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Vol. 11, No. 26 – Sept 26 – Oct 9, 2018 – Ojai News & Events

Opera Santa Barbara will return to the Ojai Library to present a Free Noontime Opera Concert on Thursday, October 11. The concert will begin at 12 p.m. in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes.

Professor of Mathematics Jason Miller will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, to deliver a presentation titled “Bats of the Channel Islands: Using Mathematics to Protect our Elusive Nocturnal Neighbor.” Miller comes from CSU Channel Islands (CI) as part of this season’s CI Library Lecture Series.

Friends of the Ojai Libraries invite you to their Annual Ojai Day Weekend book sale to be held in the parking lot of the Ojai Library on Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hundreds of books featuring an assortment of hardback and paperback fiction and non-fiction will be on sale. All proceeds from the sale go directly to the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation For further information visit the website www.ovlff.com.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Choosing Gentleness: Opening Our Hearts to All the Ways We Feel and Are in Every Moment. Reading, book signing, Q & A and discussion with local author, psychologist and women’s gatherings host, Robyn L. Posin, Ph.D. Monday evening October 8th from 7:00 to 9:00 at the Ojai Art Center Gallery, 113 S. Montgomery St. Contact [email protected] with any questions or for more information.

Robyn’s book questions and reframes current ideas about forgiveness, gratitude, anger, procrastination, selfishness and how growth actually unfolds.

forthelittleonesinside.com and compassionateink.com.

Villanova Preparatory School is honored to host Father Gregory Boyle, Jesuit priest, best-selling author, and founder of Homeboy Industries on Tuesday, October 2. Fr. Boyle’s transformational work in building the world’s largest and most successful gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program continues to serve as a social model of hope and healing.

California Coastal Horse Rescue (CCHR) in Ojai, will host its Annual Octoberfest Saturday, October 13, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Ranch at 600 West Lomita Ave.

The community is invited to this event, which includes a beer and wine garden, live music, SoCal Comfort Food Truck, games and activities for children, and, of course, the stars of the day – the CCHR horses.

An all-volunteer, non-profit organization, CCHR’s mission is to rescue abandoned, abused, neglected and slaughter-bound horses and provide them with a second chance at living healthy, happy and productive lives. The cost for this event is $10 per person. Kids under 6 are free

On Monday, October 29, the Ojai Art Center Literary Branch welcomes David Mellon who will talk about his transition from painting to writing, how he got his novel published, as well as doing a reading from that novel. The Literary Salon begins at 7:00 PM in the Ojai Art Center Gallery and will be followed by a reception and book signing.

It was when he discovered the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program that his literary aspirations were ignited.  His first book, Silent, was nominated for the 2016 Allegra Johnson Prize


The public is welcomed on October 29, 7:00 p.m. in the Ojai Art Center Gallery for David Mellon’s talk followed by a reception and book signing. $5 donation at the door.

City of Ventura files amended cross-complaint in Ventura River Litigation

The City of San Buenaventura (City) filed its amended cross-complaint in the Ventura River litigation brought by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper (Channelkeeper) against the City and the State Water Resources Control Board. The City did not start this case but it has no choice but to defend itself. The City’s filing brings into the litigation all water users in the Ventura River Watershed.

In the litigation, Channelkeeper singled out the City’s use of the Ventura River, even though there are many other water users in the Watershed. The California Court of Appeal agreed with the City in a ruling earlier this year that it could bring in other users given that Channelkeeper’s claims could impact the City’s long-held rights to Ventura River water.

The City is bringing in all water users in order to protect its water rights and to ensure that everyone is part of the solution in the event that cutbacks are needed for sensitive species and habitat. Legally, in order to determine water users’ respective rights, all users must be parties to the same lawsuit. For this reason, the City named many cross-defendants. This is not a step that was taken lightly and only because it is to protect the City’s ability to serve its community.

