Surf’s up at Point Mugu

Ventura County, CA - Online registration closes Monday, Aug. 8 for the 4th annual NBVC Point Mugu Surf Contest Presented by Quiksilver at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Point Mugu. The contest, held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21, is an exciting opportunity for the surfing community access of the best waves Southern California has to offer, and for NBVC to showcase our award-winning environmental stewardship of our sensitive beach, wetlands and endangered species.

The Men’s Open, Young Guns, and Bodyboard divisions are already filled. Open are the Women’s and Active Duty Military Men divisions. Entry fee is $20 for military and $100 for civilians. Enter on line at active.com,
The event itself is free to attend and open to the public starting at 6 a.m. Opening ceremonies on Saturday begin at 7 a.m. There will be live music throughout the day. A variety of vendor booths will be open during the event and food will be on sale.

The public is to enter the Las Posas road gate at NBVC Point Mugu, both Saturday and Sunday. All guests are directed to a parking lot and then shuttled to and from the event. The public is allowed to bring cameras, however the maximum focal length is not to exceed 100 mm.

150 surfing contestants are expected to compete along with a Quiksilver Expression Session featuring pro surfers, at one of Southern California’s best surfing locations. This particular surfing area off the coast of Point Mugu faces in a south direction which gives it a unique wave. The South swell, submarine canyon, and sandbars cause waves to break differently and bigger than at other beaches.

For more information, please call Vance Vasquez, NBVC Public Affairs Office at 805-989-8095 or Teri Reid, NBVC Public Affairs Officer at 805-989-9234, or visit our Facebook page, “NBVC Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, San Nicolas Island.”

 


 

Fillmore, CA, – In August, Academic Year in America (AYA) is looking for Fillmore families to play host to Germany.

This year, AYA is bringing hundreds of German high school students to the U.S. to learn about American culture while living with volunteer host families and studying at high schools across the nation. American families have the unique opportunity to learn about the German culture during this mutually rewarding exchange.

To learn more about hosting a German exchange student with AYA, contact Local Coordinator, Brady McPhail at 805 231-4605 or northboundquest@att.net.

AYA can help families find the ideal student for their home. The result is an enriching, lifelong relationship with a young person from abroad. In addition, for families looking to learn more about the German culture or language, hosting a student is a fantastic way to experience Germany without leaving home.

Students are ages 15 to 18 and arrive with full medical insurance, spending money, and the hopes of experiencing life in America through the eyes of a caring host family. The students stay with their host for five or ten months and attend the local high school.

Who can host a German student through AYA? According to AYA Director, Melanie French, an important aspect of the AYA program is that there are many types of people who can host.

"Just as there is no typical American family, there is no typical host family," states French. "Retirees, single parents and young couples are all able to give an international student a good home. Some host families may not even have children of their own. Bringing a German student into your home can mean giving the gift of culture to yourself, your family, your community—whomever would benefit from exposure to a new culture."

Visit AYA on the web at www.academicyear.org.

About AYA:
AYA is a not-for-profit organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to offer J-1 visas to international students. AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study Foundation, which was founded with the assistance of the late Robert F. Kennedy. For more than 30 years, AYA has offered more than 35,000 students and host families the rewarding experience of learning about another culture and language and making a new lifelong friend.

 


 

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today reported a man in Santa Barbara County is the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus infection in California this year. The man was hospitalized, but is now recovering at home.

"With the first confirmed human illness from West Nile virus this year, we are intensifying our surveillance for the virus with the help of all counties,” said CDPH Chief Deputy Director Kathleen Billingsley. “To protect against West Nile virus, the most important step people can take is avoiding mosquito bites.”

West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of a mosquito harboring the virus. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – will develop serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms. Recent data also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

To date in 2011, West Nile virus has been detected in 14 other California counties.

CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the “Four Ds”:

DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

DRESS – Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure to mosquito bites.

DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available from your local mosquito and vector control agency) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds and dead tree squirrels on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

www.cdph.ca.gov

 
small lost dog found in LaUnica Vicinity

Found a small lost dog at LaUnica Vicinity. She looks like a chihuahua and Dachshund Mix. White with Gold Spots. Has a collar and no tags. Call 814-7297.

