Encelia californica is beloved by native bees and beetles.
Now is the perfect time to hit the trails and explore. Lower Harmon Canyon is open and promises unforgettable beauty!
California brittlebush (Encelia californica) is in peak bloom! One of four sensitive plant alliances in Harmon Canyon, Encelia californica, are true Southern California locals – growing in coastal sage scrub from San Luis Obispo County to northern Baja. To spot these beauties, look for daisies with dark centers (disk flowers) and yellow “petals” (ray flowers).
Encelia californica is commonly seen on drier south and west-facing slopes and is beloved by native bees and beetles. The east side of Trail 101 is a wonderland for this special community – slow down and check out all the pollinator action!
Interesting observations are everywhere – including at your feet! In the moist early morning hours, keep your eyes peeled for the Trask shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta traskii). Considered a sensitive species in California due to habitat loss and degradation, these beautiful, long-lived animals are thriving in the vibrant shrublands of Harmon Canyon. To distinguish them from the invasive European garden snail (Cornu aspersum) look for their narrower shell with a distinctive dark-colored band that follows the whorled spiral.
Helminthoglypta traskii are active longer than usual this year, enjoying the moist conditions of our extended rainy season. They estivate (a state of dormancy like hibernating but in response to heat and dryness) during the drier months and may not be as visible soon, so enjoy these delicate detritavores while you can.
In 2024, Passover runs from the evening of April 22 to the evening of April 30.
Passover is a festival of freedom.
It commemorates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, and their transition from slavery to freedom. Passover or Pesach is an important, biblically derived Jewish holiday. The Jewish people celebrate Passover as a commemoration of their liberation by God from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses. It commemorates the story of the Exodus in which the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.
Passover commences on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for either seven
days (in Israel and for Reform Jews and other progressive Jews around the world who adhere to the Biblical commandment) or eight days for Orthodox, Hasidic, and most Conservative Jews.
A day commences at dusk and lasts until the following dusk, thus the first day of Passover begins after dusk. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays.
The rituals unique to the Passover celebrations commence with the Passover Seder.
In the narrative of the Exodus, the Bible tells that God helped the Children of Israel escape from their slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the ancient Egyptians before the Pharaoh would release his Israelite slaves; the tenth and worst of the plagues was the death of the Egyptian first-born.
The Israelites were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a slaughtered spring lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord knew to “pass over” the first-born in these homes, hence the English name of the holiday.
When the Pharaoh freed the Israelites, it is said that they left in such a hurry that they could not wait for bread dough to rise (leaven). In commemoration, for the duration of Passover no leavened bread is eaten.
Most people know by now that the Skull and Roses 2024 festival has been cancelled. The letter that went out to ticket buyers tried to explain the promoter’s sad circumstances and I was feeling for the guy until I got to the bottom of the letter and read (and I quote), “REFUNDS: While tickets and hotels were sold on a non-refundable basis, we sincerely wish that funds were available to refund all purchases. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case at this time.” The promoter plans to post updates as more information becomes available. I’m hearing from a lot of ticket buyers that they have already received notice that their tickets will be refunded via the ticket outlet. But what about all the deposits for hotels and airfares people invested in to be there? How about the vendors (some of which never got fully paid for last year)? I’m probably the biggest non-deadhead around, but I love the deadheads who attend these events and my heart goes out to them, and all the vendors who trusted the promoter. Let’s hope he keeps his word and does what is necessary to make good on all his debts, no matter how long it takes and can we please try to keep bankruptcy out of the equation.
Meanwhile, no need to go cold turkey on Grateful Dead covers as several of the bands have already secured shows around town. You’ll want to check out The Six who hosts the Deal on Thursday, April 18; the Crowne Plaza’s outdoor bar will host The Peoples Dead and Hyryder on Friday, April 19, Winchesters has Cats on the Bandstand Friday, April 19; and Tony’s Pizzeria has The Alligators, Shaky Feelin’ and Hyryder on Saturday, April 20. I’ll add to the VenturaRocks.com calendar as I hear about more of these last-minute gigs.
Though the guys don’t look a day over 25, Army of Freshmen will play the Ventura Music Hall for their 25th Anniversary Show. Opening will be Nerf Herder on Saturday, September 14.
DW’s Café has been trying out live music; still to come this month the Urban Soul Band, Vanise Terry Trio, and Bossman Music. DW’s is located at 2855 Johnson Drive, Ventura.
Quick Notes: Bacon Brothers just added to Libbey Bowl schedule for Sunday, June 30; The White House will host a special dinner music event with The Kings of Queen on Wednesday, April 17; Tommy Quale’s Petty “Round the Campfire” at Namba on Saturday, April 20; Psychedelic Summer plays the Crowne Plaza’s Aqua Beachfront Bar on Sunday, April 21; Salzer’s Records will have an in-store acoustic performance by Def Leppard’s Phil Collen on Sunday, April 21; and The Robot Uprising’s final show will be on Saturday, April 27, at Vaquero y Mar playing with All-a-Blur and 5th Street Saints.
