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California Coast Classic Bike Tour cycles through Ventura

Photo by George Robertson

The California Coast Classic Bike Tour is a scenic bike ride that takes place over 8 days and covers 525 miles along the coast on Highway 1. The Tour starts in the heart of San Francisco and ends on the iconic strand of Los Angeles with a stop in Ventura. The California Coast Classic benefits the Arthritis Foundation by raising vital funds needed to find a cure for arthritis. Money raised provides educational resources for adults and children, scholarships for our national Juvenile Arthritis Conference, kids’ camps and much more.

Vol. 9, No. 1 – October 14 – October 27, 2015 – Ventura Music Scene

Highland Way at the Seaside Highland Games Sunday, October 11, 2015.

Erin go Bragh!
By Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The Seaside Highland Games came and went taking those gorgeous men and beautiful women in kilts with them. I stopped in to check out the Celtic music and I wasn’t disappointed; crowd favorites were The Angry Brians, Tannahill Weavers and Highland Way, I’m certainly looking forward to next year’s event and may even be bold enough to try haggis, but probably not.

Congratulations to Plan B Wine Cellars on their 3rd anniversary! They partied in fine form with Jen Staves and the Bluzfish on Sunday, October 11.

Local hip hop artist, Michael Crawford drops his new album “Escape Artist” on October 16 with a CD release party at the Tavern. I was sent an advance copy and yeah, the man’s got talent.

Frost and Fire, a heavy metal festival will take over Bombay’s on October 17th with such bands as Manilla Road from Wichita, KS, Ashbury from Tucson, AZ our very own Night Demon over a half dozen more bands. There will also be a meet and greet with Tim Baker and Robert Garven of Cirith Ungol. Doors open at 4:30 pm.

Mike Toler is the official new owner of Amigos and he’s brought in his good friend Luke O’Dea to help out with booking bands, promotion and social media. I’ve been assured they plan to offer a variety bands 365 days a year. It’s all good news with the exception of losing Bernadette who will be returning to England this month. Mike is throwing her a farewell party on Saturday, October 17, so swing by to say goodbye and wish her well.

Three-time Grammy winner Tom Scott returns to Squashed Grapes October 24, and it will be another first for the Grape when they offer two seating’s in one night. Both are only $10 with 7 and 9 pm show times.

Oh! And I have to share about the extraordinary night recently at Squashed Grapes when Bruce Forman performed the Red Guitar. The place was at capacity, and you literally could have heard a pin drop the audience was so captivated. The second set Forman brought up his special guest whom he had teased earlier on social media stating he couldn’t say who it was for “contractual reasons.” Well it turned out to be Tierney Sutton who sang requests the entire second set. Five time Grammy nominated and the 2005 Jazzweek Vocalist of the year, Sutton heads up the Tierney Sutton Band who have headlined the Hollywood Bowl, the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Yeah, it was intense and a privilege to witness.

And finally, don’t forget Keifer Sutherland will be at W20 at the Watermark on Friday, October 23. Ten-dollar tickets will be available the night of the show. Doors open at 7 pm.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com .

Hans Hormann, Director and Coordinator for Ventura Avenue Adult Center

Hans is a perfect fit for his job
Photo by Daniel Ingram

By Es Cole

Some people in our amazing Ventura are outstanding at what they do. I have been fortunate to meet a few.

Recently I met Hans Hormann, Director and Coordinator for Ventura Avenue Adult Center(VAAC). Hans is a perfect fit for his job; he spent 13 years attending six universities until he found a specialty that suited him — recreation. He spent another five years seeking a job that would/could challenge his abilities and use his ideas. He traveled to Europe and other foreign places to broaden his experiences of exotic cultures and ethnicities.

Eighteen months ago, the City of Ventura grabbed that gold ring, Hans, and made him Director of VAAC.

Hans is a civil servant, employed by Ventura, and very civil he is. He directs and coordinates VAAC. He seeks out new programs and boldly goes where others were too timid to venture. He contracts with professionals to teach classes in their specialties. He not only feeds the curious minds of the Centers’ active adults, but he also arranges to feed their bodies at the daily lunch that is offered.

