MediCannaCon the Ojai Medical Cannabis Conference on May 4, 2019, will present current information to health professionals and the general public

Presented by the Ojai Herbal Symposium and Sespe Creek Collective, the conference is intended for health professionals as well as those of the general public who would like to be informed by the latest science on the subject of medical cannabis. The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, 441 E. Ojai Avenue.

For information and registration, visit OjaiHerbal.org or call 805-646-6281.

Ojai chef and author Randy Graham has a new book, Ojai Valley Grill It Cookbook. It is available on Amazon for $14.95.You will find recipes for a panko encrusted Portobello burger, a balsamic and garlic glazed mushroom kabobs and recipes that wet your whistle. All, except for the drinks, are for your gas or charcoal grill.

A pop-up art gallery featuring works by local artists Susan Griffin – artist, chef and teacher; Gretchen Greenberg – painter, sculptor and mask maker; Mariana Periano – award-winning figurative artist; and Tom Hardcastle – nationally renown pastel and oil painter; will be held at Delilah Salon in downtown Ojai only Saturday, June 29th. The opening reception is Friday night, June 28th, 7-9 p.m., light refreshments will be served. Come by to meet the artists and view their latest works.

Delilah Salon, 323 Matilija St.

Fourth-generation Ojai Valley author John Selby will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2 to deliver an informal talk on his new novel, Murrieta’s Leap.

Murrieta’s Leap takes place in 1961 and is inspired by local Ojai stories and Chumash myths that Selby’s grandfather told him 60-70 years ago as the author was growing up on the Selby Ranch

He can be reached at [email protected].

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) will visit the Ojai Library to host a screening of the 2006 documentary A World without Water. The screening will be accompanied by group discussion. Filmmaker Brian Woods asks the question, “Is water a human right, or a commodity to be bought and sold?”

Author Kimberly Davis Basso will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, to present her inspirational book, I’m a Little Brain Dead. Basso’s book is a thoughtful and humorous take on her experience as a stroke survivor.

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.

Chamber On The Mountain presents the Busch Trio on Sunday, May 5, at 3:00 pm. Named after the legendary violinist Adolf Busch, this young piano trio has emerged as one of the leading piano trios among the new generation.

Celebrating its Sixth Season, the chamber music series brings internationally recognized musicians to Happy Valley in Upper Ojai – home of the Besant Hill School, the Happy Valley Cultural Center, and the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts. For more information visit www.ChamberOnTheMountain.com.

Villanova Preparatory School will host its annual Wildcat Classic golf tournament on Monday, May 6 to raise funds to support athletic programs.

The event will be held at the Ojai Valley Inn. It will include lunch, an 18-hole scramble, and dinner with an awards ceremony. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., and tee-off is at 12 p.m.

Villanova’s Wildcat Classic golf tournament is part of the annual campaign to raise funds to promote and support all athletic programs; to provide state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for student athletes.

“We are thrilled to bring the Wildcat Classic back to the Ojai Valley Inn,” Head of School, Nancy O’Sullivan, said. “The golf tournament is a wonderful event to gather the community together for a great cause.”

For more information on the golf tournament, please contact the Development Office at 805-646-1464 or visit: http://villanovaprep.org/golf

by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Free dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15p.m. Call Rick 805- 415-8842 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. 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.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety.Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

We’re looking for some good men to fill our chairs at Ventura Retired Men’s Group, we’ve got programs and activities you might enjoy as you shoot the breeze or chew the fat. We meet on the first and third Tuesday each month at the Knoll Drive lodge of the Ventura Elks. Stop in to say hello, tell us who you are, and we’ll treat you to one of the great Elks meals.  Bob Likins is itching to answer your questions at 805-587-1233

The Ventura Rotary Club, Ventura Downtown Lions Club and the Salvation Army of Ventura have partnered to bring the community a free Eye Clinic. The goal and vision are to provide free eye glasses for those in need. Patients are seen each Tuesday from 9-11a.m., walk-ins only first come first served. The Eye Clinic is located inside the Salvation Army Hope Center. 155 S Oak St, Ventura.

