Komen Fund. Call Dina Westlake Village. “The time is right for Community Me- Fink at 656-0666 to make advanced paid Location St. Columba’s Episcopal morial Hospital to be focused on improv- reservation as space in limited to the first Church, 1251 Las Posas Road, Camarillo. ing the quality of cardiovascular care by 200 people calling. implementing ACTION Registry–GWTG. The number of acute myocardial infarction Ventura Botanical Gardens patients eligible for treatment is expected to Continued from page 9 CMH receives grow over the next decade due to increasing a full environmental review, prove they incidence of heart disease and a large aging are financial sound and pay a security de- Award population,” said Rick Porterfield, Cath Lab posit. Community Memorial Hospital Director at Community Memorial Hospital. Being part of creating a new 107-acre received the American College of Car- With the collective strengths of these botanical garden overlooking the Pacific diology Foundation’s Gold Performance two programs, ACTION Registry–GWTG Ocean is a rare opportunity. Get involved. Achievement Award for 2009 – one of only empowers health care provider teams to Attend the workshops. Also check out Ven- 121 hospitals nationwide and one of five in consistently treat heart attack patients ac- tura Botanical Gardens website at http:// California to do so. The award recognizes cording to the most current, science-based www.venturabotanicalgardens.com/ CMH’s commitment and success in imple- guidelines; and establishes a national stan- Breeze: menting a higher standard of care for heart dard for understanding and improving the We feel that this is an extremely important attack patients, and signifies that CMH has quality, safety, and outcomes of care provid- addition to Ventura’s culture. We will continue to reached an aggressive goal of treating coro- ed for patients with coronary artery disease. cover this at it unfolds. nary artery disease patients with 85 percent Community Memorial Hospital is a mem- These are future articles that we will be pre- compliance to core standard levels of care ber of Community Memorial Health Sys- senting: outlined by the American College of Cardi- tem, a not-for-profit health system, which is A preview and review of the first Community ology/American Heart Association clinical comprised of Community Memorial Hos- Workshop Design Charrette. guidelines and recommendations. pital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and A preview and review of the second Commu- To receive the Gold Performance nine family-practice health centers entitled nity Workshop. Achievement Award, CMH consistently Centers for Family Health. A preview and review of the Final Presenta- tion and the Council vote.

Mailbox Continued from page 17 We've got something really special in our downtown, something that money can't buy and ought to be protected. The Top Hat is just a little piece of that, but an important little piece. The thirty day notice to vacate is an insult and a slap in the face, not just to the owners, but to the entire city and everybody who cares about it. We successfully fought the good fight before and, hopefully, we'll successfully fight it again. The people with the deep- est pockets and the shallowest souls might prevail, but they should make a note of this: the people who care deeply about this issue vote, and whatever project gets proposed for that site just might have some trouble get- ting approved. Then who'll be crying "Poor

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