Vol. 18, No. 03 – Oct 30 – Nov 12, 2024 – Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Go Dodgers! Thanks for indulging me; now on to taking a look at live music in and around Ventura, first focusing on Halloween. Yes, there were several parties this past weekend, and there will continue to be a few past the official day, but I don’t hear any complaining and if you invested time and some expense in a costume, why not get your bang for the buck and wear it out more than once?

The night before, Wednesday, October 30, the Ventura Music Factory will host a hardcore Halloween party with an EP release of Evil Dead, along with sets from Pito Pakeeto, Spider Baby and So Gnar.

Now let’s look at the official Halloween date, Thursday, October 31. As you should know by now, I cover live music, so if a venue is not listed, they’ll most likely feature DJs or were sadly delinquent in promoting their event. So, in no particular order: Duke’s Beach Grill has Dead Set featuring Grateful Dead covers; it’s all reggae at Tony’s Pizzeria featuring the Heavy Hitters; The Grape hosts Freda Ramey and House Arrest; it’s the Monsters of Pop along with a special set from Wyldesnake at The Garage; and the Raven Tavern hosts Vinyl Gypsies.

The party continues on Friday, November 1st at Ric’s in Camarillo with Operation 90s and the Keynote Lodge welcomes Lowered Expectations on Saturday, November 2.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 or 2nd involving family and friends gathering to pay respects to those who have died. This year, it will be quite the celebration downtown Ventura on Saturday afternoon (11-6 pm) with Limon y Sal spearheading the effort featuring traditional dancers, mariachi bands and a car show.

The Ventura Music Festival hosts The King’s Singers at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living on Saturday, December 14. For over fifty years the group has garnered several accolades for a cappella performances around the world including two Grammy Awards and an Emmy. Yes, it’s two months away, but I would be sorely remiss if you missed out because it sold out before you even heard about it. Tickets and more information available at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Quick Notes: The Musical Box, a tribute to Genesis and Phil Collins lands at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for a concert on Thursday, October 31; The Deer Lodge in Ojai hosts a Hurricane Relief concert benefit featuring Hot Rise on Friday, November 1; Maya Burns with her unique blend of folk, Ranchero, world music jazz, Bolero and classic rock plays an intimate show at Namba on Friday, November 1; and the Ojai Pops Concert offers a free family-friendly show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, November 3 featuring the Junction Jazz Band.

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. 18, No. 03 – Oct 30 – Nov 12, 2024 – Scamp Club

Meet Keshi, a beautiful black-and-white “cow cat” adopted by the Borras family from his original owner, who could no longer keep him. Keshi is playful—he loves exploring the neighborhood and chasing cat laser toys. Still a youngster at just four years old, Keshi is a bit of a lazy chonk who will happily nap and do absolutely nothing for hours.

Vol. 18, No. 03 – Oct 30 – Nov 12, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Woman of the Hour – Netflix

3 out of 4 palm trees
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

“Woman of the Hour” is based on a true story about struggling actress Sheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick) who got involved with serial killer Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) after meeting on the popular 70s TV game show “The Dating Game”. For years Alcala crimes had been reported to law enforcement by survivors and other private citizens without consequence. Anna Kendrick also directed the movie and created a great portrayal of the culture of sexism and misogyny in the 70s.

Alcala would pose a photographer looking for vulnerable young women and would lure them out to remote areas for photo shoots then strangle or suffocate them, bring them back to life through CPR and then rape and kill them. In 1977 Alcala was visited by the police at the Los Angeles Times where he worked as a photographer, who questioned him but were fooled by his charisma.

Most of the auditions Sheryl went on wanted her to do nude scenes and talked down to her for refusing. Sheryl was contacted by her agent who had booked her a no-audition guest spot on “The Dating Game” TV show in 1978. Sheryl felt it was beneath her but knew the show could give her some much needed exposure and boost her visibility in Hollywood.

Sheryl had to read pre-written questions from cue cards, but they were very sexist in nature. The makeup artist encouraged Sheryl to be herself, as she wasn’t on a sitcom or would be around to be reprimanded, so Sheryl made her own questions for the second part of the show. Things flowed much better and Sheryl was a hit with the audience. She chose number three, but was warned by number two to watch out for him when he hugged her before leaving.

While they were filming the show, a woman in the audience recognized Alcala and fled the station, knocking over some studio equipment as she left. She had been at a beach party Alcala attended where a good friend of hers was murdered. She knew something was off about Alcala and felt guilty for leaving early. She had even given the police a description, but when she tried to tell her boyfriend he questioned her saying that if she wasn’t absolutely sure she shouldn’t say anything.

She reported to a network security guard that she thought number three was the man that raped and murdered her friend, asking to speak to an executive. She was left in an office and told she would be meeting with series producer George Elliot, but George was actually the janitor and while waiting in the office for George the show ended and Alcala had left. Later her boyfriend apologized and went with her to the police department, but the detective she saw just blew her off.