April 24: “The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Representatives from Ventura College and the police department will give brief updates and answer questions and other issues of community interest will be discussed.  Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center.

Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.

April 27: Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm, Channel Islands Native Garden Plant Sale,1901 Spinnaker Drive (at the end of the Ventura Harbor).“Bring the Islands Home” plant sale features many varieties of California native plants, including species from the Channel Islands. These plants have been grown from seed by gardeners (many are Master Gardeners) who work at the CI native garden.

Sponsored by the Channel Islands Park Foundation and supported by Ventura County Master Gardeners (Both are non-profit).

May 1: BCNN is a women’s social club open to ladies who reside in Ventura, Oxnard and Pt Hueneme.  Coffee-Speaker meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 9:30 – 11a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa St. Parking is on Santa Clara Avenue. Guests are welcome to come a couple times before becoming a member; dues are $30/year. Dr. Cathy Kim presents Integrative Body Medicine (IBM).  In her practice, she gives insights and education to help patients learn how to heal themselves with clean nutrition and practical exercises. Learn more at http://www.bcnnwomensclub.org/.

May 4: On the first Saturday of each month the Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura conduct an introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice you can learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t have a fly rod just come and use one of their’s. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9 – 11a.m.

For more information: Bob Smith at (805) 647-3522. www.sespeflyfishers.org

Mary Eckhart will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, to deliver a talk entitled “Citizens of Earth and Air: Artists Create Portraits of the Animal Kingdom.” Ms. Eckhart comes to us via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program.

Sketched 30,000 years ago, a galloping phalanx of horses and battling rhinos race across the walls of France’s Chauvet caves. The 14th century Luttrell Psalter astonishes with its fantastical panoply of weird and marvelous combinations of man and beast.

Corrugated collapsing horses, a flying yellow cow, an upside-down cat, poker playing dogs, a monumental Bird of Peace, ominous insects, Congo the artful chimpanzee, an artist’s selfie as a trout, the Katze Kindergarten.

Laurie Gibson will visit the Ojai Library at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, to deliver a workshop entitled “Book Publishing 1-2-3.”

Grab a pen and join Gibson for this popular, lively workshop—it’s spiced with stories and tips to empower and inspire writers of all levels. Gibson will start with a glance at today’s dynamic book business (including the rise of self-publishing), then share tips for connecting with editors and literary agents, as well as ideas to help writers both refine their craft and stretch their creativity, and wrap up with a few practical thoughts on book promotion.

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 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie at The Ojai Retreat on Easter Sunday, April 14, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for her Mid-Month Devotional Retreat, this month devoted to “Forgiving Yourself and Others.”

“Most of us don’t realize how much unforgiveness we carry inside of us, whether it is directed at ourselves or someone else,” Rev. Karen says. “When we cannot forgive the perceived sins of the past, we go through life operating with half a heart (or less). The celebration of Easter reminds us that forgiveness is the answer to living a great life.

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.

by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Free dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15p.m. Call Rick 805- 415-8842 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.

First Wednesday, of each month, 6 – 10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 – 4 p.m.  Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. Murphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard.  www.gcmrc.com. For more information, call (805)229-7429.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety. Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at Lemon Wood Mobile Park, 850 Johnson Dr. They have excellent speakers, leading cardiologists, nutritionists, dietitians from our area. Contact Richard Hatcher at 805-644-2733.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence in the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Every Friday at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston (enter through side door off parking lot). Further information Deva 805-814-5650 or Maryann

The Ventura Retired Men’s group meets on the first and third Tuesday each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Elks lodge on Knoll Drive in Ventura. Drop by to introduce yourself and we’ll treat you to lunch so you can sample our activities and banter and hear our program/speaker of the day. Got a question? Call Bob Likins at 805-587-1233.

