Vol. 18, No. 01 – Oct 2 – Oct 15, 2024 – Community Events

Ventura

Austin Bantam Society Annual Car Show: Sat., Oct 5, 10 am – 3 pm. Ventura Harbor.

Join this unique display of cars to get up close to a small but brilliant collection of the automobiles of the late 1930’s to early 1940’s created by the Bantam Company, American Austin and English Austin. Plus, enjoy breakfast or lunch waterside at one of the many Ventura Harbor Village restaurants and browse art galleries and coastal boutiques. www.venturaharborvillage.com.

1st Annual Fatima Conference: Sat., Oct 12, 9 am – 2 pm. Mission San Buenaventura, 211 E. Main St.

The Executive Director of The Blue Army is coming to Ventura to talk about the message of Fatima and Mary’s apparitions. $40. Lunch will be provided. Send check or money order to Marcia Garcia, PO Box 6094, Ventura, CA 93006. No on-site registration.

Namba Performing Arts Space: Fri, Oct 18, Sun Oct 20. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak St.

4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival Weekend #3.

Mental Health Awareness/Poetry Weekend with “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack” by Ben Kassoy, “Resilient AF” by Kamakshi Hart, and “Mictlan” by Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola, with shows in Spanish and English.

The 2024 Playwrights’ Splash Festival brings new playwrights to Ventura and provides a platform for emerging artists to share their stories. Support for the festival is provided by the City of Ventura Cultural Funding Grant Program and Ventura County Behavioral Health. Tickets for each show are $20 online or $25 at the door. Or purchase a “SPLASH Pass” and see all three shows for $60! Includes a complimentary drink for each show and waives ticket fees. Join us at the SPLASH Festival and support the flourishing performing arts scene in Ventura. Learn more at NambaArts.com.

The Museum of Ventura County: The Curse of The Vampire. Tales from the Book of Nosferatu. Sept 19 – Nov 17.

The artists have created a spine-tingling, comic-like experience that will thrill anyone fascinated by Dracula and occult storytelling. You’ll be scared, amazed, and completely immersed in a world where imagination meets the supernatural! The Curse of The Vampire: Tales from The Book of Nosferatu is a collaborative exhibition that features seventeen George Stuart Historical Figures enhanced by blown up retro comic book style illustrations created by artists, Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. The exhibition brings a fictional story to life, chronicling the rise and fall of a vampire dynasty from Vlad the Impaler (the first alleged vampire) to Dracula to Alexander Cepesi (one of the last vampires). The story unfolds through illustrations created by Pugh and Alvitre in a retro comic book style. www.venturamuseum.org/upcoming-exhibitions.

Congregation Am HaYam: New Year Services. 4839 Market St. Unit C.

Congregation Am HaYam offers services to welcome the Jewish New Year 5785 with Rabbi Ben Goldstein, the congregation’s new spiritual leader. Congregation Am HaYam offers live streaming services the first full Shabbat of the month. Services on the third Shabbat of the month are both in-person and streaming. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Brenda Rich at 805 644-2899 or email her at [email protected].

Erev Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, Oct 2, 7:00 pm • Rosh Hashanah First Day: Thurs, Oct 3, 9:30 am • Rosh Hashanah Second Day: Frid, Oct 4, 9:30 am • Kol Nidre/Erev Yom Kippur: Fri, Oct 11, 6:00 pm • Yom Kippur Day: Sat, Oct12, 9:30 am.

Chabad of Ventura High Holidays: Crown Plaza Ventura Beach

Rosh Hashanah: Oct 3 & 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Shofar at 12:00 pm. Thur, Oct 3, 5:30 pm at the Ventura Promenade Beach Playground for “Shofar in the Park.”

