Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Business Profile: Banh Mi Paris Sandwiches

Located in Ventura’s Victoria Village (by Harbor Freight Tools and Victoria Pub and Grill) is a hidden gem of Vietnamese cuisine. If you’re familiar with Vietnamese must-haves like Pho, you’ll be delighted with the restaurant’s fresh Banh Mi varieties, as well as other local favorites. What truly sets their Banh Mi apart is the homemade, fresh-baked baguettes, prepared daily right in their kitchen—unlike other restaurants that have their bread delivered. These crispy baguettes are filled with your choice of meat, pickled vegetables, cilantro, lime, chile, and other ingredients that give the Banh Mi its signature flavor. Aside from these delicious sandwiches, the menu boasts spring rolls, noodles, Peruvian-inspired stir fry, and rice dishes. As the weather cools, their Pho is the perfect soul-soothing comfort food.

Manager Phong Nguyen is a chef at heart, having grown up in the family restaurant business since the 1990s. At a young age, he became the main chef and kitchen manager for The Vox Kitchen in Fountain Valley, where he worked for many years. The Vox is a trendy, Orange County-based fusion restaurant that draws inspiration from cuisines around the world, and it earned a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants list in 2022.

Nguyen opened his first restaurant in Oxnard in 2005. With his family now living in Ventura, he decided to join Paris Sandwiches, closer to home. The restaurant launched at the end of 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which posed obvious challenges. Thankfully, delivery services like DoorDash and Grubhub helped sustain the business during that tough time.

Over the past four years, while the menu has evolved, some local favorites have stayed the same—Pho, Banh Mi, vermicelli, and garlic noodles. The restaurant continues to introduce new flavors to keep the options fresh. Recently, the dine-in area was reopened, and there are plans to expand the menu further. Be on the lookout for daily or weekly specials, along with their fresh-baked baguettes that many don’t know are made in-house daily! Be sure to visit them at the upcoming 2024 Fall Business Expo at the Four Points Sheraton on October 10, from 4pm to 6:30pm and, sample some of their delicious offerings.

Namba Performing Arts Space’s Final Weekend of the 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival

Enjoy a solo show by award-winning writer Ben Kassoy.

Celebrating October is Mental Health Awareness Month

As part of its 4th Annual Playwrights’ Splash Festival, Namba Performing Arts Space is showcasing shows that delve into stories of resilience, courage, and the human experience. Presenting three performances with support from Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), Mental Health Services Act, NAMBA is highlighting mental health awareness, support, and understanding within our community.

“Join us in making October a month of connection, support, and hope,” says Executive Director, Tamara Varney, “Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build a stronger, more resilient community.”

Opening with a night of poetry on Friday October 18th at 6:30 pm, Ventura’s own Poet Laureate, Phil Taggart will present a multi-media poetry reading from his book Rick Sings to launch two nights of performances that encourage mental health awareness. Over 30 years ago, Phil’s brother Rick, living with mental illness, appeared on his doorstep, forever changing their lives. Through a mix of poetry, visuals, and narrative, Phil explores Rick’s journey, giving voice to mental illness, homelessness, and family trauma. This is more than just a reading—it’s an invitation to witness the raw, personal struggles of the dispossessed, presented with a level of vulnerability that only a homegrown artist like Phil can deliver.

On Friday October 18th at 8 pm delve into the raw and humorous exploration of mental health with “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack,” a solo show by the award-winning writer Ben Kassoy. “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack” brings to life poems from Ben Kassoy’s critically acclaimed book, using physical theater, dance, and traditional poetry readings to explore the intricate connections between mental health, art, and personal experiences. The show is a genre-defying blend of humor, heart, and defiant wonder in the face of anxiety, making it a compelling and relatable experience for audiences.

On Saturday October 19th at 7 pm, “Resilient AF: Rising to the Occasion”, written and performed by Kamakshi Hart, follows this heroine’s journey through the dark wood of shame and betrayal as she confronts the chilling ‘Silencer’ and reclaims her value and her voice. Acclaimed for the healing and compassion for trauma audience members receive, men and women alike laugh, cry, sing along and cheer as Hart’s cape-wearing ‘Super-Shero’, Resilience, wins the day in this inspiring tale of triumph over adversity.