BCNN (Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers) is a non-profit women’s club open to ladies who reside in Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. A purely social club to provide a venue by which women in our area can meet each other. Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa St. Parking is on Santa Clara Avenue. dues are $30 per year. Our April 3rd speaker, Kurt Buckley, will present “My Comino”. He will introduce the audience to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

April 12: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
April luncheon meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m., Friday, in the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road.  The program will be “The Battle of Saratoga” presented by chapter member Robert Taylor. All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to
join us.  If you choose lunch, cost is $20 per person.  For
additional information or for assistance in determining your possible
Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays (805) 650-3036 or Robert Taylor (805)216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities http://pattonpatriots.org.

April 12: Ghost Hunting 101 Lecture at Olivas Adobe 4200 Olivas Park Drive from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Class Number 12633, price $25 by Richard Senate. For Tickets call the City of Ventura 805-658-4726

This unique class describes the many ways to seek documentation of paranormal events at haunted site. Students are asked to bring flashlights, cameras, and any tools they might have to hunt ghosts. A good tool to use is the Ghost Radar Classic app for the cell phone. Mr. Senate will show ghostly photographs taken at the house over the years.

For more information contact Mr. Senate at [email protected]

April 13: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Bag o’Books Book Sale
at the Vons at Telegraph and Victoria (6040 Telegraph Rd.) from 10-3 p.m.
Members of Ventura Friends of the Library can take home a bag of books 
for $1.00. For all others, the price is $3 a bag. Contact: Mary Olson (805) 223-1187

April 20: Saturday, 7 p.m., Free Easter concert, with choir, organ, piano, brass accompaniment.

All are welcome to experience the music of this special season. First United Methodist Church, 1338 E. Santa Clara Ave. Donations gladly accepted. Phone 805-643-8621

April 25,26,27: May 2,3,4: Buena High School Drama is pleased to present CHICAGO, high school edition. It is appropriate for ages 11 and older. Tickets are on sale now at our.show/buenahighschool/4501. There are 33 Buena students acting in the show and an additional six running stage lights, sound and working as stage manager. Mr. Kevin Downey, is the vocal director, and Tawny Watson is the choreographer.  Drama teacher Karen Rodrigues says “students have been rehearsing four days a week outside of school and all day on Saturdays”.  It is a very rigorous show with lots of music, singing and dancing.  Please come and support the Arts and Buena HS. See ad in this issue for more information.

April 26: (4th Friday of each month), 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Like to play acoustic music? Songmakers.org welcomes instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters at all levels to join in a free song circle at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome!  Mike Wittlin, (805) 750-8281.

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Free dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15p.m. Call Rick 805- 415-8842 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. at the fountain across the street from the Mission. https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events.   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.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety. Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence in the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Every Friday at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston (enter through side door off parking lot). Further information Deva 805-814-5650 or Maryann

The Ventura Retired Men’s group meets on the first and third Tuesday each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Elks lodge on Knoll Drive in Ventura. Drop by to introduce yourself and we’ll treat you to lunch so you can sample our activities and banter and hear our program/speaker of the day. Got a question? Call Bob Likins at 805-587-1233.

BCNN (Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers) is a women’s club open to ladies who reside in Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. A purely social club to provide a venue by which women in our area can meet each other. You can see a listing of some of activities at http://www.bcnnwomensclub.org/.

On the 1st Wednesday of each month from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa St. Parking is on Santa Clara Avenue. dues are $30 per year. April 3rd speaker, Kurt Buckley, will present “My Comino”. He will introduce the audience to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

March 27: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Bruce Kuebler, from the Ventura River Water District, will discuss proposed efforts to resolve the dispute over the Ventura River. Representatives from Ventura College and the police department will attend. The Council meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.

April 6: Ventura County physician Dr. Megan Mescher-Cox, is inviting the public to join her on a leisurely “Walk with a Doc” to give people a chance to exercise and enjoy some free health tips. The walk is part of the international Walk with A Doc program, which gets people exercising in a fun way while learning ways to improve their health. Will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Ventura Pier boardwalk (alternatively at the Pacific View Mall in inclement weather.) It is for one hour and is free. For more information about the local walk, call 805-988-2821. Visit https://walkwithadoc.org.

