FOXES ................... JUL 09 SLIGHTLY STOOPID W/ PEPPER, COMMON KINGS, DON CARLOS JUL 17 THE BLACK CROWES .............. JUL 24
JOSH GROBAN W/ PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND JUL 30
REBELUTION W/ STEEL PULSE, DENM, DJ MACKLE ... AUG 07
TROMBONE SHORTY’S VOODOO THREAUXDOWN AUG 13 MY MORNING JACKET W/ JOY OLADOKUN .. AUG 16 THE HEAD AND THE HEART W/ DAWES ... AUG 18
GOO GOO DOLLS W/ BLUE OCTOBER ....... SEP 03
LEON BRIDGES W/ LITTLE DRAGON ........ SEP 08
STEVE MARTIN & MARTIN SHORT W/STEEP CANYON RANGERS JUN 17 ROD STEWART W/ CHEAP TRICK .......... JUN 18 BRANDI CARLILE ................. JUN 21
BONNIE RAITT W/ MAVIS STAPLES ........ SEP 22
JACK JOHNSON W/ RON ARTIS II & THUNDERSTORM ARTIS.. OCT 04
JACK JOHNSON W/ RON ARTIS II & THUNDERSTORM ARTIS.. OCT 05
10 COVER
Flowing down: Exploring the Ventura River Watershed, from the peaks to the Pacific by Kimberly Rivers
4 OPINION
Purple is the New Party: Generation F for fear by Paul Moomjean
Power to Speak: Working to protect Ventura County’s ocean, waves and beaches by Danielle Rose
6 NEWS
Go wild: Conejo Trails, Ventura Tree Alliance and Survival Skills
Wildlife corridor challenges struck down: Court finds arguments against wildlife connectivity ordinances “without merit” by Kimberly Rivers
Eye for Business: Shelley Sund, Ventura Bike Depot by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
Eye on the Environment: Food recovery aims for more difficult targets by David Goldstein
10 THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Re-discovering the Channel Islands: Camping on an island paradise by Vince Burns
Front row seat: VHS student invited to camp for World Rowing Junior Championships by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
28 MUSIC
Back to life: New West Symphony gets back to “Our American Roots” while getting back to live performances by Mike Nelson
31 IN GOOD TASTE
Fueling up before heading out by VCReporter Staff
New West Symphony welcomes you back to our live, full orchestra performances!
Antonín Dvořák’s “American” Suite set the stage for future works performed in our musical American adventure. International sensation Philippe Quint performs his GRAMMY-nominated rendition of Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto. Also featured will be the photography of America’s photo-historian Joe Sohm as a backdrop to Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman. We finish with the iconic John Williams’ Star Wars Suite. Join us!
TICKETS START AT $30
Children under 13 and students $10
SATURDAY, FEB. 26, 2022 | 7:30 PM
Bank Of America
Performing Arts Center (BAPAC) Thousand Oaks
SUNDAY, FEB 27, 2022 | 3:00 PM
Rancho Campana
Performing Arts Center (RCPAC) Camarillo
Cover: Raglan and Luciana Barrett frolicking in the Ventura River, February 2022.
to protect Ventura County’s ocean, waves and beaches
by Danielle Rose Working
Despite the complications of COVID-19, which impacted our ability to host as many in-person events throughout 2020 and 2021, the Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation achieved progress on our programs and campaigns, which focus on promoting the conservation and restoration of our local waters and education of the community. Thankfully, through Zoom Chapter meetings, outdoor picnics, beach cleanups, solo watershed cleanups and planting days, we have been able to work towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for Ventura County. We are off to a running start in 2022 and wanted to highlight some of our more recent achievements and acknowledge ongoing opportunities for involvement protecting and enjoying our coast.
Across Ventura County’s 43 miles of coastline, we offer a number of
beach cleanup events that help to tackle trash and plastic pollution. We have leaders in Oxnard running the Ormond Beach Cleanup program, which teams up with partners to advocate for and clean up one of the largest and most important openspace wetlands in California. The best way to stay up-to-date on cleanup dates for Ormond is to sign up for our monthly newsletter.
In addition, our Respect the Rincon Parkway program, launched in March of 2021, now hosts beach cleanups on the second Saturday of the month. This new program works with local and state governments to maintain the sensitive marine environment along the popular 14-mile stretch of Highway 1. We are excited to announce that eight cigarette butt containers have been installed at the Rincon Parkway day use section! Our Ventura Promenade beach cleanups,
Generation F is for fear
by Paul Moomjean l paulmoomjean@yahoo.com
In every dystopian science fiction film, the hero is informed about a time in the past when people were free, and how the overlords took over because they all wanted safety and got their current nightmare instead.
Today is a crossroads for Americans. As we approach the twoyear anniversary of the coronavirus takeover of the world, we now face an important post-pandemic, post-vaccine decision: Begin the process of getting back to normal or live in a constant state of faceless fear. With California lifting the mask mandates for vaccinated people, the wheels are turning toward normalcy, but the damage might have been done, as we see Gen Z grow more and more in tune with a culture of fear, seeing the pandemic as just a larger part of a world on the decline.
As a comedian, I work with a lot of 25-year-olds, and they get really upset when older people feel their rights have been trampled on when discussing masks and vaccine mandates. They laugh when “boomers” complain. What I find usually happens in
our conversations about the role of government in daily life is the “young’uns” seem to miss the point of the Founding Fathers’ take on individual liberties and freedoms. They appear to accept the government-enforced mandates, thinking they are put in place for safety only, and many of them see masks, vaccines, card checks, etc. as a normal everyday occurrence now. I can’t wait to see them laughing at pictures from the 1990s where no one wore masks. What fools, right?
Yet, Gov. Gavin Newsom knows his political future isn’t in the hands of a generation scared of COVID-19 (and its Delta and Omicron variants), global warming, and whatever else is coming to get us. No, Newsom’s future lies in the rugged individualism crowd. Which is why he’s making the state, after two years, finally lift the indoor mask mandate, while allowing counties to make their own masking decisions.
“We are moving past the crisis phase into a phase where we will work to live with this virus,” Newsom said during a
which were on hold from March 2020 through August 2021, are back! These events take place on the fourth Saturday of the month. Each of these opportunities are great ways to not only enjoy the outdoors, but make a positive impact.
Solo beach cleanups can be done anywhere in your watershed. Participants can collect trash data using the Marine Debris Tracker mobile application or fill out Surfrider’s trash data card. If you submit this information to the Ventura County chapter, we can email a certificate of completion for volunteer hours. If you would like more information on this, email beachcleanups@ventura. surfrider.org.
Our Hold On To Your Butt program now has over 110 sponsored ashcans installed, which have helped to keep over 500,000 toxic cigarette butts out of our ocean and environment. Cigarette butts continue to be the most prevalent litter picked up during our beach cleanups. Collected butts are recycled through Terracycle, which melts them into hard plastic that can be molded to make new recycled industrial products. If you have ever sat at the green bench on the Ventura Promenade overlooking the playground, know that it was
news conference. The virus has officially earned its residency on the Left Coast.
Much of this stems from an older crowd growing sick of the inconsistencies and ever-changing science and rhetoric. Bari Weiss, on Real Time with Bill Maher, explained her generation’s attitude about the last two years.
“I’m done. I’m done with COVID,” she told Maher. “Then we were told [. . .] ‘You get the vaccine and you get back to normal.’ And we haven’t gotten back to normal. And it’s ridiculous at this point [. . .] If you believe the science, you will look at the data we did not have two years ago. You will find out that cloth masks do not do anything. You will realize you can show your vaccine passport at a restaurant and still be asymptomatic and be carrying Omicron. And you will realize most importantly that this is going to be remembered by the younger generation as a catastrophic moral crime.”
While I agree with Weiss’ assessment, I disagree with her last statement about younger generations looking back at this being a moral crime. Our educational system has done a great job convincing younger people that Government Knows Best. Kids today in school are taught that their par-
made from recycled butts!
We recently welcomed Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust and Frontside Cafe into the Ocean Friendly Restaurant (OFR) family. They are now a part of the growing list of restaurants who are committed to making more sustainable choices for our ocean, which includes: Farmer and the Cook, Caffrodite, Revel Kombucha Bar, Harvest Cafe, Rincon Brewery and Hollywood Beach Cafe. We hope you will support these restaurants and recognize their commitment! If you know of a local restaurant that is interested in joining OFR, email ofr@ventura.surfrider.org.
Our Blue Water Task Force team continues to help monitor water quality at nine local Ventura County beaches throughout the winter season and was the only water quality testing program in the county when the Environmental Health Division temporarily lost their testing license. Another program focused on water quality is our Ocean Friendly Gardens program, which continues to work on reducing urban runoff at the source and designing natural, diverse landscapes that help slow the flow of water.
There is exciting progress being made to minimize single use plas-
ents are wrong, grammar and math are useless (and racist), religion is harmful, and global warming and sickness are the scariest things out there. We are raising a generation of wimps with no critical thinking skills.
According to Catalyst, “A YouGov poll of more than 4,000 people finds that two in five (39%) Americans say they are very or fairly nervous about the idea of interacting with people socially again.” The online magazine continues, “While the high percentage of Americans expressing angst about socializing after the pandemic comes as a surprise, the breakdown along age groups is even more surprising. Among 18-to 24-year-olds, 50% say they are nervous about it. A similar number of 25-to 34-year-olds (47%) feel the same way.”
How can we be shocked that a group of people taught to be afraid of everything from the weather to an older generation’s usage of pronouns, to everything in between, have bred a generation that laughs at freedom and rejoices in government approval and validation? Hopefully, the damage can be reversed, as we regain the ability to live and breathe freely again. Because if not, we are looking at Generation Z becoming Gen F –for fear.
tics through our Plastic Free Ventura County campaign. The city of Ventura’s expanded polystyrene (EPS; aka styrofoam) ban went into effect July 1, 2021 and bans also went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. Port Hueneme has an EPS and single use foodware ban under consideration and we are hoping to start approaching Oxnard to promote a plastics reduction ordinance this year. The dunes at Sufers Point continue to be maintained by outdoor-loving volunteers and are a vital part of the award-winning Managed Shoreline Retreat Project, which helps to protect our coastline. Matilija Dam removal studies continue with the help of major grants and we are hoping for a final dam removal design by 2025.
We hope that you will consider joining us this year, whether it be through participating in one of our events, attending a chapter meeting, or becoming a member to help protect our ocean, waves and beaches.
Danielle Rose co-leads the Ventura Promenade/California Street cleanups with Juli Marciel on the fourth Saturday of the month. She hopes you will consider joining on Saturday, Feb. 26.
Michael Cervin, David Michael Courtland, Ivor Davis, Emily Dodi, Alicia Doyle, Marina Dunbar, Chuck Graham, Chris Jay, Daphne Khalida Kilea, Karen Lindell, Paul Moomjean, Madeline Nathaus, Mike Nelson, Tim Pompey, Kathy Jean Schultz, Alan Sculley,
Purple is the New Party
TAX PREPARATION
NEWS
Correction
In last week’s issue, the article “Tuning in for the greater good | Public concern leads to
Go wild
Conejo Trails, Ventura Tree Alliance and Survival Skills
by Kimberly Rivers kimberly@vcreporter.com
Join the Conejo Open Space Trails Action Committee
Are you a trail user in the Conejo Valley area? Do you want to get involved in maintaining local trails and improving access to all trail users? Consider applying to the Conejo Open Space Trails Action Committee (COSTAC).
Four new committee members are
Shelley Sund, Ventura
shifts in pesticide use policy and reporting,” by Kimberly Rivers, contained a factual error regarding how the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s (VCAC) office oversees pesti-
needed starting this May and ending in May 2025. The committee should be made up of various trail users including hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, naturalists and the general public. Those serving on the committee need not be residents of the city of Thousand Oaks, or of the district.
Members of the COSTAC are appointed by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) and provide support for volunteer programs including Trail Work Day, Trail Ambassadors, Trail Watch, Adopt-ATrail, as well as helping with open space trail construction and maintenance based on policies and trail standards adopted by COSCA, the Conejo Recreation and Park District or the city of Thousand Oaks.
The committee is made up of 11 members who serve three-year terms.
Bike Depot Eye for Business
Ventura Bike Depot
239 W. Main St., Ventura 805-652-1114 www.venturabikedepot.com
Are you from Ventura County originally?
No, I moved from Seattle to San Diego to start my bicycle (actually Quadricycle) import business in 1982. For the rest, you might have to wait for the book! LOL
Do you have a family?
Yes, I am the youngest of four siblings, plus I have a 20-year-old son in college.
Are you involved in any interesting activities or organizations?
Several! Cycle California Coast (cyclecalcoast.com), Channel Islands Bicycle Club, National Bicycle Dealers Association and League of American Bicyclists. I’m a Bike Ventura member and regular donator, as well as a Ventura Land Trust member and member of the Brock Hills HOA. Also: I’m a music fanatic!
