Category Archives: What’s New

Vol. 15, No. 09 – Jan 26 – Feb 8, 2022 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Ojai Stage Fills with Layers of Life

Isn’t it frustrating when something (or someone) comes along to throw a proverbial wrench into your nice, quiet, predictable life? Suddenly your world is in chaos, and no one seems to know how to cope with the smallest things.

Such is the premise presented in Christopher Durang’s 2013 Tony-winning Best Play, Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike now playing at the Ojai Art Center Theater.

Siblings Vanya (Peter Schreiner) and adopted sister Sonia (Laurie Walters) have been living in the family home they grew up in, after both of their parents have passed on. Mom and Dad were both college professors, so they named their children after characters from the works of Anton Chekhov. Vanya and Sonia stayed on, each bemoaning the life they allowed to pass them by. Each feels unfulfilled but reluctant to leave the comfort of their routines.

The action that follows has been described as “Chekhov in a blender” by director Taylor Kasch. Vanya and Sonia’s world implodes as older sister Masha (Tracey Williams Sutton), now a successful stage and movie actor, arrives at the ancestral home to announce plans to sell the property. She brings with her Spike (James James), a young, studly actor clearly beneath her station. Together they shake up the staid existence led by Vanya and Sonia, leading to a series of emotional Strum und Drang monologues.

The two siblings’ completely relatable relationship of I-love-you, I-hate-you resonates loudly as the play rises to a crescendo. Along the way, Boomers and beyond enjoy numerous references to “the good old days” of our youth. There was a plethora of knowing nods in the audience on opening night.

In the direct center of the swirling emotional storm enters Cassandra (Cynthia Killion), the occasional maid and full-time wacko whose psychic pronouncements are a portent of things to come. Seemingly random utterings drift into realizations that become meaningful to the others as events unfold.

A sweet, naïve, girl visiting next door named Nina (newcomer Beltane Howden) becomes part of the character mix, adding to the layers of emotions the family experiences. An aspiring actress herself, Nina is enthralled by Vanya’s play writing skills, eagerly participating in a “reading” that quickly evolves into a tirade by Vanya about the public’s current lack of shared experiences.

There are many layers to this piece that seem to build from the very depths of each character’s soul. The situations are, at the core, recognizable, relatable and highly amusing. The actors are fascinating to watch as they embody not only the characters on the surface, but also the “everyman” quality of each one individually and as unit. The performances are mesmerizing.

It is always a joy to watch actors enjoy attacking their roles with abandon. Director Kasch has assembled a tight ensemble for our enjoyment.

VSMS runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 13. Socially distanced seating is assigned, and masks are required. Some strong language.

Crowd gathers to protest SoCalGas compressor site in Ventura

The Westside Community Council was there supporting the cause.

On July 17, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm, hundreds of community members from around California including Ventura, Culver City, Playa Del Rey, and Aliso Canyon met at Kellogg Park to demand Gov. Newsom instruct the California Public Utilities Commission to conduct an Environmental Impact Review before any further work can be completed on the SoCalGas facility, and to phase out oil and gas drilling immediately.

More than 200 people attended the ‘Fight to Stop Ventura SoCalGas Compressor’ protest. They displayed signs opposing the compressor station and lisend tgo speakers opposing the site.

For years, Ventura’s Westside community has lived near the Southern California Gas Company compressor station. It has been considered by NASA as a super-emitter of methane.

SoCalGas has initiated efforts to double the size of the facility that sits across the street from an elementary school and Boys and Girls Club. Approximately 500 people live within a quarter mile of the facility, but as many as 4,750 live within a half mile radius close enough to be impacted by a gas explosion. The site s located at 1555 N. Olive St.

Ryan Gellert, CEO of Patagonia, Inc. stated “As CEO of Patagonia, I am working in solidarity with the community of West Ventura and Patagonia’s 500 Ventura based employees to oppose this dangerous project. Patagonia’s headquarters has been located down the road on West Santa Clara Street since our founding in 1973. As a global company that is in business to save our home planet, it’s our responsibility to use our resources to protect our employees, neighbors and community from harm. We believe it’s urgent to put people before the interests of the fossil fuel industry.”

