Senate Bill resources available for City of Ventura residents and businesses

Starting January 1, 2022, the City of Ventura will be required to comply with California’s Senate Bill (SB) 1383. SB 1383 aims to reduce methane emissions by diverting organic material from landfills by establishing statewide food waste recycling requirements for cities. The City is rolling out food waste recycling for all residents, businesses, and multi-family properties to comply with the mandate.

“Food waste includes items like bones, nuts, dairy, bread, fruit, vegetables, meat, and more,” shared Public Works Director Phil Nelson. “The City’s Environmental Sustainability team has worked diligently to ensure our community has resources to assist with these new state regulations to recycle food waste and reduce air pollutants like methane gas.”

Residents in single-family homes must bag their food waste and place it in their yard waste cart. Once at the sorting facility, the bagged organic waste will be separated and composted into soil products. Businesses and multi-family properties can expect to be contacted by E.J. Harrison & Sons to set up yard waste and food waste collection services unless they apply and qualify for an exemption.

Businesses can request exemptions if they generate very little organic waste or if they do not have space for additional containers. Exemption waivers must be filed before SB 1383 regulations take effect on January 1, 2022.

The statewide law was enacted in 2016 by Governor Brown. to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP’s), which contribute to global warming and negatively affect human health. SLCPs remain in the atmosphere for less time than carbon dioxide, but potentially cause more damage due to their potency. By collecting and composting organic waste, SB 1383 aims to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the release of methane into the atmosphere.

The first reading of a new ordinance to comply with SB 1383 was presented to the City Council on October 25, 2021, which covered the regulatory requirements and available resources for residents and businesses. A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for November 8, 2021.

The City’s Environmental Sustainability team will host virtual workshops for residents and businesses to provide information about new requirements, answer questions, and encourage participation. Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/es to learn more. 

VenturaWaterPure to receive $1.7 million in grant funds

The City of Ventura’s proposed water reuse program, VenturaWaterPure, anticipates $1.7 million in federal funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (BOR) Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program.

VenturaWaterPure is among a shortlist of projects funded by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, pending Congress’ approval. This award is in addition to the $2.4 million that the City received from the program in 2018.

“It is encouraging to see VenturaWaterPure selected to participate in these competitive State and Federal funding programs,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “The City will continue to pursue grants and cost-sharing opportunities like this to minimize the financial impact to our residents and maximize value to our community.”

Through the Title XVI program, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation provides grants to communities to reclaim and reuse wastewater, impaired groundwater, and surface water. Funding may be used for the planning, design or construction of water recycling and reuse projects

“With record-low rainfall across California, water reuse projects such as the VenturaWaterPure program are critical to protecting our communities against drought and climate change,” shared VenturaWaterPure Program Manager Linda Sumansky. “VenturaWaterPure will provide a reliable, drought-resistant water supply to the City of Ventura, a solution that is needed now more than ever.”

The VenturaWaterPure program is also being considered for a low-interest loan through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. If awarded, the City will receive a $125 million loan to fund the design and construction of the program’s Advanced Water Purification Facility. The City is expecting to receive formal loan approval in early 2022.

VenturaWaterPure will recover, treat, and reuse water that is currently discharged to the Santa Clara River Estuary. At a new purification facility, water will be treated using advanced technology for potable reuse. The multi-benefit program will create a new local water supply, meet legal requirements, and improve water quality for Ventura customers.

The program remains in the design phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2023. To learn more about the VenturaWaterPure Program, visit www.VenturaWaterPure.net.

Vol. 15, No. 05 – Dec 1 – Dec 14, 2021 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
The Great – Hulu Originals
Season 1 (2020) & Season 2 (2021)

4 out of 4 palm trees

The Great shares the complex story of Catherine The Great (Elle Fanning) and her rise to power in 18th Century Russia by actually overthrowing her own husband Peter (Nicholas Hoult), the son of Peter the Great, to bring Russia into the renaissance with science, art and equality for women.