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.
Jerry Cranham is restoring the statue back to its original luster.
by Patricia Schallert
Restoration efforts are underway to preserve the distinguished statue of Junipero Serra, now situated at the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. The objective is to carefully remove dirt and red paint while safeguarding the original patina, seamlessly restoring the colors to their initial finish. The patina, which results from exposure to the elements, showcases the statue’s aging and basic appearance. To prevent the emergence of a green tint often seen on older statues, an oil bronze finish is meticulously applied, ensuring it maintains its intended look since its creation in 1989 for Junipero Serra.
Pastor Tom Elewaut making sure Jerry is doing a good job.
The restoration process encompasses several crucial elements. An evaluation of the statue’s condition identifies areas in need of repair. Skilled expert Jerry Cranham employs specialized techniques, using gentle solvents and tools to eliminate dirt, grime, and pollutants, while stabilizing and reconstructing any damaged portions. The addition of a protective coating serves to guarantee the statue’s durability. With Jerry’s expertise, he places emphasis on historical accuracy and while preserving the statue’s original features and historical integrity.
Jerry began the restoration project the day it arrived at the Mission and careful observation showed red paint splatters on the statue. “Removal of red paint splatters entails the careful usage of an X-acto knife and scrapper to avoid scratching the statue and exposing its cast and metal.” A mixture of linseed oil, denatured alcohol, mineral spirits, and Scotts Liquid Gold oil effectively eliminates surface dirt, including aged particles. Scratches are skillfully filled with wax and sealed to “maintain the statue’s integrity”. Jerry also uses a modified bees wax to restore “color and finish”.
The natural patina, developed through atmospheric exposure, is respected, while the absence caused by a previous cleaning process is accounted for.
The statue’s significance lies in its representation of the original 1930s installation, completed through the WPA Works Progress Administration (WPA) National project, constructed as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative. The statue has a rich history in Ventura, having been recast in 1989, commemorating Junipero Serra’s role as the city’s founder and the namer of both the city and county of San Buenaventura.
Fr. Tom Elewaut, Pastor of the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura describes the final phases of restoration which includes the delivery of the original bronze plaque to the statue’s site. A bronze sign will commemorate the original installation at City Hall in 1989, while a second plaque will display the date of installation at the Mission in March 2024. Landscapers will meticulously incorporate vegetation and rocks to accentuate the statue’s surroundings. The base will be polished to a dark black, resembling marble. Completion of the final phase is anticipated by April or May.
For those interested in contributing to the restoration and preservation of the Junipero Serra Statue at the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura Gardens, a GoFundMe account has been created to directly accept donations. Your generous support will significantly contribute to this valuable endeavor. Donations can be made through the following link: Help preserve ~ Ventura St. Junipero Serra Statue, organized by Mission Basilica San Buenaventura .
• This year, the French Bulldog took Los Angeles’s top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2023 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.
The French Bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in Miami, FL and Detroit, MI.
It’s the battle of the Retrievers this year in Los Angeles as the Golden Retriever takes the Labrador Retrievers spot as 3rd most popular breed.
“The French Bulldog is coming in hot this year,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. “This family friendly breed is making its way into everyone’s hearts.”
Los Angles’s top 5 breeds for 2023:
1. French Bulldogs
2. Bulldogs
3. Golden Retrievers
4. Poodles
5. Labrador Retrievers
The American Kennel Club also announced its nationwide rankings today. The playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the second consecutive year,
Since overtaking the loveable Labrador Retriever as the most popular breed, the French Bulldog’s popularity has continued to surge. The breed is playful, adaptable and has an even temperament. Frenchies are very popular among city dwellers, as they’re also portable and get along with almost anyone.
2023 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
1. French Bulldog
•2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Poodle
6. Dachshund
7. Bulldog
8. Beagle
9. Rottweiler
10. German Shorthaired Pointer
• People sometimes conclude that cats are unfriendly, unwilling to learn or domineering, but their characteristics have origins in their evolution and continue to be influenced by how humans treat them, say veterinarians. “There are so many misconceptions that cats are spiteful, or cats are being jerks, that they’re being aloof or asocial,” says cat behaviorist Luke Hollenbeck, “but cats are trying to communicate with us all the time, and people have to be really good at understanding that.”
• Service Dogs Lead to Fewer Seizures in Resistant Epilepsy
By Eve Bender
Working with medically trained service dogs is associated with a 31% reduction in seizures compared with usual care in treatment-resistant epilepsy, a new study showed.
Investigators speculate that the dogs may ease participants’ stress, leading to a decrease in seizure frequency, although they note this relationship warrants more study.
