Vol. 17, No. 25 – Sept 4 – Sept 17, 2024 – Community Events

Ventura

September Fly Fishing Event: Sat., Sept 7. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9:00 to 11:00 am.

Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura is conducting their first monthly introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic. There is no charge and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, you can use one of theirs. For more information contact Casting Program Coordinator, Thomas Hall [email protected]. (805) 377-5249. www.sespeflyfishers.org

The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival 2024: Sat & Sun, Sept 14-15, 10 am – 5 pm. Ventura Harbor Village.

Ventura County Art Events, Inc. & Rotary Club of Ventura Present The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival, a signature event in Ventura County. More than 50 talented chalk artists and crafts people will transform Harbor Village with vibrant color along the waterfront. The festival is a family-friendly event that invites visitors to watch as expert chalk artists from across California and beyond create vivid, large-scale murals along a seaside promenade. venturaartfestival.com.

The Assisted Home Health & Hospice Foundation Fundraiser: Thurs, Sept 5, 6:00 – 9:00 pm, Golf N’ Stuff, Ventura.

Engage in the spirit of friendly competition and help support access to in-home healthcare for the underserved. The foundation provides assistance to individuals and families across Ventura County that range from short-term caregiving, hospital beds, refrigerators, pet care, etc. The money raised at the event stays in Ventura County to ensure that assistance is provided to families in need. Asssitedcares.com/foundation.

Beautiful Blue Sky – Poetry and Piano by Oxnard artist Tim Pompey: Sat, Sept 7, 7 pm. NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 South Oak Street.

Accompanied by guest pianist Miriam Arichea. The poems are featured in his poetry book “Beautiful Blue Sky” – www.timpompey.com/poetry. “They’re each a combination of spirituality, personal reflection, and nature,” says Tim. Tickets ​$20 at nambaarts.com. The event is co-sponsored by Ventura County Realtor Rosa Carbajal (EXP Realty) and will feature a pre-show appetizer and cocktail reception prior to and during the concert.

Rancho Days – Olivas Adobe Sunday: Sun, Sept 8, 11am-3 pm. Olivas Abobe.

Enjoy this Free event with hands-on activities such as corn grinding, panning for gold, roping, Chumas crafts, quilting and more. Garden and house tours. Lectures by Oxnard Garden Farm, Richard Senate and others.  Join us for a day of family activities as we explore the Rancho San Miguel and the people who lived here.  www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe

National Heirloom Expo: Tues – Thur, Sept 10-12, 9am – 9pm. Ventura County Fairgrounds

The National Heirloom Expo is America’s largest celebration of pure food and heirloom gardening. The Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from some of the best minds working in gardening, health, non-GMO activism, heirloom seed protection and preservation, permaculture, and regenerative soil practices. Produce is the real star of the show at the expo, and a trip around the fairgrounds is like an international adventure in heirloom seeds and vegetables. The Expo Hall features hundreds of heirloom vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers, plus exhibits, fruit carvers, and more!  A one-day pass is $15. Three-day passes are available for $30. All profits benefit school garden and food programs. School groups are admitted free, and assistance is available to defray transportation costs for school groups. For more information, visit theheirloomexpo.com or www.rareseeds.com/national-heirloom-expo

Santa Clara River Estuary update from VenturaWaterPure: Sep 10, 7 – 9 pm. Poinsettia Pavilion and Via Zoom. 

Program by The Ventura Audubon Society. The VenturaWaterPure team will provide project updates, focusing on environmental stewardship of the Santa Clara River Estuary and ongoing partnerships with Heal the Bay, Ventura Coastkeeper / Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation. They will highlight key initiatives like the estuary monitoring programs to ensure sustainable development of the project. Additionally, VenturaWaterPure will discuss efforts to protect endangered species, advancements in water purification technology, and provide the latest updates on grants, funding, and treatment pond access. This presentation reflects their commitment to balancing infrastructure progress with ecological preservation. www.venturaaudubon.org/speakers.

Museum of Ventura County Announces an Evening of Refined Taste and Unexpected Histories: Sept 12, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Museum of Ventura County.

The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) invites the community to an unforgettable evening of refined taste and unexpected histories at the Taste of History Dinner. The event will take guests on a nostalgic journey to the early mid-century, beginning with a sophisticated cocktail hour featuring classic specialty drinks, a red-carpet welcome, keepsake Polaroids, and live jazz music. The evening will feature a cooking demonstration by Chef Adam Hart of Oxnard College and an artifact gallery showcasing treasures from MVC’s historic collection. www.venturamuseum.org/events.

