Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

The About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

The Summer Reading Program: Read, Renew, Repeat at Ventura County Library is coming to a close. See final dates below.

Christoper T. Magician performing magical feats inspired by and based upon popular children’s books, bringing each book to life with wacky, interactive, and hysterical magic at Hill Road Library: Friday, August 2, 10:30 am and The Party Puppet Show at Hill Road Library: Tuesday, August 6, 3:00 pm and celebrate your summer reading accomplishments at End of Summer Parties featuring everyone’s favorite treat – Mister Softee! Free for kids and teens!

Hill Road Library: Thursday, July 25, 2:30 pm

Saticoy Library: Saturday, July 27, 12:00 pm

E.P. Foster Library: Monday, July 29, 3:00 pm
Ventura Friends of the Library will have a pop-up book sale of children’s and young adult books at E.P. Foster Library on the patio outside the children’s entrance along with the End of Summer Party.

Avenue Library: Tuesday, July 30, 2:00 pm

There’s still one more Hill Road Library Movie Monday, July 29, 3:30 to 5:00 pm – Cool off, color, have a snack and watch Big Hero 6.

Game On! Board Games for all ages continues into the Fall at Hill Road Library. Every Sunday, 11 am to 1 pm. Drop by and choose from over 35 games to play! Fun for families or a great reason to meet with friends.

Wise Owls is a Book Club for adults that enjoy reading children’s literature, meeting quarterly at Hill Road Library. The Summer selection is Odder by Katherine Applegate. Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals. Tuesday, August 20, 5:00 to 6:00 pm. To join the mailing list for this Book Club please email [email protected]. Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Wise Owls Book Club selection.

Hill Road Library Book Club meets monthly on the last Tuesday at 4:00 pm. On July 30 at 4:00 pm, discuss The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvinm. The August Club Selection is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selection.

Local film historian and composer Ross Care brings Walt’s People: The Ross Care Letters to E.P. Foster Library on Saturday, August 17, 1:00 to 2:00 pm Join Ross Care as he discusses this new collection, in which Disney studio artists recall in their own words what it was like to work with Walt Disney on classic films ranging from Snow White and Fantasia in the early 1940s to later films such as Sleeping Beauty.

Vol. 17, No. 22 – July 24 – Aug 6, 2024 – Community Events

Ventura

VC Caregivers Medicare Mingle, Bingo & Brews: Tuesday, July 30, 12-4pm, The Shores Bar & Restaurant, Oxnard
Aetna and The Shores Bar & Restaurant are hosting Medicare Mingle, Bingo & Brews at Bill Kracht’s Shores Restaurant located on Harbor Boulevard at Fifth Street in Oxnard.

“Think of this event as Edutainment and an opportunity to hang out with like-minded people who enjoy a good game of bingo and a brew,” said Executive Director Tammy Glenn of CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly in Ventura County. Aetna’s own Carlos Arguello and Vanessa Lim will be calling the ball while dropping some great information about Medicare in general while highlighting benefits of Aetna.

“Aetna is bringing a ton of cool prizes and I doubt anyone will leave empty-handed,” said Debbie Lasley, volunteer engagement coordinator for CAREGIVERS.  “Our organization also needs volunteers to serve the surrounding areas. If you have an hour to give, you can make a big difference in the life of a homebound senior.  We have a lot of fun together and so many of our volunteers make friendships that last a lifetime.”

Volunteers get their first round for free, otherwise, registration is $10 at the door and includes coffee, tea and water. The Shores has a great menu with custom cocktails designed just for this event.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot in advance, email [email protected], or come early to make sure you have a seat.

Ventura Music Festival: July 25-28, Multiple venues
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), Friday, July 26, 7:00- 9:00pm
Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road.
www.venturamusicfestival.org/events

Open House Tours at the Dudley Museum: Sunday, August 4th from 1 to 4 p.m.
Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum. We will also have a visit from the Attic Bebes antique doll collectors and restorers. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood). For information call (805) 642-3345 or visit dudleyhouse.org.