 

Santa Paula, CA. - Santa Clara Valley Bank’s (SCVBank; OTC BB: SCVE.OB) Board of Directors today announced the resignation of President and CEO Michael D. Hause. Mr. Hause, whose career started in agribusiness, has accepted a management position with Calavo Growers, Inc. His resignation is effective July 29, 2011.

The Board has named Chairman Ralph De Leon as the Interim CEO. A search for a capable candidate will begin immediately.

Mr. Hause stated, “My passion has remained with agriculture and agribusiness, where my career started. I’m so excited to be able to join one of the most dynamic food companies in the nation. Having served as a Calavo Board Member over the past 8 years has allowed me to be keenly aware of the operations of Calavo and its potential for growth.”

Mr. Hause continued, “I would have never considered this transition were it not for the knowledge that I am leaving a SCVBank in a very strong position, from a standpoint of capital, liquidity and earnings trends. I am most proud of the expert staff that has been assembled over the years. I am leaving the Bank in capable hands.”

Chairman Ralph De Leon commented, “On behalf of the entire board of directors, we want to thank Mike for his years devoted to SCVBank, and we wish him success in his position with Calavo.”

Founded in 1998, Santa Clara Valley Bank has offices in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Under its stock symbol of SCVE.OB, Santa Clara Valley Bank's stock is traded through McAdams Wright Ragen, Howe Barnes Hofer & Arnett, and Wedbush Morgan Securities. The Bank's web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporate Headquarters
901 East Main Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
805-525-1999

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of interest rate changes, the ability to control costs and expenses, the impact of consolidation in the banking industry, financial policies of the United States government, and general economic conditions.

 
David Wareham receiving the Paul Harris Award, his wife Diane, and Martha Richardson, President.
David Wareham receiving the Paul Harris Award, his wife Diane, and Martha Richardson, President.
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Darryl Smith, husband of Barbara Smith, center, who was awarded the Paul Harris Award, Martha Richardson, President.
Darryl Smith, husband of Barbara Smith, center, who was awarded the Paul Harris Award, Martha Richardson, President.
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The Rotary Club of Fillmore Noontime recently had the pleasure of awarding two Paul Harris Fellowship Awards to members David Wareham and Barbara Smith.

The Fellowship Award was named for one of the founders of Rotary, Paul Harris. The Fellowship was established in his honor in 1957 to express appreciation for a $1,000 contribution to the humanitarian and educational programs of the Rotary Foundation.

The noontime Club continues this tradition by making a $1,000 contribution for each of these deserving members to the Rotary Foundation.

 
FFA members work with their animals in preparation for Showmanship Day.
FFA members work with their animals in preparation for Showmanship Day.
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This week FFA members have been busy preparing for our Showmanship Day which will be held this Saturday July 23rd at the School Farm. Each year this event is hosted by the Fillmore FFA and is open to all FFA, 4-H, Grange and Independent members from throughout the county. This year our judges will be coming from Reedley College to judge the cattle, goat, lamb and swine classes. Throughout the week Fillmore FFA members will spend several afternoons tidying the school farm for the event. The show is to help members prepare for the upcoming Ventura County Fair. The Showmanship Day will start with registration at 8AM and classes will start at 9AM. Fillmore FFA would like to invite the community to come out and watch the show.

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

 

The Artists Guild of Fillmore members brought new artwork to hang on the walls of Fillmore Library, 502 Second Street. Wana Klasen brought "Sun Downer", a watercolor; Karen Browdy 's collage is called "Pyramids"; Judy Dressler' oil painting is "Daffodils Forever"; Luanne Perez's watercolor is entitled "Fountain at Old Rancho Camulos"; Lady Jan Faulkner's photograph is of "The Barn at the Bottom of Grimes". Also sending artworks were Joanne King, "Looking Over the Sespe" and Lois Freeman Fox, "The Palisades". At another library, The Blanchard Community Library, 119 N 8th Street, Santa Paula, the Artists Guild of Fillmore has a large showing of their work in "A Group Show" on a 70 foot wall. The two month long exhibit continues until July 28; this library is closed Fridays and Sundays.

 

The 2011 Ventura County Fair is finally here, and each year, the 4-H and Grange Show is one of the first events of the Fair. The 4-H and Grange Show is comprised of children of all ages who will compete in a wide variety of equestrian events to showcase their talents.

