Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Two on the Aisle

My Fair Lady at the Rubicon
by James Spencer and Shirley Lorraine

Famed English playwright George Bernard Shaw premiered a play in 1913 about an egotistical professor of phonetics, Henry Higgins, who wagers he can pass off an uneducated flower girl as a duchess simply by teaching her to speak correctly. He selects a subject and along the way reluctantly finds he has fallen in love with his creation. Shaw titled his play Pygmalion, after the sculptor in Greek mythology who fell in love with a statute he carved.

Decades later, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe adapted Shaw’s tale and turned it into the 1956 blockbuster musical, My Fair Lady.

This enchanting story with its memorable score now graces the stage of Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company seven times a week through November 15.

The direction by Rubicon co-founder James O’Neil is fresh and vibrant as he presents the action in an engaging story-telling style with staging perfectly suited to the Rubicon’s specialized performance space.

Central to the story is the character of Professor Henry Higgins, played by multi-award winning actor Joseph Fuqua. Professor Higgins is often described as being annoyingly boorish. While Fuqua portrays Higgins as self-absorbed and inconsiderate, the traits arise from his social obtuseness, rather than innate churlishness. The result is a deep and rich characterization .

The title role of Eliza Doolittle is performed by Kimberly Hessler, who provides Eliza with all the savvy and vulnerability demanded by the part. Rubicon’s Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns calls Hessler “one of the finest voices I have ever heard – a pure, true effortless soprano…” We could not agree more. Her entire performance is precise, engaging, powerful, as well as vocally pristine. She’s just spot on.

Everyone in the 17-member cast gives a balanced performance. Most handle several roles ranging from household staff members to aristocrats. Memorable performances are also turned in by Patrick DeSantis and Susan Denaker as, respectively, Eliza’s father and Higgins’ mother.

The score is performed on two baby grand pianos located on stage adjacent to the grand staircase that is the main set piece. The all-important musical director is Lloyd Cooper, who performs on one piano and Chris Kimbler plays the second.

Rubicon’s hallmark attention to detail heightens the experience. The costumes, hairstyles and special effects are exquisitely showcased during a scene where sumptiously clad aristocrats gather for opening race day at Ascot. Even the stage hands, who enter only during partial black outs to efficiently change set pieces, are costumed as Edwardian butlers in tails. During the race sequence, the thundering pack of horses can be heard moving across the back of the theatre in an enjoyable demonstration of surround sound techniques in a live theatre setting.

In short, My Fair Lady turns out to be grand.

My Fair Lady plays until November 15, 2015. Show times: Wednesday – 2 & 7 p.m.; Thursdays & Fridays – 8 p.m.; Saturdays – 2 & 8 p.m.; Sundays – 2 p.m. Talk backs follow at Wednesday evening shows. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA, 93001. Tickets – $54.00 – $64.00. Ticketing and seat selection available 24/7 at www.rubicon.theatre.org. 667-2900.

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – A Tender Touch Senior Placement

“Holiday Depression in aging loved ones”
By Connie De La Rosa

During the holidays, we often thing of joyful times with family and friends but some of our elders, it can be a time of sadness, isolation and loneliness. “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is prevalent during the holidays and winter season due to issues such as being confined indoors, missing loved ones or chronic illness/pain” states Heidi Johnson, MFT Intern of psychological services in Oxnard.

Mrs. Johnson states that depression in the elderly looks different than the younger generations as it can mask itself as health related issues which often causes the depression to go on untreated. For example, symptoms such as decreased or no appetite, sleep disturbances, incontinence, chronic pain, memory loss/confusion, mood disturbances and fatigue, loss of self worth, increased use of alcohol/drugs and fixation on death. Diabetes and urinary tract infections may also be signs; however, please consult with your primary physician.

What to do when someone is in imminent danger?

Ventura County Crisis Team is 1-866-998-2243
Call 911 for emergency services
Go to nearest hospital emergency room
Call National Suicide Hotline toll-free, 1-800-273-8255 or TTY 1-800-799-4889
Call your doctor

If they are not in imminent danger, acknowledge and offer to work together in

seeking assistance for treatment. There are Community mental health centers that can provide treatment on ability to pay. For more information, call 200-7756.

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Opinion/Editorial

• There are new 25 MPH signs on Poli St. to reduce driving speeds. Because it is a quicker way to travel East and West, the street is used more like a highway then a residential street. In fact, it is used by a lot of people after downtown bars close. There is less chance of being stopped by the police then by using Main or Thompson. My son recently got a speeding ticket on Poli, doing 40 MPH, and the ticket cost with traffic school included is just over $300. So, beware.

