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SEEAG Hosts Earth Day Plantopia “U-Pick Your Garden” Fundraiser

A perfect opportunity to plant a garden and celebrate Earth Day.

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will host its 2nd annual Plantopia “U-Pick Your Garden” fundraiser to celebrate Earth Day. The event, held on Saturday, April 27, will raise funds to support SEEAG’s agricultural education programs where students learn about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Plantopia is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at two locations in Ventura County: Growing Works Nursery (1736 S. Lewis Rd., Camarillo) and SEEAG’s headquarters in Ventura Harbor (1575 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura). For a $35 donation, participants can select a combination of 12 small plants to fill two six-pack containers. Participants who order in advance can also select seedlings that produce vegetables that makeup three types of food specialty gardens: salsa garden, soup garden and salad garden. The organic seedlings are from Plantel Nurseries. Pre-order online and receive a free four-quart bag of Agromin’s potting soil.

Plantopia is also taking place at Refugio Ranch Tasting Room (2990 Grand Ave., Los Olivos) and Santa Barbara Eary Day Festival (Alameda Park, Santa Barbara).

“Plantopia is a perfect opportunity to plant a garden and celebrate Earth Day,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “It’s a great way to kick off Spring.”

For more information about SEEAG’s Plantopia and to select and reserve your plants, go to www.SEEAG.org/plantopia or pre-order directly through My805Tix.

Spring into action: Give blood with the Red Cross

Make an appointment now to help save lives during National Volunteer Month

During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help protect the blood supply by making and keeping blood donation appointments in the weeks ahead. Donors of all blood types – especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care this spring.

The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer blood donors to collect about 12,000 blood donations every single day. With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential in transfusion care. Blood drives and donation centers also depend on the generosity and valuable time of those who make it possible for the Red Cross to help people in need

Spring into action – book a time to give lifesaving blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give April 8-28, 2024, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered to win a $7,000 gift card. There will be two lucky winners. See RedCrossBlood.org/Spring for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 8-28

Ventura- 4/23/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

County of Ventura puts out call to older-adult artists for May exhibition

Artists must reside in Ventura County and be 60 years old or over.

May is Older Americans Month, and to celebrate the occasion, the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), Ventura County Arts Council (VCAC), and County of Ventura Arts & Culture will host an art exhibition of works created by the county’s older adults.

The exhibit will be held in the County of Ventura’s Hall of Administration Atrium Gallery (800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura). It will open on May 13, 2024, and run through June (closing date TBD).

The exhibition will aim to showcase the vibrant creativity and talent of artists ages 60 and older within our community through an open call. While there is no specific theme, artwork is encouraged that explores the sharing of experiences, traditions, customs, and stories across generations.

Entry Guidelines:

  • Only one entry per artist will be admitted.
  • Entries will not be accepted without registration.
  • Submissions will be reviewed and approved by the Ventura County Arts Council according to the County of Ventura’s art display guidelines.
  • Approved submissions will be provided with designated drop-off locations across the county.
  • Artists must reside in Ventura County and be 60 years old or over.

Important Dates:

  • Online registration is currently open and must be received by the deadline: Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
  • Artwork must be dropped off at pickup location by Friday, May 3, 2024.
  • Exhibition schedule: Monday, May 13 to June (closing date to be determined).

Artwork will be returned to the drop-off locations upon exhibit closing.

For online registration and complete entry guidelines, visit www.vcartscouncil.org.

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Ojai News & Events

Dance Ojai, a newly established dance arts organization, proudly announces the inaugural Ojai World Dance Festival, celebrating cultural diversity and artistic creativity. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, from 7-9 PM at the iconic Libbey Bowl in Ojai.

The Ojai World Dance Festival promises to be a mesmerizing evening of vibrant and magnetic multicultural dance performances featuring highly acclaimed artists from around southern California.

The festival will be accompanied by an eclectic mix of music, ranging from traditional rhythms to contemporary beats, adding an extra layer of energy and excitement to the performances. Whether it’s the infectious grooves of Bollywood or the pulsating rhythms of salsa, the music at the Ojai World Dance Festival will transport audiences on a journey around the world through sound and movement.

Join Dance Ojai for an unforgettable evening of celebration and unity at the Ojai World Dance Festival. Tickets are available online at www.OjaiDanceFestival.org.

For more information about Dance Ojai and the Ojai World Dance Festival, please visit www.DanceOjai.org or contact their team at [email protected].

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present a performance by Live-Looping Electric Cellist, Composer and Recording Artist Briana Tam on Sunday, April 21st at 3 pm.

Using her bare feet, her loop station, and her electric cello, Brianna Tam envelops listeners in her mesmerizing and dynamic symphonic realm while simultaneously capturing their hearts with her charming and charismatic personality.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at:

https://www.beatricewood.com/brianna_tam.htmlThe Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Upper Ojai.