5th Annual Marvelous Mug Marketplace at the Ventura Pottery Gallery: Sat, Sep 14 & Sun, Sept 15, 11 am to 6 pm. Ventura Harbor Village, 1567 Spinnaker Drive, #105.

Over 40 talented local potters have poured their creativity and craftsmanship into producing an array of unique, functional mugs designed to brighten your daily routine. From short to tall, wide to slender, and vibrant to whimsical, our selection is sure to have something for everyone. Each mug is not only a work of art but also practical for everyday use – all are lead-free, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. As a special treat, the first twenty purchases each day will receive a complimentary cup of coffee from Top This Chocolate, located just around the corner from the Gallery. While you’re here, don’t miss the colorful Harbor Art and Street Painting Festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a weekend full of art, creativity and community spirit. For more information, visit  www.vcpg.org. Can’t make it to the Gallery. Online Store. www.venturapotteryonline.com.

Focus on the Masters, For the Love of Art – 30th Anniversary Celebration: Sun, Sept 15, 3 to 6pm (Sponsor & Member Preview, 2 to 3 p.m.). The Victorian House, 211 E. Santa Clara St.

Point Broadcasting presents, Focus on the Masters (FOTM) Arts Archive & Library, For the Love of Art 30th Anniversary Celebration Benefit for the Arts Education. All proceeds benefit FOTM’s award-winning arts education programs including the Learning To See Outreach, a sequential in-school and community outreach art program for at-risk youth and Title 1 schools. FOTM has served the community for over thirty years through their educational arts programming. The Learning To See program has brought compelling lessons to over 275,000 students throughout Ventura County. The integrative lessons are inspired by the artwork and life stories of extraordinary FOTM documented artists. The FUNdraising garden party will be full of “art for all” including FOTM’s famed $30 Mystery Boxes filled with all kinds of art related treasures worth at least $50, a fine art raffle, silent auction, and fun activities including a photo booth, hat decorating contest, scavenger hunt, quick draw, and more. Tickets for the event are available at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or by calling 805.653.2501. Members $150, non-members $175. 

Free Family History Lectures: Sat, Sept 21, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Online via Zoom.

The Ventura County Genealogical Society will present two speakers. The first is Jennifer Zinck, speaking on “Connecting with Cousins: Using Tools & Technology for Genealogical Collaboration,” followed by Kenneth R. Marks on “How to Develop Critical Online Newspaper Research Skills.” All VCGS lectures are free and open to members and the public. Non-members may request a Zoom invitation at https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture. VCGS cannot respond to same-day requests.

Ventura Artwalk: Sat, Sept. 21, 12 – 5 pm and Sun, Sept. 22, 11 am – 4 pm. Downtown.

The family-friendly event will feature hundreds of artists in local galleries, businesses, restaurants and on the grounds of Mission Park and the Albinger Museum. Artist booths, popular local bands, aerialists, poetry, dance, a film festival, street painting, puppetry and a children’s area will all be a part of this event run by an enthusiastic all-volunteer team. Live painting and pottery demonstrations will also be featured. This huge, free event unites Ventura’s west side neighborhoods, businesses and arts community in a two-day celebration of the creative spirit. Transit to ArtWalk Ventura and along the route will again be at no cost through the generosity of Gold Coast Transit. Register to participate at www.artwalkventura.org.

Ventura Botanical Gardens Dual Healer Sound Bath: Tues, Sept 17, 4 – 5pm. South African gardens at Summit Plateau.

We all need healing. Join Zach at this dual healer sound bath in our South African gardens at Summit Plateau. The vibrations of the gong restore balance to the nervous system; healing emotional wounds and encouraging angelic thoughts. Don’t forget your water, shade umbrellas and mats. Namaste. www.venturabotanicalgardens.com/events.

*The Ventura Botanical Gardens will be closed on September 17, 18 & 19 for construction.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk: Sat, Sept. 21, Promenade Park near the Ventura Pier.

Join the walk to promote the importance of suicide prevention. In 2021, over 420 Out of the Darkness Walks took place in communities and on campuses across the United States, attended by over 80,000 dedicated people who shared their passion for a growing movement. The goal is to spread awareness of what is currently a leading cause of death in the U.S., and let others know they are not alone. Help ensure that mental health is looked upon with equal importance to physical health and continue to bring hope to those affected by suicide. Register: afsp.org/vc.

VACE CAREER and EDUCATION EXPO: Tues, Sept 24, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, VACE Campus 5200 Valentine Road.

