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The Ventura Family YMCA celebrates 130 years

“The Ventura Family YMCA is more than a gym, it’s a place of community.”

The Ventura Family YMCA opened its doors on September 30, 1887 in a house on the corner of Santa Clara and Oak Street. The Ventura Family YMCA was then known as the YMCA of Ventura County. In the 1940s the Ventura Y relocated to a log cabin across from the old Mound School and in 1952 moved again after purchasing the old Mound School. In 1981, the Y bought their current building on Telegraph Road, allowing for the expansion of its fitness and wellness programs.

In 1988 a 3,000 square foot natatorium was added with two heated indoor pools allowing an aquatics program to flourish and serve 5,000 children annually. Today, the Ventura Family YMCA serves 6,000 facility members and provides childcare to over 300 children in its after-school programs. With continuous membership and program growth the Y is once again researching expansion options to ensure it can meet the community needs.

“The Ventura Family YMCA is more than a gym, it’s a place of community and at the Y, strengthening community is our cause,” explains Amy Bailey Jurewicz, Executive Director of the Ventura Family YMCA. “As the needs of the community have shifted dramatically over the past 130 years, our mission has shifted as well. Although much has changed since the Y opened in 1887, the commitment to the cause has never wavered. The Y truly offers something for everyone; a wide variety of health and wellness classes, and scholarships for those who need them. “

To celebrate the 130th year, the Y is offering a gift to the community; join the Ventura Family YMCA by September 30 and get the first month free!

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/ventura/ or call 642-2131.

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton

I asked 6 Ventura surfers “Where’s your favorite surf spot in Ventura?” … and it was unanimous because these are all the same spot!

Lilly Givner
age 26
works at Ventura Surf Shop
“The Cove – probably because I grew up surfing there, it’s my number 1 go to.” Lilly learned to surf at age 13 and goes out 2-3 times a week.

 

Luke Williams
age 20
also works at Ventura Surf Shop
“Ventura Point because it’s definitely the most consistent break in Ventura, it usually always has a wave!” Luke learned to surf at age 14 but says he didn’t get serious until 15 or 16 and he goes every other day.

 

John Siman
age 16 another
Ventura Surf Shop employee
“C street! It’s just really fun and the whole stretch is well rounded, it can get big and scary up on top but it’s more friendly down in the cove. My favorite is the cove.” John has been surfing since he was 11 or 12 and goes out “like every day or every other day.”

 

John DeSurro
age 46
General Contractor / Musician
“The Point because you can surf it at high tide or low tide and you can use a variety of boards. I’m reading a book right now that names Ventura as one of the best surfing spots, it was the choice spot in the 60’s when I lived off Pierpont.” John’s daughter, Rhea goes out with her dad and rides on the nose of his board.

Maddie Maple
age 29
Middle School Teacher
“C Street by and large! I mostly come here for the people, I used to surf another spot because it’s closer to me but the people weren’t quite as welcoming. I tell people I chase the welcome not the wave, it’s a lot more fun to be here!” Maddie started surfing “off and on” at age 15 but now comes out “usually every day, we’re here a lot.”

Nicole Tenorio
age 44
Single Mom of 3 – does everything!
“C Street! The break is the best, you can almost always catch a wave, even when it’s flat it usually picks up and it’s a long ride!” Nicole has been surfing for 20 years but only gets out a couple times a month. She’s trying to get her 6-year-old son out there with her…

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays: Musician’s Night Out
Tuesdays: Open Mic w/ Beer Bros.
Wed 9/13: Crooked Eye Trio
Fri 9/15: Dropshot
Sat 9/16: 5 pm Jade Hendrix; 9 pm Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 9/17: 5 pm Corsican Bros; 9 pm Karaoke

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesdays: Mark David
Thursdays: Bluegrass Jam

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Fridays: DJs; Karaoke
Saturdays DJs
Sun 9/17: The Barn Burners, Serena

Buena High School
5670 Telegraph Road
Sat 9/16: Paperback Writer

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 9/13: Big Adventure
Thurs 9/14: Live Wire
Fri 9/15: Instone
Sat 9/16: Otis Hayes
Tues 9/19: Fabulous Hangovers
Wed 9/20: Big Adventure
Thurs 9/21: Rick Whitfield
Fri 9/22: Johnny Hawthorne
Sat 9/23: Boogie Wonderland

