A virtual event full of community, celebration, and fun.

Back by popular demand, hosts Curtis Knight, CalTrout executive director, and George Revel, CalTrout board member and owner of Lost Coast Outfitters, will entertain and inspire. Plus, live special reports from CalTrout member Sydnie Kohara.

The 2021 Trout Camp Gala will celebrate 50 years of taking action for California’s fish, water, and people – a milestone success made possible by partners and members like you. Tune in for a high-energy virtual showcase of innovative conservation work across the state, cameos from CalTrout staff, and more!

Register now at https://caltrout.org/trout-camp-gala. Event site: https://caltrout.org/trout-camp-gala

Denis O’Leary Book Signing Sat. June 5th (1-3 pm)

Bank of Books 748 E Main St (805) 643-3154

Denis O’Leary, a prolific writer an Illustrator, became an advocate and spokesperson for many in the Latino community. Denis took leadership roles in organizations such as the California Association for Bilingual Education, the League of United Latin American Citizens and the United Farm Workers.

He served 17 years as a School Board Trustee of the Oxnard School District. Denis has worked to better represent Latino families in their efforts to improve the lives of their next generation. Today, Denis O’Leary often receives calls for help from organizations, law enforcement and foreign governments to assist in issues of education and human rights.

 April 20: The Museum of Ventura County just announced two upcoming online events that are not to be missed! Local History Happy Hour, a bi-monthly series where local authors and historians will sit down with Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director Elena Brokaw to discuss their unique perspectives on our region’s history and take questions from the audience.

Roz McGrath, author of Memoir of a Feminist, will join us for the first installment of Local History Happy Hour on Tuesday, from 5-6 p.m. Registration is free!

April 28: “The Ventura College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, at 7p.m.  An invitation and link to the meeting will be sent to everyone on the CACC mailing list.   Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. At the April meeting, Heather Sumagaysay, PIO of the City of Ventura, will be providing an update on issues facing the city in 2021.  CACC represents citizens in Council District 3, neighborhoods between Dunning/Lemon Grove and Hill Road, north of Hwy. 126.  <collegeareacouncil.com/map>  Visit the College Area Community Council website @ http://collegeareacouncil.com/wp/ to be added to the mailing list and to access a link to the Zoom meeting.”

April 30: Permanent Acting Interim Executive Director Louise Reilly Sacco will join the Ventura County Library at 6 p.m. on Friday, to talk about the collections at the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA). This event will take place virtually via Zoom.

The Museum of Bad Art collects, exhibits, and celebrates art that will be seen in no other venue. Since 1993, they have collected art from thrift stores, yard sales, sidewalk trash, and even the artists who create it. They analyze, compare to classic art, and share with thousands of fans around the world. Louise Reilly Sacco—the Permanent Acting Interim Executive Director of the Museum of Bad Art—was part of MOBA’s founding team in 1993.

This event is free and open to the public. To register visit bit.ly/VCLMOBA. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at 805-218-9146 or [email protected]. Instructions for registering for this event on Zoom can also be found online calendar at www.vencolibrary.org/calendar.

May 2. The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum is resuming the first Sunday afternoon docent-led tours with covid protocols, from 1-4 p.m. Group size will be strictly limited. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood). For information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at dudleyhouse.webs.com.

May 8: Mother’s Day weekend plant sale at the Dudley House Museum 8-2 p.m.

Bromeliads, orchids, succulents, tillandsias, rhipsalis, garden art and cultural instructions. Vendors welcome (plants only), please call Charlie at 746-4317.

May 15: Lora Howe will be book signing at the Bank of Books. Saturday from 1-3 p.m. 748 E. Main St. 643-3154. I love nomad life, but I think it is important to show all aspects of the lifestyle so you can decide if it is right for you. In 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2012, I hit the road full-time in a 5th wheel RV, because I realized how short life could be. Do what you love and go where you have always wanted to go, now, before it is too late. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

by Veronica Johnson

The Ojai Valley Museum reopened April 2, 2021 and invites all to view the new original exhibition “Ojai Eye: Master Photographers” in person.

