Ventana Monthly - November 2021

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CONTENTS

ventana

VOL.15 NO. 9

NOVEMBER 2021

FEA TU R ES

Editor’s Note 6 Thriving Together

About Town 12 Homegrown Academy SEEAG educates the public about the hands and lands that feed us.

Conversation 26 Cultivating Safe Spaces House Farm Workers! advocates for safe, decent and secure housing for ag employees.

Cover Story 33 Seeds of the Future 805 Ag Kids is keeping Ventura County’s agricultural legacy alive.

LAMBS OWNED BY KYLAN JAEGER. PHOTO COURTESY 805 AG KIDS

DEPARTMENTS COMMUNITY 8 WEV’s Empowerment is Priceless; David Cameron at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center SHORT LIST 46 A preview of coming attractions

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COVER STORY: Brooke Allen of Sespe 4-H poses proudly with her goat, a reserve champion at the 2021 805 Ag Kids Invitational. Photo courtesy 805 Ag Kids

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Arianna Vargas with her goat. Photo courtesy 805 Ag Kids

EDITOR’S NOTE

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THRIVING TOGETHER

ovember is imbued with meaning: the end of fall and daylight savings time, the season of bare branches and brown grass, the descent of darkness and inactivity.

It’s also the month when the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. Along with an attitude of gratitude come images of feasts, gorgeous tables laden with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, bread, pies.

But of course, this cornucopia wouldn’t be possible without the farms, fields and ranches that supply us with the food we eat.

And so, for Ventana Monthly’s annual Giving Back issue, we went back to the land that nourishes us . . . and chose to celebrate the people who nurture it on our behalf.

Agriculture is an enormous industry that rests largely on the shoulders of farmworkers. Over 40,000 men and women tend the fields, bring in the harvest and otherwise keep the fruit, vegetables and other products in our markets and on our tables. They are also among the lowest paid employees in an area famous for its skyrocketing housing prices. Advocating on behalf of Ventura County’s farmworkers is the organization House Farm Workers!, and we spoke to three of its principal members about the challenges farmworkers face, the struggle to obtain affordable housing and more in Conversation.

If we want to maintain the county’s century-plus ag legacy into the future, we need to plant those seeds now.

Helping to cultivate the next generation of Ventura County farmers and ranchers is 805 Ag Kids. This local orga-

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nization originally sprang up in 2019 to help advocate for the kids that participate in 4-H, Future Farmers of America and similar programs. During the pandemic, when many group activities — and the all-important Ventura County Fair — were canceled, 805 Ag Kids stepped up to help keep young animal breeders and raisers connected to the community, and provide opportunities for them to show and sell their livestock. We take an in-depth look at the organization in our Cover Story.

Not every person will go on to work on or own a farm, of course. But understanding what it means to this county, and the challenges it faces, is something from which we can all benefit. Which is where SEEAG (About Town) comes in. Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture aims to inform the entire community about where its food originates. From farm visits to classes to Ventura County Farm Day, SEEAG draws a clear line from the seed in the soil to the meal on the plate, fostering an appreciation for every step of the process.

Like crops on a farm, a community grows from the seeds of individuals that are planted in a healthy environment, tended with care, cherished and nurtured with an eye toward a brighter future. This November, let us all be thankful for the people, animals and crops that grow in Ventura County. This land is our land, and this community is ours, too . . . and we can all thrive if we look after it, and each other, together.

– Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nancy@ventanamonthly.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer CONTRIBUTORS Marina Dunbar Kimberly Rivers GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Bret Hooper Nathalie Proulx ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Warren Barrett ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Barbara Kroon

C O N TA C T U S

ADVERTISING sales@ventanamonthly.com EDITORIAL nancy@ventanamonthly.com PHONE 805.648.2244 Ventana Magazine is direct mailed to 14,000 homes in the city of Ventura.

An additional 3,000 copies are street circulated county wide. Total Circulation is 17,000

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COMMUNITY

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EMPOWERMENT IS PRICELESS

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HILTON SANTA BARBARA BEACHFRONT RESORT

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Photos by Willa Kveta

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n Thursday, Oct. 21, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) hosted its 16th Annual Empowerment is Priceless fundraiser and awards ceremony at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event honors small business owners and other members of the WEV community.

“Empowerment is Priceless is a great way to celebrate and support female entrepreneurship during Women’s Small Business Month,” said WEV CEO Kathy Odell. “Women-owned small businesses are one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy and giving them the support they need to be successful benefits everyone.”

Award recipients included Elsa Cisneros of Daily Greenz, Etc., a Santa Barbara-based purveyor of healthy meals; former California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson; and the Santa Barbara Public Library. Several WEV clients were also in attendance.

Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women, offering small business training, advisory services, financial literacy programs and small business loans in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes people of all gender identities into the WEV community. www.wevonline.org

1. Client of the Year: Elsa Cisneros, owner of Daily Greenz, Etc. 2. Community Champion: Lili Muñoz, owner of Colibri LA (and co-founder of Mujeres Makers Market). 3. Trailblazer Award: Former California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson. 4. Partner of the Year: Santa Barbara Public Library (represented by librarian Ahmad Merza). 5. WEV client Lauren Nichols, owner of Local Bath Box in Ojai.

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What does it mean to be Educated?

oa kg ro v e s c ho ol. org / b e g i n

COMMUNITY

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DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES: DAVID CAMERON BANK OF AMERICA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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Photos submitted

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n Tuesday, Oct. 5, teens and staff of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme enjoyed a very special opportunity: to listen to a presentation given by David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Cameron was at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks as part of the Distinguished Speakers Southern California series.

Orchestra-level tickets were generously donated by Anderson Autos.

