Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Girl Scouts Presents: Winter Wonderland

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast serves over 8,800 girls across six counties.

The Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC) welcomes all to experience an enchanting Winter Wonderland this Holiday Season at Camp Arnaz. Immerse yourself in the sights of thousands of twinkling lights and holiday music as Camp Arnaz is transformed into a fantastic festival featuring dazzling lights, holiday horses, Santa’s elves, and delightful treats. Guests are welcome for an evening of holiday festivities each Friday and Saturday night of December from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Get lost in the magic as you walk through an icicle bridge, walls of wreaths, and twinkling snowflakes dancing to the tune of your holiday favorites. Families will also have plenty of activities to enjoy. Indulge in a feast of festive foods, create crafts to be cherished for a lifetime, meet our holiday horses, and of course, grab a photo with Santa & Ms. Claus!!! Walk the new light path feature built by local Girl Scouts under the direction of Cal Poly University engineering students. This new feature is a fun interactive path that lights up as guests walk on it! All these wonders and more await guests at the signature event of the season Winter Wonderland!

The proceeds of this event will benefit the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast in advancing our nonprofit mission to help build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

There are sponsorship opportunities if you would like to help Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast spread holiday joy to the local community and make this an even more magical event.

Tickets are now on sale for the event which will be held at the Monarch Breeding & Research Institute at Camp Arnaz, 155 Sulphur Mountain Rd, Ventura, CA 93001. To learn more about this upcoming event, purchase tickets, and view sponsorship opportunities, please visit gswinterwonderland.com or contact [email protected] for more information.

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast serves over 8,800 girls across six counties and is committed to making the Girl Scout Leadership Experience available to girls in ways that impact their lives both in the moment and into the future. Girls participate in troops, individual projects, council events, day camps, resident camps and more. A variety of leadership, outdoor skills, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based programs and events provide girls with opportunities to learn and explore in fun and informative ways. To join or volunteer in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or Ventura County, visit: http://www.girlscoutsccc.org.

Last Natural History Walk of 2023 with Lanny Kaufer

Topa Topa Bluffs as seen from Taft Nature Preserve by Alexandra Nicklin

Ojai author-naturalist Lanny Kaufer will lead the last of this year’s monthly Natural History Walks at Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve on Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. His group will explore trails through the wild parts of the property, identify and discuss native plants, and observe birds and animal tracks in the context of local ecology.

This event is a perfect fit with Kaufer’s mission to open a space for people to connect with the natural world, starting with the plant kingdom. The diversity of plant communities and native species make Taft Nature Preserve the ideal place. Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve was featured in an L. A. Times article on “The 16 Most Beautiful and Inviting Public Gardens in Southern California.” And it recently was included in the RedBook Magazine list of “The 12 Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the United States.”

Kaufer will have his mobile bookshop onsite after the walk, including his book, Medicinal Herbs of California, and Milt McAuley’s classic Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains, which features every plant the group will see.

The $35 cost includes a $10 donation to benefit the Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF), the non-profit steward of Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve. The donation portion of the fee is tax-deductible. This walk is presented by the CEF. They are handling all registrations. To register for the event, please visit https://www.taftgardens.org/events/, email [email protected], or call (805) 649-2333.

Registrants will receive an email from CEF with detailed directions. Please do not try to find the venue by using other maps or GPS. Allow plenty of time to find the venue and to make your way up the miles-long driveway.

Lanny Kaufer has been leading herb walks and nature hikes, as well as foraging and medicinal plant workshops, since 1976, focusing on ethnobotany, the academic term for the human uses of plants. His website is at HerbWalks.com. He is the author of Medicinal Herbs of California, published by Falcon Guides in December of 2021 and now in its third printing. Kaufer is the founder and director of the Ojai Herbal Symposium, recently held at Krotona Hall on November 11-12, 2023.

Register at https://www.taftgardens.org/events/ or email [email protected] or call (805) 649-2333

Lanny Kaufer 805-646-6281office
805-797-2072 cell [email protected]
Author, Medicinal Herbs of California
Founder/Director, Ojai Herbal Symposium

“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates

Lost Olivas cannon ball

Could this be the missing cannon ball?

by Richard Senate

In 1928, when Mayor Max Fleishmann was restoring the Olivas Adobe he had purchased, they found a small iron cannon ball stuck in the wall of the old kitchen thick adobe wall. It was seen as a curious artifact and presented to the mayor. He gave it to the Historical Museum in Santa Barbara, where he had a large residence and polo grounds.

The museum put it into a glass case with the story of its discovery and the mystery of how it ended up in the wall of the adobe. Some speculated it was fired by John C. Freemont’s troops in the Mexican War, but no reports tell of such an action. In 1988 a story was uncovered from an Olivas descendant in a nursing home that after the great robbery at the Olivas Adobe in 1855 Don Raymundo purchased a small cannon to defend the house from other attacks. His sons got to playing with the piece and accidentally set it off, firing a ball into the kitchen, where it went through two walls before coming to rest.

