From left to right: Olivas Adobe’s new board members: Member at large, Lila Basta; Member at large, Susan Muhrer; Secretary, Monica Shugart; Treasurer, Lisa Mirisola; VP, Marsha Brumana, President Mary Thompson, and DA Erik Nasarenko.

by Patricia Schallert

The Olivas Adobe in Ventura, California, features a unique installation that reflects the history and cultural significance of the site. The Adobe is a historic home built in the 1800s, and the Board of Directors installation ceremony often includes exhibits and displays related to the local Chumash Native American heritage, the Rancho period of California, and the everyday life of the families who lived there.

On December 4th, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, administered the oath of office to the new members of the Board of Directors for the 2025 Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters. Mary Thompson will once again serve as the President of the Board. DA Nasarenko welcomed all the guests, congratulated the new leadership, and expressed his admiration for those who stepped up to serve. He also conveyed his gratitude for the honor of participating in the swearing-in ceremony.

Everyone is new to their roles, while Mary Thompson brings a wealth of experience. She mentioned, “I served as president for three years during COVID and have been involved with the Adobe for years.” Mary began her journey at the Adobe 18 years ago, starting with pruning roses. She later progressed to decorating the Adobe during the various holidays and has now taken on the role of President of the Adobe Historical Interpreters once again.

Outgoing president Bob Sandler called the meeting to order and introduced Kathryn Dippong-Lawson, who is stepping down from her position as Ventura’s Olivas Adobe Site Supervisor. Kathryn has tirelessly worked to keep the adobe thriving alongside the docent and volunteer programs. Bob noted that she is particularly admired by the docents, especially during the challenging times of COVID. “During that period, when there was almost nothing happening, she focused on keeping the docent program alive, and she did an incredible job.” Kathryn has always been there to support the Adobe, ensuring that the city took care of the site and attending to its needs. After 30 years in this position, serving the community, Bob, on behalf of the Olivas Adobe Board, the docents and volunteers, expressed gratitude, stating, “It has been a privilege to work with her.”

On Sunday, December 11th, the public was invited to step back in time and experience the holiday season as it was celebrated in the late 19th century during a candlelight tour of the City of Ventura’s historic Olivas Adobe. The Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, dressed in period costumes, guided guests through the house, which was adorned with various holiday traditions, while also presenting entertaining historical skits. The event was a sell-out success.

The Democratic Club of Ventura met on November 20th, with Professor Tim Allison highlighting election challenges, progress, and California’s role in driving change. Image by Patricia Schallert

by Patricia Schallert

The Democratic Party is like a lively family reunion—spirited debates over issues as trivial as pineapple on pizza or as serious as taxation. Despite differences, members ultimately come together, as they did at the Democratic Club of Ventura’s meeting on November 20th at Foster Library. The evening was filled with reflection, gratitude, and determination to navigate the challenging political landscape ahead.

A highlight of the event was guest speaker Professor Tim Allison, a seasoned labor leader and professor at CSU Channel Islands, whose presentation, “Grim Realities and Silver Linings,” struck a balance between sobering truths and hope for progress. Allison discussed the November 5th election results, including Donald Trump’s victory in battleground states and the Republican Party’s slim control of both the Senate and House. However, he emphasized that these challenges present opportunities for Democrats to regroup and push forward.

Newly elected city council and school board members, including Doug Halter (District 2), Ryyn Schumacher (District 3), and Mario “Alex” Mangone (District 7), expressed gratitude for the club’s support and commitment to a shared vision for the future.

Allison touched on key issues shaping the political landscape:

• Demographic Shifts: California remains a blue stronghold, driven by urbanization and progressive values like environmental protection and social justice. Latino voters have become a powerful force, prioritizing immigration reform and economic opportunity, while targeted efforts are needed to re-engage Black voters who face systemic barriers.
• Gender Gaps: Women, particularly college-educated voters, continue to favor Democratic candidates, driven by reproductive rights and equity issues. Allison praised Vice President Kamala Harris’s focus on education and gender equity as vital steps toward empowering women.
• Labor Influence: Workers’ rights played a significant role in recent elections, with younger voters championing unionization and stronger protections. Harris’s advocacy for fair wages and job security resonated with union members and working-class families.

Despite the election’s setbacks, progress was made in areas like marriage equality, with California removing discriminatory language from its constitution and standing firm on protecting same-sex marriage rights. Ventura County also made history by electing an all-women board in the Oxnard School District, a milestone for educational leadership and equity.

Allison remains optimistic about California’s role as a “Voice of Resistance.” Citing conversations with Attorney General Rob Bonta, he reiterated the state’s commitment to justice, corporate accountability, and environmental reform.

“History shows that the moral arc bends toward justice, but the path is rarely straight,” Allison reminded attendees. While the journey ahead is challenging, the Democratic Club of Ventura is poised to forge ahead, turning grim realities into silver linings.

Uh-oh! The Grinch has been spotted in Ventura—better guard your gifts! Image by Vivienne Brown.

Outdoor ice-skating returns to Pacific View Mall for the first time since 2016.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with an activity the whole family can enjoy! Whether you’re gliding across the ice, sipping hot chocolate while watching the skaters, or shopping in the mall while the kids have fun on the rink, it’s a win for everyone. Join the community in showing support and gratitude to Ventura On Ice for bringing back holiday ice skating for the first time since 2016. The rink is open now through January 5, 2025, at the main entrance of the Mall. For more details, visit www.venturaonice.com.