April 6: City of Ventura Free Gardening Class. Integrated Pest Management and Beneficial Insects: It’s a bug-eat-bug world. Learn how to control pests with beneficial insects in your landscape. Saturday from 10 -11:30 a.m. Avenue Adult Center 550 N. Ventura Ave. RSVP at www.venturawater.net

April 7: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. meeting on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Free admission, music on stage and jamming. Free parking. Open to Public. For more information call,805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA .

April 7: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 – 4 p.m. A timeline photo display of Ventura’s history beginning in 1866, featuring over 100 period photographs originally assembled for the City’s 150th anniversary in 2016 will be featured.  Admission is free.  197 N. Ashwood .  For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit www.dudleyhouse.org.

April 7: The public is invited to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura for a free presentation exploring the Mixtec language, people & culture on Sunday, from 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. Presentation will be given by Mixtec Language Instructor Silvia Ventura Luna, MA, Cal State University Channel Islands – Department of Global Languages and Cultures. The Mixtec have flourished for thousands of years and regarded as among the most advanced societies in pre-Columbian America.  Admission free. Free parking available at the church at 5654 Ralston Street, with overflow parking available at the “City Center” parking lot, next door at 5700 Ralston St.

April 10: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a meeting on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. The first part of the meeting will be an instructional workshop followed by the showing of member images. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. For more information about the club call 805-908-5663 or WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com.

April 11: from 11:30 – 1PM Ventura Holistic Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their monthly Chapter Meeting. This month’s topic is “3 Common Mistakes When Writing Your Website and Other Marketing Materials”. At The Greek Mediterranean Restaurant in the Harbor. There is a $12 fee which includes lunch , beverage and gratuity. Please come a bit early to network and be sure to bring plenty of business cards. RSVP by contacting Julie Ridenour, Chapter President, (805) 223-1207.

April 13: 10 – 3p.m. Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Bag o’Books Book Sale at the Vons at Telegraph and Victoria (6040 Telegraph Rd.) Members of Ventura Friends of the Library can take home a bag of books for $1. Non-members the price is $3 a bag. Contact Mary Olson (805) 223-1187.

April 27:   TLC Preschool Yard Sale and Pancake Breakfast, 196 N. Ashwood Avenue.

Saturday, 8:00AM – noon. Free to attend.

$5.00 Pancake Breakfast – Pancakes, Sausages, Strawberries

Yard sale includes furnishings/household items/children’s items/clothing/outdoor items.

All proceeds benefitting Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool.

May 3-5: ACBL’s Nationally Sanctioned Sectional Duplicate Bridge Tourney returns to Ventura’s Crosspointe Church Ventura, 5415 Ralston St.  Earn Silver Master Points, 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. sessions. Lots of food and fun.  For more information contact Josh Rosenbluth, [email protected].

BiJian Fan will visit the Ojai Library at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, to deliver a workshop titled “Words Count in Math.” Dr. Fan teaches math at CSU Channel Islands.

Why does math trouble so many children? It’s the language.

This workshop will address this linguistic hindrance and offer parents remedies to give children a leg-up in arithmetic development.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom(WILPF) will visit the Ojai Library to host a screening of the 2004 documentary Peace One Day. The screening will be accompanied by group discussion.

Activist and filmmaker Jeremy Gilley saw the benefits that just one day of global cease fire could bring, from the possibility of dialogue to the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and this documentary follows his passionate quest to bring that vision to life.

Associate Professor of English Sean Carswell will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, to deliver a presentation titled “Fresh Eyes on the Femme Fatale.” Carswell is from CSU Channel Islands (CI) as part of this season’s CI Library Lecture Series.

This talk will examine the femmes fatale of classic crime writers like Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain, Chester Himes, and others as a way of seeing what these characters can teach us about gender, power, and the ever-prevalent male gaze.

CSU Channel Islands hosts dozens of free public lectures at libraries throughout Ventura County as part of this program. The lecturers are experts from numerous departments at CI, including Biology, History, English, Computer Science, Political Science, Performing Arts, and Sociology to name a few.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue. 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 Ojai Valley Green Coalition is proud to host the 2019 Ojai Earth Day at Libbey Park on April 20, 2019 from 11am-4pm. The Park offers a beautiful setting perfect for this fun, informative, family-friendly community celebration.