I have suggested this idea previously. Since Poli runs through Ventura High School, the street is closed-off during school hours. Drivers then use Main and Thompson to go East and West as they should.

Why not just permanently close Poli at the school and make it part of the campus? Would make the school much prettier and safer and would definitely slow down traffic on Poli. It works now when the street is closed off so why not make it permanent? The VUSD would need to purchase one, or maybe two homes to accomplish this.

• Thanks for your many opinions sent in regarding Regency’s proposed 55-house hillside project. I’m not sure why people think that I am supporting the project at this time based upon my comments. I do not know if I am for or against it yet. When I have a final opinion about whether I think it is good or bad for Ventura, I will let folks know.

I have received several emails from people who oppose the project and Regency has received many letters supporting it. In a future issue we will have much coverage about the project.

One of our writers and I recently met with Regency to see the proposed development plans and to hear what they had to say about the project. Their presentation was very professional and well-articulated. Their presentation is much more than is actually required by the City at this time in the very preliminary approval process.

Readers have been writing to me in opposition and some want to meet to show me what is wrong with the project. I appreciate the feedback, but because I have been an architect for 47 years, I will be able to review the plans and make my own decision about the merits, or downfalls, of the development.

I also understand that this project will not be what I consider “executive housing”. I was merely pointing out that Ventura needs “executive housing.”. This will certainly be luxury housing, and it might be as close as we can get with the limited land available in Ventura. Though, there is land in Ventura’s “sphere of influence” that could be looked at for executive housing at some point.

• Regarding future building developments, on September 16, the Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted unanimously to annex property into the city of Ventura, marking an integral step toward development of a 70-acre project known as Focus Area One.

Focus Area One is more than 100 acres in total and includes the current Ventura Auto Center and Olivas Park, which will become a state-of-the art commercial district that will serve the City of Ventura and the region.

“This is an important milestone in our progress toward fulfilling the City’s goal of developing destination retail adjacent to our Auto Center,” said Mayor Cheryl Heitmann. “The proposed development will complement the Auto Center and will provide sought-after services to our residents.”

The LAFCO action amended the City of Ventura’s sphere of influence to include a 6.65-acre site, which formerly served as the Montalvo Community Services District wastewater treatment facility. The Montalvo plant will be decommissioned and demolished, allowing for the construction of a new road and levee that will facilitate development of the new project.

“The City has collaborated with the private investment community for years to design and construct the infrastructure needed to support development at this site,” said City Manager Mark Watkins. “This latest action is a victory for the project and for the City as a whole. This is a high-profile development site along the 101 corridor; it will be a great asset to the City,” said Watkins.

• As I’m sure you have heard, there was a proposal to include some paid parking in the Downtown parking structure. I hear people against this idea saying, “look what happened when they put parking meters in Downtown. Look what they did to business.”

So, conducting an impromptu experiment, I wanted to see first-hand the impact they are having. I drove Downtown (11:30am on a Wednesday) and counted the empty spaces (not including the 24-minute parking spaces). There were 3 empty spaces on the North side of Main and 5 on the South side. A total of only 8 empty spaces, so the parking meters have had little, or no effect on people parking in Downtown.

The good news is that Ventura’s City Manager has released a statement announcing negotiations are continuing, but settlement options for the Santa Clara Parking Structure do not include paid parking.

According to Watkins, “Over the last few weeks, the City has heard from concerned citizens about the proposed changes to the Santa Clara parking structure. We recognize that this is a significant issue that matters to our community. Listening to the voices of our residents, we are further negotiating with the interested parties to continue to explore options that do not include paid parking.”

In addition, Watkins announced the parking structure item has been moved to the City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2. It had been scheduled for Oct. 26.

• Channel Islands National Park Superintendent, Russell Galipeau, has announced the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to replace the pier at Scorpion Anchorage on East Santa Cruz Island.

The park plans to replace the existing pier to provide safe accessible, efficient, and sustainable access for visitors and park staff.

Public involvement is essential to the success of the project. Interested individuals, organizations, and agencies can submit comments at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/ScorpionPier.

