Category Archives: Community Events

Museum events

event museumThe Museum of Ventura County presents its 2nd Latina Film Festival on Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13. Saturday’s event begins at 7:00 pm with a dessert reception, followed by screenings and a tribute to actor Evelina Fernández. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased on site or in advance at the museum.  Sunday’s program begins at 2:00 pm, and costs $5 per person.

The main requirement for submitted work to the festival is that the film be directed, written or produced by a Latina; short films (30 minutes and under) and features were both acceptable.

The purpose of the Annual Latina Film Festival is to showcase Latina art through film direction, producing and writing.  Winners of the Latina Film Festival will be announced on March 12 at the festival. Proceeds from the event go to support the Museum’s educational and family programs.

Dr. Jon M. Erlandson, archaeologist and professor at the University of Oregon, will discuss over 13,000 years of archaeological evidence that provide a glimpse into how humans have  adapted to life on the Channel Islands.

This special lecture will be hosted at the Museum of Ventura County on March 10, at 7:00 pm, as part of a celebration of the National Park Service Centennial and the 150th Anniversary for the City of Ventura.

Recent interdisciplinary research on the northern islands, including work being done by archaeologists, historians, paleontologists, and ecologists, reveals the many ways in which humans on the islands both adapted and actively shaped their sometimes changing environments.

Erlandson received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has taught archaeology at the University of Oregon since 1990.

This lecture is $5.00 per adult. Admission for children is free.

For more information, call  653-0323 or visit venturamuseum.org.

 

 

 

 

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

event rubiconRubicon Theatre Company presents the American Premiere of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, written by Jethro Compton and directed by Jenny Sullivan. The time is 1890; the place, the Wild West. Ransome Foster, a scholar from the East in search of adventure, is beaten and left for dead on the outskirts of town. He is rescued by a grizzled gunslinger and taken to Two Trees (not our Two Trees), where he falls for a local girl. Will her love be enough to save him when Liberty Valance comes to town?

Based on the short story that inspired the John Ford film,. Rubicon Theatre Company’s 2015-2016 Season continues with the American premiere of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Adapted from the short story by Dorothy M. Johnson that also inspired the legendary John Ford 1962 film, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a classic tale of love, honor, ambition and revenge set against the backdrop of the American West.  This classic tale will leave you breathless as it draws to its compelling conclusion.

Says Rubicon Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns, “We are thrilled to present the first production anywhere in the U.S. of this consummately Western story, for which we owe a great debt to Steven Schipper and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and to Samuel French.  It is perfect to produce the premiere in Ventura, which is also known as Two Trees (the name of the town in the story).”

Among the cast are Venturan’s  Gregory Harrison, Joseph Fuqua and Dillion Francis.

Previews: Wednesday, March 2 at 7:00 p.m. ($25), Thursday, March 3 at 8:00 p.m. and Friday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. ($30)

Opening Night: Saturday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m.
Closes: Sunday, March 20

Regular performance times and prices:
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ($44) and 7 p.m. ($49) (Talkbacks following Wednesday evening shows except during previews)
Thursdays at 8 p.m. ($44)
Fridays at 8 p.m. ($44)
Saturdays at 2 p.m. ($54) and 8 p.m. ($54)
Sundays at 2 p.m. ($54)

 

Egg-Citement and mermaids at Ventura Harbor Village

Mermaids have been spotted seaside at Ventura Harbor Village. Photo by Dan Harding

Hop on over for family fun at Ventura Harbor’s Cottontail Day Festival, Saturday, March 19th from 10 AM – 3 PM, featuring egg hunts, petting zoo, kid’s crafts, and children’s entertainment; all geared towards families with kids ages 1 – 7 years old.

The Cottontail Day festivities give children a chance to take a photo or grab a hug with the Cottontail Bunny.  Children ages 1 –7 can join in the $2 Egg Hunt held every 15-30 minutes from  11 AM – 2 PM (includes free coloring book while supplies last).  Kids that find a “Golden Egg” will happily hop away with extra prizes.  A Village Scavenger Hunt offers clues leading guests to a Hoppy Surprise!  More family fun activities include:  pony rides, petting zoo, henna and glitter tattoos, face painting, tumbling fun

Come early and enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of the many harbor-view restaurants, and visit Harbor Village boutiques for unique gift items.  Stop by the Village Arcade and play a fun family game or explore sea-life on a Harbor cruise or pedal boat rental with the family.   Need an extra treat for Easter baskets?  Take home delicious homemade fudge, French pastries, or waffle cone gift certificates.

On Sunday, March 27th  from Noon – 3 PM the Harbor Is Hopping with Easter brunches, Cottontail Bunny, free kids’ crafts, Village Arcade & Carousel, boutique shops, and live Dixieland Jazz band, “Main Street Jazz” at the Village Carousel Stage.

In March mermaids have been spotted seaside at Ventura Harbor Village. From nautical finds to coastal décor, fashion and artwork inspired by the sea, Ventura Harbor Village pays homage to the mermaid in all of us to celebrate seaside with Mermaid Madness!

