Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

NAMBA ARTS hosts a fall lineup of multi-award winning, international touring artists

The “fastest violin player in the world”, Frankie Gavin.

Multi-award-winning musicians will grace the NAMBA stage this fall. Country musician, Rocky Mountain Female Vocalist of the Year and social media phenom, Belles; The “fastest violin player in the world”, Frankie Gavin; and contemporary American rock musician and inductee into the WAMI Hall of Fame and Willy Porter will be featured.

November 18th features Belles at 7 pm. With stunning vocals and lyrics, Kelli Rachel Belles’ natural charisma and charm comes through her songs and straight to your heart. Nashville industry folks have compared her songwriting to a young Dolly Parton, and a female Brad Paisley. Kelli will be joined with Laura Joy, a nationally touring artist who impresses audiences with her warmth, ability to connect emotionally, and her songs that touch the soul.

On November 19th NAMBA is excited to present, straight from Ireland, Frankie Gavin accompanied by award-winning pianist Catherine McHugh. In 2010, Frankie officially became the world’s fastest fiddle player when he played The Foxhunter’s Reel, at a breath-taking 150 beats per minute! Frankie is working in a duo with Catherine McHugh, who is widely regarded as Ireland’s foremost piano accompanist and is featured on Frankie’s new album Port Eireann.

On December 3rd, Willy Porter, a largely self-taught musician, who began treating audiences to his brand of guitar playing and wry storytelling in the late ‘80’s and has since literally logged millions of miles across America, Canada, the UK, and Europe, touring solo. He has played with artists such as Tori Amos, Paul Simon, Jethro Tull, Sting, and Jeff Beck.

Many local, successful performing artists have roots at NAMBA Performing Arts Space and will be performing this season. Wendy Castellanos presents Flamenco in the 805 on December 2nd at 7pm, it’s 6th annual Flamenco! Showcase. Ana Quintero singing timeless gitano melodies, Tony Triana and Scott Wolf on Flamenco guitar, while dancers Misuda Cohen and Wendy Castellanos set the stage ablaze with thundering rhythms, entrancing movements and heart wrenching expressions.

Doc Ventura and his All-Star band presents “Holiday Blues – Doc the Halls with Doc Ventura” – a music variety show on Saturday December 9 at 6:30PM. This year Santa Barbara’s Brasscals Street Brass Band will kick off the evening by marching from the corner of Oak and Main to down the street to Namba Arts! Also featured is Mint Dolphin, Tom Collins and Hank Van Sickle, The Sea Hunters, Fito de La Parra, R.J. Mischo, Rick Holstrum and Hank Van Sickle.

A 501(c)3 organization, NAMBA Performing Arts Space is an intimate venue that hosts classes, workshops and community events showcasing music, theatre and dance. Offerings include classes in Improv, Acting, Flamenco, Ballet, Tango as well as open mics and songwriter’s workshops. In addition to being a venue for touring acts, we host showcases, community and cultural events, workshops, and educational programs related to performing arts. Our calling is nurturing new projects, fostering collaboration, and enriching the cultural landscape of our community and beyond.

NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 S Oak Street, Ventura, CA. Tickets are $20-$25 and can be purchased at www.NambaArts.com.

The Forgotten Chapel

Saint Gertrude the Great.

by Richard Senate

November 15th is the fest day of Saint Gertrude the Great. A German Benedictine Nun who was known for her mystic gifts. She had a large following in Spain for her writings. Her name graces a lost chapel, a branch Mission, five miles north of Ventura, that stood on El Camino Real and the Ventura River.

No one knowns when it was built, they think it was some time in the early years 19th Century. Three times, possibly four, it served as the Mission when Earthquakes damaged the Mission  San Buenaventura in 1812 and 1857. Once the padres sought shelter here when the Argentine pirate Bouchard threatened the missions after attacking Monterey in 1818. The small adobe building with its orchard was a sort of landmark with the many Chumash grass huts that were built near the old chapel. So many huts that the area became known as Casitas (little Houses). The tiles of the roof were removed from the abandoned site and may have been used to roof the Ortega Adobe.

