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Vol. 16, No. 12 – Mar 8 – Mar 21, 2023 – Ojai News & Events

Wooden sculptures, charcoal portraits and fine ceramics are just a few of the treasures featured March 11 as part of the Ojai Studio Artists’ Second Saturday tour, which this month offers access to the private studios of artists across the East End of the Ojai Valley.

The second in a series of monthly events that runs through August, this East End tour offers neighbors, collectors and the merely curious a rare opportunity to experience world-class artwork in a casual and intimate setting unlike the busier, bigger October tour.

The East End Tour includes OSA founder Gayel Childress, an Ojai original whose colorful canvases depict otherworldly landscapes and exuberant emotions, a family art compound containing work by famed glass artist Susan Stinsmuehlen-Amend and world-renowned abstract painter Richard Amend, and the backyard studio of botanical artist Elizabeth White, whose close-up pastels are a favorite of local collectors.

This tour will be followed in April by a Downtown group, the Arbolada in May, Mira Monte in June, the West End in July and Meiners Oaks in August. Check the OSA website for a full list of participating artists.

Ojai Studio Artists supports community education that promotes art awareness, preparing the next generation of artists, and celebrating the importance of the arts within the region. To date, OSA has given more than $200,000 in art scholarships. It also purchases art books for local libraries, partners with schools in teaching classes and mentoring students, and supports public art projects and other community programs.

For more information and a full list of artists, see the OSA website: https://www.ojaistudioartists.org/second-saturday-tour-march-11/

Book Publishing 1-2-3. Grab a pen and join us for this lively 90-minute workshop, sprinkled with ideas and stories to inspire and empower writers of all types. We’ll start by checking out today’s book business (both traditional and indie publishing), then share valuable resources to help aspiring authors connect with literary agents and editors.

We’ll offer ideas you can employ to add pizazz to your prose, including a gem courtesy of a gutsy comedy star. Thursday, March 23, 1 to 2:30 pm

Oak Park Community Center & Gardens, 1000 N. Kanan Road, Oak Park 91377

Cost $20 – cash or check only

Registration Requested. Call the presenter to reserve your seat at (858) 635-1233 or email her at [email protected].

Presenter Laurie Gibson is a professional editor with decades of experience serving hundreds of individual writers, as well as publishers.

Ten percent of every admission will be donated to a local conservation group for habitat restoration in Ventura County, kicking off the presenter’s “Let’s Endow a Forest!” campaign.

Vol. 16, No. 12 – Mar 8 – Mar 21, 2023 – Music Calendar

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

Angry Ferret
11990 Hertz St., Moorpark
Sat 3/18: Irish Hog

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 3/10: Smokey & Friends
Sat 3/11: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Sun 3/12: Ken Devoe
Tues 3/14: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 3/17: Ken Devoe; Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 3/18: Déjà vu Too w/ Bob Nichols
Sun 3/19: Epitome of Dreams

Black Angus
4718 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Fri 3/17: Déjà vu Too

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thurs 3/16: Night Demon, Romper

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 2/10: Duke Robillard
Sat 2/11: The Jukes
Fri 2/17: Bad Habit
Sat 2/18: Fish Fry with the Vonettes

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

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 3/10: Power Syndicate
Sat 3/11: Los Amigos Band
Fri 3/17: Los Amigos Band
Sat 3/18: New Doubt

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 3/11: Bart Budwig
Fri 3/17: Easy Bear

Feros Ferio Winery
310 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sun 3/12: Dianne Miller

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 3/10: Caught Red Handed
Sun 3/12: Cary Park

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Wed 3/8: The Blues Faithful
Fri 3/10: June Clivas & the Ditty Boys
Sat 3/11: Vanise Terry Band
Sat 3/18: Tommy Drunkard & the Remedy

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Sat 3/11: Bone Maggot, Loc Dawgs, Up Your guts, Blitzkrief

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Thurs Happy Hour: Tom Etchart & Friends
Wed 3/8: The Eric G Project
Thurs 3/9: Mika Krstic Trio
Fri 3/10: Tony Ybarra & Ron Freshman
Sat 3/11: RJ Mischo & his Red Hot Blues Band (2 pm); The Jacques Voyemant Septet (8 pm)
Wed 3/15: Peter Smith Trio
Thurs 3/16: One Shot Deal plays Zappa
Fri 3/17: Michael Falcone and the Sinatra Tribute Band
Sat 3/18: TD Lind and the Aviators (2 pm); Tom Scott (8 pm)

