Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

The MERITO and Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club Combined Their Efforts

Nearly sixty 8th-grade students from DATA Middle School navigated the Hokuloa and learned about ocean stewardship. 

by Rocío Lozano-Knowlton
Executive Director, MERITO Foundation

The MERITO Foundation and the Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club amplified their impact by combining efforts, expertise, and resources. They worked together to provide meaningful experiences to close to sixty 8th-grade students from DATA Middle School about what it is like, how it feels, and how exhilarating it is to navigate the Hōkūleʻa way.

Hōkūleʻa is the traditional Polynesian style of voyaging using outrigger canoes, your physical strengths, and by working in teams. The experiences occurred at Ventura Harbor on April 10 and 11, 2024, combined with ocean research and monitoring activities for the same students at the beach focused on plankton collection and identification, and the monitoring of microplastics.

The experiences took place after months of planning, coordination, and preparation by all involved, from MERITO raising the funds to cover buses, the lifeguard on duty, the safety and other water sports gear; the teaching of relevant ocean science lesson plans drawn from MERITO Foundation’s curricula in the classroom by Ms. Jennifer Willis and Ms. Laurel Davidson; the introduction to Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club in the school classes by Ms. Yvonne Menard, Chair of the Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club, and the time volunteered by the members.

The idea behind combining a water sport traditionally underrepresented in minority youth with hands-on ocean science experiences is to ignite interest in both the water sport and ocean stewardship. The students just loved it! You could see it in their happy faces. Not one student looked bored or even remembered their phone existed, said Rocío Lozano-Knowlton, founder and director of the MERITO Foundation.

This experience was one of many provided by the ‘From the Avenue to the Channel Islands’ (ATCI) Program of the MERITO Foundation funded by an Outdoors Equity Grant, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants, and Local Services.

More information at https://www.meritofoundation.org.

Credit goes to the Outdoor Equity Grant of State Parks

SEEAG Hosts Earth Day Plantopia “U-Pick Your Garden” Fundraiser

A perfect opportunity to plant a garden and celebrate Earth Day.

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will host its 2nd annual Plantopia “U-Pick Your Garden” fundraiser to celebrate Earth Day. The event, held on Saturday, April 27, will raise funds to support SEEAG’s agricultural education programs where students learn about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Plantopia is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at two locations in Ventura County: Growing Works Nursery (1736 S. Lewis Rd., Camarillo) and SEEAG’s headquarters in Ventura Harbor (1575 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura). For a $35 donation, participants can select a combination of 12 small plants to fill two six-pack containers. Participants who order in advance can also select seedlings that produce vegetables that makeup three types of food specialty gardens: salsa garden, soup garden and salad garden. The organic seedlings are from Plantel Nurseries. Pre-order online and receive a free four-quart bag of Agromin’s potting soil.

Plantopia is also taking place at Refugio Ranch Tasting Room (2990 Grand Ave., Los Olivos) and Santa Barbara Eary Day Festival (Alameda Park, Santa Barbara).

“Plantopia is a perfect opportunity to plant a garden and celebrate Earth Day,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “It’s a great way to kick off Spring.”

For more information about SEEAG’s Plantopia and to select and reserve your plants, go to www.SEEAG.org/plantopia or pre-order directly through My805Tix.

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Ojai News & Events

Dance Ojai, a newly established dance arts organization, proudly announces the inaugural Ojai World Dance Festival, celebrating cultural diversity and artistic creativity. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, from 7-9 PM at the iconic Libbey Bowl in Ojai.

The Ojai World Dance Festival promises to be a mesmerizing evening of vibrant and magnetic multicultural dance performances featuring highly acclaimed artists from around southern California.

The festival will be accompanied by an eclectic mix of music, ranging from traditional rhythms to contemporary beats, adding an extra layer of energy and excitement to the performances. Whether it’s the infectious grooves of Bollywood or the pulsating rhythms of salsa, the music at the Ojai World Dance Festival will transport audiences on a journey around the world through sound and movement.

Join Dance Ojai for an unforgettable evening of celebration and unity at the Ojai World Dance Festival. Tickets are available online at www.OjaiDanceFestival.org.

For more information about Dance Ojai and the Ojai World Dance Festival, please visit www.DanceOjai.org or contact their team at [email protected].

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present a performance by Live-Looping Electric Cellist, Composer and Recording Artist Briana Tam on Sunday, April 21st at 3 pm.

Using her bare feet, her loop station, and her electric cello, Brianna Tam envelops listeners in her mesmerizing and dynamic symphonic realm while simultaneously capturing their hearts with her charming and charismatic personality.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at:

https://www.beatricewood.com/brianna_tam.htmlThe Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road in Upper Ojai.

