‘A Country Fair with Ocean Air’ is set to return in 2022

Fair will feature rides, games, food, exhibits, animals, entertainment and more. Photo by Richard Lieberman

The Board of Directors of the Ventura County Fair has announced that the dates of the 2022 Fair will be Wednesday, August 3 to Sunday, August 14. The announcement marks the anticipated return of the County’s premiere Summer Event after the forced closure due to COVID-19. It was the second closure of that duration in the Fair’s 146-year history, the first having been World War II.

“We are looking forward to bringing the Fair back after two years of unprecedented delays brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Fair CEO Barbara Quaid, adding “The Fair’s board of directors and staff are grateful to our beloved community for patiently standing by us during these difficult times and we hope the return of the Fair will mark a turning point for us all.”

The award-winning Ventura County Fair represents a celebration of our community’s talent, interests, innovations, and rich agricultural and artistic heritage. The annual 12-day event will feature rides, games, food, exhibits, animals, entertainment and more.

Although some aspects of the Fair will be different as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2022 Fair will strive to provide a diverse experience with many of the traditional Fair favorite features. For the sake of our visitors The VC Fair will follow all state and county health and safety guidelines.

The anticipated 300,000 returning visitors will benefit the community in many ways including significant economic contributions to restaurants, hotels, stores, service stations and more. The Fair brings temporary employment to hundreds of local residents and offers opportunities for the community to showcase their talents, hobbies, interests and passions as well as the opportunity to educate, inspire and entertain.

The VC Fairgrounds and Event Center had been unable to host many of the usual interim events in 2020 and 2021, but played a vital role in protecting our community by serving as a COVID-19 testing site and vaccination center.

“We are proud that the VC Fairgrounds and Event Center has been here for our community during this time of crisis,” said CEO Quaid, “We are now overjoyed that we can be here for you with the return of celebration.”

Anonymous donor willing to provide up to $50,000 match funding to support local homeless families

Olga Hamra (Assistant On-Site Manager TCC), Jim Duran (Executive Director TCC) and Brandi Brown (Assistant Case Manager TCC) are all smiles

The City Center announced today that they have received a $50,000 matching donation from an anonymous donor. This gift will match donations made to The City Center now through December 25th, 2021.

The City Center is asking Ventura County to support their work in helping local homeless families become self-sufficient. “Many people complain about the problem with homelessness in our county, but now is the time to be proactive, to realize you can make a difference,” said Cheryl Heitmann, former mayor of Ventura City, “Now is a particularly good time to support The City Center, as every $1 raised will be matched, up to $50,000, and don’t forget there are also tax benefits for donations before year-end. Our community needs to push together to help our most vulnerable population. No child should be homeless. Ever.”

“We are so incredibly grateful to the anonymous donor for their generous offer – however, we must now raise $50,000. I believe our local community can do this,” said Jim Duran, Executive Director. “There were over 5,964 students identified as homeless last year. We need to own our transitional living center at 837 E Thompson Ave, Ventura. Historically, 53% of our funding went to rent, but if we own our home, we will be able to help more homeless children and families,”.

The City Center provides homeless families (with children under 12) shelter for up to two years, in addition to training, mentorship, counseling, and assistance. It has a 100% success rate, not one of the 83 families (representing 272 graduates) of the City Center has ever returned to homelessness. In the future, The City Center plans to add additional facilities to support more unhoused people living in the County of Ventura and beyond. Donation should be made atwww.gofundme.com/thecitycenter.

Vol. 15, No. 04 – Nov 17 – Nov 30, 2021 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Santa Paula delivers post hiatus

Santa Paula Theatre Center has reopened its doors and raised the proverbial curtains at last with Rapture, Blister, Burn by Gina Gionfriddo. The production was originally planned for 2020 but was put on hold during the Covid crisis that shut performances down county-wide. The actors have hung in there and are now pleased to present this thought-provoking work.

The sizzling 2012 Pulitzer Prize finalist script is filled with smart characters who make dumb (human) decisions, woven throughout a discourse and exploration of the meaning of feminism. The play questions how life might have turned out had alternate life routes been taken, how people cope differently with their choices, and the cost some of those choices extract.

