Ventura County Reporter 12-01-22

MUSIC

Courtland, Ivor Davis, Emily Dodi, Alicia Doyle, Marina Dunbar, David Goldstein, Chuck Graham, Chris Jay, Daphne Khalida Kilea, Doyoon Kim, Karen Lindell, Paul Moomjean, Madeline Nathaus, Mike Nelson, Tim Pompey, Kimberly Rivers, Kathy Jean Schultz, Alan Sculley, Kit Stolz, Mark Storer

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OPINION

Purple is the New Party

Who really is the sexiest man alive?

by Paul Moomjean paulmoomjean@yahoo.com

It’s 2022 and our culture has been battling significant issues (racial inequality and sexual harassment) and insignificant issues (wokeness in Disney movies) for the past few years, with progress in some areas while in others, people still feel the need to be upset by a gay character in a Disney film. But if there is one issue that has played a crucial part in the development of young people, it’s the body positivity movement. For the past few years celebrities and social media influencers have railed on the unfair treatment heavy-set people have received in the area of beauty, except that they have been completely one sided — focusing on women and ignoring men.

It appears that all the talk against “fat shaming” only goes to support heavy-set women. In 2022 we’ve seen music star Lizzo come out to support the pleasantly plump, as well as Sports Illustrated putting plus-size model Yumi Nu on the cover of its swimsuit edition. While pundits like Bill Maher and Jordan Peterson have knocked down the movement in an attempt to refocus on the general health of people, the real problem is the double standard applied to men, as People magazine chose to embrace Captain America Chris Evans as 2022’s Sexiest Man Alive. In a world where there are so many other qualities to choose from, why not embrace the other aspects of manhood besides great abs and superstardom?

What makes the choice of Chris Evans problematic is that it just creates a bigger gap between what is reality and what is fantasy. YourTango.com recently reported about an OK Cupid dating app survey which found that women find 80% of men unattractive.

“Women are often thought of as picky, especially where men are concerned. Some single women are known to have lists of characteristics that their ideal man must possess, like great abs, a sense of humor, a six-figure income, and a nice car,” YourTango.com commented. “When a woman meets a potential mate, she has to decide which of these traits are deal-breakers and which she can let go. No matter how selective a woman might be, some have strict physical attributes from their must-haves list, as an OkCupid study found that women find 80 percent of men unattractive.”

Kevin Samuels used to say, “Ask a woman what she wants in a man and she’ll write War and Peace . Ask what she’s bringing, and she can’t fill the back of a stamp.”

Putting Chris Evans on the cover only increases the standard men can’t meet. Peo ple will say men have held women to this standard for decades. No. Hollywood did. Even though men might have found models more attractive than their local options to date, they still married their “average” girl next door. Women are way more picky. Today, one in three men under 30 are either not having sex or a virgin. One Tinder study claims 95% of women are having sex with 5% of men. Most other studies claim 90% of women are having sex with 10% of men.

Let me make this clear: Chris Evans is not the problem. Just as Pamela Anderson wasn’t the problem in the 1990s. The problem is that our society limits attractiveness to physical attraction to such a point that people think being with someone “average” is settling. Our dating currency used to be measured by different factors. Women used to be measured by their ability to be a good wife and mother. Men were judged by ambition and potential income.

In the end, we are creating a world of lonely men and women with sexual partners but no life partners. Men can move from one night stand to one night stand. From the Bible to Darwinism, that’s been proven in the data. But women need communication and companionship. And as long as the standard is Chris Evans, we will continue to produce our culture of loneliness. According to the most recent census, 129 million Americans are single. There’s only 330 million in the country.

Maybe it’s time for People magazine to start the redefinition of sexiness in men. Why not put Jonah Hill or Keenan Thompson on the cover? Women claim they find a sense of humor sexy, yet they have not put one comedian on the cover. Where’s a scientist? A teacher? A coach?

It’s time to redefine sexiness in all its shapes and forms. For both genders. Before we all end up alone because we all think we are too good for each other.

New future for oil museum

Chevron offers to donate building, exhibits, funding

by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com

Justin Campbell has been fascinated with Ventura County history ever since he was a kid growing up in Oxnard and one of the first museums he remembers visiting was the Cali fornia Oil Museum in Santa Paula.

The ornate, flagpole-topped building is a gem of downtown Santa Paula, its Victorian architecture a hallmark of an earlier era of commerce and capitalism when it was the original headquarters of the Union Oil Company of California starting in 1890.

Campbell said he was reintroduced to the museum a few years ago on a tour with a cham ber of commerce group, and that’s when his interest in local history and professional life as an environmental consultant in the oil and gas industry merged.

“I’ve always had a passion for local history and oil and gas and especially the iconic build ing there in Santa Paula,” said Campbell, who started asking questions during the tour about getting involved and joined the museum foundation’s board of directors.

Campbell was named board president about a year and a half ago, facing unprecedented challenges that clouded the museum’s outlook. After a yearlong COVID-related closure, the museum had a short-lived reopening that ended with shutting the doors to the public a second time in September 2021 amid funding concerns and issues luring visitors back.

But now there’s an opportunity for the museum to chart a new future, thanks to an offer by Chevron to donate the building to the city of Santa Paula along with $2,000,000 for repairs. Union Oil — later called Unocal and known for its spherical orange ’76 symbol — was purchased by Chevron in 2005, and now operates as a subsidiary. Chevron is also offering to donate exhibits housed in the museum to the city.

Negotiations between the city and Chevron are getting underway and an agreement could be approved by the Santa Paula City Council as soon as March, city officials said. While city leaders would have the option to use the historic building in any way, museum leaders are hopeful the building will continue to be used to showcase oil industry history.

Campbell said many people don’t know about Ventura County’s foundational role in the creation of the oil and gas industry, and renewed efforts to restore the building could help revitalize and reopen the museum.

“Ventura County was one of the landmarks of oil and gas production all around us,” Campbell explained. “There are natural seeps that are very visible to most people. And so that attracted early entrepreneurs and oil exploration in the area. With that came a lot of innovations. Ventura County was one of the hubs for oil and gas innovation in the early days of exploration.”

City leaders see need for a change

Santa Paula City Manager Dan Singer told the Ventura County Reporter that the city entered into a long-term agreement with Union Oil in 1993 to lease the building at 1001 East Main Street for continued use as the California Oil Museum, which first opened in 1950. An original 15-year term was extended by another 15 years, and the city had an option for anoth er 15-year extension starting next year. The lease costing the city $1 per year gave the city responsibility for maintaining the building, but Singer said over the years there was no solid plan for long-term preservation.

“We weren’t budgeting for it. And so it was more like the waterline would break, we fix it. The roof would leak, we would fix it,” Singer said. “This is the reason that we’re now in

The California Oil Museum is housed in a building dating to 1890. Photo submitted

this situation where Chevron is willing to donate the building. Because that lease arrangement wasn’t working. It wasn’t right for us, it wasn’t really doing much for Chevron, and it wasn’t really helping the foundation in any material way either.”

During a Santa Paula City Council study session in the summer of 2021, Singer said the panel agreed to send a letter to Chevron about the lease expiration and finding mutually bene ficial solutions. Singer was thrilled with the ultimate proposal offered by Chevron that includes not only the building but also $2,000,000 for deferred maintenance.

“It was really a dream come true,” said Singer. “This building is so important to the community and to our image and to our history that to have them be so generous was really just overwhelming.”

He explained that the building needs a new roof, plumbing upgrades and paint, but overall it’s in good shape for 19th-century construction.

“It’s not like the building’s falling apart. You know, these are repairable things,” Singer noted. “It definitely needs some cosmetic improvements, including some woodwork and paint ing and some new carpet. But I’d say the major items are probably a roof and a new air condi tioning and heating system. I think we could blow through $1,000,000.”

As for exactly what the building will be used for in the future, Singer could not give an exact answer. Talks about future programming are underway with California Oil Museum leaders and also Leap Lab, a science center based in Santa Paula with an exten sive fossil collection.

Singer said the opportunity for the city to own the historic building could bring new oppor tunities and he’s interested in the public’s input. “I think it’s fair to say that the museum, when it does open up its doors, which we hope will be this coming year, that it’s likely to look dif ferent than it has. But in what way it’s hard to say.”

“I do think if we’re going to be the rightful owners of the building, that we really also should reengage the community and the city council and what they would like to see,” Singer continued. “Because in some ways this is a bit of a game changer, in that it allows us to fund raise, it allows us to invest. It allows us to leverage the asset of the building in different ways than just how it’s been used the last 30 years.”

In Brief

Fires destroys SPHS gym

Fire destroyed the Bryden Gym at Santa Paula High School in what officials described as the second largest structure fire in the city’s history.

The blaze in the historic building was reported at 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, and flames were already shooting from the roof when firefighters arrived.

Ventura County Fire Department Public Information Officer Andy VanSciver told the Ventura County Reporter that the fire was so intense, firefighters had to fight it from a defensive posture with up to four ladder trucks at a time streaming water onto the flames.

VanSciver said a packing house fire about 50 years ago was the only bigger structure fire in Santa Paula, but this one has more sentimental impact because the gym held so many functions over the years.

“My understanding is the building was built in the ’30s and that the building had such a rich history for the city of Santa Paula and the graduates of Santa Paula High School,” VanSciver said.

The fire required evacuation of nearby residents but fortunately no injuries were reported.

The cause is under investigation and Santa Paula Police are asking for information regarding the fire that can be provided anonymously. Police said they have also set up a secure database for collecting footage from security and surveillance cameras related to the fire.

Affordable housing planned for T.O.

The Thousand Oaks City Council has approved a land donation for an affordable housing complex at 384 North Erbes Road. People’s Self Help Housing will build about 80 affordable townhomes that will be offered for sale on the nearly four-acre site.

Councilwoman Claudia Bill-de la Peña supported the plan at the Nov. 1 council meeting.

“There is absolutely no doubt that the city of Thousand Oaks is taking a historic step. It is a step that takes courage. It is a step that will help improve our community,” she said.

Officials said the city acquired the site from Hillcrest Christian School in 2021 and declared the property to be surplus so it could be put to a new use.

Tip line for Moorpark Unified

The Moorpark Unified School District is going high-tech when it comes to collecting reports on vandalism, bullying and harassment. WeTip 2.0, an anonymous tip line for students, staff and community members, is set to go live on Dec. 2, according to district officials.

The program involves collaboration with the Rancho Cucamonga-based company that has processed about 1.3 million crime reports nationwide, according to the WeTip website.

“Moorpark Unified staff and administration continually encourage students to reach out to teachers, counselors, coaches and administrators should they need someone to talk to,”

Superintendent Kelli Hays said. “But WeTip offers another option for anyone who would prefer to remain anonymous but has concerns about campus safety.”

Posters and signs about the WeTip program will be installed at all the district’s schools that include a phone number and QR, or quick response code, for reporting issues like weapons or graffiti.

Bike, pedestrian safety program for Ventura

A bicycle and pedestrian safety program by the Ventura Public Works Department will be funded with a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) worth over $52,000. The money will be spent on bicycle training courses, helmet fitting inspections, community bike rides and pop-up events to distribute safety items including lights and reflective leg bands.

“Every bicyclist and pedestrian should feel safe on the road,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Education is one of many important tools that collectively work to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely, regardless of how they travel.”

The grant program is set to run through September 2023 and more details are available at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ ActiveTransportation.

Grace Brethren wins awards at robotics competition

Students from Grace Brethren Jr./ Sr. High School in Simi Valley were

among the big winners in this year’s VEX Robotics competition. The Nov. 5 contest at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo included over 130 students from throughout Southern California.

Students built robots that competed in a game called “Spin Up” where points were awarded for the robots that successfully shot discs into baskets.

The team from Grace Brethren won two honors, the Excellence Award and the Judges Award.

The event is presented by the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation.

St. John’s makes the grade

St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and Saint John’s Hospital Camarillo have been honored for safety by an independent national watchdog organization.

The Leapfrog Group recognized the hospitals owned by Dignity Health with an “A” rating for fall 2022.

“Achieving an “A” grade is a direct result of the hard work, dedication and passion for excellence that the St. John’s team demonstrates every day,” said Barry Wolfman, president and CEO of both hospitals. “It is an honor to work with a team who places so much importance on quality and safety.”

Hospital officials said the distinction shows that the hospitals are among the top in the nation for protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

– Alex Wilson

Antique drilling equipment is one of the attractions at the California Oil Museum. Photo submitted

Chevron sees benefit in donation

Jeff Moore is a government and public affairs advisor for Chevron who has been working on the proposal for the last year. Moore said company officials believe in preserving the building, which is registered as a local and state landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“First of all, it’s a beautiful Queen Anne-style building,” Moore said. “It also represents some of the heritage not only of Union Oil Company of California, but the petroleum industry that evolved around Santa Paula around the turn of the last century.”

Chevron and Union Oil have provided financial support to the museum over many years, and Moore said the company’s proposal will continue to honor the industry and the community that nurtured it.

“It’s an important part of the heart and soul of Santa Paula, and we recognize that it’s very important to the city and its residents. And so as we looked at the future of the building we determined this was really one of the best alternatives, to offer to donate the building and its other assets to the city so that it could be used for the benefit of the city’s residents,” Moore said.

