Nov.19: At 6:30 p.m., the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation is hosting its “Evening of Hope Virtual Variety Show,” a fundraising event that will stream on Facebook Live through @VCFJC.Foundation. All are welcome to join the fun.

The virtual variety show will feature performances from REO Speedwagon, Tower of Power, Ignition, special guest Gregg Bissonette, The Reddcoats, and more.

Proceeds support the Ventura County Family Justice Center, which provides services and support for local individuals and families who have faced violence or abuse. The justice center began as a big dream at a small meeting five years ago — a dream to provide a richer, more robust emphasis on responding to the impact of violence on the innocent victims, survivors, and their families. Today, that dream has been realized, and the justice center brings together a team of team of more than 40 agencies and 120 volunteers to help reduce trauma, eliminate repeat victimization, mitigate future risks, and make a lasting, positive difference in countless lives.

Nov.19: The Thursday meeting of the East Ventura Community Council will highlight two important topics: Prospects for a new East Ventura market, and city water rates. The meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m.

Ashdon Development’s proposal for a community shopping center was not favored by residents last June, and city staff ultimately did not recommend approval, based on various reasons. The EVCC Board has been working with Ashdon Development towards a better understanding of the community’s needs, and new plans will be presented at Thursday’s meeting.

Ventura Water will share details of their Water and Wastewater Rate Study. It is projected that $400 million will be needed to support our community’s water needs, so a rate increase is anticipated.

Ventura city residents who live east of Victoria Avenue are represented by the EVCC. Public participation at monthly meetings is encouraged.

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

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85054159807?pwd=MThRRkpGQjVMMWZQbFpBdk10dk1xQT09

You will first need to download the Zoom app on your desktop 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. The October meeting can be viewed there now. Meeting ID: 850 5415 9807 Passcode: 628200

For more information, contact EVCC Chair Marie Lakin at [email protected].

Nov.22: NAMBA’s ongoing “In Performance Live 2020” series.

is on Sunday Nov. 22 at 7pm.

Featuring Delta By The Beach, Solstice, Fili, The Rayjay & Flattop Tom Blues ,Duo, String Planet and Freda Ramey.

More NAMBA and “In Performance Live” information at

www.nambaarts.com & www.nambaarts.com/live2020

Dec.4: Local author and motivational speaker Susan Burrell will join the Ventura County Library at 5pm on Friday to talk about her book Live an Empowered Life! A 30-Day Journey Book. This event will take place virtually via Zoom and be followed by a Q&A session.

Susan Burrell is an intuitive healer and a spiritual guide. She is also a gifted speaker and teacher. Burrell has been counseling and supporting people in transforming from the inside out for over 25 years. Her methods are proven as she herself has lived this journey to empowerment. Her thought-provoking podcast, “Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell,” can be found on iTunes, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

In our impatient, “want it now” culture, when people say they want to be happier, experience less stress, feel empowered—they want it that second. They want it without doing any work around it. So, what do they receive? What they put into it: not a whole lot. Live an Empowered Life! A 30-Day Journey Book is an interactive journal designed to give readers a deep dive with action steps to empower their life. The book interacts with Burrell’s website, www.susanburrell.com, and pairs well with her Inspirational Empowerment Cards.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information or to learn how to join this event, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected]. Instructions for joining this event on Zoom can also be found on our online calendar at www.vencolibrary.org/calendar.

The theme “Enriching the Human Spirit through Film” continues to guide the Ojai Film Festival. At a time when people’s spirits need uplifting more than ever before the global pandemic makes it unsafe to invite film lovers to come together in a physical space. To give their audience a necessary boost the Ojai Film Festival (OFF) plans to go virtual this year, November 6 through 15.

This year’s OFF consists of 77 films, selected from 302 entries from 42 countries. A series of 12 Gold Coast films celebrates southern California filmmakers.

Film blocks will screen for the first six days of the Festival, November 6 through 11. Viewers may purchase individual blocks for $10, or a Festival pass for the six days for $50. The other four days, November 12-15, festival films are available as Video on Demand.