Who: 4-H & Grange

What: 4-H & Grange Horse Show; Competitions include:

· July 15th: Halter Showmanship, Western Classes (equitation, horsemanship, and trail course), and Drill Team Exhibitions.

· July 16th: English Classes (Equitation, Hunter Hack, Jumpers)

· July 17th: Gymkhana – the fun classes (Poles, speed barrels, cloverleaf barrels, birangle, single stakes)

Where: Morgan Horse Show Arena at the Ventura County Fairgrounds; 10 West Harbor Blvd.

When: Competitions begin on July 15, 2011 and conclude on July 17th, 2011.

The Ventura County Fair is excited for all horse show competitions, because not only are the horse shows filled with great entertainment but it is also a sign that the Fair is here!

For more information about 4-H and Grange Horse Shows and all other competitions at the Fair, please visit our website at www.venturacountyfair.org or call 805-648-3376 x110

 
The Stars come out to help kickoff event

Thanks to over 6,400 local animal lovers who voted for Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), they won a spot in this year's ASPCA $100K Challenge, competing for grants from ASPCA totaling $300,000, including a top prize of $100,000.

The 2011 ASPCA $100K Challenge is a nationwide competition for animal shelters and their communities aiming to get more animals adopted or returned to their owners than ever before. Taking place from August 1 to October 31, 2011, VCAS will compete against 49 other shelters to find homes for more cats and dogs than it did during the same period in 2010.
The goal is to save at least 300 more animals.

During the three month Challenge period, VCAS is planning weekly events, both on and off the shelter site to bring attention to its shelter pets. A list of those events will be posted on its website and facebook pages (VCAnimalServices).

The theme of Ventura's Challenge is "Shelter Pets: The Best Home Improvement You Can Make". It and the logo came from the animal shelter's Facebook fans. Over the next three months the shelter is going to send out the message that a house is not a home w/out a pet.
And there are plenty of homeless pets that need a loving second home at the Ventura Shelter which is located at 600 Aviation Dr. in Camarillo.

Several celebrities have stepped forward and offered to help Ventura Animal Services send out this important message. On August 6th, a big kickoff event will include appearances by "That's So Raven" star Orlando Brown, "True Blood" actress Michelle Forbes, Animal Planet's "My Cat from Hell" cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, Kim Sill of the Heigl Foundation, the Surfing Dog Ricochet, and the dancing dog team Appawse.

The event will include canine demonstrations, a grand opening of the shelter's new community cat room, a chance to listen to, meet and greet celebrities and of course, the opportunity to look for a new addition for your home among the shelter's many beautiful felines and canines.

To add to the excitement, all adoptions will be discounted. A large casino wheel has been donated to the shelter. The wheel, called the "The Wheel of Fortune" because any animal that gets adopted is
fortunate, has a discounted price on each spoke. Adopters get to spin
to see how much of a discount they will get. No matter what the discount, in the end everybody wins because a family gains a new pet and the pet gains a new home.

The August 6th event will take place during the shelter's normal Saturday hours 9am-4pm. For more information, or to view the animals that will be available for adoption, go to www.vcas.us.

 
Students Need ‘Tdap’ Booster for New State Law Requirement, Peak Season Protection

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Broadcasters Association are asking media outlets to air public service announcements (PSA) about a new state law requiring a pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccine. The message targets parents and urges them to make sure all public and private school students entering seventh through 12th grades have proof of a whooping cough Tdap booster shot when starting classes this school year. It is estimated that more than 1 million California students may not yet have received the booster vaccine, also leaving them vulnerable to this potentially deadly disease.

“Whooping cough remains an ongoing threat to Californians with a high number of cases already reported this year,” said CDPH’s Director Dr. Ron Chapman. “We encourage the news media to help get the word out by broadcasting the PSA and putting it on their online news sites so parents across California know how to get their children the required vaccination.”

The PSA is available for download on shotsforschool.org. The California Broadcasters Association is encouraging TV stations throughout the state to make use of the PSA. The radio and video ads highlight the new requirement and encourage parents to make an appointment as soon as possible to get the booster to help beat the back-to-school rush.

More than 9,000 cases of whooping cough were reported to CDPH in 2010, including 10 infant deaths. The number of cases was the most since 1947. So far this year, more than 1,900 cases of pertussis have been reported. The majority of cases in 2010 and other years occurred between May and November.

