The City of Ventura released the third episode of its new podcast, Ventura Voices. The latest episode features an in-depth interview with Ventura’s Economic Development Manager, Meredith Hart, and Visit Ventura’s President and CEO, Marlyss Auster. Community members can listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, or watch it on the City’s YouTube channel.
In this episode, Meredith and Marlyss are enthusiastic about returning the X Games to Ventura for a second consecutive year. They discuss the significant economic benefits this event brings to the community and highlight new features of the 2024 event, including an expanded event floor plan, musical performances, new sporting events, drone shows, a free shuttle and parking sites, plus a variety of free community events throughout Ventura.
“It was exciting to give an inside look at what it takes to host one of the most thrilling sports events in the world right here in Ventura and what’s new this year with X Games Ventura,” said Meredith Hart, Ventura’s Economic Development Manager. “Hosting the X Games requires a true team effort, and we are proud to partner with Visit Ventura and other local organizations to ensure a successful event that benefits our local businesses and community members.”
Episode three of Ventura Voices also underscores the significant economic impact of the event, drawing visitors and offering opportunities to support local shops, restaurants, and service providers.
Last year’s X Games event drew 52,000 attendees, generating approximately $6.4 million for Ventura County’s economy, with $5 million spent in Ventura. The event staff contributed significantly, accounting for more than 2,700 hotel nights and over $900,000 in hotel spending. More participants are expected this year, with plans for 5,100 hotel nights.
Tune in to learn more and receive a special discount code for listeners. X Games Ventura returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds from June 28-30, 2024.
Fourth of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade
Ventura’s 47th annual 4th of July Street Fair & Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, begins at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continues into Downtown Ventura, leading into the Street Fair. The road will be closed, and participants are welcome to begin queuing up as early as 9:00 a.m. This is a pedestrian parade. This year’s Street Fair features artisan vendors, a car exhibit, live entertainment, a kids’ activity area, a corn hole zone, and more. Attendees can also enjoy Downtown’s local shops and outdoor dining as part of Main Street Moves. Community members are welcome to bring their bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. No registration is required.
A complimentary Bike Valet, courtesy of the City of Ventura Transportation Division and Bike Ventura, will be located at the corner of Main Street and South Chestnut Street from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Subhead: Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Ventura College
Tickets are now on sale for the spectacular, 31st annual 4th of July Fireworks Show & Family Picnic at Ventura College. This fun, family event features a Kids’ Zone, Live Music, Food Trucks and a world-class Fireworks Show. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, the event starts at 5 pm on Thursday, July 4th at the Ventura College Athletic Fields. Fireworks start at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $5 child, $10 adult and a Family-of-4 ticket is $30. For more information, visit www.VenturaFireworks.com.
Jessica Alten’s journey into the world of brewing began at Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria, where she started working. It was during a visit from her parents, particularly her father who had years of experience at Nestlé Purina, that she became intrigued by the manufacturing side of beer. With a newfound interest in brewing, Jessica began asking questions and delving deeper into the craft. Her passion skyrocketed when she had the opportunity to collaborate with the brewers and owners of Island Brewing as part of the Pink Boots Collaborative.
Jessica joined the Pink Boots Collaborative, an inspiring and vibrant community within the beer industry that brings together women who are passionate about brewing and promoting quality craft beer. Founded in 2007 by Teri Fahrendorf, a veteran brewmaster, the collaborative hosts events, workshops, and networking opportunities for women in brewing. Through this initiative, Jessica and many other women have come together to brew unique beers using hops generously donated by hop producers. These collaboration brews celebrate the talents of women in brewing while raising awareness about their crucial role in the industry.
The Pink Boots Collaborative has played a pivotal role in encouraging diversity and inclusivity within the beer industry, an aspect that Jessica finds particularly important. By offering a supportive and creative community, the Pink Boots collaboration has helped elevate the voices and talents of women brewers worldwide. It has also shattered barriers and served as an inspiration for future generations of women to pursue their dreams in the beer world. Additionally, the collaborative organizes “Brew Days” at local breweries, providing hands-on experience and educational opportunities for members.
As Jessica’s experience and knowledge in brewing expanded, she was given the opportunity to assist in opening the tasting room for Ojai Valley Brewing. Eager to learn more about the brewing process, she shadowed the brewers and developed a deep fascination with the craft. Determined to explore the various aspects of brewing, she seized the chance to work at M. Special Brew Co. Starting from the bottom, Jessica steadily worked her way up to becoming an assistant brewer. With the guidance and support of the head brewer, Michael Alcantar, and owner, Josh Ellis, she honed her skills and growth as a brewer.
After two years at M. Special Brew Co., Jessica, now a brewer, moved to Ventura and began working at Seaward Brewing in January 2024. What captivates her the most about brewing is the chemistry involved, especially in the “hot side” of the process. She emphasizes the importance of precise timing and temperature control, comparing it to the precision of baking. Interacting with patrons and discussing beers brings her immense satisfaction as well, and she cherishes compliments for the beers she crafts.