Comments can also be mailed to:
Scorpion Pier Project
Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001

• Once again, Ventura is considering a sales tax increase to be included on the November 2016 ballot. Our current sales tax rate is 7.5%. The City Council voted to spend a maximum of $80,000 to launch a campaign to inform/educate Venturans to persuade them to vote yes in this election.

A private survey conducted recently shows that a majority of Venturans would approve an increase if the revenue generated would improve essential city services. Only a simple majority is required to pass this sales tax increase. Depending on the amount of increase (1/2% or 1%), the new revenue could reach an estimated $10-$20 million a year.

Tech Today with Ken May – What to Look for when buying a computer-Part 2

by Ken May

RAM isn’t just a type of goat

Just like the number of processor cores in a computer affects its speed and ability to multitask, the amount of Random Access Memory, or RAM, in a computer can affect just how much multitasking can go on. RAM is basically a small, extra-fast form of memory.

By having more RAM, your computer is able to keep more data close at hand, rather than having to go digging around through the slower hard drive for the information it needs. That’s why it’s useful to have more RAM if you want to keep multiple tasks going at the same time and be able to jump between them relatively quickly. If you’re also guilty of having too many web browser windows open at the same time, more RAM will make that a lot easier.

Hard drives aren’t hard choices

Every computer needs data storage, and though that is where your hard drive comes in. There are typically a few different options in the search for a hard drive, but what it really comes down to is how you plan to use your computer.

If you plan to just have your computer and no peripherals, you may want to opt for the biggest hard drive you can. If you don’t plan to have many applications on your computer, and won’t store media on it, then you can opt for a smaller hard drive and save yourself some money. If you can handle a small hard drive but want to it be extra fast and you have the cash, consider going for a solid-state drive.

Check your peripherals

The peripherals on your computer are going to be pretty specific to your needs, but there are plenty of them to be thinking about whether you’ll need them, and just how many of them you want. You may want ten USB ports but not have a care in the world about having a DVD drive. Your best bet is to decide what your needs are and follow that. There are different types of computers for different needs and I’m not just talking about PCs and Laptops! Industrial PCs are designed to be spillproof and last a long time, even though it is going to be heavily used. A supplier of Industrial computers are cksglobal, they sell fully customisable keyboards and mice to fit any business’ needs as well. Make sure you buy or build a computer suitiable for your needs as it will save you time and money in the future.

Oh, so you want to get into PC gaming?

To play the latest games like league of legends, which many people get accounts for from websites similar to www.unrankedsmurfs.com, with the graphics on high and keep a high frame-rate, you’ll be needing to look into a truly high-performance machine like an Acer Predator (check out this acer predator x34 review). Modern games take up a lot of space, so a big hard drive is a must – you’ll want it to be a fast drive, too. Running those games also takes a lot of processing power, so a heavy hitting processor will be important. You can do without too many cores in your processor if each is extra fast.

Unless you want to sputter out low-quality visuals on the newest games, you’ll need a dedicated graphics card – even games like Minecraft, which people consider as having bad graphics needs some decent hardware to run because of the sheer amount that needs rendering, especially if you’re on a multiplayer server where buildings and structures are usually more extravagant. (If you’re thinking of hosting a Minecraft server by the way, check out GG Servers [https://ggservers.com] for what they can do – their name is always floating around the airwaves in the Minecraft community) You can probably get by with something in the mid-range of graphics cards, but a high-end card is your best bet. Be sure to get plenty of VRAM on that card. When it comes down to making your pick, you’ll want to go with a card from Nvidia or AMD.

Thinking about anything other than Windows? Reconsider. Some games are made available for Mac and Linux, but there will be a great number of games unavailable to you if you aren’t running Windows.

Thinking about a laptop? Reconsider again. There is a premium to be paid for cramming high-end hardware into an extra small box, and a PC gaming rig requires a lot of high-end hardware. There are plenty of quality gaming laptops out there, but in most instances they will be far more expensive than an equal desktop. An added benefit of going with a desktop is that you will be able to swap out components, and upgrading to a new graphics card is much easier in a desktop.

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Movie Review

Bridge of Spies/ 4 Palm Trees

By Eduardo Victoria/[email protected]

What does Steven Spielberg have left to prove after having one of the best and most enviable careers in the history of film? He invented the blockbuster, his partnership with John Williams was crucial in the salvation of the orchestral film score, and he gave us the PG-13 rating. Now, in the late stages of his career, Spielberg has turned his eye to historical dramas. Bridge of Spies proves that this “third act” of Spielberg’s career may be his most interesting yet.