Yom Kippur; Oct 11, 6:30 pm, Oct 12, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Chabad of Ventura services are designed to make everyone feel welcome and at home. The prayers, conducted with Hebrew/English prayer-books, are lively, engaging, and inclusive – spiced with inspiring tunes and insightful explanations throughout – allowing all to absorb the experience at their own level. There is NO CHARGE for seats; your donation is greatly appreciated. Advance reservations are suggested to secure your seat. Reservations can be made online or over the phone. 805-658-7441. www.ChabadVentura.com/HighHolidays

Ventura Friends of the Library: Sat, Oct 5, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Vons at Telegraph & Victoria

Books by the Bag Book Sale. Buy a $5 bag and fill it up! Fiction, Nonfiction, Children’s books, Teacher Resources, Puzzles. All proceeds benefit Ventura’s libraries.

Ventura Friends of the Library – Annual Membership Meeting: Sun, Oct 20, 1 – 3 pm. E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. Annual meetings are open to guests who are interested in our organization or guest speakers,

OctoberFly Fishing Event: Sat, Oct 5, 9 -11am, Chumash Park, Petit and Waco

Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will be conducting our monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic. There is no charge and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall, [email protected]. (805) 377-5249 www.sespeflyfishers.org

Open House Tours at the 1892 Dudley Museum: Sun, Oct 6, 1-4 pm. Loma Vista and Ashwood (197 N. Ashwood).

With Halloween fast approaching, tour guides Richard Senate and Lynn Weitzel (co-authors of “Are There Ghosts at the Dudley House?”) may add a few ghost stores if asked. Admission is free. For information call (805) 642-3345 or visit dudleyhouse.org.

San Buenaventura Women’s Club: Tues, Oct 8. Noon. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd,

Lunch, program by the Ventura County Museum and business meeting. Lunch is $25, reservations are required. Contact Business Manager Carol Ricks at (805) 212-9218. Everyone welcome.


VCS Speaker Series: Elder Safety & Scam Prevention: Tues, Oct 15, 4 – 5pm. Ventura Avenue Adult Center (550 N. Ventura Ave.).

Each month the City’s Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS) hosts a new speaker to present information on important and relevant topics related to the senior community. (Ages 50+) Free. For more information call 805-648-3035 or visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/vcs.

2024 Ventura Women’s Conference: Sat, Oct 19, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Poinsettia Pavilion.

The theme is “Wellness Warriors… embrace, empower, energize. Giving you the tools to gently warrior through life with compassion and grace.” Twelve women will speak on their wellness expertise, and over 20 health and wellness vendors will share products and services. Tickets are available at Eventbrite and all proceeds benefit Food Share Ventura. www.venturawomensconference.com

National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors: Sun, Oct 20, 11 am. Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura

Anyone interested in timepieces, both antique and modern, can attend the Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors meeting for a watch/clock marketplace, lunch, and a presentation on a horological topic.  Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation. nawcc-ch190.com.

Patchwork Show: Nov 3, 2024, 11 – 5pm, Downtown Ventura.

Patchwork Show Ventura brings all the charm of a beach town (you can even see the ocean from the show!) including a walkable collection of local shops and restaurants. Over the past 16 years, Patchwork has grown from a small parking lot craft fair into multiple locations including street festivals and large indoor marketplaces. Each location is as unique as the venue and showcases different makers and collaborations that reflect the local environment and community. www.dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/

Ongoing:

Social Golf Club

Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com

Ventura Senior Men’s Group: First and Third Tues each month: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Poinsettia Pavilion.

Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Play Bridge: Every Tues, Wed and Thurs at 12:30 pm.

ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse.  For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected].

Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Mon each month – 7:30 pm.

Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Beach Cleanup: First Sat of every month – 8:30 -10:30 am.

Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St). Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided – BYO water.

Ojai:

Plant California Natives Now: Sat, Oct 12, 2 pm. Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Ave.