When did you open Ventura Bike Depot, Inc.?
1984
What inspired you to start this business?
I was a trademark and importer for the first Italian Quadricycles imported to California.
The factory name was “JOMARK” (boring!). I trademarked “Pedalina” and opened a dozen rental locations, sold off once in 2003, and converted the last (current) location at 239 West Main Street to a full-service bicycle store.
Since 2003 it has been known as Ventura Bike Depot, Inc. and has grown and evolved the past 19 years.
What’s a typical day like for you?
I try and catch up on my emails in my PJs from the home office with my favorite homemade espresso drink. Those typically send me on some other projects and phone calls.
Get down to the store and check on my favorite crew to see if they need any moral support, change, or just plain entertaining bike lore talk.
A triple hill bike loop may be in there a couple or three times a week.
If it’s Friday, I roll out with my favorite customers/friends for a two-three hour ride and maybe stop for lunch.
What in your opinion makes your business different or special?
Our friendly, caring approach to anyone who stops in. Meeting them right where they are, technically. No question too insignificant or elementary. We are in the business of putting smiles on folks faces and that is why everyone who works there likes what they do. That tends to bleed through and becomes a little infectious (we hope!).
cide use in the county.
The VCAC is the local body responsible for regulating the use and application of pesticides and the agency has inspectors visiting locations
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 11, 2022. Materials can be requested by calling 805-449-2151 or emailing CityClerk@toaks.org. Information and applications are online at www.toaks.org/committees.
Volunteer with the Ventura Tree Alliance for Arbor Day
Help plant 2,000 trees in one day. The Ventura Tree Alliance is seeking volunteers to help plant 65 trees along the Ventura Bike Path at West Park at the end of Harrison Way in Ventura on Arbor Day, Saturday, March 12. Volunteers should attend a community workshop in advance of Arbor Day to learn about the trees that will be planted and the best method for planting them to ensure a long life. Other groups across the state will be planting trees, for a grand total of 2,000 going in the
ground that day.
The Ventura Tree Alliance is a nonprofit organization co-founded in 2021 by former Ventura city councilmember Christy Weir, Barbara Brown, Nancy O’Rode and Sharon Roberts, with the goal of enhancing the city’s tree canopy to both beautify the area and mitigate the effects of climate change.
on a regular basis to ensure pesticide applications are being done correctly and in compliance with applicable permits and regulations.
The VCAC also responds to complaints.
The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 26, 8-11 a.m. at the Topping Room, E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Ventura. West Coast Arborists, the Ventura Tree Alliance and the city of Ventura are hosting the workshop, which will be followed by a walk in the Ventura Botanical
What do you find most challenging about your work? What’s most rewarding?
Sometimes we have a bit of overflow, but we try to get everyone in the order they walked in. Greeting you with at the minimum, “Hi, how are you doing?” or “Where are you riding today?” Being smack dab in the middle of a three-way bicycle route system means that many of our patrons are literally actively riding when we encounter them.
That being said, we still have a pretty good area surrounding us for those who need to drive and off-load their bikes from autos. Oh, and if you need a car bike carrier, we do that too!
Anything new happening right now?
The weather is here, and outdoors is key to enjoying your exercise! I was about the first I know of to introduce electric bikes into my rental fleets when I ran six places simultaneously.
That sector has broken wide open and we have the advantage there. It ranges from youngsters not even worrying about a CDL [California drivers license] to baby-boomers. Ride farther, see more, smile cause ya can’t help it!
Did your business change during the pandemic?
Many more hobby cyclists became riders in 2020. Our goals are to maintain them, keeping them happy with accessories, upgrades and trade up to better quality bikes when the time is right.
What bike models tend to be the most popular to rent? To buy?
Specialized road and mountain. Electric and acoustic models. MARIN Hybrid Comfort style, gravel, mountain and road models. Folding: TERN bicycles. Benno Cargo (hauls your family and gear). IZIP Electric, Diamondback Electric. BOSCH Certified mechanics with three-power bicycle lifts.
What are some trends you’re seeing — both with regards to bikes and features coming on the market, and with customer preferences?
Ride to enjoy the views. Hills no longer a barrier due to electric assist bicycles. Class one, two and three are all legal with no special license necessary. That being said, a MID-DRIVE electric motor is far superior to a REAR HUB. Come in and see the difference. Better battery management to power a mid-drive, which means way longer distance between charges.
When a person is buying a bike, what are some things they should take into consideration?
Where will you be riding? How far will your rides be? How frequently do you intend to ride?
What kind of car rack would work best for your new bike? Don’t skimp on the lock!
What is your favorite model of bike?
Specialized Sirrus carbon comp for road and Specialized Levo for mountain or offroad.
Gardens with a arborist guide.
Bring your gloves, hat, drinking water and shovel for the family-friendly planting day on Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. to noon.
Funding for the efforts is through
Continued on Page 8
Where do you like to ride?
Sycamore Canyon, Sulphur Mountain Road, take the train to Goleta and ride back on the paved routes. Shelley’s Triathlon: BIKE-BEER-TRAIN!
Where do you see things going with your business in the near future? How about in the next 5-10 years?
Now that I am closing on the property, I plan on making improvements to the real estate. I am completing a long term dream of mine!
What’s one thing about your business that most people probably don’t know?
Ventura Bike Depot was voted #1 Bike Shop in Ventura County for the past two years. And that a woman owns it….really!
— Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
Shelley Sund Photo submitted
Wildwood Park, Thousand Oaks.
Client: Mile 26
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Eye on the Environment Food recovery aims for more difficult targets
by David Goldstein
Astate mandate requiring local governments to divert food waste from landfills is not just resulting in new recycling programs. Passed in 2016, Senate Bill 1383 also requires at least 20 percent of wasted edible food to be saved for human consumption statewide by 2025.
To “rescue,” rather than just recycle, edible food, Abound Food Care, a consultant working for the Ventura County Public Works Agency, is completing a study identifying local food distributors, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, schools, venues, agencies, hospitals and others subject to new requirements.
The main purpose of the legislation leading to these state mandates was to cut climate-changing methane gas emissions resulting from food rotting in landfills. The secondary purpose of the composting is to create soil resources, and the purpose of food recovery is to feed people in need. This final goal is important in Ven-
“Go wild” continued from Page 6
an amplify grant awarded by CalFire through the California Urban Forest Council to West Coast Arborists. The amplify funds are meant to improve and diversify urban forests in disadvantaged and low-income communities For those interested in volunteering, contact Christy@christyweir.com. To
Wildlife
tura County, where one in six people struggles with “food insecurity,” according to the website of our local food bank, Food Share, which supplies local food pantries and reports providing food to 140,000 people each year.
With Food Share leading countywide efforts, previous food recovery in Ventura County focused on produce and shelf-stable packaged food. To meet new mandates, however, public sector recycling coordinators will also have to figure out ways to facilitate the reuse of prepared food as well. According to Food Share President and CEO Monica White, managing prepared food, such as from restaurants and caterers, is five times more expensive than shelf-stable, packaged food.
Waste-Free VC Coalition, a local group led by the Ventura County Public Health Department, has provided tools for the growth of food rescue and recovery programs. The department recently received authorization to spend the final $100,000 of a
find out more, visit www.VenturaTreeAlliance.com.
Outdoor Survival Skills, March 12
Author, forager, survivalist and ethnobotanist Christopher Nyerges will bring his extensive knowledge and experience to Ventura County on March 12 for an Outdoor Survival
$500,000 grant awarded in 2018 by the California Department of Resources Recovery and Recycling (CalRecycle). Grant funding helped Community Action of Ventura County purchase a box truck and a refrigerated truck, and expand walkin refrigerator capacity. Similarly, grant funding helped Spirit of Santa Paula purchase a cargo van and two refrigerated trucks, and expand a commercial kitchen.
Kay Wilson-Bolton, volunteer director of Spirit of Santa Paula, explained why she is targeting the more expensive, prepared food. “People live with us, and we have to feed them, so we need trays of ready-toserve food,” she said. Spirit of Santa Paula hosts 50 people, including eight children, at the organization’s homeless shelter. The shelter also provides food to dozens of homeless people not living in the shelter, as well as services ranging from showers to mental health and addiction counseling to help people become independent of this assistance.
Skills class with Lanny Kaufer in Ojai. Nyerges has authored over two dozen books for Falcon Publishing’s FalconGuides®, and was recently asked by the Chicago Review Press to edit the seventh edition of the definitive guide Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Dean Olsen, first published in 1976. In the forward, Nyerges wrote that anyone teaching any outdoor survival skills
“If someone has a big event, with lots of food left over that was kept at safe temperatures, they should contact us,” Wilson-Bolton said. As she noted, donors should not fear liability related to the food. In 2017, California expanded its “Good Samaritan” law, California Assembly Bill 1219, which extends legal protection for donors of surplus food the donor believes to be safe for consumption.
Spirit of Santa Paula sends a refrigerated truck for large donations, such as from a school cafeteria director who recently asked for pickup of 64 cartons of yogurt. “Smaller donations might be handled by a volunteer, driving his own car, with a cooler in the back,” she said.
How far volunteers and staff will go to pick up prepared food depends on the quality of the donation and the amount of food. According to Wilson-Bolton, the general rule is food sufficient to feed 30 people is worth picking up in locations as far as Camarillo, “unless it is something we don’t really need, like rice,” she said.
today traces a line to Olsen’s work. In addition to writing extensively on the topic and spending time in the field, Nyerges currently is a consultant on the Discovery Channel’s show Naked and Afraid.
Participants in the Outdoor Survival Skills class will learn several techniques for surviving in the wilderness, including identifying edible
corridor challenges struck down Court finds arguments against wildlife connectivity ordinances “without merit”
by Kimberly Rivers kimberly@vcreporter.com
On Feb. 4, Hon. Mark S. Borrell of the Ventura County Superior Court issued two 44-page decisions striking down two legal challenges to the Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridor zoning overlay ordinances adopted by the Ventura County Supervisors in March 2019.
“We’re hopeful that these science-based measures will remain in place and serve as a model to protect mountain lions, bears, deer and other iconic wildlife throughout the state,” said Jeff Kuyper, executive director of Los Padres ForestWatch, one of the organizations that intervened in the lawsuit in support of the ordinances, which was also instrumental in getting the overlays approved in 2019.
The lawsuits were filed against Ventura County by the California
Construction and Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA) and the Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (CoLAB).
CalCIMA is a Sacramento-based trade group representing the construction and industrial material industry, including producers of the ingredients used in asphalt and concrete.
The wildlife corridor and habitat connectivity ordinances created a zoning overlay that proponents said were necessary to protect habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, including the resident mountain lion populations, that need pathways to larger habitat areas to ensure genetic diversity for long-term survival. The ordinances passed by Ventura County are the first of their kind in the state.
CoLAB and CalCIMA argued that the county failed to conduct proper environmental impact reviews of the
ordinances and violated other various processes and procedures.
The court found the arguments made by CoLAB and CalCIMA were “without merit” and dismissed all claims. In a statement to members on its website, CoLAB said, “While we were not successful in overturning the wildlife corridor ordinance, we are exploring other potential strategies and options to help Ventura County landowners whose property rights are impacted by this ordinance.”
The ordinances cover 163,000 acres from the Los Padres National Forest through the Simi Hills and to the Santa Monica Mountains and apply certain restrictions to properties in those areas related to development, lighting, fencing, noise and other various activities that can impact wildlife habitat.
“Communities across California
Russ Wilson, food program coordinator of Community Action of Ventura County, based in Oxnard, has similar restrictions for collection. Community Action is willing to pick up within a 15 mile range if a donor has enough food to feed 20 people. Individuals and restaurants deliver smaller amounts to the Community Action center, at 621 Richmond Avenue in Oxnard. With new refrigerated trucks and refrigerated storage capacity, Community Action collects from supermarkets such as Sprouts and from deli counters throughout the county.
David Goldstein, an Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, may be reached at 805-658-4312 or david. goldstein@ventura.org.
and medicinal plants, making cordage and soap, learning how to hand drill, the most basic fire-starting method and the principles of finding and purifying water in dry areas.
Outdoor Survival Skills Workshop, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 12. $85. Register via phone 805-646-6281 or online at www.HerbWalks.com.
should take a look at what Ventura County has done to protect wildlife hemmed in by overdevelopment,” said J.P. Rose, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, one of four intervenors in the legal action, along with Defenders of Wildlife and the National Parks Conservation Association. The four intervenors were represented by the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of California, Irvine School of Law.