Guaranteed access to 25 programs of your choice! Choose between our programming blocks, special events, and a la carte shorts and features (a $250 value). The festival pass (25 “clicks”) is valid only Nov. 6-11.

Individual Video on Demand tickets to single Festival Films are available: Feature Films for $5, short films for $3.

Pass added to your Eventive account (no physical pass)

A la carte purchase for programming blocks, special events, and individual films available soon.

On October 14, the Ojai Unified School Board approved an Agreement with the Ventura County Library to operate a joint-use library on the campus of the Meiners Oaks Elementary School. The Agreement will now go to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors for approval.

With an anticipated opening in late 2021 or 2022, a new library location is being planned for Meiners Oaks Library, currently at 114 North Padre Juan in Ojai.

The new, larger, library will be furnished and equipped to meet the 21st century needs of students and Meiners Oaks community members. The Ventura County Library operates two other public/school joint-use library branches in Piru and Oak Park. “It’s always wonderful to see two local governments collaborate to better serve the public, says Supervisor Steve Bennet. “This partnership will be great for students, the community, and taxpayers and bring a large modern library to Meiners Oaks.” Ventura County Library has plans to provide library services in the existing library’s location in Meiners Oaks until construction of the new building is complete.

It will feature two rooms, one each for children and adults, which can be separated. Plans call for it to be open and staffed for public access 24 hours per week and the school and public will enjoy access to the Library’s vast collection, including both print and electronic resources.

It will also feature a new student computer lab along with 15 hours of staffed homework help per week. The Library’s broadband connection to the CENIC high-speed network via CalREN will be moved to the new site.

All of the library’s vast array of programs for students, youth, and families, including STEAM activities and the very popular Summer Reading program that helps students retain reading skills during the months when school is not in session, will be conveniently available from the new location at the school campus.

The Ojai Film Festival (OFF) will honor former American Society of Cinematographer’s (ASC) President Steven Poster with the 2020 Distinguished Artist Award for Cinematography at a virtual ceremony on Thursday, November 12 at 7 pm.

On Saturday, November 7 at 1 pm, OFF invites anyone interested in cinematography to join Poster for a discussion of what it takes to achieve his cinematic vision. Poster will share highlights of his career and delve into his methods of achieving special images and effects. This seminar includes clips of selected works, and a live Zoom Q&A will follow.

“I’m very excited the Ojai Film Festival considered me for this honor,” Poster said. “Being recognized for my body of work is the highest kind of praise for an artist.”

Poster has worked on the feature films “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Blade Runner,” as Second Unit Director of Photography. In 1989 he shot the iconic music video to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” Many people know Poster by his seminal work on Ridley Scott’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” and Richard Kelly’s “Donnie Darko.”

He currently lives in Los Angeles.

EVENTS

Dudley House Outdoor Marketplace. In place of their annual holiday boutique fundraiser for the 1892 historic house museum, they will be having an outdoor sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov.28&29., weather permitting, with COVID-19 protocols strictly followed. Located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets in Ventura (197 N. Ashwood). For information call 805-746-4317 or 805-641-3563 or visit www.dudleyhouse.org.

“Namba In Performance Live 2020”
Streaming on Crowdcast Sunday Nov. 8 at 7pm
Featuring Delta By The Beach, Kris Simeon
Richard Aufrichtig, Power2thepeople,
Aaron Burch Band, Fred Kaplan & Robert Kyle
$10 Tickets and Show Information at www.nambaarts.com/live2020

The Midtown Ventura Community Council (MVCC) will hold their next virtual general meeting Thursday, November 12 at 7 p.m. Their main focus of the meeting will be public safety.

First on their agenda will be Daniel Wall, City of Ventura Emergency Manager, who will give an update on new plans that are in place and ones that he continues to work on for possible emergencies that may effect our city.