“Oil and gas infrastructure has no place near homes and schools. Patagonia applauds Mayor Rubalcava and our city councilors, along with community groups and environmental activists, for protecting residents. We urge our elected and appointed officials to continue to block the expansion of this dangerous facility. We want SoCalGas to safely clean up this site under the watchful eyes of government officials and local activists and shut down this compressor station.

To learn more about the efforts to stop SoCalGas’ expansion of the gas compressor on Olive Street, please visit westsidecleanair.org. Their demands are:

The Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) must hold a bilingual community hearing with residents that would be affected, including parents of children who attend EP Foster Elementary School;

There must be an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Health Impact Assessment of the entire scope of the cleanup and expansion project at 1555 N. Olive St;

Rather than expand this facility, SoCal Gas must create a plan to clean up the toxic soil and shut down the compressor station. We do not want this in our neighborhood.

Vol. 14, No. 22 – July 28 – Aug 10, 2021 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers

Jolt – Amazon Originals

2 out of 4 palm trees

Though Lindy (Kate Beckinsale) seemed like your everyday beautiful, witty woman, beneath the surface she secretly battled uncontrolled murderous impulses. She struggled her entire life to deal with her rare neurological disorder and as a child was committed to a facility to keep others safe from her sporadic rage-filled impulses. She was under continued specialized psychiatric care since her childhood with Dr. Munchin (Stanley Tucci), who developed a special vest fitted with electrodes that Lindy could use to shock herself back into control when she felt rage coming on.

Through therapy and the use of the vest, Lindy and Dr. Munchin agreed that she was ready for and actually needed to start interacting with other people again to help with her therapy. Lindy had been distanced from everyone since she was a child, so the concept of friendships and relationships was completely foreign to her.

She finally met a man named Justin (Jai Courtney) who she had an immediate and unusual connections with on their very first date. Lindy felt confident enough to bring Justin back to her place and reveal her specialized tech vest to him, which he embraced without pause and after their second date she had come to know a feeling of normalcy with Justin she had never had her entire life.

When Justin didn’t show for their third date, Lindy called his apartment and the phone was answered by Detective Vicars (Bobby Cannavale), who informed her that Justin had been murdered. This seemed impossible to Lindy, and she asked for proof by requesting to go to the morgue to see his body, which Vicars denied. This put Lindy on the radar of Vicars and his partner Detective Nevin (Laverne Cox) causing Lindy to be their prime suspect due to her violent past.

Wanting to find Justin’s killer, as well as prove her innocence, Lindy started her own investigation using her uncontrolled violence all along the way. She started by breaking into the police evidence room and stealing the evidence box for Justin’s case. Finding a lead from his wallet, Lindy set out to follow the chain of clues until she found Justin’s killer. Her search was frequently interrupted as Detectives Vicars and Nevin pursued her as the prime suspect, as well as now adding breaking into the police department and theft of evidence property.

Nevin was convinced that Lindy was guilty due to her past, but Vicars believed she was innocent and on several occasions came to Lindy’s aid to help her avoid capture and continue her revenge-filled quest to find who murdered her boyfriend. The clues eventually led Lindy to well-known master criminal and villain Gareth Fizel, who mocked her thinking she was no match for him and his powerful criminal empire. Lindy was in revenge mode though and there was no stopping her.

After Fizel met his demise, Justin appeared in the penthouse to reveal to Lindy that he had faked his death to spur Lindy into action to kill Fizel, learning that Justin was CIA and Fizel was his target. Justin revealed that had actually known about Lindy’s condition from the start and had worked with Dr. Munchin who told him everything about Lindy’s condition. Discovering that she was played by Justin and Dr. Munchin, Lindy set out on a new revenge-filled quest that ultimately revealed she was part of a CIA program all along since childhood,

Rated: R (Language Throughout, Strong Violence, Sexual Content)
Runtime: 1h 31m

Rubicon returns with performances at Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai.

Young performing rehearsing for live performances.