Looking ahead to reopening

In addition to the first-floor museum space full of photographs and equipment that most visitors see on a self-guided tour, the second floor of the building is preserved as offices that continue to house important archives of the oil company that need to be preserved, Campbell explained.

“The archives are really important to the foundation. Those are archives that we feel that need to be managed by, you know, folks with the passion for local oil and gas,” said Campbell, who is looking forward to resuming docent-led tours of the upstairs, which has been restored to look like it did more than a century ago.

He said he is happy with the city for working on ways to preserve the museum’s mission and also grateful to Chevron for the offer to donate the building to the city.

“We’re super excited to be working with the city to move forward with programming. We are grateful for Chevron’s generosity. We really feel they stepped up and exceeded our expectations,” said Campbell. “The foundation is committed to preserving the local oil and gas history, and we hope to keep moving forward and working collaboratively with the city and other community groups.”

California Oil Museum, 1001 E. Main St., Santa Paula, 805-933-0076, https://www.caoilmuseum.org/

Fly electric Hybrid plane makes

maiden flight in Camarillo

by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com

Aviation history was made in Ventura County on Friday, Nov. 18, with the maiden flight of a hybrid-electric airplane expected to be the first electrified model to enter commercial service.

Hawthorne-based Ampaire is using a hangar at Camarillo Airport to develop and test hybrid airplanes combining new propulsion systems with airplane models that already have proven safety records, such as the nineseat Eco Caravan, based on the Cessna Grand Caravan model dating from the early 1980s.

Company officials said they have already reached a deal to sell up to 50 Eco Caravans to a company planning to lease them to various airlines, and certification to fly the aircraft commercially in the U.S. is on schedule for next year.

Susan Ying, PhD, Ampaire’s senior vice president of global partnerships and operations, watched the 33-minute flight from the ground where the test pilot used both engines at full power to climb to 3,500 feet. Ying told the Ventura County Reporter that it was a milestone day for everyone at the company.

“We’ve done a whole lot of ground tests and so on to make sure that it would work,” Ying said. “And so watching it lifting off was just tremendous. It was really exciting for all of us. And of course it was a beautiful day as usual in Camarillo, you know, blue sky and everything. It was just wonderful.”

Test Pilot Elliot Seguin said after touching down that he spent 20 minutes testing power settings for both the electric and combustion engines. “The Eco Caravan propulsion system performed just as expected,” Seguin said. “It was smooth and quiet. All temperature and power output readings were normal.”

Ampaire co-founder and CEO Kevin Noertker said there are several reasons aviation is a difficult industry to decarbonize. “Fully-electric aircraft are range limited because of the weight and energy capacity of current-gener ation batteries. Hybrid-electric aircraft, however, can preserve the range and utility of today’s aircraft. That is why we are focused on hybrid-electric propulsion for a series of increasingly capable regional aircraft. It’s a way for the airline industry to decarbonize more quickly and also to benefit from lower operating costs.”

Company officials said the Eco Caravan reduces fuel consumption and emission by up to 70% and the cost of operation is lowered by 25% to 40% depending on the airline route. The technology is also scalable to larger regional aircraft or even single-aisle airliners.

Part of the reason Ampaire is expected to bring its hybrid airplanes to market first is because the company is utilizing an aircraft that’s already certified to fly, so only the propulsion system needs to be approved by regulators.

“Launching hybrid-electric aviation is no simple task, but we have made it easier by upgrading an already certi fied aircraft,” Noertker said. “We will come to market more quickly and allow airlines around the world to begin to gain operational experience with this new type of propulsion. And we will work with them on follow-on models to meet their network requirements.”

Ying said that Ampaire officials are happy to play a role in creating a zero-emission future for the aviation industry.

“I think it’s just really exciting that we’re actually transforming the aerospace industry. As you know, Southern California is where a lot of aviation history was made,” Ying said. “I think it’s wonderful that Southern California gets to lead this revolution towards sustainable aviation. And, of course, Camarillo in Ventura County is the place that this history is happening. It’s just amazing.”

Ampaire, 3507 Jack Northrop Ave., Hawthorne, 310-507-9329, www.ampaire.com.

A hybrid Eco Caravan on the runway at Camarillo Airport the day of its first test flight. Photo submitted

One of the exhibits at the California Oil Museum. Photo submitted

Little hooligans of the high veld

She convulsed mightily as she stood watch on the eastern fringe of her maze of burrows. Her black milk ducts protruded through buff and tan-colored fur and her belly swelled with rich milk as she warbled and belted out a series of quavering trills, warning her kits of potential danger.

The watchful San Joaquin antelope ground squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni) guarded her territory with utter aplomb. Standing a mere 8 inches tall, she feasted on new green growth as spring hovered across Califor nia’s Southern San Joaquin Valley.

She also kept a keen, attentive eye on all six of her tiny, frenetic kits who were busy foraging on their own. Between nibbles they roughhoused through and around a complex series of burrows, the entry and exit points ideal for seemingly infinite games of chase.

Once a red-tailed hawk soared overhead, however, the mood surrounding the burrows quickly shifted. The presence of the majestic raptor cast shadows over the antelope ground squirrel burrows, sending all the ram bunctious kits scurrying underground in the sweeping semi-arid veld.

STRATEGIES FOR TRANSLOCATION

The young squirrels’ pace was feverish, cheeks nearly bursting with blades of brome grasses. Then, running back to their underground highways, they stashed their precious morsels. Their actions appeared as if they were performing a daily chore, and they were. After all, the average lifespan of San Joaquin antelope ground squirrels is a paltry one year, so they’re busy squirrels, living life as if every moment counts. The frenzied pace slows only in times of extreme heat, when the squirrels choose to lay low underground.

Antelope ground squirrel habitat throughout the San Joaquin Valley has greatly diminished over the last cou ple of centuries, mostly due to agriculture. In California they are listed as a species of special concern, but on

A female San Joaquin antelope ground squirrel keeping watch in the Carrizo Plain.

Story and photos by Chuck Graham

The small but surprisingly resilient antelope ground squirrel

the IUCN Red List they are listed as endangered due to habitat loss. Pockets of habitat remain, though, and California Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) environmental scientist Craig Fiehler is in the process of translocating antelope ground squirrels back to their old stomping grounds attempting to reestablish their historic habitat.

“I have wanted to study San Joaquin antelope squirrels for some time,” said Fie hler, who has worked for CDFW since 2006. “I had been thinking about testing translocation strategies for antelope ground squirrels.”

In 2011-12 the CDFW accepted the 12,000 acres of mitigation land that was secured as part of the Topaz Solar Farm Project. Fiehler was placed in charge of managing those lands just north of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. These lands were finally designated as the North Carrizo Ecological Reserve (NCER) in 2020. Most of those lands had been in dryland farming and cattle grazing, some right up until the lands transferred to CDFW.

Initially, Fiehler and his team collared three groups of 20 squirrels. One group was collared and remained in the National Monument as a “control” group, and they were not moved. One group was collared and moved up to the NCER into an area with no giant kangaroo rats (GKR). The last group was collared and moved to a neighboring parcel that is under conservation and managed by Sequoia Riverlands Trust. This area had giant kangaroo rats present, and Fiehler was interested in determining in what way underground habitat (kangaroo rat burrows in this case) affected translocation success. It was learned that having an abundance of excess burrows in the translocation area would benefit newly translocated antelope squirrels.

“In general, it seems like the squirrels like to expand to adopt burrows that have been already dug by giant kangaroo rats or even Heermann’s kangaroo rat,” con tinued Fiehler. “These burrows serve as a refuge for the squirrels during daytime activities and at night as well when they are sleeping.”

Currently, this study is still occurring in the Carrizo Plain and the surround ing regions to the north. Until the study is finished, squirrels will not be moved throughout the San Joaquin Valley. It is hoped that the results of this study will inform future conservation efforts for antelope squirrels in the area.

“However, as some lands go into retirement from agriculture,” said Fiehler, “there is some hope in connecting these islands and perhaps connecting larger squirrel populations together.”

SURVIVAL DESPITE SHRINKING HABITAT

For over 150 years ranching took place on California’s historic grasslands. Old

ranchlands in the San Joaquin Valley that have come and gone are then sometimes reclaimed by wildlife. A perfect example of this is the Carrizo Plain National Mon ument, a 250,000-acre semi-arid grassland haven that possesses more endangered species than anywhere else in California.

Historically, the San Joaquin antelope squirrel ranged from northwestern Mer ced and eastern San Benito counties south to the northern border of Santa Barbara County, skirting the edges of the Los Padres National Forest and the arid Cuyama Valley. Prior to cultivation, the area within which this species was distributed was approximately 3.5 million acres. In 1979, an estimated 680,000 acres of uncultivat ed habitat remained and only about 101,962 acres was of fair to good quality.

“In general, I am impressed with just how tough these animals are,” said Fiehler. “They are physiologically adapted to a desert environment and it’s fascinating to me that they can persist with no water to drink for months at a time. They can be active during the heat of the day and use their little tail as a parasol when there is no shade available. I also find it interesting that they live in loose colonies and look out for each other.”

Current populations include elevations of 50 meters (165 feet) on the floor of the San Joaquin Valley to around 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) in the Temblor Mountains on the eastern fringe of the national monument. In 1979, substantial populations were located within the areas around Lokern and Elk Hills in western Kern County and on the Carrizo and Elkhorn Plains in eastern San Luis Obispo County. Since 1979, San Joaquin antelope squirrels have disappeared from many of the smaller habitat clusters on the valley floor.

ENTERTAINING ANTICS

The Carrizo Plain, however, offers a look into what the entire San Joaquin Valley once appeared as so many decades ago. Observing wildlife like the antelope ground squirrel reveals just one of many inner workings of that grassland habitat. Once their burrows are established and parental bonds are confirmed, the best entertain ment begins when the kits (or pups) arrive. An average family size consists of six to nine kits. After 30 days those kits are on their own, weaned from their mother and off foraging around their intricate burrow systems.

“They do eat lots of invertebrates, probably much more so than any plant materi al,” said Brian L. Cypher, PhD and Director for the Endangered Species Recovery Program, a research and conservation group associated with the California State University at Stanislaus. “Also, they (like many other squirrels and other rodents) will scavenge on dead animals.”

Who doesn’t love a good stretch? Antelope ground squirrels provide plenty of amusing antics.

Some squirrel moms (known as does; fathers are bucks) are more tolerant than others and will accept the presence of a low-ly ing photographer. Scooching along on elbows and toes is well worth experiencing the ongoing antics of the tiny kits. The moth ers are like a diligent sentry, standing watch while the kits frolic. They also multi-task, eating while looking out for their offspring.

“The males are love ’em and leave ’em types,” explained Cypher. “Not much that the males can really do for the young. The young nurse until they begin foraging on their own. They may continue sharing burrows with the female for some time after weaning, and then eventually disperse.”

Especially eventful is observing the antics of the kits in and around old ranching implements of yesteryear, such as partial ly buried piping, rusty rakes, and trailer hitches. The more kits around the more entertaining the antics become, and the weathered relics transform into grassland jungle gyms. Beyond chasing each other through their territories adults and kits alike perform a series of planks and stretches while reveling in their furious dust baths.

If a threat is in the area, a parent will let out a warning trill, and kits and parents alike will scamper for cover. The species also responds to the warning calls of white-crowned sparrows and horned larks, both of which are abundant in the Carrizo Plain and can be seen around antelope ground squirrels. Once a potential threat subsides, the kits can’t help themselves: Their curiosity forces them to venture outside their burrows once again.

“It would not surprise me that they would use the alarm calls of co-occurring species as an early warning system,” said Fiehler. “Horned larks are especially common on our study sites. Since our sites lack a shrub component, the white-crowned sparrows are not present in any appreciable numbers.”

CAUSE TO HOPE

With so much habitat fragmentation in the San Joaquin Valley, I asked Fiehler if he felt it was only a matter of time before the San Joa quin antelope ground squirrel goes the way of the dodo. He answered my question by referring to a study he did back in 2008 on an oilfield in the San Joaquin Valley.

“At that time, we found that antelope squirrels were able to persist up to moderate habitat disturbance levels,” he said. “This leads me to believe that they may not have as narrow habitat requirements as some of the other rare species in the valley. If this is the case, I don’t fear for their survival as long as there are enough pockets of habitat and more of a focus of connecting newly acquired conservation lands to the other pockets of existing habitat. The results of our current study may help in developing strategies in which areas of the valley could potentially be repopulated with antelope squirrels. This could end up in an increase in the antelope squirrel population which would be great to see.

Buff and tan coloring gives the antelope ground squirrel plenty of camouflage in California grasslands.

Ventura County Ballet delighted the children, families and staff at Ventura County Med ical Center’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic/Diagnostic Center with a special performance of beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker on Nov. 16. It’s never easy for kids to be sick and especially not at the holidays. The goal of this outreach performance was to bring joy to these families and some holiday magic that they might otherwise not be able to experience. Five pre-professional dancers — Carter Gillespie, Hailey Hall, Noelle Hall, Jonah Tillery and Ella Ullrich — danced selections from the party scene featured in Act I of the ballet.

