The California Fire Foundation helps Californians prepare for wildfires, supports fire victims and honors firefighters for May Wildfire Preparedness Month

Fire Foundation is launching a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin.

To mark May Wildfire Preparedness Month, the California Fire Foundation (www.cafirefoundation.org), the California-based non-profit that assists families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect, is helping Californians prepare for fire season, supporting fire victims, and honoring fallen firefighters across California.

To help Californians stay ready for a wildfire at any time, the California Fire Foundation has just relaunched its Firefighters on Your Side community preparedness program in multiple languages. The program aims to help Californians prepare their homes with defensible space, make a 5-minute evacuation plan, pre-pack essentials, and print a master checklist to ensure all family members are ready for an emergency.

While it has been a rainy winter in California, that does not necessarily mean fewer wildfires. The California Fire Foundation responds in real-time during any fire or disaster emergency to fund and offer Disaster Relief cards to support survivors. The Disaster Relief program brings immediate, short-term relief to victims of wildfires and natural disasters throughout California with a $250 gift card that allows survivors to purchase necessities. In 2023, the Foundation helped over 7,700 Californians by distributing DISASTER RELIEF CARDS worth over $595,000.

“Our typical wildfire season used to be July to October, but Californians need to stay prepared year-round,” said Brian Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation and President of California Professional Firefighters. “Community preparedness and raising funds are critical to our mission to support both residents and our firefighters and their families.”

In addition, to honor fallen firefighters and raise funds for the California Firefighters Memorial Wall Expansion project in Sacramento, since the wall has no more space to list the names of our fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation is launching a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin available to all donors who give a $125 or greater donation to benefit the Memorial Expansion. These memorial coins will be numbered 1-10,000 and available to honor any member of the fire service, past or present. You can select at checkout if you want your coin planted on-site at the Memorial in Capitol Park in Sacramento or saved as a keepsake. To preserve the memories of fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation also recently launched its Oral History Project to gather stories from families, friends, and colleagues.

Residents and businesses can PREPARE for fire season, SUPPORT victims, and HONOR California firefighters by:

      • Prepare your home with Defensible Space (Link)
      • Make a 5 Minute Plan (Link)
      • Pre-Pack Essentials (Link)
      • Print your Preparedness Checklist (Link)
  • SUPPORTING victims of California fires by helping to fund DISASTER RELIEF CARDS which provides fire victims $250 cash cards to buy necessities immediately after a fire or natural disaster..
  • HONORING firefighters with a new limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin available to all donors who give a $125 or greater donation to help expand the California Firefighters Memorial.
  • SHARING stories of fallen firefighters across California to help their legacy live on through the California Fire Foundation’s new Oral History Project. To share your story, leave a voicemail of your favorite memory at 916-883-3580.

Learn how to prepare for Fire Season & Natural Disasters at FirefightersOnYourSide.org. Learn more about the Memorial Wall Expansion and how to support at CAFireFoundation.org.

Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – Music Calendar

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

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne
Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 5/29: Big Adventure Duo
Sat 6/1: Colette Lovejoy Band
Wed 6/5: Déjà vu Too

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9; Sundays
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm );

Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Sat 6/1: Epitome of Dreams
Sun 6/2: Ken Devoe
Fri 6/7: Teresa Russell
Sat 6/8: Guy & Dave
Sun 6/9: Billy Mac and Friends

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night
Fri 5/31: Inertia

Café Fiore
66 California St., Ventura
Wed 5/29: Edgar Thatcher
Fri 5/31: Britney & the B Sides

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 5/31: Lil Bit of Everything
Sat 6/1: Crosscut Band
Fri 6/7: Strummed Down
Sat 6/8: Channel Groove

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 5/31: The Cousins
Sat 6/1: Emando & the Nandos
Fri 6/7: The Flux Capacitors
Sat 6/8: Ultimate Poison

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Thurs 5/30: Jess Bush, Tod Weider
Fri 5/31: Dent May, Sedona
Sat 6/1: Six Organs of Admittance
Fri 6/7: The Mazarines
Sat 6/8: Hard Rooster, Brother Earl