C.A.R.L. 24th Annual Pet Parade: Sunday, August 18, from 10am – 3pm. Ventura Harbor Village
Gather your family and furry best friend and head over to beautiful Ventura for the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.)’s the 24th Annual Pooch Parade! Join C.A.R.L. and its adoptable rescue dogs for a day of fun in the sun. This year’s theme is “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!” And if you’re inclined, dress yourself and your pup up in the most fun beach inspired wear you can find!  Visit poochparade.org for updates. Interested in being a vendor or an event sponsor? Contact Sheila at [email protected].

Ventura Land Trust Wild Scenic Film Festival: Sat., Aug 24, 5-10pm, Ventura County Credit Union Headquarters
Tickets:  https://www.venturalandtrust.org/wild-scenic-film-festival
Two new trails have opened on the west side of Harmon Canyon (109 & 110). Be sure to watch for rattlesnakes, protect yourself with sun block and carry plenty of water since it gets quite warm on the trails in the summer. The Mariano Rancho Preserve is planned to open to the public in 2025.  https://www.venturalandtrust.org/marianoranchopreserve

Ventura Harbor Village: DJ Bennett, June 29-August 24, 1-4pm
Join DJ Bennett every Saturday on the seaside promenade stage. Enjoy a mix of recent Top 40 hits, family-friendly pop throwbacks, and timeless old school funk and R&B that will keep you dancing all afternoon. venturaharborvillage.com/events. Free

Aloha Beach Festival: Sat- Sun, Aug 31-Sept 1, Surfer’s Point/Promenade Park

www.alohabeachfestival.us

Olivas Adobe House Tours: Every Sunday in July and August

The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Ongoing:

Social Golf Club
Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com

Ventura Senior Men’s Group – First and Third Tuesdays each month: 11:30am – 1:30pm – Poinsettia Pavilion.
Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Play Bridge: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12:30pm.
ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse.  For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected].

Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Monday’s each month – 7:30pm. 
Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

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

Ojai:

10th Annual Mountain Film On-Tour: Saturday, September 21, Ojai Valley School (Lower Campus Sports Field). Gates open at 5 pm – Films start at 7:15 pm
VLC celebrates 25 years of work at the Ojai Meadows Preserve! Bring your blankets and low-back chairs and join the festivities on the field at Ojai Valley School’s Lower Campus Sports Field for another fantastic year of films and fun! Experience the beauty of nature, the thrill of wild adventures, and the power of environmental storytelling through a carefully curated selection of films from the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride. ovlc.org/mountainfilm

Make it a weekend – Friday, September 20, at Under the Open Sky—a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner by Seasons Catering with live music, a photo booth, beer, wine, a virtual auction, and a paddle raise at our historic Ventura River Steelhead Preserve. When the sun sets, we will enjoy a collection of films selected for this special event that will not be shown on Saturday night.
https://ovlc.org/events

Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) exhibition: 1130 State Street.
The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection, July 7 – November 3. www.sbma.net. 
– Performance of Carrot Revolution: Saturday, July 20, 3 pm, McCormick Gallery
The Music Academy of the West’s Arancia Quartet, made up of 2024 String Quartet Seminar fellows Miyabi Henriksen, violin; Steven Song, violin; Sheng-Chieh Jason Lan, viola; Shijie Ma, cello perform Gabriella Smith’s Carrot Revolution. The piece—originally commissioned by an art museum—is a patchwork of Smith’s wildly contrasting influences, unexpected juxtapositions, and intersecting planes of sound, celebrating the spirit of fresh observation. In collaboration with Music Academy of the West. Free with Museum Admission.

Ensemble Theatre – Special Event – What the Constitution Means to Me: Aug 15 -18, 33 W. Victoria Street
By Heidi Schreck, Directed by Matt Hawkins. Nominated for two Tony Awards. A Pulitzer Prize Finalist in Drama in 2019. Named Best Play of the Year by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Time Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The New Yorker and more; NPR named it one of the “50 Great Pop Culture Moments” of 2019. Nominated for a Critics Choice Award, a PGA Award, and a DGA Award. etcsb.org. (805) 965-5400.

