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Ventura County Fair announces 2019 Grandstand Entertainment Lineup

The VC Fair has announced the 2019 Grandstand Entertainment Series, Fair visitors can see their favorite musical acts and rodeos free with paid admission to the fair.

Adding a concert on opening night, July 31, the 2019 VC Fair will now present 11 free concerts. This year’s list of Fair entertainers will satisfy Ventura County music lovers with every unique performance:

·     Wednesday, July 31 @7:30: Styx
·     Thursday, August 1 @7:30: Martina McBride
·     Friday, August 2 @7:30:  Melissa Etheridge
·     Saturday, August 3 @7:30: The Ohio Players with
special guests The Emotions and Evelyn “Champagne” King
·     Sunday, August 4 @3:00: Dia de la Familia Concert
·     Monday, August 5 @7:30: X Ambassadors
·     Tuesday, August 6 @1:00: Tommy James and the Shondells (matinee only)
·     Tuesday, August 6 @7:30: Brothers Osborne
·     Wednesday, August 7 @7:30: Daughtry
·     Thursday, August 8 @7:30: George Thorogood and the Destroyers
“Good to be Bad Tour – 45 Years of Rock”
·     Friday, August 9 @7:30 : Collective Soul
·     Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11
will bring the fair to an end with Western style Rodeos, free with paid fair admission.

The 144th Ventura County Fair, “A Country Air with Ocean Air”, begins Wednesday, July 31 and runs through to Sunday August 11. For more information please call (805) 648 -3376 or visit www.venturacountyfair.org.

 

AN OPINION

by VREG Editors

Mayor Matt LaVere filled his 2019 State-of-the-City address with images of a better Ventura. Unfortunately, it lacked specifics on addressing Ventura’s most pressing issues, budgets, water, staff and retirement costs.

Ventura’s Homeless Center

The first goal was opening a permanent, full-service homeless shelter by December 31, 2019. Opening the center doesn’t begin to solve the problem. Mayor LaVere and the City Council equate opening a homeless center with improving Ventura’s homeless situation. They are not the same thing.

Homelessness has risen the past three years to 555 persons from 300 in 2016.

The city is hoping the new homeless shelter will stem the tide, but there will only be 55 beds. Filling every bed will still leave 500 unsheltered homeless persons on the street.

A shelter is a start but it has been planned for years. The details on the next steps to keeping homeless off the street were not shared. We hoped for more.

Update The General Plan

The second goal was to reinitiate the General Plan update by conducting public outreach throughout 2019. New innovative ways will be tried to reach more citizens. Mayor LaVere does plan to include more young people but the details were missing.

Economic Development

The third goal is to create a comprehensive economic development strategy. The strategy would include several key focus areas, including the Auto Center, the Johnson Drive corridor and Front Street.

Economic development begins with other people’s money. It takes investors, willing to put up the capital, to improve the business environment. How the City of Ventura will encourage new investors was not shared.

Ventura has a reputation among developers as a difficult city to do business. Stifling regulations, fees and planning delays force investors to look elsewhere. It is hoped that the new economic development plan will review, streamline or remove building codes and regulations wherever possible in the city.

Ventura Beautiful

The fourth goal is to beautify the community. Mayor LaVere wants to end “blight.”

Like the economic plan goal, this goal relies on “other people’s money.” Homeowners must invest in eliminating the so-called blight. There is no compelling reason for property owners to reinvest in some properties.

If the mayor is serious about decreasing blight, reduce the building permits and fees for rebuilding.

Coastal Area Strategic Plan

The fifth goal is also unmeasurable and unspecific. Mayor LaVere says we must develop a Coastal Area Strategic Plan.

The same faults of gaining input for the General Plan apply to the Coastal Area Strategic Plan. Find ways to reach all citizens.

Building Community

The sixth goal is for the Ventura community to come together. Building community was a goal of both Mayor Nasarenko and Mayor Andrews. Three years and three administrations later, this goal remains.

Mayor LaVere has targeted Mission Park as the way to build community. The specifics on rebuilding Mission Park were missing. Budgets, timelines or measurable results would have been helpful. Moreover, this plan has one fault the others don’t have, public safety.

Mission Park is home to some of Ventura’s homeless population. To prepare the area, the homeless must move elsewhere. Also, after they move, someone would have to clean the park of discarded needles, drug paraphernalia and human waste.

Stopping The Bleeding

To fulfill any of our mayor’s goals requires adequate staff. The final goal is to stabilize and strengthen our city government. The city has eight unfilled, critical managerial positions and sixty vacant jobs.

We hope City Manager Alex McIntyre will fill those management positions soon but, if he doesn’t, how will the City Council help and support our City Manager?

Editors’ Comments

This year’s speech painted a utopian vision. It was a feel good speech. How these goals will be achieved and by whom remains to be seen.

