Who knew Ventura had a Fashion Week?

Here is an article I wrote for a local newspaper.

Venturans to strike a pose

By Rebecca Wicks

Jan. 27, 2010

Ventura Breeze

While some will flock to New York this February for world-renown Fashion Week, Ventura fashionistas can get a taste of high-style here in town at the fourth annual Fashion Week Ventura.

Starting on Jan. 29 with a sneak peak performance the week will culminate with a fashion show held at the Ventura Elks Lodge on Ash Street.

The show will feature local clothing designers, entertainment, models, stylists and makeup artists. Proceeds from the event will benefit AIDS Project Ventura County (APVC).

The event’s founder Erika Harding, owner of Architexture Salon in Ventura chose the charity after losing her brother to AIDS.

“It’s an especially important time now since so much funding has been cut for AIDS resources,” said Harding. “The money goes locally to help people here.”

Last year the event’s theme “Green peace” produced one-of-a-kind pieces such as dresses made from shower curtains and elaborate floral head pieces.

This year the theme is Angels and Saints/The Seven Deadly Sins. It promises dramatic fashion to fit its theme’s powerful subject matter.

According to Harding, those in attendance can expect flowing clothing and clean and soft makeup for the angels and a bit of a harder look for the saints.

“Expect a lot of white and green,” described Harding. “And, for the saints, a little more medieval – think Joan of Arc.”

The sins will provide a stark contrast to the angels and saints. Angel Jones, head volunteer coordinator for the event said makeup will range from the simple to the truly avant garde.

What started as a way to promote Harding’s salon and bring local fashion designers and artists together has morphed into the city’s biggest annual fashion event. Clothing designer Lindsay Miller who has participated in the event since its inception attributes a number of friendships to having been involved in Fashion Week Ventura.

“It’s a super fun event to be involved in,” said Miller whose signature style is recycling and reconstructing vintage clothing.

Miller, who will have six pieces in the show is a self-taught designer.

“My grandma was a really great seamstress,” said Miller who said she started designing clothes for fun and over time developed her skills.

In addition to the more than 20 models, the show will also include dance acts, elaborate props and lighting and local Derby Daryln girls on roller skates selling raffle tickets.

Jones who is also owner of the local costume shop Wenches and Warriors has described the event as “a mind-blowing two hours.”

Jones said she is excited and inspired by the ever-growing participation in the event.

“The amount of collaboration from talented local people is so great,” said Jones. “There is such a range of people – all ages and backgrounds – involved.”

In line with the theme, the organizing group has chosen a handful of local “angels and saints” who will also strut their stuff on the catwalk.

Those VIPs selected include Matt Cooper the founder of Food on Wheels; Mayor Bill Fulton; Gwendolyn Allen who is part of a local bicycle troop that rides for environmental awareness; Alec Loorz an El Camino High School freshman who started the environmental nonprofit Kids Vs. Global Warming; and Chris Velasco from the WAV Project.

According to Jones VIP models have been asked to come dressed “as they would when performing their local saintly duties.” They will also be adorned with halos and wings made by local artists such as Robert LaMarch.

Harding is creating a set of wings constructed almost entirely from hair.

“They are all from hair extension clients,” said Harding. “I’ve cut all different shades and lengths of hair to look like feathers.”

A sneak peak performance event will take place at 9:30 p.m. at Paddy’s on Jan. 29. A kick-off party will be hosted at Candlelight on Feb. 4.

Doors for the fashion show on Feb. 6 open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$35. Tickets and more information can be found at www.fashionweekventura.com.

skinny times

In my agency days, one of my favorite "jobs" was pouring over different shelter publications on my train ride to and from work.

It makes me sad to see how thin some of these pubs are right now.

So many magazines have gone by the wayside in the past year or so. I just hope some of my favorites can hold on until the economy recovers.

And yes, that's a peanut used for scale.

crappy, but oh so good

I'm just loving Julianne Moore's look in A Single Man. She looks like she just stepped out of Valley of the Dolls. I know this book is conventionally thought of as trash by most literary folks, but I have to admit I was glued to this book and could not put it down.

Because of this (and the 30 million+ copies sold of it) I think it's worth putting in my literary canon.

Venturans to Decide on Three Controversial Ballot Measures This November

By Rebecca Wicks

Sept. 23, 2009

Ventura Breeze

Three hotly debated issues will appear on this November’s ballot – a half-cent sales tax increase, a view resources measure and an initiative aimed at limiting large retailers. What Venturans will decide is anyone’s guess however, proponents and opponents have been vocal and emerged in large numbers.

Measure A – Temporary Sales Tax Increase for the City

What it is: A temporary half-cent sales tax increase from 8.25 to 8.75 percent. The measure needs a simple majority to pass. It is estimated the increase will cost residents approximately $65-75 per year raising $8 million. The city plans to spend the money on public safety (40 percent); street repairs (35 percent); beaches (15 percent); the Wright Library (6 percent); and community partnerships (4 percent).