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 6/1: Mark Masson
Sat 6/8: Electrik Love In

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Inna Rude Mood
Sun 5/2: Clear Sky Trio
Fri 6/7: Colette Lovejoy Band
Sun 6/9: Terrell Edwards

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Tommy Drunkard & the

Remedy
Sat 6/1: Vanise Terry Band
Fri 6/7: Led Tasso
Sat 6/8: Neon Blond
Sun 6/9: Nocturnal Drifters, Hard Rooster

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 5/29: Doug Webb Quartet
Thurs 5/30: Mitch Forman Trio
Fri 5/31: Lorenzo Ferrero Quartet
Sat 6/1: Richiman & Groove Nice
(2p); Tony Ybarra (8p)
Wed 6/5: RJ Mischo Blues Showcase
Thurs 6/6: Michael O’Neill Trio
Fri 6/7: Kaisa’s Machine
Sat 6/8: Barrelhouse Wailters

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 5/31: Ventu Park Band
Fri 6/7: Heart and Soul
Sat 6/8: Vinyl Gypsies

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Man Like Devin & the
Relatives
Sun 6/2: Judah Armington Lo-Fi Jazz
Session
Thurs 6/6: Indica Roots
Fri 6/7: Ellis Bryant
Sat 6/8: Jacob Marquez & the Good
Vibes
Sun 6/9: OnePeople, Heavy Rotation,
Singular Nature

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

Magnavino Cellars
961 Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 5/31: The Brandon Ragan Project
Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Maldita Vecindad
Sun 6/9: Sky Ferreira

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 5/29: Robert Van
Fri 5/31: Lisa Ritner Trio
Thurs 6/6: Michael Falcone Sinatra
tribute

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Colette Lovejoy Band
Sat 6/1: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 6/2: Doc Rogers Band
Fri 6/7: Joe Delia
Sat 6/8: Brittney & the B Sides
Sun 6/9: Smokey & Friends
Tues 6/11: Bobby Campbell

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 5/31: EyeCandy, VTB, Scientists &
Saboteurs
Sat 6/1: Typical Whimsy, NoSilence,
Stellar Ruins
Mon 6/3: Cancer Christ, Stronger
than Machines

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 5/31: Rainee Blake, Chloe Kat
Sun 6/9: The Listening Room

Ojai Blues Fest
Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai
Fri 5/31: RJ Mischo, Deb Ryder
Sat 6/1: Crooked Eye Tommy, Mark
Sells, Red Headed Stepchild, Blues
Bullet, Dianne Miller
Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Thurs 5/30: Larry & Joe
Fri 5/31: Ahoy!

Ojai Pub
914 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Wed 5/29: Sam Kulchin
Fri 5/31: Grief & Sorrow
Sat 6/1: Beckett McDowell
Wed 6/5: Beau Red
Fri 6/7: Corey Highberg
Sat 6/8: Talitha Gabrielle

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 5/31: Anna May
Sat 6/1: Josephoenix
Fri 6/7: Kyle Swan

Onyx
2390 Las Posas, Rd., Camarillo
Sat 6/1: Steve and Sally Williams
Poinsettia Pavillion
3451 Foothill Rd., Ventura
Sun 6/2: Old-Time Country
Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri & Sat 8 pm; Sundays 2 pm
Fri 5/31: Jakob Mesina
Sat 6/1: Operation 90s
Sun 6/2: Jake McClelland
Fri 6/7: Heathers on Fire
Sat 6/8: High Revival
Sun 6/9: Katie Shorey

Rubicon Theatre
1006 E. Main St., Ventura
Thurs 5/30: Marley’s Ghost
Sun 6/2: Amanda McBroom
Tues 6/4: Trevor and Sylvie
Thurs 6/6: Forever Motown
Fri 6/7: Forever Motown
Sat 6/8: Forever Motown
Sun 6/9: Forever Motown

Sam’s Place
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Fri 5/31: D.on Darox and the Melody
Joe Bakers
Santa Paula Theater Center
125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula
Sat 6/1: TD Lind and the Aviators

