Thursday, October 31 – 9am – 5pm
Enjoy free admission to the Ventura Botanical Gardens this Halloween. Bring your family and friends to unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the Gardens! Leashed dogs are welcome. Don’t miss the Courtyard Garden Shop — browse our plants, pottery and get a head start on holiday shopping. Interested in supporting the Gardens? Ask about our plant sponsorships. www.venturabotanicalgardens.com.
Last weekend, locals and visitors reveled in the Halloween festivities at Ventura Harbor. The celebration kicked off with the Annual Witches Paddle, followed by live music, the adorable HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest, Seaside Trick-or-Treat, giant expertly carved pumpkins, and even a Thriller Zombie Dance.
Amidst all the fun, the iconic Greek Restaurant stood out. This family-friendly eatery has attracted patrons to the harbor for over 30 years.
Gerasimos (Makis) and Lynn Mikelatos began their culinary journey in 1980 with their first venture, “It’s Greek To Me,” at Centerpoint Mall. From delectable lamb chops to hearty moussaka, their restaurants have offered a taste of Greece alongside lively belly dancing and Greek dance shows.
Adapting to the times, “The Greek” added Tango 2nd and 4th Tuesday and The Greek After Dark any night by prior arrangement, featuring specialty drinks and a virtual DJ spinning ’80s hits from 9 pm to midnight. This fresh twist, combined with classic Greek flavors, showcases the restaurant’s ability to evolve while honoring its roots.
Their commitment to the community extends beyond food, with active involvement in local schools, the Ventura Chamber, and nonprofits, blending flavors with a spirit of giving.
With some loyal employees marking over 30 years with “The Greek,” it remains a family affair, offering breathtaking views that transport diners to Greece’s sunlit shores. Today, “The Greek” stands as a symbol of tradition, passion, and Mediterranean hospitality, inviting all to celebrate life, love, and fine cuisine.
Check out their full breakfast menu and spacious venue for your upcoming holiday gatherings. And with the holidays fast approaching, make reservations early for one of the best views in town to enjoy the Parade of Lights and New Year’s Eve celebrations!
The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is dedicated to keeping pets out of shelters and in their homes. A key initiative in achieving this goal is providing free pet food to those in need through various free pet food programs.
The HSVC Pet Food Bank, located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, offers free dry and wet dog and cat food Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the Pantry 4 Paws program provides pet food directly from HSVC’s remote pet food banks throughout Ventura County. The newest program, DoorDash PET, partners with DoorDash to deliver free dog and cat food to pet owners within a 10-mile radius of an HSVC host location.
The Pet Food Bank assists low-income pet guardians by supplying free pet food. Financial hardship is a leading reason for pet relinquishment, and HSVC’s Pet Food Bank aims to help those struggling to feed their beloved animals. The program is fully funded by community donations, and HSVC’s Pet Food Banks are always in need of dry and wet dog and cat food. Donations of unopened pet food can be dropped off at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai.
As a private nonprofit, HSVC relies entirely on community support and receives no government funding or assistance from national animal welfare organizations. Your donations to their free pet food programs help keep pets in their homes and out of the shelter.
For more information, visit hsvc.org/food.
If you are in an abusive relationship and fear for your pet’s safety if you leave, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) can help. First, please contact Ventura County’s Interface Program (VCIP) by dialing ‘211’ or (805) 485-6114. VCIP personnel are aware of the VCAS Safe Haven program. When the time is right, you will bring your pet to the Camarillo Shelter, where they will be placed in a temporary foster home with a loving and caring VCAS foster family. Your animal will not be listed anywhere online.
A vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables showcased at McGrath Family Farms.
Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.
“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”
On Farm Day, the public can select the locations they want to visit by going to the Farm Day Trail Map (https://venturacountyfarmday.com/map) and then travel at their own pace from site to site. Descriptions of what to expect at each site are included on the map. The day consists of behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Some sites require pre-registration. “Pick three or four locations and plan your day,” says Paulus-Case.
Widespread farming in Ventura County dates back to the 1780s and agriculture is still one of the largest industries in the county with crop values in 2023 totaling over $2.1 billion. “Nothing else in Ventura County has more history than agriculture,” says Phil McGrath, owner of McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo and Farm Day participant. “Farm Day provides the opportunity to understand how agriculture in the county evolved, what growers are doing now and what the future will bring.”
Participating in Farm Day this year include the Agriculture Museum of Ventura County, Agromin (organic compost, mulch), Alpacas At Windy Hills (Alpaca fleece), Duda Farm Fresh Foods (celery and lettuce), Eden Forest Collective (agroforestry), Good Farms (berries), Growing Works (fresh flowers), McGrath Family Farm (organic farming), Ojai Olive Oil (olives), Oxnard Historic Farm Park, Petty Ranch (fruits and vegetables), Prancer’s Farm (strawberries, tomatoes, avocados), Ranchos Camulos National Historic Landmark Museum, UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, VCAA Senior Nutrition Farm and Ventura County
Agriculture/Weights and Measures. Petty Ranch will serve as the Farm Day Hub with booths, displays, kids’ activities and free fresh produce.