Sunday, October 20, join us for Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola’s “Mictlan,” an immersive journey through Aztec mythology portrayed through dance, puppetry, and storytelling. This bilingual performance (in Spanish at 6 pm and in English at 7:30 pm) highlights the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

Join NAMBA for a weekend of thoughtful, poignant, and insightful poetry and storytelling. Tickets for Friday and Saturday night are donation driven, no one turned-away, Sunday tickets are $20. Reserve seats at NambaArts.com. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak St, Ventura.

Vol. 18, No. 01 – Oct 2 – Oct 15, 2024 – Community Events

Ventura

Austin Bantam Society Annual Car Show: Sat., Oct 5, 10 am – 3 pm. Ventura Harbor.

Join this unique display of cars to get up close to a small but brilliant collection of the automobiles of the late 1930’s to early 1940’s created by the Bantam Company, American Austin and English Austin. Plus, enjoy breakfast or lunch waterside at one of the many Ventura Harbor Village restaurants and browse art galleries and coastal boutiques. www.venturaharborvillage.com.

1st Annual Fatima Conference: Sat., Oct 12, 9 am – 2 pm. Mission San Buenaventura, 211 E. Main St.

The Executive Director of The Blue Army is coming to Ventura to talk about the message of Fatima and Mary’s apparitions. $40. Lunch will be provided. Send check or money order to Marcia Garcia, PO Box 6094, Ventura, CA 93006. No on-site registration.

Namba Performing Arts Space: Fri, Oct 18, Sun Oct 20. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak St.

4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival Weekend #3.

Mental Health Awareness/Poetry Weekend with “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack” by Ben Kassoy, “Resilient AF” by Kamakshi Hart, and “Mictlan” by Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola, with shows in Spanish and English.

The 2024 Playwrights’ Splash Festival brings new playwrights to Ventura and provides a platform for emerging artists to share their stories. Support for the festival is provided by the City of Ventura Cultural Funding Grant Program and Ventura County Behavioral Health. Tickets for each show are $20 online or $25 at the door. Or purchase a “SPLASH Pass” and see all three shows for $60! Includes a complimentary drink for each show and waives ticket fees. Join us at the SPLASH Festival and support the flourishing performing arts scene in Ventura. Learn more at NambaArts.com.

The Museum of Ventura County: The Curse of The Vampire. Tales from the Book of Nosferatu. Sept 19 – Nov 17.

The artists have created a spine-tingling, comic-like experience that will thrill anyone fascinated by Dracula and occult storytelling. You’ll be scared, amazed, and completely immersed in a world where imagination meets the supernatural! The Curse of The Vampire: Tales from The Book of Nosferatu is a collaborative exhibition that features seventeen George Stuart Historical Figures enhanced by blown up retro comic book style illustrations created by artists, Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. The exhibition brings a fictional story to life, chronicling the rise and fall of a vampire dynasty from Vlad the Impaler (the first alleged vampire) to Dracula to Alexander Cepesi (one of the last vampires). The story unfolds through illustrations created by Pugh and Alvitre in a retro comic book style. www.venturamuseum.org/upcoming-exhibitions.

Congregation Am HaYam: New Year Services. 4839 Market St. Unit C.

Congregation Am HaYam offers services to welcome the Jewish New Year 5785 with Rabbi Ben Goldstein, the congregation’s new spiritual leader. Congregation Am HaYam offers live streaming services the first full Shabbat of the month. Services on the third Shabbat of the month are both in-person and streaming. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Brenda Rich at 805 644-2899 or email her at [email protected].

Erev Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, Oct 2, 7:00 pm • Rosh Hashanah First Day: Thurs, Oct 3, 9:30 am • Rosh Hashanah Second Day: Frid, Oct 4, 9:30 am • Kol Nidre/Erev Yom Kippur: Fri, Oct 11, 6:00 pm • Yom Kippur Day: Sat, Oct12, 9:30 am.

Chabad of Ventura High Holidays: Crown Plaza Ventura Beach

Rosh Hashanah: Oct 3 & 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Shofar at 12:00 pm. Thur, Oct 3, 5:30 pm at the Ventura Promenade Beach Playground for “Shofar in the Park.”