In Season 1, Catherine (who was German) goes to Russia to marry Peter due to an arranged marriage by her mother and Peter’s father (Peter The Great), which made her  Empress and heir to the throne if anything happened to young Emperor Peter. Catherine quickly realized that Peter was a self-centered brat and decided that she must save Russia from Peter.

Catherine began to look for those that she could recruit, first was her handmade Marial (Phoebe Fox). Next was a member of the court and palace intellectual Count Orlo (Sacha Dhawan) and an unhappy military general, Velementov (Douglas Hodge) as well as support from her sterile lover Leo (Sebastian Souza) who was gifted to her by Peter when he noticed that Catherine seemed unhappy and was not interested in intimacy with him.

While Catherine was plotting the coup, Peter’s best friend Grigor (Gwilym Lee) was beginning to find it unbearable that Peter was continually having sex with his wife Georgina, and in a moment of despair, added arsenic to his food in an attempt to poison Peter. Unfortunately for Grigor, Peter lived and blamed the meal staff for his poisoning, killing all of them.

Peter had a new outlook on life after his poisoning causing Catherine to feel optimistic about peaceful coexistence with Peter and their increasing chemistry, ultimately leading to Catherine becoming pregnant. This fact, along with Peter taking Leo hostage, caused Catherine to be even more committed to the coup and planned it to take place on her birthday, but Marial betrayed Catherine to Peter thinking it was the only way to save both of them.

In Season 2, Catherine continued her coup and after 4 months began making ground to win her war with Peter. Peter was caught in his deep love for Catherine and respect for her impressive, relentless battle against him in her effort to rule Russia. Peter eventually gave in and agreed to live under house arrest at the palace while waiting for their son Paul to be born. A short time later Catherine got a surprise visit from her mother, who was disappointed in her efforts and intended to do her best to undermine Catherine’s goals in transforming Russia.

Catherine continued running the country throughout her pregnancy and started to develop a strong bond with Peter’s Aunt Elizabeth (Belinda Bromilow), who had been devoted to Peter her entire life but decided to eventually join Catherine in her efforts to rule Russia for the sake of its people. Once Paul was born, Aunt Elizabeth took on a primary role in his care while Catherine and Peter attempted to avoid their growing feelings for each other.

Taglined as “*an occasionally true story”, The Great offers a spirited look into history with razor sharp wit and likable hedonism and debauchery from an extremely talented cast. I think a TV-MA rating seems light for this series as it contains extremely mature adult content ranging from frequent crude sexual innuendo to simulated sex acts and nudity, lots of cursing, physical assaults, and grotesque images (all of which are often sources of dark humor)

Rated: TV-MA

Vol. 15, No. 05 – Dec 1 – Dec 14, 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.

Dec.11: The Channel Islands Maritime Museum will once again be hosting the Holiday Lighting of the Tall Ship Mast in the Museum’s outdoor courtyard. The event will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Local music group the CocoKnots will be on hand to perform their live music with a tropical flair. There will also be a public sing-along to holiday favorites. At 6:30 pm Santa Claus will arrive to flip the switch to light up the iconic tall ship mast. Following the lighting ceremony, Santa will be on hand to meet and greet children until 7:00 pm. This is a free community event open to all.

Just Go! Ventura Music Festival presents Tommy Emmanuel— “the world’s best guitarist”

By VMF consultant Richard Newsham

Do you know acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel? You should and now you can!
Eric Clapton flatly states he is “the world’s best guitarist.” And Steve Vai calls him “the most inspired acoustic guitar player I have ever seen.”

“Emmanuel needs to be seen maybe more than heard,” says one reviewer. The spectacle of Tommy Emmanuel live is “a true honor to experience.

“Every cell, every molecule in his body was born and designed to play guitar. He beams with pure pleasure while playing.”

His purity and grace is “quite possibly the finest demonstration of acoustic guitar playing I have ever seen.”