A colorful Mermaid People’s Parade will kick off the month long festivities on Sunday, March 6 at 1 pm at the Fisherman’ s Memorial , followed by a Ukulele Jam at the Ventura Harbor Village Carousel Stage.

Mermaid  Meet & Greets Sunday, March 6, 13, 20 from 1-4 pm, complimented with special sales, classes and culinary delights through the month.

Sip on a Blue Mermaid Margarita or savor a Seafood Scramble at the Boatyard Café or homemade Seafood Crepes on special for month of March at Le Petit Café.  For a sweet treat taste the Sea Monster Oreo Shake or Mermaid Dream Sundae at Coastal Cone Ice Cream this March, or mermaid-inspired spun cotton candy at Village Carousel & Arcade on weekends. Beautiful jewelry, coastal finds for kids and adults are found throughout the locally owned boutiques and galleries at Ventura Harbor Village.

March features various classes and art activities as well, such as Tina O’ Brien Gallery & Studio Mermaid Painting or Drawing Demo every Wednesday and Friday in March from noon-2pm or adult coloring days and kids’ crafts, and Sunday, March 13th  from 6-8pm attend a Mermaid Paint Party at The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood hosted by The December Store and More (Reservations and fee apply).

For a listing of full details and to learn more, visit Venturaharborvillage.com with updates added regularly.

 

Tournament celebrating 85 years of golf in Ventura to be held April 1st

Buenaventura is an award-winning 18-hole golf facility.
Photo by Michael Gordon

Coinciding with the City of Ventura’s 150th year celebration, Buenaventura Golf Course will host a golf tournament in celebration of 85 years of golf in Ventura. The tournament will be held on Friday, April 1st, at 1:00 in the afternoon. Take a step back in time to the way golf used to be, with knickers and hickory sticks. A fun afternoon is planned and golfers are encouraged to dress in 1930’s golf attire. An award will be given to the best dressed as well as many other awards and prizes. Food and beverage will also be provided to all participants before and after the round. For more information and to register, please visit www.buenaventuragolf.com/85years.

“We are looking forward to a great day on the golf course in celebration of the long-standing history of golf in the city of Ventura.” said Carl-Van Vallier, General Manager of Buenaventura Golf Course.

Fans of the sport will most definitely enjoy this celebration of the course. Fans may also be interested in FanDuel’s fantasy golf to switch up the way they view the sport.

About Buenaventura Golf Course

Owned by the City of Ventura, and managed by KemperSports since 2010, Buenaventura is an award-winning 18-hole golf facility originally designed by William F. Bell and redesigned by Forrest Richardson. The parkland-style design of the 6,054-yard golf course incorporates mature trees, subtle undulations and rolling contours suitable for all playing abilities. Buenaventura has previously been rated 4 Stars by Golf Digest “Best Places to Play.” For more information visit www.buenaventuragolf.com

Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports builds, owns and manages golf courses, resorts, athletic clubs and lodging venues across the U.S., Caribbean and Central America. The company’s award-winning portfolio includes nationally-ranked courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, named the No. 1 Golf Resort in North America by Golf Digest and GOLF magazine; The Glen Club; Desert Willow Golf Resort; Harbor Shores, site of the 2012 and 2014 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid; and Chambers Bay, host of the 2010 U.S. Amateur and the 2015 U.S. Open. For more information about KemperSports, please visit http://www.kempersports.com.

U.S. Navy Seabee Museum Brown-bag Luncheon Learning Series Mar. 4

The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum will hold a Brown-bag Luncheon Learning Series on Friday (March 4th) at noon.  The topic is “More than just roads and commodes:  The history of the Naval Shore Establishment 1800-1941, Part One.”  Join museum archivist Gina Nichols for the first installment of a two-part series on the history of the Bureau of Yards and Docks.  This event is FREE and open to the public.  No RSVP required.  Feel free to roam the galleries as well and learn about Seabee history.

Ventura County Community College District holding Public Policy Hearing on Accreditation Mar 2

The Ventura County Community College District plans to hold a Public Policy Hearing on Accreditation at the Ventura County Office of Education (5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA), Wednesday, March 2.  The three colleges in the District (Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura) are preparing required self-study documents in anticipation of their accreditation site visits from the Association of California Community and Junior Colleges planned for late September/early October.

 

The invitation is extended to members of the Citizens Advisory Council, students, college constituents, and the general public. All are welcome. The hearing will cover the current ACCJC accreditation standards, reports from members of the VCCCD District Council on Accreditation and Planning, and public discussion on the District’s service to the respective communities.  A brief reception is planned for 5:30 p.m. and the public hearing will follow at 6:00 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served.

 

“This invitation is extended to the public, because the District values the opportunity to share the accreditation process and timelines with our community stakeholders,” said Larry Kennedy, Board Chair.  “We want to provide important information on how we are meeting the accreditation standards to maximize service to our students and the community.”

 

“The District’s Accreditation Committee (DCAP) Co-Chairs and their teams have been working diligently to ensure the District is in good standing and each college is prepared for its accreditation visit,” said Bernard Luskin, Chancellor.  “We look forward to a robust and productive discussion that includes members of our Citizens Advisory Committee, staff and students.”