Sheryl and Alcala won a trip to Carmel, so after the show they went to dinner to learn more about each other. He made her feel uncomfortable and she tried to end the dinner, but he walked out with her. Alcala asked for her number but she gave him a wrong number and when he confronted her she said she was not going anywhere with him. As Sheryl turned to walk away, Alcala mentioned bashing her head in under his breath. She headed to her car but he followed her and caught her before she could get in but some guys came out the door so he walked away.

On February 14, 1979, a teenage runaway escaped Rodney Alcala by asking him to keep the encounter a secret. While awaiting trial he was released on bail. Once freed he murdered a 21 year old woman and a 12 year old girl. Alcala was rearrested in 1979. Only then did the authorities begin to uncover the scope of his crimes. He was eventually convicted of the murders of seven women and girls. Some authorities estimate that the true number of victims to be as high as 130.

Runtime: 1h 29m

Vol. 18, No. 03 – Oct 30 – Nov 12, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

60’s Get Revisited in Simi

A welcome trip to nostalgia-ville is in store for all at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Currently running is Beehive, the 60’s Musical, a fast-paced trip back in time to the era of Kennedy, Nixon, Woodstock and the eternal quest for peace.

Five fabulous females lead the audience through the evolution of soul-baring music that epitomized the rise of female consciousness in that era. From searing laments of love to statements of empowerment to high energy, let it all out renditions, the audience thoroughly enjoyed reliving the specialness of the music that guided our formative years.

The ensemble is tight, talented and tender. Each gets numerous opportunities to shine throughout. The cast includes Jodi Marks, Kiana Hamzehi, Amaya J, Caroline Hines, Dallas Dudley and Maddie Worth, whose alternate Annie Claire Hudson performed the day I attended. All performers were top-notch.

The first act features little dialogue as the ladies sing out the anthems of the era. Audience participation is encouraged in some parts, adding to the feeling of total inclusion. The songs became more meaningful to me as they progressed, as I relived my teendom through them.

The second act adds the cherries on top with stand-out show-stopping performances.

Replete with costume changes, wig changes, recognizable choreography of the era and a marvelous live band to assist, the ladies provide a powerhouse of emotion, sentiment and just pure joy in their presentations. At times it seemed that the band was competing with them for volume, but in the end the focus was all on the individual renditions.

Dig out some fringe, bell bottoms, and put flowers in your hair to accentuate the total immersion of the peace-love-statement era.

Running Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through November 10. www.svcac.org . It’s a great trip. Get your groove on and go.

Every Now and Then Theatre Annual Radio Show Hits the Air!

The multi-award-winning broadcasting company will be presenting “We the People – 1700s Boston” with celebrity guest host Bruce Belland. Involving a large cast of seasoned performers, the presentation will reveal the truth of how the Boston Tea Party and the Declaration of Independence really came to be, not how modern historians have reshaped history leaving it full of holes. The 57-minute broadcast is commercial free.

A joint presentation from Every Now and Then Theatre and Conejo Players Theatre, the special streams nationwide, Pacific Times, on Saturday November 2nd at 6 a.m., 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Sunday November 3rd at 11 a.m.; and Monday November 4th at 7 p.m. Click on “Listen Live” at www.kvta.com. Also steams on www.ktms.com.

Now in their 35th year with 68 awards in their pockets, the all-volunteer Every Now and Then Theatre productions benefit foster children by providing broadcast CD copies to cast, crew and fans in trade for donations to foster children of all ages. Find out more at www.everynowadthentheatre.com. Tune in, learn support and enjoy!

A BAA Showcase: Artwork from some of our 2025 lineup of Workshop Instructors

November 1 – November 23, 2024

First Friday reception: Friday, November 1, 6 – 9 pm

Buenaventura Art Association has some exciting news coming up! A landmark move which stands out even among 70 years of notable moves meant to better serve our community. This Workshop Instructors’ Showcase is a hint and preview of what’s to come as BAA will move on from Studio 99 to a new headquarters in the Ventura Harbor Village, creating an Art Center.

The artwork in this show represents the work of several of the instructors we have lined up in 2025 for an exciting schedule of monthly workshops. Instructors include Anette Power, Jim Darin, Gary Friedman, Ed Terpening, Didi Martin, and more!

Come to First Friday on November 1st to see the schedule of workshops, starting in January, a floor plan of the new space, and more plans to make BAA’s upcoming Art Center a warm gathering place and vibrant asset for our community! www.buenaventuraartassociation.org.