He’s performing on Thursday, January 20, 8 pm, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC), 800 Hobson Way in Oxnard.

It’s the 2022 opener for the 27th “Onward!” season of Ventura Music Festival, co-presented by OPAC/Sterling Venue Ventures.

The Australian native, now an American citizen situated in Nashville, received his first guitar at the age of 4—beginning his journey to become one of the globe’s most talented guitarists, accoladed with two Grammy nominations and a closing performance at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Inspired by guitar legend Chet Atkins—who anointed him one of only five CGPs (certified guitar players)—Emmanuel knows how to coax the most expressive melodies, rhythms and array of sounds out of his guitar.

Creating an orchestra out of his ten fingers and single six-stringed instrument.
Exploring a galaxy of genres—jazz, blues, classical, Latin, rock, country and folk.
And projecting a profound sense of joy in performance and provoking delightfully humorous interactions with his audiences.

Don’t miss “one of the best solo acoustic players to ever touch strings.”
Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster, or save fees by calling the box office directly at (888) 645-5006 for will-call-only tickets.

Lots more info and music videos at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Vol. 15, No. 05 – Dec 1 – Dec 14, 2021 – Music Calendar

Music Calendar 12/1 – 1214
For more up-to-the-date listings go to VenturaRocks.com

Azars
2215 Michael Dr., Newbury Park
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Sat 12/4: Heathers on Fire

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Thursdays: Jim Friery; then Bluegrass Jam
Fri 12/3: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer
Sat 12/4: Oleander Falls

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

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Sat 12/4: Motown Christmas with Stone Soul
Sun 12/5: 21st Annual Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive w/ Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers
Fri 12/10: Buena Onda

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

Chuy’s
1397 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley West
Wednesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Fri 12/3: Phill and the Blanks
Sat 12/4: CRV
Sat 12/11: The Sister Knot

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
Sat 12/11: Teresa Russell

Enegren Brewing Co.
444 Zachary Street, Moorpark
Fri 12/10: Vanise Terry Band
Four Brix
2290 Eastman, Ventura
Music 6-8 pm on Fridays, Sat & Sun 1 – 3:30 pm
Fri 12/3: Heathers on Fire
Sat 12/4: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Sun 12/5: Soul Machine
Wed 12/8: Jodi Farrell’s Music Studio Holiday Concert (7 pm)
Sat 12/11: Cary Park
Sun 12/12: Natalie Wattre

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Wednesdays: Blues Wednesday

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 12/3: Marika & the Ohms
Sat 12/4: Bombafiya
Fri 12/10: Bewitcher
Sat 12/11: The Deaf Pilots
Sun 12/12: Christmas Party w/ What the Funk

The Grape Jazz House
2833 E. Main Street, Ventura
Music 7-10 pm
Tuesdays: Jazz Jam
Fri 12/3: Jennifer Leitham Trio
Sat 12/4: Jay Smith Group
Wed 12/8: The Eddie Layman Trio feat. Javier Vergara & Randy Tico
Fri 12/10: Luis Munoz with Randy Tico & Daniel Zimmerman

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 12/3: The Tossers

Judge Roy Beans
2780 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley
Fri 12/3: Power Syndicate
Sat 12/4: Decadent Decades

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: KJ Carlos
Fri 12/3: Heart n Soul
Sat 12/4: Breaking Bored
Fri 12/10: Caliente
Sat 12/12: Magnificent Bastards

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 12/4: Natalie Wattre
Sat 12/11: Singular Nature

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street, Ventura
Sun 12/5: Gianna Bella (3 pm)
Sun 12/12: RJ Mischo (3 pm)

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 12/3: Nekromantix, the Delta Bombers, Volk
Tues 12/7: The Dead South
Fri 12/10: The Slackers, the Aggrolites
Sat 12/11: Los Mixos, Los Cool Arrows, Dielectric, Bonnie Boy