Adobe is a unique building material, if not kept up, it slowly dissolves back into the soil from which it was made–totally biodegradable. That’s what happened here to the Chapel of Santa Gertrudis.  The old trees survived and letters tell of people riding their houses to Ojai, stopping on their journey to enjoy a Mission Pear, from the old trees. The chapel and its history was forgotten, becoming a footnote in the story of Mission San Buenaventura.  That is until the state decide to build a freeway on the site.

It was rediscovered and an archaeological dig under Roberta Greenwood and Robert O. Browne was undertaken in 1964. The foundation stones were uncovered and tile fragments. that indicated there was a three-room building with a court. The largest room was believed to have been used for religious services. You can not visit this site for it is under the freeway heading towards Ojai today. A monument, using some of the foundation stones was put up and is designated Ventura Country Historic landmark number eleven. It can be viewed on North Ventura Avenue.  Once trees helped to mark the monument but the Thomas Fire destroyed them.

It is sad that the site is gone but with the data collected by the team, a replica of the small adobe branch mission could be built as a museum to tell the story of this site and  Chumash Native American contribution to our city. On November fifteen, pause a moment and remember the lost chapel, visit the site and reflect on  all the history that passed this way. Perhaps they should re-plant the pear trees here, so that modern travelers could pause and enjoy a pear, as they travel what was once the King’s Highway.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

It’s time for another Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, November 18, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
at the Vons at Telegraph & Victoria

On Saturday, December 2, noon to 1:00 pm, Ray D. Preuter Library will host a Living History performance. Connie Korenstein continues her performances of historical figures as part of the 150th anniversary of Ventura County. She portrays Lucy Levy, a Parisian socialite born in 1882. Lucy’s tale is one of love, travel, and surprise, as she adjusts to life in Hueneme, California, during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression. This event is sponsored by the Ventura County Library Foundation. The event is free and open to the public. Ray D. Prueter Library is located at 510 Park Avenue, Port Hueneme For additional information please, contact Timothy Furgal, Regional Librarian, at (805) 486-5460 or [email protected].

For the Fall Season, Ventura County Library is offering a Fall Snack Program at Albert H. Soliz (2820 Jourdan Street, Oxnard), Avenue (606 North Ventura Avenue, Ventura) and Saticoy (1292 Los Angeles Avenue, Ventura) branches. The library will provide after-school snacks for children under 18 years of age. A variety of packaged snacks and juices will be served to all children on weekday afternoons on a first come, first served basis.
The children will also have the opportunity to participate in STEAM activities, enriching their understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

Avenue Library is hosting STEAM Mondays, from 2:00 TO 4:00 pm. New experiments every day! On Tuesday, December 12, 3:00 to 4:00 pm, Avenue Library will host an Engineering Exploration. Marta Alvarez, a civil engineer who founded YCE, Inc., an agricultural surveying company in Ventura County and member of the Society of Women Engineers, will present what it takes to become an engineer & land surveyor, provide a demo of surveying equipment and show examples of projects.

Saticoy Library is hosting STEAM Days daily, 3:00 to 6:00 pm throughout the Fall. Fun science activities change weekly. Saticoy hosts the Engineering Exploration program with Marta Alvarez on Thursday, November 30, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

For more information on these activities, call 805 626-READ.

The Hill Road Library Book Club’s last meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday, November 28 at 4:00 pm.
We’ll discuss The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir by Thi Bui.

The book club will return in January at its regular time – 5:00 pm on the last Tuesday of the month. To join the mailing list for Hill Road Library book clubs, please email [email protected]. Visit Hill Road Library to pick up the latest book club elections.

Lions Club presents a $360 check to art teacher

Second place winner-Teska Raducanu, Balboa Middle School Art Teacher- Ms. Lena Layman, VDLC President- Maya Zumaya, First place winner Gillian Lee and Peace Poster Committee Chair – Janie Tran.

by Janie Tran

First place winner Gillian Lee.

