On Vacation — Missoula, Montana
Dan Hicks “felt the Breeze” above 5,000 feet
On Vacation — Missoula, Montana
Dan Hicks “felt the Breeze” above 5,000 feet
by Mary Olson
25th Anniversary Reception for Sally Weber’s “Matrix”
On Friday, November 15, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, enter E.P. Foster Library through the Main Street entrance and give some special attention to Sally Weber’s stunning artwork, “Matrix”. This iconic entrance has served as a beacon of color and inspiration for the community since its unveiling in 1999. On this 25th anniversary of its installation, meet the artist, Sally Weber, as she returns to the library for a special celebration. This event is hosted in partnership between Ventura County Library and Kelly Coty Design.
Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore, 2nd Look Books, in E.P. Foster Library will be open during the “Matrix” 25th Anniversary Reception. Christmas shoppers can find great bargains in gently used children’s books, cooking and craft books, audio books, jigsaw puzzles, vintage books and books with a seasonal theme. Regular bookstore hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Nutcracker Storytime
This November, EP Foster Library and Ventura County Ballet present a magical Nutcracker Storytime. Families are invited to a special reading of the classic tale “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, November 16 at 11:00 am. The event will be held in the Topping Room.
In addition to the Storytime reading, there will be mini dance performances by Ventura County Ballet.
Dancers will lead a dance demonstration where children can learn some basic ballet moves inspired by the story. It’s a wonderful opportunity for aspiring young dancers to experience the magic of ballet firsthand. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a Q&A session with Kathie Noblin, Director of Ventura County Ballet, and the ballet dancers. Children and families can ask questions about what it’s like to be a dancer, how ballet brings The Nutcracker to life on stage, and what it takes to prepare for a performance.
This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Sienna Sydlaske, Youth Librarian Specialist, at (805) 648 2716 or [email protected].
Dinosaur Fun Facts & Drawing Activities
Kids are sure to have a roaring good time with Paul and his Prehistoric Pals! Learn about the amazing world of dinosaurs in this fun and educational presentation, and then put your imagination to work as you learn to draw your very own dinosaur.
Saticoy Sowers will visit Hill Road Library on Saturday, November 23, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join the Saticoy Food Hub at Hill Road Library for a day of hands-on activities focused on sustainable gardening, soil health, and amazing pollinators. You’ll also be able to plant seeds to take home and watch them grow!
Hill Road Library Book Club meets on Tuesday, November 26, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. The November selection is Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest selection. To join the mailing list for this Book Club please email [email protected]
Did you know that you can borrow book club kits from the library? Create your own book club with these kits that come fully loaded with all the essentials! Each kit has 8-10 books, a reading group guide, and 1 carrying bag. Check it out at https://www.vencolibrary.org/things/book-club-kits
The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2025 Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, Battle of the Books, and Mock Trial. Approximately 180 entries were submitted by students from throughout Ventura County.
The winning logos were chosen by a committee of VCOE staff members. The artwork will be prominently displayed on promotional and informational materials for these high-profile competitions and will be featured on commemorative pins for each event.
2023 visitors enjoy a tractor ride at Prancers Farm.
by David Goldstein, PWA, IWMD
Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture, SEEAG, a nonprofit organization primarily serving schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, are partnering with agriculturally related businesses for the upcoming Ventura County Farm Day on November 2, from 10 AM to 3 PM. The public is invited to register for tours at more than 15 sites. Not all events will take place on farms, and not all the focus will be on crops. In fact, some long-deserved attention will be focused on the compost and mulch that have long been an important input for productive farming in Ventura County.
In fact, one of the optional tour sites is the Agromin compost facility on Arnold Road. Owned by USA Petroleum, this site was a mushroom farm until 2002, when two recently graduated UC Santa Barbara Environmental Studies majors, one son of a USA Petroleum executive, decided to turn it into a compost facility called Shoreline Organics. By 2004, the two had begun compost operations, but they struggled with permitting, regulatory, and financial challenges.