California Beer Fest
City Hall Location
Fri 9/15: The Bomb
Plaza Park Location
Sat 9/16: Adelaide, DJ Cue, Yachtley Crew
Sun 9/17: Michael Ray; Russell Dickerson, Chris Lane, Highway Starr

Caraba Coffee
Telephone & Petit
Sundays: 12:30 pm Acoustic open mic

Casa Bella
391 E. Main Street
(805) 340-1119
Music starts 7 pm
Tuesdays: Adam Tunney
Fridays: Encore
Saturday: Ricky Williams

Cask Alexhouse
5952 Telegraph Road
(805) 765-4201
Music 7-9 pm
Sat 9/16: Milo Sledge
Sat 9/23: Jason Ho

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

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 7 pm; Sundays 4 pm
Tuesdays: Down Home Trio
Fri 9/15: Havana Cinco
Sat 9/16: Brandon Ragan
Sun 9/17: Hot Roux
Fri 9/22: Estrada Brothers w/ Lorenzo Martinez
Sat 9/23: Soul Expression

Dargan’s Irish Pub
593 E. Main Street
Sun 9/17: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Late Fridays 10 pm: Flashback Fridays
Late Saturdays 10 pm: Disco Bowl
Thurs 9/14: TrueZion, Tripped Up
Fri 9/15: 2017 Nash Next
Sun 9/17: Nucklehead
Wed 9/20: The Wailers
Fri 9/22: Kyle Smith, Soutry Dub
Sat 9/23: Cubensis
Sunday 9/24: Mayday

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends
Saturdays: 9:30 DJ Erock

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Avenue
Sat 9/23: Sista Blues with Deb Ryder, Shari Puorto, Kelly Zirbes

Garage
1091 Scandia
Fri 9/22: Acid Teeth, Chill Child, Three Day Holocaust, All-a-Blur
Sat 9/23: Lil Wyte, Los Ghost, WhiteGold, Denim White

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
Fri 9/15: Maggie McClure
Sat 9/16: Crooked Eye Tommy
Sun 9/17: 1 pm Salty Suites, Angry Brians, Vox Box Six

The Greek Mediterranean
Fri & Sat 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 9/15: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Lionel Young
Sun 9/17: Smitty and Julia
Fri 9/22: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan
Sat 9/23: Misunderstood
Sun 9/24: Del Franklin and Friends

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 9/15: Sean Wiggins
Sat 9/16: Heathers on Fire
Fri 9/22: Mr. M
Sat 9/23: Pull the Trigger

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Wed 9/20: Jade Hendrix Duo

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Sun 9/17: 3 pm The Shaky Hand String Band
Sat 9/23: 4 pm Sea at Last
Sun 9/24: 3 pm Cap Quirk

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Thurs 9/21: Jimmy Eat World, Man with a Mission
Sat 9/23: Gov’t Mule

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor Village
Fri 9/15: Corsican Bros.
Sat 9/16: Vertigo Blend
Sun 9/17: Mike Martinez
Fri 9/22: Urban Dread
Sat 9/23: Crosscut
Sun 9/24: Right Amount of Wrong

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Tuesdays: Free Jukebox
Wednesdays: Karaoke

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

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Fri 9/22: Ventura Jazz Orchestra

Poseidon Brewing
5777 Olivas Park Drive
Sat 9/16: Rubber Soul performed by local musicians

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
Fri 9/15: Mighty Quinn, The Oakland Ronin
Sat 9/16: Phoenixook, Rocket 68, Absolutely Nothing, No Biggie
Sun 9/17: Robot Jurassic, Ed’s Bad Trip, September Begins

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 9/16: December Fades
Sun 9/17: Will Breman
Sat 9/23: Cap Quirk
Sun 9/24: Brothers Anonymous

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 9/15: Hubcap Stealers
Sat 9/16: Stevie Char
Fri 9/22: DJ Pistolero
Sat 9/23: Porcelain Hill
Sat 9/9: Outlaw Inlaws

