Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Valdez Alley

Photos by Patricia Schallert

Walking downtown it is easy to pass by Valdez Alley/Eastwood Park and to just keep walking but you are missing a wonderful experience by not entering it. It is right next to the Albinger Museum on Main St. and across from the County Museum.

Valdez is beautiful as you traverse its many stairs(difficult for some). Surprises await you as you take the walk to the top. So the next time don’t just walk by it take the journey. Valdez Alley is the walkway where the handsome 1820 Ramon Valdez adobe once stood as the first polling place where all nine eligible voters cast their ballots for Abraham Lincoln in 1860.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

It’s time for another Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, April 6, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
at the Vons at Telegraph & Victoria
Children’s books – buy one get one Free (except graphic novels)
Puzzles; DVDs and CDs $1.00 each; Books on CD $1.50-$2.00 each

California State University, Channel Islands Library Lecture Series
Events are free and open to the public
Defining Regenerative Agriculture in California
Ojai Library Saturday, April 13, 2:00 pm
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is currently in the process of defining what the term regenerative agriculture means. Rachel Soper, Associate Professor of Sociology at California State University, Channel Islands, will explain all sides of the debate, drawing on public comments given during listening sessions and working group meetings to illustrate the point of view of those who think organic should be the baseline to regenerative, and those who think regenerative should be more inclusive than organic.

Dr. Rachel Soper’s publications are on the experiences of indigenous farmers in Ecuador, Black urban gardeners in San Diego, and farmworkers in Oxnard. She examines how each group fits into alternative food movements for food sovereignty and food justice. Dr. Soper is currently writing a book about sustainable, organic, and regenerative farmers in Ventura County. For more information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

Peering Into Darkness: Exploring the Deep Sea
Hill Road Library Sunday, April 21, 11:30 am
What makes the deep ocean a wondrous, mysterious environment? Dr. Geoffrey Dilly will discuss the strange adaptations deep ocean animals have developed, the human impact on this far-away ocean environment, and his own experiences in deep sea biology, including several dives on Alvin, the most widely recognized deep-sea submersible. For more information, contact Linda Cherry, Hill Road Librarian, [email protected]

The Ventura County Library Foundation is bringing its Rising from the Ashes Home Tour back for a third year, on Saturday, April 20, 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

The “Rising from the Ashes” Home Tour celebrates the strength and solidarity of the Ventura County community. Attendees can look forward to exploring homes rebuilt following the devastating Thomas Fire featuring a variety of architectural styles. The 2024 tour features five homes, a native plant garden, refreshments, live music, and more.

All proceeds from the home tour will directly support the Ventura County Library Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Ventura County Library Services. The funds raised will contribute to a vast array of programs at Ventura County libraries, encompassing literacy, the arts, technology, and cultural lessons designed to engage and inspire library members of all ages throughout the county.

Tickets are $50 each. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.vclibraryfoundation.org/

UFO at Marina Park

The truth of what this wall was covering in Marina Park had finally been revealed. On April 1, while vacationing on Earth this UFO landed at the Park. They wanted to get an “on vacation” photo in the Breeze while vacationing in America so landed here.

Vol. 17, No. 14 – April 3 – April 16, 2024 – Ojai News & Events

Chamber On The Mountain, a chamber music concert series in Ojai, CA, presents the brilliant young pianist, Dominic Cheli, for a beautiful solo piano performance on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3:00 pm. The performance takes place in Logan House, located at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Upper Ojai. Tickets $35.00 at ChamberOnTheMountain.com. Audience members are invited to meet the artist at a lovely outdoor patio reception following the performance, while taking in a breathtaking view of Topa Topa Mountain.

Alongside the beauty of the Ojai Valley are many citizens in need of assistance. The Ojai Women’s Fund (OWF) is holding an educational event on April 11, highlighting two new trends. Megan Telfer and Jayn Walter, the co-executive directors of Help of Ojai, will speak. The talk and following discussion will be held at the Sane Living Center on April 1, 5:30 to 7 PM.

Ojai Women’s Fund welcomes all Ojai Valley residents to meet and converse about the various needs in our valley, what is being done, and what more is needed. Doors open at 5:15 PM, and refreshments will be served.

Come and be informed! You will be astounded at all our very beloved Ojai needs, most never seen by residents or tourists. Seating is limited so kindly RSVP at https://www.ojaiwomensfund2.org.