The main presentation of the evening will be Police Chief Darin Schindler discussing the Ventura Police Department’s (VPD) Strategic Plan for 2020 – 2023.  VPD is rooted in community policing through community partnerships and collaborative problem solving which is central to their efforts. The Strategic Plan outlines department priorities, but VPD also recognizes the need to be nimble to respond to unpredictable change. 

Through several workshops, surveys, and meeting with the community and with collaboration and input from employees at all levels, five goals were identified:

Goal 1: Crime Control – Effective responses to crime in our community

Goal 2: Team Development – A focus on our most important resources

Goal 3: Active Partnerships – Shared community problem solving efforts

Goal 4: Safe Neighborhoods – Enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods

Goal 5: Efficiency and Accountability – Commitment to excellence

Innovation, technological advancements, and fostering a culture of open dialogue with our community is vital to our success moving forward as the City updates policing strategies. VPD is comprised of more than 225 members, including sworn officers, professional staff, and volunteers, all of whom, are proud to serve.

There will be plenty of time for questions at the end of the presentation.

Read their complete Strategic Plan in English and Spanish here: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1053/Performance-Measures“

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

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

The Ojai Art Center Theater invites community members to get involved in their 2021 season. If you have a favorite play or musical you want them to produce, you may submit it for possible inclusion.

The Play Selection Committee seeks script in the following categories: comedies, dramas, musicals, Shakespearean comedies, classical comedies, and plays or musicals suitable for families. The committee asks that the submissions be published plays available for amateur productions. Please mail scripts to Ojai ACT, c/o Herb Hemming, 411 Tico Rd., Ojai 93023 by May 15, 2020.

Experienced theater directors are encouraged to send a directing resume via email to [email protected] before May 15.

The Ojai Art Center is the longest continuously operating multi-disciplinary center serving the arts in the State of California. Opened in 1939, the Ojai Art Center encompasses eight branches for the various art disciplines. The Theater Branch annually presents a variety of dramatic productions, ranging from comedy to drama and musicals. The branch operates with its own directors and monthly meetings to address all theater-related issues. They annually screen proposals for future productions and present a tentative schedule for approval to the Art Center’s Board of Directors.

Ojai Art Center is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Ojai residents,

As members of the Ojai community, we are all understandably concerned about the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As Mayor of the City of Ojai, I would like to share actions taken by the City of Ojai, but also share actions that residents can and should take to keep each other, and our community, safe.

This situation is unprecedented, we must be calm and reasonable. This is a public health crisis, and the lead agency for our area is the Ventura County Public Health Department. The Ventura County Public Health Department is the best, most authoritative source for information about this issue. The City has been in regular contact with the Ventura County Public Health Department, and many other partners, to help coordinate as needed.

On Friday, March 13, the City Council declared a local emergency, to provide more flexibility and allow the City to react quickly to needs. The City has postponed or cancelled several community events, and in line with the latest guidelines, discourage people from attending public meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people. The City is taking steps to help residents participate in public meetings by allowing email comments to our City Clerk’s Office.

The City has also begun to reach out to our business community, looking for ways to help enable curbside pickup and delivery, and providing additional hand washing stations throughout the City. The City is also keeping public restrooms open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help ensure our vulnerable populations are able to wash their hands as needed. Our goal is to “flatten the curve” by reducing social interactions and reducing the opportunities for community transmission of the virus. The City may continue to implement measures, such as closing City Hall, to reduce the possibility of community transmission of the virus. We will provide electronic or other means to obtain services if we do so.

Most importantly, I’m asking you all to remain calm, support each other, and encourage best practices. Your personal behavior matters, and you can help reduce the spread of this disease by following county, state and federal advice about increased personal hygiene and reduced in-person contact. Work from home if you can. Practice social distancing by avoiding large groups and staying 6 feet away from others. Please share this information with your friends and family to help them stay safe and healthy.

In order to avoid misinformation, please refer to official sites for accurate information:

• City of Ojai www.ojaicity.org
• Ventura County www.vcemergency.com
• California Department of Public Health cdph.ca.gov/covid19
• United States Centers for Disease Control
  www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Lastly, to receive the latest notices from the City of Ojai, please sign up for the City’s email list. Please click on the COVID-19 Information Signup button on the City’s webpage, under quick links.

