Category Archives: Business

Ventura Chamber ribbon cutting for St. Bonaventure High School Black Box Theatre

Photo by Michael Gordon

The Ventura Chamber held a ribbon cutting for St. Bonaventure High School Black Box Theatre.

The versatility of the Black Box Theatre gives actors, directors and designers absolute artistic freedom. With flexible seating arrangements, each production can have a customized actor-audience relationship. Combined with a full complement of theatrical lighting, sound and video technologies, this performance space offers unlimited possibilities.

Business Profile: Pierpont Racquet Club adds more pickleball courts

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and the PRC has added three more courts to meet the growing demand.  In conjunction with the celebration of its 46th Anniversary, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at a mixer with the Ventura Chamber of Commerce on October 5th.

The PRC’s 3 new courts now afford PRC members 8 courts to choose from, 5 of which are lit for night play.  5 of the courts are hard courts and the other 3 are all-weather courts with a surface that allows play when the other courts are wet and too slippery to enjoy safely.

The private membership Club first opened for tennis play in January 1977 and in October of that year, the Clubhouse opened. The PRC now offers 9 tennis courts and 8 pickleball courts in addition to two swimming pools and full fitness facilities.  In celebration of its 46th Anniversary the PRC is offering a 46% discount on join fees for the month of October.  Trial memberships are also available.

General Partner Spencer Garrett recalls that when the PRC first opened its door, racquetball was the fastest growing sport in the U.S.  The PRC originally had 4 courts and at one time had 6 racquetball courts.  Now the PRC offers only one court which gets limited play.  The other courts have since been converted to add additional fitness areas as well as a family game room with ping pong.

Spencer Garrett believes pickleball is here to stay and that it will keep growing.  “It’s an easy sport to get started playing and can be a very social game allowing players to make new friends”, commented Spencer.  The PRC has introductory clinics and scheduled time for open play for various levels of play.  Pickleball and tennis clinics are open to non-members as well as Club members.

Will pickleball replace tennis? Garrett doesn’t think that will ever happen.  Tennis experienced a resurgence when Covid struck as people were looking for outdoor activities.  Tennis play is still strong at the PRC and while some tennis players are gravitating to pickleball, most of those are playing both sports.

“Most anyone with basic hand eye coordination can be playing in short order and there is always someone more than happy to explain the idiosyncrasies such as the kitchen and scoring.  Come down to the PRC and experience pickleball”, added Garrett. www.pierpontrc.com.

PRC Celebrates 46 Years!

In conjunction with the commemoration of its 46th Anniversary, PRC hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony during a vibrant mixer with the Ventura Chamber of Commerce on October 5th. This event not only marked PRC’s remarkable history but also celebrated its continued commitment to fostering a vibrant community of racquet and paddle enthusiasts. As part of the club’s 46th-anniversary celebrations, PRC is extending a generous 46% discount on join fees for the entire month of October, with trial memberships also available.

PRC would like to give a special thank you to Topa Topa Brewing Co. and Salzer’s Pies & Pastries for their support in their anniversary celebration.

Business Profile: Car Show for K-9s this Saturday

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Many people are confused about what is happening at Crown Classics & Museum, the car dealership that held its grand opening at the old Toys R Us building in Ventura, just to be shut down by the City over a permit issue within days. The business appears to have plenty of beautiful classic vehicles in excellent condition, and yet it has been closed to the public for over a year now. Customers may only enter by calling (805) 291-8281 for an appointment.

“Our doors may be closed,” says Classic Auto Museum Curator Michelle Annette Leveille, “but we still want to play an active role in promoting car culture.”

Thus, Crown Classics & Museum has been hosting car meets in their parking lot for several months. Car afficionados can be seen with their vintage vehicles there from 3pm to 6pm on the first and third Sunday of the month. Each meet is a fundraiser for a different local charity.

This Saturday, September 9th, there will be a car show from 9am-1pm to benefit the Ventura Police K-9 Unit. The Momentum Charity Car Show is presented at Crown Classics & Museum by Pastor Ted Pugh, of Higher Vision Ventura.

This is the ninth annual show for Ted Pugh, who chose the good cause because, “People don’t realize that our K-9 Unit isn’t funded by our taxes. Training, veterinary bills, dog food – it’s all paid for by donations. They’re a nonprofit, so they have to raise all their own money.”

Spectators at this event are in for a real treat. There is no admission charge to see the show. Besides the classic cars, there will also be a live DJ, food trucks, merchandise vendors, souvenirs, a raffle, and special demonstrations of Police K-9 training.

The family-friendly car show will be held this Saturday in the parking lot at Crown Classics & Museum, 2975 Johnson Drive, in Ventura, from 9am-1pm. Roll in is from 7am-9am. Trophies will be awarded at 12:45.

Show car owners can register to enter the show online at www.MomentumCarShow.com or pay $30 cash during roll-in from 7am-9am the day of the show.

Registration is open to most categories of show cars of all eras. Trophy categories include Best Antique (pre-1940), Classic (1940-75), Modified (1950-2023), Sports Car (1954-2023), Muscle Car (1964-75

American Flags & Cutlery

Bryan Miller’s journey encapsulates the triumph of perseverance over adversity.

Bryan Miller’s journey is a testament to his resilience and passion for entrepreneurship. Despite facing challenges due to dyslexia during his school years, he pursued a degree in business administration. With admirable determination, he navigated the educational obstacles that came his way.

Bryan’s professional path led him into the realm of restaurant management, where he spent five years honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. However, a pivotal moment arrived when a patron from one of the restaurants he managed presented him with a life-changing opportunity. This patron, on the brink of retirement, proposed that Bryan manage and take over their business, American Flags & Cutlery. Bryan seized this chance, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

In the year 2020, Bryan assumed a managerial role within the establishment, gradually transitioning to ownership by April 1, 2021. While the prospect of ownership was exciting, it came with its share of challenges. Determining the right products to procure for the store’s inventory posed an initial hurdle. Bryan tackled this obstacle by immersing himself in understanding the preferences and needs of his clientele. Through diligent learning and adaptation, he navigated the intricate landscape of the industry.

One of Bryan’s strengths lies in his ability to network effectively. He recognized the importance of connecting with the right individuals, which aided him in overcoming the learning curve associated with the cutlery industry. He cultivated partnerships with local businesses such as Messermeister and the unique Ojai-based brand, Ocaso. In fact, Bryan’s store became the exclusive carrier of Ocaso products—a noteworthy accomplishment.

What sets Bryan’s store apart is its distinctive collection of items that cannot be found in other establishments. This curated selection highlights his commitment to providing customers with a diverse and unparalleled shopping experience.

Entrepreneurship runs in Bryan’s family, with both his grandparents having ventured into business ownership. Drawing inspiration from his family background and his own experiences as an Eagle Scout, Bryan’s passion for cutlery and knives was kindled during his time in the restaurant industry. This unique blend of interests and his hands-on experience contribute to the store’s distinctive character.

In conclusion, Bryan Miller’s journey encapsulates the triumph of perseverance over adversity. From his challenging school years to becoming the owner of American Flags & Cutlery, his story exemplifies the power of determination, adaptation, and meaningful connections. Through his store, he not only offers exceptional products but also a testament to the value of pursuing one’s passions against all odds.