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Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – Mailbox

Main Street Moves – Put to a Vote?

I believe the citizens of Ventura need to be given an opportunity to vote on continuing to close off Main Street downtown. I supported the effort to protect our business community during the pandemic; however, I do not believe the community intended for these mismatched blockades and the garage sale ambience that has lingered far too long to continue indefinitely.

Has the City Council inspected the access to E.P. Foster Library? Library patrons have been understanding and inconvenienced far too long. The vehicle exit requires patrons to go the wrong way up a steep incline over large, neglected potholes. Additionally, with the closure of Main Street the downtown is severely limited for the handicapped.

It seems long past time that we be given an opportunity to vote on reopening Main Street. Prioritizing a long term investment in a well-planned, architecturally pleasing renovation of the downtown commercial area would require that we also consider the poor condition of our roads and the backlog of infrastructure projects that would benefit all areas of our city.

Marianne Coffey
Ventura, CA

Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – As I See It

• I know I have said this before, but I will now be 100% retired from the Breeze and not 99.9%. This will be my last column on a regular basis. I might have something to say now and then but not every issue. It has been my pleasure communicating with you.

• A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a significant disparity between teenagers (aged 12 to 17) and their parents regarding the perceived adequacy of social and emotional support.

Only 28% of the teenagers said they always received the social and emotional support they needed, and 77% of their parents stated they always provided that support for them. This disparity is likely influenced by the way teenagers communicate today, primarily through smartphones and other digital devices. Such support cannot compare to face-to-face interactions, where one can look someone in the eyes, see their emotions, and perhaps even hold hands. A teenager said, “I just spoke to grandma.” “How did she sound?” “I don’t know we texted.”

• I hadn’t been to the mall in many years, so checked it out. It was not as dismal as I thought it would be. There were both large stores and small ones that had been closed. I don’t think any more so than other malls. Most of the restaurants in the food court were still open (I had sushi) and there is a kid’s play area there. There are two sit-down restaurants as you go into the mall, and if you go to the end of the mall you can go into Target. I think it’s a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours with or without your family.

• I have heard some folks complain about why Ventura should pay our police to work at the Fair. We don’t – this is from the City site; “Approve and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement with the 31st District Agriculture Association for security and traffic control services for the 2024 Ventura County Fair in an amount not-to-exceed $275,000.” In other words, these are off duty police who get paid by the Fair.

•In condemning our “open border” Trump has stated several times that countries are sending people from insane asylums to America. Sophisticated and intelligent people have not referred to facilities trying to help the mentally ill as insane asylums for many years. I certainly wish he would stop.

•Former Ventura City Manager Ed McCombs, who was responsible for securing the amazing building that is now City Hall, died June 28. He was 90. McCombs served the city from 1970-1981. He was able to secure a grant to acquire the old Ventura County courthouse and turn it into our city hall when the County moved to its new headquarters.

The building was originally built in 1912. Ventura could not have afforded to construct this wonderful structure. It is open to the public and is worth a visit to appreciate the building and to enjoy the large art collection that hangs throughout the building.

• May 2024 was the 12th straight month of record-warm temperatures for the planet. It’s the second-longest such streak on record. “It is shocking but not surprising that we have reached this 12-month streak,” said Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service stated. “There is no sign in sight of a change in such a trend.” Some question the fact that this is the result of human practices. The fact remains that we need to find a way to stop this trend before the earth becomes unlivable.

“Success in not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
~ Winston Churchill

Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednes 7/3 3:31am, monitoring sailing vessel “Obsession” broadcasting his position via VHF 16 due to dead calm winds, disabled engine and heavy “pea-soup” fog.

12:20pm, observed State Parks lifeguards conducting a multiple rescue of swimmers caught in a rip current at South Beach while aboard Rescue Boat 19.

6:20pm, received complaint from a skipper aboard a motor vessel that several sailboats are tacking back and forth near the #2 buoy in limited visibility from the fog. Advised the sailboats were participating in “Wet-Wednesday” race.
Thursday 7/4 5:30am, observed NWS issued a Small Craft Advisory for strong winds later.