The museum will be open every Friday from 1-7pm, and from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

“Ojai Eye: Master Photographers” is an exploration of the work for six local, professional photographers. Examine images from J.C. Brewster, Horace Bristol, Guy Webster, Cindy Pitou, Joe Sohm, and Donna Granata.

The exhibit can be viewed online at OjaiValleyMuseum.org. However, the large size of many of the photographs makes an in-person visit a much richer experience. There are also additional elements to enjoy in person, that are not available online.

The exhibition will be on view through the end of June.

In addition to “Ojai Eye: Master Photographers”, small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the valley and a diorama of the Sespe Wilderness are always on view at the museum.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Free parking is available behind the museum, off Blanche Street. The Museum is open Friday from 1-7pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Suggested admission is $5 per adult, $1 children 5-18. Facemasks required.

For more information, call the museum at (805) 640-1390, ext. 201, email [email protected] or visit the museum website at OjaiValleyMuseum.org.

Beginning Sunday, April 11, 2021, Ojai author and naturalist Lanny Kaufer will lead a series of two-hour Ojai Urban Herb Walks in downtown Ojai on Sunday mornings in April and May. Meetup locations and itineraries will vary. All walks will start at 10 a.m. and end at 12 noon. Groups will walk less than a mile total distance and visit useful native and non-native plants in and around the downtown area. The April 11 and May 16 walks will start and end in Libbey Park. The walks on April 25 and May 30 will visit Cluff Vista Park and the Chumash Garden at the Ojai Valley Museum. Registrants will receive parking directions by email.

Libbey Park and Stewart Creek, which runs through the park, have been replanted with native California plants over the years. Renovations are ongoing. The park provides an easy-to-access place to see how these native plants do in urban landscapes. Kaufer also will discuss useful non-native plants such as rosemary and eucalyptus that are often found in Southern California’s urban and suburban areas. He will focus on how to identify these plants and discuss their edible and medicinal uses.

Cluff Vista Park is a native plant demonstration garden designed by the late Thomas Bostrom and maintained by the City of Ojai with assistance from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Kaufer was a consultant on the design and plant selection for the Chumash Garden at Ojai Valley Museum.

Until such time as they are no longer needed, safeguards will be in place to prevent possible transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Attendance will be limited to 12 participants. Temperatures will be checked digitally on arrival, face coverings will be required, and the group will maintain 6 feet of physical distance at all times.

The cost for these walks is $25/person. Registration is required. Please visit HerbWalks.com or call (805) 646-6281 for more information and registration. No dogs or smoking, please.

April 8: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mothers Day weekend plant sale at the Dudley House Museum Bromeliads, orchids, succulents, tillandsias, rhipsalis, garden art and cultural instructions. Vendors welcome (plants only), please call Charlie at 805 746 4317. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood). Covid protocols observed.

April 13: Causes and Treatment for Enlarged Prostate Explored at a Free Online CMHS Seminar

Some of the most common urological health issues in men include increased urinary frequency and benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate gland. In the United States, half of all men have an enlarged prostate by age 60. If you have a frequent need to urinate both day and night, you may have an enlarged prostate.

Join Dr. Marc A. Beaghler from San Buenaventura Urology group for a free webinar on causes, symptoms, screening, diagnosis, and the latest treatments for an enlarged prostate. Among the treatment options he will discuss is the UroLift® System, a minimally invasive procedure that may help relieve symptoms.

Dr. Beaghler specializes in urology and is Community Memorial Hospital’s Medical Director of Robotic Surgery, as well as a former chief of staff and chief of surgery. He earned his medical degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine and completed a residency at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

This free virtual event takes place on Zoom at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13. To register, visit www.cmhshealth.org/RSVP.