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 6/1: The Renegades
Sun 6/2: Runout Groove
Sat 6/8: Holger’s Heroes
Sun 6/9: The Brandon Ragan Project
Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 5/30: The Heavy Hitters
Fri 5/31: Guy Martin Band, Jayden
Secor Band
Sun 6/2: 80’s Invasion
Sun 6/9: Caliente 805

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered
Expectations
Wed 5/29: Tribal Me
Sat 6/1: All-a-Blur, Sick Boy, Bird
Brain, Low Rider Bicycle
Wed 6/5: The Jelly Jam Band

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 5/31: The Dogg Pound
Sat 6/8: Eras Show (2p); Cordoba,
Dawn Patrol, Dead Seet (8:30p)
Sun 6/9: Whitey Morgan and the 78s

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 3
pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 5/30: Milo Sledge
Fri 5/31: George & Michael
Sat 6/1: Joseph Eid
Sun 6/2: Medicine Hat
Thurs 6/6: Joel Martin’s Greatful

Zone
Fri 6/7: Otis Hayes & the Knights
Sat 6/8: Brittney & Ben
Sun 6/9: Frank Barjas & Joe
Hamilton

First Annual Government and Disability Summit in Ventura

by Carol Leish, MA

Ventura County will host the first annual Government and Disability Summit from Sept. 24-27, 2024. This conference presents a unique opportunity for representatives from various levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and companies from across California to increase their involvement in building bridges and breaking barriers in the realm of disability awareness. This is the first step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible community for people with disabilities or issues related to disabilities.

Dani Anderson, disability access manager for Ventura County, says, “As a lifelong Ventura County resident with a disability, it makes me so proud to lead this effort to create change within the state!”

Attendees will engage in collaborative dialogues with diverse stakeholders to co-create a more inclusive future for communities throughout California. Topics covered will include emergency preparedness, transportation, voting, accessibility, and technology. The summit will also address health, recreation, employment, and collaboration. It aims to empower individuals with disabilities to share their experiences and educate others, championing accessibility at the government level.

Anderson explained that sponsors of this groundbreaking event will gain brand exposure while advocating for a more inclusive and accessible California. “The deadline to become a sponsor is Aug. 23; however, the earlier the better to get all of the sponsorship benefits!”

To register for the event or join the email list, visit www.govdisabilitysummit.org or contact Dani Anderson, disability access manager for Ventura County, at [email protected].

A Surprise Peek Aboard the Congrio

The boat’s name “Congrio” translates to a Chilean fish. Photos by Nella Nelson

by Nella Nelson

Meet the most incredibly disguised boat in our marina, the Congrio. How is it disguised? What you see on the outside is not what you see on the inside. But that’s not all. The highly engineered process of building this vessel is a story in itself. Owner and designer, Eric Bradley and his wife, Patty, began their project in 2016.

Owner and designer, Eric Bradley.

The couple hired a naval architect in Florida to draw up the plans of their unique design. From the ground up, the Congrio was then built by Gulf Stream Ship Building in Florida, in the style of a steel navy vessel. From the stern, it also resembles a fishing trawler. The purpose of this design, as Bradley explained, is that “we didn’t want to get picked on while traveling through foreign countries.” The couple, both being master-licensed, journeyed through several national and international waters.

The boat’s name “Congrio” (a Chilean fish) is visible above “Valparaiso” which would make one assume it is a fishing vessel from Chile, yet a Valparaiso exists as a hailing port in Florida. But that is not the only trick of perception. Once you step inside, the cozy charm of a home welcomes you in. Besides hiring a home cabinet builder rather than a boat one, Eric and Patty Bradley created their own hands-on interior, complete with curtains and couches. A custom kitchen is fitted with an induction cook top, convection oven, stone countertops, three refrigerators, three freezers, as well as two heads. Bradley used AutoCAD and his engineering background to create the Congrio’s entire inside space. He and Patty then installed moldings and handled most of the work with their own tools.

Congria’s wheelhouse.

Most impressive to all visitors aboard the Congrio is its immaculate engine room.
“I started the design with this engine,” said Bradley, “then created the accessible walk-around space.” He included six fuel tanks and transfer pumps for the filters, which polish the fuel. Included is a boiler for instant hot water as well as air handlers. The fuel capacity can hold 3,100 gallons and the boat can make  a round trip to Hawaii without refueling. Congrio’s range is 4,500 miles. Both heating and air conditioning keep the boat comfortable, as well as straight rather than spiral stairs. “This makes for better passage and bigger rooms,” Bradley added.