Following the performance, the children had the opportunity to meet the dancers, learn about their training and even feel what real ballet pointe shoes were like. All families received vouch ers for free tickets to Ventura County Ballet’s full production of The Nutcracker, the company’s 24th one, which will star Hanna Chudinova of the Kyiv Ballet in Ukraine and 70 other dancers enrobed in sumptuous costumes and pirouetting across a beautifully decorated stage. Shows take place Dec. 3-11 at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo.

— Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

www.venturacountyballet.com

Ventura County Ballet dancer Hailey Hall with 9-year-old Kateryna Matviienko at VCMC’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic/ Diagonistic Center in Ventura, Nov. 16, 2022. Photo courtesy Ventura County Ballet

From left: Jonah Tillery, Ella Ullrich, Noelle Hall, Carter Gillespie and Hailey Hall at VCMC’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic/ Diagonistic Center in Ventura, Nov. 16, 2022. Photo courtesy Ventura County Ballet

by Emily Dodi

Murder on the Orient Express, onstage through Dec. 18 at the Santa Paula Theater Center, is not your grandmother’s Agatha Christie. And that is one of the reasons why I loved it. Nothing against Ms. Christie — she is the queen of mystery, after all — but this production isn’t locked in nostalgia. It is a vibrant, funny and swiftly paced ride and tickets are going fast.

When one thinks of Murder on the Orient Express, one usually thinks of opulence. Play wright Ken Ludwig’s adaptation is often produced with elaborate sets and with actors who play it straight and leave most of the heavy lifting to the set and costumes. Here, director Richard Kuhlman wisely and daringly eschews a lavish set in favor of creating an atmosphere fueled by the energy of a terrific cast fully engaged in the moment and with each other. Kuhlman and the actors’ experience in improvisational theater is evident in the production’s physicality and humor. Seeing Christie’s war horse come to life in this way is a delight.

The marvelous cast includes Timothy Arlon, who brings out elements of the brilliant detec tive Hercule Poirot that often go overlooked. Arlon’s Poirot is a genius, a gentleman, a bit of a Lothario, a sentimentalist and a man of his time as well as ahead of it. Arlon makes Poirot a fully fleshed character instead of the caricature that he is so often portrayed to be.

John Webber is hilarious as Poirot’s friend Monsieur Bouc and his interactions, especially those with Arlon and Peggy Steketee, are inspired. Steketee makes Helen Hubbard a lovable broad with brass and bourbon in her veins. Emily Redman Hall and Taylor Marr bring sexy, silly fun to their roles as Mary Debenham and Colonel Arbuthnot. (Redman Hall’s singing voice earned spontaneous applause.) Sarah Boughton strikes gold again as Countess Andrenyi. Eric Austin makes a very welcome Ventura County stage debut as Hector MacQueen. As Michel, Bill Walthall’s comic timing is spot on. Denise Heller imbues Princess Dragomiroff with elegance and wit. The always great Brian Robert Harris makes Samuel Ratchett the live liest corpse ever. And who knew the nurse Greta Ohlsson could be so funny? The wonderful Leslie Upton sure makes her so!

Signature Orient Express opulence is found in the fabulous costumes by Barbara Pedziwaitr. Wig master Elixeo Flores triumphs with looks for Mrs. Hubbard and Ms. Debenham. Scenic designer Mike Carnahan keeps things cleverly minimal with only background paintings by Amy Lynn Stevenson as set décor. Done in black and white, presumably to evoke a classic film, the paintings are beautifully reminiscent of the Art Deco work of Tamara de Lempicka with a dash of humor thrown in. Props mistresses Leslie Nichols and Jessi May Stevenson (who together also produced the show) deftly appoint this madcap adventure. Lighting designer Gary Richardson and sound designer Allan Noel work their usual magic. The expert crew is rounded out by Carlita Mead and Joy Gee on tech support, stage manager Leticia Mattson and John Webber, who does double duty as both actor (Monsieur Bouc) and stunt coordinator. With a classic like Murder on the Orient Express, many people already know whodunit. It doesn’t matter. Kuhlman, his cast and crew make us see the old girl with fresh eyes and she’s never been more enchanting.

Murder on the Orient Express through Dec. 18 at Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula. For more information, call 805-525-4645 or visit www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.

MUSIC

Homespun

Looking West keeps looking ahead

by Tim Pompey tjpompey@gmail.com

If the word “phenom” still holds any weight, you might want to consider the three members of the tight-knit local Ventura band Looking West. Dylan Brehm (17), his younger brother Evan Brehm (16) and close friend Owen Neth (17) have literally grown up together since their early childhood. Though still young, they play as if they were years beyond their age. Maybe there’s a good reason for that.

“We all went to the same park together,” said Dylan, “near Blanche Reynolds School because we all live in the same neighborhood. Before we even really knew each other, we were just there.”

FATHERS KNOW BEST

They each took up lessons in various instru ments, learning separately before they realized they had a common interest in rock and roll.

“I was the first to play an instrument,” said Dylan. “I started guitar when I was 8, and then Evan started drumming a little bit, but our love of music developed separately.”

Dylan credits his father, Reid Brehm, and Owen’s father, Matt Neth, with developing their musical talent, noting that, “The dads noticed that this was the trajectory, so they kind of brought us together.”

“I met Matt in the water,” said Reid, an avid surfer. “Matt is the musician. He owns a studio, and he’s the secret sauce to all this because Dylan

was showing interest in music. So I asked Matt, ‘Any of your kids playing music yet?’”

As they continued to surf together, this was the running conversation between the two dads for several years. Eventually, as the boys showed more interest, a band was born. When the three kids finally entered the studio, Dylan and Owen were just 10 years old and Evan was 9. That was seven years ago.

Since then, the trio have played for numerous events, including the Surf Rodeo Festival. Dylan plays guitar and sings lead. Evan is the band’s drummer. Owen is the bass player.

CLASSIC ROCK INFLUENCES

“We’re all still learning,” Dylan stated. “The learning never stops when you’re in music.”

So why did they choose to play rock and roll?

“I think it’s just background,” Evan answered. “From a young age, that’s what our parents played when we were around. It’s kind of ingrained in us.”

Their style is connected to the blues, though it may be more about their influences than their preference.

“We do a lot of Zeppelin,” said Dylan. “But it did just come naturally. Our parents, from an early age, were playing rock in the background. I took to it just because of the feeling. I don’t feel like there’s another type of music that is quite like it with the feeling.”

“I can listen to anything,” Evan stated, “but I think we were just born into it.”

Looking West, from left: Dylan Brehm (guitar), Evan Brehm (drums) and Owen Neth (bass). Photo submitted

MUSIC

In addition to a shared love of the Beatles, Dylan admires Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour (especially the song “Money”), Neil Young and Andy Summers from the Police. Evan, a selftaught drummer, is a huge fan of John Bonham from Led Zeppelin, but also takes inspiration from late Rush drummer Neil Peart and Stuart Copeland of the Police. Owen cites Sir Paul McCartney and Roger Waters as two significant influences on his playing.

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE

Even though they are in their teens, the band members seem ahead of the curve regard ing their future in music. Looking West has released videos on YouTube, written original songs, created its own website (lookingwest. band). Dylan, Evan and Owen have worked consistently as live musicians, and are forward thinking about their potential music careers.

“We just want to keep playing,” said Evan. “I don’t think there can be any better job than to play.”

Of one thing, they’re sure. They must keep working at their craft. To that end, Dylan has been taking guitar lessons from Jake Vossler for several years. He and Owen both take voice lessons from Jodi Farrell.

“We just want to get better as a band,” said Dylan. “To continue improving, to continue to listen to each other, because it is a lot like a dialogue. You have to keep that open, so you can continue experimenting. By taking chances, you can continue to better yourself and better the band.”

There may be an EP or an album to come. Looking West currently has eight original songs ready for production. The band also released a single called “I See a Man,” avail able on streaming sites such as Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music.

Reid noted that the members have been savvy enough to set aside earned money to keep supporting the band. It’s an investment in their future.

One of the other benefits of performing is the development of friendships within the Ventura community, not the least of which is J.D. Drury of Surf Rodeo, Dustin Cole Hayes of the local Ventura band Walter Etc., and the band Rey Fresco.

“They’ve been really nice and gracious to us,” Dylan acknowledged.

For more information about Looking West, including upcoming concert dates, check out their website at www.lookingwest.band.

“I don’t think there can be any better job than to play,” says drummer Evan Brehm, left, with Owen Neth and brother Dylan.

Photo submitted

HAPPENINGS

Happenings includes community events, meetings, classes, community resources and needs. To submit an item for inclusion email to: happenings@vcreporter.com

THURSDAY

11TH ANNUAL CAN-TREE FOOD DRIVE EVENT |

Through Dec. 4. Food Share, Ventura County’s larg est hunger-relief organization, is bringing its most popular community event back for the holidays! The 11th Annual CAN-tree food drive will take place in Figueroa Plaza from Thursday, Dec. 1, when the trees will be built, through Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, when they will be dismantled. The event, which brings thousands of individuals, families, and local businesses together to collect and build hundreds of canned food “trees” is Food Share’s biggest food and fund drive of the year and is a critical source of food for the thousands of people still struggling with food insecurity in Ventura County. There are lots of ways to get involved. Participants can Collect & Build, Buy & Build, Raise & Build or Sponsor a Tree. There’s also a chance to win one of 13 coveted awards including the CAN Crusher, the People’s Choice, and the Mayor’s Choice, all of which will be featured on Food Share’s website, social media pages and newsletter. or more information visit: foodshare.com/cantree or reach out to Jess Hug, at jhug@foodshare.com.

DIGITAL HEADSHOTS | 12-2 p.m. Enhance your professional portfolio with a professional headshot courtesy of the Russell Fischer Business Collection. Small business employees, entrepreneurs, job seekers and anyone else with an online profile are welcome to drop in for this first-come, first-served event. Photography will be provided by Ventura County’s Motionshooter Photography. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

CHAIR YOGA | 3-4 p.m. Take a moment to stretch!

Instructor Lisa Clements Feeney will teach chair

yoga suitable for everyone. No experience needed. Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

MEDITATION FOR TEENS | 4-5 p.m. The holiday season can be stressful. Take a moment to relax in this meditation session. Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. Aimed at ages 13-18. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

DOWNTOWN OXNARD TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY | 5-9 p.m. Join community leaders, Downtown merchants, and friends in a festive tradition to light up the county’s tallest Christmas tree – 110 feet high! Entertainment, food trucks, a holiday marketplace, and Santa’s arrival ring in the season. Plaza Park, 500 S. C St., Oxnard, www.oxnarddowntowners.org/about-4-1

NIGHT OF HOPE ON WORLD AIDS DAY | 5:30 p.m. An inspiring program to honor the lives of those we lost to AIDS and a call to action to stop the spread of HIV infections in the Santa Clara Valley through community education, awareness, and action. Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula, 740 E. Main St., Santa Paula, get2zerovc.org

POSADA EN HONOR OF WORLD AIDS DAY | 6 p.m. An inspiring program to honor the lives of those we lost to AIDS and a call to action to stop the spread of HIV infections in Oxnard through com munity education, awareness, and action. Heritage Square, 715 S. A St., Oxnard, get2zerovc.org

FRIDAY

STORY TIME AT THE MUSEUM | 3-4 p.m. The Museum of Ventura County has been partnering with the Ventura County Library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard

Boroughs Chumash Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL! Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323, venturamuseum.org

JACKBOX PARTY GAMES FOR TEENS | 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your own device and play Jackbox Party Games with other teens in the Young Adult Center of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

AUTHOR GLORIA MATTIONI | 6 p.m. Mattioni will read a passage from her new release, California Sister. Ojai Coffee Roasters, 337 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-646-4478, ojaicoffeeroasters.com

DE COLORES WINTER CONCERT | 7 p.m. De Colores, A Cultural Celebration of Choral Music will sweep the audience around the world with musi cal selections from Mexico to South Korea to East Africa to Great Britain and more. The concert will feature pieces by Black and women composers, works by an Indian-American composer, pieces in Swahili, Arabic, Hebrew and more. “Jubilate Deo” by American composer Dan Forrest will be sung in seven different languages. Directed by KuanFen Liu and featuring the CSUCI Chorus and Santa Paula High School Concert Choir. $20 suggested donation. St. Mary Magdalen Church, 25 N. Las Posas Road, Camarillo.