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main Street
Music 7-10 pm
Fri 9/15: Mike Garson Trio
Sat 9/16: Paul McCallum & Friends
Mon 9/18: Francesco Buzzurro & Richard Smith
Thurs 9/21: Coda
Fri 9/22: L.J. and the Boyz
Sat 9/23: Cougar Estrada

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 9/15: Johnny Hawthorn Band
Sat 9/16: The Flailingtons
Fri 9/22: Action Down
Sat 9/23: Unusual Suspects

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Fri 9/15: Seaside Band
Fri 9/22: I Want my 80’s
Sat 9/23: The Black Hips

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
104 E. Thompson Blvd
Thurs 9/14: Matt Sayles

Ventura Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd
Fri 9/22: El Fantasma, Grupo Vox de Mando, Kanales

Ventura Harbor Village
Spinnaker Drive
Rock on the Dock 3-6 pm
Sat 9/16: Freedom of Expression
Sat 9/23: Live Wire

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Thurs 9/14: Karyn 805
Fri 9/15: Johnny and the Love Handles
Sat 9/16: Jon Gindick, Déjà vu Too
Sun 9/17: The Swillys
Thurs 9/21: Guitarzan
Fri 9/22: Paul Mars Black
Sat 9/23: Spectrum
Sun 9/24: Jason Ho

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun
with Kenny Devoe
Sat 9/16: Jason Ho

Remember! Pedestrians don’t have armor

The California Office of Traffic Safety announced that September is “California Pedestrian Safety Month” which began last year in response to the rising number of pedestrians being killed and injured on California roadways.

The Ventura Police Department will be joining with other law enforcement agencies, pedestrian advocates and walking clubs to promote public awareness aimed at both drivers and pedestrians alike to always be aware of each other and share the road responsibly.

This month draws attention to the 892 pedestrians who were killed on California roadways in 2016, accounting for over 24 percent of all roadways deaths in the state, up from 17% just a decade ago. The number of pedestrians killed or injured on Ventura roadways has increased over the past two years. In 2015 there were 55 incidents and in 2016 there were 62 incidents.

The department has mapped out locations over the past several years where pedestrian collisions have occurred along with the violations that led to those collisions. Traffic Officers working overtime and others on routine patrol will be focusing enforcement both on drivers as well as pedestrian who violate traffic laws.

Both drivers and walkers are cautioned to put down the cell phones, since electronic distractions are seen in increasing numbers of pedestrian crashes. Other factors for drivers include unsafe speed and failure to see and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections. For pedestrians, the major dangers are jaywalking and thinking that they can be seen at night, especially while wearing dark clothing. To learn about the dangers of being a pedestrian, who is at risk and safety tips visit Pedestrian Safety.

Funding for this enforcement campaign is provided to the Ventura Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The California Beer Festival with three days of events highlighting and celebrating that delightful beverage, the beer, is back! First, there’s the popular “Food and Pairing” event held up at City Hall on Friday, the 15th where local chefs pair with local breweries topped off with live music by Victor Vega and The Bomb. Then on Saturday, the 16th, it’s the Craft Beer Heaven at Plaza Park with live music from Adelaide, Yachtley Crew and DJ Cue. And finally, the Boots & Brews Country Music Festival takes place Sunday in the same location featuring the young guns of Country with Michael Ray, Chris Lane, Russell Dickerson and Highway Starr. Find out more about parking, times, and tickets at CaliforniaBeerFestival.com.

The 24th annual Bowlful of Blues returns to Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 16. There are both VIP and general admission tickets available for this one which features Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Morganfield Burnett & Da Blues, The Gypsy Blues Band, Raw Silk and Cody LePow. Check out BowlfulOfBlues.org for ticket and information.

A number of local musicians will be performing The Beatles’ Rubber Soul in its entirety at Poseidon Brewery on Saturday, September 16. Who could possibly pull this off? That would be Zeke Berkley, Austin Knecht, Owen Bucey, Steve Ming and Brian Bingelson.

If you love rap, then don’t miss the “Over Worked & Under Paid Tour” with Lil Wyte (Three 6 Mafia), Los Ghost, White gold and Denim White. The US tour will make a stop in Ventura at The Garage on Saturday, September 23.

