Photo by Jill Forman
Hundreds of dedicated runners turned out for the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, at 7 a.m. in strong winds. The event took place at the Ventura Auto Center.
Vol. 15, No. 06 – Dec 15 – Dec 28, 2021 – Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
The Breeze officially has one more issue before the end of 2021, but I know you need to make those plans now on how you want to usher in the New Year, so I have a few suggestions for you. Be sure to call places like the Crowne Plaza, Twist on Main, the Greek, the Manhattan and Café Fiore to see if advance tickets are necessary and to reserve your place.
It’s Dance Invasion at the Crowne Plaza, Free Love Project at Café Fiore, Magnificent Bastards at Gigi’s Cocktails, CRV at the Greek in the Harbor, Breaking Bored play the Keynote Lounge, the Mighty Cash Cats and the Linda Ronstadt Experience at the Moose Lodge in Ventura, Peirano’s has a silent DJ, it’s the House Arrest Band at the Twist on Main, Jayden Secor at Winchesters, plus your rockin’ DJs at Bombay’s, the Tavern, the Garage, Six Chow House and all the other bars around town. Nearby, it’s Jeanne Tatum at the Manhattan in Camarillo, Vinyl Gypsies at the Raven Tavern in Oxnard, Steph’s Rockin’ Road Show at the Shores in Oxnard, Toxic Sushi at the Twisted Oak Tavern & Brewery in Camarillo, plus you know it’s going to be a party when the legendary funk/rock/soul band War (“Why Can’t We be Friends?,” “Low Rider,” “Spill the Wine,” “The Cisco Kid” and more) plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
And for those who can’t last until midnight, you can still have fun via “East Coast Style NYE parties” meaning they celebrate at 9 pm (Midnight East Coast time) with Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes at Leashless Brewing and Double Trouble at Poseidon Brewing Co.
Though the Ventura Music Hall is still under construction, bands are being lined up and advance tickets are on sale for dates in late March and April including G. Love & the Juice on March 22, Collie Buddz on March 27, Gary Numan plus I speak Machine on April 5, and Hot Chip with LA Priest on April 15. Tickets are averaging just under $30. Keep up via their website VenturaMusicHall.com.
Quick Notes: Grapes and Hops with a Twist is changing their name again, this time to the Twist on Main; Cadillac Zack presents Eugene Hideaway Bridges at Cantara Cellars on Friday, December 17; Danny Carey of Tool returns to town with a jazz gig at the Grape on Friday, December 17, when he plays drums for the Doug Webb Group; it’s Punk Rock Tuesday at Rock & Roll Pizza in Camarillo on the 21st with the Robot Uprising, FUSE, and the Afraid; and Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer host their traditional Christmas day gig at the Lookout Bar & Grill, it’s a potluck with the kitchen closed, but bar opened;
And finally, just a quick editorial comment from the peanut gallery (me): We are still in the middle of a pandemic and we still have a mask mandate in place; the Ventura County Public Health issued a health order requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. With that being said, if a venue decides to not adhere, or they don’t require their wait staff to wear masks, then I would highly recommend posting a notice before charging patrons to enter said venue; if they don’t, in my opinion. that’s just bad manners.
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.