Associate Professor of English Dr. Bob Mayberry will visit the Ojai Library at 6pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, to give a talk titled “Who Wrote Shakespeare?” This program is a part of the California State University, Channel Islands Library Lecture Series.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

A special program coming up at the Ojai Library. Local Ojai author Joseph M. Puglia will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Saturday, April 27, to give a talk titled “A Brief History of Westward Expansion from Thomas Jefferson through the Manifest Destiny.”

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Music Calendar

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

The Angry Ferret Brewery
11990 Hertz St., Moorpark
Sat 4/20: Moxy Raven
Sat 4/27: Delta by the Beach

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 4/17: Jerry Breiner
Sun 4/21: Psychedelic Summer
Wed 4/24: Déjà vu Too

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
8585 N. Ojai Rd., Ojai
Sun 4/21: Brianna Tam

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm ); Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Fri 4/19: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 4/20: Déjà vu Three
Sun 4/21: Epitome of Dreams
Fri 4/26: Mack and D
Sat 4/27: Bill Macpherson & Karen Eden
Sun 4/28: Ken Devoe

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night
Fri 4/26: Fido

Café Fiore
66 S. California St., Ventura
Wed 4/17: Edgar Thatcher
Fri 4/19: Instone
Sat 4/20: The Dirty Lowdown
Tues 4/23: Open Mic and Jam
Wed 4/24: Donna Greene
Fri 4/26: Otis Hayes
Tues 4/30: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 4/19: What the Funk
Sat 4/20: Whiskey Business
Sat 4/27: Buena Onda

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

The Collection, Park View Court
2751 Park View Ct., Oxnard
Tues 4/23: Lynnzee Fraye

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 4/19: Caught Red Handed
Sat 4/20: Stones vs Beatles
Fri 4/26: Del Franklin
Sat 4/27: Savor

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Fri 4/19: Radio Skies
Fri 4/26: Beau Red & the Taylor Maide
Sat 4/27: Radio Skies

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 4/20: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Sat 4/27: Kenny Devoe & Jamie Savko

DW’s Café
2855 Johnson Dr., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Urban Soul Band
Sat 4/20: Vanise Terry Trio
Sat 4/27: Bossman Music

El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sun 4/28: Electrik Love In

Enegren Brewing Company
444 Zachary St., Moorpark
Fri 4/19: Strummed Down

Feros Ferio Winery
310 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sun 4/28: Two Tossers

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 4/26: Ignition
Sun 4/28: Cuppa Joe Trio

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Zepp Heads
Sat 4/20: Nocturnal Drifters, Giner Merkin
Fri 4/26: Vanise Terry Band
Sat 4/27: Red Rhythm

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 4/3: RJ Mischo Blues Showcase feat. Fito de la Parra
Thurs 4/18: Jordan Leicht & Michael Gutierrez Quintet
Fri 4/19: Gregg Karukas
Sat 4/20: Jen Staves & the Bluzfish (2 pm); Barrelhouse Wailers (8 pm)
Wed 4/24: Brad Rabuchin, Allen Hinds
Thurs 4/25: Antonio Arteses West Coast Piano Trio
Fri 4/26: The Jive Aces
Sat 4/27: Debbie Davies (2 pm); Doug Webb feat. Danny Carey (8 pm)

The Hangar Bar and Grill
824 E. Santa Maria St., Santa Paula
Sat 4/27: Reina Coma Va

Institution Ale Company
3841 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo
Fri 4/26: Strummed Down

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 4/19: Pull the Trigger
Sat 4/20: Breaking Bored
Fri 4/26: The Balance

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Maclovia Band
Sat 4/20: Singular Nature
Sun 4/21: Van Allen Twins
Fri 4/26: Keyth G & the Universouls
Sat 4/27: The Heavy Hitters
Sun 4/28: I-Koustic

Libbey Bowl
210 S. Signal St., Ojai
Thurs 4/18: The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main St., Ventura
Music 1-4 pm
Sundays: In Stone

Lucky Fool’s Pub
75 E. High St., Moorpark
Fri 4/19: Natalie Wattre
Sat 4/20: Jayden Secor
Fri 4/26: Strummed Down
Sat 4/27: Doc Rogers Band

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Thurs 4/18: Candlelight, Tribute to Queen (6:30) Tribute to Taylor Swift (9 pm)
Sat 4/20: Maoli
Thurs 4/25: Slowdrive, Drab Majesty
Sun 4/28: Orchestral Rendition of Dr. Dre 2001

