On October 20-27th, a delegation of 15 people from the Ventura Sister City Association (VSCA) went down to Ventura’s first and only Sister City, Loreto Baja Sur, Mexico, to participate in the 325th year of Loreto’s founding. Loreto served as the first capital of California, and it has ties to Ventura through its Mission and the headquarters for the five island Mexican National Park off of its coast in the Sea of Cortez.
The trip included a visit to San Javier, an older mission in the Gigante’ Mountain range, boat rides out to the islands, a stop at a working ranchero where goats are raised, visits with artists, the Loreto Fire Department and a foster home and a beach clean-up. Additionally, we had an orientation session with Eco-Alianza, on organization that supports and collaborates with, which is dedicated to environmental protection of the Sea of Cortez and promotion of ecotourism.
Most importantly, the delegation got to participate in the four-day celebration of Loreto’s founding, including the presentation of a proclamation from Ventura’s Mayor and City Council to their Mayor and Council. Pictures and a video of the trip can be found on the Ventura Sister City Facebook page.
This is the second year in a row that the VCSA has partnered with the Hermosa Beach Sister City Association (HBSCA), as Hermosa Beach has been a Sister City of Loreto for 55 years. Beyond the October visit, which coincides with Loreto’s founding on October 25, 1697, the VSCA is working on developing trips to enhance our purpose of building cultural exchanges in the arts, with our museum and with our schools. If you are interested in getting involved with the Ventura Sister City Association, please visit our webpage at VenturaSisterCity.org.
Rubicon Co-Founders James O’Neil and Karyl Lynn Burns with goddaughter Lauren Patten.
Rubicon Producing Artistic Director and Co-Founder Karyl Lynn Burns retired from the company on Sunday, November 13, following the acclaimed sold-out run of In the Heights. Says Burns, “It’s been a long and beautiful run and Jim [O’Neil] and I will forever be grateful to those we’ve met during our 25 years in Ventura who have taught us the meaning of community and showed us what can happen when dedicated and passionate people come together in pursuit of common goals. We are looking forward to beginning a new chapter, and to spending more time with each other and our families.”
“What we’re most excited about,” continues Burns, “is the opportunity to pass the torch to two longtime friends and collaborators, Beverly and Kirby Ward. They are multi-talented, incredibly diverse veteran performers with West End, Broadway and National Tour credits. After years of knowing them and working together at Rubicon, we have complete faith in them and trust that, with continued board and community support, they will take the company and the art to new heights.”
Burns and husband James O’Neil co-founded Rubicon in November of 1998 and have led the organization for nearly 25 years. During their tenure, the company has produced more than 160 comedies, dramas and musicals, including more than 20 world premieres. Under Karyl Lynn and Jim’s leadership, Rubicon received numerous awards, including the L.A. Drama Critics Special Award for Sustained Excellence, two New York Drama Desk Awards, Ovation Awards for Best Production of a Play, Larger Theatre (for Arthur Miller’s All My Sons and Gulf View Drive by Arlene Hutton), and an NAACP Award. Rubicon has taken five shows to New York and has also toured productions across the U.S. and to Tokyo, South Korea, London and Dublin. In addition to mainstage programming, Burns and O’Neil have produced festivals, special events, a Broadway concert series and extensive educational programming for young people ages 6-23.
The Wards have a long history at Rubicon, freelancing as directors and actors at the company since 2008. They stepped into ongoing administrative/creative staff positions in 2018 and were responsible for the direction and choreography of Rubicon’s critically acclaimed, sold-out run of Big River in 2019. The couple have worked together on stage and off for nearly half-a-century. They bring with them West End, Broadway, Off-Broadway, and National and International Tour credits.
Says Board President Doug Halter, “This is an ideal succession plan for the company that we all have been quietly working on together for some time and we are pleased to share the news with the public. We as a board and community owe Karyl Lynn and Jim a great debt for their many years of service,” adds Halter, “and for giving Ventura the gift of a professional not-for-profit theatre that we know and trust will be here for generations.”
Says Burns, “Parting with people and places you love is always sweet sorrow, but we leave knowing that this is the right time to infuse new vitality and vision into the organization as Bev and Kirby move Rubicon from a founder-driven organization to a strong and sustainable institution. There’s so much more to say; we look forward to time to express our gratitude personally to those who have made this Rubicon journey possible.”
