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Totally Local VC’s Ventura County AG Week

Hundreds of locals and visitors alike turn out for this week-long event.

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)

Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation presents its third annual “Ventura County Ag Week,” a celebration of Ventura County Agriculture from March 25 through March 31, 2019.

“Hundreds of locals and visitors alike turn out for this week-long event, and the crowds get larger every year,” said Kat Merrick, Totally Local VC Founder. “The agriculture industry is so vital to our local economy. Considering this, Totally Local VC felt it would be great to introduce the community to its local farmers as well as ag organizations. Throughout the week, through a series of entertaining and educational events, attendees will get the chance to learn more about the economic role agriculture plays in our community as well as the jobs available in farming, and exactly what happens from field to fork.”

In 2014, Ventura County ranked No. 10 among California counties in total crop value according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The most recent national data put Ventura county at No. 11 among all counties in the United States.

Week-Long Celebration Schedule:

The “2019 Excellence in Agriculture Awards Luncheon” on Monday, March 25 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm kicks off the week-long celebrations. Honoring

agricultural leaders from farmers, ranchers to chefs and Ag educators, the event will be held at Limoneira Ranch Visitors Center in Santa Paula. Keynote speaker is Ag Commissioner Ed Williams. Chef Jason Collis of Plated Events is luncheon caterer. Reiter Affiliated Companies and the California Strawberry Commission host the build-your-own-strawberry-shortcake dessert bar. The event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased online at totallylocalvc.com.

“Meet-the-Farmer-and-Rancher Mixer Night” will be held Wednesday, March 27 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm at McGrath Ranch & Garden, 5100 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. Attendees are invited to mix, mingle and taste the flavors of Ventura County while listening to the music of Karen 805 and participate in a silent auction hosted by the Ventura Chapter of (CWA) California Women for Agriculture. The event is free and open to the public (no-host bar).

Saturday, March 30, families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of music and a locally-sourced barbecue luncheon at Oxnard Historical Farm Park, 1251 Gottfried Place, Oxnard. Admission is free. Check time details at totallylocalvc.com.

Ag Week, along with help from its sponsors, also hosts private Career Exploration Day, which, held at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agricultural Museum for some 600 pre-registered students and their teachers, showcases job opportunities in the field of agriculture, food science, and culinary arts.

“One of our main goals for this week is to work with area schools to educate the youth of our community,” said Merrick. “Students will hear firsthand from local farmers and chefs about the important role agriculture plays locally and hopefully open up a new world to them in terms of future job opportunities, mentorship programs, and valuable friendships.”

For more information, visit: totallylocalvc.com.

Vol. 12, No. 12 – Mar 13 – Mar 26, 2019 – Music Calendar

3/13 – 3/26

Black Angus
4718 Telephone Road
Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Thursdays: Mark David Undercover

Blue Agave
185 E. Santa Clara
Fridays: Mariachi Band; DJ
Saturdays: DJ

The Blue Room
Ventura Harbor Village
(Next to Comedy Club)
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Monday-Thursday 6 pm, Friday & Saturday 7 pm
Mondays: Milo Sledge
Tuesdays: Jason Ho/Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Bluegrass Jam
Wed 3/13: Shore Break
Fri 3/15 Corsican Brothers
Sat 3/16: Beach City Sound Club
Sun 3/17: Kenny Devoe
Wed 3/20: Catterwailers
Fri 3/22: Two’s Company
Sat 3/23: Big Adventure
Sun 3/24: Goleta Sound

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Thursdays, Friday & Saturdays: DJs
Sat 3/16: The Vonettes, Seth Pettersen (Let’s Go Out! 5-8 pm)

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 3/13: Big Adventure
Fri 3/15: Jason Bourne
Sat 3/16: The Collectives
Wed 3/20: Donna Butler
Fri 3/22: Instone
Sat 3/23: Self Righteous Brothers
Sun 3/24: Jangala Roots
Tues 3/26: Donna Greene

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Music 7 pm; Sundays 4 pm
Mondays: Smokey & Friends
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Sun 3/17: The Brandon Ragan Project