April 28: The Ventura College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, at 7pm. Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. CACC represents citizens in Council District 3, neighborhoods between Dunning/Lemon Grove and Hill Road, north of Hwy. 126. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ http://collegeareacouncil.com/wp/ to be added to the mailing list and to access a link to the Zoom meeting.”

April 9: The Ventura College Theatre Arts Department will present five plays over the next two months. The all-virtual season is a blend of recorded and live-streamed productions featuring a diverse slate of plays that has something for everyone.

The Theatre Department launches its spring season with SHEL-SHOCKED, An Evening of Plays by Shel Silverstein, which have been fully directed, acted and designed by VC Theatre Arts students. SHEL-SHOCKED will stream all day on both April 9 & 10.

On April 16, VC will present an encore streaming performance of Jessica Dickey’s moving play, THE AMISH PROJECT, a work about a rural Amish town finding acceptance and learning to move forward after a shocking act of violence nearly shatters their community.

DEVIL BOYS FROM BEYOND a hilarious, high camp southern-fried comedy will stream on both April 16 & 17.

The Staged Reading Series will conclude with a live-stream of ADA AND THE ENGINE on April 30 and May 1 at 7:30pm.

VC ends the theatre season with EVERYMAN (streaming May 7, 8, & 9), a re-imagined and modernized tale of one of the fifteenth century’s greatest myths.

March 28: This Sunday NAMBA Performing Arts Space kickstarts its’ return to regular programming with a monthly streaming event featuring musicians, dancers and improvisational theatre. Dubbed ‘IN PERFORMANCE Live’, the show is donation based and designed to re-engage a shuttered community in the power of artistic expression. Curated by Doc Ventura of Delta by the Beach, Cathy Butter formerly of Aloft Dance Theatre and Ventura College Dance, and Gary Best of Ventura Improv, IN PERFORMANCE Live is NAMBA’s collaborative expression of performance as a means to bridge rising waters in challenging times.

Due to on-going issues related to the pandemic and the nearly impossible restrictions on live performance, NAMBA has been shuttered to audiences for the last year. With vaccines and loosening restrictions, NAMBA is anticipating a return to live community service. Tamara Varney, Chairperson of NAMBA’s Board said, “NAMBA seeks to engage Community partners to safely access our Theatre, to energize performing arts disciplines and to deliver programs to the public.” To contact NAMBA, or for information on upcoming limited in-person dance and theatre classes, senior and youth programming, continued streaming/zooming opportunities for teachers and performers, as well as to register for IN PERFORMANCE Live, visit nambaarts.com.

April 17: George Yenney Book Signing Saturday 1-3 pm Bank of Books 748 E. Main (805) 643-3154. Mr. Yenney, a Navy brat, was born in Virginia, raised in California and attended military boarding school in Wisconsin before serving two tours with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. He earned degrees from UCSB and CSUDH. He has lived in Oregon, Texas and Mexico. For more than a decade he taught English and conducted international business in the republic of China on Taiwan. He was a bilingual educator in Oxnard for 20 years. He speaks Spanish and Chinese. He currently resides in Ventura where he is working on his next novel.

George has seven novels to share at this book signing. They are: “Ventura, A Novel of 1975”, “Education by Chaos”, “The Cayeguas File” “West Pac”, “Nayeli Means, “I Love You”, “Ellie, A Vietnam War Romance” and “The Spoils of War “

The Ojai Film Festival (OFF), ranked one of the top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals on FilmFreeway, continues to grow in prestige. The festival, which begins November 4, 2021, showcases the finest new films by emerging and established filmmakers from around the world. Both the film and screenplay competitions opened to submissions March 1.

Out of the 77 films in the 2020 OFF three made it to the short list for Oscar consideration. In the previous 20 years 15 alumni received Academy Award nominations, two won an Oscar, and numerous others went on to gain distribution and win prestigious awards.