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands Harbor
Music at Noon
Sun 12/5: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer
Sat 12/11: CRV

Namba
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Sat 12/4: Anna May, Christopher Hawley
Sat 12/11: Doc the Halls with Doc Ventura

Oxnard College Performing Arts Bldg.
4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard
Wed 12/1: The Noelles (6 pm)

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Canyon at Oxnard PACC
Sundays: The House Arrest Band (1-4 pm)
Sat 12/4: Dokken, Jack Russell’s Great White
Fri 12/10: Baby Bash, Lil Rob, MC Magic
Sat12/11: Damien Escobar’s 25 Days of Christmas

Pedals & Pints
156 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Sat 12/11: Robert Jon & the Wreck

Poseidon Brewing Co.
5777 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura
Fri 12/3: Vanise Terry Band

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

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Music at 8 – 11 pm
Fri 12/3: Jetlemons
Sat 12/4: Sean Wiggins
Fri 12/10: Captain Kori
Sat 12/11: Foo Flannels

Relm
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Music at 5:30 pm
Fri 12/3: Scott Rausch
Fri 12/4: Leeann Skoda

Ric’s Restaurant
2500 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support with Kurt Griffey & Bob DeLellis

Rock & Roll Pizza
5255 Cochran Street, Simi Valley
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Sat 12/4: Stay in Your Lane Hip Hop Gala
Fri 12/10: Dustland Fairytale

Santa Paula Theater Center
125 S. 7th Street, Santa Paula
Sat 12/4: Honeysuckle Possums

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street, Ventura
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Sat 12/4: Dive Bar Messiahs
Sat 12/11: Vanise Terry Band

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Two sets 1:45 & 3:30 pm
Sun 12/5: Bad Habit
Sat 12/11: Ignition

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

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
341 Ojai Ave., Ojai
Wed 12/1: Tom Collins (6:30 pm)
Wed 12/8: Jess Bush (6 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)
Sat 12/11: Swing Shift Band
Sun 12/12: Del Franklin w/ Shea Chambers (formerly Raw Silk) (4 pm)

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club
Ventura Harbor Village
Sun 12/5: Kelly’s Lot (Noon)

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

Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar
3500 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Music 6 – 9 pm unless otherwise noted
Sat 12/11: Big Adventure Duo
Sun 12/12: Teresa Russell (11:30 am)

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 12/2: Mack & D
Fri 12/3: Karen805
Sun 12/5: The Tossers
Fri 12/10: Big Adventure
Sun 12/12: CRV

1901 Speakeasy
740 South B Street, Oxnard
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Fri 12/3: RJ Mischo

Vol. 15, No. 05 – Dec 1 – Dec 14, 2021 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

With Thanksgiving officially behind us, the holiday season is in full swing and Ventura has a variety of events to get you in the mood, so many of which involve live music.

Let’s start with Ventura Winter Wine Walk which falls on Saturday, December 11 this year with over 80 tasting locations offering up wine, sparkling wine and craft beer. Every year tickets sell out, but that shouldn’t stop you from missing out on the festivities. Head downtown and join in the fun shopping at the holiday street fair all along Main Street from noon till 8 pm, dine in your favorite restaurant, and then enjoy the free entertainment at California and Main; plus, weather permitting, there will be snowfall!

To get the whole entire family in the holiday spirit, you won’t want to miss Christmas Magic 2021 at the High Street Arts Center in Moorpark. The show runs two weekends from Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 12.

The 21st Annual 4 Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive will be held at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo on Sunday, December 5 with Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers, Truth Jones & her band, Sandy Haley, Debbie Davies, Flat top Tom, Milo Sledge and Steve and Sally Williams. Cost of entry is $5 and an unwrapped toy.

The next Bubbly, Brunch & Blues event at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club will be on Sunday, December 5th with Kelly’s Lot. This is also Kelly’s annual fundraiser for C.A.R.L., the Canine Adoption and Rescue League. The non profit places unwanted, sick, abandoned and homeless dogs in pre-screened, loving and secure homes. Tickets are $20 through EventBrite or at the door.