Vol. 15, No. 06 – Dec 15 – Dec 28, 2021 – Music Calendar
For more up-to-the-date listings go to VenturaRocks.com
Angry Ferret Brewing Company
11990 Hertz Street, Moorpark
Sat 12/18: The Balance
Azars
2215 Michael Dr., Newbury Park
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Sat 12/18: The Mini Driver Band
Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; then Bluegrass Jam
Fri 12/17: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 12/18: Déjà vu Too
Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
DJs Friday – Sunday
Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/17: Cadillac Zack presents Eugene Hideaway Bridges
Sat 12/18: What the Funk
The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Music 5:30 – 8:30 (closed Christmas)
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Bobby Apostol
Fridays & Saturdays: Warren Takahashi
Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Music: Saturdays 11-5; Sundays 11-3 (closed Christmas)
Saturdays and Sundays: Kenny DeVoe
Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai
Sun 12/26: Teresa Russell (1 pm)
Downtown Ventura
California & Main Street Stage
Music at 5 unless otherwise listed
Wednesdays: Warren Takahashi
Fri 12/17: Brandon Ragan
Sat 12/18: Los Amigos
Sun 12/19: Dr. T & the Blues Criminals (11 am); The Yules
El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sat 12/18: Toni Jannotta Jazz Trio (Noon)
Four Brix
2290 Eastman, Ventura
Music 6-8 pm on Fridays, Sat & Sun 1 – 3:30 pm
Fri 12/17: Inna Rude Mood
Sun 12/19: Erinn Selkis
The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Wednesdays: Blues Wednesday
Sat 12/18: Bombafiya
The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor Village
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Ken Devoe (4 pm)
Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 12/17: Pull the Trigger
Sat 12/18: Shiva
The Grape Jazz House
2833 E. Main Street, Ventura
Music 7-10 pm
Tuesdays: Jazz Jam
Wed 12/15: Ruben Estrada & Friends
Thurs 12/16: The Molly Miller Trio
Fri 12/17: Doug Webb Group feat. Danny Carey (TOOL)
Sat 12/18: Fausto Cuevas & Cinquillo (2 pm); Equinox
Wed 12/22: Bevan Manson Quartet feat. Tierney Sutton
Thurs 12/23: Barrelhouse Wailers
Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: KJ Carlos
Fri 12/17: Heathers on Fire
Sat 12/18: DJ Joe
Lookout & Grill
2800 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show
Thursdays: Acoustic Open Mic
Sat 12/25: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer & Mama Pat (Noon)
Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary Street, Moorpark
Music 6-9 pm
Sat 12/18: the Appletons
Sun 12/19: Bill Rotella
Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street, Ventura
Sun 12/19: Milo Sledge (3 pm)
Thurs 12/23: The Yules
Sun 12/26: The Devil’s Box String Band Duo
Manhattan Restaurant
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Thurs 12/16: Cary Park
Fri 12/17: Tour Support Band
Sat 12/18: Pam and Hollywood
Thurs 12/23: Mary White Duo w/ Guy Thomas
Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands Harbor
Music at Noon
Sun 12/19: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer
Namba
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Thurs 12/16: The Listening Room Redux
Fri 12/17: CHOMSKYJazz
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Canyon at Oxnard PACC
Sundays: The House Arrest Band (1-4 pm)
Fri 12/17: The Midniters, Lighter Shade of Brown, Mellow Man Ace
Sun 12/19: Jose Feliciano
Pedals & Pints
156 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Tuesdays: Open Mic
Sat 12/18: Vinyl Gypsies
Poseidon Brewing Co.
5777 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura
Fri 12/17: Double Trouble (6:30 pm)
Sat 12/18: Katie Shorey (2 pm)
Prime Restaurant
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D
The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Music at 8 – 11 pm
Fri 12/17: Jayden Secor
Sat 12/18: Masters of the Past
Relm
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Music at 5:30 pm
Fri 12/17: Gianna Bella
Sat 12/18: Sam Stacy
Ric’s Restaurant
2500 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support with Kurt Griffey & Bob DeLellis
Wed 12/15: Adam & Sam
Rock & Roll Pizza
305 Arneil Road, Camarillo
Tues 12/21: The Robot Uprising, FUSE, the Afraid
Seaward Brewing
1920 Goodyear Ave., Ventura
Sat 12/18: Whiskey Glass Eye (1 pm)
The Six Chow House
419 E Main Street, Ventura
Thurs 12/16: DJ Honey
Fri 12/17: DJ Cue
Sat 12/18: Shawn Jones Trio
Wed 12/22: Duncan & the Dragonslayers
Thurs 12/23: DJ Young Josh Marley
Sun 12/26: DJ CUe
Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street, Ventura
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Sat 12/18: CRV
Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 12/17: the Barrelhouse Wailers
Sun 12/19: The Renegades
Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Music 5-8 pm
Tuesdays & Fridays: Jim Friery
The Twist on Main
454 E. Main Street, Ventura
Thursdays: LA Jazz Connection
Fri 12/17: Frank Barajas & the Corsican Brothers
Sat 12/18: Ashun (2 pm); Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 12/19: Dave Parsonage (2 pm)
Fri 12/24: Karen Eden (2 pm)
Sun 12/26: Bella Lucareli (2 pm)
Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunters (5 pm); Karaoke (8 pm)
Thursdays: Delta by the Beach (5 pm)
Sundays: Mariachi Gallos de Oro (11 am – 2 pm)
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club
Ventura Harbor Village
Wed 12/15: The late Knights
The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Music 7 pm otherwise noted
Sundays: Fire on the Mountain (2 pm)
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends
Fri 12/17: Tom Collins
Sun 12/19 Steve and Sally Williams (7 pm)
Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar
3500 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 12/19: Free Love Project (5 pm)
Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 12/16: Saint Pierre
Fri 12/17: Doc Ventura
Sun 12/19: Meg & Alex
Thurs 12/23: Big Adventure Rockin’ Trio
Sun 12/26: Freddy Castro & Friends
1901 Speakeasy
740 South B Street, Oxnard
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Sat 12/18: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer
Vol. 15, No. 06 – Dec 15 – Dec 28, 2021 – Scamp Club
This is Bonnie a 10-year-old rescue cocker spaniel/ terrier mix.
