Feraud General Merchandise Store, also known as the 1903 Building, was built in 1903 on Main. Jules Feraud opened the Feraud Bakery and Grocery Store and the bakery stayed in the family until 1944. It is now Paddy’s Bar+Lounge.
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The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends
by Jill Forman
Welcome Back to Your Library!
Events are changing too fast to keep up with. Check the library website, talk to your local librarian in person or by phone to find out the latest updates.
Summer Reading Program Launching June 1 (from library press release)
Ventura County Library urges families to get ready, get set, go to the library and sign up for Reading Colors Your World!
Over the summer, the library is hosting a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults to encourage and support a love of reading. Participants may win prizes for reaching their reading goals. “We’ve planned a wonderful program for kids to make the library a great place to read, learn, and discover what’s available for their enjoyment,” said Molly Krill, Youth Services Manager.
Themed events include weekly STEAM Kits and challenges, participation in the library’s online reading and activity log (register at vencolibrary.beanstack.org), themed Storytimes, and a presentation by the Ojai Raptor Center. This year Ventura County Library is giving away six Nintendo Switch Grand Prizes in addition to smaller prize drawings throughout the summer. Once a child has logged 500 minutes they may visit their local branch to choose a free new book to add to their home libraries.
There is also a serious side to summer reading. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents reading loss. Studies also indicate students who read recreationally outperform those who don’t. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests.
Nancy Schram, Library Director says, “Children who don’t read over the summer may lose up to two full months of learning by the time they return to school in the fall. To succeed in school and life, our children and teens need continuous opportunities to learn and practice critical skills. Your public library is a key part of the solution during the summer when school is out.”
Registration continues through August 22, 2021. To learn more about the summer reading adventure at the library, please call your local branch or check out the library’s website at vencolibrary.org.
This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Molly Krill, Ventura County Library Youth Services Manager at (805) 218-3592
Friends of the Library Foster Library Bookstore
We are hoping to be open by July 1. Updates will be announced on our website venturafriendsofthelibrary.org. Or sign up for our newsletter at [email protected]. We anticipate needing volunteers; if you are interested contact us at [email protected].
Friends of the Library Hill Road Used Book Sale Shelves
We hope to be back in business by mid-June.
Online Bookstore
The Friends will continue their online bookstore. Pickup days and times will change but we plan to still have pickups at Hill Road as well as Foster Library. Details are being worked out and will be communicated when an order is placed.
Remember, all purchases support programs such as Summer Reading described above.
Ten local business owners receive the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award
On Friday, May 21, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announced the 10 winners of the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship (SOE) Awards at a virtual event celebrating outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
“The SOE Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honor these amazing women for the hard work they have put in to keep their businesses thriving. This year’s winners are even more inspirational when you factor in the challenges presented throughout the past year,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV.
In addition to the 10 category awards, WEV also presented entrepreneur and activist, 92-year-old Lupe Anguiano with the 2021 Rock Star: Lifetime Achievement Award. Anguiano was honored for her more than seven decades of work on women’s rights, the rights of the poor, and the protection of the environment. This prestigious award is presented annually to an individual who has made an indelible impact on our community and who serves as a role model for women.
Major sponsors of the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards include Aligned Pilates, Wellness and Physical Therapy, American Riviera Bank, City National Bank, Cox, County of Ventura, JP Morgan Chase & Co, La Arcada, LinkedIn, Lure Digital Agency, Montecito Bank & Trust, Pacific Western Bank, Tileco Distributors, and Ventura County Credit Union.
Winners by Category:
Arts & Entertainment: Devyn Duex, Nebula Dance Lab, nebuladance.org
Green & Social Entrepreneur: Pam Plesons, Plow to Porch Organics, Inc., plowtoporch.com
Health & Wellness: Jill Agonias, Divinitree Yoga, divinitreesantabarbara.com
Hospitality & Tourism: Gabrielle Moes, Seasons Catering, seasonscateringca.com
Media & Communications: Lynnette Coverly, Coverly Professional Services, coverlypro.com
Nonprofit: Mary Maranville, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture, Inc., seeag.org
Professional Services: Laurice Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts, Inc., urbanplanningconcepts.com
Retail: Ashe Browne, Pura Luna Apothecary, puralunaapothecary.com
Science & Technology: Rashi Bahri Chitnis, Shoonya, shoonyadigital.com
Wholesale, Mfg, Online Retail: Reyna Chavez, Scrubs on the Run, scrubsontherununiforms.com
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills. WEV provides small business training, advisory services, financial literacy programs and small business loans in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes people of all gender identities into the WEV community. Business courses, programs and loans are provided in both English and Spanish.