After a year of recovery from the Thomas Fire the local residents are – now more than ever – looking to improve their way of interfacing with the natural environment. The Ojai Earth Day Festival is an ideal way for continuing the conversation about advancing a green, sustainable, and resilient way of life. Just as last year, there will be a variety of engaging interactive activities, demonstrations, dynamic speakers, talented performers, environmentally-friendly exhibitors, and non-profits sharing information about living with a lighter, more compassionate footprint.

Composer/Songwriter Ray Powers, who created Valley of the Moon Suite to honor the Ojai Valley’s gift of incredible nature, will be opening the Stage lineup with his gentle native flute compositions, followed by an opening ceremony by Chumash Elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie. Then throughout the day there will be a variety of musical performances in between a series of expert speakers.

Special Olympics Southern California have partnered with Villanova Preparatory School to provide an opportunity for Special Olympics Athletics (SOSC) and Swim teams across all of Ventura County to participate in a scrimmage event where they can experience a competition atmosphere in a practice environment. This allows SOSC to record true performance standards for each athlete before they move on to compete in official competitions over the next few months.

The scrimmage event will be at Villanova Preparatory School, located at 12096 North Ventura Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is open to the public.

The Ojai Photography Community will host award-winning travel photographer Sharon Lobel in a presentation entitled “All About Travel Photography and More” on Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai CA. The OPC welcomes the public to attend these free events.

Lobel will share her “Suitcase for Success.” She will cover her best tools and tricks in the field, as well as how to pack camera gear using simple tools. For anyone planning a trip this year, or even just dreaming about one, Lobel’s presentation will inspire them to dig deep into their passion and discover what motivates them to become a successful travel photographer.

In the Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County, she was named twice as Nature Photographer of the Year. She is a double international silver medalist with the Professional Photographers of America. Her energy and enthusiasm spill over into a workshop and adventure business that she co-founded, called “Image Adventures.”

For more information and images, go to https://sharonlobelphotography.co

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie at The Ojai Retreat on Sunday, March 17, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for her Mid-Month Devotional Retreat, this time devoted to “Becoming Your Own Best Friend.”

This gathering is about tapping into true and essential nature through meditation, sharing, wisdom talks, inspiration, quiet walks in nature and sacred music. Randee Vasilakos, RScP, assists and anchors our morning in a consciousness of prayer and healing.

The Ojai Retreat is at 160 Besant Road, People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend.

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 Ojai Valley chapter of NOW (National Organization for Women) will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019, to host two screenings and a discussion of the 2014 documentary film She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry.

This free community film screening is being offered in celebration of Women’s History month. She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry takes us from the founding of NOW, with ladies in hats and gloves, to the emergence of more radical factions of women’s liberation. It does not shy away from controversies over race, sexual preference, and leadership that arose in the women’s movement.

Florencia Ramirez will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019, to deliver a presentation on her book Eat Less Water. Ramirez is a trained researcher at the University of Chicago’s School of Public Policy.

By 2030, experts predict two-thirds of people living on this planet will not have enough water, a situation expected to result in the deaths of millions and an unprecedented rise in military conflicts. Award-winning author and water activist, Florencia Ramirez, believes that change can happen if conservation efforts focus on the 70 percent of freshwater flowing to the fields and ranches that grow food.

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 Avenue in Ojai, CA. 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.

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Free dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15p.m. Call Rick 805- 415-8842 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.

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. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. at the fountain across the street from the Mission. 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.   10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main. There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety. Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

March 21: Meeting of the East Ventura Community Council will be led by Betsy Cooper; city staff lead on the State Water Interconnection Project. A 30-month construction task which will begin in Camarillo and travel through many areas of East Ventura. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson: [email protected]

March 21: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs. Find more information on the Website: assistanceleagueventuracounty.org or email [email protected]. 805-643-2458 (Monday – Thursday 8 -2 p.m.)