Teens from the Reiter Family Youth Center and the Harriet H. Samuelsson Teen Center attended the talk with BGCOP staff members, where they learned about Cameron’s perspectives on current social issues and got to go into the special underground meeting area as well. An interesting and educational evening was had by all. www.bgcop.org 1. Top row, from left: Hitantiba, Sandra, Jose, Libeth, Amethyst and Isaiah. Bottom row, from left: Perla, Aleksander, Delladira, Jose, Nicholas and Michelle.

2. Top row, from left: Alexis Minie (BGCOP staff), Omar Zapata (BGCOP staff), Hitantiba, Sandra, Jose, Jeremy Lux of Anderson Autos, Libeth, Amethyst, Isaiah, Monique Garcia (BGCOP staff), and Oscar Arellano (BGCOP staff). Bottom row, from left: Polet Rodriguez (BGCOP staff), Perla, Aleksander, Delladira, Jose, Nicholas and Michelle. 3. Delladira 4. Kim Cochran of Distinguished Speakers Series of Southern California talking with Libeth, Delladira, Monique Garcia (BGCOP staff), Sandra, Jose, Perla and Michelle. 5. Top: Oscar Arellano (BGCOP staff), Omar Zapata (BGCOP staff), Jose, Jeremy Lux of Anderson Autos, David Cameron, Sandra, Monique Garcia (BGCOP staff), Libeth, Isaiah, Amethyst and Alexis Minie (BGCOP staff). Bottom: Polet Rodriguez (BGCOP staff), Michelle, Jose, Delladira, Aleksander, Nicholas, Perla and Hitantiba.

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ABOUT TOWN

HOMEGROWN ACADEMY SEEAG educates the public about the hands and lands that feed us.

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BY MARINA DUNBAR | ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SEEAG

ovember is the month in which the United States celebrates Thanksgiving, and thus it is imbued with an attitude of gratitude. It is a time when many recognize that we are beholden to those who give to us; those who provide our community and beyond with the most fundamental of needs.

One organization which hopes to remind us of that is Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture. A local nonprofit organization founded in 2008, SEEAG works to educate young students about the journey of their food, including the obstacles that can occur within the agricultural industry. Since its inception, SEEAG has

inspired a deeper appreciation for agriculture in over 80,000 local students.

The founder of the organization, Mary Maranville, is someone who truly embodies the spirit of giving back. She strives to help residents understand how much their wellbeing relies on the labor of agricultural workers whilst also giving children a fun and heartening experience that helps them to feel connected with their community.

“I’m the daughter of a farmworker, my father was a dairy farmworker,” explains Maranville. “Farming isn’t for everyone, it’s a calling. A lot of people who were raised on farms don’t go on to do farming.

But for me, one of the most important lessons we have in our curriculum is teaching the kids how to appreciate farmworkers.”

A FRESH IDEA And speaking of appreciating hard work, Maranville had to find a way to bring her idea to fruition.

She had to find sponsors who were willing to resource her organization. Fortu-

Continued on page 18

FARM LAB ACADEMY Third-grade students participate in “The Journey of Our Food,” a free SEEAG-led program that involves hands-on activities and lessons and a field trip to a local farm.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ventana’s 10th annual

NONPROFIT SHOWCASE

Ventura County is a land of plenty in many ways, but not everyone has equal access to its riches. Homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, ill health, addiction and other difficulties continue to be a reality for many. These issues don’t have easy solutions, and require thoughtful, consistent and dedicated efforts to overcome them.

The organizations featured in this year’s Nonprofit Showcase vary in their focus and missions, but they all share a commitment to improving the lives of the people they serve. But they can’t do it alone. All are in need of donations and volunteer work from people like you and me.

This November, while we give thanks for the people and things that make our lives better, let us remember those in need of a helping hand, and the nonprofits offering it. Our fellow Ventura County residents will benefit from any aid you can provide, and our entire community will as well.

Because while individuals survive when their basic needs are met, a community truly thrives when all individuals enjoy AD PROOF safety and security. This year, let’s aim to do what we can to make that a reality for all of us.

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ALL ABOARD A family enjoys a tractor ride at the Santa Rosa Ranch location of Reiter Affiliated Companies and Driscoll’s during the 2018 Ventura County Farm Day.

nately, she was able to meet with the owner and president of Gill’s Onions, Steve Gill, who now serves as the treasurer of SEEAG. “When you’re starting out, you have to raise money for nonprofits like this one,” recalls Maranville. “It takes financial resources. I went to a few different growers, and one of the growers told me I should talk to Steve Gill. So, I made an appointment and Steve was very gracious. I gave him a little presentation and he gave me my first check and he’s been supportive ever since.”

To say Gill is an expert on the subject of agriculture would be an understatement. Located in Oxnard, Gill’s Onions is one of the largest family-owned onion growers in the nation.

“I’ve been in the farming business my whole life,” says Gill. “I grew up on a farm. Our family goes back to farming to the 1880s in Oxnard. Currently, we farm close to 20,000 acres of vegetables in California, along with several processing plants, divisions. There’s just a lot of things that we do in agriculture. I became interested in SEEAG when Mary came to talk to me because education in agriculture is so limited.”

This limited education is surprising, considering not only how essential it is, in general, but also how paramount it is to Ventura County in particular and California as a whole. It is no secret that California has the country’s most booming economy, and much of that economic success comes from the state’s agricultural industry.

However, with the recent threats of global warming and a global pandemic, the sustainability of the industry’s modern mode of operation has been called into question.

FA R M I N G A N D T H E E N V I RO N M E N T Currently, California is suffering a serious drought. After years of dwindling water levels, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared an emergency across the entire state on Oct. 19. Some farmers are even being offered money to stop farming in an attempt to reduce water usage. This drought has had an immense impact on the world of local agriculture and Maranville makes a point to ensure students understand both the gravity of the situation and potential solutions.