Dargan’s Irish Rub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
Sun 3/17: Irish Music throughout the day

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 3/14: Synrgy, True Zion, Why Worry
Fri 3/15: 40 Oz to Freedom
Sun 3/17: Dr. Madd Vibe & the Missin’ Link
Thurs 3/21: Sin Chonies
Fri 3/22: Ayla Nereo w/ Elijah Ray & Amber Lily
Sat 3/23: No Duh
Sun 3/24: Groove Session

Duke’s Griddle n Grill
1124 S. Seaward
Wednesdays: Karaoke

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: DJ
Saturdays: DJ

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Avenue
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 3/15: Johnny and the Love Handles
Fri 3/22: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson

Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Mondays: Karaoke
Wed 3/13: Naughty Pine
Sat 3/16: Whiskey Business
Sun 3/17: The Freakees, The Nightmare Continues
Sat 3/23: Acid Teeth, 3 Day Holocaust, Upper Downer, Life/Fail

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wed & Thurs 6 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm
Fri 3/15: Tex Pistols
Sat 3/16: The Divebar Messiahs
Sun 3/17: Shawn Jones
Fri 3/22: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 3/23: Rose Valley Thorns
Sun 3/24: Gentlemen’s Blue Club

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Wed 3/13: Teresa Russell & Tom Buenger
Thurs 3/14: Nir Felder
Fri 3/15: David Gorospe and Friends
Sat 3/16: The CocoKnuts (1-4 pm) Paid Time Off (7 pm)
Sat 3/23: Velmonts

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues, Wed and Sun: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 3/15: Pull the Trigger
Sat 3/16: What the Funk
Fri 3/22: Sean Wiggins
Sat 3/23: DJ-AVG

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Fri 3/15: Boom Duo
Sat 3/16: FIDO Band
Fri 3/22: The Salty Suites
Sat 3/23: Jacob Marques

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main Street
Fridays: DJ
Saturdays: DJ
Sundays: Instone (1-4 pm)

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 6 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 3/14: RJ Bloke
Sat 3/16: Alec Ledbetter
Sun 3/17: Ben Schneid
Thurs 3/21: Will Breman
Sat 3/23: Kyle Swan
Sun 3/24: Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Sun 3/24: Uli Jon Roth

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor Village
Sat 3/16: Crosscut 805

Namba
47 S. Oak Street
Sat 3/16: Dave Meder Trio
Sat 3/23: Donna Lynn Caskey

Oak and Main
419 E. Main Street
Sundays: Sing Time Karoke
Tuesdays: Beers Brothers Open Mic
Wednesdays: Brian Nicolet
Fri 3/15: Angel Arce
Sat 3/16: Cinnamon Whiskey
Fri 3/22: Medicine Hat
Sat 3/23: Mark Masson & Friends

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wed: Karaoke

Pacific View Mall
(outside Trader Joe’s)
Food Truck Friday 7-9 0m
Fri 3/15: Misunderstood

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Open Jam night
Sat 3/23: Joecephus & the George Jonestown Massacre

Rock and Roll Pizza
305 Arneill Road
Sat 3/23: The Guitar and Whiskey Club

Saloon
456 E. Main Street
Music at 10 pm
Sat 3/16: The Colour Coast, Aloud

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sun 3/17: Sarah Burton
Sat 3/23: Steve Bedau
Sun 3/24: The Hellhounds

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 3/15: Sin Chonies
Sat 3/16: Black Star
Sat 3/23: Goat Rhythm, Pink Mist, Auxilio
Sun 3/24: Narthex Structure, All-a-Blur, F.S.KI.D., Tom Foolery

The Shores Restaurant
1031 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard
Fri 3/15: Gary Ballen
Sat 3/16: Unkle Monkey
Sun 3/17: Lauren Tannenbaum
Fri 3/22: Troy Edwards
Sat 3/23: The Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 3/24: Karen Eden

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Get Right DJ
Sat 3/16: Noble Grizwald, Young Million