“Having the first series of shots before kindergarten is not enough to stay protected throughout the school years,” explained Chapman. “All middle and high school students need to get a booster shot now to protect themselves and their families during the traditional peak seasons of summer and fall. While the booster vaccine helps guard individuals, it will also decrease the spread of what has proven to be a deadly disease.”

Parents should make an appointment as soon as possible to get the booster. For those who don’t have a health care provider, other options are available. Physicians participating in California’s Vaccines for Children’s (VFC) Program provide low-cost Tdap shots to eligible patients. Also, many local health departments and pharmacies provide Tdap boosters.

For the most complete and up-to-date information on the whooping cough (Tdap) requirement, including where to find a VFC physician, visit shotsforschool.org.

www.cdph.ca.gov

 

SANTA PAULA, CA - Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB:SCVE.OB) today announced its 2011 second quarter and year-to-date financial results.

SCVBank recorded a net profit of $113,000 for the second quarter of 2011, compared to a profit of $33,000 experienced a year earlier. For the six months ending June 30, 2011, the Bank experienced a $244,000 operating profit, which results in an income per common share, basic of $0.17, compared to a $446,000 loss in the prior year’s period. The 2011 profit reflects improved credit conditions, reduced interest expense and reduced operational expenses.

Interest expense has been reduced from $661,000 for the first six months of 2010 to $401,000 for the same period in 2011. This was the prime factor that allowed the Bank to increase its net interest income by 1.2%, from the six month period in 2011 compared to 2010. The Bank’s net interest margin for the first six months of 2011 is 4.26%, up from 3.99% for the same period a year earlier.

Non-performing assets are down from $6.8 million as of June 30, 2010 to $2.6 million as of June 30, 2011, a reduction of 62%.

Due to improved credit conditions, there was no loan loss provision taken in the second quarter 2011, compared to $800,000 in the same period in 2010. This change also reflects the current robust level of the Bank’s allowance for loan loss, at 2.73% of gross loans outstanding.

SCVBank continues to maintain a strong capital position with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 10.81%, up from 9.04% a year ago. A Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5% is required to be considered a well- capitalized institution. Total risk-based capital is 18.19%, well above the 10% level needed to be considered well- capitalized.

Liquidity is very strong as cash and investments equal $48.4 million.

Total assets have dropped over the past twelve months, from $136.4 million to $126.4 million. This drop occurred as management strategically steered high priced deposits and liabilities from the balance sheet. Core deposits have remained stable.

CEO Michael Hause noted, “The profitability in the first two quarters of the year would have been stronger, were it not for two write downs on foreclosed properties which were sold.”

“The trends in the Bank’s key result areas are positive. The Board and management are working hard to maintain those positive trends,” said Chairman Ralph De Leon.

Founded in 1998, SCVBank currently operates three branches in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Under its stock symbol of SCVE.OB, SCVBank's stock is traded through McAdams Wright Ragen, Howe Barnes Hofer & Arnett, and Monroe Securities. The Bank's web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporate Headquarters
901 East Main Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
805-525-7847

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of interest rate changes, the ability to control costs and expenses, the impact of consolidation in the banking industry, financial policies of the United States government, and general economic conditions.

 
Pictured is Sean Morris, Club President.
Pictured is Sean Morris, Club President.
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On Tuesday, July 12th, new president, Sean Morris, presided over his first meeting for the 2011-2012 Rotary year. The Club meets every Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM at El Pescador Restaurant. Weekly meetings include a guest speaker. Next week, July 19th, the Sun Risers will listen to a presentation by Dennis Galser, a member of the Board of VCTA. On Tuesday, July 26, District Governor Wade Nomura will make his official visit to the Sun Risers.

Upcoming events for the Sun Risers in August and September include hosting a BBQ for the FMS and FHS Interact Club students and their parents; and participating as a team in the Relay for Life on Sept. 17 & 18.
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self. For more information about the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers, call Sean at 796-0276.

