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Vol. 10, No. 18 – June 7 – June 20, 2017 – Movie Review

Alien: Covenant
by Manuel Reynoso
2 Palm trees out of 4

Alien: Covenant is a 2017 American sci-fi horror film and sequel to Prometheus. Directed by Ridley Scott and written by John Logan and Dante Harper, with story by Michael Green and Jack Paglen.

I have to admit I came into Alien: Covenant with no idea that it was a sequel to Prometheus, which itself was a prequel to Alien. I’ve heard plenty of mixed reactions about Prometheus but truthfully I came into Alien: Covenant pretty blind. I’ve heard from plenty of self-proclaimed, die-hard Alien fans that this film isn’t for “real Alien fans” or it’s only good if you’re “not an Alien fan” and other such nonsense. But to be blunt, I found Alien: Covenant to be a mess, albeit a very pretty one.

From start to finish, Alien: Covenant did not feel very cohesive. Each act felt as if it was a separate genre all its own. Alien: Covenant starts of as a fairly entertaining space odyssey, becomes a bit of a slow horror in the second act, and decides to finish as a uninspired action flick in the last act. While this in itself was not a huge problem, it just left the film feeling off and without a strong sense of direction. Alien: Covenant’s art direction and effects were so strong, it was a shame that there was no cohesive theme to back them up.

And there is no way to exaggerate how strong the art direction of Alien: Covenant really is. Most of the set pieces were amazing and intricate; truly practical effects at its finest. It’s almost a shame that they had to use computer effects at all, but that’s just me being unreasonable. I would say that the movie would be worth seeing for this alone, but Alien: Covenant is mostly held back by poor writing.

Alien: Covenant’s writing wasn’t bad at a personal level between the characters, character interactions felt genuine and helped bond the characters to one another. The writing issue was mostly with the plot. At no point do these highly trained scientists and pilots ever feel like one. Decisions come off as nonsensical and it’s these decisions that propel the entire plot along. The writing of this film simply does not feel well thought out. Clearly a lot of care was put into creating a world and backstory for the events leading up to Alien, but quite frankly it feels unnecessary. At least 30 minutes of exposition and backstory could have been removed and Alien: Covenant would have felt more cohesive as a result. Instead I found myself getting bored during the slower parts of the film.

It’s a shame that Alien: Covenant was a bit of a letdown for me. It’s not really bad but more so painfully mediocre. Strong acting performances and great set design was enough to keep Alien: Covenant from falling flat, but I left wanting more. There will likely be better summer blockbuster movies on the horizon, so maybe just go on discount day. Rated R 2h 2m

Leo Robbins Sailing Center summer Sailing and Kayaking Camp

Attend the City of Ventura’s Parks Recreation and Community Partnerships (PRCP) Department, Leo Robbins Sailing Center summer Sailing and Kayaking Camp.  Each day holds a new adventure and different water activities: sailing, kayaking, SUP, beach trips, swimming and much more. Returning campers improve skill levels and take on more advanced sailing challenges. The Leo Robbins Sailing Center is located at Marina Park. Children must be between the ages of 9 – 13 years old (volunteer opportunities for 14 – 17 YO). $165 per one week session/per child.

From June 19 until August 14. For more information and to register, go to www.cityofventura.ca.gov/sail or call 658-4726.

Vol. 10, No. 18 – June 7 – June 20, 2017 – Ojai News & Events

The Ojai Studio Artists awarded $13,650 in scholarships to 13 Ventura County high school and college art students this year. The winning students were honored and awarded their scholarships at a special reception at Ojai City Hall on Saturday, June 3. This marks a new high in scholarship fundraising in OSA’s 24 year-old scholarship program.

Selected works by the scholarship winners will be shown at a month-long exhibition at City Gallery at Ojai City Hall. Each year OSA raises money to support young artists in their pursuit of further art education. To date, the artists’ organization has funded over $220,300 in scholarships and other ArtReach programs.  Further information about the artist organization and those who wish to contribute to the scholarship fund go to www.ojaistudioartists.org and click “donate”.

Local author J.J. Brown will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 to deliver a talk on her book, Secrets & Howls. Brown will read an excerpt and will discuss how she got started with writing. There will be time for a Q&A session, and Brown will also share a short excerpt from the novel she is working on right now.

J.J. Brown grew up in Ojai and obtained a BA in theater at CSU Long Beach. She is passionate about art and has returned to drawing and painting, is learning tap dance from a local instructor, and hopes to soon pick up her violin lessons again. She believes that sometimes you just need to cram all the art and creativity into your life that you can get!

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at 218-9146.

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.

The public is invited to join Rev. Karen for a half-day retreat at Meditation Mount, on Saturday, June 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The morning will be devoted to “Waking up!” to the answers to all our questions and the fulfillment of all our needs—always already present inside us.

“We spend all our time looking outside ourselves for that which we think will make us whole and happy,” Rev. Karen says. “The truth is that what you are looking for is within you, and has always been within you.”

The morning will offer an opportunity for inner reflection, along with wisdom talks, sacred music, and quiet walks on the beautiful grounds of Meditation Mount. Randee Vasilakos, registered Science of Mind Practitioner, will be available to assist with prayers for personal healing and reconciliation. People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend.

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.