There are a number of benefits for specific causes that you’re invited to help support. Let’s start with the fundraiser for the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer foundation at Buena High School with a concert from Paperback Writer, a Beatles tribute band, on Saturday, September 16. Tickets are $25 at the door. Grapes and Hops is hosting a fundraiser for Project Understanding on Sunday afternoon the 17th, 1-5 pm, with the Salty Suites, the Angry Brians and Vox Box Six. There’s a fundraiser for Ventura High’s water polo team at Discovery on Sunday, September 17 with Nucklehead, tickets are $12 the day of the show. And you won’t want to miss the 3rd annual Taste of Local at Olivas Adobe on Sunday, September 24, which offers music from Bryan C Tutus and the Dan Grimm Band, proceeds benefit the Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation.

Quick Notes: The September Swing Big Band Dance with Ventura Jazz Orchestra will be on Friday, September 22, at Poinsettia Pavilion. Ventura Theater has Jimmy Eat World and Man with a Mission on Thursday, September 21; and Gov’t Mule on Saturday 9/23. Four Brix has Sista Blues with Deb Ryder, Shari Puorto and Kelly Zirbes on Saturday, 9/23. Rock on the Dock continues every Saturday (3-6 pm) in September with Freedom of Expression (reggae) on the 16th and Live Wire (rock party favorites) on the 23rd.

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.

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – Ojai News and Events

Ojai Raptor Center, (ORC) a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of birds of prey and other wildlife, and to providing educational programs to teach communities about wildlife and our shared environment.

On Sunday October 29 ORC will open its doors to the public for their annual Fall Open House; a rare opportunity to meet the non-releasable “ambassador” raptors, and tour the Center that is otherwise closed to the public year-round due to the sensitive nature of wildlife in rehabilitation.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet a variety of hawks, falcons, and owls up close. There will be back-to-back stage presentations and a number of fun activities for children A silent auction will be held along with a chance to win a release of a rehabilitated raptor with ORC staff. There will be a five dollar suggested donation per person with children under ten admitted for free. This is a dog-free event. Handicapped parking will be available. Additional parking will be located 1 mile from the Center with a shuttle running every 10 minutes, follow signage. Visit www.ojairaptorcenter.org for more information.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, the Ojai Library will host a screening of the documentary film Divided We Fall. After the screening there will be a discussion facilitated by members of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).

Divided We Fall is the first film about the 2011 Wisconsin Uprising to present a critical perspective on the movement that inspired workers around the world. This event is free and open to the public. 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.

Join Rev. Karen for a half-day retreat at Meditation Mount on Saturday, September 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when the morning will be devoted to touching down into inner peace.

Rev. Karen says. “We are here to discover the true nature of our being—which is eternal love that nothing can damage or destroy.”

The morning will include quiet contemplation, wisdom talks, sacred music, and peaceful walks on the beautiful grounds. Randee Vasilakos, registered Science of Mind Practitioner, will be available to assist with prayers.

The retreat is by donation; $10 is suggested. Meditation Mount is located at 10340 Reeves Road. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.

Chamber On The Mountain will debut its 2017-18 season on Sunday, September 24, with an exciting concert combining the artistry of flutist Jill Felber, pianist Dianne Frazer, and COTM’s own Heidi Lehwalder, on harp. The concert begins at 3:00 at Logan House, adjacent to the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd. Reservations are $25 and a “Meet the Artists” reception follows the performance. For tickets and more information visit http://chamberonthemountain.com/reservations.html.

Villanova Preparatory School  is hosting its 6th Annual Ojai Valley College Fair on Monday, September 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Villanova Preparatory School invites all local high school students and their parents to attend. At the conclusion of the College Fair, breakout sessions will take place from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – Opinion/Editorial

• In this issue we have an article which states, “The California Office of Traffic Safety is again announcing that September is “California Pedestrian Safety Month.” This campaign began last year in response to the rising number of pedestrians being killed and injured on California roadways.”

It is amazing watching people (not just teenagers) cross the street in a crosswalk while looking down at their cell phones while never making sure that cars are actually stopping for them. It is if they are saying, “If you kill me while I’m in the crosswalk, you are in big trouble because I will sue you.” Sometimes I have the urge to get close and blow my horn except they might throw their phones in the air and break my windshield.

