Nature is coming back already, showing us that we can, and will, be as beautiful as ever.

by Jessica West

Beginning in 2009, RCP has been working with community members and organizations such as conservancy groups, state parks and local public agencies to protect and conserve our natural resources. They have several active restoration projects in Ventura County. These benefit the public in numerous ways such as improving water quality, increasing water availability, and reducing wildfire hazards. By reaching out to the community through volunteer activities, participating in community events and conducting workshops, RCP strives to promote awareness about the importance of habitat restoration and conservation within our community.

Jessica West is a Biologist with Resource Conservation Partners and Wildscape Restoration in Ventura. Jessica is a graduate of Humboldt State University with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology as well as a graduate of the Exotic Animal Training and Management curriculum from Moorpark College’s “EATM” program. During college she practiced falconry with a red-tailed hawk and spent a summer in Yosemite National Park as a Bear Management Intern.

Hear her speak about saving our natural resources at 7:30 pm, March 13 at the Poinsettia Pavilion.

On February 15 a ribbon cutting (in this case seaweed) was held at the Ventura Harbor Village in celebration of the Village’s revitalized spaces that includes new hardscape and landscaping. The event included appetizers, lattes and more provided by Village restaurants and live music. It was presented by the Ventura Port District and the Ventura Chamber of commerce. The very large crowd attending included local dignitaries, Harbor merchants and locals.

Rubicon Theatre Company presents King Lear, the centerpiece of the company’s 20th Anniversary Season. Timely and trenchant, Lear is the story of a narcissistic ruler who craves adulation, casts out those who doubt his decisions, and neglects those on the fringes of society. Considered by many to be Shakespeare’s greatest masterpiece, King Lear is a haunting and epic saga of love, greed, family strife, and civil war. Directed by Co-Founder James O’Neil, the production features a twenty member cast led by acclaimed actor and company member George Ball, who has starred in previous Rubicon productions of All My Sons, Man of La Mancha, and Jacques Brel… (appearing in New York, L.A., and international companies of the latter).

Set in ancient Britain, the plot of King Lear follows an aging sovereign who announces that he will divide his kingdom among his three daughters in proportion to their professed affection for him. When his youngest daughter Cordelia refuses to falsely flatter her father, Lear becomes irrational and enraged, exiling his beloved child and his battle-tested longtime friend the Earl of Kent. The kingdom is thrown into a state of confusion, and more family drama develops when the Earl of Gloucester is deceived by his illegitimate son Edmund, who convinces his father that his half-brother Edgar intends to murder Gloucester. Lear’s elder daughters Goneril and Regan reveal their true natures and turn on their father; and Lear, his Fool and companions are turned out into a raging, bitter storm. They try to make their way to safety and peace. As the monarchy collapses, Lear is faced with the folly of his actions and descends into madness.

Dates: March 14-April 1

Opening Night Saturday, March 17

Rubicon Theatre Company

1006 E. Main St. Ventura, CA 93001

Ticket Range: $40 – $65 ($150 for opening night including post-show party)

Discounts for Seniors 65 and over, Students, Teachers and active Military available

Box Office (for single and group tickets) 667.2900

Enrollment is now open for spring acting classes at Rubicon Theatre Company for adults and children ages 5 and older. Classes will be taught by Rubicon Associate Artistic Director Brian McDonald, an award-winning professional actor and director and graduate of Boston Conservatory, whose credits include national tours and work with prestigious regional theatre companies.

McDonald heads Rubicon’s Education and Outreach programs and is has directed numerous summer and main stage productions. Brian McDonald recently starred in the acclaimed one-man show Buyer & Cellar at the Rubicon Theatre.

These process-oriented programs consist of vocal, physical and mental exercises; character analysis and development; scene study; theatre games, improvisation and audition technique. Classes provide opportunities for participants to think creatively and open themselves to new ideas and modes of expression. Each class culminates with a final presentation of the students’ work for family and friends.

Says McDonald, “We limit our class size in order to provide individual attention a nurturing environment where participants are able to participate and grow at their own pace.”

Costs range from $180-$240. And are divided into:

Acting (Ages 5-7): March 10 – April 14, Tuition: $180.

Acting (Ages 8-12): March 10 – April 14, Tuition: $200

Acting (Ages 13-18):March 5 – April 9, Tuition: $220

Acting (Ages 19+):March 5 – April 9, Tuition: $240

To learn more about the classes and to register please visit the Education and Outreach section at www.rubicontheatre.org. Or call 667-2912 ext. 234 for assistance.

Join on Thursday, March 8, for a Community Walk and Speakers Forum to further the fight against human trafficking and sexual slavery.

Did you know that every 30 seconds another person becomes a victim of human trafficking?

Help put an end to suffering through education, advocacy and involvement by joining the event at the Museum Of Ventura County. Registration begins at 5:00 pm with the Community Walk starting at 5:30.

Stay for the Speaker Forum at 6:30 featuring:

• Dawn Schiller, Survivor/Advocate
• Michael Munn, Ventura County DA Investigator II
• Dr. Allison Santi-Richard, Emergency Medicine physician, Los Robles Hospital
• Christan Perez, Client Services Program Manager, HEART Program (Helping to Educate, Address, and Respond to Trafficking), Interface Children & Family Services’

This event is being put on by Soroptimist International, a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls in our community and throughout the world who work to achieve this through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

Soroptimist International was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. Since then it has grown in more than 120 countries and territories worldwide with 95,000 members. The Ventura Chapter was chartered on March 15, 1930. The name, Soroptimist, means “best for women” and that’s what the organization strives to achieve.