9:31am, observed State Parks Lifeguards preparing for a holiday with doubled up lifeguard trucks and towers. Officers on patrol in vessels and vehicles to assist where necessary with preventative lifeguarding, rescues and medicals.

3:15pm, received request for a tow from the skipper of an electric boat secured on VHV I-dock. Officers responded in Fireboat, towed the vessel to rental dock.

7:45pm, received report of fireworks on VWM D-dock, vessel “No Drama.” Officers responded in the truck, contacted and issued warnings for the violation.

8-12am, officers observing and receiving reports of fireworks throughout the Harbor area, attempting to issue warnings for the violation, slow down violations

10:32pm, dispatched to a medical at local hotel, individual ingested too many THC gummies. Officers responded with AMR/VFD to assist the patient.
Friday 7/5 7:22am, observed fog with ¼ of a mile visibility, activated fog signal.

9-12pm, officers providing support for the State Parks Lifeguard junior guard swim around the pier aboard the Rescue Watercraft and the Fireboat.

10:00pm, contacting a group of juveniles gathered in the Surfers Knoll parking lot. Advised officers were closing the lot and beach fires are illegal.
Saturday 7/6 4:07am, received a report of a motor vessel in VYC taking on water. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19 and were able to dewater the vessel.

8:48am, dispatched to a medical on the commercial vessel Island Spirit. Officers responded with AMR/VFD to treat and assess the patient.

9:48am, dispatched to an overdose in the 1449 Spinnaker parking lot. Officers responded with AMR/VFD to treat and assess the patient.

11:20am, observed a small boat improperly anchored in the sandtrap. Officers on patrol on Rescue Watercraft educated the skipper with proper technique.

5:29pm, dispatched to a fall at 1449 Spinnaker dr. Officers responded with AMR/VFD to assist with assessment and treatment.
Sunday 7/7 8-3pm, patrol officers conducting training of newly hired Marine Safety Officers. Training including deck hand skills, towing and patrol operations.

5:00pm, dispatched to a still alarm, traffic accident on Spinnaker Dr, near Surfers Knoll. Officers assisted victims, no injuries were sustained by victims.

7:00pm, observed thick heavy fog, ¼ mile visibility. Activated fog signal.
Monday 7/8 11:50am, observed TowBoat US towing a panga from County Line with considerable water intrusion. Officers assisted with dewatering and trailering.

The About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

The Summer Reading Program: Read, Renew, Repeat at Ventura County Library is coming to a close. See final dates below.

Christoper T. Magician performing magical feats inspired by and based upon popular children’s books, bringing each book to life with wacky, interactive, and hysterical magic at Hill Road Library: Friday, August 2, 10:30 am and The Party Puppet Show at Hill Road Library: Tuesday, August 6, 3:00 pm and celebrate your summer reading accomplishments at End of Summer Parties featuring everyone’s favorite treat – Mister Softee! Free for kids and teens!

Hill Road Library: Thursday, July 25, 2:30 pm

Saticoy Library: Saturday, July 27, 12:00 pm

E.P. Foster Library: Monday, July 29, 3:00 pm
Ventura Friends of the Library will have a pop-up book sale of children’s and young adult books at E.P. Foster Library on the patio outside the children’s entrance along with the End of Summer Party.

Avenue Library: Tuesday, July 30, 2:00 pm

There’s still one more Hill Road Library Movie Monday, July 29, 3:30 to 5:00 pm – Cool off, color, have a snack and watch Big Hero 6.

Game On! Board Games for all ages continues into the Fall at Hill Road Library. Every Sunday, 11 am to 1 pm. Drop by and choose from over 35 games to play! Fun for families or a great reason to meet with friends.

Wise Owls is a Book Club for adults that enjoy reading children’s literature, meeting quarterly at Hill Road Library. The Summer selection is Odder by Katherine Applegate. Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals. Tuesday, August 20, 5:00 to 6:00 pm. To join the mailing list for this Book Club please email [email protected]. Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Wise Owls Book Club selection.

Hill Road Library Book Club meets monthly on the last Tuesday at 4:00 pm. On July 30 at 4:00 pm, discuss The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvinm. The August Club Selection is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selection.