This FREE event, open to the public, is a great opportunity to meet local business owners and representatives. Someone might need someone with your exact skill set or might know someone else who does. Scan the QR code to register. https://workforceventuracounty.org/ https://www.facebook.com/WDBVC/

Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra “Season Opener!”: Sun, Sept 22, 3 pm.

First United Methodist Church, 1338 E Santa Clara St.

Sinfonia concertante in B-flat major by Joseph Haydn (Kimaree Gilad, Oboe; Cavit Celayir-Monezis, Bassoon; Sharon Cooper, Violin; John Fare, Cello)

Concerto in G minor for Organ, Strings and Timpani Francis Poulenc

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Felix Mendelssohn. Performs with David Wheatley, organist. $20 online in advance, $25 at the door. Students and children under 12 are free. cichamberorchestra.org/general-admission/p/september22. [email protected]. 805-742-1811.

Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board hosts Speaker Session Q&A: Mon, Sept 23, 1:15 pm. Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Hall of Administration, Ventura County Government Center.

Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board Speaker Series. Speaker: Dr. José M. Alamillo. Dr. Alamillo will discuss his research on Farmworker Labor Camps and Farmworker Movements in Ventura County, including the nation’s largest bracero camp, Buena Vista Camp, in Oxnard. Don’t miss this insightful presentation!

Ongoing:

Social Golf Club

Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com

Ventura Senior Men’s Group: First and Third Tues each month: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Poinsettia Pavilion. 

Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Play Bridge: Every Tues, Wed and Thurs at 12:30 pm.

ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse.  For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected]

Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Mon each month – 7:30 pm. Church of the Foothills.

For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Beach Cleanup: First Sat of every month – 8:30 -10:30 am.

Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St). Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided – BYO water.

Ojai:

10th Annual Mountain Film On-Tour: Sat, Sept 21, Ojai Valley School (Lower Campus Sports Field). Gates open at 5 pm – Films start at 7:15 pm


OVLC celebrates 25 years of work at the Ojai Meadows Preserve! Bring your blankets and low-back chairs and join the festivities on the field at Ojai Valley School’s Lower Campus Sports Field for another fantastic year of films and fun! Experience the beauty of nature, the thrill of wild adventures, and the power of environmental storytelling through a carefully curated selection of films from the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride. ovlc.org/mountainfilm.

Make it a weekend – Friday, September 20, at Under the Open Sky—a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner by Seasons Catering with live music, a photo booth, beer, wine, a virtual auction, and a paddle raise at our historic Ventura River Steelhead Preserve. When the sun sets, we will enjoy a collection of films selected for this special event that will not be shown on Saturday night. https://ovlc.org/events

Oxnard:

2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Sat., Sep 21. Registration at 8 am, Ceremony at 9 am. Walk at 9:30 am. The Park at The Collection To learn more and register, visit https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_homepage.

Camarillo:

Camarillo Quilters Association: Tues, Sept 10 at 9 am. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley Drive.

This month will present Annette Ornelas of South Wind Quilts. Her Lecture is: “Dimensional Curved Piecing”. Annette’s unique approach to quilting has led her to design numerous Dimensional Curved piecing patterns and books.  Annette is the owner and creator of Southwind Designs patterns. Guest fee is $5 and everyone is welcome. Visit camarilloquilters.com.

Livingston Free Grief Support Groups

For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited. All support groups are free for the community.

Santa Barbara:

Santa Babara Museum of Art: Sun, Sept 8. Free Community Day. Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

Celebrate the exhibition A Legacy of Giving: The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection with free admission for all (1 – 4 pm) with related art activities, family gallery guides, docent tours, music, and refreshments. www.sbma.net.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Celebrates Latino Conservation Week: Sat, Sept 14 – Sept 22.

Bilingual Outdoor Events Starting, guests invited to bilingual Garden Tours, Guadalupe Island Conservation Talk with “GECI” speaker, “CNPLC” Open House, Story Walk with Santa Barbara Public Library, and Native Plant Bike Tour. These events are an invitation for the Latino community and others to enjoy the outdoors together and participate in activities that help preserve our natural resources. Among the week’s highlights are a free 6.5-mile native plant bike tour through downtown Santa Barbara, led by Gardener Lead Abraham Lizama in partnership with local business Boom Boom Bike Room, and a bilingual Open House for the Garden’s California Native Plant Landscape Certification (CNPLC) program. www.sbbotanicgarden.org.

Ensemble Theatre Company: 2024 – 2025 Season Announced: The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St.

We are thrilled to unveil a rich array of plays in Santa Barbara that promise to deliver unforgettable experiences. Explore our productions and discover the magic of live performances. www.etcsb.org