Seeing sites in the city of angels
Linda Burroughs, Staci Brown and Susie Tucker enjoyed a walking tour of downtown Los Angeles. After visiting California’s largest used and new bookstore called “The Last Bookstore” they stopped at Angel’s Flight to read the Ventura Breeze.
Celebrating black composers in choral music
by Molly Kohler Pei, Channel Islands Choral Association
Channel Islands Choral Association (CICA) presents a Virtual Choral Experience, streaming On Demand from June 4th – 20th. Into the Light: Celebrating Black Composers in Choral Music features the CSU Channel Islands University Chorus and the Pleasant Valley School District Chorus. The program is hosted by CICA Artistic Director Dr. KuanFen Liu and President Dean Butler.
CICA continues its commitment to present choral literature and composers that represent diversity in genre, style, racial, ethnic, and cultural heritages. The event highlights non-idiomatic choral music of some of the most famous and influential Black composers that have too long been neglected in the Western tradition. The Virtual Choruses perform music by Bobby McFerrin, Undine Smith Moore, Mark Miller, Victor C. Johnson and Ysaÿe Barnwell.
CICA in partnership with CSU Channel Islands and Pleasant Valley School District aims to promote choral music that raises awareness and celebrates the diversities among us. Southern California is shaped by the remarkable contributions of its residents. The program pairs the music with examples of individuals and communities that showcase the rich diversity of Los Angeles.
The CSU Channel Islands University Chorus is composed of students, faculty and staff and community members. A highlight of the weekly Zoom rehearsals are the dedicated segments for a community circle in which the participants engage in subject matter related to the music and the theme of the program. Dr. Raquel Baker, Assistant Professor of English at CSU Channel Islands, facilitated a Two-Way Conversation about performing the music of Black composers as well as other provocative issues. Highlights of this unique exchange is a part of the virtual program. Viewers will enjoy the robust dialogue covering topics such as how to use choral music to create equality and how a community can advocate for Asian Americans during this time when there is an upsurge of anti-Asian violence. Inspired by the interchange of heartfelt comments and calls to action for social justice, the students in the chorus created a video poem performance piece in which each reflects on how to be a part of change.
Virtual performances are mastered by Arts Laureate, an elite recording team that sets up virtual performances for groups such as the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and NPR’s JazzSet at the Kennedy Center.
Tickets are $15. Proceeds benefit the Virtual Choir programs sponsored by CICA. Information for the On Demand event and ticket purchase is available at cicachoir.org.
Vol. 14, No. 18 – June 2 – June 15, 2021 – Opinion/Editorial
∙ In a previous issue, we had and article, along with my comments regarding a proposed Haley Point 72-unit townhome residential project on a 4.3-acre site in mid-town. I generally favored the project. The Ventura Planning Commission, by a 4-0 vote, has approved the development to be located on Channel Dr.
There was some opposition to the development mostly over density and parking.
An appeal can be filed within 10 days of the planning commission decision. Such an appeal would cost $1,000. If the project is appealed, it could be heard by the City Council by the end of June.
∙Finally, Ventura is moving closer to the opening of commercial cannabis businesses by proceeding with the permit application process and evaluation criteria. With the closing of the card club in Ventura, the City is losing several million dollars in tax money that this might make up for.
An Orientation “Kick Off” Meeting will be scheduled for mid-June. At this Orientation
Meeting, consultants and staff will review all application materials including the
Procedures and Guidelines. This meeting is for potential applicants, landlords, and other
interested parties to learn about the requirements in the application process.