The USSR grows more powerful as the world lives in fear of a war between the Soviets and the US. The capture of Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) leads him to the introduction of James Donovan (Tom Hanks), an insurance lawyer who’s firm throws him a high profile criminal justice (his former line of work) case because they figure it would do the firm, the country, and spirits good to put Abel away. However, it becomes apparent that both men are that of value and principle, not willing to short change anybody to speed up an outcome. The film then completely changes focus as an American U2 pilot (Austin Stowell) is shot down and taken prisoner, leading the CIA to ask Donovan to negotiate an exchange of prisoners in East Berlin.

The “third act” of Spielberg’s career has become one of deconstructing the façade constructed by history on many of the faces, figures, and events that have become essential to what makes the people of the United States “American.” Tom Hanks, in one of the best performances of his career, tells us that it is not our heritage that makes us American, but the rulebook. He will not violate Abel’s trust, not even when confronted by the pushy CIA Agent Hoffman (Scott Shepherd).

The writing by Joel and Ethan Coen is top notch. A sequence involving Abel’s supposed family comes off as, needless to say, Coen-esque in its bizarre humor. The script, as great as it is, really doesn’t do much by way of pacing to move the story along. As magnificent as this is, the 140-minute runtime becomes very apparent. This is forgivable for some truly amazing moments. Especially in scenes between Donovan and his family, particularly when his son comes home after watching an educational video in school about what to do in case of a nuclear attack (oh, the naivety of the 50s, how charming you are).

Technically, the film’s serious nature is reflected in its color palette thanks to cinematographer Janusz Kaminski. The look of 35mm film is not subdued in anyway and as a matter of fact, I’d say is essential in this film to create the look and feel of the period. Pulling no stops, Spielberg throws us headfirst into the period and it is astoundingly beautiful.

Tying all elements together is a score by composer Thomas Newman, who had to step in to replace John Williams on this picture, and he does an admirable job. The Newmans are incredible at crafting scores that are distinctly American, with Tom Newman sounding the most “contemporary.” It is delicate, tense, but in the end, exactly what the film needs and no more.

A serious awards contender, Bridge of Spies goes beyond a typical awards season film and explores themes and behaviors that are, if anything, as relevant now as they were back in the late 50s. What makes us American? How far are we willing to go to do what is right? When our countries don’t want to be involved, they called on Donovan- who proved that sometimes, we have to set aside preconceived notions and prejudices to bring people proper justice, a principle that is truly American.

Rated PG-13. 140 minutes. Drama. Now playing at Cinemark Downtown 10.

Fundraiser held for Ventura Botanical Gardens

On Sunday, October 5, the Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG) annual “Grow Your Garden” fundraiser brunch was held in Grant Park.

The nearly 500 guests who attended the brunch, prepared by Seasons Catering, were given the option of either hiking the trail up to the lunch area or riding shuttles from the City Hall parking lot up to the site.

The cooler weather and two large tents made for a comfortable event. Several speakers talked to the invited attendees and films were shown presenting inspirational photos and additional speakers.

Entertainer Hannah Davey started the day with her wonderful signing rendition of America the Beautiful.

She was followed by welcoming speeches by Beverly McCaslin, Founding member of the Gardens’ board of directors, Kevin Clerici, Executive Director of the Downtown Ventura Partners Improvement District and a member of the board, Gavin Garrety, an 8th grade student at DeAnza Academy of Technology & the Arts and Barbara Brown, founding partner of BBM&D Strategic Branding and a Charter Member of the VBG, who currently serves as its Vice President.

Barbara Brown stated, “We have much to do for the Gardens, from putting in water and plants to creating new buildings, to building our corps of volunteers. Support from our donors helps ensure that we can create a world class Gardens for Ventura County. To build a strong foundation for our programs and to provide a stable future for our Gardens, we have created a multi-year giving society we call the Perennial Society, our most committed supporters. If you have been inspired by what you have seen today, I ask you now to consider joining us this morning as a member of the Perennial Society.”

The motto of the Gardens’ is to create and maintain public gardens for the preservation, education, cultural contribution and enhancement of the entire community”. The Gardens are already accomplishing this mission as nearly 1,500 people per month now hike the trail.