I don’t know how Hans does all the things he does. I do know he is well-organized, physically fit, and nice to old people. I am an old people, and he was very nice to me.

Hans’ most recent professional teacher is Carin Wofford, co-founder of The Time Binders, and another of those outstanding people who are expert at what they do. Carin has 20 years’ experience writing personal histories. Starting this Fall, she will conduct family history writing classes, documentation techniques, and ancestry research at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center.

Other auxiliary classes like hand bookbinding and graphic arts are also in the works. Imagine: you can write the stories of your personal history, design and hand construct your own book to personalize your stories, and you can learn to illustrate the stories you record.

We are so lucky to have Hans Hormann who has the energy, the imagination, and the contacts to put all these elements together in one convenient location. Please call VAAC for up-to-date schedules at 653-5592.

Hans says he loves his job. You can bet that all the adults and seniors at VAAC love him back.

The Ventura Avenue Adult Center is located at 550 N. Ventura Ave.

Vol. 9, No. 1 – October 14 – October 27, 2015 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

DBSA Ventura, the local chapter of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) hosts two regular, confidential, peer-led, self-help support groups in the County. The evening meeting takes place every Tuesday from 6:30p.m. to 8p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church located at 6950 Ralston Street in Room 301 of Building 300. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 253-3289 for more information.

The daytime meeting is held from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the New Visions Center in Ventura on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Turning Point Foundation’s New Vision Center is located at 1065 E. Main Street. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 746-3106 for more information.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45p.m. Located at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $9, non-members $11. Call 407-9971 for more information.

Oct. 13: Ventura Audubon Society presents “The Salmon Seekers, Coastal Bears of Alaska”. Ed MacKerrow will take on a photographic journey with the bears and other wildlife of Coastal Alaska. Salmon are the lifeblood of Alaska. Ed MacKerrow, Ph.D. is a scientist who researches complex adaptive social systems, a professional nature photographer, and a wilderness explorer. He serves on the boards of scientific societies and the Bosque Del Apache NWR. Program will be held at the Poinsettia Pavilion beginning at 7:30p.m.

Oct. 14: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday, at 7p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Each month a special topic is chosen which features some interesting aspect of photography. The topic Movement/Motion Blur. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. See the club’s web site for more information about the club and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Oct. 17: Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 1679 is sponsoring its Fall Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Post Home, 3801 Market St. Items for sale include household goods, arts and crafts, jewelry, tools, clothing and more. The Auxiliary will sell hamburgers and hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A bake sale starts at 10 a.m. The event is open to the public. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the VFW’s programs assisting veterans and their families. For more information call 642-2674.

Oct 17: Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip starts at 8:30 a.m. Camino Real Park. Leaders: Linda Easter 482-7537 and Neil Ziegler 208-3149. Camino Real Park can be a potential gold mine of warblers and other migrating species in the fall. If you’re lucky, you might see a rarity such as a Blue-throated Gray Warbler, a Black-and-White Warbler, or perhaps even a Baltimore Oriole. Begin along Aurora Drive at the east end of the park and walk into the park.

Oct. 17: The Ventura Emblem Club #157 will hold their 4th Annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, at the Ventura Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Drive. 9a.m. to 3p.m. Local and visiting artisans, jewelry designers and clothing designers, horticulturists and sculptress will be displaying their creations with other crafters. Tri Tip sandwiches and holiday delicacies will be available for sale. The Elks will be selling racks of ribs on a preordered only basis. Order requests and additional information is available at Elks Lodge at 642-1467 or 639-0303 or Lodge office. The proceeds from this annual boutique will be used for the charity and scholarship projects the Ventura Emblem Club.

Oct. 18: The Ventura Sports & Race Car Club is pleased to present, The 8th Annual Ventura Motorsports Gathering 2015. This year will feature, Jaguar and all “Timeless Classics.”

Gathering will be held on the main lawn at the Ventura Harbor Village. We will also feature Classic Wooden Boats at the assigned dock. Participants will be treated to a wine tasting as part of their entry fee. Cost for entry is $50 for the driver and car and includes one guest. Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume from your car’s era.