To me, the red-hands that display on some of our stoplights (downtown mostly) telling pedestrians that they have a red light and shouldn’t cross the street, are a joke. As soon as the light turns green pedestrians walk across the street even if the red-hand is shown. And, cars making turns can’t assume that the person will not be crossing, which makes it even more dangerous. How many times have pedestrians given you a dirty look (and other things) even though you have the right of way?

The police could just write tickets for those crossing against the red-hand for a week and Ventura would have lots of extra money. I’m for removing them completely.

• In one of our police reports in this issue, we have the following information regarding a person who had stolen a car. “During the last month, Marrufo has been arrested on three different occasions by the Ventura Police Department. He was previously arrested on 08/19/17 for a residential burglary in the 100 block of Brent St. and on 09/07/17 for prowling a residence in the 2000 block of Pierpont Blvd.”

I don’t get it – I thought that the three-strike law was supposed to prevent this scenario (though I know judges have a little discretion). Do we need to wait until a person commits murder or some other serious crime to keep criminals in prison?

• McGrath State Beach Park just re-opened after being closed for about 3 years. The berm that keeps water from running out of the Park needs to break naturally when the estuary floods. The problem is that it doesn’t break naturally when we are in a drought.

Most years, winter rain and snowmelt force enough water down the river to break through the berm. It can’t be broken manually because of protected species and other state regulations. So the camp ends up under many feet of water.

When the berm breaks, the water drains out to the ocean, floodwaters recede and campsites dry out but are not usable and the bathrooms are destroyed.

There are long-term plans for moving the campground to higher ground farther up the beach and restoring more of this area to wetlands but with all of the environmental reviews and approvals this will take many years.

I certainly hope that the weather cooperates and McGrath can stay open until it can be moved. But it might just be a waste of time, money and effort if it just keeps flooding depending on father nature.

• Upcoming guests on my Face of Ventura radio show (on KPPQLP Ventura – 104.1fm) include Cathy Puccetti discussing Storyfest, Julianna Fjeld, Regional Director Tri County GLAD( Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness), Mark Robinson, who interpreted with sign language for Julianna and Jeffrey Lambert, Community Development Director City of Ventura. The shows air Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10 am, and some other surprise times.

• If you were wondering why the dirt lot across from the WAV is now fenced off, this property has been sold by the city to a developer who’s looking to develop the entire block. The WAV has never had adequate parking and now have lost some of it (something to do with Ventura becoming a bicycle city, so we don’t need cars).

•If you don’t know who Roger Federer is, he is a great tennis player (maybe best ever) but as a gentleman and roll model he is even greater. After losing in the US Open, he said, ”Of course it is a pity, but Juan Martin deserves it more. I feel I have no place in the finals. The way I played or am playing right now it is not good enough, in my opinion, to win this tournament. It’s better I’m out and somebody else gets a chance to do better than me.”

I wonder why TV networks show the crowd as often as the players at tennis matches? Do they think tennis is boring?

• Music Under The Stars presented its final concert of the season last Saturday. My, time goes fast when you are old. If you didn’t make it this year, be sure to attend a concert next year. One of our “funnest” events.

•Amazon is looking for a city to build another headquarters (HQ2). It will bring billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to the area that they select. Amazon said it would give priority to areas with more than 1 million people that are within 45 minutes of an international airport, which means that we will probably not be considered.

•The reason that your computer doesn’t get hacked much is that real hackers don’t want to bother with you, but still be cautious. Hackers just breached credit monitoring company Equifax obtaining personal data of 143 million consumers including names, social security numbers, birth dates and driver’s license numbers. If you are exposed, I would recommend monitoring your bank accounts, credit cards and credit reports for suspicious activity.

Dab Art presents AHORA, a solo exhibition by artist Dominga Opazo at NAMBA

Dab Art is pleased to present AHORA, a solo exhibition by artist Dominga Opazo at NAMBA Arts Space in Downtown Ventura at 47 S. Oak. Opening Reception Saturday, September 16, 6-8pm.

Dominga plays out her imaginative ideas through images and textiles, engaging in a constant and passionate pursuit to discover the divine through art. AHORA is a mixed collection of Dominga’s most current work. Dominga Opazo resides in Ventura, emigrating from Chile a decade ago. Her mixed media work consists mostly of prints and textiles, as well as wood burning, paintings and drawings.

