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Skyler Knight accomplished the improbable

34 and 30 points in back to back wins by junior guard. Photo by Lyn Golden 

by Tom Marshall

Steph Curry has two game stretches like this. High School players dream of one game like this in their career. 34 points in a tightly contested varsity girls basketball game is a respectable point total for a team. There’s only 32 minutes in these games and defense at the high school level is suffocating. Skyler Knight accomplished the improbable.

The Ventura High School junior guard poured in 34 and 30 points in back to back wins over Oxnard and Dos Pueblos. She pulled off this offensive feat while playing her brand of smart, relentless defense. Skyler set the Ventura High single game record for 3 pointers in the game at Oxnard High with eight behind the arc buckets. Her team needed both wins to lock up the league championship and she delivered the goods. Two road games in three days. 64 points in 64 minutes of competitive late season high school basketball.

The vibe inside the Oxnard High gym during Ventura’s 63-57 win reached Christmas morning as a 6-year-old levels. Both squads refused to give in and the crowd could feel the collective desire to win. “Setting the VHS single game record for 3s in that win is my favorite moment playing basketball,” Skyler said. That exciting win could only be celebrated for an evening as the team had to prepare for a trip up the coast and a game against Dos Pueblos 2 days later. A win there would lock up the league title for the Cougars. Skyler dropped 30 points for an encore in a 57-42 win.

Clutch is an overused word when describing athletic achievements. It implies an athlete has ice in their veins or doesn’t and disregards the work an individual must put in to have the confidence and will to take the big shots. “Repetition and hard work give me confidence during games. There is always room to improve,” Ventura’s points leader said. Shooters shoot is another phrase that is often overused and misunderstood. Players need to feel their coach’s support and confidence in them. “I missed my first 5 shots in a game and Coach Larson told me to keep shooting,” recalled Skyler. Hard work and repetition builds confidence. A coach’s unwavering support, confidence, and an excitable crowd during a tight game will bring out clutch moments in the great ones.

Every high school athlete dreams up an ideal athletic senior year by the end of their freshman year. Skyler’s response didn’t surprise me but it did offer insight into her team first mentality, “My ideal senior year includes going undefeated in league, maintaining and improving our great team relationship, and a few offers to play college basketball.” There’s wisdom in that statement. Winning teams always have good players but the most talented team doesn’t always win. The best team wins.

Ventura fielded a relatively young team this season and should be a major force next year. Skyler Knight has another year to go in her Ventura High basketball career but she has already left her mark on the school’s record books.

Shell-Ebrate all things mermaid

A tail of a good time awaits you.

A tail of a good time awaits mermaids and mermen as they return to the sea for the 8th Annual “March Is Mermaid Month” at Ventura Harbor Village, a mer-mazing, month-long celebration. All events are free to the public with the exception of vendor activities, dining, and retail merchandise.

Visitors across all oceans can meet to enjoy a myriad of mermaid activities. Kicking off Mermaid Month is a Kid’s Free Scavenger Hunt, which runs from March 1-March 31, 2023. Pick up the scavenger hunt sheets at the Mermaid Gallery, which houses original mermaid art and tons of mermaid merchandise in Ventura Harbor Village, and return for special prizes. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive mermaid attire.

Taking center stage is a series of ocean-spired special events and live mermaid meet and greets scheduled on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday March 19 from noon to 3pm (weather permitting). Lovers of the sea can revel in seaside fun, including interactive booths, a mermaid craft station for kids, chalk art, mermaid dance party, live entertainment, and more! Vendors will showcase their skills for visitors including face painting and exotic bird photo ops on March 4 and 19, and glitter tattoo and hair braiding on March 19.

On both March 4 and 19, members of Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter will be present at an interactive booth to share tips and information about keeping the oceans clean. On March 19, prior to the special event, beach lovers of all ages can also participate in the Surfrider Foundation’s family-friendly beach clean-up at Harbor Cove Beach, Surfers Knoll Beach, and Harbor beaches.

In addition, kids will delight in a mermaid craft station on both March 4 and 19 presented by Las Posas Children’s Center (LPCC) Inc., which operates school aged childcare centers on six campuses in Ventura Unified School District, creating a joyous atmosphere for children.

Visitors can view the wonderful artistry of Lysa Ashley as she creates mesmerizing mermaid art in front of Le Petit Café & Bakery on March 19 and catch Village makers with themed-crafted items.

DJ Darla Bea will put her own spin on Mermaid Month with a lively dance party on March 4 and 19. Come dressed up in sea-inspired attire for a family-fun dance party. Show off fin-tastic moves for a chance to win bubble wands and more! A walking mermaid will lead kids in fun activities from noon- 3pm.

Sway to the live tropical tunes of Anacapa Ukulele, local ukulele musicians who will perform along the Village’s Seaside Promenade on March 4 from noon- 3pm. Also, plan to bask in the sunshine with the melodic tunes of steel drums on Saturdays (March 4, 11, 18th and 25 from noon – 3pm) along the Village’s Seaside Promenade.