Online registration https://venturamotorsportsgathering.wordpress.com

Oct. 18: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11a.m. There will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed. This month’s program will be a presentation by Rodney Baker on the Santa Barbara Courthouse Clock Tower. Anyone interested in watches and clocks is invited to visit and join chapter. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. More information about Chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Oct.20: Ventura Retired Men’s Group will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ventura Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Drive. Jean Clark, General Manager of Ivy Lawn Memorial, will talk about Ivy Lawn services and associated planning. Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information on VRMG & its future events, please visit http://www.VenturaRetiredMen.org/fp.html, call Gene Wink at 647-2513, or email [email protected]

Oct 20: Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip starts at 8:30 a.m. Canada Larga Road. Leader: Adele Fergusson 415-4304. Drive and walk as we bird this beautiful canyon road and one of the best birding hotspots. Target birds will include: American Pipit, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, and Lark Sparrow, with a possibility of Mountain Bluebirds. Directions: From 101 N, take the 33 and exit Canada Larga Rd. and turn right. Meet at the beginning of the road.

Oct. 21, 27: Spice-Topia will be hosting cooking classes by Chef Amy Tyrrell of Morsels as You Wish. Each class fee is $35 and includes a complete recipe book and sampling of all dishes on that evening’s menu. Oct.21-Pumpkin Palooza features Pumpkin, Bacon & White Bean Roast plus lots of other good stuff. Oct.27: A Ghoul’s Gotta Eat! Turkey, Pear & Brie Grilled Sandwiches plus lots of other good stuff.

6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., 576 E. Main St. 628.3267 spice-topia.com

Oct.22: Portuguese Fraternal Society of America – The local chapter of PFSA (Council #128) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday. This meeting is open any person of Portuguese descent or interested in the Portuguese culture. This meeting will be a potluck luncheon of Portuguese regional food held at a private residence. For more information and reservation to attend, please call Cora Corella at 483-6285 or Yvonne Westervelt at 483-4168.

Oct. 23: Bank of Books will be having an Evil Ghosts-Tour and Talk on Friday 7p.m. to 9p.m. at

748 East Main Street, 643-3154. Lecture fee/donation is $7 per person.

Not all ghosts are Casper the Friendly Ghost. Some seem bent on mischief and some can only be called demonic. Richard Senate never believed such things could exist until he came face to face with one. In his 30 year career he has faced several of the negative creatures and he will talk about some of them in this unique talk.

Oct. 23: Tender Life Maternity Home and Project Understanding will be having a birthday bingo bash to celebrate 30 years of building new lives. $30 Entry / 10 Games. Lots of great prizes. 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Ventura Elks Lodge #1403 2126 Knoll Dr. For more info or questions call 653-7474 or visit projectunderstanding.org

Oct 24: Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip starts at 8:30 a.m. Lake Casitas. Leader: Karl Krause 415-0188. Lake Casitas is a great birding location every season of the year. Target birds will include: the resident Bald Eagles, Green Heron, Chipping and Lark Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Common Merganser and Spotted Sandpiper. We will meet outside the gate, and walk in. There will be lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks and water.

Vol. 9, No. 1 – October 14 – October 27, 2015 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays: 6 pm Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson; 8 pm Joey’s Acoustic Blues Jam
Tuesdays: 6 pm Natalie Gelman; 8 pm Beer Brothers open mic
Thursdays: 7:30 pm The Gypsy Blues Band
Wed 10/14: 6 pm Bad Leaf; 9 pm The Deal
Fri 10/16: 6 pm The Iron Butterfly Experience; 9 pm Crooked Eye Tommy
Sat 10/17: 6 pm Gary & Brad; 9 pm Don Gringo & the Capos
Sun 10/18: 3pm The Swillys; 6 pm Pull the Trigger
Wed 10/21: 9 pm Sheldon and Cunnane
Fri 10/23: 6 pm Joey Burnworth; 9 pm Crosscut 805
Sat 10/24: 9 pm Action Down
Sun 10/25: 6 pm Cherry Bomb