Rubicon Theatre Company announces their dramatic return to live performances with an eclectic season of three Youth Theatre shows to be performed at the outdoor amphitheater at Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shrek the Musical and Les Misérables.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream July 9th and 10th at 8p.m

Under the light of a magical midsummer moon, romance runs amok when prankster forest fairies meddle in the affairs of four young Athenians and a group of amateur actors. One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, this lighthearted play celebrates the capricious, dream-like and sometimes silly nature of love and desire.

Shrek The Musical, Jr. July 16th-18th at 8pm

A hilarious and joyous musical, adapted for the stage from the popular Dreamworks’ animated film about a big green ogre who ventures out of his comfort zone to discover what beauty – inner beauty – really means, and finding true love in the process.

Directed and choreographed by Cheryl Baxter-Ratcliff and George Baxter-Ratcliff with Musical Direction by Billy Thompson.

Les Misérables August 12th-15th at 8pm

This epic, enthralling musical masterpiece, set just after the French Revolution, is an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The thrilling score includes “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more.

Directed by Kirby Ward with Musical Direction by Anthony Lucca

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rubicontheatre.org or by calling the box office at 805-667-2900. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (plus service fee).

While our guest services office at Rubicon is not open for in person purchases, our guest services staff is available from 12pm-4pm Tuesdays through Saturdays via phone. Tickets are available at the door, but advance purchase is encouraged. All performances will be at Villanova Preparatory School, 12096 N. Ventura Avenue, Ojai.

NAWBO celebrating BRAVA Awards

Celebrating its 21st year, BRAVA Awards, previously known as BRAVO, is the annual signature awards luncheon hosted by the Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO VC). This year’s theme is “Diversity, Resilience, Transformation: Bold Women Creating Her-story.”

Mark your calendar for Friday, June 11th, 2021 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm as NAWBO-VC shines the spotlight on outstanding businesswomen of Ventura County, honoring them for their diversity, resilience, transformation and success, which is creating a brighter future for women business owners and women-led business ventures in our community.

Do you know a bold woman creating her-story?

NAWBO-VC is currently seeking nominations for six local, outstanding and bold women in the following categories:

  • Woman Business Owner of the Year
  • Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (30 years old or younger)
  • Adaptability Award
  • Champion of Diversity
  • Rising Star of the Year (in business less than 5 years)
  • Resiliency Award

BRAVO alum include Catherine Von Burg of SimpliPhi Power, Alison Kenis of Sugar Lab Bakeshop, Emily Barany of Visionality, Breanne Cochran of The Vent Human Performance Center, Lori Volk of Lori’s Original Lemonade, Dr. Janis Shinkawa of Ohana Pet Hospital, and Dawn Dyer of Dyer Sheehan Group, Inc. Dyer brought home the prestigious NAWBO California Woman Business Owner of the Year award in 2018 and both Dyer and Shinkawa were finalists for the National Woman Business Owner of the Year presented by NAWBO in the past few years.

“The caliber of our past honorees is truly inspiring. Given the challenges we have all endured in the last year, I am thrilled that we are renaming NAWBO VC’s BRAVO awards to BRAVA in a time when women business owners have had to adapt and transform in the face of historic challenges. I believe this year’s theme accurately recognizes the resiliency of diverse women business owners now and into the future,” stated Seana-Marie Sesma, President-Elect, NAWBO Ventura County and BRAVA 2021 Chair. “I look forward to seeing who will be nominated this year.”

To nominate a bold woman, simply go to www.NAWBOVC.org and click on “BRAVA Awards.” All nominations are submitted online now through Monday, April 19, 2021. Nominees need not be NAWBO members.

The local Ventura County chapter of NAWBO is committed to strengthening the wealth creating capacity of its members while promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial Ventura County community. Additionally, the local chapter advocates for innovative and effective change in the business culture, building strategic alliances and transforming public policy for the benefit of its members. Membership is open to women sole proprietors, partners and corporate owners as well as those companies and organizations that support women-owned businesses. Learn more: www.nawbovc.org.

Trust is paramount, that feeling of being able to be one’s true self with a woman friend.