Mayor John F. Johnston
City of Ojai

NOTE: You must verify if any of these are being held. Do not just show up, just assume they are all cancelled.

by Ana Baker

Free Adult Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
Every Wednesday, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free for anyone who has lost a loved one.
Receive emotional and educational support. Held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 109. Call (805) 642-0239 for more information.

Living with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes Classes
1st Tuesday of the Month (April 7), from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes. Held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 109. Call (805) 642-0239 for more information.

The Compassionate Friends of West Ventura County is a support group for those who have experienced the loss of a child. Parents, grandparents, and siblings (over age 14) are all welcome. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7p.m. at the Pointsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga room, 3451 Foothill Road. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay at (805) 836-9100.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets first 2 Monday nights of the month 7:30 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill. Swing, line dance, waltz, Latin and more. First dance lessons are free 6:40 p.m. Call Rick (805) 415-8842 and www.poinsettiadancers.org for more information.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play.  Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun.  There is a game every day of the week.  Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events.  Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments.  The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street.  Visitors and potential members are welcomed.  There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. www.BrainInjuryCenter.org
Support Groups for brain injury/ stroke survivors and their family/caregivers
Learn more about brain injury/stroke and available services. Meet others who are facing or have faced similar challenges. Meet new friends and connections, give and receive support.
Encounter Church 6950 Ralston St., Bldg. #300 (805) 482-1312
2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 4-5:30 p.m.

Men are you retired and routine-tired? Ventura Retired Men suggest you visit a Social Lunch Meeting on the first or third Tuesday each month at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Stop in, say hello, have a sip at the bar if you like, they will buy you lunch, and you can sample the hospitality as they go through activities and hear the speaker of the day. Bob Likins can tell you more at 805-587-1233.

Are you a stamp collector? The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd.

Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening.

Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

The Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) is a non-profit recreational organization. The club’s purpose is to promote bicycling for recreation, health, sport and transportation. The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of March, April, May, September, October and November. Museum of Ventura County, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a refreshment social and the presentation begins at 7p.m. The March meeting will feature an informative heart health presentation by a professional from Community Memorial Hospital. For more information, please visit www.cibike.org or contact [email protected].

Dr. Arthur Vander will visit the Ojai Library at 1pm on Saturday, March 21, to present a talk titled “Intestinal Microbes and the Brain in Health and Disease.” He will also discuss what determines the composition of the intestinal microbiome, as well as the mechanisms by which it can alter the function of far-removed organs.

Ross Care will visit the Ojai Library at 6pm on Wednesday, March 25, to present a talk titled “Music and Animation: Wilfred Jackson and Disney Films.” Mr. Care will discuss the development and use of original music composed for classic Disney films, from the first sound cartoons (1928) through (approximately) Walt Disney’s death in 1965.

Opera Santa Barbara will return to the Ojai Library to present a Free Noontime Opera Concert on Thursday, March 26. The concert will begin at 12pm in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes.

These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie at The Ojai Retreat on Sunday, March 15, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., for her Mid-Month Devotional Retreat, this month devoted to “Meditation: The Doorway to the Self.”

“Any great student of truth will eventually come to ask the question, ‘Who am I?’”

People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend. Randee Vasilakos, RScP, assists and anchors the gathering in a consciousness of prayer and healing.

The Ojai Retreat is at 160 Besant Road, Ojai. The retreat is by donation; $20 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com. Rev. Karen is the author of Into Me See: A Book for Daily Inspiration, available on Amazon and her website.

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present Patricia Keller: The Lost City an exhibition of work created in Beatrice Wood’s studio in conjunction with the artist’s internship at the Center, on Saturday, March 14, 2020. The Opening Reception will begin at 2 pm, with the lecture presented at 4 pm.