Boatyard Café
Ventura Harbor
1583 Spinnaker Drive
Thursdays: 6 pm Bluegrass Jam
Fri 10/16: 6 pm Hills of Malibu
Sat 10/17: 6 pm Jodi Farrell & TreCoustics
Fri 10/23: 6 pm Tom and Milo
Sat 10/24: 6 pm Camp Franco

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St.
805-643-4404
Weds: Tommy Marsh hosts the Session
Thurs: DJ Pistolero
Sat 10/17: 4:30 pm Manilla Road, Ashbury, Night Demon, Visigoth, Steel Prophet, Gygaz, more…

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 10/14: Big Adventure
Thurs 10/15: Whelsi Gamble
Fri 10/16: Instone
Sat 10/17: Freddie Lopes
Tues 10/20: Bernie Meisinger
Wed 10/21: Donna Butler
Thurs 10/22: Rick Whitfield
Fri 10/23: Soul Infusion
Sat 10/24: Mojo Box
Tues 10/27: Donna & Paul

Discovery Ventura
1888 Thompson Blvd
Acoustic Wednesday 5:30 with Kinsella Brothers
Thurs 10/15: Jordan T of Katchafire w/ AOK & DJ Kuya Ray
Fri 10/16: Seaside Band
Sat 10/17: Common Kings w/ Leilani Wolfgramm
Thurs 10/22: Rastan & Caleto, King Zero
Fri 10/23: DJ Spinobi
Sat 10/24: Disco Glow w/ Nick Dean

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ Also
Saturdays: DJ Erock

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
Mondays Jam Night with Maggie’s Drawers
Thurdays & Fridays: Karaoke
Sat 10/17: Dojo Loach
Sat 10/24: LAMF

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week
Bluegrass Jam 2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays
Swing night Thursdays 6:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 7 pm Polynesian Revue
Cumbia music Fridays with DJ Carlos at 9:30 pm
Reggae Sundays 8:30 pm

Gone West Wine Cellars
5963 Olivas Park Drive
Music 6-8 pm
Fri 10/16: National Cat
Fri 10/23: Double Trouble

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show; DJ dancing

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mon – Thurs 5-7 pm: Kenny Devoe
Thurs : 10 pm DJ Mystic Hip Hop night

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 10/16: Sean Wiggins
Sat 10/17: Licorice Pizza
Fri 10/23: What the Funk
Sat 10/24: Black Canyon Band

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
(805) 653-0721
Sun 10/18: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
Thurs 10/22: Black Veil Brides
Fri 10/23: Mason Jennings
Sat 10/24: We Came As Romans

Namba – Music Speaks series
47 South Oak Street
Sun 10/18: Hekar Rivera & Steve Sunnarborg
Sun 10/25: Kiki Ebsen

The Patio at Player’s Casino
6580 Auto Center Drive
Fri 10/16: Teresa Russell
Sat 10/17: Brandon Ragan Project
Fri 10/23: Jeanne Tatum
Sat 10/24: 6pm C.A.R.L. Benefit with Kelly’s Lot & Friends

Peirano’s
204 E. Main Street
(805) 648-4853
Fri 10/16: Ruben Estrada
Sun 10/18: Colene & Company
Fri 10/23: Sunnarborg & Riviera

Poinsettia Pavillion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 10/19: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blv
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Encore
Saturdays: Beach City Sound Club

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Friday and Saturdays
10 pm Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 10/17: noon Single Fin
Sat 10/24: noon Delphine Tesla
Sun 10/25: noon Licity Collins

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestsnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karoake
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday
Wednesdays: Open mic with Sin Chonies
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 10/16: Exit 86
Sat 10/17: Crooked Folk, Crime Bison
Fri 10/23: Bloody Reunion
Sat 10/24: Stevie Char