 

Exploring the Depths: Local Photographer Captures a Hidden World Beneath LA

Ken Karagozian’s mesmerizing tunnel photographs reveal the captivating essence of underground construction’s unique subculture.

by Patricia Schallert

Ventura resident Ken Karagozian was born and raised in Woodland Hills. He studied photography in high school and worked at ABC/Disney Studios in Hollywood. When Ken first ventured into fine art photography, he initially focused on capturing the beauty of landscapes. However, his workshop instructors, including John Sexton, assistant to the late Ansel Adams, Bruce Barnbaum, and Ray McSavaney, suggested he start a project closer to home. Inspired by their advice, he embarked on his first project: capturing the vibrant atmosphere of buyers and sellers at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market. To his delight, his work received recognition and was published in Pasadena Magazine.

One day, while driving along Hollywood Boulevard, Ken stumbled upon an abandoned car wash. Curiosity took hold of him as he saw a massive fence around the car wash with a sign indicating a federally funded Metro Transportation Construction Project. Fascinated, Ken decided to inquire with the MTA in the early 1990s regarding permission to photograph the construction. After patiently waiting, he received a favorable response, granting him a single day to capture the essence of the project. Excited at the opportunity, Ken described feeling “like I was riding a Disneyland train.” This single day marked the start of an extraordinary three-decade-long journey documenting the Los Angeles underground transportation system, including the monumental task of capturing the rebuilding of the iconic Sixth Street Bridge.

During his time photographing the Metro Red Line, Ken often heard stories from construction workers about the media frenzy surrounding O.J. Simpson. Interestingly, the construction of the Metro Red Line along Hollywood Boulevard seemed to be the second most talked-about topic at the time. Inspired by this narrative, Ken decided to incorporate it into his photography, starting with images of construction workers’ gloves.

Embarking on a lifelong journey, Ken has dedicated himself to capturing the captivating essence of a one-of-a-kind subculture through his mesmerizing tunnel photographs. He found himself irresistibly drawn to the depths of the underground, where he descends an impressive 50 to 75 feet. The sheer enchantment of being in a space that so few have had the privilege to explore fills him with wonder. As tunnel crews uncover ancient fossils and Ken witnesses the remarkable discoveries of diligent workers and brilliant paleontologists, he explains that he can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. He treasures the unique privilege of immersing himself in a world where an ancient ocean once thrived silently beneath the bustling streets of Hollywood Boulevard. The enormity of this fact never fails to leave him in awe.

Ken’s award winning photography has been widely exhibited locally and nationally, and has been featured in many publications, including LIFE Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Pasadena Magazine. Currently, his photo projects focus on photographing the depths below Wilshire Boulevard, which Ken explains “presents its own set of challenges for the construction workers due to the presence of gas and tar underground.” Being mindful of his surroundings is crucial, especially with the presence of heavy construction equipment. Thankfully, his hard hat has come to his rescue on a few occasions, protecting him from accidental head bumps on structural support beams.

Continuously seeking unique perspectives and different lighting conditions, Ken is “perpetually searching for that one photograph that captures the essence of the subculture from angles and lighting never explored before.” Through his photographs of the underground metro, he hopes viewers gain an appreciation for the complexity and laborious nature of this work. Witnessing the skill and precision of miners as they navigate tunnel boring machines and achieve exact “hole through” moments when entering a station is truly astonishing. Ken also noted that when he first began documenting the Hollywood Red Line, there were only a few women in construction roles. However, today there is an increasing presence of women as electricians, carpenters, ironworkers, and engineers. As the stations are built, those women and men serve as connections linking the LA metro’s diverse communities. Ken’s ultimate hope is to learn from and appreciate the richness of all ethnicities within our beautiful cities in California. He loves the “human interest” part of the project. “If it wasn’t for the workers, we would not have this subway construction in Los Angeles,” he continues, adding, “So, I’m really indebted to the men and women that are building Los Angeles’ future transportation and enjoy when my work is on display. Seeing the reactions of the viewers to my tunnel photography, where the tunnel is seen to go into infinity, is fascinating and rewarding.”

