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Vol. 12, No. 10 – Feb 13 – Feb 26, 2019 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I am so happy to hear that Surf Rodeo is on again for this year and I just found out it will be in a new location moving from Pierpont Beach to the Ventura Pier. No word on bands yet, but you won’t want to make any vacation plans for the weekend of July 13 and 14.

Another festival will be testing Ventura out, it’s called the Lantern Festival which will be held on Saturday, February 16, with live music from Cardiod, Nightgown and Pretty Polly. This family friendly event will of course feature hundreds of lanterns hanging, yours is included in the price of your ticket which range from $29 to $75 for VIP passes. I found this one on Facebook.

Holy moly, don’t even think I’d forget about Valentine’s Day. Okay, the long and short of it goes like this, we have lovey dovey to total animosity. Let’s start on the lovey dovey side with the Toni Jannotta Jazz Trio at Vintura at the Wine Rack, Rick Whitfield at Café Fiore, Warren Takahaski at The Cave, The Gypsy Blues band continues their weekly residency at The Blue Room next to the Comedy Club in the Harbor, there’s the weekly Bluegrass jam at the Boatyard Pub at the Harbor, then for the harder side of the coin, it’s Danko Jones and Nashville Pussy at Discovery and finally HeWhoCannotBeNamed and the Devros at The Tavern. Good luck!

Quick Notes: Jerry’s Middle Finger with The Alligators will be at the Golden China on Saturday, February 16; El Rey Cantina is hosting a fundraiser for The Young and Brave Foundation with Timmy Curran and Friends performing on Saturday, February 23; Several local spanning several genres have pulled their resources for a Notes for Notes fundraiser at the Ventura Theater on Saturday, February 23, featuring Astreyas, Disrupted Euphoria, Doc Martin Band and Eleven Point Two; a roots rock band out of Portland called Wanderlodge will be working their way through town with a handful of dates including one at Made West Brewing on Saturday, February 16, Topa Topa Brewing Co. on Thursday, February 21, and Winchesters on Friday, February 22; and a Johnny Cash Birthday Bash with the Mighty Cash Cats and Silver Threads will be at Bombay’s on Sunday, February 24, the show starts at 6 pm with no cover charge.

Finally, huge congratulations to Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps for earning a Grammy nomination for this year’s Best Contemporary Blues Album for her 10th album, “Here in Babylon” as well as a huge shout out to Jesse Siebenberg who worked with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper on “Shallow” with Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. “Shallow” won the Grammy for Best Song Written for visual Media and for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

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.

For the first time both young women and young men celebrated together

Girl Scouts Cadence Oerlemans, Isis Nuno, Cameron Long and Claire Erickson were on hand at the Scout Service Center.

From twilight hikes, to festive launch parties and campouts, thousands of Scouts, parents, and volunteers celebrated nationwide as the Boy Scouts of America welcomed for the first time both young women and young men ages 11-17 into its most iconic program.

Members of Troop 1176 from Ventura were on hand at the Scout Service Center in Camarillo to help kick off the festivities. The girls turned in their official charter paperwork, before performing their first official duty as members of Scouts BSA, raising the American flag at the Scout Center.

For more than five decades, the Boy Scouts of America has been welcoming young women into its Venturing, Exploring, Sea Scouts and STEM Scouts programs. And today, the BSA is further expanding that legacy by welcoming young women into Scouts BSA. By welcoming boys and girls into these iconic Scouting programs, the Boy Scouts of America is responding to the requests of families who, for years, have sought these opportunities for every member of their family.

Through participation in all-girl troops, young women that join Scouts BSA will learn from the same program, earn the same merit badges and achieve the same advancements that boys have earned for nearly 109 years in the Boy Scout program.

For more than 100 years, the pinnacle of the Scouting experience for some has been achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Starting today, young women can begin the journey toward that goal, and the BSA will ensure that all new Scouts BSA members have a fair opportunity to earn the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. The BSA will celebrate their inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts in 2020.To learn more or join, visit www.Scouting.org/ScoutsBSA.

Vol. 12, No. 10 – Feb 13 – Feb 26, 2019 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 415-8842 for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.

Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events. From 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street. Visitors and potential members are welcomed. There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

First Wednesday, of each month, 6 – 10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 – 4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. Murphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gcmrc.com. For more information, call (805)229-7429.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence in the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Every Friday at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston (enter through side door off parking lot). Further information Deva (805) 814-5650 or Maryann

Feb.17: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11 a.m. there will be an informal workshop. There will be a mart followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1 p.m. The program will be a presentation by Ken McWilliams on “Wooden Works Clocks”. There is a $5 admission charge. Lunch will be available for $5. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Ventura College. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Feb 19, 26: LifeSource Women’s Bible Study from 9 – 11:15 a.m. Community Presbyterian Church located at 1555 Poli St. Every Tuesday morning following the school calendar. Study: “Hosea” by Jennifer Rothschild, who was blind at age 15. Cost is $30 for book and registration (scholarships available). Please join to experience God’s gift of love, forgiveness and great fellowship. For childcare needs or questions please call Helen 805-644-3886. cpcventura.org

Feb.21: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara Street. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Men and women are welcome, and there is no age requirement. Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs: B.U.F.F.Y. Bear, Operation School Bell®, Girls Club/Teen Club, and Assistance League School for young children with learning disabilities. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. Find more information on the Website: assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, like us on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected]. Telephone: 805-643-2458 Monday – Thursday 8 – 2 p.m.

Feb.21: Alex McIntyre, Ventura’s new City Manager, heads the agenda for the meeting of the East Ventura Community Council. In addition, a representative from Ventura’s Police Department will present an update on crime in the area. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson: [email protected]

Feb. 22: Like to play acoustic music? Songmakers.org welcomes instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters at all levels to join in a free song circle at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. 4th Friday of each month, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Listeners welcome! Mike Wittlin, (805) 750-8281.

Feb.23: Every town has its stories, and Ventura County’s beloved The Townies Podcast is ready to prove it by bringing their biannual Block Party – a free community event – to the wonderful Museum of Ventura County on Saturday, at 7:00 pm.

The Block Party begins at 7:00 pm with a cocktail party in the courtyard of the Museum of Ventura County, followed by an hour of the best of the best of Townie stories starting at 8:00 pm in the Museum’s lovely Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion. Then the night continues in the courtyard with food trucks, games, awesome merchandise and a killer DJ set by Mikael Jorgensen for dancing pleasure.

For more information, visit thetowniesinc.org/events/.

Feb.24: Acclaimed author Kimberly Davis Basso will visit the Hill Road Library at 12 p.m. on Sunday, to present her inspirational book, I’m a Little Brain Dead. Basso’s book is a thoughtful and humorous take on her experience as a stroke survivor.

You’ll get an inside look at being a middle-aged stroke patient as she hosts a neurological event, juggles doctors and undergoes a heart procedure. 1070 S. Hill Road. Hours of service are 10 – 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 2 – 6 p.m. Thursday, and 10 – 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

March 2: Want to learn about fly fishing?? The Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura will be conducting an introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod on the “First Saturday” in March from 9- 11 a.m. and you are invited to join at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, in East Ventura (off Telephone Rd). There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you are experienced or a complete novice we want to help

you learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have your own rod just come and use one of ours. For more information: Bob Smith at (805) 647-3522. www.sespeflyfishers.org

March 23: Laubach Literacy of Ventura County will hold a free training for new tutors on Saturday, from 8:30 – 4 p.m. Laubach is an all-volunteer non-profit organization teaching English as a Second Language to adults 18 and over. New tutors are always needed. Knowledge of a foreign language is not necessary, nor is prior teaching experience. For more information and to register for the workshop please call 805-385-9584.

Visitors savor handcrafted clam chowder in celebration of National Clam Chowder Day

Do you like your chowders creamy and rich or with a tangy tomato-base? Chowder is a common food staple among seaside communities, with 10 varieties of this heartwarming dish served seaside at Ventura Harbor Village restaurants. Discover your favorite rendition of Clam Chowder at the 2nd Annual Chowder Taste in Ventura Harbor Village on Sunday, February 24 from 11am to 3pm. In celebration of an annual National Clam Chowder Day (which is February 25, 2019) visitors are encouraged to stroll the waterfront for a taste of seven sensational chowders for only $10 a ticket the day before on February 24.

The event coincides with the historical Tall Ships, Lady Washington & Hawaiian Chieftain, docked in Ventura Harbor Village until March 5th. Guests will be able to arrive early to board the ship for a Dockside Tour from 10am to 1pm, browse coastal shops and galleries, bask in the sunshine with live music, and partake in the delish Chowder Taste options from 11am to 3pm.

The Seaside Promenade Stage boasts the Carrillo Trio all afternoon and Chowder Taste tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis at the Village Visitor Booth nearby. Guests should arrive early and come prepared with $10 cash per person. Chowder Taste tickets will be sold until 2:30pm (pending availability).

