The Somis Nut House opened in 1959 as the Ventura Walnut Shelling Co., a walnut processing plant. Morris and Annette Resnik, and their son, Stephen Resnik, arrived in the area from Los Angeles and quickly made connections with local walnut farmers. They hand built the machinery required to crack, sort and pack them for sale to wholesale nut distributors all over the USA.

Soon after the walnut business began, they opened a small retail store in front of the plant and sold freshly cracked walnuts to the public. The retail store grew as more products were added at the request of family and friends. The expansion included all types of nuts, dried fruit, and candy. In the mid 1980’s most of the walnut orchards were replaced with lemons, avocados, row crops and housing development. This led to the gradual fading out of the walnut processing business here in Ventura County.

The store became a popular place to visit for residents of the local area and the surrounding counties. Customers would refer to us as “the nut house in Somis” which led us to change our store name to The Somis Nut House. Two of Stephen’s three children, Jeremy Resnik and Rebecca Pecsok are third generation co-owners of the store and are proud to carry on the traditions learned from their father and grandparents.

The store stocks a full array of nuts, including almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, and pistachios. There is also a wide selection of dried fruits, including apricots, peaches, pears, papaya, mango, pineapple, apples, dates, and figs. Many delicious chocolate candies are available, including nut clusters, chocolate creams, honeycomb, malt balls, and more! In addition, there is a wide variety of old fashion candies, jams and jellies, salsas, olives, local honey, soup mixes and novelty items. make Gift boxes and gift baskets of many sizes are perfect for birthdays, graduations, teacher gifts, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Christmas, client gifts and employee gifts. Gifts and other products can be shipped directly anywhere within the USA.

We are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm seven days a week (closed on Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day).

Website: www.somisnuthouse.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 805-386-1211

by Patricia Schallert

Erick Karlsen, is the owner of Quality Windows and Doors in Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Ventura. As he was living and growing up in Oxnard at 17 years old, he was looking for a way to occupy his free time.  So, he joined the Navy Seabee Reserves in Port Hueneme. His father, knowing that Erick needed something more to do during the summer break, asked his neighbor if Erick could work with him.  Erick’s neighbor installed, repaired and replaced windows within their neighborhood and outlining community and Erick spent the summer of his 18th year learning the window and door trade out of his neighbor’s garage. 

Erick’s neighbor became his mentor and when the time came for his neighbor to sell his business, Erick was the first one on the list. With the support of his grandfather and father, Erick became the sole owner of Quality Windows and Doors.  

Hard work paid off for Erick. He had a plan, vision, and commitment to what he believed his business and his employees would look like and what the business would be able to do within the Ventura community. He was able to articulate that plan by writing it down, and being clear so his support teams could understand it and make it happen. His plan shaped itself to reality, both the reality of success in the community and his own reality within. With hard work, patience and three storefronts later, he has become the sole owner of all three stores, with one in Oxnard, and Santa Barbara and his third store is in Ventura.

Erick uses a team approach with his workforce. His employees begin with training in installation for several months, window repair and replacement and then they will move into the sales force when they are ready. He provides an honorable service and works along with his team and his customers in completing final installations and inspections.  Over the years, he has built positive relationships with his customers and employees as he continues to demonstrate expertise and commitment to his business. Quality Windows and Doors is a success and works not only because of Erick but because of he envisioned the business in its entirety. 

As sole owner of Quality Windows and Doors he is also committed to the community where his stores are located. He is a member of the Contractor’s Association, sponsors local school sports teams and has banners on several sports fields. Hard work, long hours and commitment to service, quality and the homeowner have led to the success of Erick’s business. 

Quality Windows and Doors new design center featuring Marvin, Milgard, Fleetwood Windows, Entry doors and hardware is located at 4051 East Main Street in Ventura.

Erick Karlsen, currently is the owner of Quality Windows and Doors in Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Ventura. As he was living and growing up in Oxnard at 17 years old, he was looking for a way to occupy his free time.  So, he joined the Navy Seabee Reserves in Port Hueneme. His father, knowing that Erick needed something more to do during the summer break, asked his neighbor if Erick could work with him.  Erick’s neighbor installed, repaired and replaced windows within their neighborhood and outlining community and Erick spent the summer of his 18th year learning the window and door trade out of his neighbor’s garage. 

Erick’s neighbor became his mentor and when the time came for his neighbor to sell his business, Erick was the first one on the list. With the support of his grandfather and father, Erick became the sole owner of Quality Windows and Doors.  

Hard work paid off for Erick. He had a plan, vision, and commitment to what he believed his business and his employees would look like and what the business would be able to do within the Ventura community. He was able to articulate that plan by writing it down, and being clear so his support teams could understand it and make it happen. His plan shaped itself to reality, both the reality of success in the community and his own reality within. With hard work, patience and three storefronts later, he has become the sole owner of all three stores, with one in Oxnard, and Santa Barbara and his third store is in Ventura. 