“I never know what I’ll photograph upon entering the construction site. I try to visit each site about twice a month. The progress keeps changing underground. The lighting can be very dramatic in the tunnels or you may even get sun rays entering from above ground.”

Ventura Yacht Club Sends Sailors to 2024 CFJ Nationals

Front L to R: Kei Glavovic, Skyler Chaffey, Jackson Wallace, Brett Stein–filling in for Sophia Flosi. Back Row L to R in the Coach boat: Brookelyn Roelling, Braedon Baum, Logan Nordahl. Image by Janie Tran.

by Janie Tran

L to R: Sophia Flosi – VYC Coach and Nationals attendee, Brookelyn Roelling – VYC
Coach and FJ Team Member, though not attending nationals. Image by Janie Tran.

Ventura Yacht Club, located in Ventura Harbor, is making history for the county by sending four of its sailors to the 2024 CFJ Nationals at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego from July 25-28. Coached by VYC’s Waterfront Activities Manager Braedon Baum, a former student of VYC’s Youth Sailing Program, the four students, aged 14-18, will compete against the top 60 youth sailors in the CFJ class.

The Club Flying Junior, or “CFJ,” is a doublehanded racing dinghy extensively raced at both the youth and collegiate levels nationwide. This small boat is the backbone of many yacht clubs’ programs. VYC had a CFJ race team composed of half a dozen sailors in the early 2010s, but the team, along with other VYC teams, took a hiatus as its core sailors began to age out of the program. Under Coach Braedon, VYC reintroduced its traveling race teams to Ventura in 2022 and now hosts two dozen youth sailors in the Optimist (“Opti”) and CFJ classes.

L to R: Chase Shockley – CSUCI CFJ Race Team Member and Coach at VYC,
Skyler Chaffey – Coach at VYC. Image by Janie Tran.

The interest in attending CFJ Nationals was sparked earlier this month by 16-year-old Sophia Flosi, another student-turned-coach at VYC, who gathered a crew of students-turned-coaches like Jackson Wallace, and in another boat, Skyler Chaffey and Kei Glavovic. Practicing three days a week, with post-practice skirmishes built into the decades-old “Friday Night Races” hosted in Ventura Harbor, the four teenagers hope to make the most of this experience by taking all that they learn at practice and competition and passing it along to the next crop of youths joining the sailing ranks.

Sailors practicing for the event. Image by Janie Tran.

When asked about sailing, 14-year-old Jackson Wallace said he started the program at 10 years old with no desire for team sports. This program not only ignited his competitive spirit but also brought him immense joy and significantly built his confidence. Sailing has taught him to think on his feet and has fostered both his emotional and physical growth.

Representing more than Ventura Yacht Club, these teens help constitute the resurgence in the sport of competitive sailing, embody the Corinthian spirit of all sports, and symbolize all that Ventura County has to offer to youths.

Updates on their experience at Nationals and more information on VYC’s other programs can be found online at vycyouthsailing.org, on Instagram @vycyouthsailing, and on Facebook as Ventura Yacht Club Youth Sailing.

A Forgotten Ventura Founder

by Richard Senate

Angel Escandon, born in Spain and a resident of Peru before arriving in California in 1854, settled in what was then a cluster of adobe buildings around the Old Mission Church. Trained as a lawyer, he quickly became a prominent figure in the burgeoning community of Ventura. He married Francesca Sanchez, and as part of her dowry, he acquired a large adobe on Main Street near the Mission. During the Gold Rush era, when demand for cattle enriched ranch owners, Angel seized the opportunity and opened a saloon catering to local cowboys. It distinguished itself with amenities like a billiard table, the town’s first. He also produced wines and brandies from grapes grown on his land along the Ventura River.

The saloon, strategically located next to the polling place, likely thrived during the pivotal presidential election of 1860, where all voters at the location cast their ballots for Abraham Lincoln, contrasting with the rest of Santa Barbara County’s support for Stephen Douglas. In 1863, Angel Escandon was elected to the State Assembly. He championed the cause of Ventura’s incorporation as a city, which was granted in April 1866. In 1870, he introduced AB 442 to establish Ventura County as an independent entity from Santa Barbara County. The bill passed, and Ventura County was officially formed on January 1, 1873. Angel played a pivotal role in organizing the county’s first government.