Associate Professor of English Dr. Bob Mayberry will visit the Ojai Library at 6pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, to give a talk titled “Who Wrote Shakespeare?” This program is a part of the California State University, Channel Islands Library Lecture Series.

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

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

A special program coming up at the Ojai Library. Local Ojai author Joseph M. Puglia will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Saturday, April 27, to give a talk titled “A Brief History of Westward Expansion from Thomas Jefferson through the Manifest Destiny.”

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Community Events

by Ana Baker

Ventura Senior Men’s Group meets at the Poinsettia Pavilion from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Any man in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information, visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. There are all levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact Richard 805-850-8011, Rose 805-659-9223, or [email protected]. All are Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup: This is the first Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Pierpont Beach Community Council hosts it in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up near the beach at the end of Seward. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers. Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. and

E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome.

April 18: New Art City Theatre is conducting an online Art Auction supporting its inaugural Playwrights Festival ’24. The work of Ventura actress and fine artist Virginia (Ginnie) Buckle will be showcased at the Museum of Ventura County. Her art, along with pieces by Beatrice Wood, Dickens Change, and Alexander Calder, can be viewed and bid on at https://event.auctria.com/e77dedcf-61ff-405b-850d-430b5f285ef9/

April 18: The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) will meet virtually at 7 p.m. At https://eastventura.org/ for the Zoom meeting link. The agenda

includes the East Ventura police report and a presentation from Dani Brusius, Ventura County Master Gardener. The purpose of the EVCC is to encourage residents to understand East Ventura’s problems, needs, and expectations and to recommend, initiate, and participate in developing and implementing programs or solutions.

April 20: Plant & collectibles sale at the Dudley House Museum Saturday 8 -2 p.m.
Our monthly plant and collectibles sale continues in April on the grounds at the Dudley
House. Bromeliads, orchids, and succulents will be on sale along with various collectibles. Vendors, please call Charlie at 805/746-4317 for details. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood). Free

April 24th: The College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting at 7pm. Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. This meeting will include the election of officers. An invitation and link to the meeting will be sent to everyone on the CACC mailing list. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list or to access a link to the Zoom meeting.”

April 25-28: New Art City the Playwrights Festival ’24 will be held at the Museum. See renowned actress Sally Struthers in Drowned Cats, one of four brand-new plays presented in a jam-packed schedule of staged readings and discussion panels with the audience. Go to https://newartcitytheatre.org to register for your free tickets.

April 27: RescueCon, OPAC’s one-day event bringing creativity and community together to celebrate and facilitate animal rescue and adoption, returns on Saturday, April 27 from 11 am to 4pm. Rescheduled from March 23 due to wind and rain, this year’s event features animal welfare influencer, the Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw), and is free and open to the public. Festivities will be held at Community Center Park East, just behind the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. More information can be found at: theopac.org/rescueconApril 27:

May 1: The Ventura County Garden Club is celebrating 100 years of sharing friendship, gardening, and beautification projects. Join the fun at the Camarillo Ranch House starting at 10 a.m. Events include car, flower, and quilt shows, performances, snacks, and a picnic luncheon with desserts; send your check for $50 made out to VCGC to Nancy Cope at 603 4th St., Fillmore, 93015. Please indicate your luncheon choice of Roast Turkey and Jack Cheese, Black Forest Ham and Cheddar Cheese, Vegetable and Cheese, or vegan sandwich, and, if you prefer, the gluten-free option. For more information, VenturaCountyGardenClub.com”

May 7: Hill Road Library presents the Associate Professor of English Bob Mayberry at 5 p.m. on Tuesday to deliver a presentation entitled “Who Wrote Shakespeare? The Shakespeare Authorship Controversy.” This program is a part of the California State University, Channel Islands Library Lecture Series. Location: 1070 S. Hill Road.

May 25: Group: Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG)
Online and at Ventura County Computers 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117. (805) 289-3960
Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email,
the Internet, AI, and social media brokers such as X, Facebook, and
Google.  Events begin at 9:30AM.
Due to limited space live attendance is reserved for members.  Details for connecting to online
events are emailed prior to the event.  To receive connection
instructions, please sign up on our website at: <a
href=http://www.cipcug.org>cipcug club website</a>.