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – Movie Review

Three movies to see before the age of 10

By Manuel Reynoso

Movies, as with all art mediums, have the power to change someone’s outlook on life, especially during our more formative years. Themes of love, family and coming of age serve to lay down a path of discovery for who we are as a person, and these three films are perfect for a youth just now beginning to experience this in their daily life.

  1. Stand by Me (1986)

When four young boys go on a hike to find the dead body of a missing boy, what they find is an adventure of self-discovery. Stand by Me, which is unequivocally my favorite film adaptation of a Stephen King work, is an excellent example of a true coming-of-age drama. The sense of childhood adventure that is soon lost with adulthood is captured immaculately in this film. But most importantly, Stand by Me really teaches how the events in our life shape us, and makes us grow as a person. It’s powerful seeing how a hike to fulfil a macabre curiosity leads to such personal growth for these four young boys, and there’s a lot on growing up to be gleaned for a younger audience. However, use your best judgement for when you believe an adolescent is ready for this film.

2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Truthfully, you can place nearly any Studio Ghibli movie in this slot and my point stands, but this is my list, so I’m putting my single favorite film of all time on it. My Neighbor Totoro is an animated film that tells the story of two young girls and their father, and the adventures they had with the woodland spirits of rural Japan. Despite the many times I’ve seen My Neighbor Totoro, I’ve always walked away with some new insight in life. From learning to appreciate family and nature when I first watched it in my youth, every subsequent viewing just always seemed to have more lessons for me to take in. Learning the importance of allowing children to express their imagination and how to cope with something as traumatic as a sick mother, My Neighbor Totoro is not only for the children among us but for the child within us. It’s a masterpiece, and a film for children of all ages. Even those of us who refuse to grow up.

3. Bicycle Thieves (1948)

An Italian, black and white film from the 40’s may be a little bit of a hard sell for younger audiences, but the message behind it is invaluable. The story of a poor father searching post-World War II Rome for his stolen bicycle is not as simple as it may seem. It’s a story of the fallibility of the very person we once thought perfect at some point in our lives. Seeing the adventures of a young boy and their father is equal parts heartwarming and tragic. Bicycle Thieves serves to bring to light how complicated right and wrong can sometimes be, and will serve to make a child more well-rounded in understanding the world around them.

Vol. 10, No. 25 – Sept 13 – Sept 26, 2017 – City of Ventura Classes

Call 658-4726 to register, if you already have an account online, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov.

Acrylics for Adults 15 year-adult
9/13-9/27 W 6-7:30pm $55+$10 supply fee #9513
Have fun and learn different acrylic painting techniques while creating your own personal “Masterpiece”. All levels welcome. Instructor Laura Brooks. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Art Dolls & Whimsical Wooded Projects 16 years-adult
9/15-10/20 F 3:30-5:30pm $75 #9519
Using fabric, buttons, tree limbs and paint we will create wonderful unique art pieces. Instructor Judee Hauer. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Music Therapy for Pre-Schoolers 2-4 years
9/21-11/16 Th 9:30-10:15am $100 #9629
We’ll sing together, play, share, clap, and march together. A family or support member is welcome to stay and participate with each toddler. No class 10/26. Instructor, Board-Certified Music Therapist and performing artist, Brett “Jab” Cripe. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Beautiful Ballerinas 3-9 years
9/15-10/20 F 9:45-10:30am 5-6 yo $72 #9803
9/14-10/19 Th 3:15-4 pm 5-6yo $72 #9805
9/14-10/19 Th 4-5pm 7-8yo $72 #9807
Learn fundamental techniques, positions and exercises for flexibility, balance, poise and grace and the importance of following instructions, taking turns and being a productive member of a group. Instructor Sage Schniederbauer. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Intermediate/Advanced Vintage Polynesian with Elaine Tavares 12 years-adult
9/20-11/8 W 6:15-7:30pm $65 #9811
Have fun learning the steps of Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Poi Ball dancing. Bring a skirt or sarong to class. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.

Cardio Belly Dance 18 years-adult
9/17-10/22 Su 3-4 pm $60 #9376
Master steps, turns and isolations of belly dance through fun drills to upbeat modern world music. Bring towel and water. *No class 11/26. Instructor Haley-Nicole Harwood. Classes held at Barranca Vista Center.