“Our festival provides a valuable service to filmmakers,” Artistic Director Steve Grumette said. “We give them access to a highly appreciative audience, including film industry professionals who can help guide their careers.”

Films screened in the festival become eligible to win OFF trophies and awards. The Limelight Award for Best Student Film comes with a Panavision camera rental package worth $60,000 USD. Other honors include the Sergio Aragones Award for Best Animated Film, and the Bill Paxton Award given to a filmmaker from Ojai or Southern California.

The event provides audiences with a diverse lineup, many groundbreaking works otherwise inaccessible to the public, which embody the OFF theme: “Enriching the Human Spirit through Film.” Past submissions of short and long narratives, short and long documentaries, and animations. represent over 46 countries. Now in its sixth year the Screenplay Competition last year brought in entries from as far away as Edinbridge, Kent, UK, as well as from all over the US.

At this time plans for the 2021 OFF foresee a mix of physical in-theater experiences and online accessibility. “Presenting an online festival in 2020 became a major learning experience,” OFF President Jonathan Lambert said. “Fortunately, we did it well and received a lot of positive feedback from filmmakers and patrons.” Viewers of last year’s virtual OFF screenings live in many US states and several overseas countries.

Legendary Hollywood producer Peter Guber told the audience at a Toronto International Film Festival that “Ojai is the next Telluride.” This speaks volumes about Ojai’s growing importance on the festival circuit.

FILM DEADLINES AND FEES

Early deadline (April 1): Features $35, Shorts $30

Regular deadline (May 1): Features $45, Shorts $40

Late deadline (June 1): Features $55, Shorts $50

Extended Deadline (July 1) entry fees: Features $65, Shorts $60

SCREENPLAY DEADLINES AND FEES

Early deadline (March 31): $25/$20 Students

Regular deadline (April 30): $35/$25 Students

Late deadline (May 31): $45/$35 Students

Extended deadline (June 30): $55/$45 Students

To enter go to ojaifilmfestival.com/entries

Accepted entries will be notified in mid-August.

Events
by Ana Baker

March 18: Speakers from both Ventura Water and from the Clean Power Alliance will present updated information to the East Ventura Community Council, at the next virtual meeting, on Thursday, at 7 p.m.
Ventura Water will talk about projected rate increases. The Clean Power Alliance speaker will explain clean power sourcing, billing, and answer questions.

Area crime statistics will be shared by Commander Weeks of the Ventura Police Department.

Other topics may be added to the agenda, so be sure to check the group’s Facebook page for updates.
The Council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate.

The meeting will be held online via the Zoom application.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86723830213?pwd=Snl5bldYSk9yY0picmxJTzBEbnlCdz09
You will first need to download the Zoom app on your computer or smart phone. You do not need an account. If you miss the meeting, you can always view it on the website, www.eastventura.org.

For more information, contact EVCC Chairperson, Deborah Meyer-Morris at [email protected].

March 20 & 27: Spring Plant Boutique at the Dudley House Museum 8 – 2 p.m.
Bromeliads, orchids, succulents, tillandsias, rhipsalis, garden art and cultural instructions. Vendors welcome (plants only), please call Charlie at 805-746-4317. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood). COVID-19 protocols observed.

April 9: United Way of Ventura County is excited to announce its United to End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on Friday, at 9 a.m. PST. The symposium will feature Matthew Desmond, author of Pulitzer Prize winning bestseller “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,” as its keynote speaker. There will be an opportunity for a Q&A session with the author. Also, a panel discussion with local experts, moderated by Henry Dubroff, editor of the Pacific Coast Business Times, on addressing homelessness.

The two-hour, virtual, one-time live event is one of many efforts United Way of Ventura County will be launching to continue bringing awareness to its United to End Homelessness initiative, honor its mission “to mobilize and inspire the caring power and resources of our community,” and address the shelter crisis in Ventura County.