A Ventura resident, Patricia Keller graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from California State University Channel Islands in 2019. She focused on ceramics, sculpture, and screen printing. Upon graduation, she was awarded an internship at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts.

I believe that the role of an artist is to be a steward of culture, but through experimentation, I have developed a confidence in storytelling.”

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.beatricewood.com, or call 805-646-3381. The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Upper Ojai.

The Ojai Photography Community welcomes professional photographer Gary Moss to its March event. His presentation will be “Looking Outside Your Visual Box and Enhancing Your Creative Process.” He will discuss the value of photo editing for strength and how to deconstruct the creative process by asking, “Does my photography have the artistic vision I look for?” The free event will begin at 7 p.m. March 17, at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana Street.

A highly skilled and accomplished professional photographer, Moss is the Photo Editor of 805 Living magazine.

Although most photographers shoot in a single discipline, Moss’s work bridges many disciplines, creating stunning images from a variety of different genres. Visit the Gary Moss website for extended information and images: www.garymossphotography.com/

On Instagram: garymossfotos and garymossfoodfotos

The Ojai Photography Community, which is devoted to inspiration, camaraderie and education, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Monthly free presentations are part of the group’s community service and education outreach.

by Ana Baker

Free Adult Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
Every Wednesday, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free for anyone who has lost a loved one.
Receive emotional and educational support. Held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 109. Call (805) 642-0239 for more information.

Living with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes Classes
1st Tuesday of the Month (April 7), from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes. Held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 109. Call (805) 642-0239 for more information.

The Compassionate Friends of West Ventura County is a support group for those who have experienced the loss of a child. Parents, grandparents, and siblings (over age 14) are all welcome. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7p.m. at the Pointsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga room, 3451 Foothill Road. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay at (805) 836-9100.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets first 2 Monday nights of the month 7:30 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill. Swing, line dance, waltz, Latin and more. First dance lessons are free 6:40 p.m. Call Rick (805) 415-8842 and www.poinsettiadancers.org for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play.  Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun.  There is a game every day of the week.  Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events.  Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments.  The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street.  Visitors and potential members are welcomed.  There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. www.BrainInjuryCenter.org
Support Groups for brain injury/ stroke survivors and their family/caregivers
Learn more about brain injury/stroke and available services. Meet others who are facing or have faced similar challenges. Meet new friends and connections, give and receive support.

Encounter Church 6950 Ralston St., Bldg. #300 (805) 482-1312

2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 4-5:30 p.m.

Men are you retired and routine-tired? Ventura Retired Men suggest you visit a Social Lunch Meeting on the first or third Tuesday each month at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Stop in, say hello, have a sip at the bar if you like, they will buy you lunch, and you can sample the hospitality as they go through activities and hear the speaker of the day. Bob Likins can tell you more at 805-587-1233.

Are you a stamp collector? The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd.

Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening.

Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

The Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) is a non-profit recreational organization. The club’s purpose is to promote bicycling for recreation, health, sport and transportation. The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of March, April, May, September, October and November. Museum of Ventura County, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a refreshment social and the presentation begins at 7p.m. The March meeting will feature an informative heart health presentation by a professional from Community Memorial Hospital. For more information, please visit www.cibike.org or contact [email protected].

March 14: Animal Tracks in The Garden. Have you noticed animal tracks while hiking Ventura Botanical Gardens or in your own backyard and wondered what animal made those tracks? Explore the world of animal tracking with Wyatt Harris, President of Ventura Wildlife Trackers. Informational presentation plus opportunity for attendees to spot and identify animal tracks within the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Free to members. Non-member: $10 fee includes $7 non-member admission. Registration is required at www.venturabotanicalgardens.com. Limited enrollment.