Application Period 1 will be open for a 45-day period from Monday, June 28 – Thursday,
August 11, 2021 @ 4:00 pm. Application Period 1 will still only allow for businesses to
apply outside of the Coastal Zone for up to 3 retail and 10 industrial-type permits.
Ventura has a new timeline to bring up to 15 cannabis businesses to the city.
The city announced it was pushing back its window for businesses to apply for a cannabis permit to June 28-Aug. 11.
The city did not want to hold an application kick-off meeting, originally set for May 19, or the launch of the permit program prior to a council update later this month, said Ventura spokeswoman Heather Sumagaysay.
Last week, the council did adopt a resolution authorizing two application periods; one for coastal businesses and one for inland; for a commercial cannabis program with a maximum of 15 businesses.
The first application period, scheduled to start June 28, is for non-coastal zone applicants. The second application period would begin after the California Coastal Commission gives its approval, which is expected before the end of the year.
Speaking about marijuana, more than three months after voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question legalizing adult use of the drug in New Jersey, it has become law.
Also, in San Diego, a Superior Court judge has reduced felony marijuana records for 26,000 people to misdemeanor convictions and additionally some 1,000 people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions had those cases completely dismissed.
∙ If you are taking the AMTRAK, next to the Fairgrounds, leave yourself a lot of extra time to drop people off or park your car because you might get very confused. Normally, you can drive into the large Fair parking area, drive over by the tracks and park or drive through to drop off folks. Because the parking lot is closed, you can’t do this. And the street next to the tracks is
one-way only. The only way to drive up is to take Olive to the end to what looks like an alley and take that to the train.
One of our clever readers suggested driving backwards up the one-way street so it looks as if you are driving in the right direction. This is, of course illegal, and I wouldn’t suggest doing something illegal.
∙ Drivers throughout the country are complaining about the high cost of gas. The national average price at the pumps is around $3.00 – the highest price in 7 years. We should be so lucky to pay only $3.00.
∙ Earthlings are always concerned that aliens are going to land here. I’m sure when they fly over earth and see what an incredible mess we have made of it they just turn around and fly home. Perhaps they bring students here to show them what happens when people do awful things, so they appreciate where they live in a parallel universe.
∙ When state’s pass laws restricting abortions and women have kids that they can’t afford I think that the state should be required to support the kids until they are 18 – just like any father should need to do.
∙ Senate Republicans have blocked creation of a bipartisan panel to study the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, which, in my opinion was one of the worst days in our history. It certainly felt like as I was watching it. I assume this was to show party loyalty to former President Donald Trump.
The Senate vote was 54-35, short of the 60 votes needed to take up a House passed bill that would have formed a 10-member commission evenly split between the two parties.
Six Republicans (my heroes) voted with Democrats to move forward. 11 senators (nine Republicans and two Democrats) missed the vote, with some saying they had scheduling conflicts. This is inexcusable to me and just shows that they were gutless.
Certainly, we need to determine the cause of this insurrection, how it can be prevented in the future and why Capital police were completely unprepared for it. I would think all politicians should see this as their obligation to the country regardless of their party.
∙ Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a bill to allow public schools to offer yoga, ending a ban that stood for nearly 30 years. Christian conservatives who back the ban said yoga would open the door for people to be converted to Hinduism. How absurd is this.
The new law allows yoga to be offered as an elective, for grades K-12. While it erases a ban that some schools had not realized existed, it also imposes restrictions on how yoga should be taught. Students won’t be allowed to say “Namaste,” for instance. Meditation is not allowed. They also aren’t allowed to say evolution (I made that up but it would be just as stupid).
As goes yoga, goes the world.
Ventura city staff to receive pay raises
by Richard Lieberman
Ventura city staff are going to receive salary increases. The pay raises will affect 550 Ventura city employees. At a recent City Council meeting the council unanimously voted to approve salary increases of about 2.0 % for 118 staff represented by the Ventura Maintenance Employees Association, the Ventura Police Officer’s Association and for an unrepresented employee’s groups.
Additionally, groundskeepers, welders, and others in the maintenance group are slated for a 2.25% increase that is scheduled to begin on July 10th. Also included will be an additional 2.25% lump payment.
