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The city’s first-ever drone show to highlight X Games

Drones are much more pet-friendly than fireworks.

400 drones will take flight on July 20, 21, and 22 to amaze and dazzle Ventura community members and X Games fans for the city’s first-ever drone show. The show is presented by Visit Ventura, in partnership with Go Drones, and will include 3D images to celebrate the X Games in Ventura. 

Offering community members something fun, free, and sustainable they can participate in has always been a priority — it’s a happy coincidence that the Visit Ventura Drone Show fits all three categories.  

“It’s going to be amazing to see 400 drones light up our sky,” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura. “So much of the X Games is a celebration of Ventura, our beach town community. We’re excited to bring everyone together for such a cool event that’s also eco-friendly.” 

Drone shows are entirely customizable to the event unlike other air spectacles. Because each drone is individually illuminated, virtually any image created on a computer can be replicated in the sky during a drone light show. 

At the size of a football field and a half, viewers can see the show up to five miles away depending on weather. Coupled with 3D imagery in the sky, the Visit Ventura Drone Show will immerse viewers like nothing else the community has seen before. 

Not only are drone shows a beautiful spectacle in the sky, they are also more eco-friendly than fireworks. Drone shows eliminate fire concerns and other negative impacts on the environment. Plus, they are much more pet-friendly than fireworks; there are no loud booms during the show that would upset animals. 

“In the dance of innovation, Go Drone Shows is excited to collaborate with the visionary spirits of Ventura and the X Games to continue to push the envelope of sustainable entertainment, uniting adrenaline and artistry in an unforgettable partnership,” said Eddie Fernandez, VP of Business Development at Go Drones. “Each show will be different from the night before, telling a story that is authentic to the story and spirit of both the X Games and Ventura. We look forward to bringing this unique experience to such a historic event.”  

The Visit Ventura Drone Show will last approximately 15 minutes and will occur Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at around 8:45 pm during the finals weekend. The drones will launch behind Ventura City Hall on Thursday and beyond Surfers Point beach on Friday and Saturday. 

Thursday night’s drone show directly follows the free, all-ages community event in Downtown Ventura. The Kickoff Skate Jam on July 20 will transform the intersection of Main and California streets into a unique, fan-friendly obstacle course and include music, X Games athlete meet and greets, and other family-friendly activities. 

Ventura Avenue Adult Center Programs

Lunch is served at the Adult Center for a suggested donation of $3.

by Carol Leish, MA

The Ventura Avenue Adult Center offers classes, drop-in activities, the Westside Café Senior Nutrition Program (It is a delicious and nutritious lunch with a variety of food.)

And a variety of free and affordable programs and services for people over the age of 60. Janine Cobian is the Recreation Supervisor. Tom Musgrove and Cheryl Bucklin are Recreation Coordinators.

Drop-in activities, which are free, include Bridge (Mondays from 9 am-11:30 am); Bingo (Fridays 12:30 pm-2:30pm); and, Sewing (Thursdays from 10 am-Noon). Gardening, which is at Kellogg Garden in Ventura, is also free. Free computer classes focus on various things, such as: basic use of the computer; using email; and, using the Word program are from 8am-Noon on Tuesday’s and Thursdays. Free ping pong games occur on Wednesday’s from 1 pm-2 pm if enough people want to play at a time.

Exercise classes, including Tai Chi and Bone Builders have a reasonable price range and a waiting list of people who want to take the classes. Ballroom Dancing, also for an affordable price, is offered Wednesday’s from 10 am-11 am. An Acrylic Class, for 4 weeks on Wednesday from 1 pm-2:30pm is for $150. For more information about various programs and availability of classes, please call: 805-648-3035

Janine Cobian has been working for the City of Ventura as a Recreation Supervisor for the Senior Services Section for 18 years.

“The City of Ventura, with a collaboration with Stiix Billiards, enables Ventura residents 60 years old and older to play billiards for free. Stiix Billiards is located at: 2520 E. Main St. phone number is 805-641-2020. According to Cobian. “ All Ventura residents over age 60 must do is show that they are residents of the City of Ventura in order to play.”

