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City of Ventura appoints interim City Manager

The Ventura City Council has selected retired City Manager Don Penman to serve on an interim basis as Ventura’s city manager. Penman retired in 2011 from the City of Arcadia after serving for 13 years. Since retirement, Penman served as interim city manager for Azusa, Covina, San Fernando and Temple City.

“I look forward to serving the public in Ventura and working with the City Council and staff in moving the city forward,” said Don Penman.

Mr. Penman will work in a limited term appointment while the recruitment process for a permanent city manager is completed.  City Manager Mark Watkins held the position until December 2017 when he retired, and Assistant City Manager Dan Paranick served as interim city manager until August 24, 2018, when he resigned to accept other employment. An interim city manager is needed to complete objectives established by city council.

Mr. Penman will serve for six months or until the new city manager assumes the position. There are no proposed benefits for Mr. Penman in accordance with CalPERS requirements.

PTYA seeks financial support, welcomes new students

Students presenting Alice in Wonderland.

For nearly 20 years, the magic of musical theater has been brought to life in Ventura County by a performing arts troupe that has enriched the lives of young participants and their families, and audiences who have enjoyed top notch live productions in their own backyards.

Performance Theatre for Young Artists, a nonprofit theater company celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, has featured the talents of local children and teens in variety shows and live productions such as “Les Miserables,” “Into the Woods,” “Shrek,” “The Sound of Music,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King.” Through these performances, workshops and other activities, youngsters build performance, self-esteem, decision-making and communications skills; and learn how to work as a team to accomplish goals.

“I’ve seen shy children grow into confident performers,” said Founder and Artistic Director Marta Dewey. “PTYA is also like a family,” she said. “Kids and families who get involved find new friends, comradery and support. Many have made lifelong friends.

Like many Ventura County organizations and businesses, “revenues have slowed since the Thomas Fire last December,” Dewey said. “For several months, there was much lower attendance and participation, and the majority of public contributions have gone toward fire victims and rebuilding our city.”

As it enters its third decade offering children an outlet for their creative energy and filling an important niche in the community, PTYA depends in large part on individual and corporate tax-deductible donations.

 

Also supported by student participation fees and ticket sales, contributions are an important part of what keeps the group moving forward. Straight donations are welcome in any amount; and sponsorships are also available. Depending on the sponsorship level, corporate and individual sponsors receive benefits including mentions on flyers, posters and show programs; complimentary tickets and VIP seating .

Upcoming shows and workshops include “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin, Jr.,” “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music.” New students and volunteers are always welcome.

The group’s next production will be “Shrek the Musical, Junior” and will be performed at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Sept. 15, and 6 p.m. Sept. 16. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children, seniors and students.

More information about this and other shows, PTYA programs and enrollment, as well as donations/sponsorships, and a PayPal link are posted at www.ptya.org. Donations can also be sent to Performance Theatre for Young Artists, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura, CA 93003. For questions, email Founder and Artistic Director Marta Dewey at [email protected] or call (805) 302-6441.

Ventura Libraries October events

Avenue Library

Children & Family Events  

Bilingual Early Literacy Class  

10/1, 8 , 15, 22, & 29  Mondays @ 6– 6:45pm  
Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft & fun!  

One County One Book Event:

Foil Boat Challenge STEAM Box

10/11 Tuesday @ 3-4pm

Explore & discover concepts related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math in fun and sometime silly ways. Make a Foil Boat and test it.

Foster Library

Adult Programs & Special Events

Opera Santa Barbara

10/12 Friday @ 12pm

Please join us for a free noontime concert presented by Opera Santa Barbara!  Opera Santa Barbara will offer a concert featuring members of the Studio Artist Program. This concert series features a variety of popular and lesser-known arias and duets.

A California Native Plant Society Lecture 

10/16 Tuesday @ 7-9pm in the Topping Room 

Please join us for an interesting and enlightening lecture series presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter.  

One County One Book

For Book Discussions, a Film Screening, and Lectures see our website!

Children’s Events

Early Literacy Class  

10/2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31

Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 10:30am 

A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library. Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun! 

One County One Book: Foil Boat Challenge STEAM Box

10/23 Tuesday @3-5pm

Explore & discover concepts related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math in fun and sometime silly ways. Make a Foil Boat and test it.

Horror in the Stacks: The Summoning

10/24 Wednesday @ 7:30-9pm

A Haunted Library Experience Starting from the Second Floor/Children’s Department Entrance

Kids & Teens of All Ages Welcome & No Free

Ages 9 & Under Must Have An Older Sibling or Guardian, Won’t You Come In?   

