Vol. 17, No. 21 – July 10 – July 23, 2024 – Music Calendar

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wednesdays: Big Adventure Duo

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9; Sundays 4-7
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm ); Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Fri 7/12: Karen Eden and the Bad Apples
Sat 7/13: Guy & Dave
Sun 7/14: Ken Devoe
Fri 7/19: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 7/20: Déjà vu Two
Sun 7/21: Epitome of Dreams

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night
Sat 7/20: Monsters of Pop, Duncan & the Dragonslayers, Ronda Ray (6p); D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers (10p)

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 7/12: Ignition
Fri 7/19: Los Amigos
Sat 7/20: Stone Soul
Sun 7/21: Natalie Wattre

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Constitution Park
601 Carmen Dr., Camarillo
Sat 7/13: Savor

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 7/12: Herway to Hell
Sat 7/13: Los Amigos
Fri 7/19: The Cousins
Sat 7/20: Side Traccs

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Fri 7/12: Alex E.T.
Sat 7/13: Cara de Pau
Fri 7/19: New Pleasure

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 7/13: The Reserve
Sun 7/14: Vinny Berry
Sat 7/20: Red Rhythm
Sun 7/21: Ashley Rose

Enegren Brewing Company
444 Zachary St., Moorpark
Sat 7/13: Singular Nature, Bombafiya, Braden Lee Waiters, Kris David & Drue Trio, Mighty Lion
Sun 7/14: Shay Moulder
Sun 7/21: Eve’s Barbee Land

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 7/12: Heathers on Fire
Sat 7/13: Teresa Russell
Sun 7/14: Rachel Sedacca
Fri 7/19: Ignition
Sun 7/21: Smokey & Friends

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 7/12: Steph’s Rockin’ Roadshow
Sun 7/14: Ventu Park
Fri 7/19: Operation 90s
Sat 7/20: The Renegades
Sun 7/21: We are the 80s

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 7/10: Adam Clark Quartet feat. Doug Webb
Thurs 7/11: SicNarf
Fri 7/12: Walt Johnson Sinatra Tribute Band
Sat 7/13: Celso Salim & Darryl Carriere (2p); Barrelhouse Wailers (8p)
Wed 7/17: WoRK Quintet
Fri 7/19: The Lao Tizer Band
Sat 7/20: Tommy Quayle & Art Farmers (2p); Bevan Manson Group (8p)

Harbor View Park
3600 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 7/13: Psychedelic Summer
Sat 7/20: Brandon Ragan Project

Heritage Days
Old Town Camarillo
Fri 7/12: No Class, Caught Red Handed, Todd Stanford Country
Sat 7/13: Mad Dog & the Smokin Js, D.on Darox & the Melody Joy Bakers, Red Hot Cholo Peppers, Skadaddyz, House Arrest
Sun 7/14: Mariachi Los Toreros, Full Cup, Famdamly, Morie & the Heavy Hitters

Heritage Square
715 S. A St., Oxnard
Fri 7/12: Heart and Soul
Fri 7/19: Vinyl Gypsies

Institution Ale Company
3841 Mission Oak Blvd., Camarillo
Thurs 7/11: Milo Sledge Trio

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 7/12: Magnificent Bastards
Sat 7/13: Lowered Expectations
Fri 7/19: Reign

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 7/12: The Surfer Joe Band
Sat 7/13: Drifting Roots, Alific
Sun 7/14: Chris Murray
Sat 7/20: Boom Duo
Sun 7/21: The Rudians, OnePeople

Libbey Bowl
210 S. Signal St., Ojai
Thurs 7/18: Happy Together Tour
Sat 7/20: Mirage

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main St., Ventura
Music 1-4 pm
Sundays: In Stone

Magnavino Cellars
961 Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 7/12: Decadent Decades
Sun 7/14: Mack and D
Sun 7/20: Live Band Karaoke

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 7/10: Monte Montgomery
Thurs 7/11: Tom McMorran
Fri 7/12: Tour Support
Sat 7/13: Pam and Hollywood
Sun 7/14: Warren Takahashi
Wed 7/17: Robert Van
Fri 7/19: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sat 7/20: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sun 7/21: Warren Takahashi

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 7/12: The Riffs
Sat 7/13: Brittney & the B-Sides
Sun 7/14: Smokey & Friends
Tues 7/16: Bobby Campbell
Fri 7/19: Keyth G Band
Sat 7/20: Operation 90s
Sun 7/21: CRV
Tues 7/23: Two Tossers

Monday Club
Masonic Center, Santa Clara & California, Ventura
Mon 7/15: Hot Roux

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Thurs 6/27: Sumac, White Boy, Scream, Grave Infestation
Sun 6/30: Teresa Russell
Fri 7/5: Vinyl Gypsies

Music Under the Stars
4200 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Sat 7/13: Identity Theft
Sat 7/20: Smooth Sounds of Santana

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Sat 7/13: Zeinapur
Sun 7/14: The Listening Room

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 7/12: Goldpine
Sat 7/13: Joyce & David

Ojai Pub
914 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sat 7/13: Shay Moulder

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Sat 7/13: Keyth G.