Vol. 12, No. 16 – May 8 – May 21, 2019 – Movie Review

by Cindy Summers

Dumbo 
3 palm trees out of 4

Dumbo is the 2019 Walt Disney Pictures version of the animated Disney classic originally released 1941. Directed by Tim Burton, Music by Danny Elfman. and Written by Ehren Kruger. Starring Danny DeVito as Max Medici, Colin Farrell as Holt Farrier and Michael Keaton as V.A. Vandevere with great performances from child actors Nicole N. Parker as Milly Farrier & Finley Hobbins as Joe Farrier.

Set in 1919, it’s a reminder of a time when the circus traveled on trains. The Medici Circus traveled across the south and was plagued with loss from the influenza epidemic and declining crowds. Holt Farrier (Collin Farrell) returns from the war having lost an arm and discovering he also has lost his wife to influenza and his prize performing horses were sold to keep the circus going. There’s an obvious distance with his children Milly (Nicole N. Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) , who had to rely on each other having been left alone at the circus by circumstance.

Max Medici (Danny DeVito) buys Jumbo the elephant in hopes that a cute baby elephant can draw big crowd, only to have his dreams crushed by Dumbo’s seemingly deformed large ears. You can’t help but fall in love in an instant peering into Dumbo’s sweet blue eyes and extremely realistic looking CGI. Milly and Joe discover quite by chance that when Dumbo sniffs up a feather, he can fly. Feeling this will help the Medici circus, Dumbo get national exposure after flying in his first show.

This got the attention of a major investor, V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) who offers to make Max a partner and give jobs to his troop in a giant permanent steampunk carnival venue, certainly a brilliant design that could only be created from the incredible imagination of Tim Burton. The music score also plays a big part in the emotion of the story, which is a testament to Burton’s continued project partnership with Danny Elfman.

Danny DeVito was perfect for his role as the crazy character running the circus, as he was hard not to love regardless of his morally questionable actions or intentions. It felt as though Keaton overacted the villain part at times but enjoyed the contrast of little Milly wanting to make scientific contributions to the world like Marie Curie. I found myself on the edge of my seat as the recently fired carnival crew set out to rescue Big Jumbo and Little Dumbo, and think the remake brings much reality and believability to this timeless Disney classic.

Dumbo is a movie for people of all ages and for those that think you remember the story line believe there’s much to see in this new release.

Rated PG – 112m

Vol. 12, No. 16 – May 8 – May 21, 2019 – The Pet Page

∙The Canine Companions For Independence Valley to Sea Chapter encompasses puppy raisers and volunteers in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

If you’re looking for deeper engagement as a Canine Companions volunteer, we encourage you to get involved with them. The Valley to Sea Chapter is an extension of the Southwest Regional Training Center. They work to raise awareness, recruit new puppy raisers and volunteers and support one another’s work on behalf of the Canine Companions’ mission.

Elizabeth and Alan Howell and Pam Williams of Canine Companions For Independence appearing on Our Ventura TV (www.ourventura.com) on CAPSTV hosted by Sandra Siepak.

They are a lively network filled with opportunities for social engagement, from puppy classes to fundraisers. Beyond the satisfaction of doing good work for Canine Companions, lifelong friendships are often formed among chapter members. If you are interested in more information go to http://www.cci.org.

Founded in 1975 the assistance dogs they breed, raise and train aren’t just the ears, hands and legs of their human partners. They’re also goodwill ambassadors and often, their best friends. They open up new opportunities and new possibilities and spread incredible joy. They unite people with dogs in a powerful program that leads to greater independence and confidence.

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends.

Two clinics in May are: Thursday, May 23rd at Sheills Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore,  and another one in the SPAN Thrift Store parking lot in Ventura at 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main) on Thursday, May 30th. Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

The National Police Dog Foundation (located in our backyard)is pleased to announce it will be co-hosting the 2nd Annual Police K-9 Memorial Service on May 11th to be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. The Foundation will be hosting a luncheon following the ceremony at the nearby DC FOP Lodge.

∙The anti-vaccine movement has come for pets.

In fact, the spreading fear of side effects from pet vaccines led the British Veterinary Association to issue a statement that dogs cannot develop autism from them.

Doctor Raelynn Farnsworth with the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine echoes this for all pets.

“I do hear people that come into the office and say, ‘Well, I don’t believe in vaccines or I think vaccines cause problems,'” Dr. Farnsworth said. “We do hear the autism claim in humans and so what does it do to their pets. There are studies out there that we are seeing a decline in animal visits to the veterinarians. Mostly that’s based on people’s perception that their pet doesn’t like the vet, so they don’t take them. ”

She said it’s important to vaccinate your pets for their well-being, and the well-being of all pets.