Supporter Stance: A number of high profile city leaders and groups have voiced support for Measure A among them Mayor Christy Weir and the police department union. Earlier this year the state announced it will take an additional $4 million from Ventura. Advocates for the measure say the money raised by Measure A would be money the state could not take and would be applied directly to city spending. The city has already cut $11 million in spending for this fiscal year and is concerned about being able to pay for vital services without additional monies raised.

Opposition Viewpoint: Many believe a tax hike in the current economy when many in the community are already struggling financially does not make sense. Others worry additional tax increases will deter spending harming local businesses.

Measure B – View Resources Board Initiative

What it is: Allows the process to preserve viewsheds by establishing a 23-member board appointed predominantly by VCORD whose job it will be to write a View Protection Ordinance (VPO). It also temporarily stops the approval of new developments over 26 feet high in specified areas until a VPO is approved either by the City Council or by voters.

Supporter Stance: Supporters want to ensure Venturan’s views to the hills are not obstructed by large buildings. In addition, backers of the measure worry about tall structures significantly shadowing smaller neighboring properties such as in the older Midtown area where homes are generally smaller in stature blocking sunlight needed for passive solar energy generation and conservation.

Opposition Viewpoint: Those who stand against Measure B claim they also cherish views in Ventura but feel the proposed initiative is not the best way to protect views. Naysayers are concerned that the board will be built in a biased fashion as the group’s members will be appointed by VCORD, the group who authored the measure. They also worry putting a stop to any new developments in Ventura sets a poor precedent and deters growth in the city.

Measure C: Limiting Large Retail

What it is: The measure prohibits new superstores larger than 90,000 square feet when more than three percent of the sales floor area offers non-taxable merchandise – essentially food. Wholesale clubs and stores selling primarily bulk merchandise and charging membership dues are exempt.

Supporter Stance: A yes on this measure essentially stops Wal-Mart from building a superstore on Victoria Avenue which some believe is best for Ventura. Those opposed to Wal-Mart believe it brings increased traffic both by patrons coming from outside the city as well as trucks delivering perishable goods, additional crime and ultimately less jobs because employees tend to commute. Supporters believe blocking a Walmart will in turn welcome retailers such as Best Buy or IKEA while still preserving the city’s unique character.

Opposition Viewpoint: Those against Measure C believe the initiative will not prevent Walmart, only a version of it. Those opposed point out that eliminating competition may increase grocery prices and point their fingers at grocery stores and their unions for trying to get rid of their competition. Still others believe by turning away Walmart Ventura only solidifies its image as a non-welcoming city for any new store or development setting an standard poised against economic growth

All three measures will be discussed at a forum held by the League of Women Voters, Ventura County on Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Aimed at better informing the public on these issues the forum will be moderated by David Maron, a LXVVC Voter Services Director.

Each issue will be presented by both an individual in favor and against the measure.

Measure A, Temporary Sales Tax Increase for the City --

Pro: Christy Weir, Mayor and City Council Member

Con: Don Facciano, Ventura County Taxpayers Association

Measure B, View Resources Board Initiative –

Pro: Diane Underhill, Member of Ventura Citizens Organization for Responsible Development (VCORD)

Con: Rob Corley, Chair of the City’s View ProtectionTask Force

Measure C, Limit Large Retail Initiative –

Pro: Nan Waltman, Chair, Livable Ventura

Con: Alison Carlson, Concerned Citizen

The forum will take place at Anacapa Middle School, 100 S. Mills Road, near Telegraph Road. Parking is available on site, entry from Mills Road.

Manager Interview Tips

I only manage myself these days as a freelancer. But, in my former life I managed a team of people in the U.S. and sometimes abroad. There are tons of articles on how to interview, what is often overlooked is that preparation should also be taken by the interviewer.

I've learned this all too well and have fallen prey to a few pitfalls of interviewing myself -- such as looking for a person I like versus someone who is right for the job.

Here is an article I recently wrote for ehow.com

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Manager Interview Tips

By Rebecca Wicks

Contributing Writer for ehow.com

Every hiring manager wants the right employee in the job he is filling. We all envision someone who has knowledge, listens, picks up skills quickly and meshes well with the rest of the team. Many of us have hired a candidate who we thought was a perfect match only to find in upcoming weeks the choice was poor. A bad hire can cost managers and companies substantial money and time. The key is to be strategic when interviewing job seekers.

Know What is Needed

1A A common mistake is to walk into an interview unprepared. Make a list before starting interviews including what specific attributes and skills are needed to succeed in the job you are hiring for. While we all want perfection -- organized, able to multi-task, prompt, etc. -- think carefully not only about what requirements you need but at what level you need them to be. Nearly everyone possesses all competencies to some degree, your job is to find out at what level so you can compare candidates.

Collect Real Evidence

Try Try not to ask hypothetical questions. This usually prompts candidates to respond with what they think is the correct answer. What you are looking for is what the candidate has actually done, specifically how they have performed in the past to exemplify a skill you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for someone who works well under stress ask, "Tell me about a time when you had to perform in a stressful situation." Or, if you are looking for someone who can solve problems on their own ask, "Give me an example of a time when you were able to problem solve a situation."