VILLAGE VOICES CHORALE: HOLIDAY JOY | 8 p.m. Experience the excitement of live music while listening to the beautiful “Gloria” and the stirring “Hope for Resolution.” Reminisce with traditional carols like “Silent Night,” familiar holiday classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” and the haunting strains of Hanukkah’s “Light the Candle of Freedom.” These, and other songs, will round out a vast array of music for all tastes. Bring your family and friends; after all, there is enough Holiday Joy for everyone. $28. Scherr Forum Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

SATURDAY

INTRO TO FLY FISHING CLINIC | 9-11 a.m. Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura is hosting an introductory fly rod casting clinic. All experience levels are welcome from those who’ve never held a fly rod to those who have been casting for years. This clinic can help you improve your casting and meet with fellow fly rod enthusiasts. Rods will be on hand to borrow. For more information call Thomas Hall, 805-377-5249. Chumash Park at Petit and Waco in East Ventura. Please adhere to all pandemic guidelines. www.sespeflyfishers.org

OXNARD TAMALE FESTIVAL | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The Oxnard Tamale Festival attracts thousands of attend ees every year. Set right along the route of the annu al Oxnard Christmas Parade, the event captures the spirit of the holidays through a variety of food and arts & crafts vendors, live music and a fun-filled kids zone. Plaza Park in Downtown Oxnard, 500 S. C St., www.oxnardrecevents.com/tamale-festival.html

COOKIES WITH THE CLAUSES | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with cookie decorat ing, crafts, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a special viewing of the Wonderland of Wreaths auction. $10. Camarillo Community Center, 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo, www.pvrpd.org/2022-1203-cookies-with-the-clauses

OXNARD CHRISTMAS PARADE | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of 2,300 partici pants in 100 entries including colorful marching bands, equestrian units, local school groups, floats and a visit from Santa! Thousands of guests line the streets to watch this yearly spectacle. The parade route runs through A, Fifth and C streets in Downtown Oxnard. This year’s theme will be “A Blast from Christmas Past.” More information at www.oxnarddowntowners.org/about-2-1

BACK STACKS BOOKSTORE USED BOOK SALE | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We have loads of fiction and non-fic tion as well as children’s books. Our collection fea tures thousands of used books from 50 cents to $2,

as well as collectible books from $4 and up. Half off all holiday books, holiday CDs and oversized books. All book sale proceeds go to support the Blanchard Community Library. Presented by the Friends of the Blanchard Community Library. 119 North Eighth St., Santa Paula; enter via the north parking lot, through the roll-up door in the back.

2022 ANNUAL CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR HOLIDAY FOOD AND TOY DRIVE | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Ventura County Harbor Department and Harbor and Beach Community Alliance (HBCA) are teaming up to spread holiday cheer this season by hosting the 3rd Annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive at Fisherman’s Wharf. On the day of the event, donations will be accepted at a drop off location at Fisherman’s Wharf, located on the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard in Oxnard. No-contact, masked and gloved volunteers will be there to safely accept the donations and provide them to Food Share and the Spark of Love Toy Drive. In addition, money donations to Food Share will be matched up to $12,000. Cash and checks may be written to “Food Share of Ventura County” and dropped off on Dec. 3. Donations can also be made online by visiting: www.foodshare.com/harbor

CHAMPAGNE AND SHOPPING | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Indulge in a complimentary glass of bubbly or a cup of hot chocolate while you shop for gifts for every one on your holiday list during the Santa Paula Art Museum’s annual holiday gift market. Browse oneof-a-kind items from a dozen local artist vendors including original art, handmade jewelry, pottery, bags, candles, soap, and more. The gift shop will also be filled with beautiful new items to explore. Plus, enjoy live holiday music and festive treats. Guests are invited to bring a new, unused, unwrapped toy and/or book, or non-perishable canned or boxed food item to support Rotary Club of Santa Paula’s Christmas Basket Food and Toy Drive.

HAPPENINGS

HAPPENINGS

Continued from page 18

Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-5255554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

HILL ROAD LIBRARY FIFTH BIRTHDAY PARTY | 10:30 a.m. Celebrate at Hill Road Library with craft activities as well as a per formance by magician Zany Zoe. All are welcome. 1070 S. Hill Road, Ventura, 805-677-7180.

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS HOLIDAY ART MARKET | 11 a.m.5 p.m. SCIART kicks off the holiday season with its annual holi day fair and festival. Enjoy unique gift shopping this holiday sea son for your family and friends while browsing through 40 pro fessional artists studios and additional guest vendors. There will be free activities for kids, delicious food and treats available for purchase, and craft beer and wine. Admission is free and plenty of parking will be available. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. Visit studiochannelislands.org or call 805-383-1368 for full details.

VENTURA WINTER WINE WALK AND STREET FAIR | 12-8 p.m. California’s largest Wine Walk and Street Fair returns to Downtown Ventura on Saturday, Dec. 3! Sip, sing and shop your way through a holiday spirit-filled Downtown Ventura. Stay for the snowfall that will transform Main Street into a Winter Wonderland. A free Holiday Street Fair takes place 12-8pm on Main Street. NOTE: You do not need a Wine Walk ticket for the Street Fair. The Wine Walk starts at 4 p.m. and showcases wineries and breweries in your favorite downtown businesses. Each guest will receive a tasting cup and a map of tasting sites. VIP Lounge in Plaza Park. $55-139; $20 for parking at Ventura County Fairgrounds. Tickets and more infor mation at www.venturawinterwinewalk.com

SUBURBANOID SOUND BATH MEDITATION AND ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Just in time for the busy holiday season, the artist Suburbanoid will perform a special concert to celebrate the worldwide release of his new album, Sound Bath Meditation Volume 1. This hour-long album features the unique, transcendent sound bath experience that Suburbanoid has offered Sunday mornings at Meditation Mount in Ojai since May 2021. Treat yourself to this grounding calm as a balance to the business of the season. More information at www.suburbanoid.com

VENTURA COUNTY BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER | 2 and 7 p.m. Ventura County Ballet will once again dance into the hearts of local residents during the holiday season as it brings back its acclaimed production of The Nutcracker to the stage. The enchanting choreography featuring life-sized mice, dancing sweets and a magical prince, along with Tchaikovsky’s famed score, will make a memorable holiday event for families. $2040. Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo, www.venturacountyballet.com

concert programming. With your complimentary drink ticket, enjoy a Merry Merry pre-cocktail (plus a cash bar for additional beverages), international food tastings, an array of desserts, plus carolers, performers, and our special favorite guest – Santa Claus! $75. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-4492787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

WINTER SPECTACULAR | 7:30 p.m. An extravaganza of tradi tional holiday and classical favorites with distinguished per forming arts partners; Los Robles Children’s Choir, the Ukrainian folk dance ensemble Chervona Kalyna and more. This is certain to be a highlight of the season you’ll want to share. $35-125. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

SUNDAY

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS HOLIDAY ART MARKET | 12-4 p.m. SCIART kicks off the holiday season with its annual holiday fair and festival. Enjoy unique gift shopping this holiday season for your family and friends while browsing through 40 professional artists studios and additional guest vendors. There will be free activities for kids, delicious food and treats available for purchase, and craft beer and wine. Admission is free and plenty of parking will be available. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. Visit studiochannelis lands.org or call 805-383-1368 for full details.

FIGURE SCULPTING WITH CERAMICS | 2-5 p.m. Thomas Weber teaches this four-day workshop where students will learn hand building techniques to create a human bust. The final class will be for glazing. $180. Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St., Ventura, 805-6449214, www.vitaartcenter.com

TEEN FIGURE SCULPTING WORKSHOP | 2-5 p.m. This two-day, hands-on workshop is designed to provide students with an introduction to figurative sculpture. We will work with non-drying plasticine clay over a wire armature to help build the figure. Free, but pre-registration is required. Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St., Ventura, www.vitaartcenter.com

TECHNOLOGY HELP | 2-4 p.m. Technology can be confusing, let us help! Stop by the second floor Tech Lab on Sundays for assistance with your tech questions. Tech Lab of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

2022 Photo Contest

Ventura County Reporter’s annual photo contest is back! And like every year, we’re excited to see what you, our readers, have to share with us. Send us your best photos from Jan. 1 through Dec. 15, 2022, for a chance to have your images published in the VCReporter and snag some serious bragging rights. Every year, we get numerous sunset photos, so here’s yet another reminder that we’d love to see something different.

Photo Entry Deadline: Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at 5 p.m

Winning entries — including honorable mentions and staff favorites — will be published in the Jan. 5, 2023 issue of the VCReporter. Help us kick off 2023 with some fabulous images from the year that came before!

Email entries to: nshaffer@timespublications.com with VCR 2022 PHOTO CONTEST in the subject line. Each entry/email submission must include the photographer’s name, address and phone number. Please include a brief note describing your experience. All photographs must have been created on or after Jan. 1, 2022, and should not have been submitted to a previous VCReporter photo contest. Individuals are limited to two submissions each. Not applicable for website purchases.

WATERCOLORS AND WINE HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS | 2-4 p.m. Join local artist Christine May Brand for an afternoon of ornament painting! Christine will share her techniques for using watercolor and ink on wood to create festive decorations for your tree. Let’s set sail! Participants will receive three blank wood ornaments to deco rate during the two-hour class. A sailboat, anchor, and ship’s wheel ornaments will be yours to take home! Tickets are $65 per person and include a glass of wine and snacks. Space is limited. Must be over 21 years of age. Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, www.cimmvc.org

VILLAGE VOICES CHORALE: HOLIDAY JOY | 2:30 p.m. Experience the excitement of live music while listening to the beautiful “Gloria” and the stirring “Hope for Resolution.” Reminisce with traditional carols like “Silent Night,” familiar hol iday classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” and the haunting strains of Hanukkah’s “Light the Candle of Freedom.” These, and other songs, will round out a vast array of music for all tastes. Bring your family and friends; after all, there is enough Holiday Joy for everyone. $28. Scherr Forum Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

YOUTH ARTS FUNDRAISER AND GALA | 4-7 p.m. Museumquality, limited-edition prints by regional artists, delicious sweets by Desserts To Die For, signature drinks by Ventura Spirits and more. Free for members; $10 nonmembers. Proceeds sup port youth arts programming. Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St., Ventura, www.vitaartcenter.com

LIGHT UP A LIFE CELEBRATION | 4:30-5:30 p.m. Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice hosts its 38th annual event which provides comfort, solace and an opportunity for those who have lost someone to honor their loved one’s memo ry. Live music, readings, acts of remembrance and a beautifully lit Tree of Life. Free. Constitution Park, 1287 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, www.lmvna.org/LightUpALife

2022 TALL SHIP MAST LIGHTING AT CHANNEL ISLANDS

MARITIME MUSEUM | 5:30-7:30 p.m. The museum will once again host the Holiday Lighting of the Tall Ship Mast in the muse um’s outdoor courtyard. Instead of a typical tree-lighting ceremony Santa will arrive at 7 p.m. and, with the crowd’s encouragement, kick off the holiday season by lighting up the tall ship mast. Live music by the Coco Knots, singalongs to holiday favorites, refresh ments, shopping and more. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, www.cimmvc.org WINTERFEST | 5:30 p.m. Join us for pre-concert international food and entertainment event, celebrating the Winter Solstice! You will dine on authentic international holiday foods from the Ukraine to Mexico, with a few stops in between. Many foods are represented from countries reflected in our Winter Spectacular

DE COLORES WINTER CONCERT | 3 p.m. De Colores, A Cultural Celebration of Choral Music will sweep the audience around the world with musical selections from Mexico to South Korea to East Africa to Great Britain and more. The concert will feature pieces by Black, Indian American and women composers, pieces in Swahili, Arabic, Hebrew and more. “Jubilate Deo” by American composer Dan Forrest will be sung in seven different languages. Directed by KuanFen Liu and featuring the CSUCI Chorus and Santa Paula High School Concert Choir. $20 suggested donation. Santa Paula High School Auditorium, 404 N. Sixth St., Santa Paula.

SILENT BOOK CLUB | 3-4 p.m. Shhh, we’re reading! Do you love the idea of a book club but hate being told what book to read? Then this is the book club for you. Bring whatever book you want and enjoy quietly reading with fellow book lovers. Everyone will have the chance to share what they are reading. Conference Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

CAMARILLO COMMUNITY BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT | 4 p.m. Enjoy a free festive concert of Christmas songs performed by the Camarillo Community Band. Under the direction of Corey Nordal, the band will perform popular and classic holiday favorites while Santa Claus greets children in the audience. Community Center Auditorium, 1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, www.pvrpd.org/2022-12-04-annual-christmas-concert.

MONDAY

MEMORIES OF MY FATHER | 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Based on the eponymous book Oblivion. A Memoir, this film is about a good man, Héctor Abad Gómez, a prominent doctor and human rights activist, in the polarized and violent Medellín of the 1970s. Colombia’s offi cial submission to the 2023 Academy Awards. Runtime: 2 hours, 20 min. Not rated. In Spanish with English subtitles. $8 seniors, $11.25 general admission. Plaza Cinemas 14, 255 West Fifth St., Oxnard, www.oxnardfilmsociety.org.

BOARD GAME HANG | 4-5:30 p.m. Play a wide array of board games after school in the Young Adult Center of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

TUESDAY

TAKE AND MAKE WINTER CRAFT: PINECONE BIRD FEEDER | All day. Attract native birds with our take-and-make bird feeder. All ages. Children’s Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

TEEN CRAFTERNOON: FISHBOWL ORNAMENT | 4-5:30 p.m. These shy fish are also very koi and are perfect for hanging anywhere, particularly on a Christmas tree. Materials provided. Crafternoons is a series of afterschool craft activities for teens held in the Young Adult Center. Aimed at ages 13-18. YA Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-3885222, camarillolibrary.org

Photo by James DiModica, 2021 First Place Winner

CELEBRATION OF THE SECTOR | 4:30-6:15 p.m. This annual event celebrates the work of our region’s nonprofit sector. Explore stories of adaptive leadership and resilience, connect with friends, network with new ones and savor appetizers from Peirano’s. Presented by California Lutheran University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. RSVP at www.callutheran. edu/centers/nonprofit SANTA PAWS PET PHOTO NIGHT | 5-8 p.m. Fourlegged fur friends are part of the family, and part of the fun! Every Tuesday through Dec. 20, furry friends are invited to meet Santa for a photo at Santa Paws Pet Nights, sponsored by Dioji K-9 Resort and Athletic Club. Reservations required: thecollectionrp. com/directory/santa-paws-pet-photo-nights/ The Collection at RiverPark, 2751 Park View Court, Oxnard, 805-278-9500, thecollectionrp.com.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA | 5:30-7:30 p.m. ’Tis the season to gather round as Santa tells a holiday tale. Afterwards, children can visit with Santa and take photos. Online registration required. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP ON THE VENTURA RIVER TRAIL | 6:30 p.m. This workshop will give the community an opportunity to share ideas regarding the reinvigoration and renovation of the Ventura River Trail as the city of Ventura prepares for construction in the coming year. Continuous improvements of the Ventura River Trail include repaving the bike trail, addition of solar lighting and the removal and replacement of trail fencing. Targeted improvements include accessibility improvements to access the trail, public art, trail monuments, environmental and “no litter” signage, native and drought-tolerant shrub and tree plant ing, trash cans, wayfinding to the trail, and other various trail user amenities. Learn more about the Ventura River Trail Project at www.cityofventura. ca.gov/VenturaRiverTrail. The workshop will take place at the Westpark Community Center; Spanish interpretation services and materials will be provid ed. 450 W. Harrison Ave., Ventura.