Currently the Ventura Police Association, which counts 129 officers, corporals, and sergeants will receive a 0.25% salary increase. The salary increase is scheduled to take effect starting the week of May 25th. Also, a one-time payment of $211.80 instead of a retroactive pay increase to January 1st. The association will also receive a one-time, lump sum payment of 2.25%, plus a 2% salary increase effective July 10th.
The salary increases are included in 18-month agreements with the city. The contracts are scheduled to expire June 30, 2022.
A total of 79 employees who are unrepresented will receive a 2.25% salary increase beginning July 10 and a one-time payment totaling 2.25% of their salary. In lieu of retroactive pay, the employees requested an increase in their deferred compensation in January.
Ongoing negotiations with the Ventura Fire Association and the Police Management Associations will result in a 2% pay increase. The 2% salary increase also includes a 0.25% increase they received following the city’s approval of their contract in January.
Vol. 14, No. 18 – June 2 – June 15, 2021 – Community Events
June 4 – June 20: Channel Islands Choral Association presents “Into the Light”; A virtual choral experience celebrating Black composers in choral music.
Performances include CSU Channel Islands University Chorus and Pleasant Valley School District Chorus.
Online Video on-demand streaming event will be available from June 4 through June 20. Tickets available at www.cicachoir.org
June 13th – The Historic Olivas Adobe located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive is now open 11am-3 pm the second Sunday of each month for visitors. On June 13th join us as we invite all plien aire artists to come and paint or sketch on the park grounds. You will find lots of inspiration, from the 160-year-old fuchsia to the rose garden, from the historic two story rancho home to the bell tower and everything in-between.
Be sure to stop in the small adobe as you tour the grounds to see the exhibit of Laura Jean Jespersen paintings , all inspired by Olivas Family stories.
July 3: The Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura will again be conducting their “First Saturday” introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. In July the “First Saturday” is on the 3rd. There is no charge and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of theirs. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9:00 to 11:00AM, in East Ventura, off Telephone Rd. For every one’s safety we ask all those attending to please comply with current recommendations by the Ventura County Health Department.
For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522 www.sespeflyfishers.org
Cute Grandkids
Richard Senate thinks his 6-year-old grandson Rigby Best is as cute (and smart) as they can be.
Vol. 14, No. 18 – June 2 – June 15, 2021 – Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
It’s good to see people out enjoying live music again. We still need to follow the rules as we head towards summer and with any luck at all we’ll put this pandemic behind us once and for all. I’m happy to report that Margarita Villa and Boatyard Pub are ramping up their music calendars but the writing’s on the wall numbering the days for Concerts in your Car, though they recently added Vanilla Ice with Tag Team #WhoopThereItIs for Saturday, June 26, which could be their final show.
In this issue of the Breeze, I have a Part Two of a Two-Part Interview with local artist Natalie Gelman who is releasing Moth to the Fame this month. Natalie talked about her background, lessons learned to date and working in the studio in the last issue, this time we learn more about her new release Moth to Flame, her mentors, and oh yeah, that time she opened for Bon Jovi.
Pam Baumgarnder: Tell me about your mentors.
Natalie Gelman: I’m lucky that many of my mentors are also my friends. I’m always so inspired by writing with Charlie Midnight. We’ve been collaborators for over 10 years now. He is a lyrical genius and has made me a better songwriter.
I love being inspired by my singer/songwriter friends and we all kind of mentor each other. Nathan McEuen, who many people in Ventura know for his great work as an artist, is a dear friend of mine and has pushed me musically as we’ve toured and shared stages together. My friend Rebecca Loebe is another singer-songwriter who I’m often in contact with about some aspect of the business or something artistic. It’s important to have those relationships to help make sense of this often-strange journey in music and lift each other up when things are rough.
How long has Moth to the Flame been in the works?
Natalie: I started recording this one seven years ago. It’s crazy to think that it’s taken that long to get to release but everything in the music business takes longer than you think it will. I wanted to have certain people play on it and it took time to get them in the studio when they were home from tour. Then I decided I wanted to do a lot of the editing on it myself and I didn’t really know how to do that when I started so that took a while to learn. Lastly, I decided that I was done and exhausted from doing everything myself as a DIY musician and I was adamant that I needed a team to help release this music and give it the best shot of being heard. Through a series of events, research and hard work I built a small team around me that I’m proud of and hopefully they will help the songs have a small chance of cutting through and reaching more people.