The City is committed to environmental sustainability and will continue being a good steward of its local water resources. The City believes that all water interests, City residents, other water users, and environmental needs, must cooperate and compromise in using and preserving this precious resource. The City wants to be pro-active and is working to develop solutions to the competing interests in the Ventura River Watershed. The City would prefer to resolve these issues without litigation, and recognizes that only by all interests working together can we resolve these critical challenges.

Background on the City of Ventura’s Ventura River water supply

One of Ventura’s key water supplies is provided from the Ventura River at Foster Park. Water from the Ventura River is diverted through the City’s Foster Park facilities and treated at the City’s Avenue Water Treatment Plant. The extraction facilities include a subsurface intake and three shallow wells within the Ventura River riparian corridor. The City has maintained water rights on the Ventura River for more than a century.

Vol. 11, No. 26 – Sept 26 – Oct 9, 2018 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.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.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play.  Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun.  There is a game every day of the week.  Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org.

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

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 back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. 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.  Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments.  The meeting is 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.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 6-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety.

Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd.

Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening. They are a fun group.

Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

Mended Hearts of Ventura

Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant.
Group meets the first Tuesday each month at Lemon Wood Mobile Park, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians etc. from our area. Contact Richard Hatcher at (805) 644-2733

When a child dies, The Compassionate Friends (TCF) can help a family move forward through the grief journey. The Compassionate Friends provides a safe and supportive place where grieving parents, grandparents and siblings over age 16 can come speak openly about their child, express feelings about loss and celebrate milestones. Meeting twice a month, on the first and third Wednesday from 7-9 pm at the Poinsettia Pavilion, in the Canada Larga room.  Sept 19, Oct 3, Oct 17, Nov 6, Nov 21, Dec 5, 19. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay, [email protected]

Sept. 26: “The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m.  Representatives from Ventura College and the police department will give brief updates and answer questions.  The Ventura Water Dept. will make a presentation on “smart” meters and the Surfrider Foundation will discuss the Ocean Friendly Gardens program. Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. collegeareacouncil.com/map or (805) 644-8695 for more information.

Sept. 27: The Friendship Connection, a group of retired women, will have their monthly luncheon at Marie Callendar’s Restaurant on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Dorothea Phelan will portray Ysabel del Valle who lived at Rancho Camulos in the 1850s. Prospective members are welcome to attend. For more information, call 805-654-8388.

Sept. 27: Portuguese Fraternal Society of America – The local chapter of PFSA (Council #128) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday.  This meeting is open to any person of Portuguese descent, or, interested in the Portuguese culture.  Marie Callendars Restaurant, 1295 South Victoria at 11:30 a.m. for a 12 p.m. no host luncheon/meeting.  For more information, and a reservation, call Cora Corella at (805) 483-6285 or Yvonne Westervelt at (805) 483-4168.

Sept. 27: The Arc of Ventura County is pleased to present,
“An Evening with Rachel Simon,” featuring the award-winning author and nationally-recognized public speaker on issues related to diversity and disability.

Rachel Simon will present, “Riding through Life with Cool Beth: My Sister’s Journey to Independence, My Journey to Embracing My Sister.”

6 – 8 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

The Arc of Ventura County, 5103 Walker Street, Ventura

Event is free. RSVP on Eventbrite, Facebook or call The Arc at (805) 650-8611

Oct. 2,16: October 2 and 16 are the dates for the next twice-monthly Ventura Retired Men’s Group 11:30 a.m. meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. For anyone interested, there’s a time of social interaction and a speaker on a topic of interest over a lunch provided with our compliments if you’ll drop in and introduce yourself. Call Bob Likins at 805-587-1233 if you have a question.

Oct. 2: LifeSource Women’s Bible Study from 9 – 11:15 a.m. Community Presbyterian Church,1555 Poli St. Study James by Beth Moore and Hosea by Jennifer Rothschild. Cost for two books and registration is $45. Scholarships and childcare available with prior notice. 805-648-2737 for more information or cpcventura.org

Oct. 4: The Ventura County Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will meet at 11:30am on Thursday at the Bard Mansion on the NBVC Port Hueneme. This includes Lunch and a presentation by Mr. Rick Schoeder, President of Many Mansions. Tickets cost $15 per person paid at the door.  Call Jon at 805-642-6748 for more information.