New this year, chowder enthusiasts will have the opportunity to guarantee a spot for the experience ahead of time. Eager guests can head to Ventura Harbor Village to purchase Chowder Taste pre-sale tickets on select dates prior to the event (weather pending). Dates for presale tickets are February 16th from 10am to 1pm, February 17th from 2pm to 5pm, & February 23rd from 10am to 1pm (all weather pending) on the Village Promenade at the Village Visitor Booth. Those who buy pre-sale must bring a Valid ID to redeem a Taste Card and wristband the day of the event.

Chris Hillman performs at The Museum of Ventura County

Hillman entertained the crowd with some funny and decades old stories.

by Mark Stienecker

In correlation with his Museum of Ventura County historical exhibit, “Chris Hillman: Time Between”, Chris Hillman, along with his longtime musical collaborator, Herb Pedersen, performed before a standing room only crowd in the Martin V. & Martha K. Smith Pavilion.

The longtime Ventura resident has written and performed his songs with some of histories more storied bands: The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas and The Desert Rose Band.

Before performing a few of his well-known songs, Mr. Hillman entertained the crowd with some funny and decades old stories, including life on the road around the world with “The Byrds” after their number one hit, “Mr. Tambourine Man” was an international hit.

Other stories included his early fascination with Kentucky Bluegrass Music, his meeting up with Steven Stills to form the band, Manassas, and how The Flying Burrito Brothers came to fruition. His last tear jerker story entailed his collaboration with Tom Petty on his 2017 hit album, “Bidin My Time”. Chris and Tom, along with some of the Heartbreakers, David Crosby and Roger Mcguinn, wrote and performed songs together, the last musical project for Tom, who passed away unexpectedly, months later.

The “Chris Hillman: Time Between” exhibit is on display from now until March 31st. May of the musical artifacts include some of Chris’s guitars/mandolin, a few of his flashy outfits worn on stage over the years, many gold and platinum records from albums by each of his bands and many, many framed pictures and posters from a career not many have lived.

Speaking about the exhibit, Chris stated, “I am very honored to be a part of the Museum of Ventura County’s exhibit on my life in music. I feel so blessed to have been able to seek out and accomplish all that I dreamed of as a young man”.

The Museum of Ventura County is open to the public, Tuesday thru Sunday. For more information: call 805-653-0323 or visit their website at: Venturamuseum.org

Community development director Jeff Lambert leaves Ventura for Oxnard

Lambert will start in Oxnard on February 4th.

by Richard Lieberman

Jeff Lambert , Community Development Manager for the past ten years is leaving Ventura to take a similar post with the City of Oxnard. As Community Development Director Lambert has managed current and future advanced planning for the city. His responsibilities for the City of Ventura included running Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, planning and economic development.

Ventura’s acting assistant city manager announced recently that Lambert was “on leave” from his city post. Later in press releases from both Ventura and Oxnard, it was announced that Lambert will be taking a new position with the City of Oxnard.

As community development director for Ventura Lambert has been instrumental in partnering with Community Memorial Hospital for its new in-patient facility and parking structure, homeless shelter policy, downtown development, and recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire.

In Oxnard Lambert will take over the duties of Ashley Golden, who was promoted to assistant city manager last month. “Lambert is action oriented and is committed to building a strong development team, continuing community engagement, and improving stakeholder partnerships to get things done,” said Oxnard city manager Alex Nguyen. He also added “Jeff’s experience and leadership will help Oxnard become a more business-friendly city. He will jumpstart our planning, building, and permitting processes to make projects easier for builders and homeowners.”

Lambert will take over for Ashley Golden February 4.

“I am so thrilled to join the city of Oxnard team and community stakeholders to continue the City’s forward movement,” Lambert said. “The city’s development and economic objectives can absolutely be achieved,” added Lambert.

Third year for March for Justice in Ventura

Ventura City Council members Cheryl Heitmann and Christy Weir and ex-council member Carl Morehouse were there showing support for the March for Justice. Photos by Bernie Goldstein

Even though the location changed because Plaza Park was saturated with rainfall an enthusiastic crowed celebrated the women’s march. The starting point for the women’s march through downtown was changed to the west of Plaza Park, at 133 S. California St. The event focused on empowering women but many men also attended.

It kicked off with speeches by local politicians and concerned citizens under sunny skies. Including State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson who addressed participants at the third annual March for Justice. Women elected to city councils to the U.S. Congress spoke, along with activists and concerned artists. Several nonprofit groups set up booths around the perimeter.

