Mike McBain
(December 13, 1942 – September 30, 2023)
In loving memory of Mike McBain, a distinguished academic, entrepreneur, and community servant. Mike’s journey from philosophy at Cal State University, Los Angeles, to an MBA at Cal State University, Northridge, set the stage for a remarkable career. His entrepreneurial spirit thrived with Central Courier, exemplifying punctuality and community commitment. Later, McBain Managerial Bookkeeping and real estate management showcased his financial acumen. A Lion at heart, he served the Ventura community. His recent publications and business ventures reflected his enduring innovation. Mike’s legacy is one of growth, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. The memorial for Mike McBain will be on Nov. 19th at 3pm at Poinsettia Pavilion.
With support from the Ventura Yacht Club and Ventura Port District, on the foggy afternoon of October 18, the iconic Hokule’a arrived at Ventura Harbor, welcomed by a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. The indigenous community, local Hālau, and the general public gathered to greet the voyaging canoe as it gracefully docked at the Ventura Yacht Club, its home for the next six days.
At the dockside, a heartwarming assembly of individuals from various backgrounds stood ready to embrace Hōkūleʻa. Tomol paddler Alan Salazer from the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians exuded the spirit of indigenous cultures. Chairman Matthew Vestuto and the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians (Chumash) Tribal Council shared their rich heritage. Two local Hālau groups, Ka Hale Hula ʻO Pilialohaokalani O Hilo and Hālau Hula O Pualanina`auali`ioha, shared traditional Hawaiian culture at the gathering.
With a sense of unity, the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians granted permission for Hōkūleʻa to dock, marked by a beautiful welcome song. Captain Mark Ellis requested to visit the ancestral home of the Barbareño/Ventureño Chumash, honoring the land’s heritage. The crew disembarked and exchanged gifts with the Tribal Chairman and Council. Lei were presented to the captain, placed on the canoe’s front manu, followed by the crew’s chant, “la Wa’a Nui.”
Together, they proceeded to a sacred ceremony at Ventura Harbor Cove beach, led by Chairman Matthew Vestuto and Captain Mark Ellis, and traditional dances from the two Hālau groups filled the air with cultural significance.
The Hōkūleʻa’s visit to Ventura is part of the Moananuiākea voyage, the purpose of which is to ignite a movement of 10 million “planetary navigators” who will pursue critical and inspiring “voyages” to ensure a better future for the earth. The Hōkūleʻa crew furthered this mission by educating the many visitors to the canoe. During public tours, the community learned about Hōkūleʻa’s history, navigation, and the crew’s responsibilities. Over 70 students from Oxnard elementary schools andhad the privilege of embarking on Hōkūleʻa, where they learned about its voyage, history, rope tying, and traditional wayfinding using celestial bodies.
On October 24, Hōkūleʻa set sail for Marina Del Rey. The voyage will then continue to Newport, Dana Point, and San Diego. In light of the devastating fires on Maui, the Hōkūleʻa will return home from San Diego in December before continuing her circumnavigation of the Pacific. She carries with her the stories of communities coming together, transcending boundaries, and celebrating the rich mosaic of cultures that make the Pacific region so extraordinary. Hōkūleʻa’s Moananuiākea circumnavigation of the Pacific is not merely a voyage; it is an inspirational testament to the enduring spirit of humanity.
The celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County continues this Fall–
In the 1950’s, Ventura County had its own version of the Trial of the Century. Ventura Friends of the Library are welcoming Deborah Holt Larkin back to town to speak about her memoir: A Lovely Girl: The Tragedy of Olga Duncan and the Trial of One of California’s Most Notorious Killers.
Deborah Holt Larkin was ten years old when her father, the court reporter for the Ventura County Star-Free Press, was immersed in the trial of Olga Duncan’s killers taking place at the Ventura County Courthouse (now Ventura City Hall). Larkin’s memoir tells the story of this stranger-than-fiction murder case and the influence of her reporter father’s work in her early life.
On Saturday, November 4, 10 am to noon at the Atrium at City Hall, you can hear all about this true crime saga from Deborah Holt Larkin. She tells us, “In between the carefully researched true crime procedural chapters, the thread of the story winds back to chapters of my coming-of-age memoir about our quirky family life and my dawning realization that sometimes terrible things can happen to good girls. That evil can hide behind a mask of
normalcy.”
Please park behind the City Hall. The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and book signing will follow the talk.
