Rubicon Theatre Company presents Gulf View Drive , the third and final play in Arlene Hutton’s Nibroc Trilogy, directed by Indy award-winner Katharine Farmer with the same cast reprising their critically-acclaimed roles from the Los Angeles Times “Critic’s Choice” productions of Last Train to Nibroc and last season’s See Rock City. Lily Nicksay of “Boy Meets World and Erik Odom of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” return as May and Raleigh, along with See Rock City featured cast members Clarinda Ross (Spit Like a Big Girl) and Sharon Sharth (Waiting for Grace). Joining the cast is returning Rubicon artist Faline England (Crimes of the Heart (Indy Award)/Turn of the Screw (Ovation Nomination).

The ongoing love story of May and Raleigh concludes with the Kentucky couple now living comfortably in Florida, where their settled life is once again rocked by the arrival of family and turbulent events that threaten their sunny existence. Their love and devotion are put to the test when they must make unconventional decisions in a rapidly changing world, reshaping their idyllic 1950’s lifestyle. Gulf View Drive opens on Saturday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m., with previews January 25-27, continuing through February 12.

Rubicon Theatre Company
Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District
1006 E. Main St.

Ticket Range: $30 – $55 ($99 for opening night including post-show party.)
Previews: $30-$35
Prices above do not include a $4 ticket service fee
Discounts Available for Groups of 10+
Discounts for Seniors 65 and over, Students, Teachers and Military available
Box Office (for single and group tickets) 667.2900

2/10 Friday, noon
Spend your lunch hour listening to members of the Mosher Studio Artist Program, who will perform a selection of popular opera arias and duets as well as some musical theatre pieces. The concert will also offer a “preview” of Opera Santa Barbara’s upcoming productions.

2/27 Monday, 5:30pm
Just received a ukulele as a gift? Found an old ukulele in the closet? The perfect opportunity for you to develop your ukulele skills with “Your first ukulele lesson”. Alan Ferentz will provide the musical instruction.

2/25 Saturday, 2-4pm
Join for another crafty year of assemblage, collage and altered book crafting with Ron Smith.

2/21 Tuesday, 6:30-9:00 in the Topping Room
“The Drought Defying California Garden” presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter.

2/4, 11, 18, & 25  Saturdays, 10:30am in the Rentfrow Room
Are you learning Spanish but need some practice speaking? Join this informal group to chat and practice your Español! Bring your own coffee

New Day!
Library LAB Open Workshop
2/6, 13, 20, & 27  Mondays @ 5-6pm
Come by the library on Monday evenings to learn more about our 3D printer and laser cutter or to use them yourself! Ask the library staff about what you need to bring to print or engrave an item of your own, or just drop in to see what we’re up to in our library makerspace, now upstairs!

Makerspace Open Workshop
2/1, 8, 15, & 22 Wednesdays @ 5-6 pm Come by the library on Wednesday evenings to learn more about our 3D printer and laser cutter—or to use them yourself! Ask the library staff about what you need to bring to print or engrave an item of your own, or just drop in to see what we’re up to in our library Makerspace, now upstairs!

Poetry Open Mic Night
2/2, 9, 16, & 23 Thursdays @ 7:30-9pm
On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work.

Ukulele Jam Session
2/13 & 27 Mondays @ 7-10pm
Locals gather to play the ukulele on the first and third Monday of the month.

Spontaneous Chess
2/4, 11, 18, & 25 Saturdays @ 1pm
Calling all chess players! Keep your skills sharp with this one-hour, drop-in session of free play. Boards will be set up and ready to go. Bring your best moves!

Dance Party! 2/10 Friday & 2/18 Saturday, 10:00am in the Topping Room
Enjoy non-stop music and movement for children ages 2-5 and their grownups.

2/2 Thursday, 10:30am-12pm
STEAM monthly will explore concepts related to science, technology, engineering, art, & math in fun and sometimes silly ways.

2/1, 8, 15, & 22 Wednesdays, 4-5pm in the Makerspace
Learn and have fun in the Code Club! Kids will be introduced to computer programming using Code.org and Scratch. They will build confidence in computer science through  self-directed skill building, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

No computer experience needed *Aimed at kids 8 – 13*
Bring your own laptop to connect and follow- along 10 library laptops will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis

2/25 Saturday, 10am-4pm 4th annual Mini Comic Festival –
For comic lovers of all ages, there will be many activities, including an anime workshop for kids, zombie preparedness class, vendor tables, games, and special guests, including True Thomas the storyteller, and the Mandalorian Mercs, a very special Star Wars cosplay group.