The Congrio’s home is currently in Portside Ventura Harbor as Patty passed away one year ago and it was her wish to dock it there in the place she called home and where their daughter resides. Bradley and his family members are enjoying their beautiful Ventura days complete with fishing, barbecuing and taking in the beauty of our coast.

Ventura Skate Jam Ramp fabricated by local Buena High School Students

Skate Jam ramp will transform into community art piece once X Games have ended.

In an exciting collaboration with Visit Ventura, students from Buena High School are building a skate ramp for the Ventura Skate Jam, a free all-ages community event to celebrate X Games Ventura on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

This ramp, commissioned by Visit Ventura, designed by Buena High School’s Cabinet Millwork Technologies Capstone class and painted by Buena Art students, will later transform into a community art display after the X Games. “Working with local student talent to help celebrate the X Games coming to Ventura stemmed from the overwhelming success and electric energy of last year’s Skate Jam,” according to Marlyss Auster, President & CEO of Visit Ventura. “Involving local students in the project where they can have a lasting legacy in X Games Ventura 2024 is what the games are all about.” “It’s been awesome to see the students build something of this caliber that professional skateboarders could potentially skate on,” said Visit Ventura Director of Marketing and Buena High School alumni Mike Laan, who led the project with Communications & PR Manager Julie Madsen.

“The ramp is gnarly — we can’t wait to see all their hard work showcased at the Skate Jam.” Mr. Scott Manninen, Woodshop Teacher at Buena High School, expressed his enthusiasm about the project. “I was thrilled when Visit Ventura asked if our students would be interested in designing a skateboard ramp for the Ventura Skate Jam,” Manninen said.

The ramp will be showcased downtown before being moved to the Fairgrounds for the X Games. Manninen collaborated with a team of eight students, some experienced skaters, to design and refine the ramp. Tickets to the X Games will be given to the students involved. One main feature was split in two to become the bow and stern of a boat, turning the ramp into a boat sculpture complete with a bench for photos. The team started with sketches, built a model, proposed a budget, and involved Ms. Nicole Rapattoni and her art class to finalize the design.

Mason Carter, a key student in the project who designed the quarter pipe curve, shared his excitement. “I grew up skating; it’s super cool to be a part of something that beginners and insane skaters will use. It gives me chills to think that a pro may skate something I helped build.” The project provided valuable lessons beyond skating. Logan Torres, aspiring to be an engineer, found it a great introduction to his future field. John Maida highlighted the teamwork and problem-solving involved, stating, “We learned that some tasks are very difficult, and we had to be precise. We needed to find creative ways to solve issues as they came up and fix them together as a team.”

For more information about community events and X Games Ventura, please reach out to Julie Madsen, Visit Ventura Communications & PR Manager at [email protected].

Ventura Port District receives $200,000 grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The Ventura Port District (District) Board of Port Commissioners (Board) announced that a funding agreement has been signed with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to receive a grant of $200,000 for the improvements of restrooms and shower facilities at Harbor Cove Beach, Surfers Knoll Beach, and the District’s public launch ramp.

This grant is the second awarded to the District by NFWF under the “Refugio Beach Oil Spill Settlement: South Coast Shoreline Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grants Program” (Program), the first of which was a grant of $93,301 provided in 2022. Those funds were fully expended to improve beach accessibility, install three new light poles for Harbor Cove Beach parking lot, and the purchase of public safety communications equipment.

The District competed for the second grant, and was successful in securing $200,000 from the Program for projects to compensate the public for loss of use and enjoyment of public beaches, parks, and other public or natural resources in Ventura County. The Program is administered by NFWF with oversight by state natural resource Trustee agencies for the oil spill near Refugio State Beach in 2015 – the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California State Lands Commission, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Regents of the University of California.

The District’s application was supported by key community leaders, including Congressman Salud Carbajal, Assemblymember Steve Bennett, State Senator Monique Limón, and County Supervisor Matt LaVere.