“One of the stations we have in our farm lab is focused on water. I really try to make our lesson plans as realistic as possible for these kids. Be positive, but don’t sugarcoat facts. There’s a well that we use to demonstrate water usage. We tell them where the water level is at normal capacity and right now, it’s not at normal capacity, it’s way below it. This is how we talk about the drought, and water quantity and water quality . . . We also talk about soil and entomology because bugs are another big threat.”

Addressing the threats to agriculture is only one of several goals that SEEAG aims to achieve with students, however. The organization offers different programs and classes that students can take. The first of these is the Farm Lab Academy, a two-part program that consists of an in-class presentation and a field trip to a local farm. While visiting the farm, students will explore various stations following the journey of their food.

This program allows students to develop a greater understanding of the complex process of producing food and the workers who Continued on page 22

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LENDING A HAND A radish freshly picked by a student during Farm Lab Academy.

BOOTS ON THE GROUND Mary Maranville in front of the SEEAG office barn at Fig Tree Farms, Santa Paula.

make it happen.

“We’re out on a lemon ranch,” explains Maranville. “Lemons are still picked by hand. We really emphasize that even though we live in the 21st century with all of this advanced technology, most agriculture is still picked by hand.”

Other programs offered by SEEAG include the Ventura (and Santa Barbara) County Child Wellness Initiative, where young students are given a presentation on the basics of good nutrition and the colors of the food rainbow; and the STEAM Career Pathways in Agriculture, where middle and high school students are offered an online presentation on the innovative field of 21st century agricultural work.

And of course, there is Farm Day, a Nov. 6 “holiday” founded

by SEEAG in 2013 where various local agricultural institutions will open their doors to allow the public to see and experience for themselves the industry that sustains them.

“Visitors get to go right to the source,” says Maranville. “They can talk to the farmworkers, talk to the growers and their team, and ask them the questions that really matter to them. And they can get the answers right at the location. Events such as these are important to celebrate the hands and lands that feed us.”

T H E H E RO I S M O F FA R M W O R K E R S Of all the accomplishments they have achieved for our community, the SEEAG team is perhaps most proud of bringing attention to the colossal efforts of local agricultural workers. When taking a look inside the system that is California’s agriculture indus-

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try, one must acknowledge that these workers are some of the most vulnerable and underappreciated members of our society, despite filling one of the most vital roles.

It is ironic that the group that provides fresh and healthy food options to the country’s population is also among the lowest paid, making it so that most farmworkers cannot even afford the produce that they grow. California’s farmworkers have some of the highest rates of obesity, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, which are health issues that often disproportionately affect the working class. According to the University of California, Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, only about half of the state’s farmworkers have health coverage despite being at a higher risk for various illnesses. A survey conducted by the California Institute for Rural Studies revealed that the majority of farmworkers would not seek treatment even if they think they require it, due to fear of the cost.

Gill’s Onions has been a trailblazer for creating an ethical environment where the needs of workers are addressed and realized.

“Everyone is over the minimum wage in our organization,” explains Gill. “Some operations are on piece rates. It’s hard work, and it’s consistently the Hispanic people who come to do all this work. For some reason, no one else seems to show up for this kind of work. These workers are so important to us, they’re important to everything we do.”

The aspiration for fairness and social responsibility is something that strikes close to home for Gill. “I grew up on a farm, not knowing how poor my family was. Back then, farming was more of a lifestyle. Today, it’s more of a business. It’s important to make sure that all of your workers’ needs are met and then some.”

When students are visiting a farm through the SEEAG 8

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ON THE FARM A Reiter-Driscoll’s tractor ride during the 2021 Santa Barbara County Farm Day.

program, it is often the first time they are picking a crop with their own hands. It may be a small thing in the moment, but it leaves a lasting impression on children who are getting a slight taste of the labor that is required to produce delicious produce.

Maranville looks forward to a future generation of SEEAG alumni who appreciate and advocate for the welfare of agricultural workers. “The goal of SEEAG is to not only educate students about the farm origins of their food, but hopefully make them lifelong agricultural ambassadors . . . When we bring them out of the classroom and onto the farm, we’re hoping that they really get inspired and learn all of the facets of agriculture, including all the hard work that goes into it. We hope not only to give them agricultural literacy, but a deeper appreciation for the people who make sure that their food is always there.” v

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture, SEEAG P.O. Box 1461, Ojai, 93024-1461

Fig Tree Farms

13721 West Telegraph Road, Santa Paula 805.901.0213 www.seeag.org

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? Learning about planting crops during Farm Lab Academy.

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CULTIVATING SAFE SPACES

House Farm Workers! advocates for safe, decent and secure housing for ag employees.

V

BY NANCY D. LACKEY SHAFFER

entura County is blessed with a tremendous agricultural bounty.

The area’s fields, ranches and farms cover thousands of acres, producing numerous fruits, vegetables, flowers and more. An industry that generates over $1 billion in revenue a year, it is the lifeblood of the county and a major source of foodstuff for both the state and the nation.

Our agricultural legacy has deep roots with many branches. One of its most critical components is its farmworkers. There are around 42,000 men and women who till the soil, plant the fields, bring in the harvest and make the entire operation feasible. The agriculture industry rests on their shoulders – and yet they are among the lowest paid workers in the area, who struggle to afford the basics . . . including housing. Many end up living in overcrowded apartments, garages or even sheds.

House Farm Workers! hopes to change that. Founded in 2004, its mission is to promote safe, decent and secure housing for Ventura County farmworkers and their families, by working to put the right political, economic and regulatory building blocks in place. HFW! educates the public, elected officials and others about the need for quality, affordable housing for farmworkers. Through the efforts of HFW! and its partners, over 1,000 homes have been completed or planned.

Ventana Monthly spoke with HFW! Executive Director Gabrielle Vignone, Board Chair Leslie Leavens and Communications Chair John Krist about the vital role that House Farm Workers! plays in the county, how it carries out its mission, the challenges ahead and more.

Ventana Monthly: Tell us a little bit about the history of House Farm Workers!