True to the company’s name and the vision of founding artistic directors Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil, Rubicon has created an environment where commitment and risk are encouraged, and where artists are nurtured and respected. As a result, the company has gained a reputation for invigorating interpretations of the classics and for supporting the development of new works. Rubicon presents at least one World Premiere each season, as well as readings of works-in-progress.
On the evening of November 3, 2022 the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Ventura proudly opened its doors to all of greater Ventura County for the eighth annual Candlelight Remembrance Service. This was a special evening for anyone who has experienced a loss and wished to remember their loved one in a sacred space. This moving night of remembrance and reflection featured several speakers from Assisted Hospice of Ventura.
Michael Boyko, owner of the funeral home stated “we again are so proud to be able to host this evening for our entire community in need of reflection, consolation, and care. Moreover, I remain humbled to be able to provide such a touching ceremony with the entire highly professional staff of Assisted Home and Hospice of Ventura. Our community really needs this type of service and we know we are reaching people who need it as attendees are from all walks of life and from many different communities in Ventura County.
This evening featured live harp music from Ted Nicholsen, professional harpists from the peninsula hotel in Beverly Hills as well as the officiant Dr. Paul Lenderman, Spiritual counselor/grief coordinator of Assisted Hospice in Ventura. Dr. William and Dr. Lisa Rajala also took time and spoke with spiritual poems and readings of consolation. Spiritual Counselor Raquel Jensen and Social Worker Susan Derby also participated with life affirming prayers and tributes to loved ones and patients that have passed within the last several years. Marianne Cody of Assisted Hospice helped coordinate the evening and assisted participants with candle lighting and placement.
Michael went on to say “no one can tell you how to grieve. I believe a ceremony like this one is just one more way we can be of service to our community. Our funeral homes offer a helping hand to all who need it no matter the circumstances. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow we’ll be here to help”.
A visit to the Ivy Lawn Cemetery is a journey back to the very roots of our history because many unique and special people rest here. As the fall Season is here cemeteries and graveyards are highlighted in advertisings and media at this time of year so a look at who rests at our 1917 era cemetery. The list is long and includes some amazing people. I will start with the most famous of the lot, once the richest man in Ventura County and a true mover and shaker from the world of politics.
1. US Senator Thomas R. Bard (1841-1915) The senator built Port Hueneme and sponsored a young George Patton for West Point. He was buried at his Berylewood Estate (Bard Mansion) but moved here. He was an early oilman and founded Union Oil of California. The only US Senator from Ventura County.
2. Congressman General William Vandever (1811- 1845) Union General who served under General Sherman in the Civil War and was part of the capture of Atlanta. Moved to Ventura with his daughter Florence in 1884 and ran for Congress. He helped Yosemite become a National Park and a mountain was named for him. He even advocated that California be divided into two states. Remains moved from Ventura Memorial Park to Ivy Lawn.
3 Congressman Marion Cannon (1834-1920) Reformer, served in the 53rd Congress as a member of the now defunct Populist Party.
4. State Assemblyman Charles R. “Chuck” Imbrect, (1949-2000) Two term State Assemblyman and lawyer attended Ventura High School (a classmate of mine). He ran for State Senator but lost.
From the world of the arts.
5. Actress Ethel Clayton (1882-1966) She began her film career in 1909 with the movie Justified. A very beautiful starlet she aged well and made the transition into talkies playing wealthy, snobbish matrons in such films as Alan Ladd’s The Blue Dahlia. She was in 147 films including World War One Red Cross film The Volunteer where she played herself!
6. Actress Bessie Eyton (1890-1965) She became a star on the New York stage before making the transition into silent films. She made her mark in western films playing the romantic lead to Tom Mix (but his heat belonged to his horse). Her best know roles were in The Thundering Herd and The Face of Fear. Her last film was another western The Girl of Gold in 1925 She was one of the silent stars that didn’t make the transition into talking pictures after some 85 features.
7. Actor John “Johnny” Leal (1905 -1980) A little person, he was blessed by a great singing voice that helped him find jobs on the circus and vaudeville stage . He played at the 1933 World’s Fair and then found work in Hollywood cast in the film An Angel comes to Brooklyn and as a Munchkin and flying monkey in The Wizard of Oz.
8 Voice Actor Knox Manning (1905-1996) Voice Actor for many radio shows such as “Congo Bill”, “The Desi Arnez Show,” “The Phantom,” “Batman” and “The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”.
From the world of Sports
9. Ballplayer Charlie Hall (1887-1943) Born in Ventura he started playing local baseball making it into the big leagues as a pitcher at the age of 21. Played for The Cincinnati Reds. He was called “The Sea Lion” for his booming voice. When he retired from baseball he joined the Ventura Police Department.