Hill Road Library

Children’s Events

STEAM Box
10/23 Tuesday @ 4pm
Why do heavy steel ships float? We’ll explore the principles of buoyant science with this

fun activity. Aimed at ages 6+

Early Literacy Class

10/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Wednesdays @ 10:30am

A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library. Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun! Aimed at ages 0-5.

Adults Programs & Special Events

One County, One Book Discussion
10/16 Tuesday @ 5pm
Join us for a discussion about William Finnegan’s Barbarian Days.

Endless Summer Film Screening
10/19 Friday @ 6pm
Bring your popcorn and soda pop for a movie night at the library with this iconic surf film. 

Saticoy Library

Children & Family Events

Early Literacy Class  

10/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Tuesdays @ 10am 
Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft & fun!
One County One Book Event:

Foil Boat Challenge STEAM Box

10/11 Tuesday @ 3-4pm

Explore & discover concepts related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math in fun and sometime silly ways. Make a Foil Boat and test it.

No Closures this month

3rd Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival

On September 8th an overcast day didn’t stop thousands of music fans from enjoying the 3rd Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival (OJF) held at Oxnard Beach Park. The OJF is a cultural music celebration offering a diverse mix of Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues and R&B.

The 2018 star studded lineup featured Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers, Pete Escovedo and his Latin Big Band, Greg Adam’s & East Bay Soul, Paul Brown, Rick Parma, Con Funk Shun, Tierra, and Kelly’s Lot.

The large dance floor held hundreds dancing and swaying to the great sounds. This concert included VIP seating and lawn seating, vendor booth shopping, cultural foods, and many other inviting attractions to close out the summer festival season.

If you love music, you will love the Oxnard Jazz Festival. Be sure to attend next year.

Vol. 11, No. 25 – Sept 12 – Sept 25, 2018 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Monday-Thursday 6 pm, Friday & Saturday 7 pm, Sundays 4 pm
Mondays: Milo
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesday: Mark David McKinnis
Thursdays: Bluegrass Jam
Fri 9/14: T Russ & Stephen
Sat 9/15: Blue Motel Room
Sun 9/16: Déjà vu Too
Fri 9/21: Corsican Brothers
Sat 9/22: Karen Eden & Park
Sun 9/23: 805 Allstarz

Buena High School
5670 Telegraph Road
Sat 7/15: Paperback Writer (Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation)

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 9/12: Big Adventure
Thurs 9/13: Self Righteous Brothers
Fri 9/14: Action Down
Sat 9/15: David Prince Party Crashers
Tues 9/18: Edgar Thatcher
Wed 9/19: Donna Butler
Thurs 9/20: Self Righteous Brothers
Fri 9/21: Instone
Sat 9/22: Rick Whitfield

California Beer Festival
Plaza Park Downtown Ventura
Sat 9/15: Montgomery Gentry, Deana Carter, Sundance Head and more…
Sun 9/16: Sir Mix-a-Lot, Tone Loc

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

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Mondays: Smokey & Friends w/special guests
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Thursday: Coda jazz
Fri 9/14: Native Vibe
Sat 9/15: Havana Cinco
Sun 9/16: Brandon Ragan
Fri 9/21: House Arrest
Sat 9/22: Havana Cinco
Sun 9/23: Jerry McWorter Trio

Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
Sun 9/16: Sunday Drivers (4 pm)

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 9/13: Tomorrows Bad Seeds with Mike Pinto
Fri 9/14: Cracker, Morgan Leigh Band
Sat 9/15: The Expendables
Sun 9/16: Kbong, Kash’d Out
Tues 9/18: Gondwana
Thurs 9/20: King Yellowman, The Question
Fri 9/21: Shaky Feelin’
Sat 9/22: Led Zepplica

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: Xoco Moraza & Friends (6-8 pm), DJ
Saturdays: DJ

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Avenue #109
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 9/14: Déjà vu Too

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 6 pm; Thurs 7 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm
Sat 9/15: Dive Bar Messiahs

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Open Mic
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 9/14: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Lenny Goldsmith & the New Old Band

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues, Wed and Sun: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 9/14: Pull the Trigger
Sat 9/15: Red Rhythm
Fri 9/21: DJ Aaron Van Gundy
Sat 9/22: Irie Smile

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: Galactic Jazz w/ John Bardi
Thursdays: Mark Masson
Wed 9/13: Robert Quindaro
Fri 9/14: Tom & Milo
Sat 9/15: Jason Ho