LESLIE LEAVENS: The seed of House Farm Workers! was planted 20 years ago when the Ag Futures Alliance, a group of divergent community members including farmers, farm labor advocates and environmentalists, who believed in a common vision of a vibrant agricultural industry in Ventura County, decided to look into the local issue of farmworker housing. After writing a “white paper” about the issue and pushing for a study of farmworker housing that was conducted by the county, they convened a summit in January 2004.

More than 300 community members, city planning staff and local elected officials attended the all-day event. Many responded to a closing questionnaire saying they wanted to continue to be involved in ensuring farmworkers had access to safe, decent and affordable housing in their communities all over the county. And House Farm Workers! was born.

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Meeting monthly at first, the then-named Farm Worker Housing Task Force consisted of about 20 folks who came from the affordable housing industry, farmworker advocates, the county and agriculture. Led by Ellen Brokaw, they exchanged information and advocated for farmworker housing.

By the time of the summit, there were already small committees in Santa Paula and Ventura meeting to advocate for farmworker housing. These groups came under the Farm Worker Housing Task Force umbrella, and additional committees were established in Oxnard, Camarillo, Fillmore and Moorpark. The organization attained its non-profit status in 2015 under the name House Farm Workers!

What is HFW!’s mission, and how does it accomplish that?

GABRIELLE VIGNONE: Our mission is to promote safe, decent, secure and affordable housing for Ventura County farmworkers and their families through education and advocacy. HFW! is accomplishing this goal with the use of city committee groups, voicing support for local affordable housing projects and currently for local housing elements.

A huge success for House Farm Workers! and Ventura County is the recent Somis Ranch Farmworker housing project. HFW! advocated for the Somis project; it will have a total of 360 farmworker units, making it the largest farmworker complex in the county. Education is provided through an immersion program in which students from CSUCI are immersed into a day in the life of a farmworker.

The immersion includes students attending a day’s work at Reiter Affiliated Companies and viewing farmworker housing. HFW! has partnered with Cal State Channel Islands, Reiter Affiliated Companies and Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation to create this student experience.

Why is the work of HFW! important? What was the situation for farmworkers before HFW came on the scene?

JOHN KRIST: Farmworkers in Ventura County have long lived in overcrowded, substandard conditions. Before our organization was founded, however, there was no coordinated, effective and consistent countywide voice urging local officials to approve such projects. Approval of projects such as Somis Ranch highlight the importance of what HFW! does.

House Farm Workers! recently received a grant from the

What is farmworker housing typically like? What kinds of things need to be improved?

KRIST: There is not really a “typical” type of farm worker housing. It ranges from single-family homes to apartments, dormitory-type housing for temporary guest workers, and even motel rooms. Too often, however, it may be a converted garage or a small apartment shared by multiple families. The reality is that these are fairly low-paid workers trying to find shelter in a vastly overpriced housing market.

Why, in your opinion, is it so hard to provide safe, decent, affordable housing for farmworkers?

KRIST: A lot of it is simple economics. Not much housing of any kind gets built in Ventura County — which is one of the reasons it is so expensive to live here — and as a result developers prefer to build market-rate housing, not units affordable to low-income families. Some of it is also political. It is common for neighbors to object loudly to local government whenever an affordable housing project is proposed for their area.

How many people are a part of HFW!?

VIGNONE: House Farm Workers! currently has two employees and 11 volunteer board members. Farmworkers have attended city committee meetings, and we plan to create a farmworker committee in 2022.

Let’s talk a little bit about the Ellen Brokaw HFW! Scholarship. When was it founded, and how many students have been recipients?

KRIST: The Ellen Brokaw scholarship is named after the founding chair of House Farm Workers! Ellen is a prominent member of Ventura County’s agricultural community, and has long been an energetic and ardent proponent for farmworker families — including household financial support, better housing and improved educational opportunities. Since 2016, 19 students have received the scholarship named in her honor, which is currently $3,000.

What are some of the biggest challenges HFW! faces in trying to advocate for more and better housing?

KRIST: There are powerful economic forces that make it very difficult for developers to design affordable housing projects that pencil out financially. Funding is difficult to obtain, and city and county approval processes are difficult and expensive to navigate. There’s also the political pushback from residents who just don’t regard low-income families as desirable neighbors.

What impact did the pandemic have on farmworkers, and on HFW!’s work?

KRIST: As essential workers, agricultural employees were allowed to continue working even after the pandemic shutdown began. But the

closures shuttered restaurants, hotels and many other sectors of the economy. Overnight, the food service industry collapsed, meaning an important market for Ventura County crops disappeared. Fields were plowed under, and as a result, many workers were furloughed or saw their hours cut back.

In response, House Farm Workers! board member Ellen Brokaw quickly organized a fundraising effort, led by local agricultural employers, to provide household financial assistance to farmworker families.

Initially, thanks to matching funds from the county of Ventura, the effort raised more than $400,000. The county followed up by partnering with the Ventura County Community Foundation to distribute another $3.65 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds through the program.

CONVERSATION

Southern California Association of Governments to work with other organizations and the county of Ventura to conduct a farmworker housing needs assessment. The results of that study will be used as leverage to push for the creation of even more affordable farmworker housing.

What remain the greatest needs for your organization?

KRIST: As an organization, we are always seeking community partners to keep the housing needs of our essential agricultural workers at the top of the agenda in every city and at the county whenever land-use policies are being developed and land-use decisions are being made.

What do you see for farmworkers, and HFW!, moving forward?

KRIST: Our realistic goals moving forward are for farmworker housing to be addressed in the Housing Elements of all the city and county General Plans. The elements are currently under development.

We also will be working on the farmworker housing needs assessment to make sure the community has accurate data and a solid understanding of what the farmworker population really needs from all of us.