Is the grass greener on the other side? Or is it all an illusion, a dream, an unfulfilled wish? Why do we question our choices in retrospect? Is it possible to be content with the choices we made? One resource cites the play as “an unflinching look at gender politics in the wake of 20th-century feminist ideals.” Heady stuff well presented.

Nimbly directed by Taylor Kasch, the cast features Rosie Gordon, Jessi May Stevenson, Erin Hollander, Susan Muhrer and Ron Feltner.

Jessi May Stevenson is Catherine, a woman who chose a career over a relationship. Coming home to care for her aging mother (Susan Muhrer), she reunites with Gwen (Rosie Gordon) and Don Harper (Ron Feltner), a friend and former boyfriend from college who married after she left for a life of travel and educational fulfillment. The reunion rekindles old feelings probably best kept buried, leading to upheavals all around.

The Harper’s babysitter, Avery (Erin Hollander) adds new dimension to the awkward triangle. Avery’s youthful, open, pragmatic, and accepting perspective adds food for thought, proving to be a much-needed balancing force.

The cast performs as a solid ensemble, presenting with clarity and determination. There is an intermission. Patrons can once again enjoy the “pub” and purchase tickets to perchance win an original piece of artwork by Kasch currently in use on the set.

On a more somber note: It was recently learned that William “Bill” Lucking, one of the founders of the Santa Paula Theatre Center, passed away in October at age 80. A gifted actor, Lucking had recurring roles on several television series. The community is in debt to him and his late partner, actor Dana Elcar, for creating such a warm and welcoming theater center for all to enjoy. Gentlemen, your gift to the community lives on and thrives.

Masks and proof of vaccination are required to attend the performance, per current health department mandates. Discretion is advised as the play features mature themes and strong language.

The run of Rapture, Blister, Burn continues with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through November 28. Book online and choose your seats. www.santapaulatheatrecenter, [email protected] or (805) 525-4645. The Center is located at 125 S. 7th Street, downtown Santa Paula.

Vol. 15, No. 04 – Nov 17 – Nov 30, 2021 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

If you’re planning to dance off some of those post-Thanksgiving dinner calories on Thursday night, be sure to plan ahead as most venues will be closed. Best to be proactive and get out Wednesday night, dance, party, and stay out way too late so you’ll be good and hung over for the family dinner and you won’t want to overeat anyways.

There will be a memorial tribute show for Big Bob of Agression which will certainly pull in all the local punk rockers throughout the years. Headlining this event will be Ill Repute with Stalag 13, Dr. Know, False Confession and Out of Trust. This is an all-ages show starting at 6 pm with a $20 cover.

Namba has a number of shows lined up this month with the Healers featuring Henry Carvajal on Friday, November 19, Phil Salazar and the Kinfolk on Saturday, November 20, and it looks like they’ll have a recuring feature called The Listening Room Redux a couple times a month which will be an evening of acoustic open mic which will wrap up with a set by a featured local songwriter or two (per Namba’s website). Look for the Listening Room Redux to kick off on Thursday, November 18. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with in 72 hours of the show you’re attending is required for entry at Namba.

Luis Munoz and the New Jazz Trio plays the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club on Saturday, November 20. Muñoz has written music for documentaries, animation films, dance and theater, and has performed in some of the best Jazz festivals and venues in the world. Tickets are $15.00.

Quick Notes: The Mitchell Forman 5tet plays The Grape jazz club on Wednesday, November 24, featuring Simon Phillips who has played with Toto and Jeff Beck; Surf Rodeo dates for next summer were recently announced for July 15, 16 & 17, 2022, and tickets are now on sale; El Rey Ventura will be closing their doors for good November 21 after 15 years in business. Tommy Marsh posted on FB that the Ojai Blues Fest will return to Ojai Art Center next June, it had been postponed due to the Pandemic; original music can be heard when Bad Leaf and Owl Acid play The Garage on Saturday, November 20; and holy moly I’m already seeing advertisements for New Year’s Eve parties, where does the time go?