She is a Certified Service Dog with AKC Trick Dog certifications.
Her owner fostered her after she was hit by a car and after fell in love with her and adopted her in 2014. She loves playing ball, running on the beach and of course she loves to meet people.
Vol. 15, No. 06 – Dec 15 – Dec 28, 2021 – Harbor Patrol Blotter
|
Wednes |
6:15am, observed NWS issued Gale Watch this evening for Northeast winds gusting to 30kts, officers raised warning pennants.
1:35pm, dispatched to abdominal pain at 1559 Spinnaker. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with 79 y/o female, she was transported to hospital. |
|
Thursday |
7:45am, observed a large sailboat in VIM E-dock with head sail ripped and unfurled. Officers were able to untangle the sail and furl it back up.
12:35pm, while on patrol in the vehicle, observed a personal watercraft low in the water at the launch ramp. Officers investigated and found the owner forgot to put in plugs and took on water. Assisted dewatering and safety inspection. |
|
Friday |
4:20pm, while on patrol in Rescue B17, observed a motor vessel anchored near the shore at Harbor Cove. Eventually, the vessel went aground after wrapping their prop. Officers assisted Tow Boat US with removing the vessel.
11:55pm, while on patrol in Rescue B17, officers observed a small vessel with 4 POB, main channel in violation of speed ordinance. Educational advice given. |
|
Saturday |
7:01am, while on patrol in the vehicle, observed/monitoring bodysurfing contest.
9:42am, contacted an inbound 30ft motorboat in violation of speed/wake in the main channel of the harbor. Operator was educated about the violation and the responsibility and or damage he has for what his wake causes. 11:29am, dispatched to difficulty breathing at the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with 72 y/o female who recently had a heart attack and a stint put in. She was transported to hospital by AMR. 6:37pm, dispatched to hazardous condition, gas leak at the VHV fire pit. Officers assisted maintenance secure the leak. |
|
Sunday |
11:28am, received report of an injured sealion at Portside B-dock. Officers responded and found the sealion, uninjured and it swam away.
3:49pm, received report of two kayakers capsized near mid harbor area. Officers responded and assisted the pair out of the water and dewater their kayaks. 4:03pm, dispatched to back pain in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call. 8:01pm, dispatched to a reported kidnapping at 1583 Spinnaker. Officers responded with VPD to the call. After a brief investigation, the supposed victim was intoxicated and refused service so she claimed she was kidnapped. The patient/victim was arrested for false statements/public intoxication, no kidnapping or injuries occurred to the subject. |
|
Monday |
12:16pm, dispatched to stroke patient at 1567 Spinnaker Dr, VHV. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call. Patient transported. |
|
Tuesday |
6:33am, received report from US coast guard of a search and rescue case with a commercial fishing vessel. The captain was under the influence of meth and was acting erratically, throwing some passengers overboard. Incident was under investigation by United States Coast Guard.