Onyx
2390 Las Posas, Rd., Camarillo
Fri 7/12: Vinny Berry
Sat 7/13: Mack and D
Fri 7/19: Dave Cipriani
Sat 7/20: Jake Needham

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Fri 7/12: Nardfest feat. The Dickies, Final Conflict, Stalag 13, i-Decline, Narthex Structure…

Peirano’s
204 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Mack and D
Fridays: Toni Janotta Trio
Saturdays: Braids & Dreads
Sun 7/14: Jayden Secor
Sun 7/21: Mack and D

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri & Sat 8 pm; Sundays 2 pm
Fri 7/12: Operation 90s
Sat 7/13: Holgers Heroes
Sun 7/14: Jake McClelland
Fri 7/19: CRV
Sat 7/20: Jakob Mesina
Sun 7/21: Doc Rogers acoustic

Ric’s Restaurant Sports Lounge
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support

Schwab Summer Chamber Music Program
Ventura College Performing Arts Center
Fridays: Chamber Music
Sat 7/13: Shostakovich #5
Sat 7/20: Violin & Viola Competition Day 1
Sun 7/21: Violin & Viola Competition Day 2

Seaward Brewing
1920 Goodyear Ave., Ventura
Sat 7/20: Birdbrain

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 7/13: The Doc Rogers Band
Sun 7/14: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 7/20: 805 Social Club
Sun 7/21: Holgers Heroes

Taqueria Jalisco
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Tuesdays & Fridays: Jim Friery

Tequila & Taco Music Festival
Ventura County Fairgrounds
Sat 7/13: Ozomatli, Yang Yang Twins, Outlaw Mariachi, Upstream

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 7/12: Shaky Feelin’
Fri 7/19: The Trivle Omdobble

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Tues 7/23: Ventura Music James

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered Expectations
Wednesdays: The Jelly Jam Band
Thurs 7/11: Fausto Cuevas y Moderna
Sat 7/13: Caught Red Handed
Sat 7/20: The Soda Crackers

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 7/10: C-Kan, Cualquier Parecido
Sat 7/13: DB Boutag, K. Flex
Tues 7/16: Bennett Coast
Fri 7/19: Y&T
Sat 7/20: Katchafire

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 3 pm; Sun 3 pm
Fri 7/12: Led Tasso
Sat 7/13: Preston Smith
Sun 7/14: The Twains

McCartneys Afternoon Tea Fundraiser – with Ivor Davis

The Museum of Ventura County is hosting an extraordinary fundraising afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney (Paul’s stepsister and stepmom), on Saturday, July 13th from 3 – 5 pm who will be interviewed by renowned Beatles author Ivor Davis. Enjoy authentic English tea service as we explore enchanting stories from Paul McCartney’s early years. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain an intimate glimpse into the life of Paul McCartney through the eyes of his family. Whether you’re a die-hard Beatles fan or simply love a good story over a cup of tea, this event promises an afternoon of joy, nostalgia, and connection.

The tea will feature a captivating Q&A session, allowing guests to connect directly with the Museum’s special guests. Take advantage of this unique blend of British charm and rock ‘n’ roll history!

Davis, the only British journalist to travel with the Beatles on the entire 1964 tour, has his 60th Anniversary Edition of The Beatles and Me on Tour, which details his hectic and crazy times spent with “The Boys.” Davis flew on their airplanes, stayed with them at their hotels, rode to and from concerts in their limos, and attended all of the parties and club outings. He was also on the 1965 tour and the only journalist who went with The Beatles when they visited with Elvis Presley.

The cost is $80 per person. Tickets at https://venturamuseum.org/event/mccartney-afternoon-tea-with-ivor-davis/ or on Eventbrite under Museum of Ventura County

Vol. 17, No. 21 – July 10 – July 23, 2024 – A View from House Seats

“Spamalot” Brings Laughs Galore

by Shirley Lorraine

Are you a Monty Python fan? If so, the Ojai Art Center Theater’s summer musical, “Spamalot,” promises to hit your funny bone (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Adapted from the Monty Python film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Spamalot,” penned by Python member Eric Idle, brings their trademark silliness and audacity to the stage, encouraging each actor to go big.