Turning Point Foundation’s Winter Magic Fundraiser: Supporting Mental Health and Horticultural Therapy Programs

by Carol Leish, MA

The Turning Point Foundation invites the community to join a series of meaningful events this fall and winter to support their Growing Works Nursery and horticultural therapy program, which provide essential resources for those experiencing mental health challenges. All proceeds from these events will go directly toward the Growing Works program and nursery operations, enhancing the foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of Ventura County residents.

Upcoming Events at Growing Works Nursery

Fall Festival (November 9th, 10:00am–2:00pm)

The Growing Works Fall Festival offers an opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse selection of native plants for sale, enjoy live music by the Orchard Bluegrass Band, admire an antique tractor exhibit by Topa Topa Flywheelers, and browse unique local vendors. Admission is free, and community members interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor can learn more at Fall Festival Registration.

Winter Magic Fundraiser (December 21st, 6:00pm–9:00pm)

This new indoor event will bring “Winter Magic” to all ages with an enchanting evening of entertainment. Attendees will enjoy a catered buffet by Flight 126 Café, magic and comedy by renowned performer Andy Gross, and stand-up comedy by Big Tom McCain. In addition, guests can participate in a holiday wreath-making workshop for a creative seasonal touch. Tickets and workshop registration are available at Winter Magic Tickets and Holiday Wreath Workshop.

About Turning Point Foundation and Growing Works Nursery

Growing Works, an innovative program launched by Turning Point Foundation in 2018, is a wholesale plant nursery dedicated to mental wellness through horticultural therapy. It provides job training, volunteer opportunities, and a nurturing environment for recovery. Since its inception, Growing Works has helped over 200 adults, leading more than 30 participants to competitive employment and over 10 to pursue higher education.

“Learn more about our thriving horticultural program and how it positively impacts the lives of individuals with mental health challenges,” says Program Manager Jenn Rodriguez. For details, visit Growing Works or reach out at [email protected].

Turning Point Foundation’s Mission and Services

For over 35 years, Turning Point Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for adults facing serious mental illness, addiction, housing insecurity, and inadequate health care. The foundation provides health navigation, rehabilitation, wellness programs, and supportive housing across Ventura County. Programs and services are available in Ventura, Oxnard, and Camarillo, with 11 locations supporting over 3,000 people each year.

Recently, the foundation acquired its third board-and-care facility, which offers 55 beds for seniors with severe mental illness. Turning Point works closely with Ventura County Behavioral Health and the Veterans Administration to ensure those in need receive referrals to this critical program.

To learn more about Turning Point’s programs and how you can support this vital cause, visit Turning Point Foundation. By donating, you’re contributing to transformative services that help individuals with mental health challenges lead more fulfilling lives.

30 Years in FOCUS – FOTM at Vita Art Center

2009 FOTM Documented Artist Tesi Sanchez stands in front of her image and work featured in the Focus on the Masters Anniversary Timeline.

On November 3 from 2 to 5 pm, the public is invited to take a journey inside Focus on the Masters art’s archive Library’s 30-year history. Through historic photographs, participants will experience highlights from the inspiring artists FOTM has documented along with unique events FOTM has produced and seminal exhibitions that helped to shape our cultural community. The timeline will be on display for one day only. Some might wonder why the FOTM saves paintbrushes, caps, journals with handwritten entries, announcement cards, historic photographs, tee shirts, newspaper articles, envelopes, and paper napkins. Each object stored away in our 40+ fire-resistant filing cabinets tells a story. A story of dedication and inspiration. A story of remembrance and a vision of the future. A true story of the arts and the artists who help us interpret the world around us.

While sipping wine and sampling hors d’oeuvres, while chatting with old friends and making new friends, we can walk the Focus on the Masters timeline. We will find out where we’ve been and lay the groundwork for our future. Focus is 30 years old and like any other thirty-something, Focus is at an inflection point. Where do we go from here? We want to share our ideas for the future with the community. Together we have built an amazing legacy, and together we will continue to capture history. RSVP www.FocusontheMasters.com. Vita Art Center is located at 28 W Main St.

Witches Enchant Ventura Harbor in Annual Paddle Event

On Friday, October 25, Ventura Harbor was spellbound by the sixth annual Witches Paddle, a whimsical event that transformed the harbor into a magical scene of paddlers, kayakers, canoers, and Duffy boaters—all dressed as witches and warlocks, many with their dogs by their side. Adding to the charm, some paddlers glided across the water on colorful swan, duck, and dragon pedal boats.

What began as a small, local gathering has blossomed into a beloved community tradition, attracting a growing crowd of participants and spectators each year. The 90-minute paddle began at 4 p.m. on a pleasantly mild afternoon, bringing over 200 spirited participants eager to cruise the scenic harbor. Afterward, many witches and warlocks enjoyed meals at the inviting waterfront restaurants in Ventura Harbor Village.