Agromin bought the business, took over the lease, and turned the site into Ventura County’s major composting facility. Although the facility has been successful for two decades, it likely has only a short future as a compost making operation. Competing land uses, including bird preservation related to the nearby Ormond Beach Wetland, have limited options and posed challenges for compost operations. Anticipated as an alternative, Agromin is currently expanding a compost facility on the Limoneira Farm, near Santa Paula. Agromin also operates a mulch-making and food-waste transferring facility at the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center and expects an early 2025 opening for an in-vessel composting and food-waste-to-animal-feed facility on Mountain View Street in Oxnard.
One of the two entrepreneurs who started Shoreline Organics at Agromin’s Ormond Beach site is now in a different role with another company that is also on the Farm Day tour list. Greg Lewis is now Vice President of Duda Farms Fresh Foods. The farm, near the ocean on the outskirts of Ventura, is a major national producer of celery. Unsurprisingly, the farm uses a lot of compost, as Lewis is familiar with the benefits of the product.
The McGrath Farm is another site where SEEAG’s agricultural education program will intersect with compost education. “I’m going to tell people there shouldn’t be anything called ‘waste,’” said Phil McGrath, an owner of the farm. “We feed what we can to people; anything left, we feed to animals; and after that, anything left we turn into compost.”
McGrath recalled that his late father and grandfather, William and Joseph McGrath, relied heavily on compost, not just as a good agricultural practice for crop production, but also as an environmentally smart method of waste management. Until 1948, the McGrath Dairy on the site and at two other locations was the third largest milk producer in California. Dairy manure was an important input for composting.
Changing regulatory conditions and other factors led to the demise of the dairy, but Phil McGrath dreams of bringing it back with clever measures, including advanced composting, that could make it work again in Ventura County. In the meantime, the McGrath farm hosts the Rodale Institute California Organics Center, which helps farmers solve challenges, conducts research, and provides educational programs related to compost.
Petty Ranch, a fifth-generation farm in Saticoy, is an additional Farm Day site with significant compost connections. Serving as the Farm Day hub, this is the site where SEEAG hosts thousands of children each year for its Farm Lab program. It has an eight-foot-long worm box, where red worms eat food scraps, producing high quality soil amendment.
Sign up for free Farm Day tours at www.venturacountyfarmday.com, and use the farm day trail map to plan your day. “You can build your own farm and food adventure and also learn about compost,” said Catilin Paulus-Case, Executive Director of SEEAG.
David Goldstein, an Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, may be reached at [email protected] or (805) 658-4312
On Friday, October 25, Ventura Harbor was spellbound by the sixth annual Witches Paddle, a whimsical event that transformed the harbor into a magical scene of paddlers, kayakers, canoers, and Duffy boaters—all dressed as witches and warlocks, many with their dogs by their side. Adding to the charm, some paddlers glided across the water on colorful swan, duck, and dragon pedal boats.
What began as a small, local gathering has blossomed into a beloved community tradition, attracting a growing crowd of participants and spectators each year. The 90-minute paddle began at 4 p.m. on a pleasantly mild afternoon, bringing over 200 spirited participants eager to cruise the scenic harbor. Afterward, many witches and warlocks enjoyed meals at the inviting waterfront restaurants in Ventura Harbor Village.
As Halloween approached, Ventura Harbor Village introduced a full lineup of festive events for the weekend, including a dog costume contest, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and an electrifying zombie “Thriller” dance party—promising a spook-tacular celebration for all!
Muay Thai competitors of all ages brought their energy and skill to Ventura’s first ‘Eat Sleep Teep’ event.
On October 20, 2024, the first-ever Muay Thai event in Ventura made its mark in the Tuttle Gym at Ventura High School. The event, hosted by EatSleepTeep.com, featured 40 exciting semi-contact Muay Thai matches, drawing competitors from across California and as far away as New Mexico.
The term “teep,” a defining front kick in Muay Thai. The event was created by Jonathan Puu, founder of Pu’u Muay Thai Academy in Ventura and Ryan and Carol Ughoc, owners of Pu’u Muay Thai Santa Barbara. The event welcomed over 500+ attendees throughout the day, establishing itself as a family-friendly celebration of martial arts.