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

House of Dance
3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura
Sun 3/19: Barrelhouse Wailers

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 3/10: CRV
Sat 3/11: Vinyl Gypsies
Fri 3/17: Breaking Bored

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 3/10: Evan Joffred
Sat 3/11: VIP Reggae
Sun 3/12: Illunis
Fri 3/17: Mike Scully Acoustic Trio
Sat 3/18: Kimo Moya
Sun 3/19: Boom Duo

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

Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary St., Moorpark
Sat 3/11: Natalie Wattre

Lucky Fools Pub
75 E. High St., Moorpark
Sat 3/18: DRB (acoustic)

Madewest Brewing
1744 Donlon St., Ventura
Sat 3/11: Adam & Sam
Fri 3/17: Ventura City Fire Bagpipes Band
Sat 3/18: Loop 83

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 3/10: Death to All, Suffocation, Nuken

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Fri 3/10: Tour Support
Sat 3/11: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Wed 3/15: Robert Van
Fri 3/17: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sat 3/18: Pam and Hollywood

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sun 3/12: CRV (acoustic)

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 3/12: Teresa Russell

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 3/10: The Listening Room
Sat 3/11: The Odd birds, special guest Doug Schmude
Fri 3/17: Phil Salazar and the Kin Folk
Sat 3/18: Tommy Quayle

Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts Theater
575 E. Surfside Dr., Port Hueneme
Sat 3/18: 805 Ska Festival

Ojai Art Center
113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai
Sun 3/12: Natasha Kislenko and Friends

Ojai Underground
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 3/10: Zoe Fitzgerald Carter
Sat 3/18: Tara Jeffery

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 3/10: Josh Jones
Sat 3/11: Buena Onda
Fri 3/17: Top Shelf Brass Band
Sat 3/18: Kris Simeon

Orozco’s de Ventura
839 E. Front St., Ventura
Saturdays: V.I.P.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Sun 3/12: Los Lobos, Gaby Moreno
Fri 3/17: Don Carlos, Rising Son

Poseidon Brewing Co.
5777 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Fri 3/10: Vanise Terry Band
Sun 3/12: Erinn Alissa Selkis

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 3/10: Holger’s Heros
Sat 3/11: Teresa Russell
Fri 3/17: Jayden Secor; Bagpips & Irish Dancers
Sat 3/18: Red Rhythm

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

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 3/10: Jake McCelland
Sat 3/11: Checkpoint
Sun 3/12: Tribal Me
Fri 3/17: Gold Coast Pipe Band; Sin Chonies
Sat 3/18: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 3/19: Los Amigos

The Six
419 E. Main St., Ventura
Fri 3/10: Ventura Irie-Ites Posse

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 3/16: Stoneflys
Sun 3/19: Old School

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

Topa Topa Brewing
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sat 3/11: Van Allen Twins
Wed 3/15: Davey Miller Jazz
Sat 3/18: Illunis

Topa Topa Brewing
341 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Fri 3/10: Ashun
Sat 3/18: Kellen and Drea Van Allen

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Davey Miller Trio
Fri 3/10: Jesse Jay Harris
Sat 3/11: The Pipes (1 pm); Adam Lenhard (5 pm); Crosscut 805 (8 pm)
Sun 3/12: Déjà vu Too (11 am); Joe Delia (3 pm)
Fri 3/17: Mark Masson
Sat 3/18: Morrison Drive (2 pm); Jetlemons (8 pm)
Sun 3/19: Ken Devoe (11 am); Bella Lucareli (3 pm)

Twisted Oak Tavern
2433 Ventura Rd., Camarillo
Fri 3/17: The 805 Social Club

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera
Wed 3/15: The Trivle Omdobble

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 3/8: Ott, Soohan
Sat 3/11: Thievery Corporation, Emancipator
Thurs 3/16: Together Pangea
Sat 3/18: Matt Nathanson, Stephen Kellog
Sun 3/19: Old 97’s

Ventura Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura
Sat 3/11: VC Symphony, VC Chamber Orchestra

The Vine (Sam’s Place)
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Fri 3/10: Buckmoon
Sat 3/11: Duncan and the Dragonslayers
Sat 3/18: Smitty and Julija and Friends

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 3/9: Brandon Ragan
Fri 3/10: Heft & Wilson
Sat 3/11: Whole Hog
Sun 3/12: Blown Over
Thurs 3/16: Frank Barajas
Fri 3/17: The Pipes
Sat 3/18: Adam & Sam
Sun 3/19: The James Broz Band
Tues 3/21: Open Mic w/ Jenna Rose

Progeny is an exhibit of visual art by children of WAV artists.