10. Ballplayer Fred Snodgrass (1887-1979) A noted outfielder he played for the New York Giants. He played in three pennant games and three World Series’. In the1912 World series he dropped the ball in the tenth inning giving the victory to the Red Sox. The next year he redeemed himself with a single important catch that won the game.
11. Football player Eric Turner (1968-2000) Defensive linebacker he played for the Cleveland Browns and The Oakland Raiders 30 interceptions and played in 109 games. Tragically died at age 31.
The world of design
12. Alexander Sarantos Tremolis (1914-1991) Car designer worked for Cord Automotive, Duesenberg, Ford as well as took part in the design of the innovative Tucker Automobile. Later worked with NASA on the Space Shuttle program.
Ventura’s greatest disaster
13. The Mass grave of the victims of the Saint Francis dam failure and flood on March 13, 1928. Over 500 people last their lives that terrible night. Many of the bodies, battered beyond recognition, were recovered at the Santa Clara delta, they were buried at Ivy Lawn. Only a few were identified.
Hi Friends Thank you for your support! While the final votes are still being counted before the election is certified, it is safe to say that I will be reelected as our representative in the State Assembly for the next two years.
Once again, together we’ve proven that grassroots campaigning and fundraising makes a difference and can win. I would have been nowhere without the amazing support from you and others. These results clearly reflect the core values of our communities –– clean air and water, equitable opportunity for all and protecting our unique local spirit.
I look forward to continuing to be our voice in Sacramento and delivering tangible results to better the lives of our families, businesses and neighborhoods.
Ventura Chamber Ribbon Cuttings EVOIA located at 2801 Golf Course Dr. EVOIA™ brings the ecological benefits of fire to production agriculture in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
The Original Pizza Chief 1612 E. Main. Our secret ingredient is passion. We have been a community favorite since 1976! Everyone on our team is passionate about making your time with us a great food and family experience! — from start to finish.
Bright Spark Brewing located 4561 Market St.
Founded by husband and wife team Tim Harbage and Linzy Mahoney, Bright Spark Brewing is years in the making. Although it felt like a pipe dream in the early years of their relationship, a decade (and many business plan iterations) later, the dream has been realized.
Hill Road Library celebrates its fifth birthday on Saturday, December 3rd, at 10:30 am! The celebrations begins with a Decorate Your Own Party Hat craft activity at 10:30 am. Then, at 11:00 am, welcome the fabulous magician Zany Zoe. Zoe has performed magic and illusion arts for over 15 years in the Los Angeles area and brings unrivaled energy and comedy to her family-friendly performance. All ages are welcome!
Every Tuesday in December at 3:00 pm, Hill Road Library will host a Winter Wonderland simple craft and seasonal movie! The first event on December 6th, will be creating a star ornament. The movie selection will be Abominable: A story about a teenager and her friends who go on a quest to reunite a Yeti with his family.
On December 13th, make your own Christmas card. The movie selection will be The Nightmare Before Christmas. On December 20th, create your own wrapping paper. The movie selection will be The Polar Express. The fourth and final event on December 27th, will be creating Pom Pom Party Poppers. The movie selection will be High School Musical.
At 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, you and your little ones are invited to a special New Year’s Eve
event at Hill Road Library – a “Noon Year’s Eve” countdown party! Enjoy storytime, crafts, and
countdown fun as we ring in the New Year at noon.
All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Linda Cherry, Librarian, at 805-677-7180.
The Hill Road Library is located at 1070 S. Hill Road, Ventura. Hours of service are Monday through
Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday 2 pm to 6 pm, Friday through Sunday 10 am to 2 pm.
Whenever you visit Hill Road Library, be sure to take a look at the Ventura Friends of the Library sales shelves. The shelves have been restocked with holiday selections! Meet some Friends of the Library at the birthday celebration — we’ll bring along more children’s and craft books to sell.
The Friends Bookstore in E.P. Foster Library will be open for some extra shifts in December.
The store will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. AND, the store will be open
Sundays, 1:30 to 4:00 pm.
We also invite you to visit our online bookstore for local sales https://venturafol107753.square.site/s/shop. When you make a purchase there, you will receive an email letting you know when your order will be ready for pickup at the bookstore in E.P. Foster. You can also join or renew your membership to Ventura Friends of the Library for 2023 through the online store.