Then, on Sunday, November 5, Deborah Larkin will be the guest speaker at Ventura Friends of the Library Annual Membership Meeting at 2:00 pm in the Topping Room in E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St. Guests are always welcome at our annual meetings. As some of our members will remember Deborah’s father, Bob Holt, from his 34 years reporting for the Ventura Star-Free Press, we’ll be eager to hear her recollections of his impact on her life during the course of these dramatic events. Books will be available for purchase and
signing by the author. A brief business meeting for Ventura Friends of the Library members will follow the talk.
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 of Ventura County as 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].
Ventura Friends of the Library are having a very busy November; we are also having a book sale:
Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, November 18, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
at the Vons at Telegraph & Victoria
Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s
Manga, Comic Books, Graphic Novels
Puzzles, Audiobooks, DVDs & CDs
Michael Ray was a featured singer at Boots and Brews.
by Joesph Seemayer
Boots and Brews Country Music Festival is back at Surfers Point Live with Country Music Superstar Jon Pardi! Along with Jon Pardi, Michael Ray, Niko Moon & Highway Starr were all featured on October 15, 2023, in Ventura, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
“The Boots and Brews Country Music Festival in Ventura, California is one of the best country music festivals in the state— from its views of the beach to star-studded lineups, Boots and Brews is an annual event that keeps country music enthusiasts coming back year after year”, as described by CBF Productions on the Visit Ventura California website (www.visitventuraca.com).
The festival grounds offer much more to do than its fantastic country music performances. Festival guests enjoyed good ol’ fashioned line dancing at Honky Tonk or made their way through the Vendor Marketplace, an assortment of high-quality goods like hats, clothing, boots, jewelry, and more.
Hungry or thirsty? There were 15+ local food vendors featured, including several bars serving up a variety of canned and mixed beverages.
Bars were serving whiskey cocktails and ice-cold margaritas, along with beers from the popular Central Coast brewer, Firestone Walker.
“Festival organizers have a knack for booking some of the hottest acts in country music, from established stars to up-and-coming talent. Expect top-notch performances and a diverse musical experience that spans traditional country, modern country rock, and everything in between”, states the Visit Ventura CA website.
This year’s music lineup continued the festival’s talent for booking some of Country music’s top stars and up and upcoming acts. The 2023 festival was headlined by country music legend, Jon Pardi who was accompanied by several other notable country music stars including Michael Ray, Niko Moon, and Highway Star. Below is some information about each artist and their music styles.
Jon Pardi (born May 20, 1985) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Signed to Capitol Nashville, he has released four studio albums: Pardi’s music style is defined by neotraditional country influences.
Michael Ray Roach (born April 29, 1988) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Michael Ray’s performance at this year’s Boots and Brews captured the attention of the music lover’s in attendance. Extremely entertaining, Michael Ray and his band interacted with the fans on almost a personal level.
Another featured artist at this year’s Boots and Brews was Niko Moon (born Nicholas Cowan; September 20, 1982). Niko Moon is an American country pop singer and songwriter signed to RCA Nashville.
Starting off the concert was California local band, Highway Starr. The Bash (www.thebash.com) describes Highway Starr as Southern California’s Premier High Energy Modern Country Rock Band.
Past Boots & Brews artists include Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Jake Owen, Morgan Wallen, Cole Swindell, Chris Young, and many more. The anticipation of who will be taking the stage each year adds an element of excitement that keeps fans coming back.
Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce. Photos by Trinity Wheeler Photography
Hosted by Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), the event raised funds to help sustain and support entrepreneurship in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) hosted its annual Empowerment is Priceless fundraiser at Camarillo Ranch on Wednesday, October 18. The event recognizes outstanding women in business as well as community partners who advocate for economic empowerment in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. WEV is a non-profit that provides a full range of small business support – including classes, consulting, and funding – as well as financial literacy programs in both English and Spanish. Information at www.wevonline.org .
This year’s awardees demonstrate determination, leadership, and the power of community. WEV awarded Client of the Year to Blanca Hoffmeier, President of SWPPP CAL Stormwater Management, the Trailblazer Award to Vanessa Bechtel, President & CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation, and Community Partner of the Year to the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce.
