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Vol. 11, No. 15 – Apr 25 – May 8, 2018 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesdays: Mark David McKinnis
Thursdays: Blue Grass Jam

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Friday and Saturdays: DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 4/25: Big Adventure
Thurs 4/26: Fabulous Hangovers
Fri 4/27: Instone
Sat 4/28: Soul Infusion
Tues 5/1: Bernie Meisinger
Wed 5/2: Bryan McCann
Thurs 5/3: Rick Whitfield
Fri 5/4: Red Muffs
Sat 5/5: Otis Hayes

Cask Alehouse
5952 Telegraph Road
Sat 4/28: Jesse Davis
Sun 4/29: Doc Ventura
Sat 5/5: Sarah Lightman

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Saturdays: Havana 5
Fri 4/27: Lorenzo Brothers
Fri 5/4: Live Wire
Sun 5/6: Jazz Express

Dargan’s Irish Pub
593 E. Main Street
Sun 5/6: 4 pm Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 4/26: Wheeland Bros.
Fri 4/27: Righteous & the Wicked
Fri 5/4: Turn the Page
Sat 5/5: Herbal Rootz

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: Xoco Moraza & Friends; DJ Rouge
Sat 4/28: The Caverns

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Avenue
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 4/27: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Fri 5/4: Natalie Wattre

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic
Fri 5/4: Star Wars Cosplay w/ DJs

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wed 6 pm; Thurs 7 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm
Sun 5/6: The Tossers

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Wednesdays: Open Mic w/ the Beers Brothers
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 4/27: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Kelly’s Lot

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues & Wed: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 4/27: Black Canyon Band
Sat 4/28: DJ Aaron Van Gundy
Fri 5/4: DJ Aaron Van Gundy
Sat 5/5: Action Down

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: Galactic Jazz
Thurs 4/26: Rob Van Jazz Trio
Fri 4/27: Sam Kulchin
Sat 4/28: Capt Quirk

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 6 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 4/26: Anna Vera
Sat 4/28: Nobel Grizwald
Sun 4/29: Sea at Last
Thurs 5/3: Matt Sayles
Sat 5/5: Erisy Watt & Friends
Sun 5/6: RJ Mischo and his Red-hot Blues Band

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Thurs 5/3: Descendents

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri and Sat 6 pm; Sun 4 pm
Fri 4/27: James Broz Trio
Sat 4/28: Cross Cut 80
Mon 4/30: Bobby Campbell
Tues 5/1: Dave Rea
Wed 5/2: Karen Eden
Fri 5/4: The Tossers
Sat 5/5: ADD
Sun 5/6: Right Amount of Wrong

Namba
47 S. Oak Street
Fri 5/4: Conjunto Tenocelomeh son Jarocho Mexican

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wed: Karaoke
Fri 4/13: Live Band Karaoke

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Patio at Players Casino
Auto Center Drive
Thursdays: Hermano’s Herrera Trio

Plan B Wine Cellars
3520 Arundell Circle #107
Sun 5/6: Nee Sackey & Hans Ottsen

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Mon 4/30: Wyatt Haupt

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Saloon BBQ Co.
456 E. Main Street
Music at 10 pm
Fri 4/27: DJ set Last Resort Club
Sat 4/28: Alonzo Delano

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 4/28: Izela music
Sun 4/29: Ed Masuga
Sat 5/5: Izela Music
Sun 5/6: Ed Masuga

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 4/27: Divided Heaven
Fri 5/4: Hubcap Stealers
Sat 5/5: DJ Pistolera

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main Street
Wed 4/25: Hans Ottsen
Thurs 4/26: Ray Mehlbaum Quartet
Fri 4/27: Doug Webb feat. Danny Carey

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Sunday music 3 -6 pm
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 4/27: Action Down
Sat 4/28: Shawn Jones
Sun 4/29: The Question (3-6 pm)
Sun 5/6: Bomba Fiya (3-6 pm)

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Fri 4/27: Cheri Domingo
Sat 4/28: Black Stripes

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
(805) 640-1190
Sat 4/28: (4-6 pm) Shawn Jones
Sun 4/29: (3-5 pm) Sophie Holt
Sat 5/5: (4-6 pm) Sound Effect
Sun 5/6: (4-6 pm) National Cat