Local film historian and composer Ross Care brings Walt’s People: The Ross Care Letters to E.P. Foster Library on Saturday, August 17, 1:00 to 2:00 pm Join Ross Care as he discusses this new collection, in which Disney studio artists recall in their own words what it was like to work with Walt Disney on classic films ranging from Snow White and Fantasia in the early 1940s to later films such as Sleeping Beauty.

Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner of VenturaRocks.com

The 2024 Ventura Music Festival season officially kicks off on Thursday, July 25, with a special performance at Olivas Adobe Historical Park featuring Grammy Award-Winner and 12-time IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Fiddle Player of the year, Michael Cleveland. So, if bluegrass is your jam, you won’t want to miss this one for sure! The remaining concerts will be held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center over two weekends. For ticket information go to VenturaMusicFestival.org

If you have the grooves that move…those hips (and even if you don’t), then the Oxnard Salsa Festival is for you! This year it falls over the weekend of July 27-28 in Downtown Oxnard. Along with salsa bands, salsa dancing, spicy foods and ice-cold drinks, there will be a vendor marketplace and a Kids Zone including rides, games and crafts. See listings for bands for each day and to secure your tickets go to OxnardSalsaFestival.com.

The Ventura Townehouse at 4900 W. Telegraph Road is offering a free concert to the community on Saturday, July 27, on the grass area featuring Catch a Wave, a Beach Boys tribute band. You’re invited to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, though seating will be available for seniors. Food and drinks will also be available as the event aims to raise funds for the Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans and Assistance Fund (WOAF).

The Ventura County Fair runs July 31 – August 11 with a new layout for the Grandstand Stage concerts, and a new you-have-to-pay-to-be-up-close-to-the band policy. For everyone else, shows are included in the price of admission to the fair (see listings). As always, it is highly recommended to take shuttles which are free, except the one at the State Beach where you have to pay to park. Check out the fair’s website for shuttle, parking, ticket and event information at VenturaCountyFair.org.

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale now for Poncho Sanchez with Ozomatli at the Libbey Bowl for Saturday, October 5 and for 98 Degrees at the Oxnard Performing Arts center for Friday, October 25; Margarita Villa offers live music on Tuesdays now with Bobby Campbell on July 30, and Two Tossers on August 6; Swiss rockabilly band, The Hillbilly Moon Explosion, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Thursday, July 25; Music Under the Stars (ticketed shows) continues on Saturday nights throughout the summer with Pretzel Logic on July 27 and Start me Up on August 3; Danny Carey of Tool returns to the Grape with the Doug Webb Group on Saturday, July 27 and Don Randi (an original members of the Wrecking Crew) returns as well on Saturday, August 3; and finally, the current owners of the Garage will celebrate their 3rd anniversary with Buena Onda on Saturday, July 27.

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.

Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – Community Events

Ventura

VC Caregivers Medicare Mingle, Bingo & Brews: Tuesday, July 30, 12-4pm, The Shores Bar & Restaurant, Oxnard
Aetna and The Shores Bar & Restaurant are hosting Medicare Mingle, Bingo & Brews at Bill Kracht’s Shores Restaurant located on Harbor Boulevard at Fifth Street in Oxnard.

“Think of this event as Edutainment and an opportunity to hang out with like-minded people who enjoy a good game of bingo and a brew,” said Executive Director Tammy Glenn of CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly in Ventura County. Aetna’s own Carlos Arguello and Vanessa Lim will be calling the ball while dropping some great information about Medicare in general while highlighting benefits of Aetna.

“Aetna is bringing a ton of cool prizes and I doubt anyone will leave empty-handed,” said Debbie Lasley, volunteer engagement coordinator for CAREGIVERS.  “Our organization also needs volunteers to serve the surrounding areas. If you have an hour to give, you can make a big difference in the life of a homebound senior.  We have a lot of fun together and so many of our volunteers make friendships that last a lifetime.”

Volunteers get their first round for free, otherwise, registration is $10 at the door and includes coffee, tea and water. The Shores has a great menu with custom cocktails designed just for this event.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot in advance, email [email protected], or come early to make sure you have a seat.