Don Raymundo then sold the cannon to saloon owner (and later Ventura mayor) Angel Escandon. An ardent supporter of President Abraham Lincoln (as was Raymundo) he would fire off the cannon to announce a Union victory in the Civil War. Today the County Museum of Art and History owns the “Escandon Cannon.” Is the story true that the small cannon was the one that fired the ball into the kitchen?

The Adobe contacted the Santa Barbara Museum to see if the item could be borrowed to see if it fit in the Escandon Cannon. They were told the cannon ball donated by Max Fleishmann was lost, along with all data on the item! After years of being displayed, the exhibit was taken down and the small cannon ball was simply tossed into a carboard box full of other small cannon balls found all over the state and at Civil War Battlefields and donated to the museum. If the piece had a label it had fallen off over the years.

No one had a record or photograph of the small iron ball. The mystery of its origins was just unimportant to them. Poor museum record keeping means we can never know which of the cannon balls in the box is the curious piece. Perhaps because it was from Ventura, it was not seen as important to the people of Santa Barbara?

Ventura Bike Depot: A Legacy of Passion, Service, and Community Involvement

Ventura Bike Depot, a hidden gem, has been enriching the cycling experience for locals and visitors alike for nearly two decades. Ventura Bike Depot, established in 2003 by Shelley Sund, has become an iconic destination for bicycle enthusiasts and a testament to the power of community involvement.

Shelley Sund, originally from Seattle, is not just the founder of Ventura Bike Depot but a true cycling visionary. She brought the first Italian Quadricyles by Jomark to California back in 1984 and later trademarked the Pedalina, a name synonymous with quality and innovation. Before transforming the current location into a full-service bicycle shop, she opened a dozen rental locations, laying the foundation for what would become a cycling institution in Ventura.

Shelley’s commitment to her community is commendable. She is a member of Bike Ventura, a vital local cycling organization, and a dedicated supporter and donor of both Ventura Land Trust and Brock Hills HOA. As an activist, she has lent her voice to the Cycle California Coast, Channel Islands Bicycle Club, National Bicycle Dealers Association, and the League of American Bicyclists, making a significant impact in the cycling world.

What truly sets Shelley and her team at Ventura Bike Depot apart from competitors is their unwavering dedication to customer service. With a genuine passion for cycling, they take pride in bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who walks through their doors. Their motto is simple: no gesture is too small when it comes to adding joy and care to people’s lives. They take the time to understand each rider’s unique needs, preferences, intended distance, and frequency of use before recommending a specific bicycle.

Ventura Bike Depot has always been at the forefront of the cycling industry. Shelley introduced electric bikes into their rental fleet when she was running six locations simultaneously, recognizing the potential of this revolutionary technology.

Continuing to push the boundaries of bike experiences, Ventura Bike Depot now offers bike wine tours, allowing enthusiasts to explore the picturesque California coast in a unique way. It’s no wonder that they have consistently been voted as the #1 Bike Shop in Ventura County.

Ventura Bike Depot is more than just a bike shop; it’s a hub of passion, community involvement, and top-notch service. With Shelley Sund’s unwavering dedication, it continues to be a symbol of Ventura’s thriving cycling culture. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a new way to explore the city, Ventura Bike Depot is the place to be.

Vol. 17, No. 05 – Nov 29 – Dec 12, 2023 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Men of all descriptions are welcome to stop to sample our shenanigans. Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. 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 Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society’s meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. More information can be found on the website https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup First Saturday of every month! 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) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Dec. 2, 3; 9,10: Dudley House Holiday Boutique. The 29th annual fundraiser for the 1892 historic house museum continues into December on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 – 5 p.m. Come celebrate the spirit of holidays past, where you’ll find quality crafts, home décor, antiques, and collectibles, plus a silent auction and bargain “basement.” An outdoor flea market is added on Sundays from 8 – 4 p.m. Located at 197 N. Ashwood. (805) 642-3345. Free.

Dec.2: Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will be conducting our monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic. There is no charge and all are welcome.

Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport.

Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9:00 to 11:00 am, in East Ventura, off Telephone Rd.

For more information:
Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall
[email protected]
(805) 377-5249
www.sespeflyfishers.org

Dec.3: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.
Sunday, 2-4 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Live Music on stage. Jamming in the Canada Room. Free Admission. Free Parking. Open to the Public. For more information, call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA.

Dec. 5: Free documentary film about the Thomas Fire: “The Perfect Firestorm” at 7 pm at Poinsettia Pavilion. This event celebrates our city and working together to create stronger and more fire-safe neighborhoods. The documentary by CAPS Media highlights how our community pitched in to help each other during the disaster. Please join us in the celebration. Hosted by the Ondulando Firewise Community. For more info, email: [email protected]

Dec.6: The Ventura County Garden celebrates its 100th Year Season in 2024. The Club will hold its annual Holiday Potluck on Wednesday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 117 N. 7th St., Santa Paula. There will be Caroling, a White Elephant, Plant, and Gift Exchange, organized by President Marcia Heerema. We welcome new members. For more information, visit our website at VenturaCountyGardenClub.com.