For symposium sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mitchel Sloan, vice president of resource development and marketing, at 805-485-6288, ext. 229 or [email protected]. To learn more about the event and United Way of Ventura County, please visit www.vcunitedway.org/homelessness-symposium-2021.

March 11: The Midtown Ventura Community Council (MVCC) will hold their annual election at their general meeting at 7 p.m. Election is for Executive Officers including Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer along with Board members at large.

The nominating committee has picked a slate of officers and nominations will also be taken at the meeting. Kathy Bremer, Secretary with the College Community Council will be officiating the election. To be eligible to vote you must have attended at least one meeting, including virtually, in the last year, and completed a membership form. Visit the MVCC website at midtownventura.org. for more information.

Before the election there will be a special presentation from the Ventura Police Department focusing on one of their specific working groups in the Department. There will also be a short presentation, “Spotlight on Volunteers/Non-Profits” featuring Heidi Coffey, with the National Charity League Juniors is a charity organization of local women

The main speaker of the evening will be Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere. Supervisor LaVere will be addressing the latest information on vaccinations and will also talk about his transition from being Mayor of the City of Ventura to being elected as our Supervisor.

You must register ahead of time for the meeting to be able to participate by going to website at midtownventura.org and the link will be sent out ahead of the meeting.
For further information or questions please call Dan Long at 805 653-6573 or send an email on their website.

Feb.11: The Midtown Ventura Community Council will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. The special guest speaker of the evening will be Mayor Sofia Rubalcava.  MVCC has always had a tradition of giving new leaders in our city an opportunity to informally speak about what inspired them to become more engaged in public service, their background and other topics of their choosing to help attendees become better acquainted with our new Mayor.  The Mayor will be speaking after their “Spotlight” guest.

First on the agenda that evening will be an up-to-date report of the COVID-19 19 vaccination status from a county representative who will also be able to answer some questions.

Darrick Brunk, Special Operations Commander with the Ventura Police Department, will give a very brief update on activities of concern for neighbors to be aware of in the community.

MVCC is also bringing back their “Spotlight on Volunteers/Non-Profits” which gives an opportunity to give a short overview of an organization.  Tammy Glenn, Executive Director of Caregivers: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly will speak about their local organization.

The latest information from Ventura Water/Wastewater on the new rates for both departments.  Ventura Water General Manager, Susan Rungren, and Assistant City Manager, Akbar Alikhan will speak and will take questions afterward as time is allowed.

The virtual meeting will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  You must register ahead of time for the meeting to be able to participate by going to their website at midtownventura.org and the link will be sent out ahead of the meeting.

For further information or questions please call Dan Long at 805 653-6573 or send an email on their website.

Feb.18: Meeting of the East Ventura Community Council, at 7:00 p.m. will consist of a Candidate Forum in which those persons interested in being appointed to the newly vacant District 4 City Council position will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the public. David Maron, Vice-Chair of the Ventura County Civic Alliance, and well-known moderator from the League of Women Voters, will officiate at the Forum. Questions for the candidates may be submitted ahead of time to [email protected].

The Council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate.

The meeting will be held online via the Zoom application. Go here to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sx_vUZdeQ4aFylf7dIKh3w

You will first need to download the Zoom app on your computer or smart phone. You do not need an account.  If you miss the meeting, you can always view later on the website, www.eastventura.org.

For more information, contact EVCC Chairperson, Deborah Meyer-Morris at [email protected].

Feb. 27: Bank Of Books on Saturday 1-3 pm Doug Halter – Book Signing – “Give Me Time – The life and Times of Doug Halter” – Doug Halter and his partner were shocked to learn that they had AIDS and only a few months to live. Doug’s partner grew sick and passed away, but Doug miraculously got into the first successful trial of a drug that blocked AIDS complications – and he survived.