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
Music 3-5 pm
Sat 3/16: Rich Sheldon Trio
Sun 3/17: Will Breman
Sat 3/23: Natalie Gelman
Sun 3/24: Patricia Avis Trio

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
104 E. Thompson Blvd
Thurs 3/14: Matt Sayles

VFW Hall
3801 Market Street
Sun 3/17: Bleeding Harp (1-4 pm)

Winchester’s
632 E. Main Street
(805) 653-7446
Music at 7:00 pm; Sundays at 5 pm
Fri 3/15: Heckel & Jeckel
Sat 3/16: Braids & Dreads
Sun 3/17: Aaron Pax Taylor
Fri 3/22: Andy D.
Sat 3/23: The Swillys
Sun 3/24: Meg & Alex

1901 Speakeasy
649 South B Street, Oxnard
Fri 3/15: Bobby Campbell
Sat 3/16: Tex Pistols
Fri 3/22: The Inside Break
Sat 3/23: Karen Eden

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at Noon
Saturdays: Kenny Devoe
Sundays: Kenny Devoe

There’s a new street in Ventura: James Monahan Way

Friends, councilmembers and city staff joined Jim to celebrate his new street.

Former Ventura Mayor and City Councilman Jim Monahan may no longer serve on the City Council, but his legacy will now live on forever.

A newly named street, James Monahan Way is at Poli Street and the City Hall parking lot as well as the gateway to the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

Monahan was honored with this street designation at his retirement council meeting in December. In his unprecedented run, Monahan served on the City Council from 1977 to 2018. He stepped down in December, having chosen to not seek reelection.

The street designation caps a year of honors for Monahan, who also recently accepted the 2018 Citizen of the Year Award from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.

Among the countless ways that Monahan has touched the community is in his enthusiastic leadership and as founder of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. American flags fly everywhere on patriotic holidays because of his work to organize volunteers to hang them. He’s also known citywide for his work advocating for the people of Ventura Avenue, where his father started American Welding in 1928 and where he still maintains an office.

An early advocate for a Veterans Home in Ventura County, Monahan got to see that happen, and he continues to serve on the Gold Coast Veterans Home Foundation. He has retired from elected office but certainly not from community service.

“Spread Peace and Love” mural by VCS students on display

Students had the opportunity to chat with Ventura’s Mayor Matt LaVere (he’s the bigger one). Photo by VCS parent Manjula Perera

On Thursday, February 21st, 50 third graders from Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education (VCS) walked two miles to Ventura City Hall for a highly anticipated field trip. This journey was a celebration of the unveiling of their “Spread Peace and Love” mural on display in City Hall. The spirit of this peaceful mural is to be a traveling art peace around the city. When third-grade VCS teachers Emily Noel and Kim “Flow” Hansmeier reached out to Ventura City Hall to be the first hosts of the art piece, City Hall was instantly supportive and excited.

Kathryn Dippong Lawson, Ventura City Hall’s Cultural Arts, Education & Historic Supervisor, helped coordinate this special event. The day involved a glance at Ventura’s historical art pieces within City Hall on a guided tour from Tobie Roach, the City of Ventura’s Public Art Specialist. Students had many opportunities to learn about famous, local artists and to connect with art through reflection, observations, and questions.

The field trip concluded with a “Mayor Meet Up” as students had the unique opportunity to chat with Ventura’s Mayor Matt LaVere. Mayor LaVere then concluded the incredible experience by unveiling the student’s art piece of peace. Many high fives, cheers, and peace signs were given and joyful pictures were taken with the Mayor.

Quotes from VCS third grade artists reflecting on their big day at Ventura City Hall:

“At City Hall, we met awesome people! Kathryn and Tobie seemed very passionate about the City Hall art and they wanted to share it with us. City Hall inspired us to do more. The Mayor was much different than I thought he’d be. I thought he’d be really old. He was so fun and cool! We learned that the Mayor’s job is important. The Mayor makes Ventura a better community. He’s a kind person. Meeting him was an exciting opportunity. Maybe I can be the Mayor one day. The Mayor said that every day he walks into City Hall and the first thing he sees is our mural saying, ‘Spread Peace and Love’ and it reminds him to do that. He said the best Mayors spread peace and love.”