Yom Kippur; Oct 11, 6:30 pm, Oct 12, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Chabad of Ventura services are designed to make everyone feel welcome and at home. The prayers, conducted with Hebrew/English prayer-books, are lively, engaging, and inclusive – spiced with inspiring tunes and insightful explanations throughout – allowing all to absorb the experience at their own level. There is NO CHARGE for seats; your donation is greatly appreciated. Advance reservations are suggested to secure your seat. Reservations can be made online or over the phone. 805-658-7441. www.ChabadVentura.com/HighHolidays

Ventura Friends of the Library: Sat, Oct 5, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Vons at Telegraph & Victoria

Books by the Bag Book Sale. Buy a $5 bag and fill it up! Fiction, Nonfiction, Children’s books, Teacher Resources, Puzzles. All proceeds benefit Ventura’s libraries.

Ventura Friends of the Library – Annual Membership Meeting: Sun, Oct 20, 1 – 3 pm. E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. Annual meetings are open to guests who are interested in our organization or guest speakers,

OctoberFly Fishing Event: Sat, Oct 5, 9 -11am, Chumash Park, Petit and Waco

Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will be conducting our monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic. There is no charge and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall, [email protected]. (805) 377-5249 www.sespeflyfishers.org

Open House Tours at the 1892 Dudley Museum: Sun, Oct 6, 1-4 pm. Loma Vista and Ashwood (197 N. Ashwood).

With Halloween fast approaching, tour guides Richard Senate and Lynn Weitzel (co-authors of “Are There Ghosts at the Dudley House?”) may add a few ghost stores if asked. Admission is free. For information call (805) 642-3345 or visit dudleyhouse.org.

San Buenaventura Women’s Club: Tues, Oct 8. Noon. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd,

Lunch, program by the Ventura County Museum and business meeting. Lunch is $25, reservations are required. Contact Business Manager Carol Ricks at (805) 212-9218. Everyone welcome.


VCS Speaker Series: Elder Safety & Scam Prevention: Tues, Oct 15, 4 – 5pm. Ventura Avenue Adult Center (550 N. Ventura Ave.).

Each month the City’s Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS) hosts a new speaker to present information on important and relevant topics related to the senior community. (Ages 50+) Free. For more information call 805-648-3035 or visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/vcs.

2024 Ventura Women’s Conference: Sat, Oct 19, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Poinsettia Pavilion.

The theme is “Wellness Warriors… embrace, empower, energize. Giving you the tools to gently warrior through life with compassion and grace.” Twelve women will speak on their wellness expertise, and over 20 health and wellness vendors will share products and services. Tickets are available at Eventbrite and all proceeds benefit Food Share Ventura. www.venturawomensconference.com

National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors: Sun, Oct 20, 11 am. Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura

Anyone interested in timepieces, both antique and modern, can attend the Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors meeting for a watch/clock marketplace, lunch, and a presentation on a horological topic.  Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation. nawcc-ch190.com.

Patchwork Show: Nov 3, 2024, 11 – 5pm, Downtown Ventura.

Patchwork Show Ventura brings all the charm of a beach town (you can even see the ocean from the show!) including a walkable collection of local shops and restaurants. Over the past 16 years, Patchwork has grown from a small parking lot craft fair into multiple locations including street festivals and large indoor marketplaces. Each location is as unique as the venue and showcases different makers and collaborations that reflect the local environment and community. www.dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/

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 Tues each month: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at 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 Tues, Wed and Thurs at 12:30 pm.

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 Mon each month – 7:30 pm.

Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Beach Cleanup: First Sat of every month – 8:30 -10:30 am.

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:

Plant California Natives Now: Sat, Oct 12, 2 pm. Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Ave.

Certified Master Gardener Dani Brusius will deliver a timely talk on how to plant and grow California Native plants. Learn how to grow a California native plant garden. Learn when it is best to plant natives, their maintenance needs, and other important information about these beneficial, drought-resistant plants. Attendees can drop in on the day of the talk, but pre-registration is appreciated. Register by visiting https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=43518.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected]. If you have gardening questions, you can email the free Master Gardener Helpline at [email protected].