VIGNONE: Our pie-in-the-sky dream goal would be that developers, farmers, farmworkers and non-ag community members will gather and rally to address the current housing need, and that their voices will cause an unstoppable development of farmworker housing countywide. In that vision, developers will fight over who gets to build the next farmworker housing project and they will all win and simultaneously build and build and build!

GABRIELLE VIGNONE HFW! Executive Director

JOHN KRIST Communications Chair of the HFW! Board of Directors

Anything else you’d like to share about HFW!?

VIGNONE: House Farm Workers! is possible because of collaborations and donations. For more information on how to do either, please visit our website. You can sign up to join a local city group, receive our newsletter or make a donation. v

House Farm Workers!

805.921.0430 info@housefarmworkers.org housefarmworkers.org

LESLIE LEAVENS Chair of the HFW! Board of Directors

NOVEMBER 2021

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OF THE FUTURE 805 Ag Kids is keeping Ventura County’s agricultural legacy alive.

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BY KIMBERLY RIVERS | PHOTOS COURTESY 805 AG KIDS

he sun is just peaking over the ridges to the east. It’s late fall in Ventura County and while it might get hotter throughout the day, the morning is brisk and requires a coat. Across the county a group of kids are choosing to get up, much earlier than they have to for school. They pull on boots, maybe cup a warm mug of cocoa in their hands and head out the back door or pile into the car, still half asleep.

Some kids get up early for sports or to work out. These kids are getting up to check on and feed animals they are raising as part of agricultural programs.

In the morning some may be opening chicken coops, tossing feed to let the hens out to scratch for the day. Others are making sure pigs have enough mud to wallow in if the weather is going to get hot. One child might be taking the temperature of a Black Angus steer who’s had a fever for a few days to decide if a vet visit is warranted. They’ll do the same thing after school, and on the weekends. Every day, every week, for months.

Caring for their animals isn’t the only task that falls to these young ag enthusiasts.

They are also in charge of tracking and managing expenses, to make sure their initial investments will bear fruit come auction day, and some animals will be training them for handling at the market show and competition in front of judges.

Many are members of national organizations like 4-H, Future Farmers of America

or the Grange. Some are not affiliated with any organization. All, however, are learning important life skills and building unique experiences.

TAYLOR LINDSAY with her calf.

Continued on page 38

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very year the trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds report on the current and projected financial status of the programs. This year’s conclusion is clear, Social Security is in worse shape than we thought. The program’s Trust Fund for retirement and survivors benefits is now expected to be insolvent by 2033, a year earlier than anticipated.

According to the annual report, its finances have been “significantly affected” by the pandemic and 2020 recession, in addition to a rapidly aging population.

The ratio between contributors and beneficiaries has been shrinking for decades. In 1940, shortly after Social Security was implemented, there were about 159 workers for every Social Security recipient. This ratio fell rapidly and was less than 10 workers per beneficiary by 1955. For the last 50 years it has been under 5 and today, there is just about 2.5 workers per beneficiary.

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Unless drastic action is taken, Social In the year 2034, a year earlier than Security as we know it has a very uncertain previously expected, Americans age 65 and future. over will outnumber those 18 and under, according to Census Bureau estimates. The importance of contributing to some sort The baby boom of the 1950s and 1960s of retirement plan has never been greater. has yet to be repeated and Americans are Even if Social Security is there for you when having less children in general. you retire, you most likely will not want to Margaret Marapao is a registered representative with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through Integrity Wealth Advisors a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. This material is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Integrity Wealth Advisors, Inc. and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

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WINNERS’ CIRCLE Brooke Allen (left), judge Matt Perkins and Sophia Michel with the Reserve and Grand Champion Goats at the 2021 805 Ag Kids Invitational, which took place Aug. 5-6 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

N U RT U R I N G T H E F U T U R E “This is a 146-year tradition at the Ventura County Fair.

Ventura County history is born in agriculture,” said Megan Hook, president and CEO of 805 Ag Kids, a Camarillo-based nonprofit organization that grew out of a desire to support kids in agriculture in Ventura County. During the pandemic, the organization shifted into planning and running market shows and livestock auctions to ensure kids have a venue for their animal projects each year. “Our whole mission is to support kids in their agricultural endeavors.”

What started as a loose group of concerned parents, community members and business owners who recognized the value of these youth agriculture groups in Ventura County has grown into a strong advocacy organization for the future of agriculture in the county.

“The idea was started pre-pandemic,” Hook explained.

Prior to COVID-19 wreaking havoc on daily lives and annual events, the big issue for youth livestock groups was commission rates. When kids sell their animals at auction, the fair foundation takes a commission rate of the sale price. Kids and families attempted to lobby the Ventura County Fair Board to maintain the current commission rates on the youth livestock auctions, rather than raise them. Each of the ag groups spoke up and talked about the impact on their groups.

According to Hook, families realized there was “nobody to speak up for the kids collectively, there wasn’t a collective effort to advocate for all ag kids, no matter how they participate.”

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Joann Christensen (front left) and Kaitlyn Prado with their Reserve and Grand

This is when the roots of 805 Ag Kids began to take hold.

A LIFELINE DURING T H E PA N D E M I C The group formed casually in late 2019, and officially became a nonprofit organization in 2020. Then the COVID shutdowns meant holding the fair was unlikely.

“We didn’t start out putting on livestock shows,” noted Hook.

When the fair was canceled in 2020, kids who had been raising animals for many months were at risk of not being able to sell their animals, potentially losing thousands of dollars.

Advocacy from 805 Ag Kids ensured an event took place in 2020 for the kids. The fair ran an all-virtual event in 2020. Kids filmed themselves showing their animals for the online market shows, and an online live auction created an avenue through which participants could sell livestock.

The organization offered to send volunteers to the fairgrounds “to do whatever we could to help these kids.” For the 2020 event, 805 Ag Kids volunteers became the communication link between the fairground staff and families, effectively stepping into a gap to let families know “what was happening.”