For fun activities and a good meal at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, come by Monday-Friday between 9 am-3 pm. The address is: 550 N. Ventura Ave. Ventura, CA 93001. The phone number is: 805-648-3035. Look at the website at: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/vaac.

Poster contest winners

Catalina Linn

The 2023 Ventura County Fair Youth Poster Contest Winning poster have been announced.

They are Catalina Linn of Westlake Village; 13 years old 1st place: Aarna Dalsania of Camarillo; 11 years old 2nd place: Briceida Lopez of Oxnard; 18 years old 3rd place.

The judges were:

Judging Panel: • Greg Wray – Rotary Club of Ventura & retired Master Illustrator for Disney • Neal Lassila – President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Ventura & 20-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company • Dr. Cesar Morales – Superintendent of Ventura County Schools • Chief Dustin Gardner – Ventura County Fire Department • Chief Darin Schindler – Ventura Police Department • Asst. Sheriff Andrew Salinas – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office • Mayor Joe Schroeder – City of Ventura • Carley Logue – Visual Communications Expert for the Department of Navy / Naval Base • Mark Spellman – Radio Lazer • Peggy Kroener – Ventura County Youth Department Superintendent.

Briceida Lopez

The poster will be used on merchandise, in advertising, and featured around the 2023 Ventura County Fair from August 2-13.

 

Celebrate 4th of July at Ventura’s Annual Street Fair & Parade

Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons are welcome at the parade.

It’s a celebration by the sea! The City of Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Ventura’s Downtown District.

The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continue into the Street Fair in Downtown Ventura. No registration is required.

This year’s Street Fair features artisan vendors, a car exhibit, food trucks, live entertainment, a kids’ activity area, and more. Attendees can also enjoy Downtown’s local shops and outdoor dining as part of Main Street Moves.

Both events are free to attend. Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons are welcome at the parade. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. A complimentary Bike Valet, courtesy of the City of Ventura Transportation Division and Bike Ventura, will be located at the corner of Main Street and South Chestnut Street from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Classic Car Exhibit will feature over 80 beautiful vehicles displayed on South Oak Street and South Palm Street from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Live entertainment, including local bands and community group performances, will take place at the intersection of California Street and Main Street.

Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/StreetFair for more details, including parking information and event maps.

For further event questions, contact Recreation Coordinator Allyson DesBaillets at [email protected] or 805-654-7749.

Ventura receives grant to improve Surfers Point

A combination of factors added to the problem over many years. Photos by Joseph Seemayer @jseemayerphoto

The city will receive $16.2 million to complete an old project to relocate the parking lot and crumbling bike path farther inland at Surfers Point. The California Coastal Conservancy approved the $16.2 million for the work. It is the second phase of a project that started well over a decade ago.

Surfrider started advocating for the project in the 1990’s. Paul Jenkin, Ventura campaign coordinator at the Surfrider Foundation stated “We are really happy to see that we are finally going to see it constructed.”

The project moves the publicly owned bike path and parking lot around 70 feet inland to prevent even more erosion.

A combination of factors added to the problem over many years. The project will go out for bidding later this year with construction expected to start in fall 2024.

Ventura police officers carry the torch for the Ventura County Special Olympics

The non-competitive, segmented run started at Ventura City Hall.

by Joseph Seemayer @jseemayerphoto

On Thursday, June 8, Ventura Police officers and staff participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run held from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The non-competitive, segmented run started at the steps of the Ventura City Hall located at 501 Poli St. Runners carried the Special Olympics’ Torch, also known as the “Flame of Hope,” through the streets of Ventura, passing it off to the Oxnard Police Department to continue the run throughout Ventura County.

“The Flame of Hope symbolizes a celebration of diversity and the spirit of Special Olympics athletes who remain committed to putting in the work to compete and represent their communities,” said Sergeant Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison with the Ventura Police Department. “I am so thankful to be part of Team Ventura PD, working together to raise funds and increase awareness and acceptance for these incredible athletes locally.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest awareness and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. In Southern California, it consists of nine different legs, spanning from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Legs are completed in conjunction with Special Olympics athletes and various members of law enforcement agencies from throughout the region.

Community members can support financially by making a donation to “Team Ventura PD” at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/LETR.