Ventura nature photographer David N. Lee will present a workshop on the basics of nature photography at a private ranch near Ojai, June 15, 8:30am – 12:30pm.

“This workshop will present an overview of the types of nature photography,” says Lee. “Students will learn basic techniques for landscape, macro and wildlife photography.”

Enrollment is limited to the first eight participants. The suggested donation is $25. Please visit https://davidnleephoto.com/workshops for more information. Workshop directions and other details provided with registration.

 

The best summer ever starts at Ventura Family YMCA

Ventura Family YMCA is offering day/sleepaway camp to make sure kids and teens in Ventura are adventurous, active and healthy this summer. YMCA camp programs are much like the well known school trips by Allnatt in that they offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. However, they can be organised during school holidays so that parents can have a break too.

Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and explore. But, for some kids summer means no access to recreational and educational activities to help them learn, grow and thrive during out-of-school time. As a result, some kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year. Attending Ventura Family YMCA summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.

Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences and exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen.

Day and sleepaway camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their healthy eating habits.

While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.

Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and camp traditions) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

The Ventura Family YMCA offers a wide variety of camps. And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Ventura Family YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need. If you’re interested in helping send kids to camp this summer, you can donate to the Y at www.ciymca.org/give

For more information, visit www.ciymca.org/ventura or contact Julie Obrien, Youth Programs Director at 642.2131 or [email protected] .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Coast Transit District public input sessions June 7

Gold Coast Transit District has planned two information sessions to gather public input on the service changes planned for July 31st. Through several interactive stations and activities, the public will also have an opportunity to share their own transit needs and ideas for future transit improvements, and provide feedback on the design of new bus stop signs.

“Through the use of planning software and on-board passenger counting technology, our planning staff has the ability to analyze the efficiency of the entire system and make adjustments that ensure buses are on time. However, bringing that information to the public and incorporating passenger feedback is critical to the success of any change”, said Vanessa Rauschenberger, GCTD Planning and Marketing Director.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017
5:00 – 7:00pm
E.P. Foster Library
Topping Room

There will be no formal presentation so the public is welcome to attend at any time during the times listed. Transit planners will be available to answer questions and take suggestions.

Gold Coast Transit District provides safe, responsive, convenient, efficient, and environmentally responsible fixed-route bus and paratransit public transportation that serves the diverse needs of the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura, and in the unincorporated County areas between the cities. Utilizing a fleet of 56 clean natural gas-fueled buses, and 26 paratransit buses and vans, GCTD carries nearly 4 million passengers annually on its 20 bus routes. GCTD is the largest provider of public transit in Ventura County and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of an elected official from each member jurisdiction. For more information or to plan your trip, visit www.GoldCoastTransit.org.

Ventura City Fire Department respond to fire at two story residential home

On April 29, at 3:33pm, Ventura City Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from a two story residential home in the 2300 Block of Woodpecker Ave.  Upon arrival fire crews found a fire burning in a bedroom on the second floor that had extended into the attic. Firefighting efforts were initially hampered by boarded up windows and locked doors throughout the structure. Firefighters extinguished the blaze 25 minutes after arrival. Firefighters searched the house for occupants during the firefighting effort but none were found.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries when portions of the second story ceiling collapsed.  Both firefighters were treated and released from a local hospital.

Ventura Water to install new, smart meters to help customers use water efficiently

Ventura Water employees installing new smart meter.

by city staff

Ventura Water has started replacing the old, manually-read water meters throughout the city with new, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), also known as smart meters.  Smart meters provide wireless communication between the meter at your home or business and Ventura Water (your local water utility).  Water customers will immediately realize the benefit of smart meters through the ability to detect and notify consumers of costly leaks within 24 hours rather than finding out at the end of a 60 day-billing cycle.   Other benefits include improved accuracy and the ability for customers to actively manage their water usage and therefore have a better knowledge of how much water they are consuming on a consistent basis.

In the fall of 2017 approximately 32,000 water meters for Ventura’s residential and commercial customers will be replaced.   The meter upgrades will be installed in multiple phases of about 1,000 meters per month for a three year period.

A smart water meter, often referred to as sustainable water management technology,  looks very similar to the existing meter but has an added device that relays readings remotely.   Smart meters are considered among the most innovative technologies available to manage and predict usage and, ultimately, they will help improve conservation efforts for the entire community.

Once all the meters are installed, Ventura Water plans to implement monthly billing (instead of bi-monthly) in 2020.  The existing water meters are old and due for replacement.  The new smart meters give customers more information and control of their water usage, and offer environmental benefits by reducing the need for meter readers.

Are the new meters safe?  Yes, the AMI technology is safe, much safer than cell phones, laptops, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens and similar commonly used equipment.  The AMI Meter radio frequency transmissions only contain the reading, error codes and meter ID – protecting the customer’s personal information.

Ventura residents have done a great job conserving water and have made efficient water practices a way of life.  In March 2017 our water demand was down by 31% compared to March 2013.  The City of Ventura remains focused on responding to the water challenges we are facing and will continue to implement projects that diversify our water portfolio and improve future water reliability.

“Ventura Water works in partnership with our community to be efficient and plan for the unpredictable future.  Hundreds of residents have participated in our turf replacement Water Wi$e Incentive Program, free Water Conservation Survey visits and other programs,” said Ventura Water Acting General Manager Joe McDermott.