After his tenure in the Assembly, Angel Escandon served as mayor of Ventura in 1875, when it was still known as San Buenaventura. He continued to serve the community as a member of the city council. Tragically, he passed away suddenly on Thanksgiving Day in 1884, at the age of 51, shortly after playing cards at the Tico Adobe, located where the Burger King now stands on Ventura Avenue.

Perhaps our community should consider erecting a statue or plaque in honor of this overlooked founder, Angel Escandon.

Bill Hahn’s Automotive: Service Since 1974

At the end of Transport Street, behind the old Target near the DMV, sits Bill Hahn’s Automotive. For decades, Bill Hahn could be found there six days a week in his signature smock, hand-writing invoices, talking to customers, and pacing around the packed parking lot with a phone to his ear. His customers truly meant everything to him.

When Bill retired, he sought someone to carry forward his values, work ethic, and care for the community. In 2016, husband and wife Josh and Amber, along with Joel (Josh’s brother and Bill’s master mechanic for years), were hand-picked to helm the ship that Bill built. Ventura natives with deep love and appreciation for their extraordinary hometown—and with garage roots dating back to their grandfather’s 1950s-era mechanic shop at 5-Points—they take the responsibility of providing great service to heart. Their customers mean everything to them.

At Bill Hahn’s Automotive, they believe that maintenance shouldn’t be burdensome. They know that unexpected car repairs are a total bummer. They understand that having a local mechanic you can trust to give the honest truth about what a vehicle needs (or what can wait) will help avoid the biggest catastrophes of ownership. Car care is personal, and there is rarely one single right answer when it comes to repairs. Bill Hahn’s Automotive offers advice on the best course of action for the overall safety and longevity of a vehicle,
often differing from that given by dealerships or brand-name chain automotive centers.

Today, the parking lot is less congested, and hand-written invoices are a thing of the past. Bill Hahn’s Automotive has embraced technology with computers, tablets, digital inspections, text messaging, email, and
phone calls as available communication methods. They work on most makes and models, including late model and select vintage vehicles, from carbureted to computer-controlled.

Some constants remain unchanged across the years: professional standards, operational integrity, expert mechanics providing quality car repairs, best practices, thoughtful big-picture advice, great service experiences, clear communication, and good value.
Because customers mean everything

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Award-winning author Ivor Davis visits E.P. Foster Library to discuss his latest book, The Devil in My Friend: The Inside Story of a Malibu Murder. This book, written with his late wife, Sally Ogle Davis, chronicles their long investigation and the shocking revelation about a friend and neighbor who committed an unthinkable crime. Beyond the account of crime and investigation, this book examines the human condition, the complexities of the heart, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Mr. Davis will read from his book, answer questions and sign copies. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Karen Cruze, Librarian Specialist, Adult Services, at [email protected]

E.P. Foster Library Topping Room, Saturday, July 13, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

BOOK SALE
Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Vons grocery at Telegraph & Victoria, Ventura.
Saturday, July 13, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s books, Puzzles
DVDs and CDs $1.00 each; Books on CD $1.50-$2.00 each

We have a nice collection of well cared for CDs: Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, John Hiatt, Joni Hendrix, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis , Van Morrison, to name a few. All proceeds benefit Ventura libraries.

Summer Reading Program: Read, Renew, Repeat is well underway at Ventura County Library. Kids, teens and adults can register at vencolibrary.beanstack.org and record their reading for opportunities to win prizes for reaching reading goals. Youth may visit their local branch to choose a free new book to add to their personal collection when signing up, with additional prizes for completing 500 minutes and 1000 minutes of reading.