Blanca Hoffmeier
Client of the Year honoree Blanca Hoffmeier spoke to the crowd of 250 attendees and shared her inspirational story. In 2017, Hoffmeier started her stormwater management business in Thousand Oaks. “ I started SWPPP CAL because I care about the world I live in and found a way to make that my profession. I’m proud to say that my story is a testament to the power of mentorship, determination, and a firm belief in the potential of women.” As a woman-business owner working in the male-dominated industry of engineering and construction, Blanca is also among the few certified drone pilots nationally who are women – only 8% in the U.S. “I have an engineering degree, but never studied business. And English is my second language. WEV has meant the world to me as a Latina. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to WEV for leveling up my business. By extension, my life, and my family,” explained Hoffmeier.
Vanessa Bechtel
WEV CEO Kathy Odell shared “We are seeing an unprecedented surge in entrepreneurship across the United States and women entrepreneurs are driving the surge. In 2019, women comprised just 29% of new business applications. Since 2021, they’ve represented over 49% of all new businesses. Clients come to us often with limited business resources or training, but with boundless aspirations, unwavering commitment, passion, and determination. At WEV, our mission is to ensure their success.”
Lure Digital produced WEV’s Empowerment is Priceless video, which shares the stories of local business owners as well as the economic perspective from Ventura County CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson. Ky Schultz and Bria Little of Lure Digital, said, “We are honored to produce the Empowerment is Priceless video, featuring stories about WEV’s unique ability to cultivate the power within each individual to realize their entrepreneurial dreams.”
Proceeds raised at the Empowerment is Priceless event will directly benefit WEV’s business funding and client programs, including financial literacy and education classes, business training courses, individual coaching, and business advisory services – all provided in both English and Spanish.
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills.
Jordan Garcia, 1st grader at Portola Elementary celebrated his 7th birthday on October 14, but it was not the celebration that his mother was hoping to provide. Jordan was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and has started what will be a long medical journey towards beating cancer including undergoing chemotherapy treatments, bone marrow testing, lumbar punctures, and ensuring countless side effects that come with this diagnosis. His mother has asked for positive thoughts for Jordan and the family during Jordan’s birthday month!
If you would like to help the family with their compounding medical bills, lost wages (his mother is a single mom as his dad passed away two years ago), transportation, and all of the extra costs associated with this illness, the following GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend for that purpose and we have been given permission from the family to share, https://gofund.me/8720af0c
As always, our community is rallying together to wish Jordan a very happy birthday and a speedy recovery! We look forward to seeing you celebrate your 8th birthday carefree and healthy!
Pollard has held a number of roles that have helped propel Food Share’s expansion.
Food Share of Ventura County has announced the promotion of Kristy Pollard to the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). The appointment recognizes Pollard’s pivotal contributions over nearly two decades of dedicated service and underscores the organization’s commitment to thoughtful growth as it tackles increasing levels of food insecurity. Food Share fed 267,000 individuals during the last fiscal year, more than 1 in 4 county residents.
Pollard has held a number of roles, most notably as grants director, securing crucial funding and resources that have helped propel Food Share’s expansion to become Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization. She also plays a key role in implementing grant funded programs, and has been a driving force behind initiatives targeting improved food accessibility for marginalized groups including farm workers, seniors, and children. Additionally, Pollard’s championing of expansion projects like CalRecycle has solidified her status as an integral part of the Food Share team.
Reporting directly to Monica White, Food Share’s President & CEO and collaborating closely with all department heads, the newly created CSO position will be instrumental in shaping and implementing Food Share’s long-term strategies, fostering innovative solutions, and ensuring the organization’s sustained growth and impactful efforts in combating hunger and food insecurity in Ventura County.
Speaking about the appointment, Monica White said, “Kristy’s proven leadership skills foster an environment of motivation and mentorship that has earned the trust and admiration of colleagues and partners alike. In her new role, she will be instrumental in cross-functional strategic initiatives that will help optimize our continued efforts to meet the needs of escalating food insecurity in Ventura County.”
Ribbon cutting was held at Five Points Meat Market. Five Points Meat Market, formerly known as Main Street Meats, is proud to bring you that old school butcher shop tradition. In taking over a centennial business, we fully intend to continue with a tradition of community and excellence in service of the old school butcher.
A Chamber ribbon cutting was held at Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones & Feingold, LLP.
A premier, full-service, and trustworthy law firm that specializes in a variety of legal disciplines.
The Ventura Chamber held a ribbon cutting for St. Bonaventure High School Black Box Theatre.
The versatility of the Black Box Theatre gives actors, directors and designers absolute artistic freedom. With flexible seating arrangements, each production can have a customized actor-audience relationship. Combined with a full complement of theatrical lighting, sound and video technologies, this performance space offers unlimited possibilities.