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 4/17: Warren Takahashi
Thursdays: Tom McMorran
Fri 4/19: Tour Support
Sat 4/20: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Wed 4/24: Robert Van
Fri 4/26: Lisa Ritner Trio
Sat 4/27: Tony Maddox Trio

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Divebar Steve & Friends
Sat 4/20: Brittney & the B-Sides
Sun 4/21: Corsican Brothers
Fri 4/26: Colette Lovejoy Band
Sat 4/27: Crosscut 805
Sun 4/28: CRV Band

Moofish Café (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Fridays & Saturdays 8-10: Dueling Pianos

M on High
255 E. High St., Moorpark
Thurs 4/18: Strummed Down

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 4/19: Body Farm, Romper, Slut Bomb, Livin’ Alive, Blackwater Sniper
Sat 4/20: Dr. Know, SOH, Goat Rhythm, Murauder
Sun 4/21: Teresa Russell
Sun 4/28: Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Bombafiya

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Thurs 4/18: Kray Van Kirk
Sat 4/20: Tommy Quayle’s Petty “Round the Campfire”
Fri 4/26: The Listening Room Redux Open Mic
Sun 4/28: Eli Cook

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 4/26: Nina Jo Smith w/ Donna Lynn Caskey

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 4/19: Olivia Willhite
Sat 4/20: Moondawgs
Fri 4/26: Shay Moulder
Sat 4/27: Nautical Thrust

Ojai Women’s Club
441 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sat 4/27: Andy Shauf

Onyx Bistro
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 4/19: Ray Jaurique
Sat 4/20: Jake Needham
Fri 4/26: Steve and Sally Williams
Sat 4/27: Tom Etchart’s Jazz Trio

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Fri 4/19: Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Band

Poseidon Brewing Company
5777 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Vinny Berry

Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri & Sat 7 pm; Sundays 2 pm
Fri 4/19: Three Rivers Band
Sat 4/20: Holgers Heroes
Sun 4/21: Doc Rogers acoustic
Fri 4/26: Operation 90s
Sat 4/27: Heathers on Fire
Sun 4/28: Teresa Russell

Ric’s Restaurant Sports Lounge
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support
Wed 4/17: Adam & Sam
Sat 4/20: Ignition

Rincon Brewery
4100 Telegraph Rd., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Looking West
Sat 4/20: The CocoKnots
Fri 4/26: Adrian Floy and THC

Salzer’s Records
5777 Valentine Rd., Ventura
Sun 4/21: Phil Collen acoustic in store performance

Sam’s Place
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Thurs 4/18: Open Mic and Jamboree
Fri 4/26: Whole Hog
Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Juan Dinero, RAW, Deadset

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Jake McClelland
Fri 4/19: The Bushwackers
Sat 4/20: Tommy Foytek Band
Sun 4/21: The Rawn Side of Town
Fri 4/26: Nuestro
Sat 4/27: Breaking Bored
Sun 4/28: Lil Bit of Everything

The Showroom
550 N. A St., Oxnard
Sat 4/20: Romper, Boy Girl, Crawdads, The Freebies

The Six
419 E. Main St., Ventura
Thurs 4/18: The Deal
Sat 4/20: One People
Sat 4/27: Dub Souljah

The Sportsman
4426 Central Ave., Camarillo
Sat 4/20: Los Amigos
Sun 4/28: Swing Shift

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sun 4/21: Holger’s Heroes
Sat 4/27: Adrian Floy and the Hearing Colors
Sun 4/28: Doc Rogers Band

Sundown Studio
651 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura
Sat 4/27: Covenhoven

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

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 4/18: Jah Standards
Sun 4/20: The Alligators, Shaky Feelin’, Hyryder
Sun 4/21: House Arrest
Fri 4/26: Lowered Expectations
Sun 4/28: Los Amigos

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Fri 4/19: Jayden Secor Band

Tierra Rejada Golf Club
15187 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Fri 4/19: The 805 Social Club

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays: Tuesday Blues Day w/ Hot Roux & guests
Wed 4/17: Dueling Pianos
Fri 4/19: Shaky Feelin’
Sat 4/20: Mike Butler (1 pm), Ben Bettes (4 pm); Pennies (8 pm)
Sun 4/21: Joe Delia (1 pm), Adam Lenhard (5 pm)
Sat 4/27: Jelly Bowl (1 pm), Morrison Dr (4 pm); Tortuga 26 (8 pm)
Sun 4/28: Nicole Sophia (1 pm), Mark Masson (5 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered Expectations
Wednesdays: The Jelly Jam Band
Wed 4/24: Django Djam (7 pm)
Fri 4/27: JD & the Family Stone
Sat 4/28: All-a-Blur, The Robot Uprising, 5th Street Saints