Vol. 17, No. 14 – April 3 – April 16, 2024 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

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

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup: This is the first Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Pierpont Beach Community Council hosts it in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up near the beach at the end of Seward. (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.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers. Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. and

E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome.

April 4, 8: Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. Upcoming close-ended Spring support groups are Healing Grief Through Art, Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m. (April 4th through April 25th), Healing Grief through Yoga, Mondays 6-7:30 p.m. (April 8 through May 20th). Space is limited. All support groups are free for the community. For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief.

April 6: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale at the Vons shopping center at Telegraph & Victoria from 10 – 3 p.m. Children’s books – buy one get one Free (except graphic novels) DVDs and CDs $1.00 each, Books on CD $1.50-$2.00 each.

April 7: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.
Sunday 2:00-4:00 pm 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

April 13: The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to take a boating safety course that meets the National Boating Education Standards before they go boating.

The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Boat America course is an introductory boater certificate

course for novice boaters. The Boater Card, issued from the state Division of Boating and Waterways, is required this year for persons 60 years of age or younger.

Saturday 8- 4:30 p.m. Location is Coast Guard Recruiting Building, Oxnard. Cost is $30. Checks payable to: “USCG Aux Flotilla 72”. RSVP by April 5 seating is limited. Contact Auxiliarist Robert Hamming, [email protected], (805) 701-7216.

April 20: On Saturday afternoon, from 1-3 p.m., the Ventura County Genealogical Society will present genealogist Debra Dudek speaking on “Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations.” All VCGS lectures are free and open to members and the public. Non-members may request a Zoom invitation at https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/. Please note that VCGS cannot respond to same-day requests. The DNA Special Interest Group meeting will precede the general meeting from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Lauran Elam will address “The Leeds Method and Other Data Visualizations I Wish I’d Learned Sooner.” Contact [email protected] to be added to the DNA SIG invitation list.

April 21: The Hill Road Library would like to share an upcoming event as part of the California State University-Channel Islands Library Lecture Series. Dr. Geoffrey Dilly, Associate Professor of Biology at CSU-CI, will visit the Hill Road Library at 1070 S Hill Rd at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday to give a talk entitled “Peering into the Darkness: Exploring the Deep Sea.”

Join Us at NAMBA: Where We Unite the Community Through the Power of Performance

Nathan Rivera and Jessie Andra Smith: A Jazzy Folk Fusion.

Discover the heart of creativity at Namba Performing Arts Space, where the vibrancy of the performing arts comes alive in our community! At NAMBA, we’re more than just a venue; we’re a dynamic space where artists and audiences connect through collaboration, rehearsal, education, and the magic of live performance. This April, immerse yourself in dance and acting classes, music workshops, open mics, improv comedy and an unforgettable lineup of artist performances, each a unique journey through sound, story, and soul.

April 6, 7 PM – Nathan Rivera and Jessie Andra Smith: A Jazzy Folk Fusion

Dive into the rich, jazzy folk melodies of Nathan Rivera and Jessie Andra Smith. This Temecula-based duo brings the unique resonance of guitars and accordion, blending male and female vocals in a captivating interplay. Accompanied by the talents of Trevor Mulvey on upright bass and Blake Armstrong on drums, their shows are a blend of original music, storytelling, and audience interaction, creating an unforgettable experience. From Mexico to France, their global journeys bring a wealth of stories and songs right to our stage.

April 18, 7 PM – Kray Van Kirk: A Tapestry of Song

Join Kray Van Kirk on a musical odyssey where folk Americana meets Celtic roots in a celebration of the Hero’s Quest that binds us all. With his precise baritone and fine finger-style guitar playing, Van Kirk’s performances are an exploration of identity, ability, and history. Transitioning from a promising career in science to the uncertain but rewarding path of music, Van Kirk has embraced his passion, sharing his journey through his latest live concert CD, acclaimed as “Album of the Month” by CelticMusicRadio.net.

April 28, 7 PM – Eli Cook: A Night of Unforgettable Music

Experience the raw, electrifying talent of Eli Cook, a virtuoso whose guitar work seamlessly spans blues and Hendrix-inspired rock. Raised in Virginia on a rich diet of blues and rock, Cook’s moody yet dynamic performances promise a night of musical intensity and emotional depth. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a master at work, where each note promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, with performances starting at 7 PM. Tickets are $20 and available for purchase at www.NambaArts.com.