“Despite the development of numerous antiseizure medications over the past 15 years, up to 30% of people with epilepsy experience persistent seizures,” study author Valérie van Hezik-Wester, MSc, of Erasmus University Rotterdam in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, said in a press release.
The unpredictable nature of seizures is one of the most disabling aspects of epilepsy, Hezik-Wester added. Seizure dogs are trained to recognize seizures and respond when they occur.
“The tasks that these dogs perform along with their companionship may reduce seizure-related anxiety, also potentially reducing seizures caused by stress, the most common trigger for seizures,” she said.
The study included 25 individuals with medically refractory epilepsy who had an average of two or more seizures per week, with seizure characteristics associated with a high risk for injuries or dysfunction. They also had to be able to care for a service dog.
All were observed under usual care, which included antiseizure medications, neurostimulation devices, and other supportive therapies. Participants could then choose to work with a service dog that had completed socialization and obedience training or be assigned a puppy they would train at home.
The median follow-up was 19 months with usual care and 12 months with the intervention. Participants recorded seizure activity in diaries and completed surveys on seizure severity, quality of life, and well-being every 3 months. Daily seizure counts were converted to obtain cumulative seizure frequencies over 28-day periods.
Of the 25 original participants, six discontinued trial participation before the end of follow-up, four of whom left the study due to difficulty with dog care and training.
Participants receiving usual care reported an average of 115 seizures per 28-day period, while those with trained service dogs recorded 73 seizures in the same period, or a 37% difference between groups.
Researchers found that participants had an average of 31% fewer seizures during the past 3 months when they had seizure dogs, with seven participants achieving a 50%-100% reduction in seizures.
The number of seizure-free days increased from an average of 11 days per 28-day period before receiving a service dog to 15 days after working with a dog.
Scores on the EQ-5D-5L, which measures perceived health problems, decreased on average by 2.5% per consecutive 28-day period with the intervention, reflecting an increase in generic health-related quality of life (0.975; 95% CI, 0.954-0.997).
“These findings show that seizure dogs can help people with epilepsy,” said van Hezik-Wester. “However, we also found that this partnership with seizure dogs might not be the right fit for everyone, as some people discontinued their participation in this program. More research is needed to better understand which people can benefit from working with seizure dogs.”
In an accompanying editorial, Amir Mbonde, MB, and Amy Crepeau, MD, of Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, noted the findings add to a growing body of work on the effectiveness of service dogs in reducing seizure frequency.
“In addition to improved seizure control, the EPISODE study demonstrated the benefit of seizure dogs in enhancing the quality of life for patients, a crucial component of comprehensive epilepsy care,” they wrote.
In prior studies, seizure dogs have identified an odor that a person emits before a seizure in up to 97% of people, they noted, adding that this ability “offers immense clinical benefits to people with epilepsy, enhancing their independence, social engagement, employment opportunities, self-confidence, and thus quality of life.”
The study was funded by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development and Innovatiefonds Zorgverzekeraars. Smith and Jones reported no relevant financial relationships. The authors reported no disclosures.
Performance by international guest dancers Hanna Chudinova and Jack Stewart.
Ventura County Ballet and the Museum of Ventura County are joining forces to celebrate the diverse artists and art forms thriving in Ventura County. The first event of this new collaboration is DAnce ART, an afternoon of dance, visual arts and music at the Museum on Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 pm.
Kathleen Noblin, Founder and Executive Director of Ventura County Ballet, explains, “Our goal is to entertain, inspire and educate our audiences with great ballet and the wide world of dance. We’re proud to bring global talent to Ventura County. At the same time, we’re committed to giving a stage to local artists, including dancers, choreographers, composers and musicians. With its shared values and beautiful setting, the Museum is a perfect partner.”
Elena Brokaw, Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County, adds, “We’re delighted to collaborate with Ventura County Ballet in showcasing local artists across genres. We look forward to continuing to work together on other initiatives to represent the diversity of arts and cultures in Ventura County.”
The DAnce ART program highlights classical, neo-classical and contemporary ballet styles performed by international guest dancers Hanna Chudinova and Jack Stewart plus advanced preprofessional dancers from Ballet Academy Ventura, official school of Ventura County Ballet, and State Street Ballet’s Professional Track. Choreography by Ventura County residents Marina Fliagina, Brett Weidlich, Meredith Ventura and Emi Pool and music by pianist Rachel Flowers reinforce the “made in Ventura” theme.
With music ranging from Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to Ginastera’s Gaucho dance Malambo and del Aguila’s Silencio, the seven pieces on the program explore the evolution of ballet and the many cultures that continue to influence it.
The post-performance reception in the Museum Plaza features music by the Tom Buckner Trio and displays by visual artists Larissa Strauss, glass mosaics; Jaqueline Woods, photography; and Michelle Nosco, painting/ drawing. The artists, all residents of Working Artists Ventura(WAV), will be on hand to discuss their works. Complimentary light refreshments will be served.