Oct. 4: The Autism Society of Ventura County will recognize twelve individuals and organizations from our community who have demonstrated dedication and initiative in making a difference in the Autism Community at the  Awesome in Autism Awards Event.

Celebrate their efforts and dedication Awesome in Autism Awards Dinner.

5:30 – 8:30 PM at the Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn

General Admission: $40.00 / Children Admission: $20.00
Event includes: Dinner of your choice.

Photo Booth, No-Host Bar, Silent Auction

Registration: https://bit.ly/2Q6945K

ASVC is an affiliate chapter of the national Autism Society, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism.

Oct. 7: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Meeting
Sunday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Located at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa.
Free admission, music on stage and jamming. Free parking in the rear. Open to Public. For more information call,805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

Oct. 7: In addition to docent-led tours of the Dudley Historic House Museum from 1 to 4 p.m., Freddie the American Mini Horse will be in attendance for photos and buggy rides from 1:30 to 3p.m.  Museum admission is free, but a $5 donation will be asked from riders for Freddie’s expenses.  Well known local historian/ghost hunter Richard Senate will lead tours and sign copies of his latest books.  The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets.  For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

Oct.10: The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is having a special “Meds, Mobility and Magic” meeting from 1-3p.m. at the Lexington Assisted Living. Several Pharmaceutical Representatives will give a brief introduction about medications and other medical devices for treating Parkinson’s. For more details see full article in the Ventura Breeze Senior Section or call Patty at 805-766-6070.

Oct.10: All are invited to a free informational event on Wednesday, at 7p.m. Justice Steven Perren and retired judge Melinda Johnson will present an unbiased analysis of the November ballot propositions. First United Methodist Church, 1338 E. Santa Clara Avenue. Steven Z. Perren is an Associate Justice of the State Court of Appeal and Melinda Johnson is a retired Superior Court Judge. The program is cosponsored by the Ventura County League of Women Voters. For more information, contact the church at 805-643-8621.

 

Anthony Krzywicki, Candidate for VUSD Area 1

We must lead by example.

I have noticed a lack of respect for our environment while attending schools in the VUSD.  What I have seen is an overabundance of single use plastics on campuses, as well as a lackadaisical recycling program.

Now I have not visited every school, but the ones that I have visited have courtyards or quads littered with single use plastics.  Now not all of them are originating from the school themselves but many of them are.

I have witnessed plastic service ware, straws, disposable containers and bottles.  In addition, a disturbing realization there is a lack of recycling containers.  Recycling containers can not be found near where the students take their nutrition breaks.  This is just one of many environmental reason I am running for VUSD area 1.  I want to see our campuses have a set of procedures that must be followed to improve sustainability.

Ken McAlpine, Ventura author

But always I can’t wait to come back to Ventura.

by Jill Forman

Thirty-five years ago, Ken McAlpine came to Ventura for the surf; he stayed for life. During that time he created a home and became an author. “As a travel writer, I’ve been to some of the most beautiful places in the world, but always I can’t wait to come back to Ventura. I couldn’t have picked a better place.” He blogs weekly for the Facebook page of Visit Ventura about “the joys of travel and life”.

Settling in one place was not his experience. His father was in the Foreign Service; Ken was born in Hong Kong, and lived in the U.S., Laos and Singapore with his family. “A fun experience; I got the travel bug early, as a kid.” Always a beach-lover, he majored in Environmental Science/Coastal Zone Management, studying the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

After college, he took off for Australia and traveled up that coast, surfing and keeping a diary. “I was incredibly naive” he says; he just typed up the diary and sent if off to Surfer Magazine. “It was unpublishable,” but an editor there sent him an encouraging letter. Then he wrote a piece for them, after looking up the guidelines for submissions, on winter surfing in New Jersey, which the magazine bought. “It was so exciting!”