The Twisted Pixies at the 4th of July Parade in Anarcortes, WA. Photo by Joel Kifer

by Susan Stiles Senior Director of Product Development and Strategy at NCOA

Women (cisgender, assigned female at birth (AFAB), and/or nonbinary persons identifying femininity as part of their gender expression) count on one another for emotional support; They listen, give advice, and boost each other’s self-esteem.

“When you have a good [woman] friend, that person is part of your breath,” especially as you age.

It all began in 2005. Bonnie Nelson was out walking with a few of her friends in Anacortes, WA, talking about what they wanted to do for the summer.

“I had recently read The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and The Sweet Potato Queens,” Nelson recalled, “and the idea of being in a local parade was on my mind. We decided to come up with costumes and join in the Fourth of July Parade.”

And with that, the Twisted Pixies was born, and what Nelson and her friends thought would be a one-time event has turned into a years-long journey of friendship, camaraderie, and increasingly elaborate costumes. Over time, the group’s numbers have grown—from six to more than 50—as has their support for one another.

When they meet to make the costumes for the summer parade, there are always “heartfelt conversations about the serious issues we deal with—death, illness, financial concerns, life changes, and so on.” For all of us, “it’s a safe place for sharing, and always mixed with much laughter, as we can switch from the topic of cancer treatments to a serious discussion of how much sparkle we should add to our head pieces or sunglasses or some other costume part.”

Women friendships. Important for our well-being, deeply gratifying, sometimes complicated, always enriching.

Trust is another important aspect of women friendships. And this trust often arises from the feeling of being able to be one’s true self with your woman friend. For Ginny Adams, this is certainly the case. She feels that she can “bare her soul” and “go deeper with (women) friendships.” She cites her over 40-year friendship with Barb Matter as an example: “It’s always been as though we’re sisters in spirit, having someone to confide in as an intimate friend that you can share deeply with and trust, and that you can be yourself with, and accept each other for all of our flaws. She’s a touchstone and an anchor for me. And it goes both ways.”

The impact of a woman friendship can go well beyond the immediate friendship itself. For Ginny Adams and Barb Matter, their friendship has spawned a next-generation friendship between their daughters. The close bonds of one generation have made friendship and trust possible for another generation. And modeling a positive friendship between to women can be extremely powerful.

In 2019, we celebrated our 85th year of being active

Ventura Toastmasters Club 24 made “President’s Distinguished Club.”

by Jane Hanley Ventura Club 24, Secretary

Tucked away in a backroom at the China

Kitchen Restaurant in Ventura is a hidden gem. Ventura Toastmasters Club 24 meets (presently meets via zoom) every Monday evening at the China Kitchen, 4020 E. Main St, from 6-8pm (pre-pandemic). My first time visiting this group I knew this was my toastmaster’s club. I knew that this club was a place where I could work through fears of public speaking. Club 24 could help me expedite my personal growth. This group of people are a lively bunch, filled with encouraging words, support, and kindness. Feeling like I belong to a healthy family, this group met my needs to grow into a better speaker.

In 2019, we celebrated our 85th year of

being active. Can you imagine, the same club being around for

85 plus years. Ventura Toastmasters Club 24 is one of San Buenaventura’s finest heirlooms. When Covid hit, we continued to meet every Monday via

zoom. Over a year of zoom meetings and our club made, “President’s Distinguished Club”, this is an award that Toastmasters International recognizes as a club that represents high integrity. If you are looking for a place to grow in your speaking and leadership skills check us out, you can also look us up on Meetup or Facebook.

Toastmasters Mission Statement:The mission of a toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self confidence and personal growth.

New board leadership at Ventura Land Trust

Mark Watkins will serve as Board President.

The Board of Trustees of Ventura Land Trust elected a new leadership slate to start 2021. Retired Ventura city manager Mark Watkins will serve as Board President, backed by Vice President Jill Shaffer. Sylvia Schnopp steps into the role of treasurer and John Hankins continues as secretary.

Mark Watkins, a registered California Civil Engineer, has enjoyed a long career of public service working for the County of Kern as the Public Works Director, for the City of Thousand Oaks, and most recently as City Manager for the City of Ventura. Mark retired from the City of Ventura in 2017.

