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Channel Islands Choral Association Plans a Year of ‘Turning the Lights Back On’

Channel Islands Choral Association (CICA) Is inviting CSUCI students, faculty/staff, alumni, community members, and, in a project called, Project: Lights On, area highschoolers to audition and participate in their 2022-23 concert season.

“Walk onto many area high school campuses and ask to see their choir room. I think you will get some strange looks,” says CICA President, Dean Butler. CICA is hoping that Project: Lights On will reenergize high school choral singing by giving highschoolers the opportunity to perform with the university and a professional orchestra.

Dr. KuanFen Liu, Associate Professor of Music at CSUCI, currently serves as CICA’s Artistic Director. “It was encouraging to see so many highschoolers sharing the stage with us at our Carnegie Hall performance” says Dr. Liu. “I believe that this was an extraordinary, positive experience for them.”

CICA has planned an multigenerational concert season. “De Colores, A Choral Celebration of Colors & Cultures,” a concert highlighting multicultural choral compositions, will be performed on December 2 and 4.

In April, CICA along with the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, will present their annual Choral Spectacular! “I have chosen music for this performance with the young student voice in mind,” says Dr. Liu. “Highschoolers will be able to have their own chance to sing a prepared piece, a combined piece, and then a grand finale piece with the added excitement of a full symphonic orchestra.” Dates for the Choral Spectacular! are April 22 & 23, 2023. A full performance of Dan Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo” will be featured at the concert.

For non-registered CSUCI students, auditions are now underway. We especially encourage area high school students and CSUCI faculty, staff, alumni and community members to join us. For more information or to schedule an audition, please contact Dr. KuanFen Liu at [email protected] or visit cicachoir.org.

Channel Islands National Park receives funding to restore well site

Channel Islands National Park has received $1.43 million to remove and remediate a derelict well site near Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island. The funding includes removing the dilapidated infrastructure and associated debris, as well as sealing and restoring the site.

This funding is a portion of the approximately $9.8 million The National Park Service received from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug, remediate, and reclaim abandoned oil and gas well sites in seven national parks. Overall, bureaus within the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture will address 277 high-priority wells that pose threats to human health and safety, the climate, wildlife, and natural resources.

“Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enables us to tackle legacy pollution issues caused by past extraction activities in national parks,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. “Closing and reclaiming abandoned oil and gas wells will alleviate these environmental hazards that jeopardize health and safety by contaminating groundwater, emitting noxious gases, and littering the landscape.”

Additional information on other NPS projects funded through this legislation can be found at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/bil-wells-2022.htm

Vol. 15, No. 24 – Aug 24 – Sept 6, 2022 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Thumper, a shy 7-year-old Miniature Poodle X that was found on a trail in Simi Valley. I was adopted from Animal Services by someone who unfortunately discovered he was allergic to me.

I’m super sweet and just want to cuddle all the time with my people. I will stick to you like glue, especially on walks. I’m house-trained and seem to know a few commands like sit, stay and come here.

I am very shy around other dogs and cats, but not aggressive. I was found with a stray Pug who was my best bud––so I’ll warm up to furry friends if I can get to know them gradually.

People call me Thumper because my tail shakes very vigorously, thumping loudly against any walls, floors and surfaces nearby.

If you’re interested in meeting me, please fill out an online application.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Meet Lobo. He’s a cuddly and happy 9-year-old Husky mix. He’s a staff and volunteer favorite! He loves people and has lived in a home with other dogs. He’s house-trained and loves to cuddle. He’ll follow you around the house to see what you’re doing, then take a nap in his bed. He loves to play ball and going for walks around the neighborhood.

If you’d like to meet Lobo, schedule an appointment at https://www.vcas.us/adopt or come down to the Camarillo Shelter during normal Adoption Hours of 1:00pm – 6:00pm Tuesday – Sunday. If you have questions, please contact us at (805) 388-4341 or [email protected].

Kennel: 001

Garden Club donates beautification project funds to Dudley House

Kara Smith presents funds to Louise Oseguera, VCGC President, Jan and Bruce Hunter , Kara Smith and Christine Gallagher, VCGC Secretary.

Ventura’s Dudley Historic House Museum was happy to receive a generous check from Kara Smith of the Ventura County Garden Club. “The Ventura County Garden Club awards funds for a beautification project each year to one of the communities represented by its membership,” said Smith during the presentation on June 5th to Dudley House garden committee members Jan and Bruce Hunter.

This money will be used specifically for the “Miriam’s Garden” area of the grounds, named for the last Dudley House resident who, along with daughter Johanna, donated the historic 1892 residence to the City of Ventura in 1977 to function as a museum. Plans for the charming picket-fence-enclosed garden are the addition of plants and flowers as well as paver paths and benches.

