Right Here and Now, a multi-artist exhibition hosted by Gallery H at Pacific and Main, brings eight Southern California perspectives to the community of Ventura. From hiking and sailing to recovering from wildfire, the artists’ work pays homage to the local landscape and nature’s ability to restore and revitalize. Curated by Ventura artist Andrea Vargas, the exhibition celebrates the current moment with over 55 paintings, large and small. Artists include Vargas, Barbara Brown, Didi Martin, Gabriel Islas, Kariba Glynn, Linda Manguiat-Herzog, Michelle Nosco and Susan Cook.
In addition to a public opening Friday, November 22, the gallery will host several free public events in its six-week run. Work will be on view and available to purchase through Sunday, January 5, 2025. Gallery hours are on Saturdays from noon to 3pm or by appointment. Please contact Andrea at 805-218-7599 for scheduling. [email protected]. 805-218-7599. Location: 1793 E Main St.
PUBLIC EVENTS:
Exhibition on view: Nov 22 – Jan 5, 2025 (Gallery Hours: Saturdays, noon-3pm)
Artist meet and greet: Nov 23, 12-2pm
Opening reception: December 7, 6 – 8pm
Live art demo by Gabriel Islas: Dec 14, 12:30 – 3:00pm
Miniature art sale: Dec 21, 12 – 3:00pm
Andrea Vargas’ painting is 4ft x 3ft and depicts the iconic Ventura Trestle. The Ventura County Museum of Art and History owns the 7ft version in the permanent collection.
Michelle Nosco’s piece (Stampede) is a mighty 4f by 4ft. Look closely and you can see the horses.
Gabe Islas is well known for his plein air paintings. His 9 x 12 inch piece captures the Ventura Mission in oil
“After the Fire” was produced after the Thomas Fire and illustrates the first Poppies to grow out of the ashes. Artist : Andrea Vargas.
Ventura County Community Foundation is accepting donations for Mountain Fire relief, with 100% of funds aiding local residents and nonprofits.
In response to the Mountain Fire, the County of Ventura and Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) have launched an emergency relief fund to aid those most impacted by the wildfire. Donations can be made to the Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund at vccf.org/donate, with all proceeds supporting community members and local nonprofits on the front lines of relief and recovery.
The wildfire, which began on November 6 near Moorpark, quickly expanded to over 20,500 acres due to strong Santa Ana winds. The Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund will ensure that 100% of contributions are directed toward immediate and essential relief efforts. VCCF has previously coordinated millions in relief for fires like the Thomas, Hill, and Woolsey fires, ensuring impactful and meaningful support reaches those most affected. As the Mountain Fire’s status evolves, VCCF will continue to work closely with government and nonprofit partners to respond effectively to community needs.
“Through this fund, our community has a vital lifeline for those impacted by the wildfire,” said Ventura County CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson. “This fund exemplifies our county’s commitment to provide swift and direct support to individuals and nonprofit organizations on the front lines.”
VCCF also encourages everyone to stay informed and prioritize safety. For updates on evacuation zones and shelter information, visit vcemergency.com or call (805) 465-6650.
“Ventura County’s resilience and generosity have always been stronger than the devastation of wildfires,” said VCCF Board Member Leah Lacayo. “We’re grateful to the County and first responders for their dedication. VCCF stands ready to help our community during these times of need.”
About Ventura County Community Foundation
Since 1987, VCCF has connected philanthropic resources with community needs, ensuring donor legacies are protected and directed to critical areas. By managing charitable capital, VCCF supports scholarships, grants, and initiatives that strengthen Ventura County for future generations. Learn more at vccf.org.
Clynk photo by Sarah Sarah Szanton. Similar recycling systems by Clynk are already in use, like this one in Maine.
by David Goldstein, VCPWA/IWMD
An unexpected problem arose in California’s way to a better recycling future. Buyback centers disappeared.
Those who recycle only through their curbside programs may not have noticed, but many people need their California Redemption Value (CRV) money back, and many more see convenient buyback recycling as a matter of basic fairness. The five to ten cents we pay per bottle or can was not meant to be a tax; it is supposed to be available as a payment for consumers who choose to sell back their recyclables. Where recycling works well and recycling centers compete for business, customers might even receive additional payment for scrap value.
However, since the passage of California’s “bottle bill,” AB 2020 in 1986, a lot has changed. One major change is that supermarkets are more sensitive to the complaints of neighbors and less tolerant of the litter, odor, and clientele associated, sometimes unfairly, with operations that sort recyclables on site and pay people in cash.
A new technology provides hope recycling centers can overcome these problems and be welcomed back to supermarket parking lots and perhaps even to community centers and the parking lots of government buildings. The new technology involves machines guided by artificial intelligence which count and sort recyclables dropped off in mixed bags, attribute the appropriate CRV payment to the person who dropped off the material, and credit the consumer’s electronic account.