12:30pm, received report from commercial fishing vessel near oil piers of a panga aground, no people or any debris were in the area. VCSO investigating. |
|
Wednes |
11:35pm, received report of a transient bathing nude at the fountain in the courtyard of VHV 1591 building. Officers observed male leaving the area. |
|
Thursda |
4:20pm, received report of an individual throwing trash out of his vehicle on Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded, found the male, informed him of the violation and waited while he picked up his trash and disposed of it. |
|
Monday |
4:33am, while on patrol in the truck, officers observed squid operations at full capacity with seiners unloading and semi-trucks waiting for totes to deliver. |
14th annual Santa to the Sea scheduled for December
After a year away, the 14th annual Santa to the Sea race will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2021. The race starts at 7: 30 a.m. and will include a half marathon, new this year is a quarter marathon, 5K, Kids 1K, and a Diaper Dash.
Santa to the Sea provides a fun, festive, and healthy event for the community to participate. The half marathon starts at the world’s largest Santa statue, winds the route through the City of Oxnard, and finishes at the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor.
Santa to the Sea supports the Nyeland Acres community through food distributions, a toy giveaway, and scholarships to Oxnard College.
Mike Barber, Founder of Santa to the Sea, states “Throughout Santa to the Sea, our runners have donated more than 30,000 since inception, provided funds to support almost $500,000 in scholarships, and provides almost $1,000,000 in economic impact each year.”
Registration is now open and sponsorships are available. For more information and to register in the race, visit www.SantatotheSea.com.
What started in 2003 as a toy drive to celebrate the relocation of the world’s largest Santa Claus from Carpinteria to Oxnard has grown into a robust running event, toy drive, community fundraiser, and holiday season celebration. For more information, visit www.SantatotheSea.com .
Ventura City Council moves toward making Main Street Moves a more permanent attraction
What will the future downtown look like? Photo by Richard Lieberman
The Ventura City Council voted 7-0 at its meeting on November 8 to make Main Street Moves long-term with a full closure of five blocks in Downtown Ventura, retaining the existing curb, gutter, and sidewalk configuration through a flexible design approach.
Discussions included maintaining a pedestrian-friendly area in keeping Main Street closed to traffic from San Buenaventura Mission to Fir Street, with an additional focus on potentially keeping California Street closed to traffic.
“During the pandemic, the City reimagined the use of public spaces and joined with Downtown Ventura Partners to launch Main Street Moves, which helped many local businesses not only survive but thrive,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “Thousands of people have expressed strong support for keeping streets closed and maintaining outdoor dining and shopping areas. It’s exciting to hear that kind of positive public response as we look at design, cost, and logistics for supporting a semi-permanent downtown street closure for Main Street Moves.”
The design approach includes the installation of bollards at the intersections and furnishings that are removeable, allowing the modification of the closure as needed with the evolution of downtown and the needs of the space. The design would open back up the existing sidewalks, use the existing angled parking spaces for businesses to use for outdoor seating and dining in the form of parklets, and keep the existing travel lanes free and clear to accommodate delivery trucks, service vehicles, and emergency vehicles.
The City Council also voted to have City staff work with consultants to study traffic impacts, environmental impacts, obtain a bid for removable bollards, and design standards for the parklets, all which will guide the process to the full closure. Additionally, an appointed ad hoc committee will be created to focus on improvements and cohesive design to the Mission Park and Figueroa Plaza.
To encourage participation for both restaurants and retailers, staff will create a fee and lease structure for use of the public right of way space to support the activation of the street and have critical mass of participants.
In December 2021, the continuation or issuance of a new interim special use permit for Main Street Moves will be brought to City Council while staff finalizes the full closure program with the necessary studies. Main Street Moves currently operates under a Special Use Permit and Temporary Emergency Ordinance, which are set to expire on January 7, 2022.
Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OutdoorDiningProgram to learn more about Main Street Moves and view reports, and survey results.
Annual Can-Tree Food Drive Event returns to Ventura
CAN-tree is Food Share’s biggest food and fund drive of the year.
Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, is bringing its most popular community event back for the holidays! The 10th Annual CAN-tree food drive will take place in Figueroa Plaza, and in locations along Main Street, Ventura, from Thursday, December 9 through Sunday, December 12, 2021.