A Night to Remember: Ventura Prom 2024

The night was also filled with dazzling attire, hairstyling and makeup.

by Patricia Schallert

On March 8th, 2024, Mission Church hosted an unforgettable prom for students (aged 12 to 25) with disabilities from all over Ventura County. The aim was to create a stress-free and enjoyable experience in a safe and inclusive space for students to have fun, socialize, and create cherished memories. The theme for the prom was “A Night to Remember,” and it was held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The venue was transformed into a captivating space, bringing the “A Night to Remember” theme to life and was free of charge for the students and their escorts.

The fairground venue was transformed into a truly magical setting, thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to create a visually stunning ambiance that perfectly captured the spirit of the event. The decorations, combined with the efforts of the volunteers, made the prom a truly memorable experience.

A tremendous amount of community support contributed to the prom’s success. Over 400 students with disabilities and over 800 volunteers participated in the event.

Transportation was arranged with party buses, limousines, and even classic cars, ensuring a smooth and glamorous arrival to the red carpet.

Lead Pastor, Mike Hickerson of Mission Church, expressed how this night was a unique and heavenly experience for both the guests and volunteers. He emphasized “that when everyone is out on the dance floor together, they recognize their similarities, and it feels like something is truly right in the world.”

The night was also filled with dazzling attire, hairstyling, makeup, corsages or boutonnieres. As the guests walked down the red carpet, they were cheered on by paparazzi, families, and volunteers, making them feel like true celebrities. Each student guest was accompanied by a student host from the community. Photo booths captured precious memories as the guests entered the venue.

Delicious food and drink options were carefully selected. Dietary restrictions and preferences were considered and were catered to everyone’s needs. The music, provided by a professional DJ, played music to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that everyone could enjoy themselves on the dance floor and show off their dance moves.

The “Night to Remember” prom was more than a special night. It will hold a lasting impact on the community. Taylor Hunt, NTR’s Event Director, expressed excitement about the event’s ability to celebrate and uplift people who are often overlooked and under-celebrated. The organizers went above and beyond to tailor every aspect of the prom to the needs and preferences of the attendees.

Overall, the Ventura prom “Night to Remember” for students with disabilities in 2024 was a resounding success, made possible by the hard work and dedication of event organizers, volunteers, and the tremendous support from the community. It provided an inclusive and joyous occasion where students with disabilities could celebrate and create lasting memories. After a pause during the Covid pandemic, “Night to Remember” finally returned and left an indelible mark on all those who attended.

New Art City Theatre Welcomes Sally Struthers

Bev and Kirby Ward are co-founders of Art City.

New Art City Theatre, Ventura County’s newest professional theatre, is pleased to announce Festival ’24, the company’s inaugural festival of new works. Festival ’24 runs April 25th through 28th at The Museum of Ventura County. Beverly Ward and Kirby Ward, the founders and Co-Producing Artistic Directors, are especially thrilled to bring renowned actress Sally Struthers to Ventura to join the cast of Drowned Cats, one of four brand-new plays presented as part of the four-day, jam-packed schedule of staged readings and discussion panels.

The mission at New Art City Theatre (also know as NACT) is unique. As an emerging nonprofit, NACT serves two groups: writers and audience. “Our goal is to support the work of established and emerging playwrights as well as to expand the audience who attends professional performing arts events,” states Kirby Ward. “By keeping the readings free, we’re saying, everyone is welcome!” adds Bev Ward, Kirby’s wife of nearly 40 years.

“It’s a win-win. Writers who develop new works need an audience, and audiences crave affordable, live entertainment.” she adds. Key to the company’s mission is to attract less typical attendees, like young people with modest means and older people who may be on a fixed income.

The Wards bring decades of professional theatrical practice to their roles. Ultimately, their work as writers shapes their vision as they cultivate relationships with playwrights across the country. As part of their annual programming, NACT will open a submission portal each year and accept scripts of all types, from comedy to drama, and musical theatre, too. For this year’s festival, 175 scripts were submitted from playwrights and composers across the county. With the help of volunteers, each submitted script is read by multiple readers, narrowing the selection to a handful of projects, eventually settling on four. The four writers participating in Festival ’24 hail from Maryland, Long Island, Seattle and Chicago

Each show will have two presentations (matinee and evening) involving professional actors, including Ms. Struthers. The Wards first worked with the star of stage and screen on the east coast, and she later performed in a Manhattan reading of Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, a musical written by the Wards. “Sally is incredible! Not just funny, but as fine an actress as I’ve ever seen on stage. Her role in Drowned Cats will benefit from her sublime sense of humor” gushes Bev.