Patagonia held event to build community awareness to build Tomals

Alan Salazar: Chumash Tribal Elder, Mike Murray: Deputy Superintendent for Programs Channel Islands, Robert Schwemmer: Maritine Heritage Program Regional Coordinator, Harry Rabin: Field Advisor “Heal the Ocean”

by Patricia Schallert

Tomol Paddlers

A free event was presented at Patagonia on June 15. Patagonia served food and drinks and their main focus was on building community awareness with a plan to build two Tomal canoes, and what that means to the Tataviam and Chumash Communities in Ventura. Patagonia also held a screening of the documentary “Chumash Powered” along with a fundraiser around the Tomol canoe builds.

Chumash tribal Elder Alan Salazar presented his life as a storyteller. As a Chumash Elder Alan Salazar, tells stories about his Chumash and Tataviam ancestors to anyone who will listen. He spoke about traditional plank boat building techniques to guests of Patagonia.

In his stories, Salazar, echoes words spoken by his Native American ancestors: tales of a grandmother oak, and the Sky Coyote, a rainbow bridge and how his Chumash and Tataviam tribes came to be. He presented his family story of the Tataviam and Chumash families who were brought to the San Fernando Mission around 1803 and he presented a lively explanation on the close extension of Indian tribes and Tomol paddlers crossing the channel to Santa Cruz Island.

Alan Salazar Chumash Tribal Elder blessing the audience

In his stories about the Tomol paddlers he reflects: “The Tomol comes to life in the dark of night and she helps connect her paddlers to one another, sensing energy even in pitch black waters as it crosses the channel to Santa Cruz Island.” A Tomol canoe is a “Plank Ocean canoe” and two will be built in Ventura. The Tomol is traditionally made of redwood logs, large enough to build a canoe. Using traditional tools, it will be hollowed out carefully by removing the inner wood, leaving the outer layers intact to form the canoe. The exterior of the hull will be carved into a shape that will be streamlined and seaworthy with the crossbeams providing support and strength. Finishing touches of smooth sanding on the Tomol canoe surfaces will seal it and make it waterproof for crossing the channel. Traditionally Chumash people used natural materials like tar and pine pitch to seal the canoe and make it watertight.

Hundreds of years ago, the native island Chumash traveled these ancient waters for hunting, fishing, and trading.

A must-see Parisian-style circus production

Circus Vargas channels the “City of Lights”

Circus Vargas presented another outstanding, mega-hit entertainment experience in Ventura at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. It is now at the Santa Barbara at Earl Warren Showgrounds until June 19 and at the Madonna Inn starting June 23.

Join us for a brand new big top adventure with Performers from all over the globe! Featuring The “Last Ringmaster,” Johnathon Lee Iverson – classically trained opera singer-actor adds another dimension to their newest stellar production, “Bonjour, Paris!”

Circus Vargas channels the “City of Lights” in an all-new high-energy, action-packed extravaganza! In this latest, greatest production Circus Vargas delivers the ultimate live family entertainment experience for 2023!

A must-see Parisian-style circus production featuring world-renowned performers, aerialists, acrobats and more! Audiences are immediately immersed in an ambience of glitz and glamour reminiscent of the famed Lido de Paris. A must see! This extravagantly flashy, fun-filled circus spectacular is guaranteed to excite and delight audiences of all ages! An amazing adventure, not to be missed! Join us for two unforgettable hours under the big top …where memories are made to last a lifetime! Circus Vargas’ “Bonjour, Paris!” _C’est magnifique!

For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.

Ventura Townehouse Movie Night is a smashing hit.

Senior residents gather for a nostalgic movie night in tribute to Hollywood legend.

by Ross Williams

In a delightful celebration of cinema and the golden era of Hollywood, the residents of Ventura Townehouse Senior Living Community unveiled their much-anticipated movie event with a red carpeted grand opening ceremony. The inaugural screening honored the memory of the late actor Ernest Borgnine and his 1972 classic The Poseidon Adventure.

As I ascended to the magnificent Vista room, perched atop the seven-story building, the elevator doors gracefully slid open, and the delightful aroma of freshly popped popcorn enveloped the air, instantly transporting me to the enchanting world of movies. The grandeur of the occasion was evident as I stepped into a scene reminiscent of a glamorous red carpet event.