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 9/13: Sam Kulchin
Sat 9/15: Cap Quirk
Sun 9/16: Messy
Wed 9/19: Josh Damigo, Brother Earl (5:30 pm)
Sun 9/23: Shaky Hand String Band

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Wed 9/12: Shoreline Mafia

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri and Sat 6 pm; Sundays 4 pm
Fri 9/14: Operation 90s
Sun 9/16: Doc Rogers
Sat 9/22: Crosscut 805
Sun 9/23: CRV

Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street
Munch Thursdays 11:30 am
Thurs 9/13: Crazy Monkey
Thurs 9/20: Rachel Sedacca

Namba
47 S. Oak Street
Sat 9/15: Jodi Farrell’s Music Studio Singers Showcase

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wed: Karaoke

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

Plan B Wine Cellars
3520 Arundell Circle
Sun 9/9: The U.K. Beat (4:30 pm)

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night
Sun 9/23: Ubiquity, God, Discarnate Motions, Who Stole the Cookie…

Rubicon Theater
1006 E. Main Street
Wed – Sun: I Dig Rock and Roll Music (Musical)

Saloon BBQ
456 E. Main Street
10 pm
Sat 9/15: The Colour Coast
Sun 9/16: Paul Cherry
Fri 9/21: The Ragged Jubilee

Salzers Records
5777 Valentine Road
Sat 9/15: Dad Brains (3 pm)

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 9/15: Maggie’s Drawers

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 9/14: The Hell Toupees
Sat 9/15: The Brutalist

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Sunday music 3 -6 pm
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 9/14: CRV
Sat 9/15: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 9/16: Kyle Smith (acoustic)
Fri 9/21: Action Down
Sat 9/22: Arockalypse Now
Sun 9/23: Rising Son featuring Levi (acoustic)

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Get Right DJ

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue
Saturdays 5 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Sat 9/15: Shylah Ray Sunshine Band
Sun 9/16: Alan Thornhill, Martin Young & Jim Monahan
Sat 9/22: Fish Fry
Sun 9/23: Teresa Russell

Ventura Harbor Village
1583 Spinnaker Drive
Rock on the Dock 3-6 pm
Sat 9/15: Crosscut 805
Sat 9/22: Fleetwood’s Bac

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Sundays music at 3 pm
Thurs 9/13: Doc Ventura
Fri 9/14: Medicine Hat
Sat 9/15: Frank Barajas & The Corsican Brothers
Sun 9/16: Blonde Faith
Thurs 9/20: Rob Van Trio
Fri 9/21: Kevin Longden Trio
Sat 9/22: Déjà vu Too

Winchester’s
632 E. Main Street
(805) 653-7446
Music at 8:30 pm; Sundays at 2:30 pm
Fri 9/14: Epitome of Dreams
Sat 9/15: Aaron Pax Taylor
Sun 9/16: Acoustic Crossroads with Tommy Marsh
Fri 9/21: Brandi Loves Danny
Sat 9/22: Ventucky String Band
Sun 9/23: Déjà vu Too

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Fridays: Sing-a-long with Kenny Devoe (4-6); Troy Edwards (8-11)
Saturdays: Al Macias (10 am – 1 pm); Kenny Devoe (1-7)
Sundays: Al Macias (10 am – 1 pm: Kenny Devoe (1-4)

Pedestrian safety

by Ashley Bautista, Community Outreach Ventura Police

Thousands of people each year are killed on America’s roadways, and many of those deaths could have been prevented. In fact, in 2016, 16 percent (5,987) of all roadway-related deaths were pedestrian fatalities. Tragically, in a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian is far more likely to be killed or injured. From 2015 to 2016, there was a startling 9-percent increase in fatalities, which is the highest number of pedestrian deaths per year since 1990. Hearing these statistics is quite scary, especially knowing that accidents like these can be prevented. With this being said, if you or anyone you know has recently been involved in a road accident, have got medical help but are not sure where to take this next, it may be worth looking into lawyers such as Sutliff & Stout in San Angelo Texas to help take this further and in the right way. Although this is something you’d rather forget, sorting it out with legal advice from professionals can help make this process a whole lot easier.

As a community, there are simple steps everyone can take to reduce the number of these tragedies each year. Keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility.

With driving comes enormous responsibility. Getting to a doctor’s appointment, work, or school won’t be important if you strike a pedestrian while driving there. Always look for pedestrians whenever and wherever you are driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2016, the majority (74%) of these fatalities occurred when it was dark outside and outside an intersection (72%).