Monday Matinees: A Movie Screening Series, First and Third Mondays at 12 pm. The Ojai

Library.

The Ojai Library announces the launch of Monday Matinees. The library will be hosting free movie screenings on the first and third Mondays of each month at noon. There will be a special additional screening on Monday, September 30, 2024, to round out the first month.

This program aims to provide a fun and relaxing way for visitors to enjoy a diverse selection of films, ranging from classic favorites to contemporary hits. The movie listings will be posted in the library, ensuring that everyone can stay up to date with upcoming features. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

Ojai Studio Artists Tour: Sat, Sun and Mon, October 12 – 14

Always a highlight of the Southern California arts calendar, the (OSA) is back with a three-day “choose-your-own adventure” extravaganza. More than 70 artists open their private spaces over the course of the long weekend in a tour that features paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, collage, jewelry, glass, prints, mixed media and all manner of artworks, all experienced in a variety of intimate and idiosyncratic spaces by members of a community-based nonprofit devoted to celebrating Ojai arts.

Ticket holders get a program and map of participating studios, from back yard wonderlands within walking distance of the town arcade to stone cabins nestled up Sulphur Mountain. Tickets are $20, giving visitors access to all studios over the three-day weekend (and supporting art scholarship programs for Nordhoff High art students). www.ojaistudioartists.org/all-tours/2024-fall-open-studios-tour.

Oxnard:

Día de los Muertos Celebration: Sat, Nov 2, 4-9 pm Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way

OPAC’s Dia de los Muertos expands in 2024 with month-long Community Altar in partnership with The Collection. This year, the celebration extends with a month-long Día de los Muertos Community Altar at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, running from Oct 1 – Nov 2. This vibrant display titled “Recuérdame” (Remember Me) is hosted in partnership with The Collection and will be located between Lazy Dog and the Cheesecake Factory. The community is invited to honor their loved ones by participating in a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed. Admission is free and open to the public. We invite the public to contribute to the Community Altar by sharing photos of loved ones they wish to honor. www.theopac.org.

Camarillo:

2024 Ventura County Celebration of Books: Sat, Oct 12, 11 am – 4 pm. CSU Channel Islands campus, One University Drive

The event is co-presented by the Ventura County Library, CSU Channel Islands, and the Ventura County Library Foundation. The event and parking are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome with activities for the whole family.

Activities include Story Times for kids presented by CSUCI Early Childhood Studies department, and stories will be read in English and Spanish.

Attendees are invited to bring a blanket and share a picnic on the lawn. Bring your own lunch or enjoy food from three local food trucks (the first 150 guests at each food truck eat free!).

Exhibitors will be on hand to chat with attendees and share information, including local authors, government and nonprofit agencies, and local businesses. www.vclibraryfoundation.org/ventura-county-celebration-of-books.

The Camarillo Quilters Association: Tues, Oct 8, Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley Drive

The doors open at 9:00 am and the meeting begins at 9:30 am. The guest fee is $5 and everyone is welcome. This month will feature four of CQA members giving mini workshops. The topics will include Sashiko, making a sewing machine mat, Kawandi quilting and how to use an AccuQuilt machine. www.camarilloquilters.com.

Free Grief Support Groups at Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center

Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. Spanish General Bereavement support group starting September 26, 2024, every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm (meets in Ventura). Living Life Widowed support group starting October 3rd, 2024, on the first Thursday of every month from 2 to 3:30 pm. For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited. All support groups are free for the community. For reservations contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief.

Santa Barbara: Sat, Oct 5, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, On the lawn at Neal Taylor Nature Center, Cachuma Lake

Close-up encounters with living, scorpions, bats, spiders, and snakes along with real skulls and bones! Play games and win prizes! There will be witches, arts & craft activities, spooky-fun music and more to get you in the Halloween spirit. The Nature Center will teach you all you would like to know about many animals closely associated with Halloween as well as lead fun games including a special Creepy Creatures Scavenger Hunt! SB County Park Naturalists will also be taking part in the event and will have a table on skulls and bones. Educators from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will highlight a fun assortment of taxidermy that include bats, snakes, toads and more! Representatives from the SB Wildlife Care Network will lead fun fall themed games and tips on how to best decorate for Halloween. Other activities will entertain youngsters and parents alike. Arts and crafts activities will be a hit where making your own mask will be one of the focused activities. There will also be a special aerial performance from Elevated Dreams Aerial Dance Studio students, along with enchanting music, scavenger hunts, witches brew, and exploring the Nature Center, and more. Reservations are not needed. Donation appreciated. For additional information contact the Nature Center at 805-693-0691 or visit  www.clnaturecenter.org