“This mural was about kindness, spreading peace, and love to others. We went to be representatives of kindness. We went to show ourselves being a part of the community. Spreading peace, love, and kindness is all that we want to do and are going to do; all that we are. We want our community to be peaceful and kind. We are all pieces of the mural. There are 50 parts/bones of the mural.”

“Our mural is a chance to express ourselves and the work we’ve done. Our peaceful family is open for others to join. We can all be one and bring others together. When you’re kind to yourself, it makes being kind to others easier. The mural is a reminder you can be peaceful and you can set the example; it’s something we don’t want people to forget.”

City of Ventura releases Thomas Fire after action review

Ventura is learning important lessons from the Thomas Fire.

The City of Ventura has released its after action review of the Thomas Fire that analyzes the City’s immediate response and initial recovery operations for the unprecedented disaster. The goal of the 23-page report is to evaluate what was done, examine lessons learned, and identify areas for future implementation, many of which have already been underway over the past year. The review is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/thomasfire.

The emergency management company, Terra Firma Enterprises, created the review with participation from the City of Ventura department directors and emergency operations center (EOC) staff.  Several after action review sessions were held to analyze the City’s actions during the fire and post-fire recovery.

The largest fire recorded in California at the time, the Thomas Fire required an enormous response from the City, the region, and beyond. Fighting the fire necessitated a vast effort, including one of the largest deployment of firefighters in state history—more than 8,500. In Ventura, firefighters and public safety personnel initiated extensive evacuation procedures and an immediate aggressive attack on the fire. Due to the swift and well-coordinated response, the City of Ventura experienced no loss of life as a direct result of the fire.

The after action review highlights a number of the City’s strengths in performance related to the fire such as the instant action by first responders to evacuate the hillsides to save lives, early implementation of communication and outreach efforts, and prioritization of critical City services.

Ventura and the entire State of California are learning important lessons from recent wildfires, including the Thomas Fire. The City is using these lessons to increase its disaster resiliency. For example, as part of this effort, the City is moving forward with a request to create a permanent Emergency Manager. The new position will coordinate ongoing efforts, maintain compliance and provide day-to-day tactical emergency management. Although no urban water system is designed to operate under or protect against a massive, unstoppable wildfire, further investments also include obtaining and positioning additional generators to ensure that all water facilities have sufficient backup power during a prolonged, citywide power shutoff, and programs that increase water supply reliability to respond to natural and man-made hazards. Since the Thomas Fire, Ventura has also added supplemental fire resources, which includes an additional roaming fire engine that provides 40 hours a week more of service to the City.

“We continue to share our heartfelt sympathy for those who were impacted by the fire,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “We are committed to learning from this disaster and preparing for the future. This includes requests for new positions, like an Emergency Manager, that can further support and help lead our disaster response efforts. Wildfires are an unfortunate, but likely reality in California.  The most resilient cities are those that listen, learn, and adapt – Ventura will do just that.”

After action reviews are critical in helping communities examine and learn from disasters like the Thomas Fire. Through this experience Ventura is driving forward with new actions, measures, and programs to better prepare for the years to come.

Upcoming community events with CAPS

Annabelle Augustine interviews Allison Villas and Grace Johnston-Glick about their Thomas Fire experiences.

CAPS Media continues to broadcast great member programming including a fascinating travel show and one covering environmental topics, current event programming and even short form dramatic films. Our members also cover many local events and performances. We continue to broadcast our award winning Thomas Fire Stories program with new episodes on the way.

There are some exciting annual events coming up that CAPS Media supports. These community events include the 31st Annual County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Ventura Education Partnership’s 18th Annual Festival of Talent. Both events showcase the best of what the Ventura community has to offer. Performers, artists, groups, non-profits and businesses are many of those who embrace and represent civic pride.