 
FFA members after the 2nd Annual Fillmore FFA Booster's Freedom Breakfast.
FFA members after the 2nd Annual Fillmore FFA Booster's Freedom Breakfast.
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Newly elected officer team, left-right Jennifer Martin, Brandon Pina, Alexus Galassi, Sierra Blankenship, Marc Zavala and Brooke Aguirre.
Newly elected officer team, left-right Jennifer Martin, Brandon Pina, Alexus Galassi, Sierra Blankenship, Marc Zavala and Brooke Aguirre.
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Even though school is out, FFA members have been keeping themselves busy. Fourth of July morning found members up bright and early to serve the hungry citizens of Fillmore at our 2nd Annual Fillmore FFA Booster’s Freedom Breakfast. At the breakfast, students served pancakes, sausage, eggs and oranges to almost 500 people.

Surrounded by red, white and blue decorations, people enjoyed friendly conversations and good food to start their busy 4th of July. The Fillmore FFA Chapter honored Active Military and Veterans with a free breakfast in appreciation for their services. While students were busy serving at the breakfast, FFA parents and booster members continued manning the Fillmore FFA Fireworks booth. The Fillmore FFA Chapter and Booster Club would like to thank everyone for their continuous support at the Freedom Breakfast and Fireworks booth.

The newly elected officer team led by President Brandon Pina planted pumpkins at the School Farm on Monday morning. The pumpkins will be harvested in October for the children at Sonshine Preschool. The officer team has also been busy planning future events for the coming year. Our 2011-2012 Fillmore FFA Officers are President Brandon Pina, Vice President Alexus Galassi, Secretary Sierra Blankenship, Treasurer Marc Zavala, Reporter Brooke Aguirre, Sentinel Craig Harvey and Historian Jennifer Martin.

In October, eight Fillmore FFA members will be attending the 2011 National FFA Convention in Indiana. As a fundraiser, they are selling plants and vegetables at the Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 3:30-7pm.

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

 
Vision 2020/Civic Pride committee is proud to announce the Yard of the Month. This month’s winning address is 904 River Street. The proud owners are Augustine and Condida Diez. If you drive by, you will see beautiful Rose trees, and Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) lining the garden. Congratulations!
Vision 2020/Civic Pride committee is proud to announce the Yard of the Month. This month’s winning address is 904 River Street. The proud owners are Augustine and Condida Diez. If you drive by, you will see beautiful Rose trees, and Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) lining the garden. Congratulations!
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THE CLASS REUNION
Conway Spitler
Conway Spitler

Every ten years, as summertime nears, an announcement arrives in the mail. A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand. Make plans to attend without fail.

I'll never forget the first time we met. We tried so hard to impress. We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars, and wore our most elegant dress.

It was quite an affair; the whole class was there. It was held at a fancy hotel. We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined, and everyone thought it was swell.

The man all conversed about who had been first to achieve great future and fame. Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine house and how beautiful their children became.

The homecoming queen, who once had been lean, now weighed in at one-ninety-six.

The jocks who were there had all lost their hair, and the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.

 

Ventura, CA - Urologic issues in men and women will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Dr. Marc Beaghler and Dr. Seyed Khoddami, Ventura urologists, will lead the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Community Memorial Hospital’s eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium.

Drs. Beaghler and Khoddami will discuss treatment options for male and female urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse and sexual dysfunction. They also will cover the causes of these bothersome conditions.

Dr. Beaghler received his medical degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb., and completed his urology residency at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He is a clinical professor of urology at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Dr. Khoddami has a medical degree from the University of Tehran School of Medicine in Iran and completed his urology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He is a clinical assistant professor of urology at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are required. Call (805) 652-5436, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Hospital is located at 147 N. Brent St. in Ventura.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and nine family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

 
July 20, 2011

VENTURA, CA - A free disaster preparedness workshop for small businesses, "Ready to Resume," will be held on Wednesday, July 20 at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center in Camarillo (5100 Adolfo Rd.). Sponsored by the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), Ventura County Emergency Planning Council and the LSU Stephenson Disaster Management Institute, the workshop will provide participants the tools to prepare for unforeseen business disruption and disaster.

Disasters for a small business can come in many forms--fires, floods, earthquakes and manmade calamities. The workshop will enable attendees to better understand their disaster risk and suggest actions that might be appropriate following business disruption. The workshop includes a "Red Cross Ready Rating" assessment exercise and a workbook containing emergency resources. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop to the workshop.