Certified Master Gardener Dani Brusius will deliver a timely talk on how to plant and grow California Native plants. Learn how to grow a California native plant garden. Learn when it is best to plant natives, their maintenance needs, and other important information about these beneficial, drought-resistant plants. Attendees can drop in on the day of the talk, but pre-registration is appreciated. Register by visiting https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=43518.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected]. If you have gardening questions, you can email the free Master Gardener Helpline at [email protected].

Monday Matinees: A Movie Screening Series, First and Third Mondays at 12 pm. The Ojai

Library.

The Ojai Library announces the launch of Monday Matinees. The library will be hosting free movie screenings on the first and third Mondays of each month at noon. There will be a special additional screening on Monday, September 30, 2024, to round out the first month.

This program aims to provide a fun and relaxing way for visitors to enjoy a diverse selection of films, ranging from classic favorites to contemporary hits. The movie listings will be posted in the library, ensuring that everyone can stay up to date with upcoming features. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

Ojai Studio Artists Tour: Sat, Sun and Mon, October 12 – 14

Always a highlight of the Southern California arts calendar, the (OSA) is back with a three-day “choose-your-own adventure” extravaganza. More than 70 artists open their private spaces over the course of the long weekend in a tour that features paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, collage, jewelry, glass, prints, mixed media and all manner of artworks, all experienced in a variety of intimate and idiosyncratic spaces by members of a community-based nonprofit devoted to celebrating Ojai arts.

Ticket holders get a program and map of participating studios, from back yard wonderlands within walking distance of the town arcade to stone cabins nestled up Sulphur Mountain. Tickets are $20, giving visitors access to all studios over the three-day weekend (and supporting art scholarship programs for Nordhoff High art students). www.ojaistudioartists.org/all-tours/2024-fall-open-studios-tour.

Oxnard:

Día de los Muertos Celebration: Sat, Nov 2, 4-9 pm Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way

OPAC’s Dia de los Muertos expands in 2024 with month-long Community Altar in partnership with The Collection. This year, the celebration extends with a month-long Día de los Muertos Community Altar at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, running from Oct 1 – Nov 2. This vibrant display titled “Recuérdame” (Remember Me) is hosted in partnership with The Collection and will be located between Lazy Dog and the Cheesecake Factory. The community is invited to honor their loved ones by participating in a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed. Admission is free and open to the public. We invite the public to contribute to the Community Altar by sharing photos of loved ones they wish to honor. www.theopac.org.

Camarillo:

2024 Ventura County Celebration of Books: Sat, Oct 12, 11 am – 4 pm. CSU Channel Islands campus, One University Drive

The event is co-presented by the Ventura County Library, CSU Channel Islands, and the Ventura County Library Foundation. The event and parking are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome with activities for the whole family.

Activities include Story Times for kids presented by CSUCI Early Childhood Studies department, and stories will be read in English and Spanish.

Attendees are invited to bring a blanket and share a picnic on the lawn. Bring your own lunch or enjoy food from three local food trucks (the first 150 guests at each food truck eat free!).

Exhibitors will be on hand to chat with attendees and share information, including local authors, government and nonprofit agencies, and local businesses. www.vclibraryfoundation.org/ventura-county-celebration-of-books.

The Camarillo Quilters Association: Tues, Oct 8, Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley Drive

The doors open at 9:00 am and the meeting begins at 9:30 am. The guest fee is $5 and everyone is welcome. This month will feature four of CQA members giving mini workshops. The topics will include Sashiko, making a sewing machine mat, Kawandi quilting and how to use an AccuQuilt machine. www.camarilloquilters.com.

Free Grief Support Groups at Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center

Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. Spanish General Bereavement support group starting September 26, 2024, every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm (meets in Ventura). Living Life Widowed support group starting October 3rd, 2024, on the first Thursday of every month from 2 to 3:30 pm. For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited. All support groups are free for the community. For reservations contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief.