Events by Ana Baker

Free admission stage show, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. First Sunday of every month.  Old Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. For more Information call 517-1131.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

Jan. 18: The end of the year Luau for the Ventura Surf Club is Saturday at 5 p.m. everyone is welcome.

Intra club contest award ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Taco dinner with all the sides at 6 p.m. No host bar, cash only. Club members $ 20 and Nonmembers $ 30. Tickets are avail at Ventura Surf Shop, at the door, or on line at www.VenturaSurfClub.org/Luau.php Located at the Knights of Columbus 36 Figueroa St, 643-6756

Jan. 19: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be conducted on at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St.  Meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. New members and guests are welcome.  Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs: B.U.F.F.Y. Bear, Operation School Bell®, Girls Club/Teen Club, and Assistance League School for young children with learning disabilities. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop 3351 Telegraph Rd. helps fund these programs. Find more information on the Website assistanceleagueventuracounty.org or [email protected]. 643-2458

Jan. 19: The East Ventura Community Council will hear a status report from Commander Rick Payne of the Ventura Police Department, when it meets on Thursday, at 7 p.m., at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. Jill Santos, Ventura County Manager for Food Forward will speak. Come and learn what they are accomplishing and how you might help them alleviate hunger in our community. Dan Cormode, Development Chairperson for the Council, will present an update on Ventura’s water supply. The council represents residents who live east of Victoria Avenue. Books in good condition are always accepted by San Buenaventura Friends of the Library. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. For more information call 804-7558 or visit the group’s Facebook.

Jan. 21: Creative ways around and through procrastination! Let’s have some fun. Did you know that it’s super common to procrastinate? Join professional organizer and certified creativity coach Tracy Wallace for creative solutions. EP Foster, Topping Room from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Jan. 25: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m.  Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. The upcoming meeting will include a report on property development in the area.  The Council, which represents citizens between Mills and Victoria bordered by Foothill and Hwy. 126, meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. on the Ventura College campus.  Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center.  Call 644-8695 for more information.

Jan.28, 29. God and Country Rally.  Patriotic 2-day event for the whole family.  Saturday evening 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy patriotic music and singing, a free barbecue tri-tip meal, and an uplifting message from Dr. Jim Schettler, VP of West Coast Baptist College, Lancaster.  Sunday, January 29, the 2-day event will continue 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with more great music, an All-American picnic lunch of barbecue burgers and hot dogs, and a jump house for the kids. Located at the Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill Road. For more information 209-550-1433 or www.everycityusa.org

Feb.5: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. accompanied by period music in the parlor and upstairs library landing. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets in Ventura. For information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

Feb. 6, 20: The Ventura County Philatelic Society Two Mondays, Feb.6th and 20th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road.  Admission and parking are free. Stamp trading and camaraderie. Come for a great evening. Contact: [email protected] or 320-1601

Feb.7:  Mended Hearts of Ventura will meet Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Community Memorial Hospital, 8th floor. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month. They have excellent speakers, leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians, etc. from our area who give excellent information. Contact: Richard Hatcher 644-2733

The New York Post has compared him to superstar Lily Tomlin, saying storyteller/actor/writer Doug Motel “is one of those rare comedians who creates and becomes totally original characters.” His work has been seen all around the globe, but on January 28th, Motel returns to the stage in Ojai.

“Amuse-bouche – Morsels from the Mind of Storyteller Doug Motel” is an evening of stories selected from his original plays, books and essays –Performance is at 8pm on Saturday, January 28th at Kim Maxwell Studio, 226 West Ojai Avenue, #102. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Advance tickets available at: https://amuse-bouche2017.eventbrite.com.

Additionally, Doug will be leading a fun, inspiring workshop entitled “Playing the Game of 2017” on Sunday, January 29th,  at 4pm. This personal growth event will focus on imagining and creating the year of your dreams. Ticket price is only $15 if you book in advance and $20 at the door.

Ojai Library. Local students from the Thacher School will visit the library from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, to provide a special one-day-only Teens Teach Tech event.

Join Rev. Karen at Meditation Mount, on Saturday, January 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a morning devoted to inner peace—which, of course, is the foundation for outer peace in the world around us.

