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.

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.

Dec.24: “Eve of Christmas” radio drama with Celebrity Host Bob Eubanks premiers Saturday, Christmas Eve, at 6pm and 9pm, and again Sunday, December 25th, Christmas at 7am, 1pm, 5pm and 11pm on NewsTalk 1590 KVTA. A heartfelt journey of six Christmas Eve moments is presented by Every Now and Then Theatre and Conejo Players Theatre.  Broadcast CDs benefit area foster children. “Tune in early for best seats!”

Jan. 2,16: The Ventura County Philatelic Society will meet at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road. Monday, January 2nd and 16th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Stamp trading and camaraderie. Come for a great evening.  They are a fun group. Contact: [email protected] or 320-1601

Jan. 3:  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. They have excellent speakers, leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians, etc. from our area who give excellent information. Contact: Richard Hatcher 644-2733

Jan.4: The Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Club, (BCNN ) is a group of active women of all ages who live in Ventura, Oxnard, or Port Hueneme and enjoy activities such as hiking, bridge, dining, wine outings, reading, mah jong, cooking etc. For more information, please come to our monthly meeting from 9:30 a.m.to 11 a.m. Meeting will be held at the Ventura Museum Pavilion located at 100 E. Main Street, in historic downtown Ventura   No charge for meeting and no reservation is required.  Presentation of 40+ activities available to all to participate in.

For additional information, please visit our Website at: bcnnwomensclub.org or call 988-0795.

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 and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Join a New Year’s Dance Party, at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, featuring the amazing Crowfoot,​ the multi-talented band who will be featured at the Ojai Mardi Gras’s Fais-Do-Do​ (coming up March 5-6, 2017). The dancing starts at 8:00 and there will be plenty of fun and surprises until 12:30 AM​.​ The themed decorations will be provided by the Ojai Mardi Gras Wake-Up! Krewe and the suggested, (but optional) dress code is for “flapper”​, swinging 1920’s attire, because we will be “Putting on the Ritz”.

There will be a “No-Host” bar (please bring your ID and cash to buy drinks) and a ​hors d’oeuvre/finger food ​and dessert ​potluck​. Plus we will provide a champagne toast at Midnight!!!  Guests who bring a potluck dish will have their name entered in a drawing at midnight when four people will win tickets (a $30 value) for next year’s Ojai Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on Saturday March 5th 2017​

Crowfoot is full of local super stars: Mark Parsons on vocals and fiddle, Lee Rollag on guitar, vocals, and fiddle, Rick Borella on bass, Roger Reid on drums and vocals, and Marcel Pappillion on fiddle, guitar, flute, and vocals.

Crowfoot morphed out of Flambeau and have played together for years and can really sound like a few different bands with all the styles. Eclectic Music for eccentric people

Ojai Valley Woman’s Club is located smack in the middle of downtown Ojai at 411 Ojai Avenue. Tickets are only $25. Get them while they last at the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company, Serendipity Toys, Ojai Creates, Cardinali Brothers Music and Ojai Valley Feed. There are only 100 tickets in the stores at $25, and after they are gone, you will have to pay an online service charge or the door price of $30. So get them while you can, and be a part of the swingingest New Years Dance Party in Ojai.

This event is sponsored by the Ojai Concert Series and the Ojai Mardi Gras Wake-UP! Krewe, Advance, $25 tickets are also available on our website: www.ojaiconcertseries.com  For info call Shane Butler at: 805-665-8852

9th Annual Ojai Valley E-WASTE Collection & Recycling Event – January 14

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition will host an E-waste Recycling Event on Saturday, January 14, 2017 in the Ojai Community Bank parking lot, located at 402 W. Ojai Ave. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

The event is open to Ojai Valley residents and businesses.

For details on accepted items please visit ojaivalleygreencoalition.org or call (805) 669-8445.

January 14, Ventura Singles Roundtable Discussions, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Vondie Lozano, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to talk about “How to Celebrate Being You in 2017.” Topping Room. Information https://www.meetup.com/Ventura-Singles-Roundtable-Discussions/events/

January 22, Live Your Best Life Hypnosis Meetup, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Join Dr. Vondie Lozano. “What Would You Like to Attract into Your Life?” Group Guided Imagery/Hypnosis included. Topping Room. Information www.meetup.com/live-your-best-life-hypnosis/events/

Spocabulary 1/11 & 25 Wednesdays @ 6:30pm
Poetry performance and writing workshop with an open mic is geared towards high school and college students but all are welcome. Specific emphasis is on SLAM Poetry. Presented by Phil Taggart and Aaron Gardner.

Spanish Conversation Group 1/7, 14, 21, & 28 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

Library LAB Open Workshop 1/9, 23, & 30 Mondays @ 5-6pm
Learn more about 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 .

Poetry Open Mic Night 1/5, 12, 19, & 26 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 1/9 & 23 Mondays @ 7-10pm
Locals gather to play the ukulele on the first and third Monday of the month.

Spontaneous Chess 1/7, 14, 21, & 28 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!

Children’s Events Early Literacy Class
1/3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, & 31 Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 10:30am
A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library. Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

Family Coloring 1/7, 14, 21, & 28 Saturdays @ 10:30am – 12pm

Lego Play  1/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Tuesdays @ 3pm
Build, Learn, and Play! Bring your imagination and experiment with creative designs. Children of all ages welcome!

TAG: Teen Advisory Group 1/4 & 18 Wednesdays @ 5pm If you want to share ideas, meet new people and have a great time shaping the library teen program join TAG! This is for 13+ and grades 8+ and counts toward community service requirements.