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Ceramic art of Michel Peterson at the Ventura Harbor Village

Photos by Patricia Schallert

The wonderful ceramic art of Michel Peterson (who creates art under the name Michellino) can be admired at the Ventura Harbor Village.

In late 2002, Petersen went to work on the 10-foot-tall ceramic sculpture The Dead Fisherman’s Memorial: An Ode to the Dead Seaman of Yesteryear.

“I intuitively felt that an archway would be appropriate — a doorway, a passageway from one side to the other,” Petersen stated. “We’re remembering those who passed over.”

To read about her love affair with Santa Cruz Island go to: https://venturabreeze.com/2023/05/03/michel-peterson/

Michel Peterson

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Vol. 16, No. 16 – May 3 – May 16, 2023 – Mailbox

editor:

I grew up the daughter of generations of hunters. I was a pretty good shot in my day, deemed best marksman at my summer camp. I named all my dolls “Annie” for Annie Oakley.

Decades later, I join those dismayed by the lack of initiative by responsible leadership in addressing the American epidemic of needless deaths by gun violence. What price are we paying for this distorted concept of “freedom”?

Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. I understand the logic. Let’s counter with a slight variation — same notion, different weapon. Cars don’t kill people, people driving cars do. We require driver ed, testing, licensing and implementation of the best and latest technology in efforts to successfully save lives. My own 19-year-old life was saved by my car’s roll cage and seat belts.

How many precious lives have we failed to save in pandering to gun-rights groups’ irrational insistence that gun ownership, concealed carry privileges and more guns make a safer America? Facts convey increases in gun ownership closely match the rise in gun deaths, along with unprecedented profit to gun and ammunition manufacturers and the paid lobbyists who fund “leaders.”

We’ve come to expect oversight and safety in our water supplies, our food sources, our building codes. Let’s delete that intentionally triggering phrase gun “control”. Let’s call it what it is, responsible weapon-safety oversight. The lives we save may be our own and countless lives of our precious children.

Berry Manter

Sheldon,

I may have missed this subject in a previous paper. Has our City ever considered helping “the elderly” in these Mobil Home Parks by stopping the insane 10% Rental Space increase every year? Most are on fixed SS income and are slowly being pushed out of their homes?

Greg Gardner

We asked the city to respond. 

Greetings from Community Development. I’m the Mobile Home Rent Administrator for the City. As an FYI there are 12 Mobile Home Parks in the City that are covered by our Mobile Home Rental Stabilization Ordinance which caps rent at CPI or 5%.  They can be found on our site here:  https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/713/Mobile-Home-Rent-Review-Board 

While it doesn’t cover every park in town, the majority of our senior manufactured home residents are covered by this ordinance. 

Let me know if you have further questions, 

Regards, 

Lee Sherman
Management Analyst II
Community Development
City of Ventura

Sheldon,

Thank you so much!
But I live in the Magnolia Home Park on the Avenue and considered outside the City.
Yearly rent continues to go up
10% every year – even with inflation.
No one seems to care. Especially the city.

Thank you!
Greg

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Vol. 16, No. 16 – May 3 – May 16, 2023 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednes 4-12

 7:00pm, received report of gas odor near 1567 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded with VFD/Gas Company. Investigated but unable to locate a gas odor

Thursday 4-13

 6:55am, while on patrol, observed thousands of beached “Vela Vela’s” on the shoreline. Attempting to avoid because they stick to undercarriage, and smell.

10:34am, officers on patrol in Fireboat of all response areas in and outside of the harbor including: the keys, all marinas’ fairways, main channels and just outside the surfline up and down Ventura coast. Patrol ended with refueling at fuel dock

Friday 4-14

 12:34pm, new officers working on online United States Coastguard captains’ course to eventually take exam to obtain license.

4:20pm, while on patrol in Harb1, patrol truck, officers observed then contacted two “unsightly” recreational vehicles parked in Harbor Cove beach parking lot. The vehicles were in violation of oversized ordinance, moved to Spinnaker Dr.

Saturday 4-15

 11:29am, received request from US coast guard concerning a sailboat that has been anchoring overnight in dangerous areas just outside Ventura & CI harbors. Officers were aware of the vessel but as of recently hadn’t noticed it in the area.