The morning will be devoted to contemplation, wisdom talks, prayer and quiet walks on the grounds of Meditation Mount. The retreat is by donation; $10 is suggested. Randee Vasilakos, RScP, assists and is available for personal prayer throughout the morning.

Meditation Mount is located at 10340 Reeves Road. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.

Join Ojai native plant guide Lanny Kaufer and special guest Professor James Adams of USC School of Pharmacy on Saturday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a Winter Medicinal Plant Workshop on how to treat colds, flus and stay healthy in the winter with botanical home remedies.

The morning plant identification session will take place on the trail at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s Ojai Meadows Preserve where Dr. Adams and Kaufer will identify and discuss the medicinal uses of a wide variety of native plants found in the mixed habitat. The afternoon hands-on preparation session will be held at a community kitchen in Ojai.

The morning outing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be a slow-paced walk of about 1 mile round-trip on a level, well-used trail. After a one-hour lunch break, the afternoon kitchen session from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. will focus on preparing plants that can used for treating and preventing colds and flus.

The price for this full day workshop is $65 until January 28. After that, the cost will be $75. No dogs or smoking, please.

For more information or to register, visit HerbWalks.com, email [email protected] or call 805-646-6281.

The Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation presents the newly renovated Ojai Library Book Store, Twice-Sold Tales and the newly constructed Library Community room. on Sunday, January 22, at 2pm to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the book Store, All profits from the Book Store go to providing the three Ojai Valley Libraries:

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Upper Ojai will host a special Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Workshop and Concert on Saturday January 21. It will begin with Double Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Workshop with guitar masters Jim Kimo West and Ken Emerson, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Center’s 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road location.

The Day of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar continues that evening with an intimate concert staring guitar masters Ken Emerson and Jim Kimo West starting at 6:30 p.m. at Logan House/Happy Valley Cultural Center.

On January 10, at  7:30pm  Andrea Jones, Director of Conservation at Audubon California will present Audubon California and The Salton Sea.

Beginning in 2018, thanks to a 2003 agreement between the State of California and Southern California water districts, the Salton Sea will get a lot less water from the Colorado River, eventually up to 40 percent less. The shrinking sea will also expose up to 64,000 acres of the lake bed and result in massive dust storms that could create the worst air pollution crisis in North America. Tens of thousands of acres of habitat will disappear affecting up to 300 species of birds in this critical site on the Pacific Flyway.

Audubon California has ramped up its engagement on the Salton Sea in water policy, conservation and outreach to the public.  Andrea Jones will give an update on efforts to prevent a disaster for birds at the Salton Sea. At the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road.

From January 20 to January 22, Ventura Audubon Society will have an overnight event at the Salton Sea.

Lead by Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Natural Resources at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert and a Western Field Ornithologist. His specialties include ornithology, entomology, desert ecology, and natural history. This is an exciting trip. Meet in the Salton Sea area at Calipatria Inn in Calipatria.  For reservations at Calipatria Inn call 760-348-7348. They have indicated that there should be plenty of availability.

Contact coordinator Neil Ziegler 983-7207 or by email at [email protected] for more information.

Events by Ana Baker

Free admission stage show, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. First Sunday of every month.  Old Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. For more Information call 517-1131.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

DBSA Ventura, the local chapter of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) hosts two regular, confidential, peer-led, self-help support groups in the County. Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church at 6950 Ralston Street in Room 301 of Building 300. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 253-3289 for more information. 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the New Visions Center on the first and third Saturdays of the month. At 1065 E. Main. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or 746-3106 for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 p.m.to 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.

Jan. 11: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Each month a special topic is chosen which features some interesting aspect of photography.  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 about the club an examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Jan.14: “Creating Simple Greeting Cards” will be the workshop topic for the Ventura Beginning PC Users Group on Saturday held in the third floor lounge of Cypress Place 9:15-12:00. “Gmail and All the Google Services You Might be Missing” is the program topic.  Everyone is invited.  Call 648-1368 for more information. 1200 Cypress Place Lane.