Santa Barbara: Sat, Oct 5, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, On the lawn at Neal Taylor Nature Center, Cachuma Lake

Close-up encounters with living, scorpions, bats, spiders, and snakes along with real skulls and bones! Play games and win prizes! There will be witches, arts & craft activities, spooky-fun music and more to get you in the Halloween spirit. The Nature Center will teach you all you would like to know about many animals closely associated with Halloween as well as lead fun games including a special Creepy Creatures Scavenger Hunt! SB County Park Naturalists will also be taking part in the event and will have a table on skulls and bones. Educators from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will highlight a fun assortment of taxidermy that include bats, snakes, toads and more! Representatives from the SB Wildlife Care Network will lead fun fall themed games and tips on how to best decorate for Halloween. Other activities will entertain youngsters and parents alike. Arts and crafts activities will be a hit where making your own mask will be one of the focused activities. There will also be a special aerial performance from Elevated Dreams Aerial Dance Studio students, along with enchanting music, scavenger hunts, witches brew, and exploring the Nature Center, and more. Reservations are not needed. Donation appreciated. For additional information contact the Nature Center at 805-693-0691 or visit  www.clnaturecenter.org

 

Vol. 18, No. 01 – Oct 2 – Oct 15, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
High Potential – Hulu

4 out of 4 palm trees

In the new ABC series “High Potential”, Kaitlin Olsen plays Madison, a quirky single mother of three with a genius IQ that has tended to get her into more trouble than it helped. While working as a night janitor at the local police station, Madison knocked over a box of evidence related to an adjacent case board and though she only saw a few photos of a dead guy from the scene, she went to the board and crossed out a woman listed as suspect and changed it to victim.

The next morning, Detective Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) began to review the case and was very upset that someone had scratched out suspect and wrote victim under the photo of the wife of the victim. Upon reviewing the security video, Det. Karadec went to Madison’s home and insisted she come down to the station to discuss her actions. Madison explained that in accidentally knocking over the box of evidence, her brain immediately began reviewing the evidence like a puzzle and she came to the conclusion that the police had wrongly suspected the wife.

Madison noticed details that others overlooked such as in the crime scene photos the male victim lying on the floor was not bound with tape in any way, but Madison noticed that the photo of the chair in the room had small pieces of hair sticking to the legs, meaning someone had been taped to the chair. This meant there were three people at the scene and now had to assume there was a second victim, most likely the wife who the police had actually considered the prime suspect. Det. Karadec said that Madison would be temporarily detained while they reviewed her story.

When Madison was released, she passed the team reviewing the security footage from the murder scene to try and find the third person, but she noticed right away that the date was wrong on the timestamp. She said the video could not have been from the day of the crime because seasonal winds blow the opposite direction from what was scene in the footage as well as knowing the direction the wind was blowing by the east facing church in the background (noting that all churches were built facing east). In reviewing her comments online, both facts were true.

Madison explained she had to “solve the puzzle” or it would drive her crazy due to her extremely high IQ of 160, classifying her as a high potential individual with advanced cognitive abilities, intellectual creativities, and photographic memory. Madison did not consider it a gift, for it caused her to obsess over every problem she saw, hence why she had to point out the problems with the criminal investigation, and generally it makes it hard to hold a job, relationship, or conversation.

Though Det. Karadec was very skeptical of Madison and not on board with her being part of the investigation, Captain Selena (Judy Reyes) told him that they obviously needed her cooperation now that they discovered there was a second victim. Captain Selena believed Madison’s unusual methods could assist them with their now botched murder investigation and find a victim they didn’t know existed before Madison’s review. Madison’s unconventional ways proved to be helpful to the investigation, and Captain Selena felt Madison would be an asset so made her a job offer.

Madison asked her to add 20% and include child care, and Captain Selena agreed. Madison had one other condition and that was for Captain Selena to look into the disappearance of her first husband from ten years earlier. Madison was convinced it happened under suspicious circumstances but written off by the police at the time. Captain Selena said they had a deal, so serendipity not only got Madison a great new job suited to her quirky style and intellect, it also had the potential of solving her own unsolved case.