Customers attach identifying tags to bags, which they drop off in secure, sealed structures or temporary, staffed trailers. Companies then pick up the bags, transport them to processing locations, and use the artificial intelligence vision technology to identify CRV material, sort, and credit the payment to accounts matching the tags.
The entire footprint for either the temporary, day use buyback trailers or the solar powered drop-off structures is little more than one parking place, but for now, supermarkets and other traditional locations for recycling buyback are still suspicious. Prospective site owners have been reluctant to sign up for the new recycling initiative.
ExoXP image courtesy of recycletek Rendering of Recycletek’s AI-guided buyback trailer, designed to streamline and modernize CRV recycling.
To spur the process, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, CalRecycle, awarded grants to companies trying to set up these new recycling buyback sites in a variety of locations under-served by buyback recycling, including Ventura County. One of those companies is CRV Recycle Center, Inc, which has conventional buyback centers in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, and plans to partner with Recycletek, a provider of the new recycling technology, for multiple winners of CalRecycle’s Redemption Innovation Grant (RIG). Recycletek has been operating these clean and innovative centers with secure transactions in the Bay area since last year.
Conditionally awarded projects have only until November 25 to verify agreements with sites willing to host new drop off sites. Because initially proposed sites for recycling are not responding as hoped, CRV Recycle Center and its vendor, Recycletek, are seeking alternative sites within the same unserved areas proposed in their grant application. Among these alternative sites are properties owned by local governments. “Public agencies know how important can and bottle recycling is, not just for the environment and to meet State mandates, but as a public service. The people served by the city want their redemption value payment back, and it is a public service to help your constituents get this money,” said Maria Khachiyan, owner of the CRV Recycle Center locations in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. “That’s why we are asking cities and counties if we can use public parking lots, at city halls and community centers, for one-day-per-week drop-off recycling.”
A demonstration of the Recycletek technology will take place at the County of Ventura’s America Recycles Day event on November 15, from 8 AM to 4 PM, at the Service Building of the Ventura County Government Center. Although Recycletek will not buy back cans and bottles at this event, the public is invited to drop off electronics for recycling by another vendor to the Ventura County General Services Agency. Electronics do not include appliances nor batteries. While supplies last, attendees may receive, free of charge, two pre-filled bags of mulch per person, made by Peach Hill Soils, of Somis, and provided by the Ventura County Public Works Agency. To learn more, visit recycletek.co and www.clynk.com.
David Goldstein, Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, may be reached at [email protected] or (805) 658-4312.
If you haven’t explored the recently opened path in the California Ramble, you’re in for a treat. The new trail leads visitors through open slopes graced by native California walnut trees, foothill penstemon, and chaparral mallow, along with toyon, chamise, bush poppy, lupine, ceanothus, and manzanita. These plants create vibrant seasonal colors and textures, showcasing the beauty of the native chaparral environment.
A highlight of this new path is a walk through a maturing native pine woodland, where towering Torrey pines, planted only a few years ago, now provide much-needed shade. Visitors can pause on a stone seating wall in the heart of the California Ramble zone, or take stone steps leading up the hill to rejoin the main path. The trail eventually leads to the pine woodland, directly across from the South African Fynbos garden. As the native plant community flourishes, wildlife and pollinators have returned, enhancing the Gardens’ natural ecosystem.
This project was made possible through grants from the WHHF family foundation and the City of Ventura’s Community Partnership Grants Program (CPCG), both supporting the creation of accessible paths for visitors with limited mobility. The path features gentle grades and modified curbs for easy navigation.
In other exciting news, Ventura Botanical Gardens is pleased to introduce Isabel Callaway as the new Director of Development. With a decade of experience on the Board of Directors, Isabel has been integral to the Gardens’ mission, particularly in fundraising for the Chilean Garden and its reconstruction after the Thomas Fire. Originally from Chile and fluent in both English and Spanish, she is a Ventura County resident committed to advancing the Gardens’ Phase II development under the 40-year master plan.
The Gardens also have new signage for the Chilean, Mediterranean, and Ramble Gardens, designed by Barbara Brown, Noah Greer, and Searle Creative, with installation by Signarama. These signs present sponsorship opportunities, with sponsors’ names featured on the signage.
Lastly, thanks to the generosity of donors, the Gardens exceeded their spring fundraising goal by raising over $42,000. These funds will support essential upgrades, including new electric carts, a storage container for Summit Plateau, and an irrigation line for the Diversity Olive Grove.
Enjoy free gift wrapping, family-friendly activities, and a chance to meet Santa at the Ventura Holiday Craft & Gift Festival!