WEDNESDAY

WRITE A FRIEND MONTH: LETTER WRITING PARTY | 2-3 p.m. There’s something magical about sending and receiving letters. Spread the magic by writing a letter to your loved ones at our letter writing party. Stationery, pens and stickers provided. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

HOUR OF CODE FOR TEENS | 4-5 p.m. An opportunity to learn and practice your computer science skills. Haven’t coded before? This program will cover the basics so that you master coding later. Participants are encouraged to bring their own device. Aimed at ages 13-18. YA Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

HOLIDAY LIGHTS CRUISE | 6:30-7:30 p.m., through Dec. 23. Passengers cruise the Ventura Keys to view decorated boats and waterfront homes aboard Island Packers’ 64-foot catamaran. Snack bar available onboard. Cruises start at 6:30 p.m.

and last one hour. $18 adults, $16 seniors 55+, $12 children ages 12 and under. 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura. Book online at www.islandpackers.com or call 805-642-1393.

MARIANO RANCH PRESERVE COMMUNITY MEETING | 7-8:30 p.m. Ventura Land Trust’s final Mariano Ranch Preserve Community Meeting will focus on VLT’s plan for long-term conservation and restoration of the 1,645-acre property. Conservation Director Laura Pavliscak will discuss the opportunities and challenges of large landscape restoration, including how to navigate oil infrastructure on the land. Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Drive, Ventura. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.venturalandtrust.org/conservation

THURSDAY

VENTURA COUNTY MOBILE LIBRARY AT HARMON CANYON PRESERVE | 9:30 a.m. The Ventura County Mobile Library visits the trailhead of Harmon Canyon Preserve on the second Thursday of every month. A story time for children starts at 10 a.m. You can check out a book to read under Harmon’s oak trees, get a library card, pick-up book holds, check out and return items. 7511 Foothill Road, Ventura, www.venturalandtrust.org

THE SOMIS THURSDAY CLUB | 11:30 a.m. Local women’s club meeting and catered lunch. This month’s program will feature “Off Beats,” a group of students who participate in the Save Our Kids Music (SOKM) program. Visitors and prospective members are welcome. Please call 805-469-5059 or email patti.dizazzo@gmail.com to RSVP.

25TH ANNUAL POINSETTIA AWARDS | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Ventura Chamber of Commerce will recognize outstanding achievements of busi nesses and individuals who make a difference in our community at the December 8 Poinsettia Awards Luncheon, from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Marriott Ventura Beach. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of this local tradition honoring excellence in busi ness, public service and education. These awards acknowledge the best that Ventura has to offer. $60. Marriott Ventura Beach, 2055 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, venturachamber.com

HOUR OF CODE FOR KIDS | 4-5 p.m. A one-hour introduction to computer science with fun tutorials covering the basics. Join us in the Homework Center for “Hello World” from Sprite Lab and learn how to code. Aimed at ages 6-10. Homework Center of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

MEDITATION FOR TEENS | 4-5 p.m. The holiday season can be stressful. Take a moment to relax in this meditation session. Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. Aimed at ages 13-18. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP | 5:307:30 p.m. Curb appeal is everything, especially during the holiday season! Make sure your halls are decked and have some fun with your friends at Doora when you attend their Holiday Wreath Making Workshop. Enjoy the tastes of the season and make a wreath that will become a cherished heirloom you’ll love to bring out year after year. $125 per person. DOORA Collective, 327 E. Main St., Ventura, dooracollective.com

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH DAVID LEAF | 6:30-8 p.m. David Leaf is the pre-eminent expert on Brian Wilson, the genius behind the Beach Boys. His instant classic book on Wilson now comes updated, titled God Only Knows: The story of the Beach Boys and the California Myth, which gives an inside look into his life and the groundbreaking sound he engineered with the Beach Boys. In this talk with journalist Ivor Davis, Leaf will give a remarkable inside look at the oft-misunderstood musical artist, as well as his band’s rivalry with the Beatles and with John Lennon. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers, $5 for nonmembers via Zoom. Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323, venturamuseum.org

COMMUNITY NEEDS, OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

CAREER PATHWAYS AT BLANCHARD

COMMUNITY LIBRARY | Patrons of Blanchard Community Library can now access CAreer Pathways, a collection of digital platforms for online

learning tools designed to meet the needs of those entering the workforce or who want to get a better job. Funded by the state and admin istered by the California State Library, CAreer Pathways offers Coursera, Linkedln Learning, GetSetUp, and Skillshare — resources that offer specialized courseware that help people improve job skills and prepare for high-wage jobs. Access to CAreer Pathways is free and available through the Blanchard Community Library’s website at www.blanchardlibrary.org/resources/ online-learning and via the “CAreer Pathways” link on the library’s main page. For additional information, please contact the Adult Services Librarian, Justin Formanek, at 805-525-3615 or email justin.formanek@blanchardlibrary.org.

INFORMATION ON THE HIGH SCHOOL AT MOORPARK COLLEGE | Through March 28. The High School at Moorpark College allows students to earn both their high school diploma and college credits at the same time. HSMC is located on the Moorpark College campus where high schoolers, beginning their freshman year, take both high school and college-level classes. The school is open to any student in Ventura or Los Angeles counties. HSMC will host in-person information nights on Jan. 24 and Feb. 28. Virtual sessions are offered on March 28. For more information, call Dr. Shirleen Oplustic at 805-378-6312 or contact her via email at soplustic@mrpk.org. Additional information can also be found at www.hsmc.mrpk.org.

LANDLORD ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM | Are you a Ventura County property owner/housing provider seeking stable tenancies, rental income, and a way to help our neighbors who need a home? Do you have a housing unit to lease in the near or immedi ate future? We are seeking studios to 3+ bedrooms. United Way will provide financial and supportive services to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial housing process. Join the effort and receive a leasing bonus of up to two times the rent charged for the unit! This incentive is available for landlords and is separate from any costs incurred by program participants. For more information or to learn more about the Landlord Engagement Program, contact Carie Bristow at carie.bristow@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288 x235.

LETTERS TO SANTA (CAMARILLO) | Through Dec. 12. Write a letter to Santa and drop it in the big red mailbox at the Community Center. He will write a letter back to you! Use your own sta tionery or download our letter template. Be sure to include your name and address so Santa can reply. No postage stamps are necessary. The mailbox can be found in front of the Administrative Office at 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo. www.pvrpd.org/2022-11-28-letters-to-santa

LETTERS TO SANTA (OXNARD) | Through Dec. 18. The Collection’s elves are back to help make sure every holiday wish list makes it to the North Pole. Families can bring their own custom cards or write their special message on a complimentary postcard available at Guest Services. Letters to Santa should be dropped off in the special North Pole mailbox located on Collection Boulevard. The Collection will help carefully deliver letters written to Santa to ensure they are mailed and received at the North Pole, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will reply to every letter that has a return address and is placed in the mailbox by Dec.18. The Collection at RiverPark, 2751 Park View Court, Oxnard, 805-2789500, thecollectionrp.com.

MECHANICS BANK HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE |

Through Dec. 15. Mechanics Bank is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program this holiday season to help ensure less fortunate children can receive a gift. Customers and community members are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys at participating branches in Ventura County through Dec. 15. LOCATIONS: 470 Arneill Road, Camarillo; 1207 Maricopa Highway, Ojai; 1171 S. Victoria Ave., Suite 2A, Ventura; 3815 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite A, Westlake Village. Parents and legal guardians who want to request for a toy for a child should visit Toys for Tots’“Request a Toy page,” which will direct them to their local Toys for Tots program for more information (www.toysfortots. org/request_toys/apply-for-toys.aspx).

MENTORS NEEDED FOR WOMEN UNITED EDUCATION AWARD RECIPIENTS | Women United is seeking potential mentors in professional positions who would like to guide a single mother college student and help her reach her career goals. Anyone who has professional experience in a business environment and is willing to meet with a mentee for 2-3 sessions during the semester (in person or via Zoom) is encouraged to apply. To learn

more, contact Leslie Osuna at leslie.osuna@vcunit edway.org or 805.485.6288, ext. 224.

PARADE OF LIGHTS (CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR) VESSEL REGISTRATION | The 56th Annual Parade of Lights at Channel Islands Harbor will take place on Dec. 10. Registration is now open for boaters interested in participating. The 2022 theme is “Let It Glow.” Entrants are asked to decorate their vessels as bright asthey can with a holiday twist. Entry form and information at www. channelislandsharbor.org/event/56th-annualparade-of-lights/

PARADE OF LIGHTS (VENTURA HARBOR) VESSEL REGISTRATION | The Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights is back Dec. 16-17. The 2022 theme is “Out of This World!” We anticipate fun boat decor to include twinkling stars, colorful planets, perhaps even astro nauts and aliens. If you are interested in entering your boat and participating in the parade, email marketing@venturaharbor.com.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA | Through Dec. 24. The holiday season isn’t complete without a family picture with old St. Nick! Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop at 620 Collection Boulevard to create special memories with keepsake photos that will bring holiday joy for years to come. Reservations are required and can be made online at thecollec tionrp.com/events/. The Collection at RiverPark, 2751 Park View Court, Oxnard, 805-278-9500, thecollectionrp.com.

SANTA TO A SENIOR | Through Dec. 13. The city of Ventura, in partnership with Home Instead, is seeking gift donations for this year’s Santa to a Senior program. All donations are given to local seniors enrolled in the Ventura Avenue Adult Center’s Senior Nutrition Meal Program. Gift ideas include blankets, books, crafting supplies, puzzles, robes, slippers, warm sweaters, bath towels, scarves, gloves, gift cards, flashlights, white noise machines, toiletries and more. Please leave gifts unwrapped. For more information, including ways to participate and dropoff locations, visit www.cityofventura. ca.gov/2197/Santa-to-a-Senior SPARK OF LOVE TOY DRIVE | Through Dec. 16. The Fire Departments of Ventura County team up every year with ABC7 and local sponsors for the Spark of Love toy drive, the largest community toy drive in the nation. For 30 years, your local firefight ers have been collecting donations for distribution to Ventura County children and teens in need of a happier holiday experience. This special community campaign collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in Ventura County. Our newest partner this year, Food Share, will be providing boxes of food to families served through this year’s toy drive. Non-perishable food and toys can be dropped off at any participat ing location. Donations collected stay within our community. Find a dropoff location at vcfd.org/ sparkoflovedropoff/. Donate online at www.ven turafirefoundation.org/sparkoflove. Purchase a gift through the Spark of Love registry at www.amazon. com/registries/holiday/16IXO8KYJRTMH/guest-view

ONGOING/UPCOMING EVENTS

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM | Through Dec. 24. Underwood Family Farm’s autumn celebrations give way to winter delights with a variety of holiday decor and activities to make the season bright. Lights, ornaments, presents and other trimmings deck the animal center, playgrounds and farmstand, to enchant attendees of all ages and provide ample opportunities for festive photos. Holiday arts and crafts, fun games like the cookie toss and ring a tree, duck racing, sleigh rides with draft horses and even a decorated train will help put everyone in the holi day spirit. Find a Christmas tree to take home while picking your own fresh produce in the fields. Kids can enjoy visits with Santa on weekends through Dec. 18, and his reindeer will make special appear ances Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18. There’s even more in store, so dash away to this family-friendly, farmfresh festival of Yuletide cheer this season! $10-14; free for children under 2. Discounts for military, veterans, emergency first responders and seniors. 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark and 5696 E. Los Angeles Ave., Somis. underwoodfamilyfarms.com. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS | First Wednesday of the month. Want to cure the Holiday Blues? Consider joining Circle of Friends, a social group for retired women. The Club is seeking new members. The group meets once a month for business/luncheon on the first Wednesday of the month at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura.

Various events promote friendship and fun by the members hosting several special interest activities: cooking, walks, crafts, Scrabble, excursions, discus sion group, movie night and card and board games. For more information, call Loretta at 805-216-1694 or Carol at 805-340-6336. Price for luncheon is $25 and annual fee is $50.

DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE MEETING | Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. This Venturabased peer support group for those experiencing depression and bipolar disorder will resume its free weekly meetings at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura. Enter by way of the main door. Please bring your own N95 mask. For more infor mation, contact Wendell Jones at 805-640-6472, wenj16630@sbcglobal.net or DBSAlliance.org. 5654 Ralston St., Ventura.

FAMILY STORYTIME | Mondays, 4 p.m. Every Monday the South Oxnard Library hosts an all-ages storytime with Miss Joanne in the Children’s Area. South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road, Oxnard, 805-385-8129, www.oxnard.org/library/ south-oxnard-branch-library/

GINGERBREAD SCAVENGER HUNT |

Through Dec. 24. Explore every exciting nook and cranny of The Collection with a festive adventure. The fun begins at Guest Services on Park View Court, where guests can pick up their Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt. From there, guests are invited to find all the hidden gingerbread before returning their completed scavenger hunt to Guest Services to be entered to win a holiday surprise! The Collection at RiverPark, 2751 Park View Court, Oxnard, 805-278-9500, thecollectionrp.com.

HOPE AND HELP FOR OVEREATERS | Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. Is your eating out of control? Are you feeling fat? Overeaters Anonymous can help. 133 S. Laurel St., Ventura (building next to the church). For more information call Amy at 805-340-5882. Donations only.

JEST IMPROV | Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. Need to laugh or be silly? JEST Improv holds weekly, improv drop-in classes for beginners and all experience levels, Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. at Diversity Collective, 2471 Portola Road, Ventura. Classes are $15 each, or $10 each with JEST membership. More information at www.jestimprov.com

SNOW N GLO HOLIDAY FESTIVAL | Through Dec. 26. Gather your family and friends and get ready to make some holiday memories! Snow tube down our giant snow hill made of real snow, sip on hot cocoa while strolling through millions of holiday lights, take a trip through the s’mores bar or ride the festive carousel. For the ultimate experience, rent a Holiday Magic Igloo, which includes fresh snow delivered directly to your site. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Spark of Love; on Dec. 4, donors can enjoy free hot chocolate. Fireworks on select nights. Get your tickets now to enjoy this very special Winter Wonderland by the Sea! $14.99-799. Surfer’s Point Live at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, www.snownglow.com

SOUND MEDITATION | Fridays and Sundays. Morning and sunset sound meditation sessions will take place weekly in person at the Viewpoint at Meditation Mount. Sunday morning sessions 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with Suburbanoid. Friday evening sessions 6:15-8:15 p.m. with Trinity of Sound. $25; registration is required. 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai. For exact dates and times, visit meditationmount.org/events

SUNSET YOGA AND SOUND MEDITATION | Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Connect with your mind, heart and body in a picturesque outdoor garden setting overlooking the beautiful Ojai Valley. Please bring your own yoga mat and props, and a blanket (optional) for closing meditation, which will be accompanied by crystal singing bowls. $20; registra tion is required. 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai. For exact dates and times, visit meditationmount.org/events

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP | First and third Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join this Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Programs are committed to main taining an open, accepting, confidential atmo sphere. All are free of charge and conducted over Zoom. More information at www.lmvna.org

SWAP MEET | Wednesdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Every week, the Ventura County Fairgrounds hosts dozens of vendors selling a wide array of antiques and collectibles. Vendor space available; contact Sue Adams at 818-590-5435. $2 admission.10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, www.snaauctions.com

Head to Figueroa Plaza in Downtown Ventura on Thursday, Dec. 1, to catch the 11th Annual Can-Tree Food Drive to benefit Food Share. Trees made out of canned goods will be on display through Dec. 4.

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

CHRISTMAS CONTIGO Dec. 3-18. As the Cuban American Delgado-Piñeura family gathers for the holidays in Florida, they welcome daughter Iris, who returns from California with a special guest in tow. Presented in Spanglish by Teatro de las Américas. $10-25. 321 W. Sixth St., Oxnard, www.teatrodelasamericas.org

CHRISTMAS MAGIC! Dec. 2-11. High Street Arts Center’s joyful holiday show features teen and adult cast members from seasons past returning to the stage to sing your favorite holiday songs and tell the stories behind them. Don’t miss this beloved theatrical tradition! $23-25. High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High St., Moorpark, 804-5298700, highstreetartscenter.com

LIGHTING THE WAY Through Dec. 3. This short play series features a mix of comedy, satire and call to action by playwrights from across the globe grappling with the issue of climate change. $5-15. Helen Yunker Auditorium at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, ventura.vbotickets.com/events

STUDENT ONE ACTS Through Dec. 10. One-act plays written, produced and directed by Moorpark College students offers something for every one – and is a unique opportunity to see the next generation of great playwrights and screen writers! $10. Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, 805-3781485, moorparkcollege.edu/pac.

WINTER FAIRE Dec. 3-4. Gold Coast Plays and Theatre Conservatory presents this holiday pro duction about a group of travelers and flight crew members stranded at the airport who share stories and traditions with each other while waiting for better weather for flying home to loved ones. This heart-warming play features students in the Conejo Recreation and Park District’s Acting in a Production class. Masks are recommended. $18. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, 805-3812747, www.hillcrestarts.com

OPENING ART

BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Saturday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m.: Fused Glass Workshop with Yvette Franklin. Attendees will create glass jewelry and holiday gifts using specialty glass and glass paint. $120; includes all materials and firing. Through Jan. 1, 2023: Works by the American Ceramic Society will be on display. ACS includes educators, hobby ists and ceramic technicians across the U.S., and past presidents of the Southern California Chapter were influential forces in the field of ceramic art in the 20th century. Also through Jan. 1: Selections from the Ventura County Handweavers and Spinners Guild. 8585 OjaiSanta Paula Road, Upper Ojai, 805-646-3381, www.beatricewood.com

VITA ART CENTER Saturday, Dec. 3, 4-7 p.m. During the center’s preview opening and art sale

fundraiser, museum-quality, limited-edition prints by regional artists will be available for pur chase. Also enjoy delicious sweets by Desserts To Die For, signature drinks by Ventura Spirits and more. For this evening only, the first print of five from each artist will sell for $200. Free for mem bers; $10 nonmembers. Proceeds support youth arts programming. Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St., Ventura, www.vitaartcenter.com

AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS

DAB ART Ongoing. The contemporary art orga nization 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.

LATINX ARTS PROJECT MURAL DESIGNS

Through Dec. 31. The Latinx Arts Project/Artes de Proyecto Latinx - Carpinteria is opening up its formal call for regional artists to submit designs for a mural incorporating the theme “Past, Present, Future” of the Latinx community in Carpinteria. The design can incorporate one, two, or all three aspects of this theme, as envisioned and inter preted by the submitting artist. This call is open to residents of Santa Barbara and Ventura coun ties. A $2,500 cash honorarium will be provided to the winning entry, and the final design will be depicted on a public wall in Carpinteria. More information and submission guidelines at www. latinxartsproject.org. Artists can find more infor mation on the www.latinxartsproject.org website.

ONGOING THEATER

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ Through Dec. 18. It’s 1930’s Harlem, and the joint is jumpin’! Nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom are the playgrounds of high society, and dive bars on Lenox Avenue pulse with piano players banging out new tunes that are a wild mix of raucous, rowdy and mournful. At home on the keyboard is Thomas “Fats” Waller – the big-hearted, bigger-than-life impresario and international jazz pianist who helped create and define American swing. Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a musical tribute to Waller’s passion for plea sure and play. Previews Nov. 30-Dec. 2. Tickets start at $39.50. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 East Main Street, Ventura, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

ELF THE MUSICAL Through Dec. 18. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actu ally a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. To spread Christmas cheer among those in need, Ojai ACT invites audience members to bring canned goods to donate to Help of Ojai. $10-25. Ojai ACT, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.8797, ojaiact.org.

ELF THE MUSICAL Through Dec. 23. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actu

ally a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. $20-28. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 805583-7900, www.simi-arts.org.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Through Dec. 18. Agatha Christie’s best-selling who dunit centers on a cast of eccentric characters traveling by train who become suspects over night when a passenger is found dead. A murder mystery filled with glamour, intrigue, suspense and even a healthy dose of humor. $22-24. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula, 805-525-4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org

ONGOING ART

AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Opened June 16: Save the Pollinators: A Youth-Led Environmental Restoration Project. Ongoing: Farm to Market, an interactive exhibit promoting healthy life styles; plus antique tractors, farming implements, a living beehive and more. Hours: ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, venturamuseum.org/ visit-agriculture-museum/ BUENAVENTURA GALLERY Through Dec. 24. Holiday season show, with works by BAA mem bers. Reception on Friday, Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m. Studio 99, Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., #99, Ventura, www.buenaventuraartassociation.org

CAMARILLO ART CENTER Through Jan. 2: Let the Holidays Begin. 3150 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, www.camarilloartcenter.org

CANVAS AND PAPER Through Dec. 4. Works by Laurence Stephen Lowry. 311 N. Montgomery St., Ojai, canvasandpaper.org.

CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM

Through Dec. 19: Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands, work by five local artists inspired by the flora and fauna of the Channel Islands. 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

H GALLERY Through Dec. 31. La Gran Vida (The Big Life), large scale compositions and alternative views from the female perspective. H Gallery, 1793 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-2931616, www.dabart.me/la-gran-vida

HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS Through Jan. 10: BAA members holiday show. 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

JOHN SPOOR BROOME LIBRARY Recently opened. Honoring Our Past—Building the Future, featuring a historical timeline of California State University, Channel Islands, since its inception in 2002 through photos, documents and artifacts. CSUCI, 1 University Dr., Camarillo, www.csuci.edu

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, 805-4874333, www.murphyautomuseum.org

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY Through Dec. 19: A Year Without You, a collection of one hundred floral mixed media canvas paintings by Julie Dahl-Nicolle that speak to the sense of loss that all have experienced during the COVID19 pandemic. Through Aug. 31, 2023: All That Glitters Is Not Gold, the Jazz Age in Ventura County; Chromatic: The Museum in Six Colors. Through Dec. 31, 2023: Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak. Through Feb. 28, 2023: Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®. Ongoing: MVC Gallery Marketplace, exhibits devoted to the Chumash, the history of Ventura County, online exhibits and resources and more. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323 or venturamuseum.org

NAPA HALL GALLERY AT CSUCI Through Dec. 9. Kathleen Quaife: A Portrait of the Artist, ani mation, film clips, drawings and landscape paintings by the pioneering animator who did groundbreaking work for Disney, Hanna-Barbera and Warner Bros. California State University, Channel Islands, 1 University Dr., Camarillo, www.csuci.edu

OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM Ongoing. Small exhibi tions on a range of topics related to the history of the Ojai Valley, as well as virtual talks and more. Now 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

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 heri tage. “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 docent-led tours; group and spe cial-focus tours by appointment. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-5211501, www.ranchocamulos.org

realART Ongoing. The art gallery in Whizin Market Square features works by a variety of contemporary artists. Whizin Market Square, 28861 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 310-4524000, buyrealart.com

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Through Jan. 8, 2023: An American Christmas Story, a brand-new, 5,000-square-foot exhibit exploring the unique holiday traditions of all 50 states and the American territories. Includes more than 60 trees, a selection of Menorahs gifted to the Reagan family and more. Ongoing: Permanent exhib its include Air Force One, an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, an M-1 Abrams tank and more. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800-410-8354, www.reaganfoundation.org

SANDRA AND JORDAN LABY GALLERY Opened July 21. An Historical Eye, oil paint ings, dye sublimations and gold-leaf prints from renowned artists Michael O’Kelly, to be displayed on the newly created arts space downstairs at the Rubicon Theatre Company. 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org

SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Through March 5: 14th Annual Art About Agriculture, a group show presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance to promote awareness of agriculture by explor ing its many facets through art. Through Jan. 8, 2023: Remedios (Remedies), a solo exhibition by Conejo Valley artist John Galan. With artworks rich in symbolism and vibrant hues inspired by his Mexican heritage, Galan’s exhibit explores the connections between mind, body, nature and healing. The museum is now open, WednesdaysSundays. Free family days the first Sunday of the month. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-5255554 or www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

SPICETOPIA Through Jan. 5. The spice and tea shop in downtown Ventura now shows works by members of the Buenaventura Art Association. 576 E. Main St., 805-628-3267, www.spice-topia.com

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS Through Dec. 4. Colorspace, vibrant works by Carlos Grasso, Ariane Leiter, Margaret Korisheli and Barry Frantz. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805383-1368, studiochannelislands.org.

VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — house wares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. Starting Nov. 19, enjoy a free gift with pur chase of $30 or more. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805- 644-6800, venturapottersguild.org/gallery

Colorful works by Carlos Grasso, Ariane Leiter, Margaret Korisheli and Barry Frantz will be on exhibit through Dec. 4 at Studio Channel Islands. Pictured: Carlos Grasso in the studio.

Several limited-edition prints will be available for purchase during Vita Art Center’s preview opening and sale fundraiser, taking place Saturday, Dec. 3, 4-7 p.m. All proceeds support the center’s youth art programs.

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!

THURSDAY, 12/1

LIVE MUSIC

Boatyard Pub: Bluegrass Thursday

The Canyon: The Windbreakers, 7 p.m.

Copper Blues: Latin Night with Juevas de Parranda, 8 p.m.