CoLAB is a 501c6 organization whose mission is to inform “stakeholders, experts and advocates to promote a strong local economy while preserving the local quality of life” in Ventura County by “promote[ing] sensible and rational regulatory over-
sight and advocate for both businesses and local property rights.” The organization also has a 501c3 foundation aimed at funding the “educational efforts to advance the use of data and science in regulatory matters . . . and lessen the burdens of government on Ventura County Citizens.” Court orders online at vcreporter. com/2022/02/wildlife-corridor-challenges-struck-down-court-finds-claim s-against-wildlife-connectivity-ordinances-without-merit/
Mountain Lion. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
The Great Outdoors
Flowing
DOWN
hether you’ve got a full day or just half an hour, the Ventura River offers a wonderful habitat for a breather from our busy lives and a reconnection to the natural world in our backyard. You can hike a trail, ride a path, or sit and enjoy birds gliding on updrafts. The many parts of the Ventura River Watershed make up a symbiotic whole that is influenced by upstream and downstream activities.
Exploring the Ventura River Watershed, from the peaks to the Pacific
by Kimberly Rivers kimberly@vcreporter.com
This land is a rich and diverse riparian habitat that once provided an ideal home to the Chumash who relied on the entire watershed. Its geology attracted early oil barons and became a lucrative extraction locale for oil and natural gas for over 100 years.
Due to several local land conservancies providing public access to stretches of the river between Ojai and the Pacific Ocean, there are several access points to enjoy the beauty of the Ventura River and many of its tributaries. It is fed by dozens of smaller named and unnamed creeks and streams, from Lion Canyon and San Antonio creeks in the eastern reaches of the Ojai Valley to the North Fork and Upper North Fork of Matilija Creek in the northern areas heading into Los Padres National Forest.
If you have enough time, exploring the upper portions of the watershed can feel like you’re light years away from technology and, if you pick the right day, you might get the trail all to yourself.
The Ventura River meets the Pacific Ocean and forms the Ventura River Estuary. Photo courtesy of the Ventura Land Trust
Matilija Creek/Wheeler
Gorge
Just over three miles up Highway 33 from Vons in Ojai, explorers can turn left onto Matilija Canyon Road and travel to the end of the two-lane, winding road — keep a sharp eye out for large rocks, as they frequently fall from the steep cliff face above. At the end of Matilija Canyon Road is a small dirt parking lot available to hikers who can head out on the aptly named Matilija Canyon Trail. The first part of the trail passes through private property and hikers are asked to stay on trail. Then the trail heads to the right
along the Upper North Fork of Matilija Creek and makes for a nice hike with spots to enjoy the water. If it’s later in the summer, there might not be much water, and it can get hot. Spring, early summer and fall are great times to explore this spot which offers plenty of oak trees and other native plants (great for bird watching) and meandering single-track trails that cut back and forth across the creek.
Highway 33 past Matilija Canyon Road travels along the North Fork of Matilija Creek and there are several spots along the highway with turnout parking. For safety reasons, make
sure you park well off the road, and be aware of making U-turns on the highway with oncoming traffic; the highway is a favorite of motorcycle riders. Wheeler Gorge Campground, Visitors Center and Nature Trail are about eight miles from Ojai and offer an easy access parking spot with a great trail and access to the creek. A perfect family-friendly spot.
Cozy Dell
Just three miles from Ojai is the Cozy Dell Trailhead. Parking is on the left side of Highway 33 when you’re coming from Ojai; you’ll have
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to cross the highway to get to the trail on the right side. This trail winds up a hillside and, if it’s after a rain event, can be muddy and slick. The trail can get hot when the temperature rises.
Great views of the Ojai Valley are your reward. Hike back down the way you came (just over seven miles in and out) or continue onto the Foothill or Pratt trails, which will add a couple of miles.
Ventura River Preserve, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
The Ventura River Preserve is
accessed from several locations. The two most popular parking lots are the Oso Trailhead off of Meyer Road and the Riverview Trailhead lot on Rice Road, both in Meiners Oaks. The Oso lot is closer to the Ventura River (perhaps easier for little ones and canines on hot days) although the river is accessible from both lots. Equestrian access (horse trailers) is provided at the Oso Trailhead.
A third access point is off of Old Baldwin Road, another spot with horse trailer parking and an ADA accessible trail.
All access points join up with miles of loops along sandy river sidepaths or canyon trails. There are challenging hill climbs on the west side of the river. Wildflowers are starting to bloom now throughout the preserve.
Ventura River Parkway
The Ventura River Parkway includes the Ojai Valley Trail and the Ventura River Trail.
The Ojai Valley Trail is a walking, biking and equestrian trail from Ojai to the ocean that meanders alongside the path of the Ventura River following
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Riparian habitat along the Ventura River is protected in the Willoughby Preserve as the river nears the Pacific Ocean. Photo courtesy of the Ventura Land Trust
A peaceful pool deep enough for swimming at Big Rock Preserve, owned and managed by the Ventura Land Trust. Sept. 2020.
Photo by Kimberly Rivers.
Map of the Ventura River Watershed.
California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
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the path of an old railway, and is part of the Ventura River Parkway. The trail is a great way to get a sense of the varied habitats along the river and the way people interact with the river today. The trail begins at Soule Park in Ojai, and ends at the ocean with various access points in between. Be aware that it’s all downhill from Ojai to the ocean, which means it’s uphill the whole way back.
Mission Aqueduct
A short distance up Cañada Larga Road there are still remnants of a stone and cement aqueduct built by the Chumash people who were conscripted by the priests at the San Buenaventura Mission. The aqueduct diverted water from San Antonio Creek to the mission.
Foster Park and Big Rock
Preserve, Ventura Land Trust
Just south of Casitas Springs is Foster Park, a county-operated campground and day use area that provides river access. Large oak trees provide shade for afternoon barbequing. Just south of Foster Park is
the Big Rock Preserve, owned and managed by the Ventura Land Trust. This preserve has several sandy pathways that weave in and around native willows and other native riparian plants. An important location for the Chumash people, this spot tends to have flowing water and deeper pools later into the summer than other locations on the river.
Willoughby Preserve, Ventura Land Trust
A small network of trails on 8.75 acres in the lower Ventura River area
between the Main Street bridges and the 101 freeway. This area transitions into the estuary and provides fantastic bird watching as the freshwater from the river begins to blend with the saltwater at the ocean. It is accessed by the West Main Bikepath parking lot off of Main Street in Ventura.
Surfers Point and Emma
Wood State Beach
The Ventura River flows into the Pacific Ocean just north of Surfers Point and the Ventura Pier. Emma Wood State Beach stretches north
Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. Book a fishing trip, rent a kayak, jet ski, or electric boat, dine at a seaside restaurant, or take a whale watching adventure with the whole family. This year, get outside, breathe in the fresh air, refresh yourself and make memories at the Channel Islands Harbor.
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silt that was washed down the river to the beaches. Today, that sand and silt has built up behind the Matilija Dam, which is slated for removal.
from the river mouth. Depending on the tide and weather conditions, the river may be flowing into the sea, or a sand berm may stop the surface flow, forcing the mixing of salt and freshwaters to happen through the sand.
As you walk on the sand at the beach, think about where it comes from. Much of the sand and silt that makes up these coastal beaches comes downstream from the Ventura River. When a dam was put in Matilija Creek it impacted the amount of sand and
Watersheds are large places and trying to understand how local residents are impacted by the health of the watershed can be challenging. But by exploring parts of the watershed and thinking about how each part is connected, we can start to see how everything flows downstream, eventually touching everything.
Maps of the Ventura River Parkway are available at Patagonia, Real Cheap Sports,Ventura Bike Depot, Ventura Parks & Recreation Department, Ventura Vistor’s Bureau, REI in Oxnard, The Mob Shop in Ojai and other select locations, and online at friendsofventurariver.org.
A Western fence lizard enjoys some shade at Big Rock Preserve. Photo by Kimberly Rivers
The Great Outdoors
Re-discovering the CHANNEL ISLANDS
Camping on an island paradise
Story and photos by Vince
Burns
How does spending a week on a nearly deserted island sound to you, with nothing more onerous to do than a little hiking or beachcombing? If it sounds good, then this article is for you.
Many of us in the 805 and beyond are familiar with the Channel Islands National Park, usually thanks to a day trip aboard a ship belonging to Island Packers, the official Channel Islands boat concessionaire. The trip takes us to a nearly pristine chunk of California that’s just 30 miles off our Ventura shores but a world away in terms of vibe. A side benefit to the trip: On the way, the Island Packers crew are on the
lookout for wildlife in the form of dolphins, seals, sea lions and even whales.
Once you’ve disembarked on one of the islands, you’ll notice a relaxing decrease in blood pressure and stress. But soon (too soon!) it’s time to catch the boat back to the harbor, possibly a humdrum existence, traffic, buzzing phones, and all the other annoyances of the modern world.
This article is for those who might have found it hard to leave the islands at the end of their day trip. What precisely are the opportunities for campers on the islands? Can you really spend the better part of a week on one of them?
The short answer: Yes.
Santa Rosa Island headlands on the way to Skunk Point, August 2020. In the far background: Santa Cruz Island.
Island Packers ship off Cuyler Harbor, San Miguel Island, September 2021.
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Aboard an Island Packers ship, August 2020, in the Santa
Continued from page 14
The Archipelago
There are eight Channel Islands, including a few that most of us will never be able to set foot on.
San Clemente Island is controlled by the U.S. Navy. Although its $21 million “simulated city” used by special forces for training sounds interesting, the whole island is off limits unless you’re a SEAL (or a seal).
Santa Catalina (southwest of Los Angeles) is a developed tourist island. But there is still a backcountry opportunity via the Trans-Catalina Trail, is a 38-mile circuit that’s been getting good reviews.
San Nicolas is also controlled by the Navy and no civilians are allowed — you may not even kayak within 300 feet of the place, even if you’re a fan of Scott O’Dell’s classic Island of the Blue Dolphins, which tells a fictional version of the “Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island” whose cave was definitively identified in 2012.
For the four northern islands of the Channel Islands National Park (CHIS in National Park Service lingo) and how to spend a night or more on one of them, keep reading.
CAMPING OPPORTUNITIES
The NPS Channel Islands website (www. nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/camping.htm) will tell you that all five of its islands have camping, but that’s not the case. At the moment, both Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands’ campgrounds are closed. The latter is out of commission indefinitely, the former will hopefully be opening this summer. According to Park Ranger Derek Lohuis, “August is our conservative estimate for re-opening Anacapa for camping.” But as Lohuis points out, that’s still
a guesstimate. We all know about construction projects and delays. All that goes double for construction projects in the middle of the ocean. All this means your CHIS camping options at the moment are on Santa Cruz Island (31 campsites), Santa Rosa Island (15 sites), and San Miguel Island (9 sites). That’s definitely “limited availability” as they say in the hospitality industry.
If you’re interested, the next step is to log on to recreation.gov for island camping reservations. A couple points and tricks for booking your campsite:
• You must coordinate your camping dates with Island Packers’ own dates and times for the boats that will get you to and from your island. In other words: Just because a campsite is open on a particular date, that doesn’t mean that
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Returning to the mother ship from San Miguel Island on a skiff. Island Packer staff: Laurie Van Stee (skiff operator), Captain Pancho Mayoral (far left, on ship). In the stern: Garyn DeRosa (left) and Tina Samson (right).
Barbara Channel.
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Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Chumash Casino Resort reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events. Chumash Casino Resort supports responsible gaming. For information about problem gambling, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
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Continued from page 16
you’ll be certain of having transportation to or from the island that day. Of course, none of this applies if you can arrange your own arrival and departure from the island on a private craft. Most of us, alas, aren’t that fortunate. • Sometimes spaces that were booked will open up later as campers cancel their reservations. And, although it can be a little inconvenient, it is possible to extend your stay by moving from one campsite to another mid-trip.
So exactly how “impacted” are the island campgrounds? At the moment, and picking a random week in May as a reference point, availability goes like this: the Scorpion Canyon campsite on Santa Cruz has a few available sites during the week but the weekend is full, Santa Rosa is similarly booked but has more weekday available sites, and San Miguel shows wide open availability. But that’s a mirage since Island Packers won’t be running trips to San Miguel until July.
GETTING THERE
Until recently, a private company provided air transportation to some of the Channel Islands, even for backpackers – definitely a classy way to arrive. But the company’s owner retired and Island Packers (or private ship) is the only game in town for the moment. Since Island Packers has been taking folks to the islands since 1968, before even the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy were on the scene, it’s safe to say that they know what they’re doing.
Getting to Santa Cruz is relatively straightforward: a quick shot across the Santa Barbara Channel with (hopefully) glimpses of dolphins, pinnipeds and (if you’re really lucky) whales along the way. You will land at Scorpion Anchorage, and it is just a mile or so to the campground. Arriving at Santa Rosa’s Bechers Bay is also uncomplicated.
On San Miguel it gets a little more interesting. There’s no pier, which means that the only way ashore is via skiffs (think Zodiacs and other inflatables with outboard motors). This
can be exciting and fun, unless you don’t like getting wet. Watching the master boaters of Island Packers do their thing when the waves are up at San Miguel Island is worth the price of a ticket.