Runtime: 10 – 45m Episodes (airs on ABC Tuesdays 10pm)

Vol. 18, No. 01 – Oct 2 – Oct 15, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

New Art City Offers Diverse Voices

Ventura County has a great deal to offer in the way of live theater. Our stages are routinely graced with performances equal to and even exceeding those found at the Pantages, the Civic Arts Plaza, and many other venues. Why go anywhere else?

Recently I had the pleasure to attending a sneak peek at a new musical being developed by New Art City Theatre. Haven’t heard of them? You will.

New Art City is a fledgling entity whose mission is to provide avenues for actors, writers and more to develop their skills, offering open doors to all. The brainchild of exceptionally talented duo Kirby and Beverly Ward, New Art City has already firmly placed itself on the Ventura County theater community map by inviting patrons to the first New Plays Festival this past June. It featured four brand new works at the best cost possible – free.

Writers submit works blindly (no author noted) and all works are read. All actors are auditioned. No one is turned away. Doors are opened. Diverse voices are encouraged.

According to the Wards, they want audiences to be drawn in by the new works that are presented. One of their major goals is to always, and only, work in the black. That requires ongoing funding which is translated to patrons as “ways to be part of the journey.”

The performance of snippets of “Sunday After Next,” a musical loosely adapted from Oscar Wilde’s short story Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, was intriguing and engaging. Kirby, Beverly and actor David Burnham played a cadre of roles, with plots points being described between songs. All three displayed impressive vocal power and harmonies. John Enrico Douglas provided musical accompaniment. The abbreviated script produced laughter and delight as the personas were changed. Eleven years so far in the making, this work promises to be well worth the wait.

When the full play finally reaches the stage, a cast of 8-10 actors will fill nearly 25 roles. Beverly described the results as “more Monty Python and less Downton Abbey.” The preview was moving, deeply funny and extremely well received.

Watch for news of Festival ’25, when another four brand new plays will be offered. The venue is yet to be determined, as the group is in process of seeking suitable venues.

In the meantime, however, New Art City is pleased to present a one-man show titled The Day I Accidentally Went to the War featuring actor, writer, comedian and U.S,. veteran Bill Posey.

There will only be three opportunities to catch this compelling theatrical experience– October 18, 19 and 20. The performances will be at the former American Legion Hall at 83 Palm Street, downtown Ventura.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Seating is limited. Tickets are available now online at www.newartcitytheatre.org . $20 general admission, $10 for military, veterans and their families. Sign up to be on the mailing list. You’ll be glad you did.

A note from Executive Director, Lalé Welsh

Hello friends of VMF and music-lovers! As I come to the end of my first year with the festival, I’m reflecting on this past 29th season with gratitude. From the foot-stomping bluegrass of Michael Cleveland to the smooth sounds of Anderson & Roe, this year was something truly special: a “first” for me and a “last” for our twenties. As we turn our attentions to the holidays (and onward into our 30th Season) I’m excited to announce the final concert of the year: The King’s Singers will close Season 29 this December with an a cappella holiday performance!

With other Fall collaborations upcoming and our Music in the Schools program ramping back up, I invite you to enjoy the sounds of “Autumn” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons as you explore the next upcoming event from the Ventura Music Festival, and a few from the other wonderful organizations that make our Ventura arts community so vibrant; NAMBA Arts, New West Symphony, Schwab Academy, and so many others.

From all of us at Ventura Music Festival, Happy Fall!

Music Preferences Survey: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Fxn2zvn/NeighborSurvey2024

The Tomol, Unique Ocean Vessel of the Chumash Heritage

by Nella Nelson

Forging through the choppy Pacific waters on a windy day or gliding across to the Channel Islands, tomols were once seen just off our local shores. What is a tomol exactly, and what is its history with the Chumash people?