March 22: (4th Friday of each month), 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Like to play acoustic music? Songmakers.org welcomes instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters at all levels to join in a free song circle at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome! Mike Wittlin (805) 750-8281.

March 23&24: Olivas Adobe Used Book Sale. Our largest sale…ever! Hundreds of Books

Saturday and Sunday. Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Dr.

Tours of the historic Adobe will be available.

March 24: Come to the NAMBA performing arts space. Learn simple songs to sing together in a circle.

It’s not a performance, it’s a shared experience and all are welcome.

2-4 p.m. At 47 South Oak St. Cost is $8. (805) 628-9250 https://nambaarts.com/

March 28: 7:30 p. m. Working Artists Ventura (WAV) 175 S Ventura Ave.

Seattle-based Flamenco dancer, Savannah Fuentes brings her latest show, Luz, an evening of Flamenco. Savannah will be joined by two exceptional Spanish Flamenco artists; guitarist Pedro Cortes and Jose Moreno.

Tickets: general admission $22 VIP seating $35, student $15, child $8

available at www.brownpapertickets.com

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3895599

April 3: The Ventura County Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, at Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, 1901 Spinnaker Dr. for a walking tour of their Native Garden. The 45-minute guided walk will begin at 11 a.m., led by Master Gardener, Kelly Green. The Garden is composed entirely of native plants from the Anacapa Islands. After the native garden tour, members will meet for lunch at Le Petit Café Bakery & Restaurant, in Ventura Harbor Village. RSVP by March 27th. For further information or to RSVP call Jacqualin at (805) 816-6019 or email [email protected]

April 6: Sport Event. Want to learn about fly fishing? On the “First Saturday” of each month the Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura conduct an introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. There is no charge, and all are welcome. If you don’t have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of theirs. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9 – 11 a.m., in East Ventura (off Telephone Rd). www.sespeflyfishers.org For more information Bob Smith at (805) 647-3522.

Chamber On The Mountain presents Cellist Zlatomir Fung, who recently captured First Prize at the 2018 Schoenfeld International String Competition, as well as the competition’s sole performance engagement prize for a concert with Poland’s Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mr. Fung will be accompanied by Pianist Janice Carissa, who was recently awarded the 2018 Career Grant Winner of Charlotte White’s Salon De Virtuosi. Ms. Carissa was a Young Scholar of Lang Lang’s International Music Foundation; the runner-up in the 2014 piano competition at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen Music Festival and School; Star Performance Award Winner of the 2012 American Protégé International Music Talent Competition in New York; the runner-up in Indonesia Pusaka International Piano Competition in 2011; and the Top Prize Winner of the IBLA Foundation’s 2006 International Piano Competition.

The program includes selections from 11 Capricci for Solo Cello by Joseph Dall’Abaco; Baal Shem, B. 47 by Ernest Bloch; Sequenza XIV for Cello by Luciano Berio; Premiere by Katherine Balch; Sonata in E Minor, Op. 38 by Johannes Brahms.

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present a performance by Jim Kimo West on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at pm. West, recognized as one of the world’s top slack key guitarists, will perform selections from his Grammy-nominated album Moku Maluhia: Peaceful Island as well as classic works.

West is a prolific composer with a generous output of new, exciting slack key guitar originals. In addition he writes and produces music for too numerous to mention feature films and television shows.

Gretchen Simpson will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019, to deliver a talk entitled “Artistic Visions of a Growing America.” Ms. Simpson comes to us via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program.

A living artist views their surroundings with an eye that is both immediate and thoughtful. The result on their canvas can be a historical record which is informative as well as provocative. At times, however, a painting is also disturbing and cautionary. The art of this remarkable era reveals all the growing pains of a society rushing into its future.

A representative from the U.S. Census Bureau will visit the Ojai Library at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019, to deliver a 2020 Census recruiting and application workshop.

The 2020 Census is hiring in Ojai and Ventura County! All are invited to attend an informal workshop at the Ojai Library to learn more about this opportunity. The workshop will include a presentation of the variety of jobs available, the qualifications required for 2020 Census work, and the method for submitting your application.