Another improvement for those interested in the outer islands: Island Packers is currently offering the opportunity to lengthen your trip by “island hopping.” After a spell on San Miguel or Santa Rosa Island, you can hit another island on the return part of your trip. Thus, one could camp on both Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz islands during the same trip. See reserve.islandpackers.com/ camper_shuttles.php for more details.
Operations Manager Matt Kelly cautions, however, that those interested in this option will want to call the company to confirm schedules and availability.
ROUGH CONDITIONS
Something to remember: The entire Santa Barbara Channel can be rough anytime, but once one ventures further to the west, conditions are more likely to be rough. Fortunately, some measures can be taken to mitigate the potential queasiness.
If the weather and swells are challenging for a trip to Santa Rosa or San Miguel, for example, the captain will run the ship behind (south of) Santa Cruz, out of the prevailing northwest wind as much as possible, before going through the Santa Cruz Channel slot and arriving at Bechers Bay on Santa Rosa Island. The current fleet of catamarans are faster and more stable than the old monohull ships, too, which were more vulnerable to the rocking and rolling of the bigger swells around the outer islands.
Alex Brodie, Island Packers fleet manager and 30+ year employee, emphasized the ubiquitous warning that conditions in the channel can be both challenging and changeable. He also mentioned the necessity of absorbing the fine print on the CHIS and Island Packers websites, namely that conditions can deteriorate quick-
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your site to offer the pleasure of a cool beverage during your trip.
ly enough that campers might not be able to be picked up as scheduled on a particular day. In other words, always bring extra necessities. Although such occurrences are rare (perhaps one or two times per year), they do happen. Bring extra food!
CAMPING EXPERIENCE ON THE OUTER ISLANDS
So what’s it like camping on one of the outer islands? For this writer, the “deserted island” image isn’t too far from the mark. Santa Rosa Island is particularly comfortable because of the amenities at the campground, the most important of which are available drinking water and flush toilets. Also, since the campground is only about a mile and a half from the pier along a flat dirt road, a wheeled cooler can be dragged to
There is ample hiking from the campground, although just about every hike is of the “out and back” variety. Likewise, once you’ve exhausted the nearby hikes, you’ll have to hike greater distances to reach new destinations. Even the hardiest hikers capable of 15+ miles a day are still limited to a portion of the island because of the necessity of being back at the campground by the end of the day. A couple longer hikes within reach from the campground are Lobo Canyon (10 miles roundtrip) and East Point (14 miles from the campground).
On San Miguel Island, the situation is entirely different. You’ll need to bring ALL your own water, the hike to the campground is short but extremely steep (no wheeled cooler here), and there’s just a pit toilet. And you are not free to hike the
island on your own, other than venturing back to the beach and around the campsite area. Instead, a volunteer or NPS staff will guide you on a spectacular hike at the end of which you’re likely to see many (maybe hundreds of) seals and sea lions, depending on the season. Because the island is smaller, hiking from the campground to Point Bennett on the other side along a relatively flat dirt road is quite doable, despite the 14-mile roundtrip.
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survey of high-use areas for ordnance came up negative and allowed the park to reopen to visitors.
Why the need for chaperoning?
San Miguel Island is still believed to have unexploded ordnances (i.e., bombs) here and there. The chaperones and a required liability waiver are the remaining fallout from decades of practice bombing at San Miguel from World War II until the 1970s. Fortunately, a recent Navy
Besides the bombs, there are two other good reasons for the chaperones: making sure that the pinniped population is given the space it needs and because these guides have tons of insight into the island and all its flora and fauna.
Bombs aside, being on San Miguel Island — whether for a few hours or a few days — is about as special an experience as one can have just 65 miles from Ventura. It’s isolated, wild, rich in animal life, and unbelievably beautiful.
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Possibly the most visited of the Channel Islands, and the largest. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owns 76% of Santa Cruz Island and for the most part this land is closed to the public with a couple of exceptions.
On the island’s isthmus, the TNC donated land to the National Park Service for the Del Norte Campground, which is accessed via Prisoners Harbor and a 3.5 mile, moderate-to-strenuous hike with backpack. Because there’s no water here, this is for experienced backpackers rather than casual campers.
WORTH THE EFFORT
With several islands to choose from — each quite different — I
asked Ranger Lohuis for his personal favorite spot in the CHIS. A great spokesman for the islands, he pointed out that each island had its own experience and highlights, although he did mention that a clear day on Anacapa with its 360-degree view and crystal clear waters was special. He also wanted visitors to remember that some of the best parts of the Channel Islands are under the water.
A great point.
So, between the unexploded ordnance, skiff landings, likelihood of strong or even gale-force winds, and potentially territorial pinnipeds, camping Channel Islands National Park isn’t quite as easy as making a quick reservation for Big Sur and jumping in the car. But isn’t the journey half the reward, especially if it includes a nice boat ride? And once you’re on San Miguel, Santa Cruz, or Santa Rosa watching the sunset and looking back to the mainland — where the poor plodders are commuting while you’re loafing on a nearly deserted island — it’s well worth a little planning and preparation. Enjoy!
Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, 1901 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, 805-658-5730, www.nps.gov/chis.
Island Packers, 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Suite 105B, Ventura, 805-6421393, islandpackers.com.
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Wildlife viewing near Point Bennett, San Miguel Island, September 2021.
Large group of young pinnipeds on San Miguel Island, November 2021.
Lounging pinnipeds on San Miguel Island, November 2021.
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Front row seat
VHS student invited to camp for World Rowing Junior Championships
by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com
Carson Peterson hasn’t even graduated from high school yet, but he’s accomplished a lot in his 17 years. An avid cook, when he was just 13, he competed on the second season of Top Chef Junior, impressively making it to Episode 11 and placing sixth overall. Now in the 11th grade at Ventura High School, Peterson has been class president since his freshman year and holds a 4.0 GPA. On top of all this, he has excelled as a rower, making it to USRowing’s 2021 Youth National Regatta (which took place in June 2021 in Florida) and was invited to the Olympic Development Camp that same year.
This summer, he’ll be heading to Varese, Italy, to participate in a two-month selection camp, where he’ll have the opportunity to earn
a spot on Team USA in the 2022 World Rowing Junior Championships in the under-19 division. Despite an exceptionally busy school and rowing schedule, Peterson found time to talk to the Ventura County Reporter about his rowing career, his continuing interest in cooking, college plans and more.
VCR: When did you first get involved with rowing?
Carson Peterson:
Rowing came to me in seventh grade at Cabrillo Middle School and I do really mean it “came to me.” Casitas Rowing Association holds “erg offs” in local middle schools during P.E. periods in which students do a three-part rotation that consists of nutrition and health inspiration from head varsity men’s coach Eric Gillett, a HIIT workout from director Wendy Gillett, and a 100 meter erg. Being
the super-tall middle schooler I was, I got on the erg and took off. I ended up with the fastest score at Cabrillo Middle School. This was my first taste of the intoxicating “rowers high,” as I like to call it, which over time developed into a craving and is a large proponent in my commitment to the sport today. The top 10 scores on the 100 meter erg were awarded a free summer camp at Lake Casitas [with Casitas] Rowing and a few days after the erg event, I received my summer camp certificate. Just one week at Casitas Rowing was enough to get me hooked. From that day on, rowing has grown to be one of the largest facets of my life.
What inspired you to start rowing?
What got me started rowing was the free summer camp, but what inspired me to become the athlete I am today is an indescribable drive for success that comes from the sport itself, but also from its history and demographic. Eccentricity is what I would call my MO. I’m a 6’7” Black teenager with a strange, unwavering commitment to wearing a pearl necklace, an “ancient” connection to food and the chef world, and I don’t play basketball. Being “different’” has cemented itself in my personality. Rowing gave me another niche that allowed me to feel unique. As I got older I began to understand that while my own sense of being different is important, what is more important is how being an African American presence in what can still be described as a white elitist sport affects others. I also understand now that my affinity with being out-
Despite an exceptionally busy school and rowing
fastest score at Cabril-
was my first taste of
Rowing might have left Carson Peterson with less time for cooking, but the young chef indulges his foodie passions when he can.
Carson Peterson with teammates from Casitas Rowing. Photos courtesy Calvin Peterson
Rowing Lingo
Carson Peterson was kind enough to create a handy guide to the terms used in rowing, to help answer some questions that might come up while reading his interview responses.
Erg: On-land rowing machine that mimics on-water motions
Regatta: Racing event for rowing Club: Rowing team
Catch: A position where the rower is up the slide of the boat with the oar in the water; essentially the beginning of the stroke.
Drive: The motion in a stroke when you push your legs down to make the boat move
Release: Coming out of the water with the oar
side the box comes from a societal phenomenon that is a product of racial injustice, where African Americans are often judged for being too “Black” or not “Black” enough and the youth, especially, are pressured to participate in things according to this “Blackness” scale. Somehow, from a young age, I think I saw some part of this in my own life and this realization has affected many decisions I’ve made thus far. This understanding gave me a more complex drive for success in the sport and I hope this complexity is what will set me apart in my future rowing career.
What do you like about rowing as compared to other sports?
Rowing is a sport that almost directly reflects the work you put into it. If you ask any rowing coach around the world, “what’s one thing that can make a rower successful?” you will undoubtedly hear the phrase, “mileage makes champions” over and over again. Putting in meters on the water and, maybe even more
Are you a solo or team rower?
At Casitas Rowing I am lucky enough to have experience in all boat classes, something a lot of rowers don’t get even at the collegiate or Olympic level. The single, double, pair, quad, four and eight [person] are all the classes you can see racing at a regatta. Upper-level crews in high school emphasize team boats, often the eight [person team]. I am in the stroke seat in most boats, meaning that I sit at the front of the racing shell and set a pace and rhythm.
Are there coaches or athletes that have inspired you in your rowing career?
All of the coaches I’ve ever worked with have left impressions on my rowing philosophy and outlook on life. My team coach, Eric Gillett, is the largest contributor in the way I row and my understanding of rowing mechanics. I’ve rowed with Eric for four years, five days a week, and have put in countless miles with him by my side.
Anita DeFrantz is another inspiration in my rowing. In 1986 DeFrantz became the first woman and the first African American to represent the United States on the International Olympic Committee. She also was the first African American Olympic rower. Not too long ago I had the opportunity to talk with this rowing legend and her affirmations and encouragement will stick with me for the rest of my rowing career.
Tell us a little bit about your rowing accomplishments so far.
Last summer I was invited to the Olympic Development Camp (ODP) held by USRowing and joined their High Performance team. I was ranked in the top 6 rowers at the camp and won two gold medals in the eight and pair [events] and a bronze medal in the pair. I’ve won over 15 medals in my rowing career thus far. Recently I was one of about 30 athletes in the country invited to the United States Selection Camp held by
Rowing gave me another niche that allowed me to feel unique”
importantly, putting in meters on your own when everyone else is sleeping, is how you get fast. The only aspect of the sport that keeps rowing from turning into a mindless loop of catch, drive, release, repeat, is an overwhelming amount of mechanics, technique and coachability that you have to add on top of speed.
What I like about rowing is that the fine details and acute theory came to me even before the raw speed and “mileage makes champions” mentality. I was able to appreciate rowing’s nuanced personality. Rowing is a sport where if you pay attention, you can feel what speed is. You can feel every movement of the people in front or behind you. Every squeeze, inhale, exhale, and push can be experienced with your eyes closed. This is what sets rowing apart from other sports.
You’re a junior in high school now — do you hope to row when you get to college?
Collegiate rowing is a must for me. My focus now is achieving excellence in the high school rowing scene, but my goals lie in collegiate rowing.
Are you starting to think about colleges yet?
I’ve been fortunate enough to not only speak with several college coaches over email and phone about recruitment and collegiate rowing but I also have been able to row with and meet these legends in person. Most notably, Coach Stephen Gladstone, who currently is head coach at Yale, who is regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, winning 14 IRA [Intercollegiate Rowing Association] titles coaching at Princeton, Yale, Brown and Cal Berkeley [University of California, Berkeley].
The schools I am in contact with now include UW [University of Washington], Yale, Brown, Cal Berkeley, UPenn, Harvard and Princeton.
As a Black rower, do you think your experiences have been different than those of your white counterparts?
What is really important to me is Black
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success. It is in no way better than or more important than the success of others, but it serves a significant role in the story of African Americans. Black success stories are responsible for the inspiration of millions, and in rowing, this inspiration is desperately needed.
According to USRowing, only 13% of all rowers are people of color and even less are African Americans. When we ask why this is, we have to remember that rowing is a product of the elite class of 18th century Europe. It would be over 300 years until you could make the rare discovery that Black people can indeed row. Rowing, for many years, has been held away from Black communities and it’s time to change that.