Kids can go in search of sirens(aka mermaids) in the sea! Climb aboard the pirate ship to look for mermaids below and then slide down to climb up again! Free kid’s activity on the Village Main Lawn on Saturday, March 4 from noon- 3 pm, next to Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room. And again, on Sunday, March 19 from 1- 4 pm.  (weather pending).

Firefighter spouses representing six local fire departments came together for a daylong course on Peer Support for Spouses.

During the day, the spouses acquired supportive skills designed to help them assist their fellow fire families who are experiencing a variety of life-crisis situations, and who may feel most comfortable talking to someone that has “been there”, understands the fire service family life, and stands with them as a family on the frontline.   

The course was conducted by Tiffany Atalla, firefighter spouse and licensed marriage and family therapist with First Responder Wellness, and made possible by a grant from the Fire Family Foundation. 

Based on the positive response, Ventura Fire Foundation plans to schedule additional programming for firefighter spouses and children. 

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Trinity, a snuggly, happy, playful pup rescued from a shelter when my time was almost up. The shelter had me listed as tri-color for breed, but CARL thinks I might be Terrier X. When I grow up I may be small to medium sized (15 – 40 lbs).

In spite of a less-than-ideal start in life, I’m grateful to be in a fantastic foster home with a foster mom who has lots of experience with puppies!

Since I’m just a puppy, children in the home must be at least 6 years of age.
If you’re ready and able to give me a lifetime of love and wonderful memories, please fill out an application to meet me.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. [email protected]

Boomer is an affectionate 6-year-old pittie! Boomer loves leaning into humans for pets, curling up in small cozy spaces, and toys! As a pup, he never learned how to live with other cats or dogs, so would be best as the only animal in the home. Boomer loves people though and even knows “sit!” VCAS Boomer (A804722)
Pet Link: https://www.vcas.us/viewan-2/?ida=A804722

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – As I See It

Ventura art is alive and well. This is our first issue with a full page covering the Ventura Art Scene. We always have a full page of the Ventura Music Scene. For a city of our size we have some wonderful talent here.

Akbar Alikhan has been appointed as interim Ventura city manager. The City Council unanimously approved his contract, and he will earn about $249,000 a year. A permanent appointment it is expected to take about 6 months. He was hired as assistant city manager in June, 2019.

The city manager is like the CEO of a large corporation. He basically runs the city. The city council hires the city manager and city attorney (and can fire them).

A Michigan man has been sentenced for assaulting law enforcement officers and inflicting bodily injury during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Justin Jersey, 32, of Flint, was sentenced to 51 months in prison. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered 36 months of supervised release and restitution of $ 32,165.65. Good, I hope we continue to convict all of the people who tried to destroy our democracy, no matter who they may be.

Pope Francis was backed by the ceremonial head of the Anglican Communion and the top Presbyterian minister in calling for gays to be welcomed by their churches as he again decried laws that criminalize homosexuality as unjust. The three Christian leaders spoke on LGBTQ rights during an unprecedented joint airborne news conference. I certainly hope this helps change the attitude of those who oppose people who are not the same as them based upon their interpretation of the bible.

I was impressed with Biden’s speech. Not even if I believe, or don’t believe in what he said, but in the manner in which he delivered his speech. Very forceful and well presented.

With an especially cold and wet winter, a temporary shelter program run by the city of Ventura and River Community Church needed a cash infusion to keep going. The city approved an additional $60,000 from the general fund to continue the effort through the end of March.

Now in its third year, the foul weather shelter plan, provides motel vouchers for homeless residents. It becomes available when temperatures drop below 45 degrees or when it rains.

The city used $25,000 of community development block grant money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to pay for this season’s operations. The program was launched because there was nowhere for homeless people to go when the weather turned bad.

The city reserves approximately 20 motel rooms in Ventura and gives priority to homeless people age 65 and older or who live with chronic health conditions. Rooms are located at Motel 6 on Harbor Boulevard and three sites on Main Street: Bayshore Inn, Loop Motor Lodge and Mission Bell.

To get a voucher when the program is activated, people must stand in line from 5-6 p.m. at River Community Church. The church is located at 859 E. Santa Clara St. The voucher includes a room and three meals a day.

On the government’s 1099 form (that comes in 4 parts), it says “Do Not Cut or Separate Forms on This Page” even though the pages need to be separated to send to recipients. I hope I don’t go to jail for separating the pages.

The second day of a diet is always easier than the first.
By the second day you’re off of it.
~ Jackie Gleason

Chamber ribbon cutting at Cynthia Bullard Photography.

Photo by Michael Gordon

The Chamber held a ribbon cutting at Cynthia Bullard Photography.
Located just off Market Street and Goodyear Ave. at 1891 Goodyear Ave, #607.

“I know that you have options in choosing the photographer that perfectly suits your needs. I strive to make your experience with me a remarkable one.I have been photographing in and around Ventura County for well over 30 years.”

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine
Decisions Come With A Price

Santa Paula Theatre Center’s 2023 season promises myriad opportunities to reflect on life-changing occurrences, starting with The Children by Lucy Kirkwood, now on the main stage. A multiple award nominee, the play offers a deep and thought-provoking look at possibilities after a disaster with far-reaching effects. For a serious subject, there are quite a few truly humorous moments interlaced, which offer a welcome relief from what could easily be a heart-stopping situation not outside the realm of possibility.