“In 2020 we fundraised for the kids. We knew it was not going to be the greatest outcome. A lot of people and businesses were 8

Champion Lambs, and two volunteers holding their award buckles.

Ian Nunez (left) and Isaac Mohun with their Grand and Reserve Champion Turkeys; judge Dave Anderson behind.

affected [by the pandemic closures] and we didn’t know what was going to happen,” Hook said. Kids and parents were uncertain about whether it was worth it to keep the animals, or whether they should just try to sell them early, and perhaps take a loss.

“Our primary task [in 2020] was fundraising for the kids. In six weeks, we raised over $92,000 for the kids.”

That entire amount was split evenly between all the kids who still had their animals and would be participating in the planned online event. Each participant received $431 as an “add on” to the sale price of their animal in the online auction event.

“It didn’t save the day, but it was a significant boost in what ended up being very low prices in the fair’s virtual auction,” confirmed Hook.

When it became clear that 2021 would be another fallow year for the Ventura County Fair, 805 Ag Kids became a valuable lifeline once again.

Livestock raisers and breeders begin planning fair animal projects the year before, and the organization became the communication hub for getting the latest update from fair officials about whether any events would be scheduled or organized for the kids.

“Who will, and who could, put on a show for these kids, to keep them interested and engaged in these programs? It had to be us,” said Hood.

Continued on page 42

8

805 AG KIDS FOUNDER Megan Hook with son Tyler at a pre-pandemic Ventura County Fair.

NOVEMBER 2021

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Date: ______________________________

805 Ag Kids started planning well in advance, even before the fair board officially announced there’d be no fair in 2021. This meant kids had some level of certainty and something to be excited about.

K E E P I N G A L E G AC Y A L I V E

Lilyanna Vargas

Andres Jaimes

The organization’s founders and members understood that beyond just a livestock show and auction, the future of local chapters of various agricultural organizations — 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), The Grange — that kids join would be in jeopardy of disappearing.

Hook and the others were “not willing to take that risk. We knew if we didn’t find a way to continue the market shows and auction, we’d lose even more kids, that was our biggest concern.”

Hood said the numbers of kids in those organizations fell dramatically in the past two years. And if the auctions weren’t taking place, the infrastructure — the breeders, buyers and the local chapters — would likely wither as well. To ensure participation in future years, interest at the younger ages has to be cultivated, effectively planting a seed to ensure there is an interest when the kids are in high school.

“Ask any alumni of any of these programs about how important they were to their future. It’s not just about raising an animal. That is just one project.”

Hood gave her experience as an example. She participated in the public speaking contest, loan analysis contest, liabilities and assets. “These skills really helped me as an adult, understanding my mortgage documents, refinancing paperwork . . . skills that can really shape their futures. Some go on to have careers in ag, but either way they’ve gained skills that are so important.

“They could be doing anything anywhere, getting into trouble, sitting at home bored during the pandemic.

Instead these kids persevered . . . worked hard on their projects, put in a lot of time every single day.”

The livestock aspects and agricultural organizations are what make the fair, the fair. There is a field of people, businesses and systems that support the youth livestock projects, including breeders, businesses, buyers and judges. Many have supported the youth livestock program for 40 years or more.

“It is very much generational and rooted in tradition,” Hook explained. “I’d hate to see that go away. Most

Kaylee Tan

42

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of the community would really hate to see that go away.”

Because of the work of 805 Ag Kids, and the extensive fundraising from individuals and local businesses, the market shows in 2021 were in person.

“We rented the livestock barn from the fairgrounds and held two days of in-person shows for 150 kids and their animals . . . It was amazing.”

Judges travelled from out of town for the shows (called the 805 Ag Kids Invitational) and talked about the importance of keeping these types of annual programs going for the future of agriculture.

But the best part was the experience for the kids.

“The kids were really excited to have the opportunity to show in person.”

The livestock barn was cleaned and stalls were set up for the show by 805 Ag Kids volunteers.

“It was really worth it, just being on the fairgrounds,” said Hook. “Being in that livestock barn was really special for the kids.”

A week after the shows, the online auction started.

It allowed buyers to bid over several days. And prices were up from the previous year. “The community really showed up for these kids.” There were 1,400 add-on donations for 136 kids. Hook said they weren’t sure about how many buyers there’d be. “We weren’t sure we’d sell every animal . . . it was emotional . . . This community came through in such an enormous way.”

Hook herself participated in youth livestock projects growing up. “I’m passionate about ag because I raised animals in high school through the Camarillo FFA. The things I learned really shaped who I am today.” When her kids got old enough to show, they participated as well. “I want my daughter, who is 6 now, to be able to do it. If we don’t keep the kids engaged, it will go away. It will stop being a part of the fair, I’d hate to see that.”

Whether you shop at the local farmers markets, pick up farm-fresh eggs from a stand in your neighborhood, or just enjoy driving past rows of crops, your life in Ventura County is likely improved because of local agriculture.

“One in 10 families still derive their income from agriculture. Our fair is a county fair based in agriculture . . . those are our roots and we can’t continue agriculture in Ventura County without these kids. They are the future. We are supporting the next generation of agriculture in Ventura County.” v

805 Ag Kids www.805agkids.com The 2022 Ventura County Fair will take place Wednesday, Aug. 3 - Sunday, Aug. 14.

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WINDOW

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Date: _____________________________

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12/3

SHORT LIST WEST SIDE SEPTEMBER STORY THROUGH 7-8 NOV. VENTURA 14

WEST SIDE STORY

Through Nov. 14 | Moorpark

NOV. 5 – 28

four other living U.S. Presidents to officially open the Ronald

An updated, musical version of Shakespeare’s Romeo

Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Thirty years later,

and Juliet, set in the Upper West Side of New York City in

the institution celebrates with a month’s worth of activities.

the mid-1950s. The Jets and the Sharks are street gangs

On exhibit will be rarely seen artifacts associated with the

of different ethnic backgrounds, whose rivalry comes to

President and Mrs. Reagan, photos and mementos from the

a head when a former Jet falls in love with the sister of a

Library’s opening, and more. Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 will feature

Shark. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

live music concerts by the Thousand Oaks High School Vocal

and Sundays at 2 p.m., with special matinee performances

Ensemble Honors, American folk band The Golden Pipers

offered at 2 p.m. on Nov. 6 and 13. Tickets: $25. High Street

and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Band. Kids will

Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark, 805.529.8700,

be admitted to the library free all throughout November. 40

highstreetartscenter.com.

Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, www.reaganfoundation.org.

THE NEXT BIG THING 2021

BABY: THE MUSICAL

Artists are continuously challenging their boundaries and

Conejo Players Theatre presents this musical about three cou-

excavating their unique discoveries to create new and bold

ples expecting a child. Young college students, thirty-some-

work. Every year, Studio Channel Islands invites artists to

things that struggled to conceive and a middle-aged couple

enter their most recent break-through pieces, the ones that

all grapple with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny

have led them to the horizon of their work’s next evolution. All

aspects of pregnancy and upcoming parenthood. A produc-

media and styles will be on display during The Next Big Thing

tion full of heart, joy and a peppy musical scare. All patrons are

2021, with juror awards for the top three pieces. The 2021

required to wear a mask while inside the theater, regardless

juror is Peter Mays, executive director of the Los Angeles Art

of vaccination status. $18-20. 351 South Moorpark Road,

Association and Gallery 825. Blackboard Gallery at Studio

Thousand Oaks, 805.495.3715, www.conejoplayers.org.

Through Nov. 20 | Camarillo

RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN

On Nov. 4, 1991, President Ronald Reagan stood beside

Channel Islands, 2222 East Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo, 805.383.1368, studiochannelislands.org.

Nov. 5 – 28 | Thousand Oaks

RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN Nov. 5 – 28 | Santa Paula

SEVERANCE PLAY

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM THROUGH NOV. 30

Gionfriddo in which a rockstar academic and a stay-at-home

This original work by Michael Perlmutter is set in the offices

wife and mother decide to engage in a dangerous game of

of a chemical corporation where three coworkers navigate a

musical chairs. Beneath the biting wit and laughs, it explores

triangle of lies and cover ups with crisp dialogue and complex

the complexities women face as they attempt to have both

interactions. A sharp comedy about office politics, romance,

a satisfying career and a fulfilling personal life, and examines

sales, lies sex and maybe even a little murder. Tickets:

love, work, gender politics and feminist ideals from differ-

$10-$20. The Elite, 2731 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard,

ent perspectives. An ambitious return to the stage for one

805.483.5118, www.theelite.org.

of Ventura County’s most celebrated theaters. 125 South

BEFORE THE WILT

Curated by China Adams, the Porch Gallery’s latest show

| NOVEMBER 2021

www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.

OJAI HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE Nov. 13-14 | Ojai

blooms and old, freshness and decay, a symbol of the life

Get a head start on your holiday shopping and shop local at

cycle and a harbinger of doom. The flower itself reminds us of

the Ojai Holiday Marketplace! Presented by the Ojai Festival

the inevitability of death, and the precious fragility of life. Before

Women’s Committee, this treasured tradition will feature a

the Wilt features colorful, dramatic paintings of plump, fresh

wide variety of curated fashion and lifestyle items for sale

flowers by Renee Fox and weathered and windblown ones by

from more than 50 vendors from Santa Barbara and Ventura

Mary Warner. Together, these works bookend the compressed

counties. Live musical performances, strolling carolers and

floral life cycle, and hint at a world teetering on the edge of

an appearance by Santa Claus himself will add to the festive

environmental ruin. Porch Gallery, 310 East Matilija Street, Ojai,

atmosphere. In addition, there will be craft stations for make-

805.620.7589, porchgalleryojai.com.

your-own ornaments and wreaths. A silent auction with dec-

Through Nov. 30 | Simi Valley

ventana

Seventh Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.4645,

puts in the spotlight the flower: a site of tension between new

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 30TH ANNIVERSARY

|

ment with this sharp — and sharply funny — play by Gina

Through Nov. 21 | Oxnard

Through Jan. 3, 2022 | Ojai

46

The Santa Paula Theater Center returns to live entertain-

orated holiday decor and menorahs will be available throughout the weekend. Free and open to the public. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13-14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Libbey Park, 210 South Signal Street, Ojai, www.ojaifestival.org/2021-ojai-holiday-marketplace-returns/.

E

Change homes, Change Lives

Coastlands Real Estate Group is proud to give back to our community on behalf of every real estate transaction.

Grateful for our amazing clients and community.

Happy Thanksgiving from Coastlands Group!

We are a local real estate group with a passion for giving back to our community.

For every home bought or sold through us, we will “give back” a portion of our commission to one of our local partner charities who are helping to change the world!

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AD PROOF

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Client: Mark andEric Bonny & Janet Baucom

DRE #01253080 / DRE #02045585

Ad Executive: Barbara Kroon

(805) 648-2244

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HOMES Ideal Homes ideal

1382 SQUARE FOOT HOME IN NORTH OXNARD

Outstanding location on a low traffic street with well kept homes in the neighborhood. This home is well maintained with tremendous potential to update and make it your own special home. The home features a red brick fireplace with a mantle and a separate eating area

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Room for an RV in driveway.

Contact Eric & Janet Baucom with Coastlands Group at 805-795-2001.

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This unique architectural home is nestled in the much desired midtown area between Loma Vista and Foothill. Lovely landscaping with fountain leads to dramatic entry with travertine floors. High, architectural ceilings throughout along with skylights in almost every room. Not only is there a spacious living room and floor to ceiling mutipaned windows, but there is a

cozy sitting area in which to enjoy an intimate conversation or a good book. Primary bedroom is spacious with geometric ceiling, walk in closet and marble bathroom with Jacuzzi tub. The 4th Bedroom has built-ins that make it perfect for a TV room with an enclosed patio that is a great place for morning coffee.