Quick Notes: There’s a free holiday concert with The Noelles doowop group at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building on Wednesday, December 1; Moorpark’s historic High Street Arts Center presents Christmas Magic 2021, music and stories of the holidays December 3 – 12, get tickets and more info at HighStreetArtsCenter.com; Poseidon Brewing is hosting a Holiday Pajama Party on Friday, December 3 with Vanise Terry Band; Cantara Cellars is hosting a Motown Christmas with Stone Soul on Saturday, December 4; Shaky Feelin’ is celebrating 10 years as a band with a show at The Six Chow House on Saturday, December 11; Jon & the Wreck play Pedals & Pints Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, December 11; Jose Feliciano: Celebrating the Holidays at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on 12/19, that would be the 50th anniversary of “Feliz Navidad;”

The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour will be offering Christmas music produced by local artists for the next couple of weeks. Don’t forget, not only can you listen locally in Ventura on your FM radio dial at 104.7, but you can use the MyTuner radio app on your smart device or online at www.CapsMedia.org/Radio. The program airs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon.

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. 05 – Dec 1 – Dec 14, 2021 – Ojai News & Events

Local Ojai resident Karen Banfield will visit the Ojai Library at 1pm on Saturday, December 18, to talk about The Good Guys Calendar. Join Banfield as she shares photos and stories about the creation of the 2022 Good Guys Calendar and the local men who inspired it.

During the pandemic, Banfield decided to focus on the goodness around her, specifically the men who were showing up with a generosity of spirit and open hearts. She focused on men because the news had been full of negative role models, and she believes having positive role models is essential. To that end, Banfield interviewed 12 men from diverse backgrounds, wrote their stories, and took their photos. These men have touched many lives in small, often unnoticed ways, bringing compassion that made her smile and just as often brought her to tears.

The calendar is selling around the world because it is more than a place to record appointments—it is a way to feel good about life and the people in it.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

The Black Couch Ventura Music Show Down

Guy Martin and Jerry McWorter have joined together to promote local talent.

Ventura based Black Couch Studio and Hi Hat Entertainment have joined together in a creative collaboration with the singular focus of promoting the talents of Ventura’s musicians.

A list of 16 musicians were invited to contribute to a musical stew. The names of four drummers, four bass players and eight guitar players/singers were thrown in a hat and randomly drawn to assemble four bands. Next, a handful of classic rock ‘n’ roll song titles were thrown into a hat, one of which was drawn at random. Each band was given three hours in the studio to arrange, perform and secretly record that song. The randomly selected song was “Midnight Rambler.”

This is where the fun began. As the musicians entered the studio at their appointed time and date, none of them had any idea who they would be playing with or what song they would be recording. The musicians selected for this project represented a cross section of styles, ages and genres and were brought together to celebrate the artistry of making music. The results were amazing. The performances and creative ideas were fresh, inspired and totally different from one interpretation to another.

Most of all, this venture was a barrel of musical fun for all of the artists. It was a great opportunity for musicians to meet and work with fellow players from Ventura that they have never met before.

Now…the public is invited to listen to the results of this project and give their opinion and feedback. On November 19th two of the tracks were released on Black Couch Studio’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts for the world to hear. But… no names were released…just the music. Through comments on all of the social media, Black Couch will tally the votes and see which song is the favorite of round 1. The following week two more songs will be released and again the public votes will be counted and a favorite for round 2 will be announced. The final elimination will be a matchup of the two previous favorites and the public will vote for the final time.

Then…one of the bands will be crowned the first winner of The Black Couch Ventura Music Show Down.

Finally a music video will be released showing all of the musicians involved in the project with some great behind-the-scenes footage of exactly how much fun and music was had by all.

Jerry McWorter Hi Hat Entertainment

Guy Martin Black Couch Studio