Marina Park undergoing reconstruction

by Patricia Schallert

Exciting news from Steve Mimiga, Project Manager for the Ventura Water Pure project. “Marina Park is currently undergoing reconstruction to restore its original beauty and functionality, states Mimiga. The sod and mounds are being meticulously reconstructed. With the aim of completing these efforts by Memorial Day weekend. Marina Park is expected to be fully open and ready for visitors to enjoy by July 4th.” Get ready to rediscover the charm of Marina Park.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

The Ventura County Library Foundation is bringing its Rising from the Ashes Home Tour back for a third year, on Saturday, April 20, 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

The “Rising from the Ashes” Home Tour celebrates the strength and solidarity of the Ventura County community following the devastating Thomas Fire. Attendees can look forward to exploring homes rebuilt after the fire featuring a variety of architectural styles. The 2024 tour features five homes, a native plant garden, refreshments, live music, and more.

All proceeds from the home tour will directly support the Ventura County Library Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Ventura County Library Services. The funds raised will contribute to a vast array of programs at Ventura County libraries, encompassing literacy, the arts, technology, and cultural lessons designed to engage and inspire library members of all ages throughout the county.

Tickets are $50 each. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.vclibraryfoundation.org/

California State University, Channel Islands Broome Library Lecture Series

Faculty from disciplines across the CSUCI campus participate in these unique and informal lectures at local libraries throughout the county as a way to engage with the broader public and participate in community outreach. Events are free and open to the public.

Peering Into Darkness: Exploring the Deep Sea

Hill Road Library Sunday, April 21, 11:30 am

What makes the deep ocean a wondrous, mysterious environment? Dr. Geoffrey Dilly will discuss the strange adaptations deep ocean animals have developed, the human impact on this far-away ocean environment, and his own experiences in deep sea biology, including several dives on Alvin, the most widely recognized deep-sea submersible. For more information, contact Linda Cherry, Hill Road Librarian, [email protected]

Who Wrote Shakespeare?

Hill Road Library Tuesday, May 7, 5:00 pm

Shakespeare’s plays are known world-wide and have shaped our languages and literary imaginations for centuries.

But is Willam Shakespeare truly the author of the works we know as “Shakespeare’s”?

English Professor Bob Mayberry will host a presentation and discussion of the myths, legends, and theories

surrounding the authorship of what we know as “Shakespeare” as part of the Broome Library Lecture Series.

Professor Mayberry has taught classes on English, poetry, composition, swearing, and even baseball literature during his 16 years at CSU-CI,

For additional information, contact Linda Cherry, Hill Road Librarian, at [email protected]

The Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore in E.P. Foster Library

2nd Look Books
is now open 7 days a week,
Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

New donations arrive every week and the stock in our store is regularly refreshed.

We also invite you to visit our online bookstore for local sales for unique items, including Manga, Vintage, Art and Architecture. In April, the Music category is 10% off. Find the link at our website: https://venturafriendsofthelibrary.org. Orders are picked up at our bookstore in E.P. Foster Library.

Buena High School is all shook up

Buena High School is thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited spring musical, “All Shook Up School Edition,” inspired by the timeless tunes of Elvis Presley and featuring a book by Joe DiPietro.

Theatre Director Karen Rodrigues expresses her excitement, stating, “We are elated to bring you this lip-curling, hip-swiveling musical.  It is a hilarious comedy that celebrates love and the transformative power of music.”

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, “All Shook Up,” directed by Karen Rodrigues, with vocal direction by Kevin Downey and Choreography by Buena High School Senior Elena Ozuna, promises an unforgettable experience.  Performances kick off on Thursday, April 18, at 7 pm, with a limited run through Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Set in 1955, the musical introduces a guitar-playing young man who arrives in a conservative town, stirring up excitement and change. As the mayor enforces laws against loud music and tight pants, the townsfolk embark on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. This musical fantasy will have audiences jumpin’ out of their blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”

Director Karen Rodrigues reflects on the significance of this production, her last before retiring, stating, “I am proud that “All Shook Up” is my final production at Buena. It is a reflection of the resilience of Buena’s Theatre Department.  We had scheduled to open it in April 2020, and we had to close due to the COVID-19 shut down.  Now, we are bringing it back with a full cast of outstanding performers. Audiences will love this show.”

Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to support the arts in our local, public schools, and fill your heart with laughter and love.  Tickets are on sale now at bhsdramaboxoffice.org, and you can also purchase tickets at the door.  Performances will be held at the Buena High School McConnell Auditorium, located at 5670 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003. 

For more information about the play, contact Buena’s Theatre Director, Karen Rodrigues, at [email protected]. For more information on Buena High School or District, contact Marieanne Quiroz, Director of Communications/Public Information Officer, at 805-641-5000.