The Grape: Tom Etchart and Friends, 5-7 p.m.; SicNarf, 7-10 p.m.

Ojai Valley Brewery: Songwriter Series with Jess Bush, 7 p.m.

Tony’s Pizzaria: Reggae Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The Twist on Main: Davey Miller Jazz Trios, 5:308 p.m.

Ventura Music Hall: The Iron Maidens (tribute), 8:30 p.m.

Winchester’s: The Pipes, 5:30-8:30 p.m. H

COMEDY

Levity Live Comedy Club: Vinny Fasline, 7:30 p.m.

DJS

Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley; Cochran): Ladies Night with DJs, 7-11 p.m.

OTHER

Anna’s Cider: Trivia night, 7 p.m.

BL Dancehall/Borderline: Line dancing lessons (6:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and dancing, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

El Rey Cantina (Camarillo): Karaoke with Leigh Balton, 8-11 p.m.

The Garage: Tiki Thursdays

GiGi’s: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Hangar Bar: Karaoke with Susan, 6-9 p.m.

Keynote Lounge: Open Mic Jam, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Manhattan: Trivia night, 7 p.m.

Outlaws: Sing Time Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Sportsman Lounge (Camarillo): Sing Time Karaoke, 7-10 p.m.

Topa Topa Brewing (Camarillo): Head Games Trivia, 6:30 p.m.

Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Colt): Head Games Trivia, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, 12/2

LIVE MUSIC

Black Angus: Square Cow Live Series, 7-10 p.m.

Boatyard Pub: Teresa Russell, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Deer Lodge: Hot Rise, 9 p.m.

The Grape: Fred Kaplan Band plays West Coast Swing, 5-7 p.m.; Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe and Missing Links with the Barrelhouse Wailers, 8-11 p.m. H

Ojai Valley Brewery: Jacob and the Good Vibes, 7-9 p.m.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center: Tierra and Malo with The Borrowers, 7 p.m.

The Raven Tavern: Brandon Ragan Project, 7 p.m.

Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley, Cochran): Sweet Lou with Tongues of Fire, 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Topa Topa Brewing (Ojai): Sam Kulchin, 7-9 p.m.

Vaquero Y Mar: Jarocho music with Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera, 6-8 p.m.; Music Nortena con Jaime and DJ Sensacion, 8:30 p.m.

The Vine: Ray Jaurique Trio, 8-10 p.m.

Winchester’s: LA Jazz Connection with Davey Miller, 7-10 p.m.

COMEDY

Leashless Brewing: The Salty Suites Bluegrass Jam Session, 7 p.m.

Levity Live Comedy Club: Nick Swardson, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m.

NAMBA Performing Arts Space: Ventura Improv Company, 7 p.m.

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Justin Rivera, 7 p.m. DJS

Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean

Topa Topa Brewing (Camarillo): DJ Spencer White, 7-9 p.m.

Ventura Music Hall: So Fresh and So Clean 2000s Party with DJ NME and DJ PJ, 8 p.m.

OTHER

BL Dancehall/Borderline: Micro Mania, 7 p.m.

GiGi’s: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

SATURDAY, 12/3

LIVE MUSIC

805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Kenny Devoe, 11 a.m.

The Brite Room at Music Freqs: Winter Student Showcase, 12 p.m.

Cantara Cellars: Ignition Live, 6:30 p.m.

The Canyon: Fee Waybill Rides Again, 8 p.m.

Copper Blues: Honky Tonk Brunch, 11 a.m.

GiGi’s: Catholic Split, Head-Cut and others, 7 p.m. H

The Grape: Fausto Cuevas Y La Moderna, 2-5 p.m.; Doug Webb Group, 8-11 p.m. H

Leashless Brewing: Morie and the Heavy Hitters, 2 p.m.; Jacob Marquez Solo Acoustic, 7 p.m.

The Raven Tavern: Holger’s Heroes, 7 p.m.

Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley, Cochran): A Dustland

Fairytale (Killers tribute), 8-11 p.m.

Topa Topa Brewing (Camarillo): Jimmy Darin, 5-7 p.m.

Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura; Thompson): Goodnight Kiss, 5-7 p.m.

Ventura Music Hall: Long Beach Dub Allstars, 9 p.m.

The Vine: Smitty and Julija, 7-9 p.m.

Winchester’s: The James Broz Band, 2-5 p.m.

COMEDY

JR’s Comedy Club (in Junkyard Cafe): Brian Sheil, 7 p.m.

Levity Live Comedy Club: Nick Swardson, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Tom Clark, 7 p.m.

DJS

Copper Blues: DJ Jonny, 10 p.m.

Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean OTHER

BL Dancehall/Borderline: Line dancing lessons (6:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and dancing, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

Deer Lodge: A Night of Magic with Travis Martois and Franklin Saint, 8 p.m. H

Goebel Adult Community Center: Mambo lessons, 6:30 p.m.; Erik Ekstrand, 7:30-10 p.m.

Harbor Cove Cafe: Ukulele Jam with Gary Ballen and Kool Hand Ukes, 10 a.m.

SUNDAY, 12/4

LIVE MUSIC

805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Kenny Devoe, 11 a.m.

Copper Blues: Mariachi brunch, 12 p.m.; Day Party, 4:30 p.m.

Leashless Brewing: Brian D’Entremont, 2 p.m.

The Lookout: Gary Ballen, 3-6 p.m.

Ric’s Restaurant: Live music, 2:30 p.m.

Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley, Cochran): Reggae Sunday, 5-7 p.m.

Tony’s Pizzaria: Trivie Omdobble, 2-5 p.m.

Vaquero Y Mar: Mariachi Brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ventura Music Hall:The Rare Occasions, 8 p.m.H

The Vine: Austin Vallejo, 7-9 p.m.

Winchester’s: Colette Lovejoy Band, 2-5 p.m.

Zin Bistro: Jason Bourne, 4 p.m.

COMEDY

Levity Live Comedy Club: Nick Swardson, 6 p.m.

DJS

Bombay: VC Day Party (DJs and outdoor games), 2-10 p.m.

The Garage Sunday Funk Day and Football

OTHER

Fatty Vegan: Ska brunch, 10:30 a.m.

GiGi’s: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Harbor Cove Cafe: Yacht Rock Sunday

MONDAY, 12/5

OTHER

BL Dancehall/Borderline:Trivia Night and West Coast Swing, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Garage: Open Mic Comedy Night and free pool, 8 p.m.

Paddy’s: Free pool and darts, open to close

Q Club: Karaoke with Leigh Balton, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Tipsy Goat: Rockstar Karaoke, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

TUESDAY, 12/6

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.

Ventura Theater: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, El Vez, The Last Gang, 8-11:30 p.m. H

OTHER

BL Dancehall/Borderline:Tango lessons, 7 p.m.; Tango Dance Party, 8 p.m.

The Garage: Tacos and Trivia, 7 p.m.

The Grape: The Gratitude Jazz Jam, 7-10 p.m.

Keynote Lounge: Karaoke, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Lookout: Trivia, 7 p.m.

Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley, Cochran): Rockstar Karaoke, 9 p.m.-11:59 p.m.

Star Lounge: Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.

The Vine: Tuesday Night Trivia, 7-8:30 p.m.

Winchester’s: Open Mic Night with Jenna Rose, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 12/7

LIVE MUSIC

The Garage: Blue Wednesdays Live Blues, 7-10 p.m.

The Grape: 6 Beats Apart, 7:30-10 p.m.

Ojai Valley Brewery: Davey and the Midnights, 7 p.m.

The Six Social House: Bone Maggot Presents Wicked Wednesdays, 8:30 p.m. H

Topa Topa Brewing (Camarillo): Erinn Alissa, 5-7 p.m.

Vaquero Y Mar: Tribal Me Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.

Ventura Theater: Beach House, 8-11 p.m. H

COMEDY

GiGi’s: Comedy Night with Artie Lopez, 8 p.m.

OTHER

Keynote Lounge: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Paddy’s: Be the Star Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

Tipsy Goat: Rockstar Karaoke, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

The Twist on Main: Trivia Night, 6-8 p.m.

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Open Mic with Kiana Marquez, 7 p.m.

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes come to the Ventura Theater on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 8-11:30 p.m. The band is joined by El Vez and The Last Gang.

Enjoy a little Irish folk and Americana with The Pipes, performing at Winchester’s on Thursday, Dec. 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Journalist Hadley Freeman interviewed Aries actor William Shatner when he was 90. She was surprised to find that the man who played Star Trek’s Captain Kirk looked 30 years younger than his actual age. “How do you account for your robustness?” she asked him. “I ride a lot of horses, and I’m into the bewilderment of the world,” said Shatner. “I open my heart and head into the curiosity of how things work.” I sug gest you adopt Shatner’s approach in the coming weeks, Aries. Be intoxicated with the emotional richness of mysteries and perplexities. Feel the joy of how unknowable and unpredict able everything is. Bask in the blessings of the beautiful and bountiful questions that life sends your way.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20) :

Of all the objects on earth, which is most likely to be carelessly cast away and turned into litter? Cigarette butts, of course. That’s why an Indian entrepreneur named Naman Guota is such a rev olutionary. Thus far, he has recycled and transformed over 300 million butts into mosquito repellant, toys, keyrings, and compost, which he and his company have sold for over a million dollars. I predict that in the coming weeks, you will have a comparable genius for converting debris and scraps into useful, valuable stuff. You will be skilled at recycling dross. Meditate on how you might accomplish this metaphorically and psychologically.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20):

Tips on how to be the best Gemini you can be in the coming weeks: 1. Think laterally or in spirals rather than straight lines. 2. Gleefully solve problems in your daydreams. 3. Try not to hurt anyone acci dentally. Maybe go overboard in being sensitive and kind. 4. Culti vate even more variety than usual in the influences you surround yourself with. 5. Speak the diplomatic truth to people who truly need to hear it. 6. Make creative use of your mostly hidden side. 7. Never let people figure you out completely.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22):

In my dream, I gathered with my five favorite astrologers to ruminate on your immediate future. After much discussion, we decided the following advice would be helpful for you in December. 1. Make the most useful and inspirational errors you’ve dared in a long time. 2. Try experiments that teach you interesting lessons even if they aren’t completely successful. 3. Identify and honor the blessings in every mess.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

“All possible feelings do not yet exist,” writes Leo novelist Nicole Krauss in her book The History of Love. “There are still those that lie beyond our capacity and our imagination. From time to time, when a piece of music no one has ever written, or something else impossible to predict, fathom, or yet describe takes place, a new feeling enters the world. And then, for the millionth time in the history of feeling, the heart surges and absorbs the impact.” I suspect that some of these novel moods will soon be welling up in you, Leo. I’m confident your heart will absorb the influx with intelligence and fascination.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Virgo author Jeanette Winterson writes, “I have always tried to make a home for myself, but I have not felt at home in myself. I have worked hard at being the hero of my own life, but every time I checked the register of displaced persons, I was still on it. I didn’t know how to belong. Longing? Yes. Belonging? No.” Let’s unpack Winterson’s complex testimo ny as it relates to you right now. I think you are closer than ever before to feeling at home in yourself — maybe not per fectly so, but more than in the past. I also suspect you have a greater-than-usual capacity for belonging. That’s why I invite you to be clear about what or whom you want to belong to and what your belonging will feel like. One more thing: You now have extraordinary power to learn more about what it means to be the hero of your own life.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

It’s tempting for you to entertain balanced views about every sub ject. You might prefer to never come to definitive conclusions about anything, because it’s so much fun basking in the pretty glow of pris matic ambiguity. You LOVE there being five sides to every story. I’m not here to scold you about this predilection. As a person with three Libran planets in my chart, I understand the appeal of considering all options. But I will advise you to take a brief break from this ten dency. If you avoid making decisions in the coming weeks, they will be made for you by others. I don’t recommend that. Be proactive.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

Scorpio poet David Whyte makes the surprising statement that “anger is the deepest form of compassion.” What does he mean? As long as it doesn’t result in violence, he says, “anger is the purest form of care. The internal living flame of anger always illuminates what we belong to, what we wish to protect, and what we are will ing to hazard ourselves for.” Invoking Whyte’s definition, I will urge you to savor your anger in the coming days. I will invite you to honor and celebrate your anger, and use it to guide your constructive efforts to fix some problem or ease some hurt. (Read more: tinyurl. com/AngerCompassion)

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Sagittarian comedian Margaret Cho dealt with floods of ignorant criticism while growing up. She testifies, “Being called ugly and fat and disgusting from the time I could barely understand what the words meant has scarred me so deep inside that I have learned to hunt, stalk, claim, own, and defend my own loveliness.” You may not have ever experienced such extreme forms of disapproval, Sag ittarius, but — like all of us — you have on some occasions been berated or undervalued simply for being who you are. The good news is that the coming months will be a favorable time to do what Cho has done: hunt, stalk, claim, own, and defend your own loveli ness. It’s time to intensify your efforts in this noble project.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

The bad news: In 1998, Shon Hopwood was sentenced to 12 years in prison for committing bank robberies. The good news: While incarcerated, he studied law and helped a number of his fellow prisoners win their legal cases — including one heard by the US Supreme Court. After his release, he became a full-fledged law yer, and is now a professor of law at Georgetown University. Your current trouble isn’t anywhere as severe as Hopwood’s was, Cap ricorn, but I expect your current kerfuffle could motivate you to accomplish a very fine redemption.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

“I stopped going to therapy because I knew my therapist was right, and I wanted to keep being wrong,” writes poet Clementine von Radics. “I wanted to keep my bad habits like charms on a bracelet. I did not want to be brave.” Dear Aquarius, I hope you will do the opposite of her in the coming weeks. You are, I suspect, very near to a major healing. You’re on the verge of at least partially fixing a problem that has plagued you for a while. So please keep calling on whatever help you’ve been receiving. Maybe ask for even more support and inspiration from the influences that have been contrib uting to your slow, steady progress.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20):

As you have roused your personal power to defeat your fears in the past, what methods and approaches have worked best for you? Are there brave people who have inspired you? Are there stories and symbols that have taught you useful tricks? I urge you to survey all you have learned about the art of summoning extra courage. In the coming weeks, you will be glad you have this information to draw on. I don’t mean to imply that your challenges will be scarier or more daunting than usual. My point is that you will have unprecedented opportunities to create vigorous new trends in your life if you are as bold and audacious as you can be.