Driving at the posted speed limit, or even slower based on conditions and focusing on the road, instead of an electronic device, also gives the driver more time to “see, identify, and react” in time to brake for pedestrians. In 2016, 26 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., and in many places that means its dark, or getting dark, outside. When a driver “sees” something up ahead, they are able to slow down and “identify” what it is. Because the driver can “see and identify,” they are then able to “react” by applying the brakes.

While it is the responsibility of the driver to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, there are also actions the pedestrian can take to stay safe, like being predictable and using crosswalks or intersections if possible and walking on a sidewalk or path when one is available. Pedestrians should also remember to “dress for the occasion.” If you are out during the day, wear bright colors, and at night, be sure to wear something with reflective materials especially on parts that move (like your arms, legs and feet) or carry a flashlight. In short, make yourself visible. Just because you can see a motorist does not mean he or she can see you; the driver may be distracted or even have the sun in their eyes. If you cannot make eye contact or do not see the driver slow down for you, just wait until the vehicle passes, even if you have the right of way. If you have multiple lanes to cross, slow and watch for traffic at each lane.

Both drivers and pedestrians should always keep road safety habits in mind, too, like not using electronic devices or drinking or using drugs while driving or walking because they can impair judgment. Everyone who uses our roads has a duty to drive safely, which, in turn, helps everyone get to their destination unharmed.

To reduce traffic safety risks to pedestrians, safety should always be top-of-mind for those traveling on the road and near the road. Let’s be safe Ventura!

Contact Ashley Bautista, Community Outreach Ventura Police 805-339-4317 with any police related questions.

Vol. 11, No. 25 – Sept 12 – Sept 25, 2018 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

8-22
9:40am, received dispatch to a medical in the RiverHaven encampment. Officers responded and assisted a patient complaining of a hemorrhaging.

1:21pm, received a report of a vessel in distress near the Greenock Lane jetty from State Parks. Officers responded in the Fireboat that was conducting a sea-trial nearby. The inflatable was taken en tow from a lifeguard who swam the disabled vessel out of the surfline to the fireboat.

5:50pm, officers responded and assisted a patient in the mobile home park.

7:02pm, dispatched to a medical trauma at the VYC. The patient was hit in the head with a boom from the mast of their boat. They were transported to local hospital by AMR for further evaluation.

8-23
9:00am, received a report of an injured night-herring. Officers retrieved the bird for volunteer rescue to pick up and take to rehabilitation.

6:20pm, dispatched to a water rescue at the Ventura Pier, kite surfer in distress. Officers responded in Boat 19 to assist State Parks with the call. The kite surfer was safely escorted to the shore.

8-24
3:00pm, received a dispatch to a medical in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/VPD to the call, the patient refused assistance.

8:53pm, dispatched with multiple agencies to a water rescue near Seaward. After a brief investigation all victims were found safe on the beach.

8-25
11:45am, U.S. coast guard investigating the fishing vessel Ocean Angel II for listing heavily to the bow. Officers advised that the vessel has approximately 1000 gallons of diesel in the forward bilge. The owners were working on ways to mitigate the situation. Crew members removed the fuel.

5:36pm, dispatched to a traumatic medical at VWM C-dock. Officers responded with Goldcoast medics/VFD and assisted a 66 year old male who fainted and sustained major head trauma. He was placed on a backboard/C-spined and transported to local hospital for further treatment.

7:41pm, received a dispatch to assault victims at 1500 Anchors Way Dr. Officers responded with AMR, VPD was already on scene investigating. Three victims were assessed, on sustained major head trauma and was placed on C-spine board and transported to local hospital. One was released with minor injuries and one was arrested for disruptive/resistive actions.

8-26
3:34pm, received report of a capsized catamaran off McGrath State Beach. Officers responded, righted the vessel, towed it back to the launch ramp.

3:37pm, received a report of a capsized kayak near the South Jetty in the surfline. Officers responded in the Fireboat, pulled the person from the water and towed the kayak to Harbor Cove beach. No injuries were sustained.

5:10pm, dispatched to a traffic accident at 1363 Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded and found a vehicle had veered off the road into the parking lot colliding with a parked vehicle, 3 medians. No one was injured in the crash.

8-27
10:47am, dispatched to medical at mobile home park. Officers responded and assisted AMR/VFD with a person complaining of difficulty breathing.

Poll workers needed for statewide general election

The Ventura County Elections Division seeks volunteers to staff and manage 361 polling places throughout the county for the upcoming November 6, 2018 Statewide General Election. Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “Being a poll worker is a great opportunity to meet new people while serving our community and the democratic process.”