Finally, I’ve been trying to gather my thoughts about the recent tragedy at Astroworld where nine people have now died as a result of a crowd surge at a concert. This isn’t the first time it’s happened, and whenever I hear of another incident, I am reminded of the three times I’ve feared for my life during a crowd surge, two were caused on purpose and the other was an unfortunate byproduct of police breaking up a hall party when I was a teenager down in Orange County. Two out of three times I was pushed to the ground, one of those times I literally grabbed a stranger’s ankle as people started to run across my body, I passed out and woke with a random stranger, my hero, shaking me to consciousness, he may have saved my life.

As a parent of a young woman who also loves attending concerts and festivals, she knows to be on the sidelines with her eye on exit strategies. I would love to say that certain people will stop behaving poorly, but until that time, wherever you may find yourself, whether it be at a festival, a packed venue, a movie theater, or just about anywhere where mobility is limited, just be aware of your surroundings. Don’t live in fear, but knowing your exit strategy is safe sound advice.

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.

Games, giveaways, raffles, and food trucks and fun

Girl Scout showing her code bracelet made in one of the free STEM activities.

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC) welcomed girls ages 5 – 18 to their second free EPIC Community event sponsored by SoCal Gas. On November 6, 2021, from 11 AM until 2PM, fun-filled games and activities were held at an EPIC Community Center.

Girls in kindergarten through high school engaged in exciting STEM learning activities, made crafts to take home, met new friends in their neighborhood, and won special Girl Scout swag. While girls played, learned, and made new friends, families enjoyed free tacos and ice cream at the La Poblanita and Mister Softee food trucks. Parents interested in learning more about the Girl Scout program also had the opportunity to speak to council staff and volunteers about how to get involved.

With family support, EPIC exists to build character in vulnerable youth and create everyday leaders throughout marginalized communities, using experimental learning and arts as the mediums to produce responsible citizens. EPIC offers a mentorship program as well as workshops for parents and kids to develop and unleash a child’s inner leader. Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast partnered with EPIC to support this effort and provide girls based in Ventura with fun activities that inspire the leader in them.

“SoCalGas is pleased to sponsor today’s event; we believe in investing in the communities where our employees live and work. As an advocate for advancing diversity and inclusion; which includes developing tomorrow’s women leaders, providing opportunities for all girls to reach their full potential is vital,” says GSCCC Board Member and SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager, Maria Ventura who was instrumental in bringing the two entities together to support the event.

Learn more about this event and Girl Scouts at www.girlscoutsccc.org or contact [email protected] for more information.

Vol. 15, No. 04 – Nov 17 – Nov 30, 2021 – Music Calendar

Music Calendar 11/17-11/30
For more up-to-the-date listings go to VenturaRocks.com

Azars
2215 Michael Dr., Newbury Park
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Sat 11/20: Reign
Sat 11/27: The Mini Driver Band

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Thursdays: Jim Friery; then Bluegrass Jam
Fri 11/19: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 11/20: Déjà vu Too

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
DJs Friday – Sunday

Café Fiore
66 S. California St., Ventura
Wednesdays 6-9; Fridays 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Wed 11/17: Donna Butler
Fri 11/19: Otis Hayes
Wed 11/24: Instone
Fri 11/26: Urban Dread

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 11/19: Artur Menezes
Sat 11/20: Soul Machine w/ Laura Cozzi
Sat 11/27: Los Amigos

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Music 5:30 – 8:30
Thursdays: Bobby Apostol
Fridays & Saturdays: Warren Takahashi

Chuy’s
1397 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley West
Fri 11/19: CRV

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Evening music 7 pm, otherwise noted
Saturdays: Kenny DeVoe (10 am – 1 pm & 4 -6 pm)
Sundays: Kenny Devoe (10 am – 1 pm)
Tuesdays: McWorter, Berghoff & more
Fri 11/19: Karen Eden w/ the Bad Apples
Sat 11/27: Teresa Russell

The Deer Lodge
2261 Maraicopa Hwy, Ojai
Sun 11/28: Teresa Russell (1 pm)