Photos by Patricia Schallert

The show is curated by WAV resident artist Sarah Kalvin and will mark the thirteenth anniversary of the opening of the WAV in 2010. WAV is an innovative community that includes 55 live/ work spaces for artists, writers, musicians and other mediums.

Besides the children’s art the First Friday opening included numerous local vendors with their arts and crafts for sale in the gallery’s courtyard.
There was also live music.

“While once viewed as the controversial new addition to
Ventura’s growing downtown cultural district, Venturans have come to eagerly anticipate the next display of WAV artists individualism,” noted Sarah Kalvin.

WAV (Working Artists Ventura) is located at 175 S. Ventura Avenue.

Nine-year-old Santiago Salazar likes to paint with pastels. He wants to be a chef when he grows up. He was inspired after going to the Grand Canyon and when he came home painted these pictures.

Sophia Salazar is four-years-old and likes creating art with paint. She wants to be a ballet teacher when she grows up.

Vivian Sky Accola is the daughter of Sarah Willey who is an original WAV artist. Vivian is nine-years-old and enjoys acting, singing, dancing drawing and roller skating.

Vol. 16, No. 12 – Mar 8 – Mar 21, 2023 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

If the recent English Beat show at the Ventura Music Hall got your motor running for more ska, then you’re in luck! The 805 Ska Festival will be held at Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts theater in Port Hueneme on March 18 with 8 Kalacas (Skacore from Orange County), Chencha Berrinches, Los Waraperos and more. This all ages show is $35 in advance (Eventbrite) or $40 at the door.

I have good news and bad news: The good news, The Violent Femmes will perform their 1983 debut album in its entirety at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, May 6; the bad news, it’s already sold out.

There are a number of local artists holding CD/Album release parties including: Night Demon who will play a special show at Bombay’s on Thursday, March 16 with opening act Romper;

Tommy Quayle will perform at Namba Performing Arts in support of his new release, Awakenings, on Saturday, March 18, and Karyn 805 will release her third recording, Gratitude, at Winchester’s on March 31. Meanwhile, Medicine Hat just released their new single, “She Comes and She Goes” and Anchor and Bear are back in the studio, so looking forward to new music from them.

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Friday this year, most venues will offer up Irish music and Irish specials to entice you into their doors. If you’d like something a little tamer, but a feast for the senses, then consider Phil Salazar and the Kin Folk at Namba Arts Studio. Phil is a legend around these parts being a fiddle champ and having played with legends such as Bob Weir. Joining him will be Tom Corbett on mandolin and guitar, Bill Knopf on banjo, Rick Borella on bass and Bill flores on everything else including steel guitar, and accordion. The program will include several genres such as rock, blues, country, jazz pop, bluegrass and of course traditional Irish.

Mark your calendars now: Joe Nichols has been added to the bill for Boots & Brews on May 7^th;

Ventura Theater just added Angel for a show on April 26, Angel has been rockin’ since the mid 70s; the Ventura Spring Wine Walk and Street Fair falls on Saturday, April 1; tickets for the Canned Heat show at Cantara on March 31 can be secured by contacting Cadillac Zack at (323) 377-5291; and the Guitar and Whiskey Club will open for Quiet Riot at the world famous Whiskey A-Go-Go on Saturday, March 25.

Quick Notes: Cool Hand Ukes play Saturday mornings at Harbor Cove Café; pianist Natasha Kislenko and Friends perform at the Ojai Art Center on Sunday, March 12; Los Lobos plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 12; Tony’s Pizzaria is offering live music again with the Stoneflys on Thursday, March 16, and Old School on Sunday, March 19; and finally, Barrelhouse Wailers will get you dancing at the House of Dance on Sunday, March 19.

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 Chamber ribbon cutting at Strange Beast

The Ventura Chamber held a ribbon cutting at Strange Beast in Downtown. Strange Beast is a contemporary cocktail izakaya, and is situated in the historic Bank of Italy building.

Their cocktail menu celebrates Japanese flavors, and the cocktails, sake, beer, and wine are best paired with Japanese tapas prepared by the Michelin Bib Gourmand chefs of Sama Sama Restaurant Group.