"Ready to Resume" is from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the Ventura Room of the conference center. Lunch is included. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a free training session will be available in "Open for Business," a continuity planning program presented by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

"The Stephenson Disaster Management Institute at LSU is a leader in proactive disaster response management," says Bill Buratto, VCEDA president and CEO. "Its goal is to ready businesses and communities for the worst before disaster strikes."

Funding for the workshop is from a State Homeland Security sub-grant recently received by VCEDA for its "Ventura County Ready Business Campaign," a program designed to educate Ventura County businesses about disaster preparedness and response.

Sign up for the July 20 workshop by emailing ehymel1@tigers.lsu.edu. Space is limited. For more information, call VCEDA at 805-676-1332.

About VCEDA
Established in 1949 and recognized as the premier business voice of Ventura County, VCEDA gives members an opportunity to interact with Ventura County’s civic, corporate, small business and government leaders. VCEDA’s mission is to advocate for policies, legislation and programs that stimulate and contribute to business growth, a vital local economy and a vibrant quality of life. For more information, call 805-676-1332 or visit http://www.vceda.org.

 

Ventura County residents may be interested in a five-day, no-fee Job Search Workshop for unemployed professionals is offered by OPEN, a chapter of Experience Unlimited sponsored by EDD.

This workshop for white collar professionals covers resume writing, cover letters, interviewing, online job search and more.

The next workshop will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, July 18 through Friday, July 25, at the Job and Career Center at 980 Enchanted Way Suite #105, Simi Valley, CA 93065-1998.

Please pre-register before the previous Friday, July 15 at www.eu-open.org.

. OPEN stands for Outstanding Professionals Employment Network
. Any professional in Ventura County and surrounding areas is eligible. Previous workshops have drawn job-seekers from Monterey Park to Santa Barbara.
. Also, professionals who want more information are invited to attend Friday, open-to-the-public meetings.

These Friday gatherings from 9 to 11 a.m. provide an opportunity to network with other professionals and hear speakers or special job-hunt-related presentations. No fee. At 980 E. Enchanted Way, Simi Valley, at the County of Ventura’s Job and Career Center.

The Current President is Ken Lattin. Questions can be left at (805) 526-6349.

 
July 23-24

Naval Base Ventura County, CA. - Join the U.S. Navy on Saturday and Sunday July 23-24 as they celebrate Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Seabee Days 2011 at Port Hueneme. Admission and parking are free.

The 24th Seabee Days provides the public with an opportunity to learn about the Navy’s construction engineers and have a weekend of fun. The activities include hands-on displays and demonstrations of construction and disaster recovery skills and static displays of some of the latest in construction equipment. Also included are a carnival, music, food, a car and motorcycle show, a karaoke contest, 10 boxing matches, a softball tournament and a craft fair. Applications for the Karaoke contest are open. To enter, visit the Seabee Days website, www.Seabeedays.org and mail your entry to the address indicated. For more information about the karaoke contest, call (805) 982-4563.

The boxing matches on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. are free to watch. The matches feature one woman’s, two youth, two local and five Navy boxers. For information on the boxing matches please call 805-982-4392.

The Pass and Review Parade, set for Saturday at 11 a.m., features as its guest speaker Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey, commander of the Naval Engineering Command, Chief of Civil Engineers. The parade will feature approximately 1,000 Seabees marching and military vehicles driven by Seabees as blanks are fired from crew served weapons. An aircraft flyover will also be held.

Begin your visit to NBVC by entering the base at either the Patterson or Victoria Avenue gates. Gates open both days at 9 a.m. The carnival at NBVC Port Hueneme is open from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 23 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 24.

The new Seabee Museum opens Friday, July 22 at 10 a.m. Weekend hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days. The museum will feature exhibits on World War II, the Centennial of Naval Aviation and an underwater observatory.

The fun continues with live musical entertainment from country to classic rock. Seabee Days will feature five musical bands on Saturday, July 23 including Groove Persona, Walking Phoenixes and Big Junior Little. On Sunday, July 24 Wire 2 Wire will perform.

For more information and a full schedule of activities visit NBVC Seabee Days 2011 Facebook page or the website at www.seabeedays.org or call the Seabee Days hotline at (805) 982-6000.

Please note that NBVC has heightened security measures in place. All vehicles and personnel entering the base are subject to search. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, coolers, backpacks, skateboards, bicycles, glass containers, pets, alcohol and weapons. The cooperation of guests is greatly appreciated.