Not familiar with Monty Python? No worries. Embrace the deliberately absurd and highly choreographed chaos. Be forewarned, in true Python style, many lines are shouted, potentially hindering comprehension of the British vernacular. However, the words matter less than the vibrant characterizations and overall action. Expect minimal plot and maximum laughter.

The expansive cast invites audiences into their Camelot and its environs, where King Arthur and his band embark on the quest for the Holy Grail. Every facet of the classic tale is parodied, complete with twisted lyrics, chanting monks, and dancing girls to amplify the spectacle.

Marcus Kettles commands as King Arthur, fully embodying royalty. Marisa Miculian shines as the Lady of the Lake, showcasing her vocal prowess amidst a backdrop of “Laker girls” clad in whimsical costumes inspired by “a herd of Peruvian Llamas,” as noted in the program. Throughout the play, these cheerleaders punctuate the action. The costumes across the production are meticulously chosen.

Emma-Rose Allen delights as Sir Robin the Brave, her stage presence a breath of fresh air. James Baker revels in his portrayal of Sir Lancelot, while R. Shane Bourbon brings humor to the roles of Sir Galahad and others. Multiple actors skillfully juggle various characters, surprising the audience at every turn.

Stage squires play a crucial role, facilitating seamless set changes and adding to the abundant humor.

Director Andrew Eiden pulls out all the stops in this rollicking free-for-all.

Please note, the Ojai summer production starts earlier: Friday and Saturday curtains rise at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. With plenty happening in Ojai and nearby Libby Park, summer parking can be a challenge, so be prepared for a short walk. Once inside the air-conditioned theater, however, you’ll find a welcome respite from the Ojai heat. Don’t miss the chance to let the cast entertain you.

For tickets, visit www.ojaiacr.org or call 805-640-8797.

Vol. 17, No. 21 – July 10 – July 23, 2024 – Scamp Club

Hi, I’m Loulou! I’m a 4-year-old Great Pyrenees/Shepherd mix, rescued as a puppy from a goat farm in Bakersfield. I enjoy napping, eating, and barking. At my latest vet visit, I weighed in at 116 pounds, but I’m a big-boned gal with exceptionally dense fur, which obviously adds an extra 10 pounds. My family says I’ll be taking longer walks for the next few months to help me tone up and get back to my usual svelte self. See you around the neighborhood!

Vol. 17, No. 21 – July 10 – July 23, 2024 – Community Events

Ventura

Rubicon Theatre – William Shakespeare’s Richard III: July 12 – 14.
Dive into the dark and twisted tale of ambition and power. www.rubicontheatre.org/events/richard-iii.

Ventura County Museum

  • Saturday, July 13, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Museum of Ventura County – McCartney Tea Fundraiser – Join us for a Museum of Ventura County fundraiser that offers an extraordinary afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney, interviewed by renowned author Ivor Davis.
  • Sunday, July 14, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Museum of Ventura County – Threading Together: Weaving Our Indigenous Heritage/Tejiendo Juntos: Entrelazando Nuestra Herencia Indígena – Experience the artistry of Zapotec weaving firsthand in a dynamic showcase and demonstration presented in collaboration with MICOP. Enjoy dancers, Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas Las Isabeles.
  • Saturday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Museum of Ventura County – Artists & Amplifiers Fête – Join us for a celebration of contemporary artistic voices of Ventura County!

Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale: July 13, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Vons grocery at Telegraph & Victoria
Fiction, Nonfiction, Children’s books, Puzzles, DVDs and CDs $1.00 each , Books on CD $1.50-$2.00 each. Nice collection of well cared for CDs: Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, John Hiatt, Joni Hendrix, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis , Van Morrison, to name a few. All proceeds benefit Ventura libraries. 

Tequila & Taco Music Festival: Saturday, July 13: 1pm – 9pm, Ventura County Fairgrounds.
California’s Largest Traveling Tequila & Taco Music Festival is back! This event will showcase top-shelf Tequila sampling, while you enjoy the best gourmet street tacos Ventura has to offer. Enjoy live music, margaritas, craft beer, and vendors. All ticket holders will have access to food vendors, craft beer, margarita booths, shopping, and live music. Tickets available at www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com.