Congressman Carbajal offered comment on the grant award: “Ventura’s harbor and nearby beaches are a perfect place for Central Coast families to enjoy our little slice of paradise, and with public facility improvements from this grant, we can ensure these areas are ready to serve the thousands of Ventura residents and others who enjoy our port district for years to come. Joining my colleagues in pushing for the approval of this funding was a no-brainer – I know how many will benefit from these facilities after a morning at Surfer’s Knoll or a weekend at Harbor Cove Beach – and I’m proud to have been a part of bringing this important funding to Ventura.”
Letters of support were also received from Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau and Los Angeles Volleyball Academy.

District General Manager Brian Pendleton stated, “We really could not have been so successful with our grant pursuits without the continued support of our elected representatives. We are so very grateful that they are invested in ongoing improvements in Ventura Harbor.”
Planning has already begun for the exterior improvements at both Harbor Cove and Surfers Knoll beaches, which will include regrading the pavement (to meet ADA accessibility requirements), installation of new shower units, and repair work to some of the adjacent hardscape. In addition, the restrooms at both beach lots as well as at the District’s public launch ramp, will receive interior improvements and new exterior doors.

Board Chair, Michael Blumenberg stated, “These enhancements will improve the aesthetics, functionality, and accessibility for these public facilities. I’m very proud of the continued improvements the District has been able to implement in Ventura Harbor, especially as they relate to improving accessibility and an equitable experience for all.”
The District anticipates completing these improvements by the end of 2024.
The Ventura Port District is an independent special district of the City of Ventura and is the owner and operator of the Ventura Harbor. The Ventura Port District is committed to providing a safe harbor that is an inviting inclusive seaside destination, with exceptional facilities for fishers, boaters, residents, and visitors.

For more information on the Ventura Port District, Ventura Harbor amenities, and its programs visit VenturaHarbor.com.

Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – On Vacation

While visiting family in Scotland, Nancy Brace-Thompson treated grandson Lukas to a birthday trip by train to Whitby, England.  She read the Breeze while Lukas played among the ruins of St. Hilda’s Whitby Abbey, where Bram Stoker drew inspiration to write Dracula. Let’s hope young Lukas enjoyed more light-hearted inspiration (and reading the Breeze), especially when they hit the beach to search for fossils.

Strawberry Festival

Photos by Patricia Shallert and Yana Khiyod

On Saturday the 18th and 19th of May, the Strawberry Festival came to the Ventura Fairgrounds. It was an exciting and vibrant event that showcased the area’s rich agricultural heritage as it celebrated the delicious and juicy fruit that has become synonymous with this beautiful coastal city. This festival, which takes place annually brings together locals and visitors from all around to revel in the tastiest treats, lively entertainment, and an overall sense of community.

At the heart of the festival were the delectable strawberries, freshly picked and bursting with flavor. Local farmers proudly displayed their pride and joy, offering crates of these succulent red berries, perfect for indulging on their own or incorporating into various delightful culinary creations. From strawberry shortcakes to strawberry smoothies, and strawberry beer, the options were endless, and the taste sweet and satisfying. One of the highlights of the Strawberry Festival was undoubtedly the Strawberry Shortcake with volunteers from Pacifica Culinary Academy from Oxnard adding to the excitement as guests built their own shortcake tower.

The Strawberry Festival offered more than just strawberries. It boasted a diverse range of entertainment and activities suitable for all ages. The air was filled with the sounds of live music throughout the festival, courtesy of talented local bands and performers. Oxnard High School’s award-winning marching “Swarm ” band set the mood as guests arrived. Arts and crafts booths delighted visitors as they perused the talents of local artists, while a dedicated family fun section entertained children with thrilling carnival rides, face painting, and interactive games.

While strawberries were the star of the show, the Strawberry Festival ultimately celebrated the community, local farmers, and the vibrant spirit of Ventura and Oxnard. It fostered a sense of togetherness and appreciation for the area’s unique cultural heritage. Whether you’re a strawberry enthusiast or simply seeking a fun-filled weekend getaway, make sure to mark the Strawberry Festival at the Ventura Fairgrounds as a must-attend event on your calendar.