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Sundays music at 2 pm
Thurs 4/26: Dogfish
Fri 4/27: Karyn 805
Sat 4/28: Rhythm 805
Sun 4/29: Paul McCallum
Thurs 5/3: Charlie Baker
Fri 5/4: Medicine Hat
Sat 5/5: Mark Masson

Wicked’s Brew
4561 Market Street
Wed 4/25: (6 pm) Viven Mason & Jimmy Calire
Fri 4/27: (5:30 pm) Ashun
Sun 4/29: (10:30 am) Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Wed 5/2: (5:30 pm) Robeka, the Harpist
Sat 5/5: (5:30 pm) Steve Ormond
Sun 5/6: (10:30 am) The Swillys

Winchester’s
632 E. Main Street
(805) 653-7446
Music at 8:30 pm
Fri 4/27: Jade Hendrix
Sat 4/28: Déjà vu
Fri 5/4: Natalie Gelman
Sat 5/5: National Cat

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun with Kenny Devoe
Fridays 5-7: Sing-a-long with Kenny Devoe

Vol. 11, No. 15 – Apr 25 – May 8, 2018 – Forever Homes Wanted

Ahoy, me hearty, Jackson the 8 year old one-eyed pirate Chihuahua X here hopin’ you’ll be givin’ me my forever home. I was rescued from Animal Services and I’m grateful to be given a second chance at findin’ my forever home. I’ve been in playgroups at the kennel with dogs my size and I growled and nipped at them if they got too close to me. I’d probably do best in an adult only home or a home with older children who know how to respect my wishes. I’m in a foster home with cats and we all get along. I’m good with other dogs, house and crate trained and know how to use a doggie door. I’m a good walker, love attention and treats. I can’t wait to start a new chapter in my life making wonderful memories in a loving home. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.


Lulu aka “The Queen Of Belly Rubs” is friendly and outgoing. She has participated in the clicker training program and excels at sit-for-treats! She is nice on the leash and loves to go for walks. If you are looking for a great cuddle buddy, look no further. Ventura County Animal Services – Simi location – 670 W. Los Angeles Ave. Lulu A673677

Mayor Neal Andrew’s State of the City

Mayor Andrew’s at the Ventura Chamber’s State of the City breakfast. Photo by Dan Holmes

At both the State of the City presentation made during a City Council meeting and the Ventura Chamber State of the City breakfast on March 29, at the Crowne Plaza, Mayor Neal Andrews delivered a powerful and up-lifting outlook for Ventura.

This are highlights of his presentation.

“Now, as you all are aware, a fateful event occurred on the evening of December 4, 2017. As much as I might have wished, it was not my election as Mayor of our terrific city. Having been elected Mayor, I was in the process of making a few remarks, mostly thanking my colleagues for their confidence when I looked up to see virtually everyone in the room walking out. As you might imagine, I guess my mouth may have dropped open a bit, but I quickly finished the few necessary remarks and invited those few remaining to join us for some cookies and lemonade.”

“Someone mentioned then that there was a fire out in a small canyon in Santa Paula and that our executives and other key staff had gone to open the EOC as a precaution. There didn’t seem like there was much reason at that point to hang around City Hall, so I wandered out to the parking lot. As I did so, I saw every light in the city go out, and the generators at City Hall powered up. In that instant I knew that we faced some sort of a crisis. We were about to experience the terrible wrath of the Thomas Fire.”

“There were three other seminal events that occurred in 2017. In addition to the fire, the voters had approved Measure O, they had adopted a fundamental change to election of the City Council by districts, and the City Manager had announced his retirement.”

“Each of these events had a major meaning for 2018.”

“However, despite the challenges these implied, the City had had a pretty good year in 2017 and was set to begin 2018 with strength and optimism.”

“Now let me turn the presentation over to the executive staff to fill you in on some of the details of what they had achieved until then and some of their efforts since. I hope you will appreciate how strong we are and how strong we will continue to be. “

“We’ve talked about the challenges that were the legacy of 2017 – the Thomas Fire of course, the hope that new revenue from Measure O will help meet long pressing needs, the impact on our traditional electoral system of the change to district elections, and the vital task of finding a new city manager will meet the needs and expectations of our citizens.”