Homework: What do you like a little that you might be able to like a lot? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Photo by Robert Chapman

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE

Since 1998 Times Media Group has been a locally owned news and entertainment media company. Fast forward to today and TMG is now one of the largest print and digital media companies in the Southwest. With this level of growth and expansion we need to add to our multi-media sales team

Times Media Group is seeking an experienced advertising account executive. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced advertising sales professional. TMG has grown significantly as a result of its great professional team, and its well-known print and digital media platforms, including the Pasadena Weekly and Arroyo Magazine.

�'llfteporter

WHAT WE NEED

Two years of outside advertising sales experience is preferred. A good candidate for this position is financially motivated, possesses exceptional organizational skills and is ready to embrace a real opportunity to work on a quality team.

An ideal candidate will be familiar with the Ventura County area including Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo and Ojai and the surrounding areas.

We are seeking an individual who can sell solutions not just ads, who appreciates straight-talk, and is hardworking, motivated, and values working in a positive team environment.

Lien Sales

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said prop erty pursuant to Section s 21700-21716 of the Busi ness and Professions Code Section 2328 of the CC, Sec tion 535 of the Penal Cod e and provisions of the Civi l Code.

The undersigned will sell a t public sale by competitiv e bidding on the 8th day o f December 2022, at 11:0 0 a.m., on the premises where said property has bee n stored and which are located at Santa Paula Self Storage at 326 W. Santa Mari a Street, Santa Paula, in th e County of Ventura, State o f California, the following:

Unit Murphy Merchandise Unit Garcia-Hernandez Mer chandise Unit Nunez Merchandise Unit Santa Paula Hospita l Merchandise Unit Henig Merchandise Unit Dobson Merchandise Unit Villareal Merchandise Unit Avila Merchandise Unit Monje Merchandise Unit Mejia Merchandise Unit Herrera Merchandise Unit Miller Merchandise Unit Bergstrand Merchandise Unit Arnold Merchandise Unit Stevens Merchandise Unit Samson Merchandise Unit Keller Merchandise

All property is sold "AS I S AND WITH ALL FAULTS " and without warranty eithe r expressed or implied. AL L SALES ARE PAYABL E EITHER BY CASH O R MONEY ORDER ONLY, pay able after the sale in full. All property purchased must be removed prior to the close of business the day of the sale All units purchased will b e given a clear bill of sale. This sale is being held pursuant to the provisions of the Califor nia Self Storage Act, section 21706 and/or 21700.

Santa Paula Self Storage Re serves the right to remov e any or all units from this sale due to prior settlement. Santa Paula Self Storage Reserves the right to bid on any or al l units in this sale.

householdandpersonal items,officeandotherequipment.Thepublicsaleof theseitemswillbeginat 09:30AMandcontinueuntil allunitsaresold.Thelien saleistobeheldattheonline auction website, www.storagetreasures.com, where indicated. For online li en sales, bids will be accep t ed until 2 hours after th e t ime of the sale specified

PUBLIC STORAGE # 23411, 7 40 Arcturus Ave, Oxnard , C A 93033, (805) 248-708 3

Sale to be held at www.stor agetreasures.com.

A 011 - Aguilera, Highian ; F001 - Rico, Carlos; F027 M urillo, Raul; F072 - Del g ado, Albert; F114 - Mend oza, Ricardo; F246 - michell, C asey; F267 - michell, Ca s ey; F291 - Lazcano, Car men; F299 - Hill, Janita; F318 Morton, Christine; F388 M elendez, Reyna; F389 B onewitz, Christina; F394 H ernandez, Oscar; F397 Stalsworth, Victoria; F445 Siquiedo, Jeannette; F518 Aguilar, Armando

PUBLIC STORAGE # 23050, 4 400 McGrath St, Ventura , C A 93003, (805) 324-601 1 Sale to be held at www.stor agetreasures.com.

E105 - Carelli, Michele; H029 Romano, Peter; H304 - Ur b ina, Richard; J007 P einado, Janet; K008 Peinado, Janet; K045 - Wag goner, Lin; K292 - Santoyo , Christopher; K299 - Powers, J oseph; L020 - Jones , M oorea

PUBLIC STORAGE # 26812, 6435 Ventura Blvd, Ventura, CA 93003, (805) 329-5384 Sale to be held at www.stor agetreasures.com.

B023 - moreno, Annamarie; C091 - Ester, Joyce; C168 Pina, Tracie; C220 - Pinedo, Delores; C294 - Sinsun, Ash l ey; D137 - Ortega, Alicia ; D 163 - Herman, Robert ; D 231 - Gonzalez, Maria ; D259 - Gonzales, Rebecca I; D 277 - Gardner, Nelson ; D 320 - Rossi, Rick

PUBLIC STORAGE # 24110, 5515 Walker Street, Ventura, CA 93003, (805) 312-9304

Sale to be held at www.stor agetreasures.com. A071 - Vargas, Jesus; B103 Carter, Pam; B155 - Under wood, Sandra; E478 - Reese, Willie; E502 - Orellana, Mar ina; E536 - Hammond, Chris

PUBLIC STORAGE # 25779, 161 E Ventura Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93036, (805) 456-6430

saleonDecember16,2022, thepersonalpropertyinthe below-listedunits,whichmay includebutarenotlimitedto: householdandpersonal items,officeandotherequipment.Thepublicsaleof these items will begin at 09:30 AM and continue until all units are sold. The lie n sale is to be held at the on l ine auction website , w ww.storagetreasures.com , where indicated. For online li en sales, bids will be accep t ed until 2 hours after th e t ime of the sale specified

PUBLIC STORAGE # 20627, 4 568 E Los Angeles Ave , Simi Valley, CA 93063, (805) 285-7018

Sale to be held at www.stor agetreasures.com. C126 - Condon, Keith; C184 Bender, Juanita; D075 B ROOKER, LINDA PUBLIC STORAGE # 25753, 8 75 W Los Angeles Ave , Moorpark, CA 93021, (805) 298-1384

Sale to be held at www.stor agetreasures.com. 012 - Gold Coast Draft Lewis, Christopher D; 026 - Lewis, Chris

PUBLIC STORAGE # 26607, 120 West Easy Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065, (805) 285 7067

Sale to be held at www.stor agetreasures.com. 0 35 - White, Rachel; 276 V allejo, Destiny

Public sale terms, rules, and r egulations will be mad e available prior to the sale. All sales are subject to cancella tion. We reserve the right to r efuse any bid. Paymen t m ust be in cash or credi t card-no checks. Buyers must s ecure the units with thei r own personal locks. To claim t ax-exempt status, origina l RESALE certificates for each space purchased is required

By PS Retail Sales, LLC, 701 W estern Avenue, Glendale C A 91201. (818) 244-8080 12/1, 12/8/22 CNS-3647893#

LIEN SALE

Car Kolor Auto Body

LIEN SALE: 04-BOMBARD CF #: 9405RN Hull # : ZZN39300L304

LIEN SALE: 07-ZIE License: NONE / CA Vin: 1ZCS160167W331339

If, based on the requirements, you are a qualified candidate and would like to join a quality team and get on with your future, respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe you are a good f� for the position. We are currently scheduling interviews.

Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, great product line and a significant opportunity for income growth.

Times Media Group: Times Media Group is a digital and print media company that operates in the Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego and Los Angeles markets. It serves a wide variety of demographic audiences and communities.

Dates to publish: November 24, 2022 and December 1 2022

Agent for owners: Epic Group

Bill to: Santa Paula Self Stor age 1601 Eastman Avenue, Suite #100 , Ventura, CA 930003 805-642-4773

Published: Ventura Count y Reporter 11/24/22, 12/01/22

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

To satisfy the owner's storage lien, PS Retail Sales LLC will sell at public lien sale on December 14, 2022, the personal property in the below-listed units, which may include but are not limited to: household and personal items, office and other equipment. The public sale o f these items will begin a t 09:30 AM and continue until all units are sold. The lien sale is to be held at the online auction website, www.storagetreasures.com, whereindicated.Foronlineliensales,bidswillbeaccepteduntil2hoursafterthe timeofthesalespecified.

PUBLICSTORAGE#23411,

Sale to be held at www.stor agetreasures.com. B486 - Zamora, Anel; B603 B rookes, Ashley; B624 L onghenry, Joseph; R430 K ennedy-Hammond, Chris t opher; W169 - vargas , Randy; W188 - Ayala, Yvette Public sale terms, rules, and r egulations will be mad e available prior to the sale. All sales are subject to cancella tion. We reserve the right to r efuse any bid. Paymen t m ust be in cash or credi t card-no checks. Buyers must s ecure the units with thei r own personal locks. To claim t ax-exempt status, origina l RESALE certificates for each space purchased is required Dated this 24th of November & 1st of December 2022. By P S Orangeco, Inc., 70 1 W estern Avenue, Glendale, C A 91201. (818) 244-8080 11/24, 12/1/22 CNS-3644907#

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

To satisfy the owner's stor age lien, PS Retail Sales , LLC will sell at public lie n sale on December 16, 2022 the personal property in th e below-listed units, which may include but are not limited to: household and persona l items, office and other equip ment. The public sale o f these items will begin at 09:30 AM and continue until allunitsaresold.Thelien saleistobeheldattheonlineauctionwebsite, www.storagetreasures.com, whereindicated.Foronlineli-

LIEN SALE: 04-BOMBARD CF #: 6363RB Hull # : ZZN40608A404 to be sold at 10:00 am on 12/13/2022 @ 1205 N Oxnard Blvd Oxnard, Ca Sierra Towing

LIEN SALE: 19-NISS License: 8HXD453 / CA Vin: 3N1AB7AP1KY240379 to be sold at 10:00 am on 12/13/2022 @ 2651 Lavery Ct #B Newbury Park, CA

Published: Ventura County Reporter 12/01/22

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 3071 of the C ivil Code of the State o f C alifornia, the undersigned w ill sell the following vehicle(s) at lien sale at said t ime (s) on: Thursday , D ecember 8, 2022 to wit : YEAR 16

MAKE TOYT

VIN 5YFBURHE8GP464543

LIC#7RRL053

STATE CA 1500 VENTURA BLVD

To be sold by: CALIBER COLLISION

O XNARD, VENTURA COUNTY, CA 93036 (10:00 AM)

Said sale is for the purpose o f satisfying lien (s) of the a bove for towing, storage , l abor, materials, and lien charges. Together with costs of advertising and expenses of sale.

P ublished: Ventura County Reporter 12/01/22

CANNABIS TINCTURES CANNABIS TINCTURES

W r i t t e n b y W h e e l h o u s e S t a f f

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F a s t - A c t i n g S i n c e t i n c t u r e s a b s o r b v i a t h e t o n g u e t i s s u e , t h e i r e f f e c t s s t a r t t o t a k e e f f e c t f a s t e r w h e n t a k e n s u b l i n g u a l l y t h a n t h e y w o u l d i f y o u w e r e t o c o n s u m e a n e d i b l e ( t h o u g h i t w i l l t a k e a l i t t l e l o n g e r t h a n s m o k i n g ) . A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h i s m e a n s t h a t t i n c t u r e s h a v e a l o n g e r p o t e n c y t h a n s m o k i n g a j o i n t , b u t t h e y m a y b r e a k d o w n m o r e q u i c k l y t h a n b a k e d f o o d s o r o t h e r f a t t y e d i b l e s W h e r e t o B u y T i n c t u r e s I f y o u w a n t t o b u y t i n c t u r e s , w e a l w a y s r e c o m m e n d p u r c h a s i n g t h e m f r o m a l i c e n s e d d i s p e n s a r y t h a t o f f e r s h i g h q u a l i t y c a n n a b i s p r o d u c t s , s u c h a s W h e e l h o u s e . W e c u r r e n t l y c a r r y a v a r i e t y o f t i n c t u r e s s u c h a s P a p a & B a r k l e y C a n n a b i s T i n c t u r e s a n d h a v e k n o w l e d g e a b l e b u d t e n d e r s w h o c a n h e l p p r o v i d e t h e b e s t t i p s o n h o w t o a c h i e v e t h e e f f e c t y o u a r e s e e k i n g Y o u c a n o r d e r i n s t o r e o r o n l i n e b y v i s i t i n g w h e e l h o u s e p h . c o m .

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