More screenings of The Perfect Firestorm – The Thomas Fire Story documentary will be held in Santa Paula on Saturday, March 9th at 1pm & 3pm at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum. This is a free event, open to the public, no reservations are required. The documentary is available for viewing on the CAPS Media website homepage at capsmedia.org.

Look for new videos on the channels from the Fire and Police Departments addressing safety and preparedness and job recruiting. Videos covering Sandbag Basics, Ready for the Rainy season, Fire Safe Council as well Ventura Police recruitment videos and Crime and Safety Update.

If you have an interest in community television or radio production, or are just curious, drop by the CAPS Media Center on the first Thursday of the month and learn how to become a member of CAPS and join our community of enthusiastic and engaged member/producers. Attend the March orientation class and become a member. For a low membership fee of $25 you will receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production (additional fee required) and more. You will have access to our state-of-the-art facilities including our fully equipped studio and will receive invites to special events including our Producers Caucus. Don’t miss out. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 805-658-0500.

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media.

Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo March 2nd

Golden Future Expos Inc. is pleased to announce a new and exciting change to the 8th Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo. We have moved to the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center located at 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. This annual event has also moved to the month of March and will be held on Saturday, March 2nd 2019 from 10:00am – 2:30pm.

The expo will feature 60 vendors with products, services, and resources tailored for Baby Boomers, Seniors, Caregivers, and Friends/Family.

Highlights Include:

  • Free Admission & Free Parking
  • Health Screenings (Blood Pressure, Carotid Artery/Stroke, Blood Glucose, DNA Cancer Screenings, Pulse Oximeter & More)
  • Medicare and/or Financial Planning Advice
  • Makeovers
  • Entertainment
  • Great Speakers & Workshops
  • Hourly Door Prize Drawings & Giveaways
  • Mini Job & Volunteer Fair
  • Food Truck to Purchase Lunch
  • Bingo with Cash Prizes
  • DIY Arts & Crafts

The Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo connects local seniors, their families and caretakers with a variety of services and resources available to them. “This expo has become an important annual event for Ventura County,” states Toyia Moore Borrelli, Event Director. Visit www.goldenfutureseniorexpo.com for a complete schedule. Attendees can pre-register online or at the door.

Design in the Making: Ventura County Architecture

Cayetano School Wilson, Stroh, Wilson, AIA.

The Museum of Ventura County and the American Institute of Architects Ventura County (AIAVC) present Design in the Making, a community Architectural Exhibit exploring the dynamic role of architects and designers in affecting positive change in our community through the creative design process. Admission is Free for museum and AIA members, $5 for non-members. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.

Design in the Making runs through May 19, 2019 and will feature the Museum of Ventura County’s architectural archives opened to the public for the very first time, and local built and un-built projects highlighting the evolving conversation inherent within the design process with a window into the future.

“Ventura County’s architectural diversity creates a landscape of historic relevance that defines the vernacular of our culture,” said Anna Bermudez, curator for the Museum. “The exhibit will present a cross-section of styles that reflect the influences of immigration and its cultural impact on housing and community buildings throughout the decades and throughout the county.

Accompanying the exhibition, programs throughout the duration of the exhibit include live interactive design charrettes where Designers-In-Residence and Community will come together to create solutions to local place making issues. The AIAVC will host a Scholarship Fundraiser to benefit students planning on pursuing careers in architecture, and to announce the 2019 Scholarship Recipients, Friday, May 3, 2019 from 6-9 p.m. followed by a free activity, “Kid Draw Architecture,” on Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 2-4pm. For more information visit AIAVC or call 805-749-6809.

This exhibit is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Ashley & Vance Engineering, Coast Reprographics, Mary Follenweider AIA, Neel Lighting, and Staples Construction. Additional support provided by the City of Ventura, Ventura County, and private funders.

Established in 1965, the AIAVC is a member-driven organization providing advocacy, leadership, and resources for architects.  Its mission is to promote personal and corporate growth, strength and sustainability of the membership as architects and citizens of Ventura County. This is done by Engaging, Encouraging and Educating the membership and the community at large. For more information visit AIAVC or call 805-749-6809.

For more information, visit venturamuseum.org.