 

A note from Executive Director, Lalé Welsh

Hello friends of VMF and music-lovers! As I come to the end of my first year with the festival, I’m reflecting on this past 29th season with gratitude. From the foot-stomping bluegrass of Michael Cleveland to the smooth sounds of Anderson & Roe, this year was something truly special: a “first” for me and a “last” for our twenties. As we turn our attentions to the holidays (and onward into our 30th Season) I’m excited to announce the final concert of the year: The King’s Singers will close Season 29 this December with an a cappella holiday performance!

With other Fall collaborations upcoming and our Music in the Schools program ramping back up, I invite you to enjoy the sounds of “Autumn” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons as you explore the next upcoming event from the Ventura Music Festival, and a few from the other wonderful organizations that make our Ventura arts community so vibrant; NAMBA Arts, New West Symphony, Schwab Academy, and so many others.

From all of us at Ventura Music Festival, Happy Fall!

Music Preferences Survey: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Fxn2zvn/NeighborSurvey2024

The Tomol, Unique Ocean Vessel of the Chumash Heritage

by Nella Nelson

Forging through the choppy Pacific waters on a windy day or gliding across to the Channel Islands, tomols were once seen just off our local shores. What is a tomol exactly, and what is its history with the Chumash people?

Hundreds of years ago, the native island Chumash people hunted, fished and traded across the Channel in canoes they built called tomols. The Chumash constructed them from redwood trees that drifted down from the coast, fastening cut planks together with animal sinews and sealed with a tar-like substance called yop. If you’ve ever walked along the shores of Carpinteria and found clumps of tar glued to your feet, that is the naturally occurring asphaltum from oil seeping into the water from below the earth’s surface. Combined with pine pitch, yop was used to make the canoes sealed and seaworthy.

Once the tomol was ready for the voyage, the Chumash paddled them out to obtain marine food sources such as mussels, abalone and shellfish during low tide. Seals and sea lions were hunted on or near shore. The Chumash also utilized their sophisticated capture technology such as hook and line, nets and harpoons in offshore fishing.

Tomols were also used for ceremonial voyages and trade between the mainland and the Channel Islands. Using double-ended paddles, the tomols were able to transport up to eight people at a time or over 2,000 lbs. of fish or cargo. Their lengths ranged from 8-30 ft. Tomols were the only plant-built canoes ever employed (all others were dug out from logs), other than in one other civilization in Southern Chile.

In August of 2023, a community of Chumash members participated in a 24-mile journey across the Santa Barbara Channel to Santa Cruz Island for the twentieth time in modern history. The tomol was appropriately named Muptami or “Deep Memories”. A rotating crew paddled for eight hours. They were then greeted by their fellow Chumash from Malibu to San Luis Obispo upon arrival at Scorpion Ranch or Swaxil. The event coincided with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower upon departing at 3:00 AM. Thousands of years of “deep memories” are being preserved to this day as the tomol’s history lives on.

Sources:

Photos: Channel Islands National Park and painting by Robert Thomas.

https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/historyculture/tomolcrossing.htm

https://sbmm.org/maritime-museum-exhibits/chumash-tomol-plank-canoes/

https://channelislands.noaa.gov/maritime/chumash1.html

You Tube Video Available: SBMM’s Chumash Tomol: Narrated Tour. May 14, 2020.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Ventura Friends of the Library are holding a Books by the Bag Sale on Saturday, October 5, 10 am to 3 pm at the Vons at Telegraph & Victoria (6040 Telegraph Road). Buy a $5 bag and fill it up! Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Books, Young Adult Books, Teacher Resources, Puzzles.

Ventura County Celebration of Books takes place on Saturday, October 12, on the campus of California State University, Channel Islands. This event is free and open to the public! Parking is free.