Learn all about bees with Ventura Bee Rescue
E.P. Foster Library: Thursday, July 11, 11:00 AM
Hill Road Library: Thursday, July 11, 3:00 PM

Christopher T. Magician performs magical feats inspired by and based upon popular children’s books, bringing each book to life with wacky, interactive, and hysterical magic.
Avenue Library: Monday, July 15, 3:00 PM
Hill Road Library: Friday, August 2, 10:30 AM

The Party Puppet Show – Laugh, sing and dance along with a fun assortment of music genres and characters.
Avenue Library: Monday, July 22, 3:00 PM
Foster Library: Wednesday, July 24, 11:00 AM
Saticoy Library: Wednesday, July 24, 3:00 PM
Hill Road Library: Tuesday, August 6, 3:00 PM

Summer STEAM at the Library (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math)

Innovations Lab at E.P. Foster Library. Tuesdays, 2 to 3:30 PM. Unleash your imagination in a world of hands-on exploration. Each week offers an exciting opportunity to learn, discover and invent.

Little Lab at Hill Road Library. Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Children, ages 3 to 7, side-by-side with caregivers as co-learners, explore and experiment with sensory play, art, and constructive play outdoors on the patio.

Hill Road Library Maker Lab. Thursday, July 18, 3:30 PM: Lego Challenge

Avenue Library – Available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

  • Make Puzzle Art; Tuesday, July 16, 12 to 1 PM
  • Create a Wind Catcher; Tuesday, July 23, 12 to 1 PM
  • Discover the science behind a Levitating Ball; Tuesday, July 23, 12 to 1 PM

Vol. 17, No. 21 – July 10 – July 23, 2024 – Community Events

Ventura

Rubicon Theatre – William Shakespeare’s Richard III: July 12 – 14.
Dive into the dark and twisted tale of ambition and power. www.rubicontheatre.org/events/richard-iii.

Ventura County Museum

  • Saturday, July 13, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Museum of Ventura County – McCartney Tea Fundraiser – Join us for a Museum of Ventura County fundraiser that offers an extraordinary afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney, interviewed by renowned author Ivor Davis.
  • Sunday, July 14, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Museum of Ventura County – Threading Together: Weaving Our Indigenous Heritage/Tejiendo Juntos: Entrelazando Nuestra Herencia Indígena – Experience the artistry of Zapotec weaving firsthand in a dynamic showcase and demonstration presented in collaboration with MICOP. Enjoy dancers, Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas Las Isabeles.
  • Saturday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Museum of Ventura County – Artists & Amplifiers Fête – Join us for a celebration of contemporary artistic voices of Ventura County!

Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale: July 13, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Vons grocery at Telegraph & Victoria
Fiction, Nonfiction, Children’s books, Puzzles, DVDs and CDs $1.00 each , Books on CD $1.50-$2.00 each. Nice collection of well cared for CDs: Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, John Hiatt, Joni Hendrix, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis , Van Morrison, to name a few. All proceeds benefit Ventura libraries. 

Tequila & Taco Music Festival: Saturday, July 13: 1pm – 9pm, Ventura County Fairgrounds.
California’s Largest Traveling Tequila & Taco Music Festival is back! This event will showcase top-shelf Tequila sampling, while you enjoy the best gourmet street tacos Ventura has to offer. Enjoy live music, margaritas, craft beer, and vendors. All ticket holders will have access to food vendors, craft beer, margarita booths, shopping, and live music. Tickets available at www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com.

Ventura Music Hall – DB.BOUTABAG: July 13, 8 PM
With 1100 HIMSELF, K. FLEX, KINGBOOLU and DJ SONZ.
www.venturamusichall.com

Ventura Harbor Seaside Movie Nights: Barbie: July 20, 8 PM

Join in the sensational pink fun movie hit – “Barbie” for a seaside beach ball bash, with live DJ spinning the tunes, a Barbie & Ken and Barbie movie costume contest for prizes, kettle corn and more. www.venturaharborvillage.com/events

Genealogy – Free Family History Lectures: Saturday, July 20. Online Via Zoom from 1:00 pm – 4:00 PM.
The Ventura County Genealogical Society will present two speakers. The first is Tina Beaird, speaking on “Maps and Trails: Common Migration Paths from the17th Through 19th Centuries,” followed by David Flint on the topic of “Marriage Records in England.” 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. VCGS is an all-volunteer, public benefit non-profit corporation [501(c)(3)]. Donations are greatly appreciated. For more information: https://www.venturacogensoc.org. 