Ventura Harbor Village stage
1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sat 4/20: Jumpin’ Joz Band
Sun 4/21: The Blue Moon Boys
Sat 4/27: Cuppa-Joe
Sun 4/28: Razzberry Jam

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 4/18: Guttermouth, Buck O Nine, Das Klown, Sidekick
Fri 4/19: Steel Pulse
Sat 4/20: Chris Renzema
Sun 4/21: Lime Coriale
Wed 4/24: Israel Vibration & Roots Radics
Fri 4/26: Billy Nation
Tues 4/30: Together Pangea, Death Lens

Waterside
3500 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 4/19: Dr. Billi & Sumthen Else
Sat 4/20: Dave Blanchard
Sun 4/21: Tres CocoKnots
Thurs 4/25: Vinny Berry
Sat 4/27: Sheri & Merry
Sun 4/28: The Bushwacker

The White House
281 W. Main St., Ventura
Wed 4/17: The King of Queens

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 3 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 4/18: George & Michael
Fri 4/19: Cats on the Bandstand
Sat 4/20: The Corsican Brothers
Sun 4/21: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Thurs 4/25: Jellybowl
Fri 4/26: Four the on the Floor
Sat 4/27: Medicine Hat
Sun 4/28: Pull the Trigger

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B Street, Oxnard
Fri 4/26: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

BAA’s 35th Open Competition

Brand New Day, 2nd Place, BAA’s 34th Annual Open Competition, Lois Bloom.

Call for Entries Now Open! BAA’s 35th Open Competition
A juried show for members and non-members
Exhibiting May 4 – May 29, 2024 at Ojai Art Center
Call for entries is now open on “Entrythingy” on our website!
Deadline: Friday, April 19, midnight

We used to be able to say, ” Annual Open Competition” but the pandemic interfered with that! Our last Open Competition — our 34th Annual — was in 2020. It’s finally here again, not quite “annual” but greatly anticipated!

Awards:

First Place $500,Second Place $350,Third Place $250

Four Honorable Mentions at $100 ea.

All winners also receive a free one-year membership to BAA.

Juror: Chuck Kovacic. Find out more about him at https://cfkovacic.wixsite.com/chuckkovacicarts

Artist Eligibility: Artists must be 18 years or older and may submit up to three (3) works of art for consideration. Open to all professional and amateur artists in the United States. Shipping information given upon acceptance.

Deadline: Midnight, Friday, April 19, 2024. Notification of accepted work will be sent Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Andres Salazar exhibit at WAV Gallery

Andres Salazar is having an exhibit of his art work at the WAV Gallery (175 S. Ventura Ave.) with an opening reception on May 3, 6-9pm and on the weekends May 4-25th  from 1-4pm.

This exhibit dances with the raw energy of action painting and landscape expressionism.  Infused with movement and life, the canvas shows the process of making the art.  It is a journey of both spaces and emotions.  Each canvas serves as an open invitation, a playground where viewers can embark on their own journeys through the constellations of my shapes, forging their own connections and narratives. 

Andres has considered Ventura his home for the last 20 years, and is a resident of the WAV community.  Graduated at UCSB, he has always been involved in creative arts and worked in the graphic novel publishing industry. Story and art have always influenced his work and he brings that storytelling to the canvas using vibrant colors and dynamic shapes.

City of Ventura seeks public input on draft action plan

The City of Ventura invites public feedback on its draft action plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This federally funded initiative aims to address housing needs and serve low-income, homeless, and special-needs populations in Ventura.

“Community service groups play a vital role in fulfilling the spirit of intent with this funding, ensuring that those in need are provided with essential support and resources,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “These funds are instrumental in uplifting our community and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all residents.”

Through the CDBG program, nonprofits can secure funding for projects and programs that enhance neighborhoods, promote economic development, and address community needs. The draft 2024-2025 Action Plan outlines the City’s approach to align with the objectives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), focusing on providing adequate housing and fostering economic revitalization.

During the December 2023 to February 2024 application period, Ventura received nine applications requesting a total of $1.3 million in funding, a significant uptick from the typical annual allocation of just over $600,000. This competitive process underscores the community’s growing needs and the City’s commitment to allocate resources effectively.

The City encourages the public to share their viewpoints and recommendations during the review phase, with feedback accepted until April 26.

The upcoming City Council meeting on May 7, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. will discuss funding allocations for the 2024-2025 period under the CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and adopt the Annual Action and Funding Plan for submission to HUD.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the City’s funding decisions and plans by reviewing the draft Action Plan and application summaries available online and providing feedback during the 30-day comment period. Written communications may be submitted online at Cityofventura.ca.gov/publicinput.

To review the draft Action Plan and application summaries, visit the City’s website at Cityofventura.ca.gov/Community-Development-Grant-Programs.