The location of Ventura Botanical Gardens is Grant Park, in the foothills above City Hall, in downtown Ventura. The first trail, the Demonstration Trail, is complete. Almost a mile long and six feet wide, with a decomposed granite surface and hand‐built stone walls, the trailhead begins at the upper parking lot behind City Hall. Planting for the Chilean Gardens has begun. When completed, the Chilean Gardens will be the largest in the world, outside of Chile. Grant Park is open from dawn to dusk.

For more information, visit www.venturabotanicalgardens.com.

Club celebrating 38 years in the Racquet Sports & Fitness Industry

What do you say about the couple that works out together?

The Pierpont Racquet Club (PRC)is celebrating 38 years in the Racquet Sports & Fitness Industry this October. All these years the Club has been a second home to so many in our community! As a matter of fact, many of their current members who grew up here as little kids, are now raising families and making sure to share the same experience with their own kids that they had! With Tennis, Swimming, Fitness and Childcare, among many other amenities all under one roof, how could you not be a member at the Pierpont Racquet Club?

What do you say about the couple that works out together? Zack is a cradle PRC member! He loves to stay fit at the Pierpont Racquet Club when he is home in town. Zack says “I grew up here at the PRC! I even worked here, built my resume and networked with members; which led me to my current awesome career, following professional sports around the country! Now Krystal, my girlfriend, and I enjoy the great facilities here together! This place has been my home for all of my 27 years!”

You too can create your own personal PRC Member Story. Come down anytime during the last October days as they celebrate 38 years in business, and get 38% off the Join Fee to become a member! Now is a great time! Call 648-5161 or visit www.pierpontrc.com or see PRC on facebook!

Grand Jury Speakers Bureau

The County of Ventura Grand Jury is an all-volunteer group serving as an independent agent of the public to investigate complaints from the public pertaining to government agencies in our community. Is your organization interested in hearing about these investigative duties and procedures? The Grand Jury Speakers Bureau is available to educate the public in its endeavors as the “public watchdog” for Ventura County. To learn more or schedule a date for a presentation, please call the Grand Jury at 477-1800. For additional information, you may also refer to its website, http://www.ventura.org/grand-jury

Oxnard Monday Club presents City Center with $7,500 for the “PURPLE ROOM”

The Oxnard Monday Club presented The City Center with a $7,500 check to sponsor the “PURPLE ROOM.” A room designated at The City Center Transitional Living specifically for Domestic Violence victims. The Oxnard Monday Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community through volunteerism and partnerships with other organizations. The Center is located at 837 E. Thompson.

Not your typical fishing year

By Kevin Brannon Host

It’s definitely not your typical fishing year and that’s an understatement no one could have predicted. Although, following a strong fishing season last year El Nino brings warmer waters into our area. Exotics are the topic matched with plenty of bait fish-Sardines, anchovies, mackerel squid and even the tuna crab (AKA red crab). Yellowtail numbers have been ridiculous. Here’s a quick fact on yellowtail. They get called tuna when they’re actually from the amber jack family. Yellowfin are the tuna. Both are game fish and prize trophies. To catch them you must fight hard and they are great to eat. Mostly in the sushi style, eaten raw or Sashimi. The warm water also gets Bonito (pronounced Bonita) and another prized local game fish is the Calico Bass, or Kelp Bass. More good eats!

One negative thing about the warm water is that it can kill the kelp and destroy Calico Bass fishing as it did last time we had El Nino conditions. Nature will take its course. Nothing we can do about it except get in on all of the hot local fishing action. If you are in need of some fishing equipment for your trips, you may want to check out some carp fishing wafters online from sites like casualcarper.com, and see how you can best prepare yourself for the fishing season.

Predictions say that it has not fully peaked yet. More exotics on the way. A dozen Marlin have been hooked with only a couple making it to the deck of the boat. Possibly Wahoo and Dorado (AKA Mahi Mahi) could be coming up as well. A few other landings have been reporting them. Mixed in with some Blue Fin Tuna. So I highly recommend it.

If you’ve never done it before you can rent a rod, buy the set up and gear that’s working on the water at Ventura Sportfishing Landing. The captains and crews will set you up to catch a fish of a lifetime.
Channel Islands Sportfishing 805-382-1612
Ventura Sportfishing 805-676-3474

Note: 16 and older needs a Fishing License but no license needed for anyone on a pier.
Items to have with you: Sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, pliers, small towel for your hands.
A Fish and Wildlife rules and regulation booklet is very helpful.
Only keep what you plan to eat.
Practice CPR- Catch Photograph and Release

Kevin Brannon Host and Producer -www.reelanglersfishingshow.com

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