394 E Main St,

photo by Michael Gordon

Vol. 16, No. 12 – Mar 8 – Mar 21, 2023 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
True Spirit – Netflix

3 out of 4 palm trees
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

Based on true events, “True Spirit” shares the inspiring story of Jessica Watson (Teagan Croft), who at 16-years-old was the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. She departed from Sydney Harbor Oct 18, 2009 on a course that would take approximately 200 days and involve sailing some of the most challenging seas in the world.

Jessica decided at 12-years-old that she wanted to sail around the world and sought out well-known sailor Ben Bryant (Cliff Curtis) to train her as she was aware that he had himself made the trip three times. Ben at first was reluctant due to an accident that happened when he was captain of a ship in the Millenium Cup that cost the life of one of his crew, but Jessica was persuasive.

They spent the next four years training for the trip and then Jessica set out to do a test solo sail. Unfortunately, she was hit by a large tanker that damaged her boat, who she called “Pink”, and seemed to put an end to her dream as it would be too costly to do the necessary repairs. Ben was able to gather a group of donors of time and funds to get Pink back in sailing shape, though the local media expressed concern over Jessica’s ability to make the journey.

During the trip if she went to port she would be disqualified and had to cross all lines of latitude and round all four capes for it to count as a true circumnavigation. The trip would begin by leaving Sydney Harbor crossing the Pacific Ocean, heading northeast to cross the equator then down south around the Cape Horn at the tip of Chile, then across the Atlantic Ocean to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, then across the Indian Ocean to Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia and then down around the South East Cape in Tasmania and back up to Sydney Harbor.

Though she weathered some storms, after 82 days and 12,884 miles from home she reached Cape Horn, the Everest of the ocean, reporting irounding it was smooth sailing. All things came to a halt on Day 112, when she ended up drifting into an area in the Indian Ocean that had no wind or waves. Jessica was stranded there for over a week, resulting in feelings of despair and depression, but finally Pink found the wind and again she was on her way.

On her approach to Australia, Jessica noticed a crack in the bulkhead which was troubling as Pink was designed to right herself in a storm only if there were no leaks. Jessica would normally have gone to a port to repair the issue, but couldn’t so patched it herself. On Day 197 and only 1588 miles from home, 3 storms converged into a superstorm directly in Jessica’s path leaving her two choices: head to port just prior to the finish, or head straight into the storm and trust that Pink could get them home safely.

Though her parents and Ben were concerned, they left the decision to Jessica knowing her boat and her skills, and she decided to brave the storm. A 70 foot rogue wave flipped the boat upside down in the storm, which triggered her emergency alarm automatically contacting the authorities with the situation. They called her parents and told them Jessica’s boat was 15 feet underwater and that things looked grim. Back at the boat, Jessica calmly waited in the air pocket knowing that this could be the end for her, but Pink amazingly uprighted itself.

Jessica’s journey had been followed around the world through her video logs and when she entered Sydney Harbor she was escorted by hundreds of boats and greeted by over 80,000 people who were there to welcome her home.

Runtime 1h 49m

Vol. 16, No. 12 – Mar 8 – Mar 21, 2023 – Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Stop being the wool-gathering Lamb, and start turning that dream project into reality. You have the ideas, the drive and the charisma to persuade others to follow your lead. So do it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’ve scored some big successes. But remember that all hard-working Ferdinands and Ferdinandas need some time to restore their energies and refresh their spirits.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’re gaining a stronger mental image of what you’re trying to achieve. Now, look for the facts that will help get this to develop from a concept into a solid proposal.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Some of you eager-to-please Moon Children might want to delay some decisions until midweek, when you can again think more with your head than your heart.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A new business venture seems to offer everything you’ve been looking for. But be careful that this rosy picture doesn’t betray traces of red ink under the surface.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A volatile situation needs the kind of thoughtful and considerate care you can provide right now. There’ll be plenty of time later to analyze what might have gone wrong.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your loyalty to a friend in a tough situation earns you respect from people you care about. Those who criticize you don’t understand what friendship is all about.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your strong work ethic is rewarded with the kind of challenging opportunity you love to tackle. Now, go ahead and celebrate with family and/or close friends.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A legal matter you thought had been finally resolved could require a second look. But don’t make any moves without consulting your lawyer.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Taking charge is what you like to do, and since you do it so well, expect to be asked to lead a special group. This could open an exciting new vista for you.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An important matter might wind up being entrusted to you for handling. The responsibility is heavy, but you’ll have support from people able and eager to help.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A spouse or partner might make an important, even life-changing, suggestion. Consider it carefully. It could hold some of the answers you’ve both been looking for.