“There is one over-riding implication in all of these that I want to emphasize. They will demand time and attention from our Council and city leadership and they will draw heavily on the time, talent and resources of the city as a whole. “

“Finally every new mayor has goals and aspirations, and I want to share some of mine with you. The first of mine is to try to strengthen and build upon our sense of community. I’m going to be doing my very best to reach out to build bonds among our friends. We have for years suffered strains across our community. It’s time to pull together, to show one another the mutual care and concern that is the characteristic of a healthy society. “

“We also need to focus on building prosperity within our community. Our restaurants and retail stores are beset on all sides by big chain operations with much larger marketing budgets and immense buying power. While it’s helpful to encourage folks to buy local goods and services, we need to join together in support of our business community. We need to find ways to help them compete, to bring more traffic to their stores, and to supplement their marketing investments. Over the longer term we need to radically increase our local investment in supportive technology and broad band. “

“Lastly, we need to open our eyes to opportunities inherent in the long-term future our community. We are no longer a quaint little beach town. We haven’t been for decades. We are a city of over 100,000 people. We are among the 10% of the largest cities in California. “

“To realize the promise that we are being offered as we progress into the future, we need to take steps now to restore the vital connection between the bulk of the city and the oceanfront. That single step, while it will take decades to achieve, is the single greatest contribution this generation can make to the future of our city and the benefit of our children and grandchildren. Please join me as I try to lead us in these new directions. Thank you and may God help us take the first few steps. It is as much as I can hope to do realistically in my brief time as your Mayor. “

“Ventura Strong! You can keep it so!! “

Santa Cruz Island suffers fire and slight earthquake

Smoke from the fire could be seen from the mainland.

A fire that broke out on March 27, at about 2:30 pm on Santa Cruz Island is now fully contained. The fire, driven by moderately strong winds, grew from just 20 to 100 acres in the first three hours.

The fire escaped from a prescribed small burn pile fire that had been set earlier this week. It started near the main ranch on The Nature Conservancy property.

The Los Padres National Forest dispatched four air tankers that arrived at the island shortly after 4:30 pm the first day. They were aided on the ground by 11 National Park Service hot shot fire fighters. Santa Barbara County and Los Padres National Forest also sent out two crews of firefighters.

The ground crew effort was increased with additional firefighters, including a hotshot crew from Tonto National Forest in Arizona and teams from Sequoia and Sierra National Forests in California.

“There has been an impressive interagency effort to fight this fire: U.S. National Forest Service and National Park Service sites; Vandenberg Air Force Station; Santa Barbara County Fire; Santa Barbara City Fire; and Montecito Fire,” said Channel Islands National Park Service Superintendent Russel Galipeau. “Together, they are managing the logistical challenges of fighting fires on our remote islands and are making incredible headway. The fire appears to have not impacted any historic or cultural resources or native wildlife such as the island fox, bald eagle, or island scrub jay. We are very grateful for impressive work of all the firefighting and incident teams who worked on the Santa Cruz Fire.”

“Fire is not new to Santa Cruz Island,” said The Nature Conservancy’s California Islands Program Director Eamon O’Byrne. “We have learned over time that the island ecosystem is resilient and we are so appreciative of the hard work of the fire crews in protecting it.”

The fire burned approximately 71% nonnative species and 26% native species within its perimeter. The nonnative species included fennel, grasses, and eucalyptus logs.

“The fire appears to have not impacted any historic or cultural resources or native wildlife such as the island fox, bald eagle, or island scrub jay,” said Channel Islands National Park Service Superintendent Russel Galipeau. “We are thankful for the swift and impressive actions of our firefighting teams.”

The recent 5.3 earthquake, 57 miles south west of Channel Islands caused a slight earth slide on the island but caused no significant damage. It did scare the Bald Eagle and her new 3 chicks.

Santa Cruz Island, at 96 square miles is the largest in the chain of eight California Channel Islands. The Nature Conservancy owns 76 % of Santa Cruz Island and the National Park Service owns 24 %. Together, they cooperatively manage this island as one ecological unit.