Downtown Ventura
California & Main Stage
Wednesdays: Warren Takahashi (5:30 pm)
Fri 11/19: Dr. T. and the Blues Criminals (5 pm)
Sun 11/21: Sepiatone (5:30 pm)
Fri 11/26: Michaelle Meadow Love (11 am)
Sat 11/27: Tribal Me (11 am)

Four Brix
2290 Eastman, Ventura
Music 6-8 pm on Fridays, Sat & Sun 1 – 3:30 pm
Sat 11/27: Dean & Lisa
Sun 11/28: Frank Brajas

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Wednesdays: Blues Wednesday
Sat 11/20: Bad Leaf, Owl Acid
Sat 11/27: Cinnamon Whiskey
Sun 11/28: Soul Sunday w/ DJ Also

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 11/19: Pull the Trigger

The Grape Jazz House
2833 E. Main Street, Ventura
Music 7-10 pm
Tuesdays: Jazz Jam
Wed 11/17: Ottsen Trio feat. Rick Fierabracci & Tyler Hammond
Thurs 11/18: Leigh Vance & Friends
Fri 11/19: Six Beats Apart
Sat 11/20: Barrelhouse Wailers
Wed 11/24: The Mitchell Forman 5tet feat. Simon Phillips
Fri 11/26: Tony Ybarra & Friends
Sat 11/27: Rachel Flowers

Grapes and Hops with a Twist
454 E Main St., Ventura
Music 7:30 pm pm unless other noted
Thursdays: LA Jazz Experience (7 pm)
Fri 11/19: Tex Pistols
Sat 11/20: Karen Eden w/ Bill Macpherson (2 pm); Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 11/21: Davey Miller Jazz (2 pm)
Fri 11/26: Guy Martin
Sat 11/27: Dive Bar Steve (2 pm); Frank Barajas & the Corsican Brothers
Sun 11/28: Colette Lovejoy (2 pm)

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Fri 11/19: Caliente 805
Sat 11/20: Jim Nelson Band

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura
Music 6:30 pm except Sundays at 3 pm
Thurs 11/18: Levi
Fri 11/19: Dylan Cunningham
Sat 11/20: Jacob & the Good Vibes
Sun 11/21: Kimo Moya
Fri 11/26: John Espinoza
Sun 11/28: Brittney Burchett

Lookout & Grill
2800 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show
Thursdays: Acoustic Open Mic

Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary Street, Moorpark
Music 6-9 pm
Sat 11/20: The Appletons
Sat 11/27: Bill Rotella

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street, Ventura
Thurs 11/18: RJ Bloke (6 pm)
Sun 11/28: Devil’s Box String Band Duo (3 pm)

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Sat 11/20: Ill Repute, Stalag 13, Dr. Know, False Confession, Out of Trust (6 pm)
Tues 11/23: GWAR
Fri 11/26: Metalachi, Raised on Vinyl, Buena Onda
Sat 11/27: Yachtley Crew

Manhattan Restaurant
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo
Music at 6 pm
Wed 11/17: Robert Van
Thurs 11/18: Mary White duo w/ Guy Thomas
Fri 11/19: Tour Support
Fri 11/26: Pam and Hollywood
Sat 11/27: Jeanne Tatum

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor Village
Music Mon -Thurs 6-9, Fri & Sat 7-10; Sundays 5-8
Sat 11/20: Operation 90s

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands Harbor
Music at Noon
Sat 10/20: Free Love Project 805
Sun 10/21: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

Namba
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Thurs 11/18: The Listening Room Redux (6:30 pm)
Fri 11/19: The Healers feat. Henry Carvajal (7 pm)
Sat 11/20: Phil Salazar & the Kinfolk (7 pm)

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Sat 11/20: The Tall Men

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Canyon at Oxnard PACC
Sundays: The House Arrest Band (1-4 pm)
Thurs 11/18: The Dazz Band, Original Lakeside, Gilbert Esquivel
Fri 11/19: The Righteous Brothers
Sat 11/27: Tierra, Malo

Pedals & Pints
156 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks
Sat 11/20: Justin Honsinger
Sat 11/27: Nein Lives