Hundreds of years ago, the native island Chumash people hunted, fished and traded across the Channel in canoes they built called tomols. The Chumash constructed them from redwood trees that drifted down from the coast, fastening cut planks together with animal sinews and sealed with a tar-like substance called yop. If you’ve ever walked along the shores of Carpinteria and found clumps of tar glued to your feet, that is the naturally occurring asphaltum from oil seeping into the water from below the earth’s surface. Combined with pine pitch, yop was used to make the canoes sealed and seaworthy.

Once the tomol was ready for the voyage, the Chumash paddled them out to obtain marine food sources such as mussels, abalone and shellfish during low tide. Seals and sea lions were hunted on or near shore. The Chumash also utilized their sophisticated capture technology such as hook and line, nets and harpoons in offshore fishing.

Tomols were also used for ceremonial voyages and trade between the mainland and the Channel Islands. Using double-ended paddles, the tomols were able to transport up to eight people at a time or over 2,000 lbs. of fish or cargo. Their lengths ranged from 8-30 ft. Tomols were the only plant-built canoes ever employed (all others were dug out from logs), other than in one other civilization in Southern Chile.

In August of 2023, a community of Chumash members participated in a 24-mile journey across the Santa Barbara Channel to Santa Cruz Island for the twentieth time in modern history. The tomol was appropriately named Muptami or “Deep Memories”. A rotating crew paddled for eight hours. They were then greeted by their fellow Chumash from Malibu to San Luis Obispo upon arrival at Scorpion Ranch or Swaxil. The event coincided with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower upon departing at 3:00 AM. Thousands of years of “deep memories” are being preserved to this day as the tomol’s history lives on.

Sources:

Photos: Channel Islands National Park and painting by Robert Thomas.

https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/historyculture/tomolcrossing.htm

https://sbmm.org/maritime-museum-exhibits/chumash-tomol-plank-canoes/

https://channelislands.noaa.gov/maritime/chumash1.html

You Tube Video Available: SBMM’s Chumash Tomol: Narrated Tour. May 14, 2020.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Ventura Friends of the Library are holding a Books by the Bag Sale on Saturday, October 5, 10 am to 3 pm at the Vons at Telegraph & Victoria (6040 Telegraph Road). Buy a $5 bag and fill it up! Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Books, Young Adult Books, Teacher Resources, Puzzles.

Ventura County Celebration of Books takes place on Saturday, October 12, on the campus of California State University, Channel Islands. This event is free and open to the public! Parking is free.

Dr. Jim O’Connell, the subject of Rough Sleepers, will be the featured speaker.

Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder was chosen as the Ventura County Library’s One County One Book community reading selection for 2024. It tells the story of Dr. Jim O’Connell, who, after graduating from Harvard Medical School and a residency at Massachusetts General, found his calling in the creation of a community of care for a city’s unhoused population, including those who sleep on the streets—the ‘rough sleepers.’

Dr. Jim O’Connell will speak from 2:00 – 3:00 pm in the Grand Salon, followed by a book signing. Paperback books will be available for purchase or bring your own. Limit of two copies signed per person.

From 11:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Grand Salon, there will be a panel discussion on The State of Homelessness in Ventura County: A Conversation with the Professionals. Doug Menges, Executive Director, Many Mansions; Kay Wilson-Bolton, Executive Director, SPIRIT of Santa Paula; Jazmin Clark, Foster Youth Initiatives Coordinator CSUCI; Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura; Alicia Morales-McKinney, Program Director, Ventura County Continuum of Care and Bryan Tomlin, Associate Professor of Economics CSUCI will be the panelists. Moderated by Amy Johnson, KCAL News Anchor.

Exhibits by local organizations and Friends of the Library groups will be open to the public on the North Quad from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. CSUCI Early Childhood Studies & Ventura County Library will offer children’s activities. Bring your own lunch to picnic on the lawn or enjoy food from a local food truck from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

See https://www.vclibraryfoundation.org/events/ for more details.