Two school farms are participating – Rio School District Farm and Sa’Aliyas Ranch. Both farms teach students about agriculture including career opportunities–all while growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables for market.
Ventura County Farm Day sponsors include The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Gene Hass Foundation, Driscoll’s, Church Brothers Farms, Mission Produce, and County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights and Measures.
Visitors are encouraged to register in advance at My805Tix (https://www.my805tix.com/e/venturafarmday). Once registered, guests show their 805Tix QR code at each location to enter without signing in.
Several hotels are offering special room rates over the Farm Day weekend. For more information about Ventura County Farm Day including a list of local hotels, visit www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-892-8155. The Trail Map is updated daily. No pets allowed.
Tuesday, November 5 is Election Day and CAPS crews are actively engaged in the democratic process. Recently CAPS recorded, broadcast, and streamed the League of Women Voters forum for candidates vying for positions on the Ventura City Council and the Ventura Unified School District Board of Education, and the CAPS crew recorded individual statements with the candidates in the CAPS studio for Video Voter 2024.
The Ventura County Registrar mailed ballots to registered voters throughout the County and has opened an early voting site at the county government center. October 21 is the last day to register to receive a ballot in the mail and in-person voting begins on October 26. One of the many drop boxes throughout the county is at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road. For complete voter information go to the Ventura County Clerk website at https://recorder.countyofventura.org/elections/
In addition to directing, broadcasting and streaming city council and other public meetings at City Hall, CAPS crews continue to produce informative videos in collaboration with city communications team on topics including Ventura Voices discussions with Gina Dorrington at Ventura Water, the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force, community meetings for the Santa Paula Branch Line Trail, and updates on the Pierpont gas leak.
On Friday, November 15, CAPS is hosting a special presentation “How About Something Positive” by Rafe Esquith, one of the most celebrated teachers in America. Recognized by the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Time magazine as, “The finest classroom teacher in the country,” Rafe’s honors including Disney’s “Teacher of the Year”, Oprah Winfrey’s “Use Your Life Award” and the President’s “National Medal of the Arts” – the only teacher to every receive the award. Rafe dedicated thirty-two years teaching 5th graders in inner city Los Angeles, 90 percent were living below the poverty level, and none spoke English as a first language, yet, his students consistently scored in the top 10 percent of the country in standardized tests and went on to graduate from major colleges and universities nationwide. Rafe’s lecture explores the challenges, hardships, and rewards of teaching. “How About something Positive” will be held in the Ventura College Applied Science Center 6-8pm. It’s free to the public, seating is limited, and reservations are required. Go to https://Rafe-Esquith-Ventura-College.eventbrite.com
To learn more about what CAPS Media and CAPS Radio have to offer, drop by the CAPS Media Center for one of the monthly orientations on the first Monday of each month at 6pm. Everyone is encouraged to discover what CAPS has to offer.
CAPS Media to Commission New Mural at Headquarters in Ventura
CAPS, serving Ventura County residents, is seeking artists and artist teams based in Ventura County to submit proposals for a mural project to be located at their headquarters at 65 Day Rd. Ventura, CA. This public art project is an investment in the local arts community and in support of CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. CAPS are specifically looking to provide an opportunity for emerging and experienced artists working in the medium of aerosol paint.
“Community media, be it video, audio, performance or visual, is our mission and we look to one of the many talented local visual artists to help tell our story.” Patrick Davidson, Executive Director.
CAPS Media is a center that produces radio, video, and television programs designed to educate and inform the local community. The center provides training and equipment to community members to allow for expanded community engagement opportunities. The artwork design should consider the site specificity of the project location, the environment and focus of the center and the community it serves. Suggested considerations are, but are not limited to, the center’s proximity to Ventura College, El Camino and Foothill Technology High Schools.
The request for proposals (RFP), application guidelines, budget, and project timeline may be found on the CAPS Media website at www.capsmedia.org. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2024 at 5 pm. The application must be submitted via email to [email protected] and to [email protected]
Inquiries and applications can be directed to [email protected] or [email protected].
Photo by Freepik
Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) has announced its first annual Halloween Photoshoot Fundraiser. Join VCAS staff and volunteers for a pet-friendly professional portrait session on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Camarillo Animal Shelter, located at 600 Aviation Drive. The event promises a fun opportunity for pet lovers to capture memories while supporting a good cause.