The progress we’ve made in civil rights and equality among African Americans is unacceptably out of proportion to the presence of Black kids in rowing. As a Black
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USRowing with the opportunity to earn my spot representing America in Italy for the 2022 Junior World Championships.
Tell us a little bit about your routine. How do you do to keep in “rowing” shape?
I row five days a week from 3:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. At home on top of practice, a normal week consists of five to six hours of erging with some running and/or biking thrown in the mix. One of my favorite things to do to stay in shape is bike ride from the Ventura Pier into Ojai in what’s usually a 40-mile round trip on the most beautiful trails. To prepare for regattas takes about a week of upping sodium and water intake to boost hydration and a protein- and fiber-emphasized diet.
Stroll through different SHADES OF NATURE
The Gardens are Blooming
Come and see the Karoo Garden aloe and Fynbos Garden protea! Bring your family and friends for a walk through the Gardens. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Be sure to stop into our Courtyard garden shop, browse our plants and pottery, and ask about our plant sponsorships!
VISIT THE GARDENS
TUESDAY - SUNDAY 9am to 5pm Closed Mondays $7 Admission Members are FREE
VENTURA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Photo: Phil ranger
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Continued from page 23
rower, wherever I go, the feeling of heads turning and eyes piercing through me is unavoidable. I’ve learned to embrace the attention that comes from being unique in one’s field. My goal is for anyone who’s ever whipped their head around when I walk through a room to one day, in the future, remember that they were looking at a Black success story.
What’s one thing about rowing that most people don’t know?
One common misconception about rowing is that it is an upper-body focused sport. I often hear “wow, you must have really strong arms” when I tell people I am a rower. The truth is that while rowing demands strength from all muscle groups, it is actually a legs-and-back focused sport. The legs initiate the power on what we call the “drive” and the lat muscles engage and through connection with your core move your entire body through the stroke.
Here’s a question for your fans of your time on Top Chef Junior: Do you still cook? Where DO you find the time?
Cooking is a passion that will never leave me. When I’m old and too weak to row, you better believe I’ll still be in the kitchen doing my thing. Being a junior in high school, the president of my class, an honors musician, and rowing at the same time is no easy feat. I have great respect for all high-achieving student athletes in the world. While school work and training often occupy all my time, there is the occasional long weekend or holiday break that allows me the opportunity to release all of the culinary epiphanies that have built up over the week.
What are you looking forward to most about competing in Italy?
Not only will Italy be a chance to row with the best guys in the country and hone my skills in the sport I love, but it will also be a chance for cultural connection. A big part of my love for cooking comes from the Italian side of my family and my Nonna. Going to
What’s in the future for Carson Peterson? Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I think the only thing I can certainly tell you is that I will continue to row (and cook) in college. From a young age I have been lucky to identify two passions in my life, so I think it won’t be hard to find the thing I will spend the rest of my life with. Perhaps what I will do in the future is something I am already doing today. I am not certain about the long term but I can say that whatever I do, I will be faithfully committed to Black excellence.
Carson Peterson and his family are raising money for his upcoming trip to Italy for the U19 Rowing Junior World Selection Camp, which determines which rowers will represent the USA in the 2022 Junior World Championships in Varese, Italy. To contribute to the GoFundMe campaign, visit www. gofundme.com/f/2022-rowing-junior-worldsselection-camp.
For sponsorship opportunities, email rowcrewventura@gmail.com.
For more information on the 2022 World Rowing Junior Championships, visit worldrowing.com/event/2022-world-rowing-junior-championships.
For more information on Casitas Rowing, visit www.casitasrowing.org.
Italy would no doubt be the trip of a lifetime.
Carson Peterson will be heading to the selection camp for the 2022 World Rowing Junior Championships in Varese, Italy, this summer. Photo courtesy Calvin Peterson
Photos by Lotti Keenan
ARTS LISTINGS
Some classes, exhibits and events are available exclusively online. All events are subject to change and cancellation; always verify with venue and/or organizer.
OPENING THEATER
JERSEY BOYS Thursday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Four boys from New Jersey become pop stars in the 1950s, riding that stardom all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. See the story behind Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in this musical full of character, heart, nostalgia and, of course, great music! Presented by American Theatre Guild. $50-90. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
SPAMILTON: AN AMERICAN PARODY March 1-6. A side-splittingly funny and witty spoof of the huge Broadway hit Hamilton, with nods to Gypsy, Chicago, Camelot and other popular musicals. Presented by American Theatre Guild. $29-95. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE Feb. 25-April 3. An elderly couple looking forward to their golden years find them interrupted by the major life changes being faced by their four adult children. This dark comedy explores love in all its forms: comforting, supportive, suffocating and destructive. $22-24. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula, 805-525-4645, www. santapaulatheatercenter.org.
THIS IS A PLAY Friday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m. This intriguing work by Daniel MacIvor gives viewers a glimpse into the thought process of the actor. Audience members sit onstage and are surrounded by the cast, which includes Suzy Thatcher, Denise Heller, David Taylor, and Buddy Wilds. Directed by Gai Jones. $10; tickets available only at the door. Backstage at the Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-6408797, www.ojaiact.org.
OPENING ART
AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Saturday, Feb. 26, 12-2 p.m.: Celebrate Black History Month by learning about the contributions of African American scientists during the museum’s Family Fun Day, where participants will get to participate in fun, interactive experiments. Through June 26: Tomols to Trains: County Transportation through the 1900s. Ongoing: Farm to Market, an interactive exhibit promoting healthy lifestyles through role play; plus antique tractors, farming implements, a living beehive and more. Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/.
AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS
DAB ART Ongoing. The contemporary art organization is currently seeking submissions of work in any media for group and solo exhibitions at H Gallery and Studios in Ventura. Submit three to 20 images; $35 entry fee. For submission guidelines,
online application and more information, visit www.dabart.me/ventura-2.
JURIED SHOW AT realART GALLERY Through March 31. The application period is now open for the Agoura Hills gallery’s next show. All applications must be submitted through CaFE, a nonprofit organization run by the California Federation for the Arts. For more information, visit whatisrealart.com.
VENTURA COUNTY FAIR POSTER CONTEST
Through April 15. Friday, April 15 is the deadline for submissions in the contest for the poster for the 2022 Ventura County Fair. The winning design is the official fair poster and will be used on souvenirs and advertisements. The contest is open to Ventura County residents in grades 5 to 12. The theme for the poster contest is “VC Fair Rides Again.” Submissions will be judged on theme, originality, composition and skill. Cash prizes are awarded for first ($500), second ($250) and third ($100) place winners. The fair is scheduled for Aug. 3-14, 2022. Details and rules are online at www.venturacountyfair.org.
YOUTH ART CONTEST Through April 1.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce the ninth annual California Invasive Species Youth Art Contest. This year’s theme is “Unite to Fight Invasive Species.”
Three age divisions for youths in grades 2-4, 5-8 and 9-12. All types of media are welcome and encouraged, including (but not limited to) drawings, paintings, animations, comic strips, videos and public service announcements. Deadline for submission is April 1. Additional information at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/ Action-Week/Poster-Contest.
ONGOING THEATER
DRIVING MISS DAISY Through March 13. Aging and the evolution of race relations in Atlanta are explored in this touching drama that follows the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and her Black chauffeur from 1948 to 1973. Presented by Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi. $18-20. 2956 School St., Simi Valley, www.actorsrepofsimi.org/about-us/ artspace-black-box-theater/.
THE JUNGLE BOOK Through Feb. 27. A young boy raised by wolves in the jungle has numerous encounters and adventures that are somewhat paralleled by another boy sent to boarding school in England. Presented by Young Artists Ensemble. $12-19. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, 805-381-2747, hillcrestarts.com.
MATILDA JR.: THE MUSICAL Through Feb. 27. Plucky, clever, magical Matilda contends with her difficult family and a cruel headmistress to find friendship and family in this beloved family favorite from Roald Dahl. $23-25. High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High St., Moorpark, 805-529-8700, highstreetartscenter.com.
VENTURA COUNTY POETRY PROJECT Thursday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom: Open mic streamed live from the EP Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Ventura. More information at vcpoetryproject.org.
open Friday-Sunday. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.
OLIVAS ADOBE HISTORIC PARK Ongoing. The Olivas Adobe is now open the second Sunday of each month for visitors, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The historic park invites all plein air artists to come out to the site for creative inspiration, from the rose garden and 160-year-old fuchsia to the rancho and the bell tower. In addition, Laura Jean Jespersen’s The Romance of the Adobe will be on exhibit in the small adobe. There will be raffles, historic interpreters, an al fresco gift shop and more. 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ OlivasAdobe.
POPPIES ART AND GIFTS Ongoing. Gifts, jewelry, decor and more made by local artists. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-798-0033, www. poppiesartandgifts.com.
PORCH GALLERY Through March 21. It’s My House! , an immersive installation-exhibit undertaken in collaboration with CURA Art celebrating the role of art collectors in supporting creative pursuits. 310 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805620-7589, porchgalleryojai.com.
ONGOING ART
643 PROJECT SPACE Through Feb. 25. Suspiro, a solo show by Gladys Rodriguez. Masks required. 643 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, www.643projectspace.com.
BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Through Feb. 26. Ojai Visions, featuring members of the Ojai Studio Artists. 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Upper Ojai, 805-646-3381, www. beatricewood.com.
BUENAVENTURA ART ASSOCIATION
Through March 12. Knowing Your Identity, a solo show of photography by Stella Kuyumjian exploring her journey toward mental health. Studio 99, Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, 805-648-1235, buenaventuraartassociation.org.
CALIFORNIA MUSEUM OF ART THOUSAND
OAKS Through July 31. Landscape Through the Eyes of Abstraction, contemporary representations of landscapes in a wide variety of media by six nationally and internationally renowned artists. Panel discussion on Thursday, March 17, at 7 p.m. Environmental discussion on Thursday, April 21, at 6 p.m. 350 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, 805-4055240, cmato.org.
CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM
Through March 25: Coast Guard Art, portraits, search and rescue scenes and depictions of everyday life created by those participating in the Coast Guard Art Program. Ongoing: Maritime art covering Asian, European and American seafaring history; the Marple Model Ship Collection; exhibits on whales, sailors and the Port of Hueneme and more. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.
DUDLEY HOUSE HISTORIC MUSEUM
Ongoing. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1892 by Selwyn Shaw for lima bean farmer B.W. Dudley, and is one of the last pioneer farmhouses in Ventura. On display are artifacts and other elements showcasing aspects of life from 1895 to 1925. Open for tours the first Sunday of the month. COVID protocols will be strictly followed. 197 N. Ashwood Ave., Ventura, 805-642-3345, dudleyhouse.org.
FOX FINE JEWELRY Through April 17. Nature’s Theurgy featuring oil paintings by Robert Wassell inspired by his hikes and connection to God. 560 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-652-1800, www.foxfinejewelry.com.
H GALLERY AND STUDIOS Through March
31. Transmission of Unknown Origin, nonrepresentational displays of human emotion. 1793 E. Main St., Ventura, dabart.me.
HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS
Through March 15: New members show,
with works by 10 resident artists. Ongoing: Buenaventura Art Association members showcase and sell their work. Masks and social distancing required. 1559 Spinnaker Drive #106, Ventura Harbor Village, 805-644-2750, www.facebook.com/HarborVillageGalleryGifts.
MULLIN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Ongoing. The famed auto museum pays tribute to French automotive design, with coaches from the 1800s, Bugattis from the 1920s-30s, Concours d’Elegance winners and more. Hours: FridaySunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; advance tickets required. 1421 Emerson Ave., Oxnard, 805-3855400, mullinautomotivemuseum.com.
MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM Ongoing. Impressive display of vintage automobiles and Americana, as well as the Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club and the car-centric art in the Fireball Art Gallery. Muscles and Mojo car show in the parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month. The museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1930 Eastman Ave., Oxnard, 805-487-4333, www. murphyautomuseum.org.
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY Through May 8: Arte Para la Gente, the collected works of Margaret Garcia. Online: Out and Back: Ventura County Outdoor Adventures , a newly digitized collection of photographs taken from reels of film created by lifelong Ventura County resident and avid outdoorsman Herman Keene (1879-1965). Ongoing: MVC Gallery Marketplace, exhibits devoted to the Chumash, the history of Ventura County, George Stuart Historical Figures® and more. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323 or venturamuseum.org.
OJAI ART CENTER Through March 3. A One Man-One Woman Artist, works by the masculine and feminine sides of artist-in-residence Paul Whitehead/Trisha van Cleef. 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-646-0117, www. ojaiartcenter.org/art.html.
OJAI INSTITUTE Through Feb. 26. Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation is pleased to present Sounds For Survival , a solo exhibition project by Jovan C. Speller, a Minnesota artist known for interpreting historic narratives through contemporary discourse. 248 S. Montgomery St., Unit A, Ojai, 805-633-9188, theojaiinstitute.org.