Beginning on March 10, the Ojai Library’s Fiber Fun with Kids group will meet on Sundays from 2-3 p.m. for a weekly crochet workshop. This workshop will focus on basic crochet skills.

Crochet is both entertaining and educational. Participating in this type of crafting helps to improve problem solving, reading, and fine motor skills. Kids who take part in this program will learn to crochet different shapes that will help them to design and build all kinds of fun projects.

Kids age 8 and up will enjoy this engaging activity with a STEAM focus. Materials are provided by the Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation. Supplies are limited.

This program 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 Avenue in Ojai, CA. 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.

by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Free dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15p.m. Call Rick 805- 415-8842 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.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety. Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

March 3: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 – 4 p.m.  Admission is free.  The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets, 197 N. Ashwood.  For information please call 805- 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

March 3: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Meeting on Sunday 2-4p.m.
Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Free admission, music on stage and jamming. Free parking
Open to Public. For more information call, 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

March 3: The inaugural concert of CHICO’s World Music Gala will feature music of the Orient: Ode to Hero and Ode to Love (2015) is an award-winning Double Erhu Concerto composed by Chinese composer Bo-Chan Li (1992- ). The Erhu Concerto will be performed by the internationally renowned Taiwanese Erhu masters, Dr. Ming-Yen Lee and Dr. Hsin-Chiu Lin. Sunday, at 3 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Ventura, 1338 E. Santa Clara Street.

March 5 & 12: LifeSource Women’s Bible Study from 9 – 11:15 a.m. Community Presbyterian Church located at 1555 Poli St. Every Tuesday morning following the school calendar. Study: “Hosea” by Jennifer Rothschild, who was blind at age 15. Message: The unfailing love of God. No matter where you are or have been in life, God loves you faithfully and brings hope and grace. Cost is $30 for book and registration (scholarships available). Please join us to experience God’s gift of love, forgiveness and great fellowship. For childcare needs or questions please call Helen 805-644-3886. cpcventura.org

March 8: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
luncheon meeting will take place at 11:30 AM, the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road.  The program concerning U.S. history will be presented by Rev. Cliff Johnson.
All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to attend.  If you choose lunch is $20.  For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays (805) 650-3036 or Robert Taylor (805)216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities,  please visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.

March 13: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a meeting on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. The first part of the meeting will be an instructional workshop. This will be followed by the showing of member images. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. Only members may submit images for critique.

See WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com for more information about the club and examples of member’s work or call 805-908-5663.

March 12: The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group and the Parkinson’s Association of Santa Barbara (PASB) invite you to attend a joint meeting on Tuesday from 2:15 – 3:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church 4575 Auhay at Arroyo, Santa Barbara. Special guest speaker Dr. Neal S. Hermanowicz will present “Parkinson’s Disease, more than Motor Symptoms”. Reservations are not required. See the full article in the Senior Living pull-out section. For more information call PASB at 805-683-1326 or call Patty at 805-766-6070.

March 14: Thursday, from 11:30 – 1p.m. Ventura Holistic Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their monthly Chapter Meeting.  This month’s topic is “Women’s Empowerment:  4 Steps to Rebirth at Midlife!”  Harbor Cove Café, 1867 Spinnaker Drive.  All holistic professionals, practitioners, businesses and resource providers are welcomed to join for lunch, networking, business development and fun.  There is a $12 fee which includes lunch and beverage.   Please come a bit early to network and be sure to bring plenty of business cards to share. Please RSVP by contacting Julie Ridenour, Chapter President, 805-223-1207.

March 17: The Christian Science churches of Ojai and Ventura will host a free, hour-long talk entitled “Time is not a Factor in Your Life” on Sunday, at 2 p.m. at the E. P. Foster Library, Topping Room, 651 E. Main St. Dave Hohle will speak on how to gain dominion over time by understanding better how you can live in the timeless, constant present of the spiritual now. For more information, go to PrayerThatHeals.org.