Is there a theme at work on this one?
The main theme on this album is the same as in so much of my music, which is not to give up on yourself or your dreams no matter what. I’ve had my share of hardships growing up and in my adult life but hope and the pursuit towards my dreams always carries me through and pushes me onward.
That isn’t to say that I don’t get down and a lot of the songs on the album are written from a place when I was feeling sad about something and trying to make sense of it all and lift myself up. Music is so often my therapy and release, it’s a way to make sense of the world. Sometimes I get really lucky and the lessons I find in writing about it serve as reminders each time I play the song.
Tell me about your producer and the players on it.
Charlie Midnight and I produced it together. He’s incredible and I’ve already mentioned his songwriting but he’s also very well-known and respected as a producer. He’s produced albums for Joe Cocker, Hilary Duff, Whitney Houston and others.
The players on the album are all top notch. The backbone of the album is Curt Schneider on bass and Blair Sinta on drums. The two of them play for Sara Bareilles and Melissa Etheridge respectively as well as many others. Tim Young played guitar on the album and has backed up Beck and Fiona Apple who is one of my influences and is now the guitarist on James Cordon. Dave Palmer played keys and he’s also played for Fiona as well as Patty Griffin who is one of my absolute favorite singer-songwriters.
The guest artists on songs include Nathan McEuen who lent his wonderful banjo playing to “Heavy Heavy Heart,” the most recent single, and “Some People” from the full album. Jason Frazier, a Ventura treasure, played harmonica on “Won’t Matter Anymore,” a song that Bernie Grundman insisted in fitting on the vinyl in our mastering session. Fernando Apodaca who often played around Ventura with Todd Hannigan played his gorgeous and dreamy violin on a few songs on the album too.
What sort of plans are in the works to market it?
Things are a little strange now still because of Covid but I’m hoping to start touring with it in late summer and the fall. Right now, the focus is on sharing it out online. I’ve been collaborating with by husband, Brent Florence, on music videos for the album and I am dreaming up creative plans for the release so it’s still special even though it’s not a traditional album release.
You have Live from Quarantine available on your website; what’s the backstory on that?
Thanks for asking. That’s a free “live” album that I give away. I’ve been sharing a free live album every year on my birthday in July for the last 6 or 7 years. Past releases have come from Chicago, London, New York, Los Angeles and more. Because we were all in lockdown, recording the “live” album at home was the best I could do. Maybe if we’re still somewhat in lockdown on my birthday in a few months since venues haven’t really opened up again yet I’ll have a Live from Quarantine part 2.
I’ve always wanted to ask you about opening for Bon Jovi. How did that come about?
That was so awesome, one of my favorite memories that I’m sure will last for years to come. Thanks for asking about it. The band actually runs a contest where they choose a different local or regional act in each city on their tour to open their arena show. I was selected for their Sacramento date and it was an incredible experience.
The whole team was really nice and as I finished my last song, I was relishing the moment and thinking; “what song do I need to write so I get a chance to do this again?” It was all just incredible to play my music for that many people and to meet Jon and his team.
I’m really looking forward to following your career and wishing you nothing but the best. Do you have any closing thoughts you’d like to share?
Aww thank you! That means a lot to me. I really appreciate the time to chat with you and everything you do for the local music community. I think we’re so lucky here in Ventura to have so much amazing local talent and venues. I know everyone has been starved for live music this past year and believe me that all the artists want just as badly to come out and play for you too. So, when things open up, please do come see the shows and support your local music community.
I’ll definitely be out there with this new album and I’ve been writing lots of songs this past year during quarantine so it won’t be long before there’s even another one from me! If you want to order the album or pre-save the music visit my website nataliegelman.com to find the links. Thanks again for talking to me today!
To find out more about Natalie Gelman, visit her website NatalieGelman.com or follow her on social media, Facebook.com/NatalieGelmanMusic, Twitter.com/NatalieGelman and Instagram.com/NatalieGelman.
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.