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM Through March 13:
Ojai Warming: Flora and Fauna in the Time of Climate Change, images and photos that show us the rare and endangered species in this area . . . and what we stand to lose due to drought, wildfires, extreme temperatures and habitat destruction. Ongoing: Small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the Ojai Valley, as well as virtual talks and more. Now
RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM Ongoing. The 40-acre landmark and museum is one of the best surviving examples of an early California rancho and honors the area’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. “Last Sundays at the Landmark” take place the last Sunday of every month, and include docent-led tours, music and more. Open every Sunday for docentled tours; group and special-focus tours by appointment. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-521-1501, www.ranchocamulos.org.
realART Opened Jan. 9. The art gallery in Whizin Market Square will host a new show with works by a variety of contemporary artists. Whizin Market Square, 28861 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 310-452-4000, buyrealart.com.
RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Through Feb. 27. FBI: From Al Qaeda to Al Capone, covering the history of the organization from its inception to modern day. Exhibit will include a Thompson machine gun, the getaway car used by Bonnie and Clyde and the original Unabomber Manifesto. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800-410-8354, www.reaganfoundation.org.
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Through May 8: En Plein Air: An Exploration of Malibu and Ventura County, works by 32 artist members of the famed, 113-year-old California Art Club. Through March 6: The 13th Annual Art About Agriculture, with 66 fresh works from 60 distinct artists that explore the many facets of agriculture. The museum is now open, Wednesdays-Sundays. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-525-5554 or www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
SPICETOPIA Through March 31. New Buenaventura Art Association members’ show. Details to come. 576 E. Main St., Ventura, 805628-3267, www.spice-topia.com.
VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — housewares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805- 644-6800, venturapottersguild. org/gallery.
VERY VENTURA GIFT SHOP AND GALLERY Through March 31. New Buenaventura Art Association members’ show. Details to come. 540 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-628-3540, very-ventura.com.
WILLIAM ROLLAND GALLERY Through April 8. Common Ground: Artists Reimagining Community, developed from a virtual exhibit that ran in 2020. Includes experimental film, music, comics, paintings, photography, graphic novels and more — all of which explore how we can reimagine what might be by addressing sociopolitical and economic differences. California Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, 805-493-3697, rollandgallery.callutheran.edu.
Celebrate Black History Month at the Agriculture Museum during Family Fun Day on Feb. 26, where activities will focus on the work of African American scientists. Pictured: Dr. Patricia Bath, ophthalmologist, inventor, humanitarian, academic and an early pioneer of laser cataract surgery.
HAPPENINGS
Happenings includes community events, meetings, classes, resources, needs and Arts Listings. To submit an item for inclusion email to: happenings@vcreporter.com
THURSDAY
OIL PAINTING CLASSES WITH GABRIEL ISLAS | Thursdays through March 31, 2-5 p.m. An introductory class into traditional and modern techniques of oil painting. The class will include a small color study and a large final painting of a Landscape scene. Lectures, demos and individual feedback will be provided throughout the class. With an emphasis on process, students will learn how to plan, prep and complete a landscape painting in oil. $175. Materials not included. Class held outside on patio. Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St., Ventura. www.vitaartcenter.com
IVOR DAVIS INTERVIEWS PHOTOGRAPHER
HARRY BENSON | 6-8 p.m. Zoom and in person. As part of the Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal series Davis will talk with legendary photographer Harry Benson who has photographed an astounding array of world renown figures from Queen Elizabeth II to Muhammed Ali, to the Shah of Iran and Amy Winehouse to Truman Capote and Dolly Parton. His black and white photographs of The Beatles are some of the most iconic images of the fab four. The interview will be conducted in person and will be livestreamed. Free for museum members. $5-$10 non-members. Details and registration online. The Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main Street, Ventura. www.venturamuseum.org
OUTSPOKEN MEN’S GROUP | 7-9 p.m. In person and Zoom each Thursday. A peer-based social and personal growth group for LGBTQ men ages 18 and over and their allies hosted by The Diversity Collective in Ventura. FREE. Online registration required at www.diversitycollectivevc.org.
FRIDAY
JAZZ MODES | 7 p.m. A powerhouse of jazz with drummer Dean Thomas and saxophonist, flutist and composer Robert Kyle. $20. Namba, 47 S. Oak Street, Ventura. www.nambaarts.com
SATURDAY
HELP BUILD VENTURA’S URBAN FOREST | 811 a.m. Free, in person event. Come learn about Ventura’s Urban Forest! West Coast Arborists will provide a presentation on tree species, tree care and the many benefits of a healthy tree canopy. Get to know other community members as you join the discussion, and participate in an arborist-guided walk in the Ventura Botanical Gardens after the presentation. This is also a training workshop in preparation for our tree-planting event on Arbor Day. Coffee and pastries provided! Topping Room at E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Ventura. www.venturatreealliance.com
SPANISH GUIDED HIKE AT BIG ROCK
PRESERVE | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. oin Ventura Land Trust staff on a guided hike of Big Rock Preserve. This easy to moderate 90-minute hike will cover a 2-mile loop in Big Rock Preserve with stops to learn about natural and cultural elements of the preserve. Water, sun protection, and closed-toe footwear are recommended. This hike is free and open to the public. RSVP below. / Únase al personal de Ventura Land Trust en una caminata guiada en la reserva de Big Rock Preserve. Esta caminata de 90 minutos, cubrirá un circuito de 2 millas en Big Rock Preserve con paradas para aprender sobre los elementos naturales y culturales de la reserva. Se recomienda traer agua, protección solar y zapatos cerrados. Esta caminata es gratuita y abierta al público. RSVP abajo. https://bit.ly/3t2NQda
PROTECT OUR WATER CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
| 10 a.m. Online event. Local organizations are working together in support of local referendums Measures A and B on the June 7 primary ballot, which are related to permitting requirements for oil and gas operations in Ventura County. Hosted
FROM TUNDRA TO STEPPE TO DESERT AND FOREST | Friday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. Free Zoom event Dr. Trish Miller has been tracking and studying eagles for more than 15 years. She will share gleanings from her research and insight into the ecology and conservation of North America’s Golden Eagles at this event hosted by the Bird Museum and Research Center. Register online at www.wfvz.org. Pictured: Dr. Trish Miller. Photo submitted.
by VC-Safe coalition, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Climate First - Replacing Oil and Gas (CFROG), Food and Water Watch, Los Padres ForestWatch. RSVP at https:// fwaction.us/protect-our-water
ASSEMBLAGE: 3D FOUND OBJECT TEEN ART
CLASS | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free, In person Artist Rafael Perea de la Cabada will guide Oxnard area teens grades 8-12 in exploring three dimensional art through combining found objects and non-traditional art materials using the fundamental elements of art. Materials provided. Space is limited. Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. https://bit.ly/3h94l20
FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE AGRICULTURE MUSEUM | 12-2 p.m. Free, in person event. This month, the museum is celebrating Black History Month through exploring the contributions of African-American scientists with fun hands-on experiments. First, commemorate one of the first African-American female chemists, Bettye Washington Greene, by making your very own slime. Then, test how fast your eyes adjust to different images thanks to the discoveries of ophthalmologist, inventor, and UCLA professor, Dr. Patricia Bath. The Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula. https://bit. ly/3BLuGwC
THOUSAND OAKS SPRING HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION | 1- 3
p.m. Boys in grades 9 through 12 are invited to the first opportunity to register and be evaluated for the spring high school basketball league. Games are played on Saturdays, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. starting March 12. March 5th is the second and final evaluation day. Fee is $125 for 10 weeks, includes jersey. Volunteer coaches are assistants are also needed. Call after 2 p.m. for details: 805494-5156. Registration is online. Thousand Oaks Teen Center, 1375 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. www.thousandoaksteencenter.com
BOOK SIGNING WITH DR. BILL SALEEBEY | 3-7 P.M. Dr. Bill Saleebey, Ventura author and networking expert, will be signing and discuss-
ing his new book “Networking in the Virtual Age: Connecting with No Limits.” House of Rio Design Co., 1718 E. Main St., Ventura.
ANDRE THIERRY ON ACCORDION | 7 p.m. A masterful force with elite style, Andre Thierry and his band provide a feel good show. $20. Namba, 47 S. Oak St., Ventura. www.nambaarts.com
OUR AMERICAN ROOTS | 7:30 p.m. International violin sensation Philippe Quint will perform his Grammy-nominated rendition of Korngold’s Violin Concerto, with Michael Christie and the New West Symphony for this kaleidoscopic event celebrating America’s musical heritage. One of Quint’s award-winning commercial releases includes his debut on the Warner Classics label, a CD titled Chaplin’s “Smile,” that features 13 original arrangements of songs by Charlie Chaplin. Tickets starting at $30. Saturday’s performance, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. www.newwestsymphony.org.
SUNDAY
FORUM ON OIL AND GAS DRILLING REFERENDUM | 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Ojai Valley Democratic club is hosting a panel discussion about the June 7 ballot referendums (Measures A and B) that Ventura County voters will be voting on. The talk will include a presentation from VC-Safe, a newly formed political action committee running a campaign to vote yes on Measures A and B, to uphold policies adopted by the Ventura County Supervisors requiring environmental review for new or expanded oil and gas projects. Carmen Ramirez, Ventura County Supervisor (Dist. 5) and Dr. Steve Colome, advisory board member of nonprofit Ventura based Climate First - Replacing Oil and Gas (CFROG) will be joined on the panel by Ryan Blatz, Ojai City council member. The event is open to all area residents regardless of party affiliation. Ojai Arts Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. www.ojaivalleydemocrats.org.
AN EVENING OF CHAMBER MUSIC | 2 p.m. Mezzo soprano Dana Rouse will sing Vaughan Williams’ “Ten Blake Songs for Soprano and Oboe” as well as “Landscapes,” a song cycle for piano, cello, violin and soprano. Pianist Soon Kim, oboe player Lynn Olson and others will join Rouse in sharing some rarely heard chamber music piece. Donations accepted. Vaccination proof required. 805-493-3306. California Lutheran University, Samuelson Chapel, 165 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks. www.CalLutheran.edu/music.
SUNDAY MORNIN’ PRAISE BAND | 3 p.m. Led by Ladell Marsh this nine piece gospel band complete with horns and singers will rouse your spirit and foster joy. Donations encouraged. Namba, 47 S. Oak St., Ventura. www.nambaarts.com
OUR AMERICAN ROOTS | 3 p.m. International violin sensation Philippe Quint will perform his Grammy-nominated rendition of Korngold’s Violin Concerto, with Michael Christie and the New West Symphony for this kaleidoscopic event celebrating America’s musical heritage. One of Quint’s award-winning commercial releases includes his debut on the Warner Classics label, a CD titled Chaplin’s “Smile,” that features 13 original arrangements of songs by Charlie Chaplin. Tickets starting at $30. Sunday’s performance, Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista Dr., Camarillo. www.newwestsymphony.org.
MONDAY
VENTURA RIVER WATERSHEDGROUNDWATER/SURFACE WATER MODEL WEBINAR | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The State Water Resources Control Board is hold -
THE SECRET LIFE OF BEARS | Friday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m. Join Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant for an engaging look into the life of North American black and grizzly bears and her work striving to help humans and carnivores coexist. As a large carnivore ecologist working with the National Geographic Society’s Last Wild Places Initiative Wynn-Grant works to protect and restore iconic wildlife populations. She studies the movements and behaviors of bears, bison, pronghorn, cougars and other large wildlife as they encounter man-made obstacles like roads, fences and cattle ranches that carve up their habitat. She is also on the Board of Governors for the Society for Conservation Biology and a Special Director for The Explorer’s Club. $41-$51. 805-449-2787. Bank of America Performing Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. www.bapacthousandoaks.com Pictured: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. Photo submitted.
ing a webinar and technical training series (March 2 and 4) on the Groundwater/ Surface Water Model of the Ventura River Watershed to inform comments on the Draft Model Documentation Report due by April 1. Registration information at: https://bit. ly/3s9T4EG
VENTURA REDISTRICTING - VENTURA CITY COUNCIL MEETING | 6:30 p.m. Online meeting. At the regularly scheduled city council meeting an updated “preferred draft map” of the new districts will be discussed. Meeting and map details at: https://bit.ly/3LUE45u
WEDNESDAY
IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, POLICE TRUST AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE | 6:30-8 p.m. , Free, Zoom webinar. A community discussion into the research findings and community impacts of local immigration enforcement policies including the interactions between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Panelists include Dr. Catalina AmuedoDorantes, Ph.D. with University of California, Merced; Maria Jiminez, director of Santa Paula based Poder Popular; Irisela Contreras, Living with Love Program Evaluation Coordinator, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP); Julissa Peña, Executive Director, Immigrant Legal Defense Center. Spanish and Mixteco interpretation available. Registration online: https://bit.ly/DV_Webinar.