The holidays are here, and so is the Ventura Holiday Craft & Gift Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, inside the San Miguel and Anacapa Halls, from Friday, November 22nd to Sunday, November 24th. Festival hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Explore handcrafted gifts, festive décor, and more at the Ventura Holiday Craft & Gift Festival, Nov. 22-24 – your one-stop shop for unique holiday treasures.
If you’re searching for unique, handmade holiday decorations or one-of-a-kind gifts not available in stores, this festival has it all. “You’ll find handcrafted ornaments, jewelry, art, home décor, and more. It’s a great chance to get into the holiday spirit,” said Show Producer Susi Engl. And don’t forget to bring the kids to meet Santa for photos on Saturday and Sunday!
With dozens of talented artists and vendors on display, there’s something for everyone. You’ll discover beautiful gifts, customizable items, specialty foods, and even bath and body products. Plus, enjoy fun activities like free Holiday Bingo, a coloring tent for all ages, and hands-on Make & Take craft sessions. For kids, there will be inflatables, movie character meet-and-greets, and, of course, the chance to snap a picture with Santa from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Bonus: Enjoy free gift wrapping to make your holiday shopping even easier! Admission is free, and parking is $10. For more details and free tickets, visit www.VenturaCraftFestival.com.
Come create new memories and cross everyone off your holiday shopping list!
The Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present “Winter,” a captivating new exhibition featuring figures from the George Stuart Historical Figures® Collection. This exhibit brings to life the winter traditions, symbols, and customs of six cultures from across the globe and throughout history, including Russia, Norse Scandinavia, Qing Dynasty China, Revolutionary War-era Valley Forge, Victorian England, and the native Chumash people. Each figure showcases the meticulous historical research and artistry for which Stuart’s collection is celebrated. “Winter” opens on Thursday, November 21, at the Museum’s main campus and runs through February 23, 2025.
Visitors will journey across continents and centuries, beginning with Norse winter mythology, exploring the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, and visiting George Washington’s Continental Army at Valley Forge. A section on Victorian England offers a look at beloved holiday traditions in their early forms, such as caroling, Christmas cards, and decorated trees. The exhibit then delves into the Chumash winter solstice traditions before culminating in Qing Dynasty China with a celebration of the Lunar New Year and the arrival of spring.
Renowned historian and sculptor George Stuart studied fine arts at the University of California, where he combined his love of art and history to create over 300 figures—many of which reside at the Museum of Ventura County. His quarter-life-sized Historical Figures (18-24 inches) are lauded for their extraordinary detail and historical accuracy.
About the Museum: The Museum of Ventura County fosters connections to history, art, and culture through engaging exhibits and community experiences. The main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura, California, and the Agriculture Museum is at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, California. Both locations are open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit venturamuseum.org for more information.
The Youth Bike Competition Program helps kids ride safely and thrive,” said Carlos Landeros-Angel, Founder & CEO of Bike 4 A Cause.
Bike 4 A Cause is excited to invite the community to its Learn 2 Ride Day Ribbon Cutting Event on Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Westpark Community Center, 450 W Harrison Avenue, Ventura. This free, family-friendly event offers a welcoming environment where children, teens, adults, and parents can build their biking skills, learn essential safety tips, and foster confidence. The day’s schedule includes a keynote address by former California Senator Omer Rains at 3 p.m., opened by a Chumash Blessing, a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and speeches by Bart Bluel from the Kiwanis Club of Ventura, Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education Trustee James Forsythe, and community mental health advocate Sade Champagne. Local, county, and state officials are also expected to join the festivities.
Dr. Dawes, Bart Bluel of the Kiwanis Club of Ventura, Principal Cohen of DATA, and Carlos Landeros-Angel gather to discuss the upcoming middle school bike competition program.
As a seasoned public servant with deep ties to the community, Senator Rains will share insights from his influential career, which has included landmark legislation that secured public beach access and helped establish the Ventura Promenade, also known as the Omer Rains Bikeway. Known for his global humanitarian work, including serving as an advisor to Nelson Mandela, Rains has left an indelible mark on Ventura and beyond. “Senator Rains has done more to advance women’s rights and equality under the law than any legislator in California history,” shared the President of the National Women’s Political Caucus. As an active member of the Bike 4 A Cause Advisory Board, Senator Rains, along with his daughter Jessica Rains, continues his commitment to community well-being by supporting programs that encourage outdoor activity and safe cycling. Thanks to his generosity, children who learn to ride at the event will receive commemorative Bike 4 A Cause T-shirts.
Bikes lined up and ready for students at DATA to practice their riding skills.