Spencer Noren of Ventura Forward was the event’s MC, bringing high energy and local flavor to the day’s activities. Attendees also enjoyed a lively presentation of Thai and local Ventura culture, bringing a unique fusion of community spirit and martial arts tradition. Pizza Man Dan’s even brought their food truck for a curbside pizza experience during intermission, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
“This was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of Muay Thai and community,” said Jonathan Puu. “We’re incredibly proud to bring the first Muay Thai event to Ventura, and we look forward to growing the sport not only here but throughout the Gold Coast and beyond.”
Competitors and attendees can look forward to future events with the Eat Sleep Teep series, as the promoters—Jonathan, Ryan, and Carol—plan to continue promoting the sport in the region. The event garnered major sponsorships from local and national brands, including Gold Coast Toyota, 22 Tigers Barbershop, The U.S. Army and Kingdom Supply Co.
For more information and to stay updated on future events, visit www.EatSleepTeep.com and subscribe to the newsletter. Also available on Instagram @PuuMuayThai & @PuuMuayThaiSB.
VENTURA:
John M White’s 5x5x5 Performance Art Show: Fri, Nov 1, 8 pm. Art City, 175-179 Dubbers St.
Featuring performances by: Tribal Me, Ciao Bella, Laura Mullen, Kevin Carmen and Marsha De La O. www.artcitystudios.com.
Día de los Muertos El Carshow: 𝐒𝐚𝐭. 𝐍𝐨𝐯 𝟐, 𝟏𝟏 –𝟔𝐩 𝐦. Downtown
Lowriders, food vendors, outdoor cantinas, community altars, and more! It’s all happening at Limón y Sal Massive celebration spending over 3 blocks! Bring the family for a day of fun. 3 Stages -Live Music -Performances -Community Altars -Street Market -Catrina contest -El Car Show by djdapechmode – Outdoor Cantinas.
Open House Tours – Dudley Musuem: Sun, Nov 3., 1 to 4 p.m. 197 N. Ashwood. St.
Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum including a special visit by “Mrs. Dudley”. Admission is free. For information call (805) 642-3345 or visit dudleyhouse.org.
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE: Nov. 29 & 30; Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dudley House Holiday Boutique. Quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles plus a silent auction and bargain “basement”. This is the 30th year of the museum’s popular fundraiser which is operated entirely by volunteers. Flea market added 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside on Sundays. Admission is free.
Olivas Adobe House Tours: Sun, Nov. 3,10,17, 24, 11 – 3pm. 4200 Olivas Park Drive.
The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park .
Namba Performing Arts Space: Sat, Nov 23 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak St.
Whole Hog. Rooted in tradition, Whole Hog pushes the boundaries of bluegrass, Irish, swing, country and old-time music. Lush vocal harmonies, instrumental mastery and fresh arrangements are at the forefront of their unique sound. For a rollicking good time – Go Whole Hog! Buy your tickets online in advance or $25 at the door. www.Nambarts.com.
Conserving Ventura’s Critical Wildlife Habitat with Trust for Public Land: Nov 12, from 7 – 9pm via Zoom.
The Ventura Audubon Society is hosting the Trust for Public Land’s (TPL) presentation of their ongoing land conservation efforts in Ventura County. TPL’s efforts focus on the unique ecosystems shaped by the Transverse Range. In the face of accelerating land loss – 6,000 acres disappearing daily to development – it’s more urgent than ever to safeguard these spaces. Through strategic conservation, they’re working to ensure vital wildlife corridors, enhancing community access to nature, and protecting key areas from climate risk. For more information and the zoom link go to www.venturaaudubon.org/speakers.
House Farm Workers! Forum: Fri, Nov 22, 9 am – Noon: Westview II: 247 West Warner St.
As 2024 winds down, House Farm Workers! is convening speakers and panels to bring you up to date on the status of farmworker and affordable housing in Ventura County. Agenda includes Effects of the elections; Prohousing opportunities; Funding opportunities and challenges; Results of Farmworker Housing Survey and more. www.housefarmworkers.org.
The Museum of Ventura County: The Curse of The Vampire. Tales from the Book of Nosferatu. Sep. 19 – Nov 17. 100 E Main St.