BEACH NEIGHBORS AND NEWCOMERS WOMEN’S CLUB | 9:30 a.m. In person. The monthly meeting of this woman’s membership group is for residents of Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. This meeting with feature speaker Don Price, a professional engineer and climate change educator. Interested members are welcome. Ventura Comedy Club, 2nd Floor, 1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura.
THURSDAY
COMMUNITY SINGERS NEEDED | Auditions through Feb. 25. In preparation for the Spring Choral Spectacular Arts Under the Stars the Channel Islands Choral Association and Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra team up for Spring performances in Camarillo on June 4 and 5. The CSU Channel Islands University Chorus is seeking new members. Auditions are by appointment only. Rehearsals are on campus at CSUCI. Those accepted must register
with CICA prior to first rehearsal. Fee is $125. To audition email: downbeatplus@gmail.com
COMMUNITY NEEDS, OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN FOR 2022 YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT | Through Feb. 28. Students grades 7-12 in the Conejo Valley are encouraged to apply to attend the Youth Leadership Summit where community youth will participate in round table discussion with community leaders with the goal of keeping Thousand Oaks youth-friendly. Competitive application process open now. Information and application are online at: www.toaks.org/youth. For questions regarding the Youth Leadership Summit, email youthcommission@toaks.org or call Sarah Mailes at 805-449-2118.
FREE TAX PREP ASSISTANCE | Through April 30, 2022. Trained volunteer tax preparers with the United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) are available to help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2021 are eligible to use the free services. This assistance is in-person and by appointment only. Call 211 or visit www.MyFreeTaxes.org to make an appointment.
COMMUNITY WALK AUDITS | Ongoing in February The Ventura County Transportation Commission invites the public to participate in community walk audits to help identify future improvements for the agency’s transportation plan update. Take a walk in your neighborhood & answer 10 questions to be entered into a gift card drawing. Walk your neighborhood then take the survey:https://bit.ly/3uRWPjX
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR PLEASANT VALLEY AREA GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS | deadline April 30. The Stan Daily Scholarship of $1,000 is offered to students living in the Pleasant Valley area, including Camarillo, Somis and the Santa Rosa Valley. The award is given by the Pleasant Valley Historical Society to the graduating senior who produces the best piece of original research (750 words) related to the history of the Pleasant Valley area. For further information contact pvhBill@gmail.com, 805-482-3660. https://pvhsonline.org/scholarship/. ♦
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MUSIC
Back to life
by Mike Nelson
How does one celebrate the nation’s “roots,” musically speaking?
By drawing from a landscape of sound and sight that offers a passionate and thought-provoking concert for an audience — a live-and-in-person audience, no less — ready to enjoy music that celebrates our connection to one another.
With that, New West Symphony (NWS) will offer “Our American Roots” in performances Feb. 26 and 27 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks and Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo, respectively.
The selections include two pieces that are “reflective” in more ways than one: Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and Joan Tower’s “Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman,” each accompanied by big-screen artwork by Joe Sohm, dubbed America’s photo-historian for his spectacular visual presentations of Americana.
Sohm — a resident of Ojai whose “Visions of America” was performed by NWS in 2013 — has assembled two new video installments for the “Fanfares.” The result, said NWS Music Director Michael Christie, is “a cinematic concert with orchestral sounds.”
“Joe’s imagery is bright and stunning, and he incorporates changes of image with a crispness similar to the fanfares themselves,” said Christie. “His energetic artwork captures the American story, and it should be very complementary to the music.”
to “Our American Roots”
Violinist Philippe Quint will be a featured performer for New West Symphony’s “Our American Roots,” Feb. 26-27, 2022. Photo by
Christie described the pieces as fascinating in their similarities. “Tower wrote her fanfares with the exact instrumentation of Copland’s. The forces required to perform these works are exactly the same. No one is getting more or less than the other. So there is a lot of interesting symbolism at play here, which the audience will appreciate.” And, on the eve of National Women’s History Month in March, “it feels appropriate” to feature a pioneering American female composer.
The fanfares wrap around Antonín Dvořák’s “Suite in A major, Op. 98b” (American), written after the Czechborn composer traveled to U.S. urban centers and rural landscapes in the late 19th century, producing a musical tapestry combining American traditional styles with Western European symphonic traditions.
“When we think about immigrants coming to the U.S.,” noted Christie, “a constant thread is their fascination with the variety of landscapes and culture already here, which is what Dvořák gave us in his suite.”
The concert concludes with a pair of selections from America’s great film composers, past and present: Erich Korngold’s “Violin Concerto,” featuring renowned violinist Philippe Quint, and John Williams’ Star Wars Suite
“The pieces by Korngold and Williams retain the symphonic palette of the fanfares,” says Christie. “And having Korngold and Williams side by side is really interesting, because there is similar language and goals in what they created.”
The February concerts mark just the second live performances by NWS after nearly two years of livestream-only shows.
“It was so nice to enjoy a real process again — live rehearsals as well as live performances,” smiled Christie, reflecting on the ensemble’s “Four Seasons” performances in January. “Just to have that interaction again with the musicians in rehearsal, after more regimented recording sessions for livestream concerts, gave us all a great lift. It was also fun to do things a little differently in each performance. And the audience was happy, too.”
Ticket and subscription sales are strong, added Natalia Staneva, CEO. “We’re pleasantly surprised at the response to our events. People see classical music as more of an escape and a chance to relax and enjoy art.”
NWS continues to follow and maintain strict health protocols, including proof of vaccination for, and masking at, live shows. And for those who don’t yet feel comfortable attending in-person, performances are still being recorded for viewing online, with purchase.
“The pandemic has taught us that performances don’t need to be one and done, so a lot more people can enjoy them,” said Christie. “And while we’re constantly listening to the health departments and consulting with medical professionals to ensure safety, we are delighted that people are coming to see and hear a thriving ensemble in concert.” ♦
“Our American Roots” will be performed on Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, and on Feb. 27, 3:30 p.m. at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista, Dr., Camarillo. For tickets and more information, call 805-497-5880 or visit newwestsymphony.org/2021-22-season-2/our-american-roots/.
John Gress
AFTER DARK vcreporter.com
AFTER DARK LIVE AND ONLINE
H = Highly recommended
If you have something related to nightlife — online or otherwise — please email nshaffer@ timespublications.com. Due to the erratic nature of entertainment booking, information contained here is subject to change and not guaranteed. Call venues ahead to confirm. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!
WEDNESDAY,
2/23
LIVE MUSIC
The Canyon: Country Night, 7 p.m.
The Garage: Blue Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.
The Grape: Jazzicide, 7-10 p.m.
The Lookout: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show, 7-10 p.m.
The Twist on Main: Classic country with Jesse Harris, 7-9 p.m.
COMEDY
GiGi’s: Comedy Night with Artie Lopez, 8 p.m.
Levity Live Comedy Club: The Good, The Bad and the Funny, 8 p.m. Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley East; Cochran): Cosmic Comedy, 8-10 p.m.
Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Colt St.): HeadGames Trivia, 7-9 p.m.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Open mic with Kiana Marquez, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY,
2/24
LIVE MUSIC
Boatyard Pub: Bluegrass Thursday
The Grape: Nick Mancini Trio, 7-10 p.m.
Leashless Brewing: Daniela Cardillo, 6:30 p.m.
Tony’s Pizzaria: Reggae Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The Twist on Main: LA Jazz Connection, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Winchester’s: James Broz Band, 5:30-8:30 p.m. COMEDY
The Canyon: Laughter Heals with Eddie Ifft, Luz Pazos, Andre LaVelle and hosted by Michelle MaliZaki, 7:30
p.m. H
Levity Live Comedy Club: HaHa Davis, 8 p.m.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club:
Denise Carter and friends, 7 p.m. H
ONLINE
Gary Ballen: “The Human Jukebox” on Facebook Live every Thursday, 7-9 p.m. www.facebook.com/garyballen1
OTHER
Anna’s Cider: Trivia night, 7 p.m.
El Rey Cantina (Camarillo): Karaoke with Leigh Balton, 8-11 p.m.
The Garage: Dart league
The Hangar Bar: Karaoke with Susan, 6-9 p.m.
Keynote Lounge: Karaoke with KJ Carlos, 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Lookout: Acoustic Open Mic with Tommy Foytek, 7-10 p.m.
The Manhattan: Trivia night, 7 p.m.
Music Freqs: February Jam Night (“Silver Lining,” Rilo Kiley), 7-8 p.m.
Outlaws: Sing Time Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
The Shores: Kokopelli Karaoke qualifier contests, 9 p.m.
Sportsman Lounge (Camarillo): Sing Time Karaoke, 7-10 p.m.
FRIDAY, 2/25
LIVE MUSIC
1901 Speakeasy: Teresa Russell, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Cantara Cellars: Cadillac Zack Presents Artur Menezes, 8-10 p.m.
The Canyon: Johnny Cash Birthday Bash feat. The Mighty Cash Cats with Rusty Dogs and R62, 7 p.m. H
DVP Stage (Ventura, Main and
Cadillac Zack presents Artur Menezes at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo on Friday, Feb. 25, 8-10 p.m.
Client: Scandia
Please
California St.): Sky Wave, 5-8 p.m.
Four Brix Winery: Duncan and the Dragonslayers, 6-8:30 p.m.
The Grape: Chuck Dennis presents Jazz, Funk and Soul, 8 p.m.
The Greek: Richard and Janice, 3-6 p.m.
Leashless Brewing: Singular Nature, 6:30 p.m.
The Manhattan: Tour Support, 6:30 p.m.
NAMBA Performing Arts Space: Jazz Modes, 7 p.m.
The Raven Tavern: Jetlemons, 7 p.m.
Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley East; Cochran): Mike Watt and the Missingmen, 9 p.m. H
CHECK LIST: p phone number is correct spelling
PLEASE NOTE:
Topa Topa Brewing (Ojai): Sam Kulchin, 7-9 p.m.
All advertising produced by the production department of
The Twist on Main: Vinyl Gypsies, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
use other than the placement of advertising in any of
The Vine: Dianne Miller, 7-9 p.m.
Times Media Group, plus any applicable fees.
Winchester’s: Frank Barajas, 7 p.m. COMEDY
Levity Live Comedy Club: Becky Robinson, 7:30
This proof is to check for accuracy and is not intended to show quality of reproduction.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Forrest Shaw, 7 p.m.
DJS
Azar’s Sports Bar: DJ Night Keynote Lounge: DJ AVG, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean OTHER
The Garage Bar: Karaoke with Steve Sharp
SATURDAY, 2/26
LIVE MUSIC
805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Kenny Devoe, 11 a.m.
Azar’s Sports Bar: Replay, 8 p.m. Bank of America Performing Arts Center: A tribute to the Coasters, the Platters and the Drifters, 7:30 p.m. H Cantara Cellars: Whiskey Business, 6:30 p.m.
The Canyon: Dramarama with the Relatives, 7 p.m.
Deer Lodge: The Village Idiots, 9 p.m. H
DVP Stage (Ventura, Main and California St.): Tribal Me, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sepiatone, 5-8 p.m.
The Garage Bar: Buena Onda Band
The Grape: Fausto Cuevas y La
Continued on Page 30
Catch Luz Pazos at Laughter Heals at The Canyon on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. She is joined by Eddie Ifft, Andre LaVelle and host Michelle MaliZaki.
Continued from Page 17
Moderna, 2-5 p.m.; Plotz, 8 p.m.
Harley’s Bowl (Camarillo): California Space Truckers, 7-9 p.m.
Oceanview Pavilion: No Duh (No Doubt tribute), 7:30-11 p.m.
Oxnard Performing Arts Center: Grupo Bronco, 7 p.m.
The Raven Tavern: Sean Wiggins, 7 p.m.
Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley East; Cochran): Ignite with Chaser, Sidekick, No Advisory, 8:30-11:30 p.m.
The Twist on Main: Mark Masson, 2-5 p.m.; Cyamak Ashtiani with Mix 2, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
The Vine: Smitty and Julija, 7-9 p.m. COMEDY
Levity Live Comedy Club: Becky Robinson, 7 p.m.
of America Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley East; Cochran): Reggae Sunday, 5-7 p.m.
Tony’s Pizzaria: 80s Beach Party with Dork, 3-7 p.m.
The Twist on Main: Divebar Steve, 2-5 p.m.
The Vine: Corey Highberg, 7-9 p.m.
Winchester’s: Cinnamon Whiskey, 2 p.m.
OTHER Azar’s Sports Bar: Rockstar Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Garage: Tacos and Trivia with King Trivia, 7 p.m.
The Lookout: Trivia, 7 p.m.
Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley East; Cochran): Rockstar Karaoke, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Star Lounge: Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.
DOUGET BAND
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Forrest Shaw, 7 p.m.