8:19pm, receiving complaints about Ventura Sport Fishing vessels with blinding forward deck lights left on berthed vessels. Officers contacted Sport Fishing and advised of the complaints from tenants in nearby marinas.

Sunday 4-16

 6:20am, observed weather service issued Small Craft Advisory, raised pennants for winds gusting to 25kts in the western portion of the East SB channel.

9:20am, officers attending Dept of Boating & Waterways Marine Firefighting class in Marina Del Ray this week gathering all protective turnouts and SCBA’s.

1:15pm, received report of a small sailboat in distress near the launch ramp 5 mph buoy. Officers responded in Fireboat, found the vessel with 3 POB’s on board and attempting to retrieve a piece of the rudder. The vessel was safely towed to the launch ramp and the rudder post was successfully retrieved.

9:19pm, dispatched to Ocean Rescue, swimmer in distress near the Pier. Officers responded in Fireboat, en route the transient got out of the water and ran away.

Monday 4-17

 12:05pm, contacted individual living in vehicle at L/R for no permit. An older gentleman exited vehicle naked, distressed over medical conditions, after many attempts to provide care, he refused any assistance. Advised to get a L/R permit.

Wednes 4/19

 5:08am, observed Weather Service issued Small Craft Advisory, raised pennant.

2:22pm, dispatched to National Park Service for a medical. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to a 76 y/o female with chest pain. Patient transported by AMR

8:42pm, dispatched to an overdose near Pierpont Bay YC. Officers responded with AMR/VFD and assisted a 64 y/o female, transport by AMR to hospital.

Thursday 4/20

 9:33am, dispatched to cat trapped in storm drain at Harbor Cove lot. Officers responded with VFD, the cat freed itself from the storm drain.

Friday 4/21

 10:29am, dispatched to unknown medical in Portside apartments. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to the call. Responders conducting a welfare check.

Saturday 4/22

 7:20am, received report of injured seabird. Officers responded, found the bird and placed in container for volunteer bird rescue.

4:50pm, dispatched to a dog locked in a vehicle in Port District lot. Officers responded on foot and found the vehicle. While assessing the situation, three “good Samaritans” arrived and attempted to intervene. The dog was determined to be ok & while trying to calm down the mob, the owner arrived, took the dog. The mob & officers were surprised the owner thanked them for their concern.

Sunday 4/23

 12:11pm, dispatched to Ocean Rescue, drowning at Surfers Point. Officers responded in the Fireboat, deployed swimmer to assist with rescue. Patient pulled from ocean, was stabilized and transported by AMR to hospital.

 

Robert Wassell at Bell Arts Factory

Whitaker Peak Trail 3/23, oil on canvas, Robert Wassell

Robert Wassell will offer dozens of new views of Ventura County’s backcountry and offshore islands in a May 5-July 1 exhibition in Studio 99, Buenaventura Art Association’s home at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave.

Receptions will be 6-9 p.m. May 5 and June 2, in conjunction with Ventura’s First Friday gallery events. Studio 99’s usual hours are noon-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, but Wassell will host most weekend days during his show, providing many “meet the artist” chances and allowing the gallery to be open Thursdays through Sundays.

His website, wassellart.com, contains works going back to 2011.

Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, at 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 106, in Ventura Harbor, is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week.

For more about BAA and its programs, call the gallery at 805-648-1235 or visit buenaventuraartassociation.org.

Vol. 16, No. 16 – May 3 – May 16, 2023 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

As of press time, the 2023 Ventura County Fair had not announced their entertainment yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t entertainment to be had at the fairgrounds in the meantime. First off, Surfer’s Point Live will host Boots & Brews in the parking lot with headliners Chris Young and Joe Nichols on Sunday May 7.

And then…Anderson .Paak announced on April 25 that .Paak House 23 will be held at the fairgrounds on Friday, May 12. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, .Paak, aka Brandon Paak Anderson, grew up in Oxnard and attended Foothill Technology High School. Two of his albums were named Oxnard and Ventura, both produced by Dr. Dre, the latter earned him a Grammy for Best R&B Album. The fact that .Paak could hold this event anywhere, but chose Ventura, speaks volumes about this talented homegrown artist. Find out more about .Paak House and the Brandon Anderson Foundation at PaakHouse.org.