Dr. Jim O’Connell, the subject of Rough Sleepers, will be the featured speaker.

Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder was chosen as the Ventura County Library’s One County One Book community reading selection for 2024. It tells the story of Dr. Jim O’Connell, who, after graduating from Harvard Medical School and a residency at Massachusetts General, found his calling in the creation of a community of care for a city’s unhoused population, including those who sleep on the streets—the ‘rough sleepers.’

Dr. Jim O’Connell will speak from 2:00 – 3:00 pm in the Grand Salon, followed by a book signing. Paperback books will be available for purchase or bring your own. Limit of two copies signed per person.

From 11:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Grand Salon, there will be a panel discussion on The State of Homelessness in Ventura County: A Conversation with the Professionals. Doug Menges, Executive Director, Many Mansions; Kay Wilson-Bolton, Executive Director, SPIRIT of Santa Paula; Jazmin Clark, Foster Youth Initiatives Coordinator CSUCI; Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura; Alicia Morales-McKinney, Program Director, Ventura County Continuum of Care and Bryan Tomlin, Associate Professor of Economics CSUCI will be the panelists. Moderated by Amy Johnson, KCAL News Anchor.

Exhibits by local organizations and Friends of the Library groups will be open to the public on the North Quad from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. CSUCI Early Childhood Studies & Ventura County Library will offer children’s activities. Bring your own lunch to picnic on the lawn or enjoy food from a local food truck from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

See https://www.vclibraryfoundation.org/events/ for more details.

Spooky happenings at the Library:

E.P. Foster’s Teen Advisory Group hosts the annual Horror in the Stacks for scary fun as the library turns haunted! E.P. Foster Library, Saturday, October 12, 7:30 to 8:30 pm. This event is free and open to youth, grades 5 -12. Children 4th grade or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Science Spook-tacular Dry Ice Show with Science Heroes! Hill Road Library, Thursday October 17, 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Science and stories collide in this fun, interactive S.T.E.M. program featuring the ‘coolest’ thing in science — DRY ICE!

Ventura Friends of the Library will hold their Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday, October 20, 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the Topping Room of E.P. Foster Library. Our featured speaker will be Elizabeth Moore Kraus who will discuss her book 3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries (Still Talking) Our annual meetings are always open to guests who are interested in our organization or our guest speakers!

October 2, 2024

The Bloody Love Triangle: The Murder of Sherri Dally
By Richard Senate

On the afternoon of May 6, 1996, 35-year-old Sherri Dally went to the Target store on Main Street, Ventura, to buy a Mother’s Day gift. As she left the store, she was confronted by a woman in a tan pantsuit, wearing a blonde wig, who posed as a security guard. After falsely accusing Sherri of theft, the woman handcuffed her and forced her into a Nissan Altima. That was the last time Sherri was seen alive.

When Sherri didn’t return home, her husband, Michael Dally, filed a missing person’s report and appeared to be a devastated spouse. He was a successful supermarket manager, but those close to him found his display of concern suspicious. As weeks passed with no leads, Michael distanced himself from the search, even selling off his wife’s belongings, as if he knew she wouldn’t come back.

Nearly a month later, Sherri’s body was discovered in a ravine off Canada Larga Road, north of Ventura. Her remains, ravaged by wildlife, were almost skeletal. Forensic evidence revealed she had been murdered just hours after her abduction, her skull fractured by blunt force, and her ribs punctured by six or seven stab wounds.

The investigation soon revealed that Michael was involved in an affair with Diana Haun, a deli clerk at the supermarket he managed. The two had vacationed together in Mexico and shared an apartment. Diana had purchased a tan pantsuit and blonde wig around the time of the kidnapping, and she rented a Nissan Altima. When she returned the car, bloodstains were found on the seat.

Further digging into Michael’s past revealed a history of infidelity, drug use, and a fondness for prostitutes. Sherri had tried to save their marriage, but Michael was relentless in his pursuit of a divorce, even taking out a $50,000 life insurance policy on her.

Both Michael and Diana were arrested for Sherri’s murder. During the trial, Diana claimed she was manipulated by Michael, driven by her love for him and a twisted desire to please. A self-proclaimed witch, she had even bragged to coworkers about offering him a “human sacrifice” for his birthday. Michael, in turn, denied involvement, blaming Diana’s delusions for the crime.