Probe for Key Information

3In In order to gain insight into the personality, ability and character of a candidate, press for additional important information. Ask "what were you thinking/feeling," to understand the thought process of your candidate. Or ask "what did you do/say?" to better comprehend more specifically how he handled a situation. And, be sure to ask how a situation ended. Having your interviewee describe what the results were sheds light on how they perceived what was important in the situation.

Keep the Conversation Relevant

Yo You don't want to know what the job seeker usually does, you want to know what she actually did. Similarly, directing the candidate to use the term "I" not "we" will assist you in accessing what she actually did herself. Asking follow-up questions in the past tense also helps to keep the conversation on track with details of what the interviewee has done in previous situations.

Dos and Donts

5. Do
--Ask specific clarifying questions.
--Continue your discussion about a single situation until you have a complete understanding.
--Take notes.

Don't
--Let the candidate give you generalizations or speak in theoretical situations.
--Digress into irrelevant conversations.
--Go into speculative information for example, what she hopes to do in the future.

Feature writing

Since I have been absolutely horrible about blogging on this site, I've decided to post some of my work periodically as well.

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Faring Well at the Fair

By Rebecca Wicks

Ventura Breeze

Aug. 12, 2009

In these tough economic times especially for those of us with jobs like writing which provide a less than steady income, many of us have found our budgets a little tighter. That said, the Ventura County Fair only comes around once a year, and when you have kids it’s practically unavoidable. My goal this year: to enjoy the fair with minimal damage to the pocketbook.

Opening day we packed up the two kids and headed out. We circled downtown searching for a place to park. Dodging pedestrians streaming toward the fairgrounds we got lucky and ducked into a space.

A free downtown parking space meant $10 in parking fees averted. Good start.

Because we had purchased a sheet of ride tickets the week prior – $20 for 50 tickets, a $17.50 savings – we headed straight for the Ferris wheel.

I have never been a huge fair fan. Fried food is not my cup of tea and rides that spin are pretty much my arch nemesis but when you have kids, you do what you have to do.

Case in point: A friend of mine who is pretty much scared of heights relayed to me she ventured onto the Ferris wheel that day with her two kids. When waiting at the very top for people to climb in and out down below her three-year old – to her horror – started rocking their seat back and forth.

“Honey, please sit back – look at the ocean!” she said in a falsely chipper voice attempting to divert the little girl’s attention.

“My heart was pounding, I thought I was going to be rocked off to my death,” my friend told to me later.

After bumper boats, spinning airplanes, rumbling trucks and a ride that seem to drop my little girl out of the sky we headed to the other side of the fairgrounds home of the scariest-looking rides at the fair.

Some looked as if designed after personal nightmares. My favorite to watch was called Wind Surf. It swung approximately 20 riders up, down and then upside down where they stayed suspended while simultaneously having water shot up into their faces.

There is just so much to look at from the rides and crazy food offerings to the booths hawking leather goods to the people themselves.

If I had a nickel for every time my three-year old pointed at something – a ginormous hot dog on a stick, someone bungee jumping, a man dressed up like a banana – I would at the very least made back the amount of money we spent on food.

After taking in some rides and playing a guaranteed-win duck game we sauntered over to see some animals. While in the past my three-year old looked at pig after pig with delight this time, they just could not compete with the rides. Pigs, cows and sheep were definitely out this year for her. However, they were not completely neglected as my one-year old did seem to appreciate them.

We compromised with a pony ride. We lucked out and purchased two tickets for the price of one from a lady who was leaving the fair and didn’t need them.

After this, everyone was ready for food. This was round two for my husband who had already managed to eat a pork chop on a stick within the first 10 minutes of arriving.

“Next time we have a big BBQ we are totally serving pork chops on a stick,” he announced dripping juices onto the stroller.

With a table full of nachos, fish tacos, chicken strips and fries we discussed what we had seen and done so far. My husband asked our three-year old daughter if she liked the fair.

This is when she proudly announced that she is going to get married at the fair.

We discussed as a family how this would work logistically. Would we provide ride tickets for guests? What time would be best? What would fair organizers think?

We topped our fried food meal off with a shared ice cream cone and made a final stop at the petting zoo before departing.

We only used half our ride tickets which means we will most likely make a second if not third visit to the fair this season. We missed the youth center and botanical areas which I’d like to get to next time.

In the end we did okay budget-wise. Our tally went something like this: $1 in entrance fees; $35 in food; $10 of our ride tickets; $7 pony ride; $3 in petting zoo fees and $3 for the duck game.

My three-year old is still telling stories of the fair to anyone who will listen – family member, friend, foe or stranger – so in my book it was $60 well spent.

Getting excited

My pet project is inching closer to the finish line.

I just received the redo of the last pages from the illustrator. I'm trying not to get too excited because I know we have some final wrap up work to do still -- but it's hard not to!