“If enough animals are vaccinated it puts animals that are at risk for medical reasons or age reasons can’t get vaccinated, they’re less likely to get sick from the diseases if the general population is vaccinated,” Dr. Farnsworth said. Not only that, but she said the risk of these diseases, and treatment for them, outweigh any potential side effects.

“Most of the diseases we vaccinate against we do so because they’re pretty detrimental to the pet,” Dr. Farnsworth said. “Like with the parvovirus, they can die if left untreated and pets did die before the vaccine was available in large numbers.”

So what vaccines does your pet need and how often should they get them?

Dr. Farnsworth said there are “core vaccines” recommended for all pets. But your vet will make recommendations based on your pet’s health and lifestyle.

In general, dogs or cats should be vaccinated after they’re 12 weeks old, which is good for one year. Some vets will do a rabies vaccine that’s good for three years. This is given to your pet when once they’re at least 15 months old.

The size of your pet doesn’t affect the vaccine dose. It’s just one dose per animal.

Vol. 12, No. 16 – May 8 – May 21, 2019 – Forever Homes Wanted

Meet our Marvelous Milo…a medium-sized, good-natured boy who would love to be your very Personal Greeter to welcome you home every day after work! Milo is friendly, affectionate, knows how to sit when asked and has good manners when offered treats. He is a handsome, wonderful guy who is very deserving of a loving home & family. Ventura County Animal Services – Simi location – 670 W. Los Angeles Ave. Milo A681467

Hi: I’m Angel a 7-year-old gentle and affectionate American Staffordshire Terrier X. I’m in need of a new home because my owner had to move and I am not able to go. I love playing and cuddling, enjoy walks, car rides, and chew toys. I like people and children, although I can jump up a little when I get excited. I’m house and crate trained, and I know basic commands. I know my breed gets a bad rap, but I hope you’ll stop by and meet me and see for yourself what a sweet girl I am. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Ventura City Council Municipal Art Acquisition Program

In May of 1999, the City Council established the Municipal Art Acquisition Program to document the history of visual art in Ventura through the annual purchase of important works of art created by area artists. The collection provides increased access to art of the highest quality and of distinctive merit through its display in the public areas of City Hall and other municipal buildings.

In the corridors of city hall is Meredith Brooks Abbott’s Oranges Against Shadows, 1999, oil on canvas.

She studied and learned from several recognized American Impressionist painters – Douglass Parshall, Richard Meryman and Clarence Hinkle. Abbott’s family-owned, fifty-acre ranch in Carpinteria is the landscape found in her plein air paintings.

Vol. 12, No. 16 – May 8 – May 21, 2019 – Opinion/Editorial

∙Okay, no kidding no more Trump comments from me. Reader’s comments are always welcome.

∙I received the following email from a reader.

Hi Sheldon –

Your last issue suggests that “Easter”. “Christian”. “church” are not part of your vocabulary.

My response to the reader was, “How? What did I say? Please explain further.”

His response: “Nothing about Easter / Passover services, Easter activities, church / temple schedules for Easter / Passover. There was an Easter sunrise service at the beach – annual event.”

First it went from Christian to include Passover, that’s okay. My response to him, and all readers is, we can only publish information that we receive regarding events. If you have an event, send to [email protected].

∙I lost a lifelong friend, Chuck Cecil, who has been part of my life for 60 years, although I just met him about 5 years ago. Any jazz fan will know Chuck whose radio show “The Swinging Years” had run for more than 50 years (see the cover story.)

A few years ago, I heard that Chuck was living in Ventura, and I managed to contact him and visit him at his house in midtown. It was a museum of jazz and the big band sound. Thousands of vinyl records and signed photos of every singer, band leader, and musician in the jazz world.

He and wife Edna were an amazing couple, always holding hands and calling each other honey and sweet heart after many-many years of marriage. A couple of love doves.

∙A teenager died when he was struck by a train in Ventura. The incident happened on the tracks near Hurst Avenue and Ocean Avenue, according to a Union Pacific official. The 17-year-old male from West Hills was struck by a southbound Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. Authorities say that his death appears to be a suicide.

Immediately, some accused the City Council because Union Pacific had removed their fences that kept people from crossing over the tracks. These fences were owned by Union Pacific and were on their property. They removed them because of the opposition to the fences by some folks living in midtown who crossed over the tracks to get to the beach.

The City Council certainly gets some things wrong, but this wasn’t one of them. Can’t blame them for everything

∙Rodeo Road, in the Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw neighborhood in Los Angeles has been renamed for President Obama. Will republicans take longer routes in order to not drive on Obama Road?

∙After over 50 years as a landmark, the Arby’s sign that was at the old location on Main Street at Mills Road was cut down after Arby’s moved to a new location.

This was really sad because there were sign museums that wanted to save it.

The work was done without a required demolition permit. Hopefully someone at least gets fined.