Built as early as 1846 the Rodriguez Adobe served as the main house of the Rancho San Miguelito. It could have housed Don Ramon “Nacho” Rodriguez and his family while a larger adobe was built near the mouth of the Ventura River. That adobe sadly fell victim to floods that occasionally plague our county.
It may have been built by Chumash “adobero” ( adobe builder), musician and vaquero Juan de Jesus Tumamait. He is believed to be the last Chumash Elder to live in that structure.
In the 1930’s the land was purchased by Shell Oil Company and they restored the old house to be used as an office for the oil fields. They added a tile roof (original may have been reeds or wooden shingles) and installed cement floors.
The Rodriguez Adobe stands today on Shell Road and is being used as rental property. No plaque or monument marks the location of the adobe.
A study of the site seems to confirm its early age—the doors and windows line up with the measurements of a Spanish Vara Stick and not a Yankee yard stick. It is Ventura’s forth still-standing adobe. The others are The Mission San Buenaventura Church (1809), The Olivas Adobe (1847) and the Ortega Adobe (1857).
The Rodriguez Adobe isn’t open to the public, but perhaps it will be in the future when this unknown landmark will be recognized for its historic value.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds is excited to announce this year’s Fair theme: Fair-ever Young – 150 Years of Fun “I love that the theme represents past, present and the future,” said Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center CEO Jen McGuire.
The theme was chosen by a judging panel following the 2024 Ventura County Fair 150th Theme Contest which ran February 1-23, 2024. More than 2,600 entries were submitted by the community. The winning entry was submitted by Kaytlyn Kirksey-Seymour of Port Hueneme. As the first-place winner, Kaytlyn will receive $1,000. Second and third place themes were also chosen and will be awarded $750 for second place and $500 for third. Winning themes: 1st Place: Kaytlyn Kirksey-Seymour, Port Hueneme – “Fair-ever Young – 150 Years of Fun” 2nd Place: Alfredo Martinez, Oxnard – “Harvesting 150 Years of Happiness” 3rd Place: Ray Rivera, Ventura – “A Carousel of Memories: 150 Years of Fair Fun”
The winning theme will be used in the Youth Poster Contest which begins accepting entries this Friday, March 1st. This year, the Youth Poster Contest has been expanded to include all grades K-12 and includes grade-level placements and a school participation award. Also new for 2024, there will be no entry fee. Participants are encouraged to read the guidelines before submitting their artwork. “I enjoy seeing the interpretation through our youth’s eyes, especially with the poster contest,” said McGuire. “Our poster contest is one of our favorite annual traditions showcasing the talents our youth.
It’s the official kick-off for our fair season, which is exciting for us.” The Ventura County Fair is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, including a series of events and contests leading up to the annual Ventura County Fair July 31 through August 11, 2024. ## About the 2024 Ventura County Fair: The Ventura County Fair is celebrating 150 years in 2024! The fun starts now, with monthly events and contests leading up to the annual Fair this July 31 through August 11, 2024. This year’s Ventura County Fair will include new celebrations and pay homage to past traditions. Details will be available at https://venturacountyfair.org/ and on social media @VCFairgrounds.
Did Don Raymundo take the Frenchman back to his adobe home?
by Richard Senate
Family stories and legends may well hold more knowledge than we think and provide insights into the past. One such legend is that of the young French architect who may well have designed the Olivas Adobe. The story tells how Raymundo, his sons and Vaqueros drove their herds of cattle north to the Gold Camps in the Sierra Nevada Mountains selling them for gold to the hungry miners. It was a cold hard journey but highly profitable.
As they road back they chanced upon a sick Frenchman seeking a warmer climate. Feeling sorry for the man Don Raymundo took him back to his adobe home to recover his health. The family helped to nurse him back to health. Having no money, the Frenchman, who had been trained as an architect in France, offered to help in the expansion of the adobe home.
So the story goes, the kitchen was roofed in curved roof tiles. These were removed and replaced by wooden shingles. The young man helped, lifting the tiles and talking to Raymundo’s daughters, and blowing them kisses as they giggled. Their mother, Teodora, wisely did her best to keep them away from the Frenchman. When the house was done, the Frenchman returned to the gold camps to make his fortune.
It is not known if Raymundo gave him any money to help his prospecting, but it would be like him. He never returned to visit the hacienda. Did he die in the camps? Did he return back to France? It is unknown. We do not even have a name for the young man. Is the story even true? Clearly, something happened to inspire the tale. It does hint that Raymundo could speak French. We know that the house was remodeled with a second floor in 1855. Could that be the year that the Frenchman visited? Maybe we shall never know what happened, but we have this charming story of a scene from the Gold Rush.