Participants can opt for portraits with or without their pets. To ensure the safety of all attendees, pets must be on a leash or in carriers, in good health, and comfortable around other animals. A suggested donation of $30 will help support the shelter’s ongoing efforts.
This event operates on a first-come, first served basis, and VCAS may not be able to accommodate participants arriving after 12 p.m. Photos will be available for download at www.vcas.us/Halloween following the event.
The Tesla Cybertruck drew a crowd at the Ventura Electric Car Show, showcasing the future of rugged, sustainable transportation.
by Patricia Schallert
Electric car shows are vibrant events that spotlight the latest advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology. On October 6th, Harbor Village in Ventura welcomed hundreds of enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential buyers at an engaging electric car show sponsored by the Electric Vehicle Advocates of Ventura County. Attendees explored a diverse array of electric models, from sleek sedans and rugged SUVs to electric school buses.
Major manufacturers such as Tesla, Volkswagen, Kia, and Hyundai showcased their latest models, along with various vehicles from Ventura Fleet. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District also participated, promoting incentives and funding options for residents trading in gas-powered lawn and garden equipment for electric alternatives. This initiative encourages both residents and commercial landscapers to invest in zero-emission equipment, contributing to a cleaner environment. For more details about this lawn and garden equipment exchange program, residents can reach out to Heidy Yupe at [email protected].
Visitors engaged in meaningful conversations with current EV owners, who eagerly shared their exhilarating test drive experiences. Knowledgeable experts provided valuable insights into sustainable driving practices and the future of electric mobility.
The event featured interactive displays, hands-on demonstrations, and an abundance of brochures highlighting green initiatives and eco-friendly practices. It emphasized the critical importance of transitioning to clean transportation and showcased the significant benefits of electric vehicles. Overall, the electric car show offered an exciting and informative experience, inspiring attendees to consider electric vehicles as viable, sustainable options for the future. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in promoting awareness and acceptance of electric mobility solutions for all.
Join the Mystic Whaler for a family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating and an exclusive viewing party of the Parade of Frights!
Celebrate Halloween aboard the 110-foot schooner Mystic Whaler on Saturday, October 26, as it hosts the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights. Families are invited to bring their little ghosts, goblins, and witches to trick-or-treat at Mystic Whaler’s dock from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m., the Mystic Whaler will begin boarding for the exclusive Viewing Party of the Parade of Frights. This ticketed event offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the parade from the deck of the schooner while savoring hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available at Central Coast Ocean Adventures, with all proceeds benefiting Mystic Whaler’s educational programs for local youth.
About Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation (CCOAF)
Founded in 2021, the Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation (CCOAF) aims to harness the power of sailing and the sea to enhance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) comprehension, promote environmental stewardship, and build teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills among the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, especially youth. Mystic Whaler offers year-round experiential educational programming to schools, community organizations, and the public. For more information, visit CCOAF’s website.
Embrace the autumn magic at Ventura Harbor Village with its dazzling lineup of October events. From Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations to spirited Halloween festivities, the Village promises a spook-tacular season of sun-kissed fun by the sea. venturaharborvillage.com/events
Witches Paddle
Friday, October 25, 2024, 4 – 5:30 PM:
Don your witch hats and grab a paddle! This whimsical Halloween paddle invites witches and warlocks to glide along Ventura Harbor by paddleboard or kayak. Now in its sixth year, this magical tradition (initiated by two local ladies Christie Moorehouse and Susan Stuart) has grown into a highly anticipated community event. Rentals are available at Ventura Boat Rentals, or you can bring your own.
HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest
Saturday, October 26, 2024, Noon – 2 pm:
Paws up for Ventura Harbor’s beloved dog costume contest! From spooky pups to sea-worthy pooches, contestants will vie for top prizes including Best in Show and Most Creative. Sponsored by Ventura Pet Barn, with treats provided by Coastal Cone. Space is limited to the first 75 dogs. Pre-register your pup at www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/howl-2024.
Seaside Trick-or-Treat
Sunday, October 27, 2024, Noon – 2 pm:
Bring the little ones for a festive trick-or-treat adventure throughout the Village. With 20+ treat stops, face painting, professional pumpkin carving, and plenty of sweets, it’s a family-friendly event not to be missed. Costumes are encouraged for everyone (last minute accessories are available for purchase from both Hats Unlimited or Lost in Socks). Don’t forget to bring a bag.
Thriller Zombie Dance
Sunday, October 27, 2024, 2:15 pm:
Zombies take over Ventura Harbor Village with a live performance of the iconic Thriller dance on Ventura Harbor Village’s Main Lawn. Sponsored by Fitzone Ventura, this Halloween favorite is sure to delight die-hard Halloween fans. Want to learn the dance? All ages are welcome.