The Wards spent the first two weeks of March on casting and are confident all the talent will rise to the level set by Struthers. “We saw nearly 150 actors in L.A. and Ventura and there were so many wonderful auditions. We can’t wait to bring these new scripts to life at The Museum of Ventura County.” beams Kirby.

To reserve your free ticket, go to: https://newartcitytheatre.org/festival/.
The theatre has open seating.

The plays:
Swimming Up The Sun – April 25, 1 & 7 PM
Reconciliation – April 26, 1 & 7 PM
Drowned Cats – April 27, 1 & 7 PM
Imitating Life – April 27th, 5:00 PM
Blowhole – April 28, 1 & 5:30 PM

Talkback immediately following each performance.
To Reserve your free ticket, go to: https://newartcitytheatre.org/festival/

About New Art City Theatre
New Art City Theatre (NACT) is a groundbreaking theatre company based in Ventura. Founded in 2023 by Kirby and Beverly Ward, renowned theatre professionals, the company is dedicated to the development of new works and offers a platform for emerging playwrights to showcase their talents. By giving equal access to diverse voices and inviting a broader audience to participate, NACT aspires to elevate all that is compelling about original theatre. For more information, visit www.newartcitytheatre.org, email [email protected] or connect on Facebook or Instagram.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

It’s time for another Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, April 6, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
at the Vons at Telegraph & Victoria
Children’s books – buy one get one Free (except graphic novels)
Puzzles; DVDs and CDs $1.00 each; Books on CD $1.50-$2.00 each

BUNNY BONANZA HUNT at E.P. Foster Library, Friday, March 22, 5 :00 pm – 6:30 pm
Fun for the all the family – Bunny Petting Zoo, Spring Crafts, Spring Scavenger Hunt!

Presented by EP Foster Library’s Teen Advisory Group. The Teen Advisory Group is open to students, 13 to 18 years. Students earn community service hours while planning fun TEEN and CHILDREN’S events! For more information, call 805 626-READ.

Ventura author P. Scott Corbett will visit the Ojai Library at 2 pm on Saturday, March 23, to talk about his new trilogy of books: Harvest of Hunger, Fortune’s Retrieval, and Pursuing Shadows.

Meet the author who turned a lifelong passion for writing, China, and Asia into compelling historical fiction. He’ll discuss his works, the creative process, and publishing.

P. Scott Corbett received his Ph.D. in History from the University of Kansas Columbia University. He has taught American history at the college level for over 30 years, including at Ventura College and CSUCI. He has also taught American history in China and Singapore.

The trilogy recounts the saga of four generations of an American family serving as missionaries and cultural ambassadors in China. Though a certain amount of literary license has been used in developing the narratives, they do track closely actual historical events and experiences of actual people encompassing the North China famine of 1920-21, war-torn China from 1937 to 1945 and China in the 1980s.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

Discover Science at Hill Road Library, Saturday, March 23, 11:00 am to noon This Rainbow in a Jar water density experiment with sugar uses only a few kitchen ingredients but produces an amazing science experiment for kids!

STEAM SATURDAY at Avenue Library –Saturday, March 30, 12:00 to 2:00 pm.
Art Dice: Create a set of dice to gamify your art! Create randomly generated art, where every toss of the dice provides the chance to practice drawing skills, color and shape recognition, art vocabulary, and more.
Space and supplies are limited. This program is free and open to the public.

The Ventura County Library Foundation is bringing its Rising from the Ashes Home Tour back for a third year, on Saturday, April 20, 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Visions to See – Stories to Tell – The 2024 tour features five homes, a native plant garden, refreshments, live music, and more.

The Thomas Fire caused devastation, but not defeat. Join us and witness the resilience of Ventura, as we tour some of the beautifully rebuilt homes and hear the stories of rebirth.

Tickets are $50 each. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.vclibraryfoundation.org/ Proceeds benefit the Ventura County Libraries.