Back in New Jersey, he had fallen in love with Kathy, an elementary school teacher and “the woman of my dreams.” He also dreamed about California’s beaches and she, obviously wise, told him to come here and check it out or he’d always wonder. Once he saw our sunshine, surf and beaches, he was in love yet again. Kathy joined him, and our traveler was home for good. Soon a house and two boys completed the picture.

He has sold shoes and been a lifeguard, but wanted to write so got a job at the VC Reporter writing “…anything and everything…It was a great grooming ground for a writer.” Meanwhile, he sent pieces out to magazines. His break was selling a piece on trail running in Ventura County to Sports Illustrated. “A big deal,” it looked good on his resume. He started getting assignments; “…they used me for quirky stuff, you know, one legged climbers, human interest stories.”

As a free-lancer, he wrote articles, blogs and stories that were published in Sunset, National Geographic Traveler, Auto Club, Men’s Journal, Outside and so on. In 2004, he published his first book, Off Season: Discovering American on Winter’s Shore; which was a Barnes and Noble Great New Writers selection, and led to appearances on NPR.

Islands Apart: A Year on the Edge of Civilization is set partially on the Channel Islands, as a counterpoint to our fast-paced times. Fog is very different, a dark fiction account of the Surf Lifesavers on Cape Cod in the 1880’s, “a modern day Moby Dick.”

Many readers’ favorite McAlpine book is Together We Jump, the story of an 85 year old named Pogue, who goes on a cross-country odyssey to face the ghosts of his troubled life and figure out how to live well in the time he has left.

He also has a trilogy about the ocean with an environmental subtext. And other books, “I am shopping them around.” He doesn’t hide the hard work of being a writer and the discouragement. “It can be soul-crushing”

Why does he write? “It gives me joy, and I hope in some small fashion it will give the readers joy. Life is a gift, I’d like to make them think…I don’t have any answers.” You can read about him at kenmcalpine.com.

Ventura’s East End Eateries

The menu lists “Comfort Breakfast Favorites.”

Part 3: Cafe 126
by Jennifer Tipton

Located at 11033 Citrus Drive, Cafe 126 has been family owned and operated since 1965. Like the other “East End Eateries”, it has that small diner vibe, but several things set them apart, like having an undeniable sense of family. Surrounding photos show family members and one of Saticoy Grammar School dated 1932. The staff can tell you family member’s names and the history.

Another difference is they serve only breakfast and lunch.

Monday – Friday 6:00am to 2:00pm

Saturday 6:00am to 2:00pm & Sunday 7:00am to 2:00pm

We were there on a Sunday morning and there was a 15-minute wait to be seated. I asked our very nice server, Summer, if they were always this busy and she said, “actually this is slow!”

A large back room was added in the 1980’s and there on the back wall, hangs an old American flag. Summer tells us the flag is pre-Hawaii / pre-Alaska and was a gift to the cafe, but further history is unknown.

There’s an outside patio with several tables and a large sign reading “No Pets”. Usually it’s just a question of being dog friendly, but Summer said someone once brought their cat to lunch…

Also unique about Cafe 126, the patrons are a diverse bunch, we saw families along with motorcycle enthusiasts. Parking is plenty for vehicles with two or four wheels.

The menu lists “Comfort Breakfast Favorites”, and the selections are as diverse as the patrons with choices ranging from simple to a 14oz Ham Bone & Eggs –

“So big it’s served on 3 plates”! Prices $9.25 – $13.95

Simpler egg dishes are available, and each comes with your choice of hash browns or country potatoes, choice of toast, English muffin or biscuit. Prices $6.95 – $9.95

The “Highway Grill” offers Pancake or French Toast Combos served with homemade whipped cream, or the classic “Pigs in a Blanket” (sausage links rolled in buttermilk pancakes). Prices $5.95 – $9.95

There are nine omelets including a California omelet with avocado, fresh salsa and jack cheese, all come with the same side choices as above. $10.25 – $11.25

More sides are available like biscuits & gravy, or you can skip the biscuit and simply order a Cup of 126 Gravy $1.95.