The march was held in tandem with the 2019 Women’s March in held Washington, D.C. The local march was calling “Women Leading the Wave”. In Washington is was called “The Women’s Wave is Coming.”

The local event, organized by the nonprofit group Justice for All Ventura County. Linda Livingston, one of the march organizers said, “The march provides an outlet for people wanting to get involved.”

Besides the general support for women’s rights and causes political protest was also evident during the march with many marchers carrying political signs.

City of Ventura has new interim Community Development Director

David Ward has replaced Jeff Lambert as the Interim Community Development Director

The City of Ventura has announced that David Ward will serve as the Interim Community Development Director effective immediately.  Ward recently served as the City’s Planning Manager and has worked for the City of Ventura for approximately 10 years. He replaces Jeff Lambert who is now in Oxnard (see article).

David told the Breeze “In assuming my interim role, I will continue the department’s current work plan efforts on the Thomas Fire Recovery, developing land use policy and ordinance projects such as the firearm ordinance and updated inclusionary housing ordinance, and expanded code enforcement efforts, as well as my oversight of the busy building permit office and planning permits processing through our 4 City Board/Committees. As Interim Director I am supported significantly by Yolanda Bundy, Chief Building Official and Jonathan Wood, Code Enforcement Manager, and the entire department staff as we work to accomplish our community rebuild and other endeavors for 2019.”

David Ward has been a planner at local public agencies throughout the California Coastal Region for more than 23 years, working for the Counties of Monterey and Santa Barbara, as well as the Cites of Morro Bay, Rancho Palos Verdes and Ventura. Ward holds a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Northridge and is a member of the American Planning Institute of Certified Planners.

From rural issues and resource protection to form-based codes, redevelopment and community plans, David has actively engaged with community stakeholders, project applicants and decision-makers to implement a local vision and create great places in our neighborhoods and community.

The Community Development Department has four divisions run by the Building & Safety, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development, with a staff of more than 50 employees run by the Community Development Director.

Adventure, lore and more await visitors at Ventura Harbor

A Majestic sight – tall ships sail into Ventura Harbor.

It’s time to plan an adventure to Ventura Harbor Village as the majestic Tall Ships are voyaging back into town just in time for Valentine’s Day and the Presidential Weekends! Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington will commence their annual journey along the California coast to sail into Ventura Harbor on February 12th at noon until March 5th. The ships will dock in front of Ventura Harbor Village’s waterfront promenade and their stay coincides with additional seaside activities for the whole family!

During select times, visitors have the opportunity to take a step back in history and hop onboard for a tour of a Tall Ship or better yet, book a spot for a special sail to see the ship in action. Tickets are now on sale! Please note: sail dates and tour times are weather pending and schedule may be subject to change. Please check VenturaHarborVillage.com for latest updates.

Seeking more excitement? Three-Hour Battle Sails or Two-Hour Adventure Sails, complete with firing cannons and hoisting of the main sails are just the ticket! Battle Sails feature a recreation of a naval skirmish with close quarter maneuvers. Adventure Sails take place out in the channel to experience life on the high seas. For Battle and Adventure Sail ticket reservations call 800-200-5239 or visit www.historicalseaport.org.

New in 2019 is the Natural History Sail on March 3 from 2pm to 4pm (on Lady Washington). Returning will be the Grand Arrival on February 12 at approximately noon (followed by tours), the Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Sail on February 14 from 4pm to 6pm, and the ships will be open on President’s Day, February 18, 2019.

The Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington travel down the West Coast stopping in ports and harbors for historical and educational visits. These ships host over 8,000 school children a year. Educators should contact the Historical Seaport education office, 1-800-200-5239 to arrange dockside, or on-the-water programming while here in Ventura Harbor February 12 through March 5, 2019.

Rich in history and seaside lure, the visiting ships, Hawaiian Chieftain was built in Hawaii in 1988 and originally designed for cargo trade among the Hawaiian Islands. Launched in 1989, Lady Washington is a full-scale reproduction of the original Lady Washington, which was built in 1750s and was one of the first U.S. flagged ships to explore the west coast of North America.

Share your Tall Ships photos by using #SeaTallShips and tag @VenturaHarbor on Instagram! For more Tall Ship information, please visit www.venturaharborvillage.com or Ventura Harbor’s Facebook Page. Admission and parking are free at Ventura Harbor Village daily. For a complete schedule: www.historicalseaport.org or call 800-200-5239.