The new season kicks off at Libbey Bowl with Beth Hart on Saturday, May 6 performing an intimate pared down show. Her back stories are entertaining enough, but I’m sure she’ll be really putting it out there without a full band backing her up.

And speaking of Libbey Bowl, the Ojai Music Festival dates include several concerts at Libbey Bowl. The festival runs Thursday June 8 through Sunday, June 11, with Rhiannon Giddens, Music Director, at the helm. I noticed at least one event has already sold out, so don’t wait until the last minute to try to snag a ticket. Find out more at OjaiFestival.org.

Bombay Bar and Grill will host a celebration of life in honor of Chris Husted who passed away last month. Chris was so a great guy, so well respected throughout the music scene. He had been doing sound on the road with Yachtley Crew recently. Friends will gather on Saturday May 13 from 2-8 with music from Shawn Jones, Guy Martin, Brion Shearer and more. 20% of the sales will go to the Chris Husted fund.

Quick Notes: Rey Fresco plays Tony’s Pizzeria Thursday, May 4; The Knotty G’s from South Carolina make a stop at Surfers Point Café on Sunday, May 7; there’s a free show featuring Old-Timey Country Bluegrass at Poinsettia Pavilion on Sunday, May 7; an in store meet & greet with Ohgeesy will be held at Salzers on Wednesday, May 10; it’s all about the punk rock on Friday, May 12 when Youth Brigade, Stalag 13, False Confession, The Afraid and Crucial Thought play the Oceanview Pavilion; Julie Christensen will perform an intimate show at the Ojai Underground on Saturday, May 13; and new dates added to the Ventura Music Hall calendar include Grateful Shred on June 15, Save Ferris on July 29, and Powerman 5000 on October 20.

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

Ventura Pottery Gallery’s 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Market

Let us help you celebrate Mother’s Day with a hand-crafted ceramic piece. The Ventura Pottery Gallery is hosting its 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Market on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 from 11 – 6 at the Ventura Harbor Village. Over 40 local artisans will be displaying work suitable for a queen, but not at royal prices. You’ll find mugs, vases, hearts, bowls, wall hangings, jewelry holders, jewelry and much more will be displayed both inside and outside the Gallery.

From the loving hands of our makers to the person you love, giving handmade ceramics is a great way to express your feelings and show you care for quality and a timeless tradition. Please stop by to view our exhibit. The Ventura Harbor is a great place to celebrate Mom with a brunch, a stroll around the boats and a visit to our gallery where she can even pick out her own gift!

Exhibiting a vast variety of functional and sculptural ceramics, the Gallery is located at 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105 in the Ventura Harbor. The Gallery is open seven days a week from 11-6.

The Ventura County Potters’ Guild, a non-profit, founded in 1957, continues its mission of promoting ceramic arts through the Gallery, workshops, and monthly meetings. The monthly meetings are open to the public and feature ceramic demonstrations or presentations. More information can be found www.vcpg.org. Can’t make it to the Gallery? Please visit our Online Store at www.venturapotteryonline.com.

Vol. 16, No. 16 – May 3 – May 16, 2023 – Music Calendar

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Anna’s Cider
801 E. Main St., Santa Paula
Sat 4/29: Jim Friery

Aqua Beachfront Bar
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sat 4/29: Rising Son

Aviation Museum of Santa Paula
28 Wright Taxi Way, Santa Paul
Sat 4/29: Barrelhouse Wailers

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
8585 N. Ojai Rd., Ojai
Sun 4/30: Bill Cunliffe

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 4/21: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sun 4/23: Ken Devoe
Tues 4/25: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 4/28: Mac and D
Sat 4/29: Billy Mac & Friends
Sun 4/30: Ken Devoe

Café Fiore
66 S. California St., Ventura
Wed 4/19: Edgar Thatcher
Fri 4/21: Otis Hayes
Wed 4/26: Fabulous Hangovers
Fri 4/28: Heathers n Fire

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 4/21: Johnny and the Love Handles
Sat 4/22: Caught Red Handed
Fri 4/28: The Katie Skene Band
Sat 4/29: Ignition

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet
Sun 4/23: Freddie and Friends
Sun 4/30: House Arrest Band

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 4/22: Jayden Secor (11 am); Corazon de Mana (7 pm)
Fri 4/28: Caliente Band 805
Sat 4/29: Los Amigos