Eligibility:

• Must be 18 years of age or older (unless participating in the Student Poll Worker Program)

• Must be able to read and speak English
• Must be able to work from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Election Day
• Must be a U.S. citizen, registered to vote in California or a Legal Permanent Resident
• Must complete training

• Bilingual Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, and Vietnamese speaking poll workers are especially needed

Duties:

• Set up and administer a designated Polling Place
• Direct voters to sign in and verify addresses
• Assist voters to operate the electronic voting machine
• Answer voters’ procedural questions
• Close polls at the end of the Election Day

Compensation:

• A stipend of $20 to complete required training
• A stipend of $90 to serve as a Clerk
• A stipend of $125 to serve as an Inspector

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online at http://venturavote.org on the poll workers menu. For additional information regarding becoming a poll worker or to request a paper application, contact the Ventura County Elections Division at (805) 654-2784. You may also apply in person at the Elections Division located in the Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 S. Victoria Ave.

Vol. 11, No. 25 – Sept 12 – Sept 25, 2018 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I’m beginning to see several venues pull back on music during the week as summer comes to an end and fall officially begins (September 23), but music continues to abound with special events. Let’s start with two epic celebrations at Plaza Park over the weekend of September 15 and 16. First it’s a “throwback” Boots & Brews on Saturday featuring Montgomery Gentry, Deana Carter, winner of the Voice, Sundance Head and more. And then Sunday it’s the grand finale of the California Beer Festival which is also celebrating its 10-year anniversary; musical performances will feature Hip Hop & R&B legends, Tone Loc and Sir Mix-a-Lot. For all the low down on the different ticket levels for each day, go to CalifornaBeerFestival.com.

The 25th anniversary of Bowlful of Blues falls on Saturday, September 22, and will be held at the beautiful Libbey Bowl in Ojai with performances from Selwyn Birchwood Band, Rod Piazza with special guest Carl Sonny Leyland, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Hot Roux and Kwan Telifaro Project. Tickets can be purchased online at BowlfulofBlues.org.

There’s going to be an End of Summer Block Party hosted by Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation at Buena High School on Saturday, September 15. This family friendly event will feature the Beatles tribute band, Paperback Writer. The event starts at 5 pm with the concert at 7 pm. Tickets start at $20.

In honor of her 10-year anniversary release, Rain Perry will perform Cinderblock Bookshelves at Kim Maxwell Studio over the weekend of September 14 and 15. Advance tickets are recommended at RainPerry.com.

Both Josh Damigo and Brother Earl will perform at Made West Brewing on Wednesday, September 19, for Toast for a Cure, Real Men Wear Pink fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.

You might want to get your tickets now for a couple of upcoming Ventura theater concerts, including Hoobastank, SuicideGirls (two nights), The Selector and the English Beat as well as a Bowie Celebration featuring several artists who played with Bowie over the years including Mike Garson, Mark Plati, Carmine Rojas, Earl Slick and others. For dates and ticket information, go to VenturaTheater.net.

Quick notes: Jodi Farrell’s Music Studio presents their singer’s showcase at Namba on Saturday, September 15; Dad Brains has an in store performance at Salzer’s Records 3 pm on Saturday, September 15; The Rubicon Theatre’s “I Dig Rock and Roll Music” continues through September 16; Cracker plays Discovery on Friday, September 14 with the Morgan Leigh Band opening; Rock on the Dock continues through September with performances on the 15th from Crosscut 805, and a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Fleetwood’s Bac on the 22nd; and The Shaky Hand String Band out of Colorado will be at Made West Brewing Sunday, September 23.

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.

Red Cross: Donors urged to give blood, help blood supply match patient diversity

The American Red Cross urges people of all races and ethnicities to give blood to help ensure a diverse blood supply for patients in need.

The vast majority of blood types fall into one of the major ABO groups. However, some blood types are unique to certain racial and ethnic groups, so a diverse blood supply is important to meeting the medical needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.

Twelve-year-old Braden Green required blood transfusions to treat complications from sickle cell disease. “It saved his life, that blood transfusion,” said his mom, Brenda Green. “A blood donation can give a patient another chance at life or an opportunity to get through the day.”

Blood given to patients with rare blood types or those who need repeated transfusions for conditions such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia must be matched very closely. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar racial or ethnic background.

All blood types are needed to ensure that the right blood product is available at the right time for all patients. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets through Sept. 30, 2018, will receive a coupon via email for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/sport-clips.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Ventura.

  • 9/18/2018: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.
  • 9/27/2018: 8:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Ventura High School, 2 North Catalina
  • 9/28/2018: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Buena High School, 5670 Telegraph Road

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.