BORN THIS WEEK: You always try to do the right thing for the right reasons. No wonder people have come to depend on you.

Shauna McGee joins Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter Board of Directors

Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Shauna McGee are all smiles.

The Alzheimer’s Association is proud to announce the election of longtime volunteer Shauna McGee to its board of directors for the California Central Coast Chapter.

McGee was born and raised in Ventura, where she has deep roots in a family of entrepreneurs going back to the 1940’s. As a young adult, she helped her parents run their family gourmet kitchen supply business, Toby’s Kitchen Store, a local landmark for 20 years.

She graduated college in the Bay Area and worked as a marketing and project manager for several years, returning to Ventura in 2013 after her parents passed away.

Upon her return, McGee’s dedication to serving her community led her to join a committee for the Ventura faction of the Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative. Following this, she joined a variety of additional local committees for the Alzheimer’s Association, including The Longest Day® and Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in East and West Ventura County. In 2023, McGee is serving as co-chair of the West Ventura County Walk to End Alzheimer’s to be held on Saturday, September 23rd.

Her advocacy work for the Association expanded six years ago to volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement as both a state and federal advocate, meeting with legislators across the country and working to introduce and pass various legislation and funding requests to fight this disease.

Most recently, Shauna met with Congresswoman Julia Brownley to advocate for increased patient access to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments, which are currently being severely restricted by Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services.

McGee’s strong desire to volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association stems from her personal family connection to the disease.

“I have lost my grandmother and great aunt to this disease, so to say I’m invested in helping find the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease is an understatement,” she said.

“As a board member, I hope to ensure the Alzheimer’s Association is successful in its mission to make Alzheimer’s history,” said McGee.

In Ventura County, over 9,000 people are living with the disease, expected to increase to 16,758 by 2040. It is the third leading cause of death within the county.

“Shauna has dedicated an incredible amount of time, passion and work for this cause,” said Executive Director Lindsey Leonard, Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter. “We are grateful to have such a committed member of our Ventura community join our board and continue to make great strides towards our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. The California Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For more information, visit alz.org/CaCentralCoast or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Vol. 16, No. 12 – Mar 8 – Mar 21, 2023 – As I See It

Approximately 500 people attended the Ventura County Fairgrounds re-development meeting held Thursday, Feb. 23 in the Santa Rosa building. The $319 million project proposed by the Pacific Sports Group of Oxnard would bring a 7,500-seat baseball stadium and other improvements to the fairgrounds. Most people in attendance were opposed to the proposal.

Certainly, the fairgrounds needs to improve the very old deteriorating Quonset type buildings that are now used for their events. The fairgrounds is in desperate need of renovation.

The plan calls for two new parking garages, a transit center, a police substation, and retail space that could be used by restaurants, stores and other business. The Ventura County Fair would still be held there.

Some protesters claimed Pacific Sports Group was just looking to make money. Of course, they want to make a profit if they are willing to spend $319 million on the project. Some of what they are proposing couldn’t even legally be built there, but I think a minor league baseball team would great. It could be called the Ventura Breezers and might get kids out of the house and into the sunshine for matinee games. And people from outside of Ventura could take the Amtrak to the games and spend money in Ventura.

A lot of Venturan’s want to keep our town of 110,000 a “little sleepy town” exactly as it is. Except, unfortunately, “sleepy little towns” don’t provide the tax base to maintain even basic infrastructure.

Regarding the fairgrounds 4 Los Angeles County men have been arrested in connection with the theft of more than $500,000 at the Ventura County Fair in August.The money came from gate receipts and parking.

The suspects are:

Alexander Piceno, 28, of Baldwin Park, Rafael Morales, 56, of La Puente, Carlos Alberto Aranda, 44, of Los Angeles and Jesus Rios, 55, of El Monte.

The Ventura City Council has approved an ordinance to help build more affordable housing. The new rules will impact residential projects with seven or more units and will take effect on July 1.

Approved unanimously, the inclusionary housing ordinance, will require projects of seven units or more to have a certain percentage set aside for low and moderate income residents.

The ordinance contains the following:

10% of affected housing projects must be reserved for moderate-income residents.

For rental properties, 15% of units will be restricted, with 5% for very low-income and 10% for low-income tenants.

In Ventura County, moderate income for a family of four is $118,550 annually for the household. The low-income equivalent is $90,350 and very-low is $56,450.

Research conducted in The Netherlands has found that the maximum ceiling life span for a female is 115.7 years. For men, it is slightly lower at 114.1 years, but, even so, that’s a long time. Therefore, women will need to live alone for 1.6 years.