Music Matters Summer Camp: Powered by Ventura Music Festival
Ages: 11-20, Groups: Intermediate & Advanced
Two Sessions: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Daily Sessions)
– July 22-26, NAMBA Arts, Ventura
– July 29-August 2, Ojai Underground, Ojai
Scholarships available: [email protected]. www.venturamusicfestival.org/musicmatters

Ventura Majestic Theatre – The Hillbilly Moon Explosion 3LH: July 25, 8PM. Downtown, Ventura
www.venturatheatre.net

NAMBA Improv Camps: Grades 4-10. Monday through Thursday. Downtown Ventura.

Creative, interactive games and exercises where students are introduced to the fun and skill of improvisational theater. Through simple exercises and games we begin to explore the vast world of character creation and storytelling! Instructed by Mr. Casey Robbins. Space is limited. www.Namba.com.

Ventura Music Festival (29th Season): July 25th – 28th and Aug. 2nd – 4th (7 events).
All events at Ventura College Performing Arts Center except for one Olivas Adobe event. Visit www.venturamusicfestival.org for more information.

Olivas Adobe House Tours: Every Sunday in July and August
The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Electrify Your Home & Business: Saturday, July 27th, 10 am – 2:30 PM. Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston Street.
If you have ever considered being energy independent, reducing your electrical costs and carbon footprint, or switching to electrical appliances to minimize health impacts from burning natural gas in your home come to the Electrification Event in Ventura the morning of for lectures, exhibitors, and people with first-hand experience in all the ways you can electrify your life. And lunch is free. Be sure to register for the event so we have enough food for everyone. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/electrify-your-home-and-business-tickets-922171990247?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ongoing:

Social Golf Club
Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com

Ventura Senior Men’s Group – First and Third Tuesdays each month: 11:30am – 1:30pm – Poinsettia Pavilion.
Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Play Bridge: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12:30pm.
ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse.  For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected]. 

Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Monday’s each month – 7:30pm.
Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

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

Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) exhibition: 1130 State Street.

  • The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection, July 7 – November 3. www.sbma.net. 

– Performance of Carrot Revolution: Saturday, July 20, 3 pm, McCormick Gallery

The Music Academy of the West’s Arancia Quartet, made up of 2024 String Quartet Seminar fellows Miyabi Henriksen, violin; Steven Song, violin; Sheng-Chieh Jason Lan, viola; Shijie Ma, cello perform Gabriella Smith’s Carrot Revolution. The piece—originally commissioned by an art museum—is a patchwork of Smith’s wildly contrasting influences, unexpected juxtapositions, and intersecting planes of sound, celebrating the spirit of fresh observation. In collaboration with Music Academy of the West. Free with Museum Admission.

Ensemble Theatre – Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground: July 11 -14, 33 W. Victoria Street
Candid and fascinating fictional eavesdropping on President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his Gettysburg, Pennsylvania farm. Adapted from a vast array of General Eisenhower’s memoirs, speeches, and letters. etcsb.org. (805) 965-5400.

Oxnard

Bridging Familias: LGBTQ+ Latino Wellness Event: Saturday, July 13, 2024, 9 am – 3 pm, Oxnard College Performing Arts Building.

Learning how bullying and sexual and intimate partner violence affect LGBTQ+ Latinos & how to support our loved ones! Free lunch for the first 300 participants! Spanish, Mixteco and ASL translation will be provided.

  • Educational Presentations (9 am – 12 pm)
  • Lunch (12 pm – 12:30 pm)
  • Intergenerational Panel (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm)
  • Resource Fair (12 pm to 3 pm)
  • Art Exhibit (12 pm to 3 pm)

For questions and additional info. email: [email protected] & [email protected] or call: 805-983-6014, ext.1114. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridging-familias-lgbtq-latino-wellness-event-tickets-890666717127?blm_aid=23160833