Being a woman brewer, Jessica has faced her share of challenges. Some men, for unexplainable reasons, doubt her abilities as a brewer. She often encounters skepticism and questioning at beer festivals regarding her role and brewing knowledge. Nevertheless, she remains dedicated to her craft, preferring to keep her beer traditional and straightforward. However, when it comes to making seltzers, she especially enjoys experimenting with different flavors and embraces the spicy notes of rye malt, which complement dark malty beers and IPAs.
Currently, Seaward Brewing is gearing up for the X Games in Ventura, which will take place from June 28 to 30. Jessica is thrilled about this event and has crafted a pilsner called the White Knuckle Pilsner with a motocross theme, which will be perfect for a hot day at the X Games. She also hopes to collaborate with Balcom Canyon Cidery, located nearby, to create a shandy-style cider-beer hybrid. Exciting endeavors lie ahead for Jessica and Seaward Brewing!
Becoming a skilled and accomplished brewer requires time, dedication, and a constant drive for improvement. Jessica is continuously honing her skills, experimenting with new brews, and staying passionate about the craft. Cheers to Jessica and her unwavering dedication to the art of brewing!
On Wednesday, June 5, the Rotary Club of Ventura presented grants to 19 nonprofit and service organizations for their contributions to Ventura. The grants were awarded from the Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation. Mr. Gius was a long-time active member of Rotary and editor of the Ventura County Star Free Press for many years.
Established in 1998, the 501(c)(3) foundation continues to honor Gius’ commitment to support organizations that add significant value to the Ventura community through their work with youth, education, and vulnerable populations within the city and county. This year, grants were awarded in varying amounts totaling $50,000. Over the last 25 years, nearly $900,000 has been awarded to encourage the continuation of valuable programs and services. The grants provide critical gap funding for numerous local programs serving specialized populations.
The 19 grantees for 2024 are:
A Voice Discovered (assisting those who are unable to communicate through vocalization)
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura
Brain Injury Center
EPIC (Everyday Progress in Character) Leadership Center
Foothill Little League (serving over 400 kids, including adaptive leagues)
High Tide Robotics (STEM education and youth development)
Kids & Families Together
LOVE VC Inc.
New Art City Theatre (believing theater is a public service)
New West Symphony (musical education for youth)
Rubicon Theatre
Salvation Army (mobile vision clinic)
STEMbassadors (teaching technology)
Turning Point Foundation
Ventura College Foundation Promise Program
Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation
Ventura Land Trust (Ventura Wild Program)
Ventura Ronald McDonald Family Room at VCMC
Ventura YMCA (Operation Ventura, serving children needing adaptive programming and living in compromised situations)
Foundation President Saurabh Bajaj encouraged each organization’s representative to say a few words about their projects, concluding with handing them an oversized check signifying their grant award. President Bajaj lauded each program for its outstanding contributions to the community.
Ongoing contributions towards next year’s awards may be made to the Julius Gius Memorial Fund (JGMF) or to the Rotary Club of Ventura Foundation.
Beatrice Wood, 1922, Photograph by Jesse Tarbox Beals, Courtesy Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts.
Kevin Wallace, Founding Director of the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, will offer a free Powerpoint presentation on Saturday, July 6th at 4 pm, in conjunction with the closing reception for the Center’s American Ceramic Society exhibition.
Beatrice Wood was part of the Dada Movement and, in sharing her story with visitors at the Center, the question regularly comes up – What is DADA?
It is not an easy question to answer, largely because the artists refused to be defined or categorized. It was also an international movement with a different group of Dadaists in Zurich pursuing somewhat different agendas than those in New York City, or with later incarnations in Berlin and Paris.
At its heart, Dada was an anti-establishment movement created in reaction to World War I, with artists believing that a civilization that embraced such a senseless and tragic war needed to be reinvented. The artists did this by exploring new approaches to art, music, dance, fashion, entertainment, and language itself. The Dada Movement was hugely influential, and its impact is obvious in contemporary art today. While there was no official end to the movement, it segued into Surrealism, with many of the same artists going on to be associated with that art movement.
In his lecture, Wallace will discuss the fascinating artists who were part of the Dada Movement, the philosophies they embraced, and the works they created. It promises to be a fun, educational and thought-provoking event.
The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Upper Ojai.
Shifting Dimensions, Torn paper collage, Janet Black
Artists in The Collage Lab, a Buenaventura Art Association offshoot started in 2014 to experiment in collage and mixed media, will show new works in “Ephemera,” a July 5-Aug. 31 exhibition in Studio 99 at Bell Arts Factory in Ventura.
