Los Padres recreation sites under evaluation

Local forest managers are reviewing the operation and maintenance of developed campgrounds, picnic areas and trailheads to see what improvements or changes are needed.

The U.S. Forest Service is using a national process called Recreation Facilities Analysis to evaluate sites in Los Padres National Forest.

"Our goal is to do a better job of meeting forest visitor needs, and make our facilities more financially and environmentally sustainable," said Forest Service Supervisor Ken Heffner.

He noted many of the facilities were built 30 to 50 years ago, and visitor preferences have changed since then. The Forest Service has proposed a five-year program of work to address the maintenance backlog and help focus resources on the most appropriate sites.

Changes are being proposed for 62 of the 108 developed sites in the forest.

In the Ojai Ranger District, the Forest Service has proposed considering concessionaire management at some existing sites, and a complete rehabilitation of Rose Valley Campground.

At the Mount Pinos Ranger District, the following work has been proposed:

- Replace toilets at Aliso Park, Ballinger, Chula Vista Trailhead, Mount Pinos, Toad Springs and Valle Vista sites.

- Return Ozena and Hardluck campgrounds to natural condition.

- Complete construction of the Frazier Mountain Trailhead.

- Remove remaining facilities at Buck Creek Trailhead to protect threatened species.

Additional information can be found at the Forest Service Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres and at Forest Service offices.

Public comments on the proposals should be mailed by Sept. 28 to RFA—POW, Los Padres National Forest, 6755 Hollister Ave., Suite 150, Goleta, CA 93117. E-mail comments to comments-pacificsouthwest-los-padres@fs.fed.us.

The public can learn more about the proposed work during drop-in times at the Ojai District office, 1190 E. Ojai Ave., from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13; or the Mount Pinos District at Frazier Park, 34580 Lockwood Valley Road, from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21.

OJAI

Foundation selects teacher for honor

The Ojai Education Foundation has selected Cathy Maynard as its 2007 Education Hero of the Year.

Maynard, who has taught for 26 years — 17 in Ojai — will receive the award at the Ojai Education Foundation's Garden of Knowledge on Saturday.

Maynard is being recognized for her enthusiasm, dedication and her district-wide effect on improving the educational experience for students, teachers and staff.

Maynard was selected as Teacher of the Year at Mira Monte in 1995 and recognized again this year by the staff at Topa Topa School.

A 1974 graduate of Nordhoff High School, Maynard received her associate's degree in early childhood education from Ventura College in 1977. She completed her bachelor's degree in liberal arts from CSU Northridge and received a multiple subjects teaching credential from UC Santa Barbara in 1979.

In 2001, she received a master's degree, focusing on reading and language, from the University of LaVerne.

Maynard currently teaches kindergarten at Topa Topa and serves part time as an intervention coach for the district.

The Garden of Knowledge event is a major fundraiser for the foundation and will be held at the home of Marc and Julia Whitman.

The evening will feature art, music, literature and a gourmet dinner, plus a silent auction and prizes.

Tickets are $150. For more information, call 200-8396 or visit www.ojaief.org.

The Ojai Education Foundation is a nonprofit, community-based organization that raises money to improve the educational experience of Ojai's public school students in grades K-12.

SANTA PAULA

Artist sought for downtown festival

Jazz and art will combine in downtown Santa Paula Sept. 22, and the Downtown Merchants' Association is seeking artists to take part.

The Hot Summer Jazz and Art Show will consist of a free jazz concert and art exhibit featuring the works of local artists from 6 to 10 p.m.

Local artists can submit an entry to the merchants' association to be included in the exhibit.

Each artist selected to take part will be given a space on Main Street to set up an exhibit of art that is offered for sale. A 20 percent commission will be charged for all art sold, and every piece must be created by the artist.

In addition to the art and jazz, there will food and beverages available from local restaurants.

Each entry should include the name, address, telephone and e-mail of the artist. Artists can include three images of their work.

All entries must be e-mailed to rmargolin@ci.santa-paula.ca.us. For additional information, call Rochelle Margolin at 525-2873, The deadline for applications is Sept. 14.

VENTURA

Bike summit to offer variety of activities

A bicycle summit on Saturday in Ventura will include children's activities, safety and maintenance demonstrations, prizes and helmet giveaways, a cycling film festival and citywide bicycle master plan workshop.

The event is sponsored by Ventura Climate Care Options Organized Locally and the city of Ventura.

The scheduled events:

- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free bike Rodeo at Sheridan Way School, 573 Sheridan Way. Children can meet bicycle racers, learn about bicycle safety and skill, and learn minor bike repairs.

Children may take their own bike and helmet and should wear close-toed shoes. Bikes and helmets will be available for loan during the event.

- 1 to 4 p.m., bicycle film festival at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Cost is $5. "Contested Streets" will be featured, followed by a discussion led by Bob Banner, publisher and editor of HopeDance Magazine.

- 5 to 8:30 p.m., free bicycle master plan workshop at Bell Arts Factory. Open to anyone interested in providing input and learning about the citywide goal to develop a plan that coordinates the use of off-street bicycle paths, on-street bicycle lanes, and designated bicycle routes into a comprehensive system.

For more information go to www.cityofventura.net or www.VCCool.org. Spanish-speakers can call 659-9923.

VENTURA COUNTY

Applications sought for nutrition grants

Ventura County Public Health is seeking grant applications from community groups to promote nutrition education among low-income, Food Stamp eligible residents in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Made possible with a grant from the California Department of Public Health, the 2007-08 Mini-Grant Program will fund six to eight projects for up to $4,999 each. A total of $26,000 is available.

Preference will be given to projects that focus on direct nutrition education and empower participants to promote environmental changes for improved nutrition.

The application packet is available at goldcoastrnn.org.

For priority consideration, applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 5.

Nonprofit seeks performer housing

Performances To Grow On, an Ojai-based nonprofit corporation that presents arts education programs for schools and family audiences throughout Ventura County, is seeking housing for visiting performers.

The organization is looking for individuals or businesses willing to donate guest houses, private dwellings or hotel rooms to performers during their stays in the county.

The performers include storytellers, puppeteers, dancers, actors and musicians.

Anyone willing to help can reach the group at 646-8907. For additional information about Performances to Grow On, go to www.ptgo.org.

— From staff reports