Sand Removal project Pierpont Beach

by Patricia Shallert

Starting on May 13th, 2024, the City of Ventura has proactively taken action to address the bi-annual sand removal on Pierpont Beach. Jose Drizzo, the Public Works Supervisor overseeing the project, explained “this ongoing project serves to replenish eroded areas, redistribute excess sand, and promote dune restoration practices, which play a vital role in stabilizing the ecosystem and reducing sand migration.”

The city also employs beach grooming techniques to manage the accumulation of sand in specific areas, particularly the lanes and end of the alleyways. Ventura holds community input in high regard and consistently engages with residents to explore effective and environmentally friendly methods for tackling sand removal on Pierpont Beach.

Jose Drizzo public works supervisor oversees the sand removal project. Photo by Patricia Shallert

In 2011, after a lengthy legal dispute, an agreement was reached between the city and homeowners in the Pierpont neighborhood concerning the maintenance of the beach and sand. According to the settlement, bulldozers and trucks remove sand twice a year in front of participating households, with the homeowners sharing the associated costs.

As per the agreed terms, the city clears a stretch of the beach extending from San Pedro St. to Weymouth Ln. This process involves collecting the excess sand and transporting it to a designated facility on Stanley Ave., where it is appropriately stored and managed.

By implementing this meticulous approach, the City of Ventura ensures that Pierpont Beach remains easily accessible and safe for visitors while effectively managing the accumulation of sand. The city’s unwavering dedication to efficient sand removal and storage practices is vital in sustaining the beach’s beauty and functionality.

The beach work was anticipated to be completed by Friday, May 17th and any residual sand on the lanes and end of the streets will be removed by Tuesday, May 21st.

Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Exploring history from the inside out

The Elite Theater Company in Oxnard is now presenting an original work on its South Stage. She, tightly written by Kimberly Demmary and skillfully directed by Jolyn Johnson, is a thoughtful exploration into various inhabitants of an old Victorian home in San Francisco. As do the people inside, the building itself thrives, endures, and diminishes as it ages.

Built on the old saying “If these walls could talk,” the house itself becomes a staple character in this series of vignettes. Paris De La Huerta portrays the symbolic She, reminding the audience throughout to pay attention to what has transpired within its walls and how those involved have changed it throughout decades. The house itself reveals some secrets left behind.

Each of the four vignettes allows the Victorian to be, in turn, revered, cloistering, ignored and finally shuttered as the stories are told.

Elizabeth Rose reflects the role of Maddy, who is grieving the loss of her husband. In a loving gesture of homage to their shortened life together, she encourages Trish (Aubrey De La Huerta) and Robert (Steven Silvers) to take their own leap into love. The three play well off each other with Silvers providing much of the humor. This opening scene clearly envelopes the feelings of security and hope which imbues the walls of the structure with warmth.

Next, a glimpse into inner turmoil is provided by Hayley Silvers (Adora) and Lauren Rachel (Toni). Both are slightly confused, conflicted and challenged by the collision of old and new feelings. Christine Adams as Adora’s grandmother Babette is delightful as she adds wisdom and guidance in a surprising way.

After intermission, an aura of darkness descends. Emily Redman Hall as the character Nadine takes on the scenes monologue vigorously, building from each obstacle thrown her way. Ultimately a few dark truths come to light. The subject matter is sensitive and managed well by the writer, the actress and the director.

The final scene takes an unusual and unexpected turn. Slickly played by Lea Roman, one can almost hear the walls shudder as the action unfolds.

This overall mélange of thoughts and feelings, given recognition by the stately structure that is the home, is a complex and fascinating whirlwind of emotion. There is quite a bit packed into this play. The audience will find some parts uncomfortable, some humorous, some poetic and all well thought out. Helpful resources are provided in the lobby for those who wish to explore further how to cope with some questions that the play and life have a way of throwing in our direction. The effort of providing resources is an excellent touch.

She continues through June 16. Reservations are highly recommended as the seating is limited. Catch it if you can.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. One performance Thursday, June 13 at 8 p.m. www.theElite.org or 805-483-5118.