Fair eliminating Fair Parade and reducing the number of fireworks shows

Fair fireworks to be on weekends only. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

“A Country Fair with Ocean Air,” the Ventura County Fairgrounds is well known as a great place for 12 days of fun every August, it is known for the host of events throughout the year from dog shows and car shows to swap meets and private events like weddings and quinceaneras. The Fairgrounds stands ready for another very important role all year long – a safe haven during emergencies and at times of natural disaster.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds receives no tax dollars or any other State funding. The Fair and maintenance of the Fairgrounds is made possible by self-generating funds.

To best serve the public in all of these capacities the Fairgrounds is making some hard decisions on how to responsibly use the funds generated through the year. Properly maintaining the Fairgrounds is most important to ensure its safety and readiness in good times and in times of crisis. To that end the Fairgrounds has regretfully announced it will reduce spending by eliminating the Fair Parade and reducing the number of Fireworks shows.

The decision to discontinue the Parade came after many years of declining attendance and rising costs of producing the parade. “The parade was always one of our favorite traditions and we have always been proud of the spirit and talent that was shared with the community.”​

Fireworks shows have also been a favorite highlight of the Fair. Many looked forward to seeing the colorful displays in the summer sky. At the same time concerned citizens have requested the shows be modified for various reasons including environmental considerations. With the rising costs of producing 12 shows and in response to community sentiment the number of shows has been limited to weekends.

Our recent memories of the Thomas Fire are a good example of how the Fairgrounds quickly assumes the emergency support role with serious attention. Residents of the evacuation areas came to the Fairgrounds and were provided with compassionate direction. More than 8,500 First Responders, Red Cross, and Ventura County Animal Services were supported in their efforts by the quick and attentive Fairgrounds staff. Clean buildings, electricity, showers and living spaces were furnished promptly without question or pause, providing accommodation to the thousands of evacuees and responders.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds immediately became the safe place where mothers, fathers, grandparents and children took refuge as they were forced to evacuate their homes. With no time to hesitate, “Go to the Fairgrounds” was the imperative message on everybody’s lips.

It is because of the funds raised by the annual Ventura County Fair, the Derby Club (simulcast horse racing and betting) and the events we all enjoy throughout the year that the fairgrounds is able to provide the prompt emergency services that are necessary during wildfires, floods, mudslides, extreme heat and other natural disasters.

“We take our role of supporting the community very seriously,” says Fairgrounds CEO Barbara Quaid, adding “We are here for the people of Ventura County in times of need, we are going to drop everything and focus on that. “

“We are grateful to the residents of Ventura County for generous patronage of the Fairgrounds throughout the year. Every corn dog and every carnival ride enjoyed at the Fair is another monetary contribution to Ventura County Fair. Because of that continued support we are able to provide necessary services in good times and in times of need.”

Everybody is invited to continue the tradition by participating in the Fair as an exhibitor, a volunteer or visit www.venturacountyfair.org to learn of the many ways you can support the Fair.

The 2018 Ventura County Fair, “A Country Fair with Ocean Air,” opens Wednesday, August 1 for 12 days until Sunday, August 12. For information please visit www.venturacountyfair.org or call 648-3376.

Local youths stands up and speaks out

Charlotte, Hannah and Audrey are outstanding young ladies serving the community.

by Jennifer Tipton

Hannah Yale age 15, Charlotte Steiger age 16 and Audrey Feist age 15 attended the City Council meeting March 26th with the invitation of Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann.

Heitmann along with Mayor Erik Nasarenko and Councilmember Matt LaVere planned to propose a policy to support stronger federal gun control legislation and to provide the Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) with freedom and funds to research gun violence.

Hannah, Charlotte and Audrey, all students at Foothill Technology High spoke at the City Council meeting that evening and after interviewing them it was apparent that these sophomores really did their homework!

Hannah tells me the C.D.C is currently prohibited from researching anything that could promote gun control since 1996 because of the “Dickey Amendment”. She goes on to describe the policy they proposed, “it will oppose legislation that weakens California’s ability to propose and enforce gun legislation separate from the federal level”. And not originally on the policy, but added after Hannah’s presentation at City Hall, it will raise the minimum age of gun ownership to 21 instead of 18 and yes, Hannah agrees she will consider a career in politics.