Beyond promoting bike safety, Bike 4 A Cause emphasizes mental wellness and family bonding. Donations raised will support the Youth Bike Competition Program, which last year engaged 114 middle school students who collectively rode over 3,300 miles. This program encourages young riders to choose outdoor activity over screen time, building social connections, physical fitness, and confidence. “We’re honored to have Senator Rains as our keynote speaker,” said Carlos Landeros-Angel, Founder & CEO of Bike 4 A Cause. “As a Bike Safety Instructor for VUSD, I saw firsthand how important it is for kids to get outside, ride safely, and participate in supportive activities. The Youth Bike Competition Program is one way we help make that possible.”
Event Highlights
The Learn 2 Ride Day events take place on the second Saturday of each month at Arroyo Verde Park and the fourth Saturday at Westpark Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. These events feature guided instruction, safety brochures, and techniques like the Grassy Hill Method to help new riders learn quickly and safely. New riders receive a Certificate of Achievement signed by a Ventura city official, along with a small prize to celebrate their success.
Each event also includes a special guest speaker on bike safety, community resources, and family activities, plus safety updates and the latest California traffic laws for cyclists and e-bike riders provided by the Ventura Police Department to promote safe riding practices for all.
Get Involved!
Families are encouraged to RSVP online to reserve a spot, though walk-ins are welcome anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Visit bike4acause.org for more information on programs, events, and ways to support the Youth Bike Competition Program.
About Bike 4 A Cause
Bike 4 A Cause is dedicated to creating a safe and connected community by promoting bike safety, mental wellness, and family engagement. Through initiatives like Learn 2 Ride Day and the Youth Bike Competition Program, the organization empowers families to build confidence, celebrate milestones, and enjoy healthy outdoor activities together.
Special Thanks
Bike 4 A Cause extends sincere thanks to its sponsors, including the Kiwanis Club of Ventura, TREK, Patagonia, 5 Nerds Software Development, Real Quick Design and Consultation, and Simply SarahLee. Appreciation also goes to our community partners—the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, VUSD, The City of Ventura, and The Housing Authority—for their support in promoting Learn 2 Ride Day. Special recognition goes to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) for producing a documentary on Bike 4 A Cause through The View, CSUCI’s newspaper, and to CSUCI marketing intern Athena Affholter for designing event flyers.
Support SEEAG’s Ag Education: Pre-order a unique, sustainably harvested Christmas tree for November 30 pickup, with all proceeds benefiting local kids’ agricultural programs.
Sustainably harvested white and red “silver tipped” fir trees from Northern California will be available for pickup on Saturday, November 30 during “Christmas On The Ranch” at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd.) in Ventura. Proceeds from the Christmas tree fundraiser will support Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) agriculture education and healthy eating programs for kids in Ventura County.
The hand-harvested trees are 6’ to 10’ tall. Trees are available for pick-up and purchase from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 30. Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served.
The trees were donated by Rob Paulus, a retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief, and father of SEEAG executive director Caitlin Paulus-Case, to support SEEAG and its ag-education efforts. Paulus owns a 60-acre parcel of private land that is 6,400 feet in altitude in the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. “Growing up, it was my favorite spot on Earth,” says Paulus-Case. “The trees truly remind me of the spirit of Christmas.”
By harvesting trees from their private land, the Paulus family work to thin overgrown forest stands, reduce catastrophic fire risk, and help restore the natural environment. “The trees are harvested in late November, so they are fresher than any tree you’ll find on a typical lot. Since they aren’t grown on a tree farm, they carry the unique story of the forest in their beautiful imperfections,” says Paulus.
The cost is $200 per tree. For each tree sold, a matching $250 will be donated by SEEAG board members Steve Gill, Chris Waldron and Patrick Sheehy. “The $450 combined tree donation enables 10 local students to take part in one of our agricultural and healthy eating programs at no cost,” says Paulus-Case.
SEEAG will also donate a tree, stand, decorations and a small gift to Las Posas Elementary School in Camarillo and Citrus Glen Elementary School in Ventura. The schools will select which student will receive the donated tree and items.
Attendees explore FOTM’s 30-year timeline at the anniversary celebration, reflecting on decades of artistic achievements. Image by Sheldon Brown
FOTM (Focus on the Masters) 30th Anniversary Celebration continued on Sunday, November 3, at the Vita Art Center. Attendees enjoyed sipping wine and sampling hors d’oeuvres, while walking the Focus on the Masters timeline.
The FOTM archives include oral histories, videotaped interviews, photographic portraits and examples of artists’ work. The Focus mission is to demonstrate the full significance of the arts to society by bringing highly accomplished and diverse artists to the forefront of the community.
Focus on the Masters is a nonprofit arts education and appreciation program that documents, preserves and presents the works and lives of accomplished contemporary artists. www.focusonthemasters.com.