Ventura Music Festival: July 25-28, Multiple venues
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), Friday, July 26, 7:00- 9:00pm
Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road.
www.venturamusicfestival.org/events

Open House Tours at the Dudley Museum: Sunday, August 4th from 1 to 4 p.m.
Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum. We will also have a visit from the Attic Bebes antique doll collectors and restorers. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood). For information call (805) 642-3345 or visit dudleyhouse.org.

C.A.R.L. 24th Annual Pet Parade: Sunday, August 18, from 10am – 3pm. Ventura Harbor Village
Gather your family and furry best friend and head over to beautiful Ventura for the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.)’s the 24th Annual Pooch Parade! Join C.A.R.L. and its adoptable rescue dogs for a day of fun in the sun. This year’s theme is “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!” And if you’re inclined, dress yourself and your pup up in the most fun beach inspired wear you can find!  Visit poochparade.org for updates. Interested in being a vendor or an event sponsor? Contact Sheila at [email protected].

Ventura Land Trust Wild Scenic Film Festival: Sat., Aug 24, 5-10pm, Ventura County Credit Union Headquarters
Tickets:  https://www.venturalandtrust.org/wild-scenic-film-festival
Two new trails have opened on the west side of Harmon Canyon (109 & 110). Be sure to watch for rattlesnakes, protect yourself with sun block and carry plenty of water since it gets quite warm on the trails in the summer. The Mariano Rancho Preserve is planned to open to the public in 2025.  https://www.venturalandtrust.org/marianoranchopreserve

Ventura Harbor Village: DJ Bennett, June 29-August 24, 1-4pm
Join DJ Bennett every Saturday on the seaside promenade stage. Enjoy a mix of recent Top 40 hits, family-friendly pop throwbacks, and timeless old school funk and R&B that will keep you dancing all afternoon. venturaharborvillage.com/events. Free

Aloha Beach Festival: Sat- Sun, Aug 31-Sept 1, Surfer’s Point/Promenade Park

www.alohabeachfestival.us

Olivas Adobe House Tours: Every Sunday in July and August

The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Ongoing:

Social Golf Club
Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com

Ventura Senior Men’s Group – First and Third Tuesdays each month: 11:30am – 1:30pm – Poinsettia Pavilion.
Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Play Bridge: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12:30pm.
ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse.  For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected].

Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Monday’s each month – 7:30pm. 
Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Beach Cleanup: First Saturday of every month – 8:30 -10:30am.
Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St). Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided – BYO water.

Ojai:

10th Annual Mountain Film On-Tour: Saturday, September 21, Ojai Valley School (Lower Campus Sports Field). Gates open at 5 pm – Films start at 7:15 pm
VLC celebrates 25 years of work at the Ojai Meadows Preserve! Bring your blankets and low-back chairs and join the festivities on the field at Ojai Valley School’s Lower Campus Sports Field for another fantastic year of films and fun! Experience the beauty of nature, the thrill of wild adventures, and the power of environmental storytelling through a carefully curated selection of films from the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride. ovlc.org/mountainfilm

Make it a weekend – Friday, September 20, at Under the Open Sky—a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner by Seasons Catering with live music, a photo booth, beer, wine, a virtual auction, and a paddle raise at our historic Ventura River Steelhead Preserve. When the sun sets, we will enjoy a collection of films selected for this special event that will not be shown on Saturday night.
https://ovlc.org/events

Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) exhibition: 1130 State Street.
The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection, July 7 – November 3. www.sbma.net. 
– Performance of Carrot Revolution: Saturday, July 20, 3 pm, McCormick Gallery
The Music Academy of the West’s Arancia Quartet, made up of 2024 String Quartet Seminar fellows Miyabi Henriksen, violin; Steven Song, violin; Sheng-Chieh Jason Lan, viola; Shijie Ma, cello perform Gabriella Smith’s Carrot Revolution. The piece—originally commissioned by an art museum—is a patchwork of Smith’s wildly contrasting influences, unexpected juxtapositions, and intersecting planes of sound, celebrating the spirit of fresh observation. In collaboration with Music Academy of the West. Free with Museum Admission.