Both were found guilty. With the death penalty under review, they were sentenced to life in prison without parole. Sherri’s remains were cremated, and she now rests at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

In 2018, Michael appealed his conviction to then-Governor Jerry Brown, but his appeal was denied. Diana’s attempt to overturn her conviction, citing jury bias due to her witchcraft, was rejected in 2000. She is currently serving her sentence at the California Institute for Women in Chino, while Michael is incarcerated at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton.

The case shook Ventura County, a tragic reminder of how a love triangle can spiral into a horrific crime. Perhaps a memorial cross should be placed at the site where Sherri’s remains were found, ensuring her memory is never forgotten.

Presented by Ventura Audobahn Society: Chasing Rare and Spectacular Birds in the World’s Wild Places by David Pereksta

David Pereksta is an Avian Biologist with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, where he studies and analyzes the effects of offshore oil and gas, and renewable energy development on birds off the Pacific coast, Hawaii, and the US territories in the Pacific. David’s quest as a birder and ornithologist often takes him to far away corners of the world. Taking advantage of a number of unique opportunities, both personal and professional, his adventures have taken him to remote and little visited areas of North America, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Tropical Pacific, the Russian Far East, and Europe. He has also been to several islands that are nesting sites of some of the world’s rarest seabirds.

David will take attendees on a journey to some of these incredible destinations sharing stories and photos of a diverse array of rare, endemic, and just plain spectacular birds that he has encountered during these travels. This promises to be a fun and inspiring talk with lots of great photos and crazy stories. Prior to his position at BOEM, Dave spent 16 years working on endangered species issues with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Ventura. Throughout his career with various Federal and State agencies, he has studied several imperiled bird species including Snowy Plovers, Piping Plovers, Least Terns, Ospreys, Northern Goshawks, Brown Pelicans, Spotted Owls, Marbled Murrelets, and Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. He has seen over 2,400 species of birds in his travels; photographing more than 1,800 species along the way. The program will be at Poinsettia Pavillion on October 8 from 7 – 9 pm and also streaming via Zoom. For more information visit  www.venturaaudubon.org/speakers.

Wet Wednesday: A Midweek Sailing Tradition in Ventura Harbor

Image by Janie Tran

by Janie Tran

Every week from April through September, the Ventura Yacht Club (VYC) hosts “Wet Wednesday,” a popular midweek sailing series. Often called “Beer Can Races” at other clubs, this event is open to all sailboats in Ventura Harbor, regardless of size or club affiliation, making it a perfect midweek break for local sailing enthusiasts.

The 2024 season has seen increased participation, with 22 boats registered – up from the previous year. The series is divided into two classes: the faster, competitive A-Class boats with spinnakers and the more relaxed C-Class cruising yachts, many of which are home to liveaboard sailors. Notably, the C-Class has seen the most significant growth in interest and participation this season.

Races take place every Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m., starting just off the Ventura Harbor entrance. A unique aspect of the event is the “Sunset Rule,” which requires at least one boat in a class to finish before sunset. Afterward, the remaining boats in that class have 30 minutes to complete the course. Because the A-Class boats are faster, they often sail a different course to ensure all boats finish around the same time.

Image by Kimberly Keller

VYC encourages participation, even for non-members. With an active crew list available, anyone interested in sailing can join a crew and take part. Crews typically average around seven sailors per boat, meaning over 150 Venturans participate in the races weekly. Junior sailors are also a common sight, contributing to the growing local sailing talent.

The season wrapped up with the final race on September 11th. Light winds made for a slow, graceful race—more like a ballet compared to the wild, rodeo-like conditions of the previous week. Despite the lack of wind, camaraderie was high, particularly in the C-Class, which even managed to rescue a dropped wine glass during the race. Peter Acutt noted, “That boat has rescued four hats, an entangled seagull, and now a wine glass this season! There has to be an award in the works for those accomplishments.”

After each race, crews gather at VYC for dinner, drinks, and shared stories, ensuring that Wet Wednesday remains a cherished social and sailing tradition in Ventura Harbor.