Ventura Music Hall – DB.BOUTABAG: July 13, 8 PM
With 1100 HIMSELF, K. FLEX, KINGBOOLU and DJ SONZ.
www.venturamusichall.com

Ventura Harbor Seaside Movie Nights: Barbie: July 20, 8 PM

Join in the sensational pink fun movie hit – “Barbie” for a seaside beach ball bash, with live DJ spinning the tunes, a Barbie & Ken and Barbie movie costume contest for prizes, kettle corn and more. www.venturaharborvillage.com/events

Genealogy – Free Family History Lectures: Saturday, July 20. Online Via Zoom from 1:00 pm – 4:00 PM.
The Ventura County Genealogical Society will present two speakers. The first is Tina Beaird, speaking on “Maps and Trails: Common Migration Paths from the17th Through 19th Centuries,” followed by David Flint on the topic of “Marriage Records in England.” All VCGS lectures are free and open to members and the public. Non-members may request a Zoom invitation at https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/. Please note that VCGS cannot respond to same-day requests. VCGS is an all-volunteer, public benefit non-profit corporation [501(c)(3)]. Donations are greatly appreciated. For more information: https://www.venturacogensoc.org. 

Music Matters Summer Camp: Powered by Ventura Music Festival
Ages: 11-20, Groups: Intermediate & Advanced
Two Sessions: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Daily Sessions)
– July 22-26, NAMBA Arts, Ventura
– July 29-August 2, Ojai Underground, Ojai
Scholarships available: [email protected]. www.venturamusicfestival.org/musicmatters

Ventura Majestic Theatre – The Hillbilly Moon Explosion 3LH: July 25, 8PM. Downtown, Ventura
www.venturatheatre.net

NAMBA Improv Camps: Grades 4-10. Monday through Thursday. Downtown Ventura.

Creative, interactive games and exercises where students are introduced to the fun and skill of improvisational theater. Through simple exercises and games we begin to explore the vast world of character creation and storytelling! Instructed by Mr. Casey Robbins. Space is limited. www.Namba.com.

Ventura Music Festival (29th Season): July 25th – 28th and Aug. 2nd – 4th (7 events).
All events at Ventura College Performing Arts Center except for one Olivas Adobe event. Visit www.venturamusicfestival.org for more information.

Olivas Adobe House Tours: Every Sunday in July and August
The Olivas Adobe historic site features the original two-story adobe home of Don Raymundo Olivas built in 1847. Celebrating Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. House tours are $5 for Adults and $3 for children and Seniors. More Information is available at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/648/Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Park.

Electrify Your Home & Business: Saturday, July 27th, 10 am – 2:30 PM. Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston Street.
If you have ever considered being energy independent, reducing your electrical costs and carbon footprint, or switching to electrical appliances to minimize health impacts from burning natural gas in your home come to the Electrification Event in Ventura the morning of for lectures, exhibitors, and people with first-hand experience in all the ways you can electrify your life. And lunch is free. Be sure to register for the event so we have enough food for everyone. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/electrify-your-home-and-business-tickets-922171990247?aff=oddtdtcreator

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 Tuesdays each month: 11:30am – 1:30pm – 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 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12:30pm.
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 Monday’s each month – 7:30pm.
Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

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

Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) exhibition: 1130 State Street.

  • The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection, July 7 – November 3. www.sbma.net. 

– Performance of Carrot Revolution: Saturday, July 20, 3 pm, McCormick Gallery

The Music Academy of the West’s Arancia Quartet, made up of 2024 String Quartet Seminar fellows Miyabi Henriksen, violin; Steven Song, violin; Sheng-Chieh Jason Lan, viola; Shijie Ma, cello perform Gabriella Smith’s Carrot Revolution. The piece—originally commissioned by an art museum—is a patchwork of Smith’s wildly contrasting influences, unexpected juxtapositions, and intersecting planes of sound, celebrating the spirit of fresh observation. In collaboration with Music Academy of the West. Free with Museum Admission.

Ensemble Theatre – Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground: July 11 -14, 33 W. Victoria Street
Candid and fascinating fictional eavesdropping on President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his Gettysburg, Pennsylvania farm. Adapted from a vast array of General Eisenhower’s memoirs, speeches, and letters. etcsb.org. (805) 965-5400.

Oxnard

Bridging Familias: LGBTQ+ Latino Wellness Event: Saturday, July 13, 2024, 9 am – 3 pm, Oxnard College Performing Arts Building.