The event, which brings individuals, families, and local businesses together to collect and build hundreds of canned food “trees” is Food Share’s biggest food and fund drive of the year and is a critical source of food for the thousands of people still struggling with food insecurity in Ventura County.
There are lots of ways to get involved. Participants can Collect & Build, Buy & Build, Sponsor a Tree or, new this year, Sponsor a Hero. Additionally, the high-profile event, which draws thousands of visitors, offers a range of other sponsorship opportunities. There’s also a chance to win one of 13 coveted awards including the CAN Crusher, the People’s Choice, and the Mayor’s Choice, all of which will be featured on Food Share’s website, social media pages and newsletter.
For more information visit: foodshare.com/cantree or reach out to Jennifer Caldwell, at [email protected].
Ventura PD to host Coffee with a Cop Holiday Toy Drive
Community members are invited to join the Ventura Police Department for coffee, conversation, and a toy drive at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, located at 1780 S. Victoria Ave. The free event will be hosted on December 9, 2021, from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity for residents, students, and kids to engage with local police officers and ask questions, share feedback, and get to know the men and women who patrol Ventura’s neighborhoods.
New, unwrapped toys and gift cards donated at this Coffee with a Cop will support the 12th annual Castro Family Toy Drive serving patients and siblings of the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC).
“This is the first Coffee with a Cop event we’ve hosted since the pandemic started. Coffee with a Cop serves as a great opportunity for the community to get to know our officers, build relationships, and engage in community-wide conversations,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “This free event will support a great, local cause while providing quality time with our residents.”
The majority of contacts Ventura Police Officers have with the public often happen during emergencies or extremely emotional incidents. Those situations are not always the most effective time to have a friendly conversation with officers. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
Residents unable to attend to donate a toy are encouraged to drop-off toy donations for the Castro Family Toy Drive at the Ventura Police Headquarters, located at 1425 Dowell Drive.
For additional information, please contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist with the Ventura Police Department, at [email protected].
In 2008, Corey Castro was seven years old and was treated for Gorham’s Disease at VCMC, a rare bone disease. As a patient, he was asked if he wanted to pick a toy from the center’s toy box. Corey discovered the toy box needed more toys. Corey and his sister Paige asked their family if they could help fill the box for other children receiving treatment. The Castro Family, in partnership with the Ventura Police Department and the Ventura Police Community Foundation, worked to make that dream a reality and has since provided toys and gifts to more than 2,500 patients and their siblings. The 2020 toy drive kept the toy box full through August, 2021.
Ventura County Fairgrounds Board of Directors elects new President, Vice President.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds announced 2021 Board of Directors elections. Leah Lacayo will serve a 2-year term as president of the Board and Armando Lopez has been elected to the position of Vice President. The 2-year terms will include the return of the annual Ventura County Fair.
Lacayo is serving her 2nd appointment to the Ventura County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. She has previously served as Board President in 2005 and 2014. Lacayo also serves on the Board of Directors at California State University at Channel Islands and the Ventura County Community Foundation. Her community service includes the Ventura County Women’s Political Council, Congress of California Seniors Education & Research Fund and the Congress of California Seniors, the Destino Fund and the Jewish Labor Committee Advisory Board.
Lopez has served the Board of Directors since 2003 He serves as a liaison to the Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation. He is a partner in Plaza Development Partners LLP and currently serves on the Ventura County Family Justice Center and the Children’s Workshop. His community service also includes El Concilio de Condado de Ventura, the Ventura County Community Foundation and St. John’s Healthcare Foundation.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds is owned by the State of California and administered by the 31st District Agricultural Association under the direction of the Division of Fairs and Expositions, Department of Food and Agriculture. A nine-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor, oversees the Association. The 31st DAA is a self-supporting entity, receiving no tax dollars.
The Fairgrounds serves as a command center for first responders and provides evacuation accommodations during times of emergency.
The 2022 Ventura County Fair, “A Country Fair with Ocean Air,” will open Wednesday, August 3 and run through Sunday, August 15. More information can be found at www.venturacountyfair.org or by calling (805) 648-3376.