Shanghai Beer Gardens
34 N. Palm Street
Thurs: Heard-a-Kats
Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 10/14: Haakon Graf Trio
Thurs 10/15: Ventura Jazz Collective
Fri 10/16: L.J. & the Boyz
Sat 10/17: Paul Weitz Trio featuring Donna Deussen
Tues 10/20: Jazz Band
Wed 10/21: Oui’3
Thurs 10/22: Brad Rabuchin Quartet
Fri 10/23: Organtua
Sat 10/24: Tom Scott & Friends (two shows)

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
(805) 6438-4709
Fri 10/26: Big Adventure
Sat 10/27: Rio Bravo
Fri 10/23: CRV
Sat 10/24: The Sheiks

Surf Brewery
4561 Market Street
805-644-2739
Music 6-8 pm
Sat 10/17: Medicine Hat (acoustic)
Sat 10/24: Wyk & Winkle

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
Sunday open mics
Karaoke Tuesdays
Metal Music Wednesdays
DJs every Thursday college night
Fri 10/16: CRAW
Sat 10/17: Rubberneck lions, The NaVaNaX
Fri 10/23: DJ
Sat 10/24: The Caverns

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Red Cross Fundraiser:
Sat 10/17: Seaside Band, Kings Ransom, Galvanized Souls, Hologram Empire
Hi Hat Entertainment presents:
Fri 10/23: Big Pete
Halloween Party
Sat 10/24: Crooked Eye Tommy

Ventura Harbor
Carousel Stage
Sat 10/17: Noon Unkle Monkey
Sun 10/18: Noon The Salty Suites

W20 at the Watermark
598 E. Main Street
Fri & Sat 9 – Mid; Sun 3 – 6 pm
Sat 10/17: The Bomb
Sun 10/18: Pleasure
Fri 10/23: The Keifer Sutherland Band, Jade Hendrix
Sat 10/24: The Bomb
Sun 10/25: Instone

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
Music runs 8-11 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Mondays: Mike Cregan
Tuesdays: The Tim Carroll Band
Thurs 10/15: Danielle Stacy
Fri 10/16: Alec Ledbetter
Thurs 10/22: Beach City Sound Club
Fri 10/24: Matt Clark
Sat 10/25: Kevin Longden

Join the Mayor for an informal chit-chat

Mayor Heitmann was at the opening of the new Saticoy Library with grandson 4-year old Gavin.

You are invited to “Coffee with the Mayor” at the Ventura Townehouse who will be hosting Ventura’s Mayor Cheryl Heitmann on Thursday, October 22nd starting at 10am. It will be held in the Dining Room Lounge at the Ventura Townehouse, 4900 Telegraph Road.

The hour-long event does not require an RSVP but seating might be limited. “Coffee with the Mayor” is an informal gathering for residents to express their concerns, ask questions of the Mayor and provide ideas. The Mayor will also speak about the plans for the City of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary Celebration.

Cheryl Heitmann was first elected to the Ventura City Council in November 2011. She was appointed to the role of Mayor by her colleagues in December 2013, and served as Deputy Mayor for the first two years of her four-year term. Among her many accomplishments Cheryl Heitmann served as the Executive Director of the Ventura Music Festival from 2006-2012. She is a licensed clinical social worker and had a private practice for 18 years.

Ventura Hillsides Conservancy adds two employees to staff

Adrienne Stephens brings a strong background in fundraising, marketing and public relations to the job.

The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) recently added two new employees to its staff. They will assist the membership-based nonprofit with its work of permanently preserving and providing access to the open space resources in the Ventura region.

Adrienne Stephens joined the VHC in August as their development coordinator. Adrienne, a UCSB graduate and 25-year Ventura resident, oversees member and business relations, fundraising activities, special event planning and community, press and social media outreach.

Flemming Bertelsen joined VHC as their new preserve manager in September. Flemming, who recently returned to the area from Southern Utah, has extensive experience in land management, conservation, wildland fire management, and law enforcement. He graduated from Humboldt State University with a B.A. in Recreation Management, and has worked protecting and restoring public lands in many locations.

“We are very pleased to have Adrienne and Flemming join the VHC team,” said David Comden, president of the VHC Board of Trustees.

The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy has a full agenda moving into 2016 including Ventura hillside land negotiations, tree planting initiatives along the Ventura River Parkway and its popular annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival. For more information about VHC, visit www.venturahillsides.org.