Says Smith, “The Ventura County Garden Club is pleased to join the Dudley House in making our community beautiful together.”
The museum’s grounds are always open to the public who are invited to visit and watch the progress. It is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood). Museum tours are given every first Sunday 1-4 and for groups by appointment. For more information and a virtual tour visit www.dudleyhouse.org.

County staff to clean graffiti

Recently, Supervisor Matt LaVere (ex Ventura city council member) led a group of County staff to clean up graffiti in Moon Ditch near the Ventura Auto Center. LaVere and his crew spent the day cleaning up the graffiti that has covered Moon Ditch It was a hands-on effort to remove the graffiti which was an eyesore and visible along the 101 heading south, and directly impacted the Ventura Auto Center.

The City of Ventura is committed to promptly removing graffiti from public areas. Please report graffiti to the graffiti hotline at 805-654-7805. The line is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Mechanics Bank commits $100,000 to Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation

The generous gift will fund the purchase of an advanced C-arm.

Community Memorial Health System is proud to announce that Mechanics Bank has committed $100,000 in funding to the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the programs and services of Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura.

The generous gift will fund the purchase of an advanced C-arm – a mobile imaging unit used during procedures to capture, store, and transmit images – for Community Memorial Hospital’s Gastrointestinal (GI) Lab and Ambulatory Surgery Center. The addition of this new, dedicated unit will enhance care, efficiencies, and overall patient experience for those undergoing GI procedures or same-day surgeries.

“We are incredibly grateful to Mechanics Bank for their generosity in funding the purchase of a new, mobile C-arm unit at Community Memorial Hospital,” said Adam Thunell, Community Memorial Health System’s Senior Vice President of Operations. “As patient numbers continue to rise, the versatility, speed, and ease-of-use of the new C-arm will allow us to treat more people in our community while maintaining the exceptional level of patient care Community Memorial is known for.”

Mechanics Bank has a rich history of supporting organizations that improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. Through employee volunteerism, affordable housing projects, financial literacy programs, career development efforts and philanthropic gifts, the California-based bank strives to understand and address the needs of its communities across the state.

“As patient demand grows, so too does the need for expanding upon a quality healthcare system with robust capabilities,” said Tony Kallingal, Chief Banking Officer of Mechanics Bank. “We could not be happier or more proud to support Community Memorial Hospital and their incredible focus on the well-being and vitality of residents throughout Ventura County.”

In early 2022, Mechanics Bank was named one of “America’s Best Banks” by Forbes, securing its spot on the highly-regarded list for the second consecutive year. With six branches in west Ventura County, the growing financial institution looks forward to continuing its support of Community Memorial Health System in its mission to heal, comfort, and promote health in the communities it serves.

Vol. 15, No. 24 – Aug 24 – Sept 6, 2022 – Ojai News & Events

Looking for warm-hearted comedy relief during the dog days of summer? Ojai ACT has Just the Ticket for you. From the pen of prolific playwright Peter Quilter, Just the Ticket is a joyful and ingenious one-woman show starring Ojai actress Lynn Van Emmerik, directed by Tom Eubanks.

Just the Ticket runs through Sunday, September 4. Performance times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. General admission is $20, $18 for students, seniors, and Art Center members. For more information and group sales call 805-640-8797.

Local author Tamara Davis will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Saturday, September 10, to speak about her book, Despite the Buzz. Despite the Buzz is a colorful cautionary tale concerning tech’s toll upon learning, relationships, safety, and wellbeing. The paperback was locally designed and published in Ojai.

The artful story is educational and exciting! A new high school teacher raises awareness about screen use inside her Reflective Writing classroom, but she doesn’t realize the danger lurking.

schools of thought. The realistic and romantic fiction is recommended for readers over 14 years of age. For more info, please refer to despitethebuzz.com.

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.

Forget fighting the beach crowds. Come to serene Ojai for a relaxing afternoon of smooth jazz with Grammy-winning performers on Saturday, August 27, 2 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center. Don’t miss this chance to experience the unique musical blend of Gregg Karukas, Thom Rotella, and Tyler Hammond. Doors open at 1 p.m.. Tickets cost $25 online and $25 at the door. No refunds. Questions? Call: 805-746-0936

Ojai Performing Arts Theater Holds Audition For A Grand Night

“We’re looking for strong singers who can respect and deliver on the incredible songs in a revue we’re calling ‘A Grand Night for Ojai: the Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein.”

Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sonshine Room of the Ojai Presbyterian Church, 304 N. Foothill Rd.

Actors are asked to bring sheet music for a song that will demonstrate range and comfort with musical material. Call Stuart Crowner for an audition appointment at (805) 646-9277.