DJS
Zin Bistro: Jason Bourne, 4 p.m.
COMEDY
Vaquero Y Mar: Karaoke with Paul, 8-11 p.m.
Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean ONLINE
Deer Lodge: The Village Idiots, broadcast live at 9 p.m. www.deerlodgeojai.com/ live-music H OTHER
Harbor Cove Cafe: Ukulele Jam with Gary Ballen and Kool Hand Ukes, 10 a.m.
SUNDAY, 2/27
LIVE MUSIC
805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Kenny Devoe, 11 a.m.
Levity Live Comedy Club: Becky Robinson, 7 p.m. DJS
The Garage: DJ Also, 12-7 p.m.
OTHER
Fatty Vegan: Ska brunch, 10:30 a.m.
Harbor Cove Cafe: Yacht Rock Sunday
MONDAY,
2/28
OTHER
The Garage: Billiard league; industry discounts
The Vine: Tuesday Night Trivia, 7-8:30 p.m.
Winchester’s: Open mic night with Jenna Rose, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, 3/2
LIVE MUSIC
The Canyon: Country Night, 7 p.m.
The Garage: Blue Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.
The Grape: The Chet Baker/ Gerry Mulligan Quartet, 8 p.m.
The Lookout: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show, 7-10 p.m.
Paddy’s: Free pool and darts, open to close
The Canyon: Taylor Made Tapestry (James Taylor, Carole King tribute), 8 p.m. H
DVP Stage (Ventura, Main and California St.): Jim Friery, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Four Brix Winery: Cary Park, 1-3 p.m.
Leashless Brewing: Mike Beers, 3 p.m.
NAMBA Performing Arts
Space: Sunday Morning in the Afternoon with Sunday Mornin’ Praise Band, 3 p.m. H
Oxnard Performing Arts
Center: R&B Sundays on the Patio feat. the House Arrest Band, 1-4 p.m.
Ric’s Restaurant: Live music, 2:30 p.m.
Q Club: Karaoke with Leigh Balton, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Tipsy Goat: Rockstar Karaoke, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
TUESDAY,
3/1
LIVE MUSIC
Copa Cubana: Hot Roux, 7-9
p.m. H
Prime Steakhouse: Danny Delurgio sings Sinatra, 6 p.m.
Ric’s Restaurant: Tour Support, 5-8 p.m.
Vaquero Y Mar: Sea Hunters, 5-7 p.m.
COMEDY
Levity Live Comedy Club: Nimesh Patel, 8 p.m.
The Twist on Main: Classic country with Jesse Harris, 7-9 p.m.
COMEDY
GiGi’s: Comedy Night with Artie Lopez, 8 p.m.
Levity Live Comedy Club: Chad and JT, 8 p.m.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Jest Improv, 6 p.m.
OTHER
Paddy’s: Paddy’s: Be the Star Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.
Tipsy Goat: Rockstar Karaoke, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Colt St.): HeadGames Trivia, 7-9 p.m. Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Open mic with Kiana Marquez, 7 p.m. ♦
Philemon Young Jr. and Seville pay tribute to the music of The Platters, The Drifters and The Coasters at the Bank
Fueling up before heading out
The staff of the Ventura County Reporter is made up of individuals who vary widely in their lifestyles and interests, but we do have some key things in common. We love our community, we love to get out and about to enjoy it (albeit in really different ways) and we all look to our favorite eateries to fuel up for a day of adventure. Here are some of our top picks for filling our bellies before — and sometimes after — filling our souls with the beauty of the outside world.
Warren Barrett, Associate Publisher
Sandbox Coffehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura 805-641-1025
sandboxcoffeehouse.com
On a warm day their açai bowls always hit the spot. Also love their iced coffee.
Maggie’s on the Avenue 4200 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura 805-641-2548
Client: Salzers
enjoy all the different hot sauces as well. If it’s not happy hour, I’ll go for the fish and shrimp burrito. And they always have a good selection of local beers on draft and good tunes playing.
Peirano’s
204 E. Main St., Ventura 805-628-9028
www.peiranosmarket.com
Great selection of sandwiches to go to bring along for any outdoor adventure. The Italian and roasted vegetable are my go-tos.
Harbor Cove Cafe
1867 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
805-658-1639
harborcovecafe.net
After surfing the Ventura Harbor, I enjoy walking over to Harbor Cove Cafe. Great breakfast option and waterside seating to watch the boats go by.
Barbara
Kroon,
Account Executive
Aqua Beachfront Bar at Crowne Plaza
Ventura Beach
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
805-648-2100
Enjoy gorgeous ocean views from Aqua Beachfront Bar’s outdoor patio.
Please check this proof over carefully and indicate all corrections clearly. You will have a “1st Proof”, “2nd Proof”, and “Final Proof”. If we receive no proof after the 1st or 2nd Proofs, AD WILL RUN AS IS. If this proof meets your approval on the 1st proof, check off “FINAL PROOF (APPROVED)” box, date and sign at the bottom ISSUE: 2/25/21
NOTICE: PLEASE FAX THIS PROOF TO (805) 648-2245 ASAP
When headed for any adventure in Ojai, Maggie’s has my favorite breakfast burritos in town. I call my order in and they are ready mintues later.
Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co. 806 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, 805-643-8226
311 Carmen Dr., Camarillo, 805-643-8226
spencermakenzies.com
Can’t beat their happy hour! Twofor-one fish tacos available Monday through Thursday, 3-5 p.m. I really
cpventura.com/dining
I’m more inclined to stroll than hike. I enjoy being close to or on the water. So, logically, my first pick would be the Aqua Bar at the Crowne Plaza before walking on the beach boardwalk in Ventura. Whether indoor by the bar, outside at the high tops or lounging on the couches both in and out, the staff is friendly, there are lots of tasty bites
to choose from and the cocktails satisfy. Not to mention, the view of the ocean and the pier can’t be beat. Stick around by the huge fireplace after sundown and make new friends!
Toppers Pizza Place 2701 Peninsula Road, Oxnard 805-385-4444
www.topperspizzaplace.com
At the Channel Islands Harbor you can enjoy Toppers Pizza for a delicious seaside slice and their epic salad bar before wandering around by the fun shops and boats.
Rabalais’ Bistro 861 E. Main St., Santa Paula 805-525-2109 rabalaisbistro.com
I live in Santa Paula, so locally, my favorite stroll is a few blocks from my house to the Historic Downtown and I usually wind up at Rabalais’, where I love to sit outside on the patio and enjoy a cappuccino and a lovely baked good like a scone or muffin — outdoor dining at its best!
Healthy and delicious açai bowl from Sandbox Coffeehouse. Photo by N. Lackey Shaffer
Coffee that tastes as good as it looks, courtesy of Rabalais’ Bistro. Photo from Facebook
IN GOOD TASTE
Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer, Editor
Corrales Mexican Food
1951 E. Thompson Blvd., Midtown Ventura
805-643-6138
795 E. Thompson Blvd., Downtown Ventura 805-643-1043
I love Mexican food, and I don’t need much encouragement to seek it out . . . and that goes doubly so for Corrales. We eat here once a week, at least, and it is definitely my go-to spot for the post-beach burrito. Sometimes that means a weekday breakfast burrito after the kids are dropped off at school and my husband and I have finished a lengthy stroll along the Promenade. Sometimes that means an easy, filling, affordable lunch after hiking the Carpinteria Bluffs Trail, when everyone is starving and no one has the patience for a lengthy wait. I’ve made my best friend a convert as well: When she comes up from Burbank to surf Mondo’s, we refuel here after hitting the waves.
back to the car to head home; my favorite burritos are there waiting for me, hot and fresh, every time.
Cajun Kitchen
301 E. Main St., Ventura 805-643-7701
cajunkitchencafe.com/ ventura
I love the Ventura Botanical Gardens, because they are so close and so pretty. True, it’s not the most demanding trek, which made it ideal for a family hike when the kids were younger. Now they can run circles around me, but we still enjoy the low-
sure . . . but many fall short of the flavorful offerings available at Cajun Kitchen.
I’m fairly certain there isn’t a subpar option on the menu. The omelets are fantastic, and you can get them filled and topped with just about anything. Pancakes and waffles? You bet — buttermilk, berry, chocolate chip, tropical… Eggs Benedict is available in everything from classic to veggie to seafood and even fried chicken, and the breakfast burritos are enormous. But make sure you start your day with an order of delicious beignets!
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Star Books Ad Executive: Jon Cabreros (805) 648-2244
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I suspect the entire menu is good, but in all honesty, I can’t confirm that: We have our favorites and we stick to them. Carne asada for the high schooler, chicken for my husband, the classic BRC (beans, rice, cheese) for both the middle schooler and me. Although I am also partial to a breakfast burrito with eggs, beans and potatoes, and that deliciously spicy salsa wrapped inside. Oh, and the horchata is great, too.
This hole-in-the-wall is very popular and food is made to order, so Corrales is not the speediest spot — I recommend giving them a solid 20-minute heads up. We usually call our orders in right when we’re getting
stress outing, flowers in bloom, the ocean views . . . and the proximity to Cajun Kitchen Cafe. No VBG visit is complete without a meal here.
I’ve been a fan of this place for more than three decades — I was a regular at the downtown Santa Barbara restaurant as a college student, and was delighted when they opened up a location on the corner of Palm and Main streets in Ventura. My husband and kids love it as much as I do, and it’s become the gold standard for breakfast dining. We have had some fine meals at other restaurants, to be
ISSUE: 10/14/21
Cajun Kitchen is just a few blocks from city hall and VBG, so it’s an easy drive to the trailhead . . . but honestly, we usually just walk it (a great way to work off some of those beignets!). For an added “adventure,” we’ll head back to the car via Poli, where we can easily take the steps down to the old water filtration building behind Mission San Buenaventura, and then pop into the Albinger Archaeological Museum.
Kimberly Rivers, Staff Writer
When we’re heading out for an outdoor adventure, it means planning for a picnic, food easy to eat on the go, or something that won’t make a mess in the car. And by the time we get the teenager out the door with all the necessary gear, hats and sunscreen, we are all starving and wanting to get on the road quickly — so there’s no time for a sit-downservice affair.
WinCo Foods
4750 Telephone Road, Ventura
805-289-9431
You probably don’t think of bulk food bins when you’re prepping to head out the door, but some bulk food items hit the spot perfectly in a healthy way. Trail mix is an obvious choice, but don’t skip the dried fruit or Fig Newtons (yes, an acquired taste, I know). WinCo in Ventura has a fantastic bulk food section, maybe the largest I’ve seen in the area, and with the size of the store you can zip in and out quickly, snacks in hand, ready for adventure.
Westridge Family Markets
131 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-646-4082
802 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 8 05-646-2762
https://www.westridgemarket. com/
Rainbow Bridge
211 E. Matilija St., Ojai 805-646-4017
rainbowbridgeojai.com
If you’re in the Ojai Valley, Westridge Market and Rainbow Bridge are the go-to spots for bulk options to bag up on the way out into the Los Padres National Forest, the local swimming hole or a day at the beach. Two great locally owned, independent grocery stores.
Farmer and the Cook
339 W. El Roblar Dr., Ojai 805-640-9608 www.farmer-and-the-cook. com
You just hiked 10 miles or spent the day playing in the waves. In the hot sun. It was a great day but the whole family is drained. A cold, healthy smoothie tastes great and gives your body some of what it needs to recover after a day in the Ventura County sun.
The Green Mango at Farmer and the Cook in Meiners Oaks is my favorite smoothie at the moment. It’s got the greens, but you only taste the fruit. Don’t get too concerned if they run out of mango; banana and strawberry are satisfactory replacements. Check out the Figgy Stardust smoothie for something a little different.
Marché Gourmet Delicatessen
133 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai 805-646-1133
marchegourmetdeli.com
The tried-and-true deli sandwich is just the thing for a picnic at the trailhead. Keeping things simple adds to the enjoyment.
Our family’s go-to sandwich spots are the deli at Westridge (Midtown, Ojai, see above) with pre-made options or made-to-order sandwiches, easy to get after bagging up some trail mix.
When mom is craving a slightly more gourmet approach to the pre-adventure sandwich, we’ll order out from Marché Gourmet, a small spot between the playhouse and library, where cash is preferred and the peanut butter cookies are divine.
Productos La Flor de Michoacan
702 W. El Roblar Dr., Ojai 805-640-8189
In SoCal, the alternative to the sandwich is the burrito, and we’ve just discovered a spot in our new neighborhood called Productos La Flor De Michoacan. At the west end of El Roblar Avenue in Meiners Oaks, this shop is a step above the typical corner store: fresh ingredients, items quickly made to order, with great salsa and tables out front. Look for the blue building.
Begin
meal at Cajun Kitchen with an order of light, fluffy beignets. Photo by Dean Johnson
Deli sandwiches get a gourmet upgrade at Marché in Ojai.
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