Vol. 9, No. 1 – October 14 – October 27, 2015 – Professor Scamp

This is one of my dog buddies as painted by my friend Jaime Baker. If you would like a dog portrait let me know and I will tell him. He would probably give me a dog treat commission.

• I recently told you about Archie the Therapy Dog going to doggy heaven. Casa Pacifica is holding a Celebration of Life for him on Thursday, October 15th, at 5:30 p.m. Casa Pacifica will be celebrating the life of its beloved, original, one-of-a-kind, unforgettable therapy dog, Archie, who passed away at the age of 10 in July. The celebration will take place at Casa Pacifica and will provide Casa Pacifica’s children, its alumni, staff, volunteers, and friends the opportunity to remember a sweet, gentle giant, whose peaceful, calming presence brought comfort, love and healing to more than 4,000 children who resided at or attended the nonpublic school on Casa Pacifica’s campus over the last decade.

The event will include a video featuring Archie’s several ‘famous’ appearances on television, the planting of a tree in remembrance of him, and the unveiling of a special plaque honoring Archie’s life and contributions to Casa Pacifica.

For more information about the Celebration of Life event, please contact Morgan Tandy at 366-4022 or [email protected]. Casa Pacifica is located at 1722 S. Lewis Road in Camarillo.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Hopefully Archie will be replaced by another wonderful loving companion to these kids.

• Every weekend in October from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Ventura County Animal Services will be

issuing free microchips for all pit bulls or bull mixes. Bring their pets to either the Camarillo location, 600

Aviation Drive, or the Simi Valley location, 670 W. Los Angeles Avenue. National Pit Bull Awareness Day (NPBAD), which is October 24th this year, is a day of appreciation and education

designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about pit bulls and their responsible owners. NPBAD was established to educate and foster positive communications and experiences in the communities in which we and our dogs live, and it is an initiative dedicated to restoring the image of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Ventura County Animal Services is proud to promote education for the pit bull breed and loves all of its animals.

For more information go to www.vcas.us, or contact 388-4341.

• Davey’s Voice is a brand-new, Santa Barbara County nonprofit founded to honor Davey, a five-month-old puppy who was euthanized in 2014 after being tortured by his owner. Formed by Santa Barbara local Gretchen Lieff, Davey’s Voice hopes to create awareness around animal abuse and empower the public to advocate for voiceless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals.

“Davey’s Voice will support local projects and programs that promote animal welfare, reduce suffering and save lives,” says Lieff, who learned about Davey’s death and vowed to get involved. “We want to ensure something positive comes out of Davey’s horrific fate and pledge to make Santa Barbara the most animal responsible county in California. After that, we will continue our mission throughout the United States and beyond.”

Davey’s case has drawn nationwide attention due to the severity of the abuse inflicted by his owner, Chinese student Duanying Chen, 19, who is serving a 12-month sentence in county jail. At the time Davey was relinquished to a local pet emergency clinic by Chen’s girlfriend, he had multiple broken bones, significant infections and burns over 80 percent of his body, the District Attorney’s Office said in a January 2014 statement. His life could not be saved.

I think that a 12-month sentence is not nearly enough. How many years would he have gotten if this was a human that he tortured.? And a human might be able to fight back and this poor dog couldn’t.

Lief stated “We’re still working on the campaign details and will announce our plan in the next couple of weeks.”

For more information please call 565.0001 or email [email protected], or visit daveysvoice.org.

• On Saturday, October 24, from 6-11pm singer/songwriter Kelly Z and her band, Kelly’s Lot is hosting the 3rd Annual Kelly’s Lot and Friends Fundraiser for CarlDogs.org at The Patio at Player’s Casino located at 6580 Auto Center Drive. 15% of restaurant totals goes to C.A.R.L. Reservations can be made at OpenTable.com, put in ‘Patio at Player’s Casino.’

Kelly’s Lot will be headlining alongside Tommy Marsh, Ray Jaurique, Jim Gustin, Truth Jones, Chuck Strong, and more. There will also be a silent auction and raffle throughout the evening. $10.00 donation. For more information, please visit www.kellyslot.com.