Participating members — Janet Black, Karen Hoffberg, Darlene Roker, Wendy Winet, Janna Valenzuela, Karen L. Brown, Joyce Lombard, Dorothea Heger and Tasia Erickson — will be on hand for First Friday receptions from 6-9 p.m. July 5 and Aug. 2. The group meets monthly to set creative challenges, share ideas and results, demonstrate techniques, and occasionally to visit galleries.
Collage is from the French verb coller, to glue — a pictorial art form that can include paper and many other materials. Ephemera is defined as “items of memorabilia, often written or printed on paper, originally meant to be discarded after use but that have become collectibles.”
The displayed works will incorporate many such items, including postage stamps, handwritten letters, packaging and wrapping paper. Obviously, collectibility is in the eye of the collage artist.
Many group members are not primarily collage artists, but accomplished printmakers, painters, quilters, photographers, weavers, graphic designers, encaustic painters and watercolorists. Some pieces in the exhibit result from challenges by individual members to use a particular material, color, theme, size, etc.; others are works independently created by the artists. Subject matters vary widely, as do techniques.
They also assembled $10 make-your-own-collage packets, for those who’d like to try the fascinating medium. The packets include several kinds of ephemera in different combinations collected by Collage Lab artists.
A collection of the group members’ previous collage artworks is available online for $10.50 at https://www.blurb.com/b/11624966-the-collage-lab and some will be at the gallery.
Buenaventura Art Association, this year celebrating the 70th anniversary of its 1954 founding, operates Studio 99 at 432 N. Ventura Ave., which is open noon-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and has an outlet at Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts and a display at SpiceTopia, a Ventura retail store.
Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, at 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 106, in Ventura Harbor, is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week. SpiceTopia, at 576 E. Main St., is also open daily, but its hours vary.
They’re back! The X Games return to the Ventura Fairgrounds Friday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30, and this year music will be a big part of the festivities unlike last year, where… there was none. Music runs throughout each day, with Grammy-nominated artists: Wiz Khalifa headlining on Friday, Kaskade on Saturday, and Sunday it’s Fever 333 out of Inglewood. Do note regarding parking, it’s recommended you take a shuttle, walk, or ride your bike as this year the X Games not only take over the fairgrounds, but the whole parking lot as well.
Leading up to and throughout the weekend, several venues around town will be welcoming the X Games to Ventura with live music such as the Ventura Harbor with Rey Fresco and Looking West (drone show included) on Wednesday, June 26, Tony’s Pizzeria offers up music each evening starting Thursday with the Heavy Hitters, then after the games each day it’s OnePeople and Singular Nature on Friday, June 28, Raging Arb and Friends on Saturday, June 29 and Heart & Soul on Sunday June 30. And not to be left out, Sans Souci has live music each evening featuring bands like Bone Maggot, Dogleg, Die Healing, Hologram Empire, Sunnie Daze and more (see listings).
One more X Games related activities I would be remiss if I didn’t mention, there will be a roller disco block party on Oak Street, downtown Ventura, on Oak Street from 4 – 10 pm on Wednesday, June 26, where you can take a spin while listening to disco music. Skate rentals available on a first-come basis.
Post X-Games fun, on the following weekend the fairgrounds will once again be taken over, this time by the crew from Surf Rodeo with headline acts Chris Janson and Iam Tongi on Friday, July 5 and Denm, Jim Lindberg and Sullvn on Saturday, July 6.
Tickets on sale now for John Waite’s, “40 Years of Missing You” tour, for the Oxnard Performing Arts Center October 10. The Ventura Music Hall has Strung Out with the Adolescents for September 29 and the Ventura Theater added Flogging Molly and Less than Jake for October 8 and October 16 respectively.
Quick Notes: Argentine singer/songwriter, Juana Molina, plays the Ojai Women’s Club on Friday, June 28; Danny Carrey of Tool returns to the Grape with the Doug Webb Group on Saturday, June 29; a Local Love Project fundraiser will be held at Portside Ventura Habor on Saturday, June 29, featuring Kelly’s Lot and Erik Lemaire Band; The Bacon Brothers (yes, including Kevin) play the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, June 30; and finally, the City will host the annual 4th of July Street Fair & Pushem Pullem Parade however at press time they had yet to list their live music.
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.
The attached picture shows (from left to right) Robert Berkovitz, Suzette Berkovitz, Lisa Gordon, and Martin Feeney enjoying the Ventura Breeze during a breezy spring day in Kinderdijk, Netherlands.
Hummus Republic in Ventura celebrated its grand opening with prizes, music, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 18. Enthusiastic community members and members of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce attended the much-anticipated event, which was enjoyed by all.
Hummus Republic is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers a build-yourown style of bowls, pitas, and wraps, as well as side dishes such as falafel, salads, and other Middle Eastern fare. Their mission is to bring flavorful and convenient meals to the masses and to create accessibility to healthy, real food for everyone.