Prime Restaurant
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Music at 8 – 11 pm
Fri 11/19: Troy Edwards
Sat 11/20: Vinyl Gypsies
Fri 11/26: Brittney Burchett
Sat 11/27: Foo Flannels

Relm
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Music at 5:30 pm
Fri 11/19: Will Breman
Sat 11/20: Jesse Davis
Fri 11/26: Nate Latta
Sat 11/27: George Krikes

Ric’s Restaurant
2500 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support with Kurt Griffey & Bob DeLellis
Sun 11/28: Acoustic DNA (2:30 pm)

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street, Ventura
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Sat 11/20: CRV

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Two sets 1:45 & 3:30 pm
Sun 11/21: The Vanise Terry Band
Sun 11/28: The Renegades

Surfside Seaford
550 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme
Wednesdays: Teresa Russell (5-8 pm…weather permitting)

Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Music 5-8 pm
Tuesdays & Fridays: Jim Friery

The Tipsy Goat
159 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
Music 1-4 pm
Sundays: Katie Shorey

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
341 Ojai Ave., Ojai
Wed 11/17: Ted Lennon (6 pm)
Fri 11/19: Kennen van Allen (6 pm)
Sun 11/21: Ted Lennon (5 pm)

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
4880 Colt Street, Ventura
Sun 11/21: Xenia Flores (5 pm)

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sat 11/27: DJ ToneBloke (5 pm

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thursdays: Delta by the Beach (5 pm)
Sundays: Mariachi Gallos de Oro (11 am – 2 pm)
Sat 11/20: Rocker Fellas 805, the Sofa Kings (3 pm)

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club
Ventura Harbor Village
Sat 11/20: Luis Munoz

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Music 7 pm otherwise noted
Sundays: Fire on the Mountain (2 pm)
Sat 10/16: Smitty and Julija and Friends
Fri 11/19: The Garden Group
Sun 11/21: The Swillys

Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar
3500 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Music 6 – 9 pm
Fri 11/19: Milo Sledge with Doc Ventura & Eddie Layman
Sat 11/27: Little Adventure Duo

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 11/18: Saint Pierre
Fri 11/19: Jodi Farrell w/ Jim Rankin
Sun 11/21: Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers
Fri 11/26: Frank Barajas
Sun 11/28: Crosscut 805

1901 Speakeasy
740 South B Street, Oxnard
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Sat 11/20: The Coconuts
Fri 11/26: Teresa Russell

City of Ventura awarded grant for bicycle and pedestrian safety

from the Office of Traffic Safety

The City of Ventura received $44,000 in grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) aimed at prioritizing the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians through educational programs and events.

“We remain committed to the safety of our residents when biking and walking in our neighborhoods,” shared Public Works Director Phil Nelson. “Along with the development of our Active Transportation Plan, this funding helps complement our goal of creating safer and more sustainable mobility options in our communities.”

The City of Ventura is distinguished as a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. With over 60 miles of bicycle lanes, 35 miles of bike routes and paths, and over 400 lockers and racks, the City encourages increased use of active modes of transportation such as biking and walking in order to improve the quality of life in our community. Active transportation promotes healthier citizens, a cleaner environment, safety for all roadway user types, and economic development.

Grant funds will pay for a comprehensive safety program that will teach valuable skills for all types of road users, including:

  • Bicycle skills and training courses that educate youth on safe riding behaviors
  • Helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to those in need
  • Community and school education presentations on best bike/walking practices
  • Incorporating bicycle safety skills into regular community bike rides
  • Partnerships with health care providers and senior centers promoting pedestrian safety measures among older people and those who are experiencing homelessness
  • Pop-up events that promote the importance of visibility on roads with safety equipment such as reflective armbands/leg bands and bicycle headlights/taillights

A grant from the California OTS provided funding for this program through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The grant program will run through September 2022. For more information about the City’s Active Transportation Plan, visit www.ActivePlanVentura.com or call the Transportation Hotline at (805) 654-7769.