Councilmembers approved the policy unanimously, now the City Manager will communicate to state and federal representatives and from there it goes to California lawmakers.

Audrey said, “it’s very empowering to finally get a chance to speak out! I’m interested in gun control because I see these videos of kids and adults affected by gun violence and it personally resonates with me”. She describes how scary it was when students at Foothill heard of a shooter at the Starbucks just around the corner.

The girls said they used to do earthquake drills at school and practice getting under their desks, but now they are having gun lockdown drills where they are taught to hide and find a shield.

Charlotte tells me, “I’m interested in gun control because I’m from Chicago where there are a lot of gangs, shootings and police brutality, I don’t want to see my second hometown (Ventura) destroyed by guns”.

I asked the girls what their solution is to gun violence and Hannah quickly spoke, “it’s not taking away guns or to repeal the second amendment, that’s a big misconception! We don’t want to take the guns away, just regulate them.”

Charlotte added, “The first step is bigger restrictions, the second step is background checks and healthcare issues, especially mental health, it’s been very neglected in this country.”

Lastly, I asked them why they think gun violence has become much more rampant despite lesser restrictions from years past – what has changed?

Charlotte responded without hesitation, “society has changed!” Audrey added, “and guns have evolved!”

The three have coordinated a walkout on April 20th, students from Foothill High will leave their classrooms at 10 am and walk to City Hall, there they will thank council members and the community for their support. “We want to raise awareness and encourage people to be active in making a change”, said Hannah. Plans are for microphones and bullhorns. Free pizza will be provided by Pizza Saves and Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson will be one of the speakers.

How do the teachers feel about them leaving school?

There is a lot of division they said, one teacher said she’d walk out with them (if she wouldn’t get fired) and another is assigning an essay, so her students can’t go.

The 11th Annual Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest

Be sure to visit the Ventura Breeze at Earth Day and get a free copy of the Breeze.

This free event is the perfect way to spend a day with the whole family. The festival is the largest Earth Day celebration in Ventura County, attracting thousands of visitors and featuring 100+ exhibitors. This community driven event will take place in Plaza Park off Thompson St. in the heart of Downtown Ventura on April 21 from 10am-4pm.

Each year over 200 volunteers work hard to make the event a success. For 2018 expect to enjoy all-day entertainment on two stages, a children’s zone full of fun activities, free yoga classes throughout the day, scavenger hunt, raffle, silent auction, reading to adoptable dogs, food trucks, Green Car Expo and much more.

This year join the Earth Day Family Bike Ride organized by Channel Island Bicycle Club departing from Channel Islands National Park Headquarters on Spinnaker. Check in at 8:30am, arrive at the Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest at 10:15am. For more information go to: http://www.cibike.org/activities–events.html.

Organized by Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education in cooperation with the City of Ventura. All proceeds from the day‐long event go toward funding enrichment programs for Kindergarten through eighth‐grade students at the tuition‐free public school. Your support builds a conscious community that shapes our future generations.

Entertainment lineup including Jade Hendrix and Sea at Last along with other local talent . To learn more go to www.venturaearthday.org.

Ventura Land Trust hosts environmental lecture April 19

Jim Danza will lead discussion on protecting Ventura County’s rivers, creeks and streams.

On the evening of Thurs., April 19, Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will host a community environmental lecture entitled “A River Runs Through It – the Beauty, Benefits and Importance of Ventura County’s Waterways,” at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Beginning at 7 p.m., this second in VLT’s 2018 Environmental Speaker Series, will he led by Jim Danza, Asst. Professor of Geography at Oxnard College.

Jim Danza will highlight the importance of understanding, appreciating and protecting Ventura County’s rivers, creeks and streams and will discuss river water conservation, the importance of flood plains, the need for urban planning along watersheds, wildlife/urban interface and VLT’s ongoing restoration work along the Ventura River.

“I have spent the past 35 year advocating for the protection of rivers and watersheds,” said Danza. “To imagine Ventura County without it’s rivers, is to imagine our county without its agriculture or human settlement. Whether through the rivers’ flows or its interaction with groundwater or soil, rivers are a source of life.”

According to Danza, the numerous rivers, creeks and streams that run through Ventura County provide water for drinking, growing crops, manufacturing, energy and transport. They also help to prevent erosion, dispose of waste and provide natural protection from flooding.