March 11 and April 8: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 11^th

at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. The first part of the meeting will be an instructional workshop. This will be followed by the showing of member images. This is not a competition but rather an anonymous discussion of the images. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. Only members may submit images for critique. See the club’s web site for more information or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

March 15: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The meeting starts at noon and at 11a.m. There will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed.  A mart will be available with items for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1p.m. The program this month will be a presentation Ken McWilliams on Seth Thomas Tower Clocks. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Ventura College location. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

March 19: Meeting of East Ventura Community Council will include, Ashdon Development, which is developing the commercial property on Wells and Darling. Stacey Zarazua, Recreation Manager of Ventura’s Parks, Recreation and Community Partnership Department, will speak about the Community Park. A representative of the Ventura Police Department will present neighborhood crime statistics.

Other items may be added to the agenda, so check the website for updates.(www.eastventura.org)

Books in good condition are always accepted on behalf of Friends of the Library. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Connect Church, 346 N. Kimball Rd. For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson: [email protected]

March 28: Spring Migration Bird Walk along the Santa Clara River hosted by the Nature Conservancy 9-11a.m.  Join naturalist Amy Davis to discover a Nature Conservancy property along Santa Clara River corridor and the life that thrives there. Many birds use the river for a reprieve during migrations. We’ll look for raptors, wading birds and the endangered Bell’s Vireo and Least Flycatcher. Since this area is not open to the public, this is a great way to discover one of the largest watersheds in Southern California.  Wear durable hiking shoes, layers and bring water. The walk is roughly 1 1/2- 2 miles. Binoculars suggested.  1368 Mission rock Rd. Santa Paula, CA.  Meet at the end of Mission Rock Road.  For questions, contact Amy at [email protected] or 770-853-4715.

On Sunday, March 15, at 2pm Moscow born pianist, Natasha Kislenko, returns as soloist to the Ojai Art Center to present an all Russian program. Featured composers are Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and Alfred Schnittke. Come hear this Russian born pianist interpret the music of her native land! The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. Tickets sold only at the door: $15 general admission, $12 Art Center members and students. For further information, call (805) 640-1158.

website: www.ojaiartcenter.org

On Saturday, February 29th, the Ojai Mardi Gras returns to the Ojai Woman’s Club in downtown Ojai to celebrate their 30th Annual Masquerade Ball.The theme this year is “Naughty Gras…Leap into your Fantasy”.

Come dance to the sizzling music with R&B, Funk, Cajun & Zydeco rhythms performed by The Ojai Mardi Gras Band. Party goers will witness the Coronation of the King & Queen, Traditional Tossing of the Beads, and a Costume Contest. Take it all in as your eyes delight to the art installations and festive decorations by the Mardi Gras Art Fools directed by Lucy Roadarmel.

30 years ago, Lyle Matthews hosted the first public Mardi Gras party in Ojai. Lyle had moved to Ojai from New Orleans just two years earlier and she brought the joy of Mardi Gras with her. She knew she was sick from breast cancer and said, “I don’t know how long I will be here with you, but please keep the spirit of this party alive”. Sadly a week after that party, Lyle passed away, but every year since her friends have kept the party alive in her honor.
This year The Ojai Mardi Gras will be collecting donations for OjaiCARES to help care for local Cancer Patients in Ojai. Sponsored by the Ojai Concert Series.

For $25 advance tickets go to: ojaiconcertseries.com or pick them up at Studio Sauvageau or Cardinali Bros. Music. The door price will be $30
Ojai Mardi Gras Hotline (805) 646-7843

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present Sacred Deities of Ancient Egypt, an exhibition, lecture and booksigning with Jacqueline Thurston, on Saturday, March 14, 2020. The Opening Reception will begin at 2 pm, with the lecture presented at 4 pm.

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.beatricewood.com, or call 805-646-3381. The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Upper Ojai.

California Lutheran University Community Counseling Services will visit the Ojai Library on Saturday, March 14, at 1pm to present a Mindfulness Workshop.

The California Lutheran University Community Counseling Services clinics provide therapy to children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. They run the largest university-based, low-fee community counseling clinics in California, providing over 12,000 low-fee therapy sessions each year, primarily to Ventura County residents. All therapy sessions are provided by Master’s and Doctoral students who are supervised by licensed psychologists and marriage and family therapists.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.