The “Café Dinner Favorites” include a Turkey Dinner, “roasted daily and served with all the fixin’s” or Roast Beef, “right off mom’s table” and of course the classic, Country Fried Steak with “fresh USDA beef dipped in our handmade batter”. All selections come with vegetables, garlic bread, mashed potatoes and- gravy! $11.95 – $13.95

There are eight deli sandwiches, each comes with a choice of homemade potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, French fries, fresh or grilled tomatoes. $8.95 – $9.95

Burgers are made with fresh Angus beef and patrons can choose from a 1/3 lb or ½ lb burger $8.95 – $10.95, same sides but add $1.00 for sweet potato fries or onion rings.

There are twenty specialty sandwiches and dishes to choose from at $7.25 -$10.95 and a full page of soups, salads, chilies and chowders. Cafe 126 does not offer alcoholic beverages. Desserts are homemade daily.

I had the Spinach Mushroom Benedict with country potatoes, perfectly poached eggs on a crisp English muffin, with loads of spinach and mushrooms topped with a rich and creamy hollandaise and the potatoes were seasoned well. The only problem was there was way too much of it and I took enough home for breakfast the next day!

By the way, Cafe 126 has a sister restaurant, Flight 126 located at the Santa Paula Airport.

Celebrity Extra

by Dana Jackson

Q: Is Hollywood seriously remaking the classic film “Mary Poppins”? Why must they remake everything? Leave well enough alone. — Aimee G., via email

A: You have about three months to prepare for the premiere of “Mary Poppins Returns,” starring Emily Blunt, but based on the trailer, it looks surprisingly good! This film is actually a sequel, not a remake, of the original “Mary Poppins,” which came out back in 1964.

Directed by Rob Marshall, the screenplay for the sequel was written by David Magee based on the original “Mary Poppins Stories” by P.L. Travers. You may remember that Emma Thompson played Travers in the biographical movie “Saving Mr. Banks” alongside Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. Travers reportedly was not happy with Disney’s interpretation of her literary character; even though it went on to win five Oscars.

In the sequel, set in Depression-era London, little Michael and Jane Banks are all grown up, and Mary returns to take care of Michael’s children after the untimely death of his wife. And if you’re wondering why Miss Poppins hasn’t aged, remember, she’s magic.

The Disney film will premiere in theaters Dec. 19 with a star-studded cast. In addition to Blunt, Meryl Streep, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Colin Firth all have lent their talents to the musical production.

Q: I saw that John Legend is one of the rare stars to win an EGOT. How many others have there been? — Sally R., via email

A: To qualify for the elusive EGOT status, you must have won all four of the big showbiz awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Singer John Legend just achieved this by winning an Emmy as one of the producers of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” in which he also starred.

Others who can boast EGOT status are Mel Brooks, Whoopi Goldberg, Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, John Gielgud, Audrey Hepburn, Mike Nichols and Scott Rudin. Rounding out the list are composers Richard Rodgers, Martin Hamlisch, Jonathan Tunick, Robert Lopez, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

Q: Is it true that Guy Pearce might become the new James Bond? Isn’t he from Australia? — Molly B., via email

A: I haven’t heard even any unfounded rumors about Guy Pearce being slated to take over the James Bond legacy from Daniel Craig, but I have to admit I’d buy tickets for that film. There were rumors that Idris Elba (“Molly’s Game”) would be next to don the tuxedo, but he told People magazine that it simply isn’t true.

As for Pearce, he grew up in Australia, but was born in England. You can see him in the series “Jack Irish” on the subscription streaming service Acorn TV. Now in its second season, “Jack Irish” is about an antihero, played by Pearce, who finds himself battling to clear his name while searching for a missing person.

Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service focusing on British and international television.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.