Spooky happenings at the Library:

E.P. Foster’s Teen Advisory Group hosts the annual Horror in the Stacks for scary fun as the library turns haunted! E.P. Foster Library, Saturday, October 12, 7:30 to 8:30 pm. This event is free and open to youth, grades 5 -12. Children 4th grade or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Science Spook-tacular Dry Ice Show with Science Heroes! Hill Road Library, Thursday October 17, 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Science and stories collide in this fun, interactive S.T.E.M. program featuring the ‘coolest’ thing in science — DRY ICE!

Ventura Friends of the Library will hold their Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday, October 20, 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the Topping Room of E.P. Foster Library. Our featured speaker will be Elizabeth Moore Kraus who will discuss her book 3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries (Still Talking) Our annual meetings are always open to guests who are interested in our organization or our guest speakers!

Vol. 18, No. 01 – Oct 2 – Oct 15, 2024 – Scamp Club

Meet Soleil and Rango!
These two deeply bonded pups were rescued and adopted by the Golden family more than 11 years ago—it was love at first sight. In his younger days, Rango was quite the escape artist, known for scaling six-foot fences and racing through the neighborhood with his frantic humans in hot pursuit. Thankfully, Rango’s sense of adventure mellowed with age. Now, he and Soleil prefer long beach strolls and sunny afternoons lounging by the pool.

October 2, 2024

The Bloody Love Triangle: The Murder of Sherri Dally
By Richard Senate

On the afternoon of May 6, 1996, 35-year-old Sherri Dally went to the Target store on Main Street, Ventura, to buy a Mother’s Day gift. As she left the store, she was confronted by a woman in a tan pantsuit, wearing a blonde wig, who posed as a security guard. After falsely accusing Sherri of theft, the woman handcuffed her and forced her into a Nissan Altima. That was the last time Sherri was seen alive.

When Sherri didn’t return home, her husband, Michael Dally, filed a missing person’s report and appeared to be a devastated spouse. He was a successful supermarket manager, but those close to him found his display of concern suspicious. As weeks passed with no leads, Michael distanced himself from the search, even selling off his wife’s belongings, as if he knew she wouldn’t come back.

Nearly a month later, Sherri’s body was discovered in a ravine off Canada Larga Road, north of Ventura. Her remains, ravaged by wildlife, were almost skeletal. Forensic evidence revealed she had been murdered just hours after her abduction, her skull fractured by blunt force, and her ribs punctured by six or seven stab wounds.

The investigation soon revealed that Michael was involved in an affair with Diana Haun, a deli clerk at the supermarket he managed. The two had vacationed together in Mexico and shared an apartment. Diana had purchased a tan pantsuit and blonde wig around the time of the kidnapping, and she rented a Nissan Altima. When she returned the car, bloodstains were found on the seat.

Further digging into Michael’s past revealed a history of infidelity, drug use, and a fondness for prostitutes. Sherri had tried to save their marriage, but Michael was relentless in his pursuit of a divorce, even taking out a $50,000 life insurance policy on her.

Both Michael and Diana were arrested for Sherri’s murder. During the trial, Diana claimed she was manipulated by Michael, driven by her love for him and a twisted desire to please. A self-proclaimed witch, she had even bragged to coworkers about offering him a “human sacrifice” for his birthday. Michael, in turn, denied involvement, blaming Diana’s delusions for the crime.

Both were found guilty. With the death penalty under review, they were sentenced to life in prison without parole. Sherri’s remains were cremated, and she now rests at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

In 2018, Michael appealed his conviction to then-Governor Jerry Brown, but his appeal was denied. Diana’s attempt to overturn her conviction, citing jury bias due to her witchcraft, was rejected in 2000. She is currently serving her sentence at the California Institute for Women in Chino, while Michael is incarcerated at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton.