Six people are dead and another was wounded in a series of shootings in Tate County, Mississippi after a man opened fire on his ex-wife and potentially other family members. The suspect, Richard Dale Crum, 52, was arrested and is facing charges of first-degree murder in connection with the case. I doubt if he bought a gun to kill his ex-wife and 5 other family members.

A record 6,542 guns were intercepted at U.S. airports last year. Not at all surprising as more and more people are carrying guns.

Recently a friend asked me to buy cigarettes for them, I was out and about and heading to a liquor store. I bought 2 packs for over $22. Many people who smoke are spending at least $350.00 a month to support their habit. For that amount, you can buy a car.

Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.
~ From George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour

Dottie Lindsey celebrates 100 years

by Ross Williams

On March 8th Dottie Lindsey will be celebrating a milestone. Her 100th birthday. Dottie moved about the living room adjusting the curtains to get the lighting just right. For a person about to turn 100 she has a lot of pep to her step and a wit to match.

“I’m one of those Dust Bowl people” Dottie said as a matter of fact. In 1936 in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl Dottie’s father owned a soda shop. It was called the Pine Palace and it was made of half logs, equipped with a soda fountain and sandwich counter. “He made the most gorgeous banana splits that you have ever seen.” Dottie says with a grin. “And at night they would have dancing and serve 3.2 beer. It was a wonderful place.”

There deep in the heart of Baptist country many of the religious people in the area didn’t approve of the business or its “immoral atmosphere”. One late night the family received a phone call, their livelihood was on fire. Arson. With that, the family packed up all that they could fit in their car, sold off what they could, took the insurance money and moved out to California for a new beginning. The rest of their possessions were sent by rail but there was an accident on the railroad and the rest of their possessions never arrived. The trip to California was short lived as her father’s new business eventually failed and they once again returned to Oklahoma.

Just out of high school Dottie’s father passed away. With her mother at home with her younger brother and sister Dottie became the head of the household and went off to work. Dottie applied at J Paul Getty’s Spartan Aircraft just outside of Tulsa, settling for a job as a sheet metal worker and riveter when they didn’t have any open positions as secretary available. “Getty was a little guy, just about 5’5”. I had expected with all of his money and women for him to be much better looking than he was.” Dottie says with a matter of fact. One thing is clear, Dottie calls them how she sees them.

With the US now fully invested in World War II and moving operations into Africa, President Franklin D Roosevelt asked J Paul Getty to increase production and decrease rejections. With that, Dottie was one of those that Getty let go in the company shake up. Cashing in her last war bond, she gave her mother half and 20-year-old Dottie headed to Oklahoma City looking for opportunities. That’s where she met her husband George. They were married by Christmas. George was a California boy and they quickly moved out to San Francisco to start a life of their own.

Dottie and George came to Ventura in 1959. Back in those days, Ventura was a little town of well dressed people and wonderful weather. The laid back beach town vibe sat well with the Lindsey’s. They moved to the Eastside of Ventura, which at the time was unincorporated and Out in the country as she put it.” Dottie has always loved Ventura, “It was a nice place where we could take our two boys to the drive in, watch a movie and drink cokes.” Simple things.

George worked for the Controller’s office and Admiral at Point Mugu until his retirement. Dottie worked there as a secretary until hers. Dottie retired from Point Mugu after 22 years. “It was always exciting. I was kept busy and there was always an adventure.”

After retirement Dottie did a lot of volunteer work with Congressman Gallegly. Sitting in on quarterly breakfasts, she would often talk to him and jokingly say that both of her grandsons were in Jail. Her two grandsons are both deputies and started their careers in Ventura. Congressman Gallegly would smile and remark, “And doing a fine job of it from what I hear too!” George and Dottie did a lot of work over the years supporting the congressman.

George passed away 12 years ago and Dottie chuckles and sighs in deep remembrance as she talks about the past and present, family and friends, those that have come and gone and all of the experiences that make a life worth living. She had even had an autobiography that she was working on but it was lost at some point.

After our interview Dottie took me on a tour of her prized garden, showing off her collection of large and healthy orchids just ready to bloom. We picked oranges off of her tree with daughter Sandy. We looked over her collection of teapots and talked about the little details of life that give her joy. Painting, crafting, reading and all the things that make a life worth living.

Editor: If you are a senior (over 70-years), or know of one, who would like to share their retirement, or job, with us please let us know at [email protected].

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