“Ventura Downtown Lions Club kindles the spirit of creativity and peace, presenting a $360 check to Balboa Middle School’s dedicated art teacher, Ms. Lena Layman. Amidst the theme ‘Dare to Dream’ in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest, Balboa Middle School not only answered the call but delivered 8 outstanding entries, propelling Gillian Lee to 1st place with a $150 prize and Teska Raducanu to 2nd place with a $50 award. Ms. Lena Layman received $100 for her inspirational guidance, while the remaining 6 participants were rewarded with $10 gift cards each.

Adding a delightful touch to their triumph, winners Gillian and Teska, along with their families, were treated to a celebratory dinner during the club’s monthly evening meeting at Black Bear Diner. As their winning poster advances to the district level, Ventura Downtown Lions Club takes pride in championing art education in our vibrant local community.”

Winners and their families along with art teachers.

Vol. 17, No. 04 – Nov 15 – Nov 28, 2023 – Community Events

by Ana Baker

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion on each month’s first and third Tuesday. 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. A website with more information can be found at 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.

Nov. 16: The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) will meet virtually at 7 p.m.  Visit the EVCC website at https://eastventura.org/ for the Zoom meeting link.  The agenda includes the East Ventura police report, presentations from the Stewardship Director of the Ventura Land Trust, and the Project 22-0103 manager from Michael Pauls Associates. Mr. Michael Pauls is the project manager of the proposed two-story convenience store with eight gas pumps, an automatic carwash, and beer and wine for off-site consumption at the corner of Wells Rd & Telegraph Rd.

Nov. 18: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a book sale from 10 to 3 p.m.
at Vons located at Telegraph and Victoria (6040 Telegraph Rd.) Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s Books, Manga, Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Puzzles, Audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs. Contact: Mary Olson (805) 223-1187

Nov. 19: Anyone interested in timepieces, both antique and modern, can join the Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors for a watch/clock marketplace, lunch, and a presentation on a horological topic.

Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation at 11 a.m. at the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. nawcc-ch190.com.

Nov.21: Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the historic downtown First United Methodist Church. Participants will include representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Unitarian, Catholic, and Protestant traditions. Refreshments and fellowship in the church hall will follow the service—First United Methodist Church 305 East Anapamu (corner of Garden and Anapamu). Free parking in the church parking lot; enter from Garden Street. 805-963-3579 [email protected] or visit our website www.fumcsb.org or https://www.facebook.com/FirstUMCSantaBarbara

Nov. 24, 25, 26; Dec. 2 & 3; 9 & 10
Dudley House Holiday Boutique. The 29th annual fundraiser for the 1892 Historic House Museum is back. Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays’ past, where you’ll find quality crafts, home décor, antiques, collectibles, silent auctions, and bargain “basements. Open 11 – 5 p.m. with a flea market added 8 – 4 p.m. outside on Sundays. Located at 197 N. Ashwood. (805) 654-8381. Free.

Dec. 2: Flamenco in the 805 is back. Namba Performing Arts Space will host the 6th annual Flamenco showcase at 7 p.m. The show will open with the dance students of Wendy Castellanos and feature over 30 dancers from all over the 805. Get ready, Ventura! This is the pure essence of the Andalusian song. This is Flamenco!

December 5: Free documentary film about the Thomas Fire: “The Perfect Firestorm” at 7 p.m. 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]

Celebrating the culinary legacy of Gregorios Kazos: A journey through 57 years of excellence

Gregorios Kazos has delighted the palates of Ventura residents and visitors alike.

In the heart of Ventura, a culinary maestro has woven a tapestry of flavors and tradition, enriching the local dining scene for over five decades. Gregorios Kazos, a former chef and the proud owner of multiple award-winning restaurants, has delighted the palates of Ventura residents and visitors alike.

With a remarkable career spanning 57 years, Gregorios has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. Over the years, he has introduced a total of 34 restaurants across Canada and the United States, spanning from the east coast to the west coast. His establishments have become known as culinary havens for renowned figures like Yanni, Jeff Bridges, Nia Vardalos, Victor French, and James Whitmore, among others.

Among his numerous culinary achievements, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen in Simi Valley claimed multiple Readers’ Choice Awards from 1988 to 2003. In 2004, Barton’s Steak & Seafood in Simi Valley further solidified Gregorios’ reputation for excellence.