The hall buzzed with excitement and energy, elegantly decorated, tables adorned with a delectable array of hors d’oeuvres and mouth watering desserts. A photo wall, reminiscent of the glitz and glamor of Hollywood premieres, beckoned residents to capture the magical moments of this unforgettable evening. The ambiance was further enhanced by the transformation of the space into a full-fledged movie theater, complete duel grand pianos, glistening buckets of popcorn, and a mesmerizing big screen that hung tall and proud.

With anticipation building in the air, residents eagerly converged in the Vista room for the highly anticipated first screening. The staff of Ventura Townehouse, dressed in exquisite suits and elegant gowns, gracefully navigated the room, their warm smiles radiating genuine care and affection for those in attendance. It was a heartwarming sight to witness the staff members offering warm embraces, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and demonstrating their unwavering love and support for the residents. Their dedication and commitment to creating a memorable experience for everyone present was palpable, fostering an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and a true sense of community.

Movie nights will provide the senior community with an opportunity to relive cherished memories and connect through the power of film. Ernest Borgnine, an Academy Award-winning actor known for his incredible talent and captivating performances, has a personal connection to Ventura Townehouse Senior Living Community. His daughter, Nancee, is one of the cherished directors of the community, and the event served as a heartfelt tribute to her late father’s cinematic legacy.

Residents and staff members expressed their excitement and gratitude for this new addition to their activities calendar. The movie events will feature a variety of classic films and modern favorites and is scheduled to take place every few days, providing a regular source of entertainment and camaraderie for the community’s residents. “Tuesday Romcom’s, Wednesday Westerns and Saturday Turner Classics are the plan,” said Nancee between salutations.

As the clock neared 7pm the soft piano music that had filled the air paused and a round applause filled the air. “That was great Barbara.” a resident shouted and I realized that the music that had been filling the hall was in fact being played by one of the residents.

The event commenced with a heartwarming speech by Nancee Borgnine, who shared fond memories of her father and the first time he took her to a red carpet. “It was the GodFather. And he told me to stay close and keep my mouth shut,” she expressed with a laugh and a smile.

The room fell silent as the movie began, the opening credits played and the staff walked through the rows of residents offering popcorn and flutes of champagne. Nancee stood proud at the back of the room, proud of the evening’s success and her dad’s legacy. By celebrating the timeless art of cinema and honoring the legacy of Ernest Borgnine, they have brought a touch of Hollywood glamor to the lives of their cherished seniors.

Passing the Baton – The American Flag Program

Jim Monahan, Paul Nickolan, Jeff Bode, Doug Cavagnaro, Matt Valdez, Billy Magee, Dan Smith, David Soo Hoo, and Jim Duran volunteer to keep the flags flying.

Patriotism has been very important in the City of Ventura. That is why you see “Old Glory” displayed throughout our city. The American flag remains a living piece of history and a source of pride and unity for all Americans.

The flag was so important to Patrick Monahan, father of Jim Monahan our former Mayor, that in the 1930’s he made sure every polling station had a brand-new American Flag displayed throughout the County of Ventura.

Originally, the American Legion and the City of Ventura displayed the flags on Main St. and various other locations. But at some point, this tradition came to a halt.

Jim purchased flags and encouraged the other council members to purchase them as well. When it was time to display the flags in 1993, Corporal Ken Corney (former Police Chief of Ventura) carried the flags from pole to pole and Firefighter John Duff (former Fire Captain) climbed up the ladder to secure the flag to the pole.

A few years later, the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW), asked if they could help. Jeff Bode, Business Manager of IBEW, has been organizing the volunteers for several years. Trucks were donated by Taft Electric and Oilfield Electric & Motor.

The Lyons Club, Pier into the Future and many volunteers are responsible for displaying the flags in the other areas of Ventura.

“After 30 years,” says Monahan, “I have decided to pass the baton to Councilmember Jim Duran. I could not think of a better person to continue this very important tradition. Jim has a heart for this country and loves our city.”

New flags are needed to replace the damaged ones. If you would like to purchase a flag for this program, you may do so at American Flags & Cutlery, 305 E. Main St. Ventura 93001. You can call Bryan at (805) 612-6400.