∙Congratulations to Adam and Josh for finally getting the Planning Commissions unanimous approval for their proposed jazz club, The Grape Jazz Club, located by Community Hospital. As soon as they obtain their building permit, construction can start.

Rumor has it that the old Hong Kong Inn (where they have been set-up while obtaining approval for new location) might become the Baked Potato Jazz Club.

The Baked Potato Jazz Club has been the home venue for some of the greatest musicians since 1970. If we end up with two jazz clubs that would be wonderful and could draw even more well-known performers (and jazz fans) to Ventura.

∙ When “A Country Fair With Ocean Air” opens on July 31, the cost to park at the fairgrounds will increase from $10 to $15. Parking during other events will go from $5 to $8.

The increase comes as the board that oversees the Ventura County Fairgrounds voted at its last meeting to raise the parking as part of approving the 2019 budget. Fairgrounds Executive Director Barbara Quaid said the fair is “spending over $140,000 on buses to bring you here for free. There’s so many places you can park and take the shuttle.”

Most don’t understand that the fairgrounds is actually the 31st District Agricultural Association, otherwise known as the Ventura County Fairgrounds, a state agency overseen by an appointed board of directors and not a part of, or run by, Ventura. The board is exploring ways to increase revenue and reduce expenses.

Free admission days allow about 22,000 to attend the fair for free. Eliminating the fair parade has been one way of reducing costs.

∙A count of Orange County’s homeless population found nearly 7,000 people that are in shelters or on streets. Significantly more than the last count in 2017 is the County struggles to deal with the issue.

From the LA Times; “Jails across the nation are crowded with mentally ill inmates who are there because of a broken promise. Over the course of several decades, states closed mental hospitals and vowed to replace them with community based psychiatric treatment and housing, but the treatment and housing failed to materialize.” Many of the mentally homeless that you see are a result of these actions.

∙New cameras in some retail stores are gauging your facial expressions to determine your age, gender and even buying habits to personalize your buying needs and show the product’s you want on screens. This, of course, raises some privacy issues. So, to confuse them, look grim when you’re buying something you want and look happy when it is a product you’re not interested in, then you can have the last laugh.

Vol. 12, No. 16 – May 8 – May 21, 2019 – A View From House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Crimes of the Heart sizzles

Be prepared to laugh, to identify and to sympathize with the quirky characters in Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama, Crimes of the Heart, now onstage at Oxnard’s Elite Theatre. As their 2019 season themed “Family” continues, the production brings forward multiple areas of dysfunction while at the same time focuses on the importance and innate bonds of the family unit.

The scene is 1974, Hazlehurst, Mississippi. Three sisters with quite different viewpoints on life who are struggling through their own personal crises come together because granddaddy is in the hospital. Their troubled family history unites them at the core despite their differences.

Lenny (Genevieve Levin), a spinster of low self-esteem, is holding down the fort caring for granddaddy’s house and affairs. She is the logical one of the three. She anxiously awaits the arrival of sister Meg (Dawn Michelle), who had left the fold to seek a future as a singer. Alas, things didn’t quite work out for her. She copes by acting out, maintaining the hippie style of the 70’s with panache.

Both lament the fact that little sister Becky “Babe” (Samantha Netzen Bingham) has just blithely admitted to shooting her husband in the stomach (poor aim) because she didn’t like the sound of his voice. Now out on bail, Babe is handed legal representation by Barnette Lloyd (Patrick R. Rogers), a recent law school graduate clearly in over his head. He is smitten with Babe, which makes handling her case challenging.

Cousin Chick Boyle (Kimberly Prendergast) holds a consistently negative view of all the sisters but feels the need to be overtly involved for granddaddy’s sake. How the sisters each deal with Chick in their own way adds to the dimension of the character.

Doc Porter (Eric R. Umali, who also designed the set) reenters Meg’s life even though he is now married. Although their romance ended on a poor note years before, both harbor unresolved attraction destined to get them in trouble.

Many in the cast are new to the Elite Theatre stage, although the entire cast is certainly not new to many Ventura County theaters. Director Jolyn Johnson’s choice of this highly seasoned cast makes Crimes of the Heart sizzle with Southern flair.

The various life situations, as outrageous as they are, bear many similarities for everyone to identify with. How the sisters cope (or not) results in tears of recognition and laughter despite the underlying serious elements.

It is not unusual to dissolve into laughter as a method of coping with difficult times in our lives. One scene in the second act, when granddaddy falls into a coma, is contagiously hilarious.

The play does involve the use of herbal cigarettes so patrons who may be sensitive to that are encouraged to sit further back in the 70-seat theater. A fan and open doors at intermission help dispel the fragrance quickly. As the situations portrayed are decidedly “adult”, parental discretion is advised.

Crimes of the Heart continues through May 12 (bring mom on Mother’s Day!) with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission, $17 for students, seniors and military, $12 for under 12. www.elitetheatre.org or (805) 483-5118.