As Halloween approached, Ventura Harbor Village introduced a full lineup of festive events for the weekend, including a dog costume contest, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and an electrifying zombie “Thriller” dance party—promising a spook-tacular celebration for all!

Ventura Registrar Launches “Election Smart!” Online Resource Ahead of November 5th Election

One-stop education and information about the elections process now available on VenturaVote.org

Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced the launch of Election Smart! and the Election Smart! Blog, a new online resource at VenturaVote.org, to help provide Ventura County voters with accurate, official information about local elections and the upcoming November 5, 2024 General Election. Election Smart! is part of the Registrar of Voters’ commitment to increase transparency around election laws and procedures while countering the spread of misinformation during election season.

Registrar Ascencion’s larger efforts in public outreach began with the Election Education Series, a four-part series presented from October 2023 to February 2024. The series covered different election topics, such as running for office, election integrity and security, and the unique features of Presidential primaries. Videos of the presentations are accessible on the Election Smart! page.

Ms. Ascencion decided to launch the Election Smart! Blog as a platform to further inform voters about election activities. The blog will cover some of the lesser-known aspects of the election process, including the rigorous checks and balances in place. It also provides insights into the laws at the federal and state level that govern election procedures and equipment, further ensuring the transparency and security of Ventura County’s elections.

“I’m proud to say no one works harder to protect our elections and ensure their security for every legitimate voter than we do in the Ventura County Elections Division,” said Ms. Ascencion. “We uphold over 2,000 pages of election laws to safeguard the integrity of our local elections, and we stand solidly against any form of voter fraud. We want voters to understand that. I think having more access to accurate information will increase their confidence when they cast their ballots.”

Vol. 18, No. 03 – Oct 30 – Nov 12, 2024 – Mailbox

Dear Editor,

As a homeowner in Oxnard, I understand the challenges of maintaining a property while ensuring it remains affordable for renters. Proposition 33 might seem like a quick fix, but in reality, it would create more problems for both renters and homeowners like me.

Expanding rent control to single-family homes would discourage homeowners from renting out their properties, reducing the already limited supply of rental homes. This means higher competition and rising prices for the few homes left available. Additionally, strict rent caps would make it difficult for homeowners to keep up with rising repair, maintenance, and tax costs. If we can’t cover these costs, properties will fall into disrepair, leaving fewer options for renters. We need real solutions that address the housing shortage, not policies that push homeowners out of the rental market

Sincerely,

Janet Sprissler

Building a Safer Ventura Together: An Open Letter from the Deputy Director of Ventura Land Trust”

My name is Daniel Hulst and I am fortunate to serve as Deputy Director for Ventura Land Trust (VLT). I have grown concerned about some misinformation swirling during this year’s local City Council election and wanted to address it directly with facts.

VLT takes annual defensible space clearance very seriously and manages over 1.5 miles of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) where fuel clearance is required. We work in conjunction with all public fire agencies and quickly remedy any issues that arise. VLT regularly invites Fire Personnel out to the field to confer and brainstorm on best practices to keep our preserves and neighbors safe. In one notable example, multiple fire agencies now have locks on the gates to our properties to provide access whenever needed for safety, something that did not exist in the past.

In addition to our work on annual fuel clearance, VLT has worked to reduce fire risk to adjacent residential neighbors by removing flammable eucalyptus trees and partnering with the Ventura County Fire Department to reinstate and maintain a fire road along a section of the property boundary impacted by the Thomas Fire. VLT has also partnered with fire agencies to graze areas of Harmon Canyon to reduce fire risk and utilized our properties for specialized Fire personnel training.

As an entity with nearly 100 residential neighbors, VLT regularly interacts with neighboring landowners. Any neighboring landowner that reaches out to VLT about fuel clearance receives a prompt response from VLT staff, and frequently, a prompt solution to the fuel clearance issue they have raised. The notion that VLT has not communicated with neighbors, whether about fuel clearance or other plans, is simply not true. We understand that a few members of our community remain unhappy with our plans to open Mariano Rancho Preserve to the public. VLT has hosted five informational community meetings focused on developing plans for Mariano Rancho Preserve. Three of these meetings were recorded and are available on our website. The latest meeting was a roundtable discussion format, in which community members could choose the topics they most wanted to weigh in on, with their input recorded by a facilitator and forms, with feedback provided directly to VLT staff and board. Additionally, VLT has met one-on-one in person and by phone with many of our preserve neighbors.

Ventura Land Trust is here for the long term as owners and stewards of our large properties. VLT is a great neighbor but we also need our community to work together in good faith recognizing that these permanently protected preserves are of benefit to all of us.

For anyone with further questions about our work, I encourage you to visit our website, particularly our Frequently Asked Questions page at www.venturalandtrust.org/mariano-faqs  where you can even submit a question. You can connect with me directly at [email protected].

“I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color.”
~ Wednesday