Ensemble Theatre – Special Event – What the Constitution Means to Me: Aug 15 -18, 33 W. Victoria Street
By Heidi Schreck, Directed by Matt Hawkins. Nominated for two Tony Awards. A Pulitzer Prize Finalist in Drama in 2019. Named Best Play of the Year by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Time Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The New Yorker and more; NPR named it one of the “50 Great Pop Culture Moments” of 2019. Nominated for a Critics Choice Award, a PGA Award, and a DGA Award. etcsb.org. (805) 965-5400.

 

Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
The Long Game – Netflix
4 out of 4 palm trees

“The Long Game” is based on the true story of the Del Rio Mustangs, the first Mexican-American high school golf team ever organized in the U.S. by JB Pena (Jay Hernandez) in Texas in 1956 during a time of extreme racism and prejudice. JB had just moved to Del Rio having accepted the job as superintendent of Del Rio High School and as an avid golf player was hoping to become a member of the prestigious Del Rio Country Club, but was denied due to being hispanic.

Joe Trevino (Julian Works) worked at the Del Rio Country Club as a caddy where he took every opportunity to hit balls when nobody was looking. Joe and four other hispanic friends regularly practiced on a course they designed and maintained in a field just outside of town. One day while JB was driving to the school, his window was shattered by a golf ball Joe hit on a dare, and the boys scattered when JB got out of his car to see who broke his window.

During a full school assembly to introduce JB as the new superintendent, he recognized the boys from the field and in realizing this they fled. When JB caught up to them he made it clear he wasn’t concerned about his car window, he was interested in their interest in golf. JB solicited the assistance of his friend and Marine buddy Frank Mitchell (Dennis Quaid) who was a good golfer and a member at Del Rio Country Club.

The team practiced outside of town on their field course, and JB and Frank would sneak them onto the putting greens at Del Rio Country Club at night to practice their putting. JB told the boys that they needed to dress well and not speak Spanish on the courses to blend in and increase their opportunities to play. After endless calls, they finally were able to enter a tournament. Pollo (Cheech Marin), the groundskeeper, approached them one night and gifted the entire team each a set of clubs and golf shoes that he had gathered and cared for until finding where they should go.

The Mustangs first tournament was the 16th Annual Monte Christo Juniors Tournament in Kerrville, TX. Though the team didn’t place, the owner Mr. Patteson was impressed with the way the team handled themselves and invited the team to play in another tournament the following month. Not only did they follow all the rules and fixed all their divots, they even fixed the divots the other teams left on the course as well as displaying great sportsmanship to the other players.

On the way home, the team was refused service in a diner due to being hispanic. Joe went outside and hit a couple of golf balls to break the windows, and the whole team jumped in the car and fled. Frank joked with the boys, but JB sternly lectured Joe about his actions. The team did better with every tournament they played and even won several first place trophies. They eventually went to the 1957 Texas State Championships, but Joe’s actions at the diner ultimately caught up with them.

Police showed up to the tournament to arrest Joe for the incident at the diner, which would disqualify him from the tournament and put the team in 5th instead of 2nd with one day left. To save the team, JB said he broke the windows and was arrested, which even potentially risked his job. JB’s valiant efforts helped the Mustangs to win the championship and in 2012 the Mustangs were inducted into the Latino International Sports Hall of Fame for their historic victory. Their record score remained unbroken for another 36 years.

Runtime: 1h 52m

Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Life is complicated. “The Light Remains,” an original work now on stage at the Elite Theatre Company in Channel Islands, showcases just how complicated it can become when unexpected events occur. Add to the mix the inner and outer turmoil that affects the maelstrom of emotions during the teen years, and you have the crux of this introspective piece.

Author Arriana Rodriguez bravely tackles this deep and reflective subject following the sudden loss of a best friend. The result is a cathartic baring of the soul that explores grief in its many forms, but especially anger.

The play focuses on a group of teens set to graduate high school. They face universal issues: decisions on whether to stay local or go off to college, and whether to face the unfamiliar or stick with the familiar. The attraction and seeming permanence of first love is a strong complication of its own. At eighteen, everything seems larger than life and more important than it is. Most of us eventually work our way through all that and move on. Some, tragically, do not, leaving behind more questions than answers.