Ventura Audubon Society events:
Jan 14:  Lake Casitas 8:30 a.m. Leader:  Karl Krause
There will be lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks and water. Bring scopes if you have them! Target birds will include the resident Bald Eagles, Green Heron, Chipping and Lark Sparrows, Common Merganser and Spotted Sandpiper.
Jan 22: Camino Real 8:30 a.m. Leader Raeann Koerner 701-1919
Camino Real is a grassy park surrounded by pines and eucalyptus and is an excellent Target birds will include Red Shouldered Hawk, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Yellow Warbler and Townsend’s Warbler,
Jan 28: Camp Bartlett in Santa Paula 8:30 a.m. Leaders Karen Laing 907-351-5176 and Adele Fergusson 415-4304. This is a new hike near Sisar Canyon, Karen lives at Camp Bartlett where we will walk through an old oak forest and then hike up into the hills where there is active oil pumping. Birds that we could see include acorn woodpeckers, hermit thrush and Steller’s jay.

Jan. 8: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association will present a free music concert on at the Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill Blvd. from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Music by the “Old Country Grass Band”.  Call 517-1131 for more information.

Jan. 17: The Ventura Retired Men’s Group will be having their next semi-monthly meetings at the Ventura Elks Lodge on January 17 and February 7. Enjoy the usual Elks healthy lunch for $15 and programs of interest. They sing a song, tell a joke, and all have an opportunity for a free meal. Any man, retired or nearly so can call Steve Carroll at 642-1359 for details.

Jan. 21: Help to Grow the Garden!  Before you walk the trail, Ventura Botanical Gardens invites you to drop in for a cup of coffee and learn about 2017 Volunteer Opportunities. The VBG office will be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. VBG office is on the left as you enter the 505 Building behind City Hall on 501 Poli St. Lots of parking available.

Jan. 22: Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra performs with Kuanfen Liu, Artistic Director
Young Artists Concerts. Music composed by Franz Krommer, Max Bruch, J.S. Bach, Peter Glass and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will be performed. Sunday at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara St. Donation of $20 appreciated. Youth 18 and under free

Feb. 7: The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum (USNSM) will be hosting “Story Time” for children Pre-K to 3rd Grade. This is a regular event at the Museum during the noon hour, every first Tuesday of each month.
Port Hueneme is considered ‘Home Port’ for the Seabees, and shorty we will be celebration the 75th Anniversary of its creation.  For the 75th celebration the USNSM is embarking on a new and exciting ‘Education Initiative’ creating new curricula, lecture series, Family Day Activities, and other events for the family. Check out our events calendar at www.history.navy.mil/seabeemuseum.

Ojai author Dr. Pat B. Allen will visit the Ojai Library at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7 to present a book talk for her recent work Cronation. Dr. Allen is an author, artist, art therapist, and teacher who connects to the creative source through art, writing, and nature. Author of numerous professional articles, book chapters, and several films, Dr. Allen lectures and delivers workshops using the Open Studio Process which she co-created. She is formerly an adjunct associate professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is presently a member of the visiting faculty of the Expressive Arts Institute of Prescott College in Arizona.

Cronation is a novel set in a near future populated by characters whose mission is to midwife the birth of a new era of creative partnership and community collaboration in gratitude, joy, and celebration. It is a manifesto and a shout-out to all the women who claim the Crone identity and embrace the rights and responsibilities that entails.

This event is free and open to the public. 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.

The Ojai Valley Museum Celebrates The Libbey Centennial

One hundred years ago this spring, the Ohio glass magnate Edward Libbey transformed the dusty, ramshackle town of Nordhoff into the sparkling, Spanish-style village of Ojai, setting an example for Santa Barbara and the rest of Southern California to follow. On January 7, the Ojai Valley Museum will open “Inventing Ojai,” an exhibit exploring why Libbey did what he did here, and why it still matters.

Mission Revival architecture had been popular in the region since the 1880s, but Libbey was the visionary who first deployed it as the unifying style for an entire town. The museum’s exhibit traces his inspiration to the City Beautiful Movement, which Libbey had first encountered at Chicago’s legendary World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. Two decades later, he put those principles to the test here in the Ojai Valley.

He set out to build – quite literally – a better community, using architecture to create a beautiful setting that he hoped would inspire people to become better citizens. Some would argue that his experiment succeeded, and that today’s town is the proof of it. The museum’s exhibit examines the continuing influence of Libbey’s legacy, in Ojai and beyond.

The “Inventing Ojai” opening gala will be held at the museum on Saturday, January 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is open to the public, free of charge.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Ave. Free parking is available behind the museum, off Blanche Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday noon to 4 pm. Group or school tours available by appointment.

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