Currently Erick uses a team approach with his workforce. His employees begin with training in installation for several months, window repair and replacement and then they will move into the sales force when they are ready. He provides an honorable service and works along with his team and his customers in completing final installations and inspections.  Over the years, he has built positive relationships with his customers and employees as he continues to demonstrate expertise and commitment to his business. Quality Windows and Doors is a success and works not only because of Erick but because of he envisioned the business in its entirety. 

As sole owner of Quality Windows and Doors he is also committed to the community where his stores are located. He is a member of the Contractor’s Association, sponsors local school sports teams and has banners on several sports fields. Hard work, long hours and commitment to service, quality and the homeowner have led to the success of Erick’s business. 

Quality Windows and Doors new design center featuring Marvin, Milgard, Fleetwood Windows, Entry doors and hardware is located at 4051 East Main Street in Ventura.

The Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Tricounty Services.
Located at 2437 Grand Ave. in the Montalvo neighborhood. 805-585-3894.

Tricounty provides heating, air conditioning, fireplace, indoor air quality, and plumbing services. Photo by Michael Gordon

October 2021, Kathrin and Dave opened their Paddle Board Store directly across the public launch pad in the newly built complex called Portside Ventura Harbor.

At Focus SUP Hawaii – Ventura, their first love is offering experiences to people’s lives, no matter if it is buying a SUP board or offering activities on and off the water.

Kathrin and Dave come from completely different business backgrounds. Kathrin is an architect and was born and raised in East Germany. Dave is a retired Police SWAT and lived most of his life in California. Both are certified yoga teachers, SUP yoga teachers and paddle instructors for several years.

An opportunity arose to start their own paddle board business representing a brand they have been using and believing in for years. Just recently they added Himiway e-bikes to their collection. You do not know if paddle boarding is for you or what type of board is right for you? You are thinking about buying an e-bike, but you have never ridden one before and are unsure if it is what you are expecting it to be? Focus SUP Hawaii – Ventura is your place to go!

They also offer SUP yoga classes, paddle board tours, paddle board workshops and Yoga on Yoga Balance Boards that can be booked privately, semi privately or for groups up to 10 people. Gentle Yoga is available on land for all levels every Sunday Morning from 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM and bookable online.

One of Kathrin’s specialties is working with people that have physical challenges of any kind. She teaches yoga based on people’s abilities and needs. As an energy healer, she feels you and will make sure your needs are met. Feel free to contact her in order to discuss any worries and concerns.

Dave and Kathrin are a great team and complement one another. They are not selling you a product or class. They are making sure you have all background knowledge needed to make the best choice for you. No matter what you are going to book or buy, both will make sure you feel confident about your decision.

When the Pierpont Racquet Club opened in 1977 it was one of the first multi-purpose athletic clubs in the nation. Tennis was increasing in popularity and racquetball was the fastest growing sport in the U.S. As fourth generation Venturans, brothers Scott and Spencer Garrett seized the opportunity to create a facility that would attract not only racquet enthusiasts but also cater to swimmers and fitness enthusiasts.

Over the past 46 years, the private athletic facility has continued to expand its facilities to meet emerging trends. When the Club first opened it offered 8 tennis courts and 4 racquetball courts. Within a few years 4 more tennis courts, 2 more racquetball courts and a second pool were added. Then, in the 1990s as interest in racquetball waned, the Garretts began converting some of their six racquetball courts to fitness areas. Today, the fastest growing sport in the nation is pickleball.

To meet the increasing demand for pickleball, the PRC is converting another of its tennis courts to pickleball. By this summer, the Club will offer 8 pickleball courts. Pickleball and tennis clinics are offered to non-members as well as members under the guidance of James Jensen. With the addition of more courts, the PRC will begin league and interclub play as well as be able to host pickleball parties such as the one recently auctioned off to benefit Interface Children and Family Services.

Last October, the Pierpont Racquet Club celebrated its 45^th Anniversary with a dance party on the tennis court that attracted 350 guests. PRC General Partner Spencer Garrett is already looking forward to celebrating 50 years in 2027. When the partnership was formed in 1975, the term of the agreement was 50 years. Not much thought was given to what the club would be like in 20 years let alone 50. Very few family owned and operated businesses last 50 years, but the PRC is still going strong.

What the hot new thing will be in 2027 is anyone’s guess, but the PRC is betting that pickleball will still be going strong. Tennis has certainly stood the test of time and pickleball offers many of the desirable elements of tennis – plus it is easier to get started playing when in the company of friends. Making friends at the PRC has been one of the hallmarks of the Pierpont Racquet Club since its inception.

Drop in and check out our amazing facilities, services, friends, and experience the PRC lifestyle!