The artists have created a spine-tingling, comic-like experience that will thrill anyone fascinated by Dracula and occult storytelling. You’ll be scared, amazed, and completely immersed in a world where imagination meets the supernatural! The Curse of The Vampire: Tales from The Book of Nosferatu is a collaborative exhibition that features seventeen George Stuart Historical Figures enhanced by blown up retro comic book style illustrations created by artists, Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. The exhibition brings a fictional story to life, chronicling the rise and fall of a vampire dynasty from Vlad the Impaler (the first alleged vampire) to Dracula to Alexander Cepesi (one of the last vampires). The story unfolds through illustrations created by Pugh and Alvitre in a retro comic book style. www.venturamuseum.org/upcoming-exhibitions.
Patchwork Show: Nov 3, 2024, 11 – 5 pm, Downtown Ventura.
Over the past 16 years, Patchwork has grown from a small parking lot craft fair into multiple locations including street festivals and large indoor marketplaces. Each location is as unique as the venue and showcases different makers and collaborations that reflect the local environment and community. www.dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/
10th Annual Candlelight Remembrance Service: Thurs, Nov 7, 6 – 8 pm. Joseph Reardon Funeral Home, 757 E. Main St.
Words of comfort and inspirational music. Candlelighting for those that have experienced a loss and wish to remember their loved one in a sacred space. Harpist, Ted Nichelson, 6 – 7 pm. Ceremony 7 – 8 pm. To rsvp, contact 805-653-8623. www.reardonfuneral.com.
Gold Coast Gem Show: Sat & Sun, 16 & 17. Ventura County Fairgrounds
Explore over 30 vendors showcasing unique gems, minerals, beads, jewelry, and lapidary supplies. Plus, enjoy live demonstrations and activities for the whole family hosted by local Gem and Mineral Societies..FREE Admission (Fairground parking additional).Show Hours: Sat, Nov 16: 10 AM – 5 PM, Sun, Nov 17: 10 am – 4 pm.
Holiday Craft & Gift Festival: Fri., Nov 22-24, 10 – 5 pm, Fri and Sat, and 10 – 4 pm Sun. Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Admission is free with ticket registration at https://venturacraftfestival.com
40th Annual Memorial Program Light Up a Life: Wed, Dec 11, 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.
Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice’s “Light Up a Life” events offer comfort and solace to those who have experienced loss, providing a meaningful opportunity to honor the memories of loved ones. Whether they were lost recently or long ago, near or far, “Light Up a Life” serves as a heartfelt tribute that brings joy and reflection during this holiday season. Join us for our 40th anniversary on the following dates and times:
Ongoing:
Social Golf Club
Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com
Ventura Senior Men’s Group: First and Third Tues each month: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Poinsettia Pavilion.
Any man who considers himself 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 or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.
Play Bridge: Every Tues, Wed and Thurs at 12:30 pm.
ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse. For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected].
Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Mon each month – 7:30 pm.
Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.
Beach Cleanup: First Sat of every month – 8:30 -10:30 am.
Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St). Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided – BYO water.
Ojai:
Ojai Valley Woman’s Club: Sun, Nov 10, 3 pm matinee
Tickets only $25: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/johnny-mercer-concert-too-marvelous-for-words-tickets-1054346672279
Please join us as American Songbook Today, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, honors Johnny Mercer who wrote more songs that became “standards” than any other songwriter in history! They include Moon River, You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, Autumn Leaves, Dream, I Wanna Be Around, That Old Black Magic, Accentuate the Positive, Skylark, One for My Baby and One More for the Road, Blues in the Night, Something’s Gotta Give, I’m an Old Cowhand, Jeepers Creepers, My Shining Hour, Too Marvelous for Words, Baby It’s Cold Outside, In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening, and about 975 more! (Yes, that number, 975 is correct!)
Our Singers: Ryan Beaghler, Lauren Brown, Laura Dekkers, Jill Dolan, Renee Faia, Dr. Kenneth Haboush, Marcus Kettles, Laura Ring, and Gregg Stewart. Pianist – Gregory Spaulding. Hosted by Michael Estwanik
Wine/Beer/Waters available.