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Fri 4/21: Dave Palmer & Friends
Fri 4/28: Brad Byrd, Joseph Arthur

Enegren Brewing Co.
444 Zachary St., Moorpark
Sun 4/30: Whole Hog

Feros Ferio
310 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sun 4/23: Two Tossers
Sat 4/29: David Gorospe
Sun 4/30: Jimmy Calire & Patricia Cardinali

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
(Fridays 6-8:30; Sundays 1-3:30)
Fri 4/21: Heathers on Fire
Sun 4/23: Terrell Edwards
Fri 4/28: Heart & Soul
Sun 4/30: Smokey & Friends

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Wed 4/26: The Virus, The Bitter, Vicious Cycle, Riotgun, Having Issues, Plot

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Thurs Happy Hour: Tom Etchart & Friends
Friday Happy Hour: Fred Kaplan
Wed 4/19: RJ Root w/ Will Brahm
Thurs 4/20: The Daniel Rotem Trio
Fri 4/21: TriTone Asylum
Sat 4/22: Shawn Jones Trio (2 pm); Barrelhouse Wailers (8 pm)
Thurs 4/27: West Coast Jazz Hour Trio
Fri 4/28: Marina Pacowski Band
Sat 4/29: RJ Mischo & Friends (2 pm); Dan Rosenboom Polarity Quintet (8 pm)

Harbor Cove Café
1867 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Saturdays 10 am: The Cool Hand Ukes

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 4/21: Pull the Trigger
Sat 4/22: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 4/29: Breaking Bored

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 4/21: Vinny Berry
Sat 4/22: One People
Sun 4/23: Boom Duo
Fri 4/28: Erez Barnea
Sat 4/29: Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes
Sun 4/30: Matt Moran

The Lookout Bar and Grill
2800 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard
Wednesdays & Sundays : Gary Ballen

Madewest Brewing
1744 Donlon St., Ventura
Sat 4/22: Milo Sledge

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Wed 4/26: Angel, The Guitar and Whiskey Club
Thurs 4/27: Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Fri 4/28: Madison Beer

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Steve and Sally Williams

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 4/19: Robert Van
Fri 4/21: Pam and Hollywood
Sat 4/22: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Fri 4/28: Tour Support
Sat 4/29: Jeanne Tatum Trio

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 4/29: Zepp Heads

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Sun 4/23: Rock-n-Roll High
Fri 4/28: The Listening Room Redux
Sat 4/29: Preston Smith

Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts Theater
575 E. Surfside Dr., Port Hueneme
Sat 4/22: Maiden USA, Hysteria, Hollywood Crue, Whole Lotta Rosies
Sat 4/29: Gypsy Dreams, Ridin’ the Storm Out, Strangehold

Ojai Underground
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Wed 4/19: The Make-Believe Spurs
Fri 4/21: Abigail Cartright
Sat 4/22: We are the West
Thurs 4/27: Will Solomon & Friends
Fri 4/28: Plus One with Eric Sullivan
Sat 4/29: Rick Shea & Tony Gilkyson
Sun 4/30: Joe Rafael, Bernie Larsen & Alan Thornhill

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 4/21: Jeff Uzzel
Sat 4/22: Jacob and the Good Vibes
Fri 4/28: Brother Earl and the Cousins
Sat 4/29: Van Allen Twins

Onyx
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 4/21: George Krikes
Sat 4/22: Smokey & Friends
Fri 4/28: Jack Keough Trio
Sat 4/29: Matthew Grant

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Fri 4/21: (Vta Room) Fake Names, TV Party, Head Cut
Fri 4/28: (Vta Room) Harsh Reality, Brainless, Swingback, Stood Up, Centerpoint 805
Fri 4/28: Delfonics Revue, Dells Revue, Stylistics Revue
Sat 4/28: Jon B

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 4/21: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 4/22: Rewind
Sun 4/23: Katie Shorey
Fri 4/28: Jayden Secor
Sat 4/29: Holgers Heroes
Sun 4/30: Brittney & Ben

Sam’s Place (The Vine)
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends
Fri 4/21: Ray Jaurique
Fri 4/28: Van Allen Twins

Ric’s Restaurant Sports Lounge
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support w/ Kurt & Bob

San Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Sat 4/22: Hard Six, Hillbilly Wolves

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 4/21: Daniela Cardillo ( 4:30); Nuestro (8 pm)
Sat 4/22: The Blues Ramblers
Sun 4/23: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 4/28: Jake McCelland (4:30); The Corsican Brothers (8 pm)
Sat 4/29: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 4/30: Doc Ventura

Skull & Roses
Ventura Fairgrounds 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 4/19: Sages & Spirits, Boombox feat. Backbeat Brass, Wahlbangers Beam Brothers
Thurs 4/20: Oteil & Friends, Grateful Shred, Big Steve & the Assbites, Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, Shaky Feelin’
Fri 4/21: Dark Star Orchestra, Leftover Salmon, Jerry’s Middle Finger, Cubensis
Sat 4/22: Phil Lesh & Friends, Circles Around the Sun, Electric Waste Band w/ Bill Walton
Sun 4/23: Phil Lesh & Friends, Melvin Seals & JGB, Moonalice, Bill Iuso & Big Chief Juan Pardo

The Sound Palace
1681 Beacon Place, Oxnard
Sat 4/22: Chick Singer Night featuring Annette DiNardo, Dawn Lunsford, Gaby Montiel, Danielle Taylor, Emily DeLaCruz

The Sportsman Restaurant
4426 Central Ave., Camarillo
Sun 4/30: Swing Shift

StekleStock 6
Stekle Park, 8080 Mistletoe Rd., Santa Paula
Sat 4/22: Premonition, Charles Law Band, NoBiggee, What the Funk, Whiskey Business, Tommy Foytek, Roberto Pesqueira
Sun 4/23: Premonition, Only Obvious, Red Rock Road, The Time Flys, Star Goes Nova

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sun 4/23: Whiskey Business
Sat 4/29: The Renegades 805

Surfer’s Point Café
204 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sun 4/23: Abigail Fierce

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 4/20: Urban Dread
Sun 4/23: 90’s BaBiez
Thurs 4/27: Jah Standards
Sun 4/30: Sound Effect

Taqueria Jalisco
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Fridays: Jim Friery

Topa Topa Brewing
2024 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Wed 4/19: Gianna Bella & the Fellas

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Davey Miller Trio
Fri 4/21: Rey Fresco, J Walker Band, Teddy Jack
Sat 4/22: Bella Lucareli (2 pm); I Want My 80s (8 pm)
Sun 4/23: Jetlemons (11 am); Kris Simeon (3 pm)
Fri 4/28: Brobots
Sat 4/29: TD Lind (2 pm); Mark Masson & Friends (8 pm)
Sun 4/30: Ken Devoe (11 am); Hot Roux (3 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera
Wed 4/19: The Trivle Omdobble
Thurs 4/20: Lowered Expectations

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 4/27: Poolside
Fri 4/28: Whitey Morgan
Sat 4/29: Ty Segall & Freedom Band, Corey Madden
Tues 5/2: Supersuckers

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 4/20: Sage & Austin
Fri 4/21: James Broz
Sat 4/22: Steve and Sally Williams
Sun 4/23: Kelly’s Lot
Thurs 4/27: The Pipes
Fri 4/28: Doc Rogers Duo
Sun 4/30: Mark Masson & Phriends
Tues 5/2: Open Mic w/ Jenna Rose

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Sat 4/29: Debbie Davies

Artisans from around the west will show off their creations at Strawberry Festival

Artist Michael Phillips has created this strawberry design for the festival.

One hundred-fifty artisans from throughout the West will be displaying their goods at the 37th annual California Strawberry Festival, May 20 and 21 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura. 

The festival, which attracts nearly 50,000 visitors, features more than 50 food and beverage booths, most with a strawberry dish or drink made from fresh strawberries, but it is also known for its eclectic mix of quality artwork, crafts and unique pre-packaged food items. 

Many of the artists have been coming to the festival for years. “We haven’t had a festival since 2019 because of the pandemic so there is a lot of excitement by the artists to be back,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths. 

Crafter Ray Wood began Brighten Your Life Creations with his wife Gina about 30 years ago. They started by making and selling pottery but evolved to copper metal art, primarily copper wind sculptures. Their son, Zack, joined them 15 years ago.