The case shook Ventura County, a tragic reminder of how a love triangle can spiral into a horrific crime. Perhaps a memorial cross should be placed at the site where Sherri’s remains were found, ensuring her memory is never forgotten.

Presented by Ventura Audobahn Society: Chasing Rare and Spectacular Birds in the World’s Wild Places by David Pereksta

David Pereksta is an Avian Biologist with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, where he studies and analyzes the effects of offshore oil and gas, and renewable energy development on birds off the Pacific coast, Hawaii, and the US territories in the Pacific. David’s quest as a birder and ornithologist often takes him to far away corners of the world. Taking advantage of a number of unique opportunities, both personal and professional, his adventures have taken him to remote and little visited areas of North America, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Tropical Pacific, the Russian Far East, and Europe. He has also been to several islands that are nesting sites of some of the world’s rarest seabirds.

David will take attendees on a journey to some of these incredible destinations sharing stories and photos of a diverse array of rare, endemic, and just plain spectacular birds that he has encountered during these travels. This promises to be a fun and inspiring talk with lots of great photos and crazy stories. Prior to his position at BOEM, Dave spent 16 years working on endangered species issues with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Ventura. Throughout his career with various Federal and State agencies, he has studied several imperiled bird species including Snowy Plovers, Piping Plovers, Least Terns, Ospreys, Northern Goshawks, Brown Pelicans, Spotted Owls, Marbled Murrelets, and Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. He has seen over 2,400 species of birds in his travels; photographing more than 1,800 species along the way. The program will be at Poinsettia Pavillion on October 8 from 7 – 9 pm and also streaming via Zoom. For more information visit  www.venturaaudubon.org/speakers.

Vol. 18, No. 01 – Oct 2 – Oct 15, 2024 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi, I’m Ruger! I’m a handsome, almost 6-year-old Husky/Shepherd mix with the cutest ears. I came to CARL when my owner had to move to an assisted living facility and could no longer care for me. I’m a good walker and would thrive in an active home. I love hanging out with my people and greeting new friends with my adorable smile. While I’ve been great with the children I’ve met, I’d prefer a home without feline friends. I’m used to being with my retired owner and having companionship most of the time. I’m hoping for a second chance with a loving home where I can have just that.

 

Hi, I’m Cannoli! I’m a 4 1/2-year-old American Bulldog/Pit Bull mix waiting for someone to give me a loving home where I can feel safe and protected. I’m a true survivor, having been taken to a Riverside shelter after being attacked by another dog. You can see a short video on my profile at CarlDogs.org, where I interact with another dog and a cat. It’s unknown how I’d do with children, but I have plenty of energy and need an active owner who can keep up with my playful spirit. If you’re looking for a fun, furry companion, please submit an online application to meet me. I can’t wait to find my forever home!

 

Hi, I’m Chunk! I’m an active Pit Bull/Labrador mix, just over 2 years old, and I’m searching for my forever home. I’m making great progress with my training and already know how to sit, lie down, and shake. I’m also crate-trained and walk well on a leash. I’m lucky enough to be in a foster home where I have a dog playmate, but any home with another fur baby will need to work on slow introductions with me. Despite my name, I’m an active boy who loves to play fetch and go on walks or runs. If you’re looking for a young, energetic, and loving dog, say hello to me!

 

Hi, I’m Smiley! I’m a 2 1/2-year-old Golden Retriever mix, rescued from a shelter in Salinas where I was found as a stray. I love toys and am very treat-motivated. I’m sweet when meeting new people, but since I’m a big boy and tend to jump a bit, I’d likely do best in a home with older or bigger kids. I don’t really react to other dogs, and I can walk in tandem with them, but I can be a bit testy in playgroups, so as a precaution, I wear a muzzle. I hope it won’t be long before I become a cherished member of a loving family.

All of these amazing pets are being cared for by the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (CARL). Could you provide a forever home for one of these wonderful animals? To read full pet bios and submit an application, visit www.CARLDogs.org or call 805-644-7387.