The play is jam-packed with raw emotions and strong language. (Here comes my soapbox moment.) As prevalent as the current culture allows language to be frank, I felt the characters would be better served to build up to the point of understandable anger rather than leading with it. The overuse of foul language quickly became tiresome. By the time it was fully appropriate, given the situation, the impact was considerably lessened for me. It is hard enough to listen to that type of constant coarseness from adults. From young people, it overshadowed the talents I could discern were under the surface. Frankly, it fueled my anger. I wanted to hear what the characters really had to say rather than a string of common invectives.

The principal characters each had moments of introspection that were insightful and deep. Monologues delivered by Kai Wyatt, Jackie Jones, Jonny Jones, and Bucky Delgado in Act Two were the most satisfying moments for me. The cast was strong, and even director Hayley Silvers made an appearance as “Mom.”

Opening night was filled with family and friends whose enthusiasm and support were overly eager to be heard. Unfortunately, their exuberance often drowned out the action, not allowing the actors time to process. Youth theater is a valuable training ground, and I fully support experimentation and stretching boundaries. I expect the play to evolve considerably throughout its run if attention is given to the audience’s reactions, not only by the actors but also by the author. Pacing, holding for laughs and reactions before moving on, and vocal projection are issues that need improvement. It’s a learning process worth examining.

“The Light Remains” continues through August 18. For more information, visit www.theElite.org or call 805-483-5118.

 

Kathy Yoshihara: Mottainai at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts

Kathy Yoshihara, Mieko

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present Mottainai, an exhibition of work by Kathy Yoshihara, an artist working in ceramics and mixed media. The exhibition will be presented July 27 – September 14 with an Opening Reception on Saturday, July 27th , 2 – 4 pm. The public is invited to attend.

A Southern California Native, Kathy Yoshihara received her BA in painting, sculpture and graphic arts from the University of California, Los Angeles. She combines her computer graphic knowledge to produce multimedia work in glass, ceramics, and found/recycled objects. Yoshihara’s work is guided and inspired by her Japanese American heritage and practice of Mottainai – finding value in re-purposing, reusing, and recycling. Her sculptural ceramics are personal tributes to her ancestors and the many forgotten Executive Order 9066 prisoners, addressing the Japanese American imprisonment and its effect on future generations. As Yoshihara explains: “Over 120,000 Japanese Americans were rounded up and illegally imprisoned. Their crime – looking like the enemy. They were given a week to prepare and could only take what they could carry. They survived by practicing ‘gaman’ – accepting hardships/adversity with patience, dignity, and perseverance. They buried their memories, anger, and feelings of shame as they became ‘model Americans’. Most were silent, never speaking about their experiences and feeling.” What began as memorials to departed relatives, has evolved into an examination of racism, social injustice, and generational identity of Japanese Americans pre and post WWII.

“I reveal the story from a personal perspective, by combining traditional Japanese objects, historical content, and memorabilia,” Yoshihara says. “My ceramic/multi-media dioramas question attitudes that are still prevalent today. I want future generations to experience the hardships they endured as their rights as Americans were denied. By making an emotional connection, I want the viewer to recognize, question, and act upon injustices based on race, nationality, language, or any other differences.”

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Upper Ojai. The Center can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling the Center at 805-646-3381

Ventura College Mural Project

$3000 PRIZE! Ventura College will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. The Ventura College Art Department is excited to announce a call for artists to design the painting of a mural for the campus. The mural will be painted by students and Muralism.org with supervisory assistance from the artist whose design is selected

Submissions must be emailed to: [email protected]. Include your full name and cell phone number for contact.

Submission Details

  • File size must be no larger than 20mb
  • Format must be either a JPEG or PDF
  • Include short description of the work presented and how it meets the Mural Details section
  • Eligibility: Artists residing in Ventura County

Mural Details

Mural must include elements celebrating:

  • Ventura College and its history
  • Ventura College’s 100th anniversary
  • Diversity and inclusivity of our students

Project Specs

  • Location: VC New Media Gallery exterior wall
  • Mural size: 16′ high x 20′ wide

Due Dates

  • Submission Deadline: Friday, August 2nd by 5:00pm
  • Date of Mural Completion: October 2024

For any questions about the project, contact:

Sharla Fell at [email protected] or 805-289-6265