Dec.9: Join us at Ventura Harbor at 6:30 p.m. for a festive Chanukah celebration! Witness our grand Menorah lighting and Havdalah ceremony under the stars. Enjoy an evening of arts and crafts, delicious donuts, and exciting dreidel games. Be captivated by the thrilling performance of a fire juggler! Pick up a menorah kit to extend your Chanukah festivities at home. For more details, visit chabadventura.com/hanukkah

Dec.10: Light Up Downtown: Chanukah Concert & Festival Join us on Sunday for an evening filled with the spirit and joy of Hanukkah. California & Main St, Downtown Ventura, 4 – 6:30 p.m. Free Admission for all. For more details, visit lightupdowntown.info.

Dec. 12: The San Buenaventura Women’s Club is holding a Holiday Tea on Tuesday. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road. There is no charge to attend and enjoy tea and sandwiches. However, this is a fundraising event, so there will be a cookie sale, opportunity baskets, a wine pull, and a live auction. Cash, checks, and Zelle will be accepted. Reservations are required for members and non-members alike. Contact Terri Davis at (805)320-2702 to ensure seating. Holiday attire is encouraged. There will be entertainment, and you will make new friends!

Dec.12: Ventura Audubon Society’s December Program “It’s Christmas Bird Count season!” Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion and streaming via Zoom: For over 100 years, Audubon chapters from around the country have conducted an annual census of birds known as the Christmas Bird Count. We will also look at some local trends we’ve observed over the past 43 years. www.venturaaudubon.org/speakers.

Dec. 16: Group: Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG) Saturday at 9:30 a.m. online and live at our temporary location in Ventura County Computers 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117 Ventura, CA 93003 (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. All CIPCUG events may be attended online. Due to limited space, live attendance is reserved for members. Details for connecting to online events are emailed before the event. To receive connection instructions, please sign up on our website at http://www.cipcug.org

Aloha Steakhouse – The Spirit of Thanksgiving

This was not your typical Thanksgiving feeding in a large warehouse .

This past Thanksgiving, residents at Tender Life Maternity Home and The City Center Transitional Living, as well as some under-resourced families served by The River Community Church, were extremely blessed with a free Thanksgiving meal. This was not your typical Thanksgiving feeding in a large warehouse where everyone knows the people who are in need. No, this was a fine dining experience starting with making your own reservation and ending with your check being comped by the owners of the Aloha Steakhouse, Jim, Jose and Charnell.

Dining at a restaurant with a phone-in reservation and amidst the public provides a sense of dignity to low-income residents or those in transitional living. It allows them to participate in a shared social experience, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of inclusivity. This contrasts with a special dinner, emphasizing equality and the importance of shared spaces in promoting a sense of community.

Aloha Steakhouse in Ventura has become a true blessing to the community by generously offering over 150 free meals to residents at transitional living facilities and the underserved population the week of Thanksgiving. Their commitment to serving not only delicious food but also fostering a sense of community and support demonstrates the positive impact businesses can have on those in need. This initiative showcases the restaurant’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, embodying the spirit of aloha beyond its culinary offerings.

“Our heart goes out to families in need, and we wanted to bless them with a wonderful meal that they could enjoy together. It fills our heart with joy to see these beautiful children enjoying their food as they dine in our restaurant. We know that these families are working hard to get back on their feet, so we wanted to reward them for their efforts,” says Charnell Smith, one of the owners of Aloha Steakhouse.

“Aloha Steakhouse has been blessing the community for years and I am so grateful for their generosity. The families being served do not currently have the resources to take their children out to a restaurant, let alone a fine quality steakhouse. So, this is truly a gift for each and every one of them “, says Jim Duran, Executive Director of The City Center, Tender Life and Pastor of The River Community Church.

Ojai in the news

Ojai offers an enticing array of outdoor activities including golf, tennis, bicycling, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking in Southern California.

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy offers dozens of miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, all centrally located near downtown. Nearby Los Padres National Forest presents opportunities for hiking, climbing, camping, fishing and swimming.

Home to The Ojai, the oldest amateur tennis event of its kind in the United States, Ojai was recently named one of the best tennis towns in the United States. Enjoy a match or two at the Libbey Park tennis courts.

With beautiful weather year-round, it is no surprise that we are a golfer’s paradise. Visitors can tee off at either of the two Ojai golf courses at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa or Soule Park Golf Course.

A trip to Ojai wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Lake Casitas, where boating, fishing, camping, kayaking, and picnicking are popular pastimes. Just three miles from the town’s center, Lake Casitas was the site of the 1984 Olympics’ canoeing and rowing events! Ojai Angler provides private guided fishing trips. While swimming is prohibited in the Lake, the Casitas Water Adventure features waterfalls, slides, a lagoon and lazy river for summer family fun.