Vol. 15, No. 24 – Aug 24 – Sept 6, 2022 – Music Calendar

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

Aloha Beach Festival
Promenade Park, Ventura
Sat 9/3: Warren Takahashi, Free Love Project, Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes, Morie & the Heavy Hitters
Sun 9/4: Warren Takahashi, Jill Martini & the Shrunken Heads, Keyth & the Universouls, The Question, Rising Son

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam

Café Fiore
66 California Street, Ventura
Wed 8/24: Donna Butler
Fri 8/26: Rick Whitfield
Sat 8/27: Otis Hayes
Sun 8/28: Urban Dread
Wed 8/31: David Patt
Sun 9/4: Free Love Project

Channel Islands Harbor
3600 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Free concert – 4-6 pm
8/27: Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers
9/3: Ignition

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 8/26: Johnny and the Love Handles
Sat 8/27: Fantastic Diamond
Sun 8/28: Moxey Raven Band
Fri 9/2: Oleander Falls
Sat 9/3: Katie Shorey

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet

Copper Blues
The Collection, Oxnard
Fri 8/26: Raw Honey
Sat 8/27: Fallen Saints

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai
Fri 9/2: The Late Knights
Sat 9/3: Devon Thompson

El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sat 9/3: The Robot Uprising, Out of Trust, RAW

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 8/26: Inna Rude Mood
Sun 8/28: Déjà vu Three
Fri 9/2: Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Sat 8/27: Emily Coupe with full band

The Grape
2833 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays Jazz Jam
Wed 8/24: Nick Gomez Trio with Teryn Re
Thurs 8/25: Water Seed
Fri 8/26: Barrehouse Wailers
Sat 8/27: Doug Webb and Friends
Mon 8/29: Derek Sherinian – Simon Phillips (two shows)
Wed 8/31: Jazz Quartet
Fri 9/2: the Guil Juliao Quartet
Sat 9/3: Doug Webb Group feat. Danny Carey of Tool

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Sat 8/27: Breaking Bored

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 8/25: Andrew Hart
Fri 8/26: Jayden Secor
Sat 8/27: Animo Cruz
Sun 8/28: Spring Loaded

Libbey Bowl
210 Signal St., Ojai
Sat 8/24: Michael Feinstein
Sun 8/28: Tuxedo Junction Jazz Band
Sun 9/4: Starship feat. Mickey Thomas

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri & Sat 8-11 pm; Sun 5-8 pm
Fri 8/26: Colette Lovejoy Band
Sat 8/27: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 8/28: CRV
Fri 9/2: Whiskey Business
Sat 9/3: Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 9/4: DRB – Doc Rogers Band

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak Street, Ventura
Sat 9/3: Esteban Ramirez

Ojai Underground
616 Pearl Street, Ojai
Fri 9/2: Nathan McEuen
Sat 9/3: Little Days

Poseidon Brewing
5777 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura
Sat 8/27: Zeke Berkley
Sat 9/3: Dean & Lisa

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 8/26: Operation 90s
Sat 8/27: Rewind (5 pm); Free Love Project (8 pm)
Sun 8/28: Karen Eden
Fri 9/2: Jayden Secor
Sat 9/3: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 9/4: Mack & D

Spencer Makenzie’s Music Festival
Ventura Fairgrounds Parking Lot
Fri 8/26: A.D.D.
Sat 8/27: Mandex, Sunny Lefurd
Sun 8/28: Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Rey Fresco

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Wednesdays: Americana Night
Thursdays: LA Jazz Connection
Fri 8/26: Littlefish
Sat 8/27: Dive Bar Steve (2 pm); Guy Martin Band (8 pm)
Sun 8/28: 80R2D (12:30 pm); Aaron Burch (5 pm)

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 8/25: Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners (sold out)
Sat 8/27: She Wants Revenge
Sun 8/28: Switchfoot
Tues 8/30: Jerry paper,
Fri 9/2: Jesse Daniel
Sat 9/3: Cubensis

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Saturdays: Smitty and Julia and Friends
Sundays: Austin Vallejo

Water’s Edge
1510 Anchor’s Way Dr., Ventura
Sun 8/28: Dean & Lisa

Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar
3500 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 8/28: Sean & Colin

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 8/25: Blown Over
Fri 8/26: Steve and Sally Williams
Sun 8/28: Jayden Secor
Fri 9/2: Cinnamon Whiskey
Sat 9/3: McGuire/Moffet Band
Sun 9/4: Brandon Ragan Project
Tues 9/6: Open Mic w/ Jenna Rose

Enjoying Music Under The Stars

Enjoying Music Under The Stars at the Olivas Adobe were Joanne and Jim Abing, Royce Hill, John Perram, Monica Stanley and docent president (and Breeze staff member)Mary Thompson. Some acted as hostess, assisted fans with seating, sold goods at the docent cantina, gave tours during half-time, and dressed up to represent and educate patrons about the Olivas family, their historical Adobe, and the rancho period of California history.