In 2012, the Kazos family opened Stephen’s Market & Grill, a testament to their dedication to preserving and sharing their Greek heritage. This establishment is a unique blend of family recipes, fresh ingredients, and a rich cultural history. Passed down through generations, these recipes incorporate Greek staples like olive oil, feta cheese, lamb, and yogurt into each meal. Stephen’s, named after Gregorios’ grandson, reflects the family’s passion for Greek cuisine.

Hailing from the picturesque Island of Lesvos in Greece, the Kazos family draws inspiration from the lush olive trees that grace the hillsides and lead to the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. The family is devoted to bringing the flavors of Greece to the Ventura community, emphasizing the importance of food in Greek culture, where families often gather around meals.

As the Kazos family celebrated the 11th anniversary of Stephen’s Greek Market & Grill in August 2023, they expressed their profound gratitude to the people of Ventura for their unwavering support. This gratitude extends to the Ventura County community for standing by them through challenging times, including the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturns.

Gregorios Kazos’ culinary journey continues to be a source of pride for Ventura, where tradition and innovation come together to create unforgettable dining experiences. With his rich history and dedication to the art of cooking, Gregorios remains a beacon of culinary excellence in the heart of California. 2632 E. Main Street
Ventura, CA 93003. Stephensgrill.com

Ventura Charter School students return from school-wide campout with a strong sense of community

With each passing year we have been blessed to watch our child flourish.

Ventura Charter School of Arts & Global Education – a tuition-free Ventura County public school – welcomes students’ home as they return from a school-wide campout adventure in October. The expedition spanned three days in the local Ventura County wilderness where students, families, and teachers gathered at Steckel Park in Santa Paula to prepare for the school year by building solid connections while creating a strong sense of community to last throughout the school year. This year nearly 400 students and 300 families attended the campout, which is the only such school-wide activity of its kind within Ventura County’s public schools.

“The Campout, has allowed our child to slowly come out of his shell and meet new people. With each passing year we have been blessed to watch our child flourish and grow during this event,” said Jaret and Jackie Flowers, parents of

Ventura Charter School students for 6 years, “This school is full of loving and caring parents, teachers and faculty.”

During the trip, students embarked on a sunrise hike, completed a riverboat challenge, formed a drum-circle, participated in lessons on local animals and nature, learned to explore and engage with their surroundings in a scientific way and had time to have fun and build friendships that are sure to continue on campus. All grade levels were invited to participate, with older students in grades 3 and up camping overnight with their families and younger K-2 students enjoying daytime camp activities.

“It’s always fun to see the first-time campers getting their hands dirty and embracing the lessons,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education, “For our older students, they look forward to the campout each year. For them, it’s about having fun with friends, as they grow their critical thinking skills, build new and deeper connections, and engage with their environment in ways that carry into the classroom.”

This is just one of the many unique ways that Ventura Charter School engages students with each other and with the natural world as part of an education that extends beyond the classroom. Taking care of the Earth and understanding the natural world are part of the core principles of Ventura Charter School and are an integral part of its global education.

“Ventura Charter Schools campout is one of the most unique school community building experiences families can share with their children and my favorite school event,” said Terra, the parent of an 11-year-old Ventura Charter School student, “We come together to enjoy nature, sing at campfire, and bond together with Charter families and Charter staff to create an exciting and memorable outdoor adventure for the kids.”

To learn more about how Ventura Charter School encourages students to engage with their education in a way that works best for them, and to take a campus tour and learn about enrollment visit: www.venturacharterschool.org/.

Ventura Charter School – Starting as Open Classroom in the 1970’s, Ventura Charter School of Global Arts & Education launched in

2006 as a tuition-free public charter school within the Ventura County Office of Education. The school currently serves over 400 K8th grade students on its campus located within the larger DATA middle school property. Ventura Charter School is an expeditionary learning school in partnership with EL Education. It is guided by 10 founding principles and its mission to, “engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences to grow resilient, educated, and socially intelligent human beings.”