Now in its third year, the Ventura Land Trust’s Environmental Speaker Series is one of many ways VLT works to educate the public about important environmental topics. The non-profit land trust’s Big Rock Preserve, where they lead free outdoor environmental field trips for local students and community groups, suffered significant damage in the Thomas Fire.

A suggested donation of $10 per person will be collected at the door to go toward fire restoration work at Big Rock Preserve. Space is limited and reservations are highly encouraged. RSVP at: http://www.venturalandtrust.org/environmental_lecture_20180419

James “Jim” Danza is an Assistant Professor of Geography at Oxnard College and President of the Friends of the Santa Clara River Board of Directors. Danza has 25 years of experience as a professional planner (urban, environmental, and water resources), adjunct professor, environmental leader, and wilderness skills educator. He has degrees in Geography and Environmental Studies and is a certified planner under the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). His professional experience includes water resources and environmental planning, including lead civil planner at Naval Base Ventura County for 21 years.

The Ventura Land Trust (formerly the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy) is dedicated to permanently preserving and protecting the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 600 members, local businesses and government partners. The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. The Ventura Land Trust’s offices are located in the Poinsettia Pavilion. For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org.

Renaissance of Railroading

Vintage passenger and dining cars date back as far as 1914.

On April 28th-29th prepare to be entertained and amazed by what can only be imagined as the “Renaissance of Railroading.” Steam Railfest 2018 is a celebration of the steam engine, railroading, antique tractors, vehicles and engines, vintage wares and oddities, unique performances, early transportation and culture mixed with a bit of Steampunk fun. There will be live steam locomotive train rides, a Citrus Packing House Caboose Ride Adventure, Dr. Solar’s Gypsy Wagon Medicine Man Show, Gene West “The Toymaker”, antique carousel rides, creative vendors & artisans, unique exhibits, model railroads, movie props, the Orchard Bluegrass Band, delicious food & more! Admission to the festival is free! There is no other family festival quite like this one. So mark your calendars for one of the biggest events in Ventura County’s little historic town of Fillmore, CA! Visit http://steamrailfestival.com for more info.

The Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society non-profit organization is hosting this one-of-a-kind event. Established in 1993, the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society’s mission is to assist in the preservation and restoration of the railroad corridor between Montalvo and Saugus, California. This railroad corridor, commonly referred to as the Southern Pacific’s Santa Paula Branch, is a unique and historic asset to the residents of the Santa Clara River Valley and surrounding areas. To maximize the economic, educational and recreational value of this asset, the organization will acquire, preserve, exhibit and operate historic railroad equipment; in addition, it will collect and display artifacts, photographs and operational documents unique to the region.

Sponsoring the event is Fillmore & Western Railway. This legendary railroad is home to vintage passenger and dining cars that date back as far as 1914. It’s also home to a 1913 fully restored and operating #14 Baldwin Steam Engine. Fillmore & Western is known as the “Home of the Movie Trains” that have been used in film productions such as Disney’s Lone Ranger, Water for Elephants, Sea Biscuit, Get Smart, Bedtime Stories, Race to Which Mountain, Tall Tail, Inception, Anger Management, Fear Factor, X-Files, Bones, Westworld, American Horror Story, Criminal Minds, CSI and many more. They welcome all production companies to visit and contract with them to film either on-site or on location throughout the United States. Additionally, they have a wide variety of train related props for use on sets.

Another amazing part of this railroad is the opportunity to ride the movie trains! All year long they offer train tours such as Weekend Scenic adventures, Murder Mystery Comedy Lunch & Dinner trains, Holiday trains, Special Event trains, Steam train rides, School trains & privately chartered Group trains. Visit fwry.com or call 524-2546 for more details.

Ventura Breeze “un-official” Name The Green Pig Contest

The Ventura Breeze is holding an “un-official” Name The Green Pig Contest for the pig that was back in the St. Pats Parade. Send you suggestions to [email protected]. They will be submitted to the pig committee for consideration. The Breeze will select our winner and the lucky person will win ham and eggs at their favorite restaurant.

Patty Jenkins sent her suggestions even before the contest started. “ShamHock” or HamSchock.

Photo by Michael Gordon