Watkins takes the helm months after Ventura Land Trust opened Harmon Canyon Preserve, a project 10 years in the making. The preserve, open daily to the public for free, offers over 2,100 acres of land to the public. More than eight miles of trails for hiking and biking wind through meadows and oak groves. The land is permanently designated for conservation. “We’re here for the long run. A land trust is forever and is a steward to the land,” says Watkins.

Executive Director Derek Poultney is grateful for Watkins’s expertise and guidance. “Now that Harmon Canyon Preserve is open and thousands of people are able to enjoy Ventura’s hillsides for the first time in generations, we have the opportunity to collaborate with the community in new ways. Mark’s leadership has been instrumental in connecting us with new partners and navigating our growth and development as an organization,” says Poultney.

Jill Shaffer has served as a nonprofit leader and development professional for the past 30 years. She currently is the Fund Development Director at the Ventura County Community Development Corporation. Sylvia Schnopp joined Ventura Land Trust’s board in 2019. She currently serves as REI’s Central Coast Corporate Market Coordinator, where she advocates for stewarding of the land using collaborative solutions.

Continuing board trustees are immediate past-president Don Wood, Steve Doll, Jermaine Jackson, Dennis Kulzer, Jane Montague, Ozzie Rios, and Scott Weiss.

Ventura Land Trust is a non-profit conservation organization founded in 2003 to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife, and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Its nature preserves are open free to the public from dawn to dusk daily. Go to www.venturalandtrust.org for more information about the organization and visiting its nature preserves. Ventura Land Trust is accredited by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Ventura Botanical Gardens appoints leadership

Derrick Wilson’s background includes working in public services for the County of Santa Barbara and the County of Ventura.

Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world-class botanical garden and cultural landmark, announces the appointment of Derrick Wilson as the 2021 Board President.

Derrick Wilson’s background includes working in public services for the County of Santa Barbara and the County of Ventura respectively for nearly three decades. In his current role as a VC Public Works Agency manager, he oversees strategic planning and process improvement initiatives. Over the years, he has also worked as a caseworker, staff development trainer, and project manager. His background in administrative services, coupled with leading teams and projects, benefits the Ventura Botanical Gardens as the organization moves into Phase II planning. He joined the VBG board of directors in 2016 and most recently held the role of Vice President. He is the organization’s first black president.

“I am enthusiastic about the great potential the Gardens have attracting a broad range of visitors from all over the world. During the pandemic, VBG has provided a place for visitors to come that is both safe and beautiful. I am also proud to be a part of what this gem provides for the City of Ventura, for those who live and work here. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature,” states Derrick Wilson.

In addition to Mr. Wilson’s appointment, Isabel Callaway is continuing her role as VBG Vice President for 2021. She is a real estate agent for Berkshire Hathaway and has served on the board since 2015. Other board members include Laurence Nicklin, Kevin Clerici, Terry Sommer, Tracy Long, Barbara Brown, Phil White, Kathy McGee, Sabrena Rodriguez, Joe Cahill, Lane Lopez, and Mary Kay Doubek.

Located at Grant Park in the City of Ventura, the Ventura Botanical Gardens’ goals include encouraging visitors to strengthen their connection to nature. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm — closed on Mondays. Admission is $7— members are free, children 18 and under are free, and EBT cardholders are free. Fridays are also free. Leashed dogs are welcome on Wednesdays and Fridays. COVID protocols are in play. Masks are required for entrance and must be worn within 6 feet of others. During the pandemic, restrooms are closed.

For more information, visit www.VenturaBotanicalGardens.com. To stay up-to-date with what’s going on in the Gardens, join us on Facebook.

The Ventura Botanical Gardens is located at 567 S. Poli St. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to creating a botanical garden for the twenty-first century celebrating the Mediterranean climate regions. The setting is a world-class site with spectacular 360-degree views of the California coast, the Channel Islands and Ojai’s Topa Topa mountain range. VBG will continue to create new outdoor opportunities including training, research, and educational programs ranging from horticulture and botany to sustainability.