Learning how bullying and sexual and intimate partner violence affect LGBTQ+ Latinos & how to support our loved ones! Free lunch for the first 300 participants! Spanish, Mixteco and ASL translation will be provided.

  • Educational Presentations (9 am – 12 pm)
  • Lunch (12 pm – 12:30 pm)
  • Intergenerational Panel (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm)
  • Resource Fair (12 pm to 3 pm)
  • Art Exhibit (12 pm to 3 pm)

For questions and additional info. email: [email protected] & [email protected] or call: 805-983-6014, ext.1114. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridging-familias-lgbtq-latino-wellness-event-tickets-890666717127?blm_aid=23160833

 

 

Ventura River Parkway Trail Improvements Project 

The $5 million grant-funded Ventura River Parkway Trail improvement project is currently underway. Paving from Fix/Dubbers to Stanley has been completed, with paving from Stanley to the city limits commencing on July 2.

Visitors will benefit from upgraded wayfinding signs directing them along the trail, complemented by new signage along the city section. Efforts are underway to extend this signage to sections outside city limits not covered by the grant. Trail upgrades from the estuary to Main Street are pending levee recertification.

Friends of The River collaborated with Pacific Coast Land Design (PCLD) to design and advocate for improved, consistent signage. PCLD has engaged the county to gauge interest in extending the new signage along the entire trail.

For more information about the Ventura River Trail Project, visit: To learn more about the Ventura River Trail Project, visit: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2360/Ventura-River-Trail-Improvements.

In addition to trail repaving and new signage, the project includes installation of over 11,000 linear feet of architectural fencing and 79 solar-powered lights. It also encompasses storm water improvements, trail amenities, and upgraded connections.

Friends of the Ventura River is a coalition of community groups and individuals who recognize the need for the protection and enhancement of the Ventura River watershed to improve our quality of life and ensure our future sustainability. Visit friendsofventurariver.org to learn more.

Vol. 17, No. 21 – July 10 – July 23, 2024 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday 6/25 10:03am, dispatched to a brush fire near the Santa Clara Rivermouth. Officers responded, searched the area and called the reporting party but failed to find fire.

2:30pm, dispatched to Ocean Rescue at Surfers Knoll Jetty, swimmer caught in a rip current. Officers responded in Fireboat to assist State Parks with rescue.

5:58pm, received “Mayday” call from a 20ft sailboat without steering just outside the breakwall. Officers responded in Rescue B19, towed to VYC dock.
Wednesday

6/26

 2:21pm, dispatched to a fall patient in the village. Officers responded with VFD & AMR to assist the patient with treatment and transportation preparation.

10:25pm, dispatched to a traffic collision near the Holiday Inn Express. Officers responded to the call to assist VFD and VPD. The accident was non injury.
Thursday 6/27 8:50am, received request for water quality at Harbor Cove from State Parks junior guard program director. Officers researched & water quality not in range but scientist explain that water is not necessarily unsafe to enter.

12:14pm, dispatched to a traffic accident on Spinnaker Dr. Officers responded with multiple units, found a vehicle towing a trailer that backed into a fire hydrant. No injuries were sustained and VFD was able to shut off the water.

11:10pm, observed a magnitude 7 earthquake off Peru. No tsunami warning.
Friday 6/28 1:10pm, observed a 12ft sailboat beset by wind, in danger of going aground on the rip/rap. Officers in Fireboat 1 were able to tow the boat to the launch ramp.

6:33pm, while on patrol in the Fireboat, officers observed a Yacht Club lazer sailboat impede a large research vessel transiting the turning basin. Officers contacted the skipper and the race director reminding them of the tonnage rule.
Saturday 6/29 7:30pm, observed heavy fog, ½ mile visibility. Officers activated fog signal.

11:55am, dispatched to a public assist, water pipe broke flooding intersection at Anchors Way / Schooner. Officers responded with VFD to the call. Contacted Portside security, they were able to summon a plumber to turn off the water.
Sunday 6/30 8:00am, observed heavy fog, ¼ mile visibility, officers activated fog signal.

8:05am, received report of a petroleum sheen near VIM A & B docks. Officers investigated, found an old, patchy sheen, no source for it was discovered.
Monday 7/1 2:39pm, received report of a 35ft sailboat in violation of securing without permission at VHV C-dock. Officers investigated in Rescue Boat 19, but the sailboat had already left the slip. Searching for the vessel but unable to locate.

6:45pm, received report of a sealion blocking access to their sailboat in the Derektor marina. Officers responded and assisted with removal of the mammal with spraying water at the knot head sealion.