Proud owner Michael Lozovsky, originally from San Fernando Valley, worked at one of the Hummus Republic franchises for six years before opening this establishment. It is impressive that Michael started this journey as an entry-level restaurant employee. His work ethic led him to management and eventually to the corporate team. His hard work and desire to succeed have now resulted in owning his first restaurant. His goal is to open more locations in Ventura County.
Why, one may ask? Mediterranean cuisine isn’t just about vibrant flavors and health benefits; it’s about sharing joyful moments around the table. A place where every guest is embraced like family, and every meal is an invitation to vibrant living.
• Walking your dog daily is an excellent activity for dogs and owners, alike, because it brings mental and physical stimulation to your pet and creates an unbreakable bond between you and your furry friend. However, as summer approaches and the temperature begins to rise, owners should be aware of the risks associated with walking pets in the heat.
Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, has some tips on identifying signs that it may be too hot to walk your pet and suggestions on ways to exercise them more safely on hot summer days.
Peanuts would like to know where the dog X Games will be held.
Recognizing When It’s ‘Too Hot To Walk’
It is important to pay attention to your dog and know when it might be too hot to take them for a walk.
“When it is hot outside, many dogs can be adversely impacted and suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” Teller said. “Dogs cannot sweat, and panting is not an effective mechanism for cooling off, so dogs do not have efficient ways of handling excessive heat.”
Teller also said there is no specific temperature that is too hot for dogs.
“A good rule is to avoid the hottest times of the day in the summer and limit walks or runs to early morning or late evening times when the temperatures have dropped some,” Teller said. “It may also be a good idea to consider booties to protect your dog’s feet from the hot pavement.”
In addition to being mindful of the time of day, owners should be extra cautious with both very young and older dogs as well as those with underlying medical conditions.
“Dogs with respiratory disease, heart disease, obesity, and breeds with flat or smushed faces — such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and more — are more likely to be heat-intolerant, or sensitive to the warmer temperatures.”
Another consideration for owners is how adjusted your dog is to the climate.
“Dogs that have recently relocated from cooler climates are also less likely to be acclimated to warmer temperatures,” Teller said.
While prevention is the best way to keep pets safe from overheating, Teller said it is also important to know the signs that a dog is struggling with the soaring temperatures. This is especially true for owners who take summer road trips that include outdoor breaks for their pets or who experience an air conditioning outage in the summer months.
Some signs to look out for in case your pet becomes overheated include anxiousness or restlessness; excessive panting or drooling; vomiting or diarrhea; abnormal gum or tongue color; unsteadiness while walking; or collapsing.
“If your pet appears to be overheated, place some cool, wet towels around your pet and seek veterinary care immediately,” Teller said. “Time is definitely of the essence.”
•When In Doubt, Call And Talk It Out
The first step in responding to a pet emergency should start long before the emergency may arise.
Greathouse encourages owners to create an emergency plan that includes phone numbers of the closest emergency clinic(s), your pet’s veterinarian, hotlines for potential animal poison or toxin exposures, and your phone number, in case someone is pet sitting for you.
“It’s a normal response for owners to panic when there is an emergency, but having those phone numbers nearby or in your phone can provide a sense of preparedness and enable you to act quickly and calmly,” Greathouse said.
Recognizing the signs of a pet emergency and understanding the types of emergencies that require immediate veterinary care are essential for pet owners. If owners are unsure whether a pet’s condition warrants immediate care, Greathouse advises them to err on the side of caution and contact a veterinarian or nearby emergency clinic.
“It’s safer to call and talk through the situation with someone else than it is to make the decision on your own,” Greathouse said. “We might be able to give you the push to come in or reassure you that you have a little bit more time before your pet needs to visit a veterinarian.”
By being aware of the signs of emergencies and having a plan in place, you can ensure that your pet receives the timely care they need. Remember, if you have any doubts about your pet’s health, it’s always best to seek professional advice.
Pet Talk is a service of the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk.
•University of Lincoln study tactfully titled Domestic Cats Do Not Show Signs of Secure Attachment to Their Owners.
When swapping 20 felines and their human owners, researchers found the cats appeared to bond as well with strangers (shown through behaviors such as play and mirroring) than with their actual owners.
The researchers concluded: “These results are consistent with the view that adult cats are typically quite autonomous, even in their social relationships, and not necessarily dependent on others to provide a sense of security and safety.”
While this sounds complicated, this is essentially the very simple idea that a cat will like you because they’re interested in whatever scent is on your hand.
“Cat taste buds are so sensitive – they can pick up scents from our skins that could include pheromone secretions from other animals,” says Sands.
“It could also be that you’ve got salt, moisturizer or whatever you’ve just eaten on your hand. To cats, all these are interesting scents and licking allows them to check it out. That’s simply all it might be.”