Achieving success as a chemical engineer and computer sales executive, Doug found his true calling as a highly innovative landscaper. Give Me Time is the inspiring story of Doug Halter’s lifelong dedication to AIDS and LBGTQ causes and his groundbreaking contributions to the culture and civic renewal of his chosen home, Ventura. 748 E. Main St. (805)643-3154

Feb.28: Art City Studios is thrilled to present Fitness Palooza, an interactive, outdoor, COVID-19 compliant health and fitness event for all ages in the Art City Stone Garden (aka Ventura Stone Henge.) The event takes place from 10am-2pm, and entry and classes are donation based for all participants.

Fitness Palooza brings outdoor yoga classes to all, aerial demonstrations, live art, music and vendors offering healthy and holistic products and programs. Sign up for a yoga class, bring a mat and spread out among the garden’s monumental stone sculptures for classes led by live instructors with DJ Down N Going spinning motivating flow style tunes.

Aerialists of all levels from Ventura County & Santa Barbara Trapeze Co will be performing aerial demonstrations throughout the event to inspire viewers to move, stretch and flow.

Interact with Art City Sculptor Andy Lewis as he sculpts stone and try for yourself to chisel some stone under his guidance.

Vendors bring healthy, holistic products and programs in a farmer’s market style setting for outdoor local shopping.

Art City Gallery and Studios will be open throughout the event for walk throughs. See breathtaking stone sculptures, fountains, stone monuments, onyx stone lamps and more. Walk through the breezy Art Gallery to see the bright, colorful paintings of Mike Tine.

Ojai Valley Community Hospital is one of only 10 hospitals in California to make the newly compiled list from Becker’s Hospital Review of the “top-rated hospitals for patient experience.”

Using scores from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Becker’s compiled a list of the best hospitals for patient experience in each of the 50 states. Hospitals either received five or four-star ratings based on a list of criteria from patient surveys. Becker’s Hospital Review is a major publication in the healthcare industry. Ojai Valley Community Hospital and the other nine California hospitals on the Becker’s list all received a top five-star rating. Ojai Valley Community Hospital is the only hospital in Ventura County to make the list.

Ojai Valley Community Hospital is a 25-bed acute care hospital with an emergency room, four beds for Intensive Care patients and 21 medical/surgical beds that also can serve patients needing skilled nursing care. The hospital recently opened a new, modern Continuing Care Center (skilled nursing facility) with 75 beds.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the HCAHPS survey is the first national, standardized, and publicly reported survey capturing the perspective of patients with regards to their hospital care.

Patients discharged from hospitals are asked a series of questions on topics including communication with nurses and doctors, the responsiveness of the hospital staff, the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment, communication about medicines, discharge information, an overall rating of the hospital, and if patients would recommend the hospital.

The Ojai Valley Museum presents a very special Virtual Annual Meeting with talented guests on the museum’s website, OjaiValleyMuseum.org.

When the Museum couldn’t have their typical Annual Meeting due to the pandemic, they got creative. Luckily for the viewing audience, the Museum has very talented and famous friends.

The twenty-minute video includes a performance by Grammy-nominated singer / songwriter Perla Batalla. A former back-up singer for Leonard Cohen, Batalla’s rendition of his “Anthem” is exquisite. MAD Magazine cartoonist Sergio Aragones shares why he loves Ojai, and our local community museum. Award-winning singer / songwriter Michele Brourman’s jazzy rendition of “You’re Only Old Once” is fun and intimate. The video ends with another upbeat performance as multitalented Jimmy Calire accompanies vocalist J. B. White on piano for “I Get a Kick Out of You” by Cole Porter. Ojai City Council member Bill Weirick shares why the museum is important to the community and Ojai Museum Executive Director Wendy Barker highlights their current exhibition, Insight 20/20: Ojai Studio Artists.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Ave, in Ojai, California. Visit online at OjaiValleyMuseum.org for information about exhibitions and events. OjaiHistory.com is filled with historic articles about the valley written over decades by a variety of local authors. You can also find the Ojai Valley Museum on Facebook and Instagram.