7:41pm, dispatched to difficulty breathing at VWM G-dock. Officers responded with VFD/AMR, assisted with access, treatment, & transportation preparation.
Tuesday 7/2 5:25pm, received report of a disabled commercial vessel, “Hep C” against the rip rap in the East end of the A-Basin. Officers responded in the Fireboat and were able to tow the craft to a nearby dock.

Vol. 17, No. 21 – July 10 – July 23, 2024 – As I See It

• The presidential debate was very depressing. Biden was very weak and not at all presidential and Trump just lied, lied and lied and never answered a question. The moderators would ask him a certain specific question and his answer would be “Biden is a terrible president.”

The moderators did a horrible job by not insisting that their questions be answered (by both candidates). It’s a shame that these two will be our choices for president. Certainly, we could do better.

Writing in the LA Times, Steve Lopez wrote:

  • “Not a good night for Biden.”
  • “Not a proud night for Trump.”
  • “A sad night for the United States.”

The best thing for the country would be for Biden to withdraw from running and a younger more centrist Democrat be selected to run.

• A survey rating our presidents, was conducted online in late 2023, combined the responses of 154 experts (current or recent members of the American Political Science Association’s presidential politics division as well as scholars who recently published peer-reviewed research in related journals or academic presses.)

The results were:

  • Biden 14th (this could go up or down by the end of his term)
  • Trump 45th last

• Trump stopped by Tony and Nick’s Steaks to eat one of Philly’s famous sandwiches. An interviewer asked him about it and this was his answer.

“Ohhh, that was good,” Trump said. “I haven’t sampled it yet, but I will.”

He supports putting the 10 commandments in our schools. Too bad he has never read them.

• On July 29, there was a drone show in the Harbor. It was absolutely amazing. One of the best things I’ve ever seen. If there is another in Ventura be sure to watch it even if 9 p.m. is past your bedtime.

• Ventura County Fairgrounds CEO Jen McGuire has resigned in a very surprising announcement.

The sudden announcement that she was leaving was made at a closed-door fair board meeting.

She was hired as CEO about a year ago and also served as CEO of the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop. Her leaving comes at a tough time just a little more than a month prior to the start of the 12-day Ventura County Fair. She was a well-regarded and respected CEO.

McGuire was the third CEO to leave the position in two years. She was hired a year ago to replace Stacy Rianda who suddenly retired from the position less than a year after she was hired.

In the closed session, the board unanimously voted to name Dan Long and Heidi Ortiz as co-interim CEOs. Ortiz is the fairgrounds deputy manager. The state Department of Food and Agriculture owns the fairgrounds.

• Some areas of Ventura have been negatively affected as streets are dug up to install the new water lines (now at Harbor Bl. near Spinnaker) for the Ventura Water project. The project will treat wastewater to achieve drinking water standards, and (we hope) provide about 20% of our potable water.

The cost has risen by about $200 million from the initial estimated costs. That is always the case with government projects. Start it and halfway through say we need more money at which point there is no other choice but to just keep increasing the budget.

As the cost of Ventura Water project keeps rising, higher water rates will be in our future much earlier than expected.

Construction of the water purification project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2027. Wonder how much more it will cost by then?

It seems for that kind of money we could build a desalination plant. About 1/3 of Santa Barbara’s water is treated this way and cruise ships get all their potable water in this manner.

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
~ Confucius

Surfers’ Point Phase II

The next stage of the managed retreat project is set to commence construction after Labor Day 2024, staying on schedule.

The California Coastal Conservancy board allocated $16.2 million on June 1, 2023, toward Phase 2 of the Managed Retreat project at Surfers’ Point. This initiative addresses sea level rise by relocating existing infrastructure inland and enhancing beach dune habitat.

Phase 1, operational for over a decade, has proven effective in safeguarding our coastline and infrastructure. Phase II will align the bike path with newer sections farther from the ocean, enhancing protective dunes. Parking will be realigned accordingly.

Since 1991, the Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has championed this project as a solution to coastal erosion. It has become a national model for managed coastal retreat, showcasing Ventura’s success.

Detailed plans for Phase II, available on the city’s website, include the removal of damaged coastal structures, replacement with dunes and native plants, and the installation of a buried cobble berm to protect City and Fairgrounds infrastructure. The project will feature a new multi-use path, parking lot with attendant station, public art installations, new lighting, drainage improvements, landscaping, and electric vehicle charging stations.

For more information, visit: https://www.venturariver.org/2023/06/surfers-point-funding-okd.html