Vol. 15, No. 04 – Nov 17 – Nov 30, 2021 – Community Events

The Ventura Investment Group has reconvened and is meeting in the rear room of Denny’s Restaurant at the corner of Telegraph and Ashwood each Monday at 10:30 a.m. All people interested in investment are welcome.

Nov. 26, 27, 28; Dec. 4 & 5; 11 & 12:

Dudley House Holiday Boutique. The 27th annual fundraiser for the 1892 historic house museum is back with COVID protocols, new hours and fewer days. Come celebrate the spirit of holidays past where you’ll find quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles plus a silent auction and bargain “basement”. Hours are 12 to 5 p.m. with a flea market added on Sundays.

197 N. Ashwood in Ventura. (805) 642-3345. Free.

Dec.4&5: New West Symphony, led by Grammy-winning artistic and music director Michael Christie, is celebrating the holidays with a series of musical delights. Tales of Winter is a symphonic program of holiday classics and winter-themed surprises.

Prior to the December 4th performance, a first-annual Winterfest celebration dinner and reception will be hosted at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The special event will honor long-time supporters Harry & Pat Croner and Marilyn & Stan Sutton for their contributions,

For more information on Tales of Winter the Winterfest pre-concert experience , and the New West Symphony’s full season, visit www.NewWestSymphony.org or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Tickets & Information Starting at $30866.776.8400
https://newwestsymphony.org/2021-22-season/tales-of-winter/

Dec.11&12:  Ventura County Ballet proudly announces its return to live, in-theater performing with the 23rd annual production of Tchaikovsky’s

beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The show takes to the stage of the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center on Saturday,

December 11, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm and on Sunday, December 12, at 2:00 pm. Rancho Campana is located at 4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo 93010.

The Nutcracker’s cast is headlined by international dance star Aaron Smyth returning as the Nutcracker Prince. More than 50 local professional and preprofessional dancers round out the cast, including Ventura High Schools senior Greta Pankratz

as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Ella Hoyt as the Dew Drop Fairy and Foothill Technology High School freshman Miranda Aguilar as young Clara.

Tickets are on sale now at https://www.venturacountyballet.com/events .

Prices range from $20 to $40 with special group rates also available. For more information, please call (805)765-1734 or email [email protected].

Food Share CEO appointed to statewide role

White joined Food Share of Ventura County as President and CEO in 2017.

Monica White, Food Share Ventura County’s President & CEO, has been named the new Chair of the Board of Directors of the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB). The appointment runs from October 2021 through May 2022. White has served for three years on the CAFB Board of Directors having previously served as Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Governance and Membership Committee.

CAFB, which was founded in 1995, works with 41 California-based member food banks to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to fight hunger across the state. The organization also works to increase access to CalFresh, California’s food stamp program; creates partnerships with the agriculture industry to secure excess produce and reduce food waste; and advocates for pro-food bank and anti-hunger policies at local, state, and federal levels.

Commenting on White’s appointment as chair, Stacia Hill Levenfeld, CEO of CAFB, said, “Monica’s leadership skills have made her an invaluable resource for our organization over the past difficult months as hunger has risen dramatically across the state and the country. I am delighted to be able to continue to draw on her expert counsel as we continue the fight to end hunger in California.”

White joined Food Share of Ventura County as President and CEO in 2017 after having previously served on the Food Share board. Upon taking the role of CEO, Monica led Food Share out of a period of financial challenges while responding to some of Ventura County’s most critical hunger-relief needs during the Thomas Fire and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the pandemic, last year Food Share distributed more than 26 million pounds of food, providing more than 21.6 million meals to people in Ventura County – the largest amount of food ever distributed in the organization’s 43-year history, and nearly double the previous high of 13.5 million pounds in 2019.

Arte Para la Gente on display at Museum of Ventura County

Photo by Patricia Schallert

Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. As a teacher and mentor, Margaret has inspired and encouraged artists to challenge their talents. Her students are encouraged to reach into their souls and create art that is authentic to self, and reflects their passion for the subjects they are painting. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County. Arte Para la Gente is on display at the Museum of Ventura County from November 11, 2021 to Spring 2022.