Chamber On The Mountain Presents Pianist Christopher Goodpasture: Sun, Nov 10, 3:00 pm. Logan House/Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd.
Audience members are invited to meet the artist at an outdoor patio reception following the performance, while taking in a breathtaking view of Topa Topa Mountain. Tickets: $35.00. www.ChamberOnTheMountain.com
OXNARD:
Día de los Muertos Celebration: Sat, Nov 2, 4-9 pm Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way.
OPAC’s Dia de los Muertos expands in 2024 with month-long Community Altar in partnership with The Collection. This year, the celebration extends with a month-long Día de los Muertos Community Altar at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, running from Oct 1 – Nov 2. This vibrant display titled “Recuérdame” (Remember Me) is hosted in partnership with The Collection and will be located between Lazy Dog and the Cheesecake Factory. The community is invited to honor their loved ones by participating in a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed. Admission is free and open to the public. We invite the public to contribute to the Community Altar by sharing photos of loved ones they wish to honor. www.theopac.org.
CAMARILLO:
The Camarillo Quilters Association: Tue, Nov 12, Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley Dr.
Doors open at 9:00 am and the meeting begins at 9:30. Jean Impey, a well-known and prolific artist and teacher who began quilting in 2007 will have an in-person lecture called: “Creativity: Has Someone Stolen Yours?”. She has been featured in many quilt magazines. Jean’s workshop on Wednesday is called “The Magic of Fabulous Faces.” Visit www.camarilloquilters.com for more information.
Genealogy Workshops: Wed, Nov 6,10:30-11:30 am. Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Rd.
Help offered with family history and genealogy questions. Doors open at 10:00 am. and Wednesday, Dec 4, 10:30-11:30 am. Doors open at 10:00 am. Registration not required. Free and open to the public. Suitable for all levels, including beginners. Get help or offer help to others. General questions and topics for discussion are always welcome. For more information visit www.venturacogensoc.org
Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG): Sat, Nov 16., 9:30 am. Online and Live at our temporary location, Ventura County Computers, 2175 Goodyear Ave., Unit 117.
Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email, the Internet, AI, and social media brokers such as X, Facebook, and Google (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, sign at www.cipcug.org.
SANTA BARBARA:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Sat, Nov 9, 10 – 4:30 pm. 1212 Mission Canyon Rd.
To make it easier for the community to grow native plants, the Garden’s annual kick-off planting weekend opens to the public. Throughout fall, the Garden’s Nursery is stocked with the largest array of unique and fan-favorite native plants, ready to grow in home landscapes. During the opening weekend, staff and volunteers will be on-site to help guide visitors through plant selection and offer tips and tricks to ensure gardening success. www.SBBotanicGarden.org.
SANTA PAULA:
The Ventura County Garden Club: Wed, Nov 6, 11:30 am, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 117 N. 7th St.
Announcing the beginning of its 101st Season with its 3rd meeting. Event followed by a luncheon at noon, provided by Fillmore/Piru Co-Directors/Organizers: Jeannie Westling and Michele Smith. Following lunch will be a discussion concerning Monarch Butterflies. Bring items to share/sell at the plant table. Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. We welcome new members. For more information, email [email protected], or visit Facebook.com/VenturaCountyGardenClubVCGC/
Laura and Martin Aguilar in Cabo San Lucas
Priscilla Holmes and Rob Schleef of Ventura display The Breeze to Stonehenge in Southern England, a UNESCO world heritage site that is 5000 years old. Scientists think that the stones were a way to tell the time of year.
Bike Ventura County (BikeVC) is an active, grass-roots non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) corporation located in Ventura. BikeVentura incorporated in 2007 under the name VCCOOL and formally transitioned to BikeVentura in 2019, and then to Bike Ventura County (BikeVC) in 2021.
Mission Statement
Our mission at BikeVC is to grow a safe, healthy community through equitable bicycle education, empowerment, and advocacy.
Accomplishments
Box Off:
Upcoming Rides:
These no drop rides are free and open to the public. Rides generally start at the Museum of Ventura County parking lot (100 East Main St.) at 8:30 am and are 15 to 25 miles in length with speeds of 10 to 12 mph. To register, volunteer or donate visit www.bikeventura.org.