Imagine a disastrous event occurring at a nearby nuclear plant that causes wide-spread consequences. Now imagine you are a retired nuclear scientist grappling with a full understanding of the situation and yet the all-too-human desire to protect oneself and one’s family in an insular way. Your altered life is now shattered by a prior co-worker’s request to step away from comfort for the greater good. What do you do? How do you weigh your needs with the needs of many others?

The Children, directed by Santa Paula Theatre Center Artistic Director Jessi May Stevenson, is a masterful piece of theater brought to life by three extraordinary actors. Leslie Upson appears as Hazel, a retiree acclimating slowly to a new way of life. John Webber is her husband Robin (the two are married in “real life”), also a retired scientist, who goes to great lengths to adjust and protect Hazel from some hurtful realities. Their world is upended by Tracy Hudak as Rose, a fellow scientist, former co-worker (and more), who appears on their doorstep after a 30-year absence with what is ultimately discovered to be a life-changing request.

The three are a force to behold, drawing the audience in from the first moments. We laugh with them, feel their inner struggles, hurt with them over the turns their lives have taken, and ache with them for the weight of their future.

The staging is tightly choreographed to allow unencumbered movement in a small space. This cast is near perfection in their portrayals. Timing is paced well. Subtleties in the background are spot-on, and each of the three actors gives a strong, compelling performance.

I left the theater with a profound sense of obligation to think deeply about my priorities and pondering what would I do if I were able to make a difference on this huge a scale.
SPTC’s season will continue with a series of plays that will delve into a plethora of human situations which pose emotional challenges for consideration. If you are not already a season subscriber, I highly recommend this season as a time to become one.

In addition to the main stage productions, there are concerts, backstage readings and opportunities to witness works in progress. The Santa Paula Theatre Center offers a wide range of stagings to suit many varied interests. Check the website often for current offerings and updates.

www.santapaulatheatercenter.org or (805) 525-4645.

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
The Woman King – Netflix

4 out of 4 palm trees

“The Woman King” is based on incredible true events from the 1800s involving an all-female elite force of warriors known as the Agojie that guarded the African Kingdom of Dahomey. A new young king Ghezo (John Boyega), had just taken power. Their enemy, the Oyo Empire joined forces with the Mahi people to raid Dahomey villages and sell their captives to European slavers. The powerful Oyo was led by General Oba Ade (Jimmy Odukoya) and had new guns and horses, but King Ghezo had his own fearsome weapon: the Agojie led by General Nanisca (Viola Davis).

In the Kingdom of Dahomey, the Agojie were respected and revered and the Dahomey people were not aloud to look upon them, rather bow their heads in honor of their service to the king and kingdom. They lived in their own palace, where men were never allowed, where they trained and lived comfortably among each other thriving on traditions of dance and culture in a world set apart. They trained in hand-to-hand combat, using knives, machetes and spears as well as some limited use of ball and musket firearms.

In order to fight with the Agojie, young women from the Dahomey and those captured in raids from other villages were offered the opportunity to train and had to past a final test in front of the king at the palace. A young girl named Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) was dropped off at the palace after her father tried several times unsuccessfully to wed her off to older men. Nawi was stubborn and always questioned authority, but was taken under the wing of Izogie (Lashana Lynch) who tried to keep her out of trouble and in good graces with General Nanisca.

Nawi was first to complete the brutal challenges of the final test and caught the eye of the king as well as recognition from Nanisca. Nawi had a chance opportunity to speak with Nanisca alone, who explained the she was only trying to keep Nawi safe and from harm with her harsh rule. Nanisca noticed that Nawi had a scar on her left shoulder and was very taken back. Many years before Nanisca was captured and raped repeatedly by Oba and his men and ended up pregnant. She hid her pregnancy, had a baby girl and Agojie warrior took her away after she was born.

Unknown to anyone else Nanisca had made a small cut on the baby’s shoulder and placed a small shark tooth inside to always be able to recognize it was her if their paths ever crossed again. Nawi was shocked when she was able to pull a small shark tooth from her scar and felt terrible for what she represented to Nanisca, but Nanisca said she had nothing to do with the terrible experiences of her past. This however, was another reason why Nanisca wanted to end General Oba and soon after the Agojie along with male warriors ambushed the Oyo camp.

Nanisca was unable to find Oba during the battle, and the Oyo ended up retreating having been overcome by the Agojie. Nawi was no where to be found once it ended, so Nanisca returned to Dahomey believing she had been killed in the battle. Nawi had been knocked unconscious and was captured with several other Agojie and had been loaded on a wagon to be taken to the slave port for sale by Oba. One of the Agojie was able to escape and went back to Dahomey to tell Nanisca what had happened.

King Ghezo had just appointed Nanisca as the Woman King, and was going to host a celebration to announce it to the kingdom, so forbid her to go and try to rescue Nawi. Though recently discovered, Nanisca’s family bonds were strong, so she defied his command and set out with others who volunteered to go to the slave port and rescue Nawi and the others.

Runtime 2h 15m