“Our pieces have been described as unique, desirable and affordable,” says Wood, whose family has been displaying their items at the festival since 2004. “We have customers say that they have never seen anything like what we have. We create four or five different types of designs that move with the wind.”

Wood says they mostly exhibit at festivals in California and other western states. They attended 14 shows last year. “Festivals are a gathering of all different backgrounds. They bring out the best in people. The interaction between us and customers is always positive. There is also a camaraderie of artists that’s important too.” To learn more about Brighten Your Life Creations, go to www.bylc.com.

Artist Michael Phillips will bring his original paintings and prints to the California Strawberry Festival. Each tells a compelling story through Phillips’ unique use of color and texture. He has exhibited his works on paper, canvas and metal at the festival since 2013. “I grew up spending a lot of time with my grandmother who was a self-taught artist,” explains Phillips. “When I was about five years old, she saw that I was interested in painting. She encouraged me and I’ve spent the rest of my life as a commercial artist and then as a fine arts artist.”

Phillips’ designs will also be available on story cards, magnets and tiles at the festival.  “I enjoy the Strawberry Festival because the strawberry theme seems to bring out the joy in the attendees,” says Phillips. “We normally do about 12 festivals a year traveling all over the country. It’s a good way to meet new collectors and get the work out in front of a wide variety of people.” Phillips’ designs can be seen at www.artofmichaelphillips.com.

The 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival will also feature live entertainment, kids’ Strawberryland fun zone, Ninja Nation obstacle course, build-your-own strawberry shortcake and strawberry-themed contests. Local growers will sell these vine-ripened strawberries at the festival in flats. (1/2 tray and full tray).

General admission is $15, active military and family with ID and seniors 62 and over, $10, youth ages 5 to 12, $8 and children four and under are free. Limited onsite parking is $20. Four free shuttle locations are nearby and an Amtrak station is onsite.

Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. For more information, go to https://www.castrawberryfestival.org.

High Tide is riding high on three regional wins

“We are looking forward to being World Champs this year.”

After reaching last year’s World Finalist spot in 2022, Team 4414 HighTide is headed again to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston. They are riding high on three regional wins at Hueneme Port, Ventura County and AeroSpace Valley. Additionally, they earned awards in Autonomous and Excellence in Engineering.

Team 4414: HighTide is an industry-based robotics team located in Ventura. Student participants range from grades 9 – 12 and attend school at Buena, El Camino, Foothill or Ventura High. Students learn career-oriented skills in engineering, design, mathematics, computer science, and are inspired by industry professional mentors. Michael Sessa of Sessa MFG (where the team trains) said, “Team 4414 HighTide is so dedicated and driven to excellence in everything they do. We are so lucky to have such great students along with amazing mentors.”

This year’s game Charged Up presented by HAAS Automation sees two alliances competing to process cones and cubes and score onto their grid. The match ends with robots racing to engage on their charging station. Alliances are made up of 3 robot teams that work together to earn the highest score. While the competition is intense, it is built on the values of professionalism, cooperation, kindness, and more.

Student Burton Sessa said, “We have put in countless hours of prototyping, design, manufacturing, coding and more. The dedication of every team member has helped us adapt through this new season. We all learned so much about the game this season and I am stoked to see how we will do during Worlds.”

Programmer Irene Kim said of her experience, “I always appreciate our team’s cooperation and intense dedication to constantly improving the robot. This year, the programmers definitely had a lot of fun learning about and utilizing dynamic trajectory generation that allows the robot to autonomously drive to each of the 27 scoring locations!”

Quincy Lowder, a manufacturing team member, said “We have built a top-tier robot this year, and our performance at regional competitions is a result of our team’s hard work this season. I love being part of a

team that strives for excellence in everything we do. Our team is excited to compete again at WORLDS and reach our full potential in Houston!”

Alumni and Mentor Anshul Bajaj said, “Understanding your opponent’s and most importantly your teammate’s ability is essential to performing at the highest level. Using our Tidescouts app, Team 4414 students recorded and collected performance data for the teams we competed with. These metrics informed our strategy which elevated our overall competitiveness.”

Head Mentor JJ Sessa congratulated the team on their Regional wins and said, “Thank you to all our sponsors, friends and family for your support. We are looking forward to being World Champs this year. For more information: www.team4414.com