Kelly’s Lot plays Americana and Blues with a roadhouse rockin’ sound that is upbeat, heartfelt and fun. Canine Adoption and Rescue League is a 501(c) (3) Private Non-Profit No-Kill Organization that relies on donations and does not receive government, state, or city funding.

• by Victoria Usher

Recently there was an hours-long standoff in Hemet between police and a man where the man was fatally shot after he himself killed a police dog named Sultan. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Albert Martinez said hours earlier, a San Jacinto police officer and his dog, Sultan, were searching for this man who was described as a felon. The pup Sultan apparently alerted his officer to a crawl space that was at the house and was then sent inside to figure out if the man was indeed hiding there. A shot was heard from inside the house and poor Sultan returned with what would turn out to be a fatal neck injury. The man eventually came out of the house holding a handgun and deputies then fired at the man and killed him. This is absolutely heartbreaking but we must all remember Sultan as a hero, a strong and brave dog. He looked out for all of us(as all K-9’s do) and he will be remembered.

Halloween happenings seaside

Maybe you could dress your dog to win the contest.

Head to Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, October 24th for Halloween happenings seaside . The fun begins at Noon with the Annual HOWL-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at pet-friendly Ventura Harbor Village’s Carousel Stage. Entry is free and prizes will be awarded for Spookiest, Cutest, Sea-Worthy, Creative/Original, and Best in Show! Every dog gets a treat from sponsor Ventura Pet Barn and owners can enjoy pet-friendly dining patios, a photo board just for pets, pet drinking fountain, walking promenade, new the PAWlor Menu (just for dogs) at The Parlor restaurant, and riding with your pooch with Ventura Boat Rentals on the water.

Calling all costumed kids and families to join in the new Safe Trick –Or-Treat in Ventura Harbor Village. Ventura Harbor Village welcomes little ones for treats from Harbor restaurants and retailers as you stroll seaside. Face painter and crafts with Harbor Village Gallery will be on site. Bring your favorite goody bag! Then grab lunch or an ice cream, coffee drink or smoothie, play at the Village Carousel & Arcade or take a pedal boat ride with the family. The Safe Trick-or-Treat ends with the Thrill the World Zombie Dance at 3pm to break the World Record – in a global performance to the classic Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” . Dressed zombies dance simultaneously on the Ventura Harbor Main Lawn. Sign up to participate as a dancer at www.ThrilltheWorldVentura.com or come to the Harbor to watch zombies by the sea! Admission and Parking are free. For more information visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Reserve a spot for Ventura Corporate Games now

by Eric Burton, Ventura Corporate Games Director

Registration officially opens on January 11 for the 2016 Ventura Corporate Games, but you can reserve your spot now! The registration and event selection form — easy to fill, save and send — plus all the essential information for 2016 are now online at www.venturacorporategames.org. I also invite you to consider joining our family of sponsors by November 18.

I look forward to welcoming back our family of agencies, businesses and companies that return to “The Games” year after year. These organizations already know the value of Corporate Games to their employees.

But if your organization has never taken part, this is my personal “pitch” and invitation to you to consider joining us for the 2016 Corporate Games to be held from March 19 to May 7.

There are so many reasons why you should make this investment, but here are my top three: participation in Corporate Games will increase employee (1) productivity, (2) teamwork and (3) fitness within your organization.

Over the past 26 years of its existence, I’ve seen 80 to 90 companies come to include participation in Corporate Games as an essential part of their wellness culture each year. And I’ve seen this culture grow from the simple “let’s go out and have fun” to a more profound “let’s get healthy and break down barriers that prevent us from reaching our full potential.”

But, make no mistake, Corporate Games remains the fun way to build your team and provide your employees with the benefits of improved health, efficiency and unity. What better “bottom line” investment can you make in the single most important resource in your company?

I invite you to call me at 658.4738 or contact me at [email protected] to make your commitment early or discuss your possible participation in Corporate Games next year. I look forward to hearing from you.

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