 

The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 113-campus California Community College system, and serves more than 50,000 students annually.  The District’s three colleges- Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura- offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities.  For more information, please visit www.vcccd.edu.

 

Public Invited to Mayor Erik Nasarenko’s State of the City Address February 29

Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko will present the annual State of the City address in Council Chambers at City Hall, 501 Poli Street, on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 6 pm.  A brief reception will be held after the address, followed by the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

The address, titled “Invest in Ventura, Now and For a Strong Tomorrow,” will focus on themes related to investing in our community and a proposed sales tax measure.  “The City of Ventura responded early and decisively to the economic downtown by implementing cost-saving measures, eliminating and reducing programs, and deferring much needed maintenance. Protecting our most essential city services like infrastructure, crime prevention and programs for seniors and youth with a stable funding source that is guaranteed to be spent locally will ensure a strong tomorrow for Ventura,” said Mayor Nasarenko.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.  The State of the City address will be broadcast live on Channel 15 within Ventura city limits, and rebroadcast thereafter. It can also be accessed online by visiting the City’s website at www.cityofventura.net and clicking “Videos.”

 

Channel Islands National Park Comes “Ashore” to the Museum of Ventura County To celebrate National Park Service’s 100th Anniversary

On Sunday, February 28, from 11 am to 5 pm, the Museum of Ventura County, in partnership with the Channel Islands National Park, hosts a fun-filled day for families with the theme of “Island Chumash Traditions.”  This is one of four Sundays that the two organizations will jointly host in celebration of the Channel Islands National Park’s 36th anniversary, amid thousands of nation-wide commemorations of the National Park Service’s 100th Anniversary.

Essentially ‘kicked-off’ by Grand Marshall Ken Burns at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, the 2016 centennial brings special attention and education to Americans about its National Park System.

And Ventura boasts one of the most beautiful —the Channel Islands National Park.  The wonders, traditions and lore of the Channel Islands National Park can be experienced at the Museum of Ventura County on Sunday, February 28th at the museum.

Activities include:

  • Learning about the Chumash culture through traditional demonstrations and ceremonies, led by Chumash elder Julie Tumamait
  • Cave painting and an archeological dig in the museum’s Chumash Garden
  • Group readings of the beloved children’s novel “Island of the Blue Dolphins” which is set in the Channel Islands
  • Traditional craftmaking, such as necklaces made with shells and beads, and crafting dolphin masks and tomols (small canoes)
  • Learning about the Junior Park Ranger Program
  • You can even dress up as a sea otter!

Park Rangers will be on hand with museum volunteers to teach children about the islands.  Refreshments will be available for sale from Aaron’s Tacos food truck and Kona Ice.  Adult admission is $5 each; kids under 18 are admitted free.

The Museum of Ventura County is located in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Paid events include free admission to the galleries, and the first Sundays of every month are free general admission for the public.

The Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Club meeting Mar. 2nd

The Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Club, (BCNN ) is a group of active women of all ages who live in Ventura, Oxnard, or Port Hueneme and enjoy activities such as hiking, bridge, dining, wine outings, reading, mah jong, cooking etc.For more information, please come to our monthly meeting on March 2, 2016 from 9:30 AM to 11AM…    Meeting will be held at the Ventura Museum Pavilion located at 100 E. Main Street, in historic downtown Ventura   No charge for meeting and no reservation is required.     Diane Sansen -Subject:Aging Gracefully
For additional information, please visitbcnnwomensclub.org . Or call:  805-988-0795

Local Entrepreneurs Join Forces to Host Free Community Event

Three recent graduates of WEV’s Self-Employment Training (SET) Program will join forces in a free yoga and coffee event for the community.

For those with a love for both yoga and coffee, three local entrepreneurs are hosting the perfect event. On Saturday, February 27th, WEV Self-Employment Training graduates Michelle Nouraei, Marilyn Hefferen, and Ashley Tindall will combine their passions to provide the community with a leisurely afternoon of yoga and coffee.

The event will kick off with a relaxing yoga class taught by Hefferen, an instructor at Yoga Rhythms. After the session, attendees can enjoy a delicious cup of hot coffee made from Tindall’s coffee and yoga business, Soul Bean, while shopping the latest trends in yoga apparel from Nouraei’s online yoga clothing store, Funk Zone Fashions.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: 1593 Santa Ynez Street, Ventura, CA
Cost: Free admission, RSVP encouraged but not required

For more information or to RSVP, contact Ashley Tindall at (303) 815-6265 or ashleytindall77@gmail.com.

About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. WEV serves all of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties from offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Santa Maria. While WEV targets its services toward women, it serves men as well, and provides many services in English and Spanish.

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to over 14,000 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and made more than $4 million in loans, assisting over 4,000 local businesses. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center, and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

A pioneer in the field, WEV was founded by Marsha Bailey, a nationally recognized advocate for women business owners. Marsha is the board president of the national Association of Women’s Business Centers, and sits on the National Women’s Business Council.