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BEDROOMS:

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THIS MID-CENTURY BUNGALOW IS BUT A QUICK BIKE RIDE TO THE BEACH

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$725,000

Within easy walking distance to public transportation, public parks, including a dog park, a myriad of fine & casual restaurants, shopping galore, including Trader Joe’s & MORE! Features include an open floor plan, offering a combined living & dining area with frenchdoors that swing wideopen to the private rear yard gardens & covered patio, affording a GREAT indoor-outdoor lifestyle we so ENJOY here in coastal, Ventura, California! The family chef will certainly ENJOY the recently remodeled kitchen with its newer,

high-end appliances, including a dual-fuel range, convection oven, commercial grade vent-hood, european oak veneer cabinets, newer sink & faucet, newer solid surface counters, including the center-island & breakfast bar! Other features include a remodeled bathroom with E-Z access walk-in shower & a european influenced vanity & sink! Newer, water-resistant, faux-wood flooring with 25 year transferable flooring throughout! Newer paint in & out! Newer roof!

Newer, upgraded electrical main panel! Attached, 2-car garage with auto-opener!

Ample concrete driveway!

Low maintenance & drought tolerant landaping front & rear, includes producing avocado & fig trees! This move-in ready home means it’s yours to ENJOY the moment you take possession!

HURRY! We’ve priced this home to sell quickly! CALL FOR PRICE! Contact Blake Mashburn Century 21 Everest, DRE# 01065624 at 805-856-9350.

BEDROOMS:

3

BATHROOMS:

1

PRICE:

Call for price

Give Thanks this holiday season

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Ventura County Beach Rentals!

m o n t h l y

Kristina Brewer and Team

Client: Comden, Ridgway, Barosso

AD PROOF

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Tina Comden 805 218 5926

Bob Ridgway 805 320 1811

Homes in this sought after neighborhood don’t come on the market often. Now is your chance! 4 BR, 2 BTH bath ranch style home w/pool. Just in time for the holidays! $975,000 Call Tina Comden (805) 218-5926

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Sophisticated industrial showcase in the heart of Downtown across from City Hall. $879,000 Call Albert Barosso (805) 901-3654

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Y EA

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DRE#01060428

Y.

50

Office: 805-351-3500

CRB

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To find out how best to position yourself if you are buying or selling a home, call us for a free market analysis.

Albert Barosso 805 901 3654

HOMES SOLD

AVERAGE PRICE

➡

➡

VENTANA HOME SALES INDEX

-11.8%

+5.3%

OCTOBER 2020 VS. 2021 CAMARILLO

OCTOBER ‘20

OCTOBER ‘21

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

92 $837,500

95 $853,200

9 $601,400

9 619,400

READY TO BUY?!

CONSIDERING SELLING???

BETTER CALL BLAKE! SOLD!

COMING SOON!

FILLMORE

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

3185 PREBLE AVE., VENTURA

4005 MAPLE ST., VENTURA

3 beds 2 baths 1,293 SF

Mid-Town Ventura 3 beds 1 bath

NEWBURY PARK

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

57 $904,600

53 $955,000

48 $858,900

45 $868,000

18 $1,262,200

15 $1,224,200

162 $830,600

119 $901,300

28 $435,000

25 $498,300

$795,000

CALL FOR PRICE!

SOLD!

SOLD!

MOORPARK

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE OJAI

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

8151 SUNSTONE ST., VENTURA

5540 W. 5TH ST., 109, OXNARD

3 beds 3 baths 2,018 SF

3 beds 3 baths 1,920 SF

SOLD!

SOLD!

$850,000

OXNARD

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

$633,000

PORT HUENEME

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE SANTA PAULA

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

16 $511,900

14 $669,800

178 $741,900

166 $791,200

6019 FREMONT ST., VENTURA

8134 MEDFORD ST., VENTURA

3 beds 2 baths 1,138 SF

4 beds 3 baths 2,448 SF

$715,000

Your Home Advertised Here!

SIMI VALLEY

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

CALL NOW!

THOUSAND OAKS

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

84 $862,500

93 $953,400

134 $824,900

94 $797,300

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HONESTY • INTEGRITY • COMMITMENT • RESULTS

VENTURA

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE TOTAL # OF SALES

$975,000

CALL TODAY!

805-856-9350

www.BlakeMashburn.com

Ventana Monthly Home Sales Index is presented each month as part of the real estate section.

The figures are sourced from sales reported to MLS for the period of 10/1/21 to 10/31/21.

Ventana Monthly Home Sales Index © Ventana Monthly, 2021.

Everest

All info deemed accurate, but not guaranteed. If your property is currently listed for sale, please disregard our active marketing. DRE# 01065624.

NOVEMBER 2021

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SHORT LIST WINTER WONDERLAND OF WREATHS

NOV. 18 – DEC. 2

13TH ANNUAL ART ABOUT AGRICULTURE

Nov. 13 – March 6, 2022 | Santa Paula The Ag Art Alliance was formed in 2007 by Santa Paula artists Gail Pidduck and John Nichols. The purpose of the annual Art About Agriculture exhibit is to promote awareness

An autumn feast for the ears to benefit the Ojai Art Center. Renowned cabaret performer Amanda McBroom presents a very special concert

tures the work of several artists, has been exhibited at the

this month, joined by composer and songwriter Michele Bourman.

Santa Paula Art Museum. Also on view through Jan. 9: Work

In addition, audience members will enjoy a special treat with an

From Home, art created at home during the pandemic by 50

appearance by composer, arranger and jazz pianist Roger Kellaway.

distinct California artists. The museum is open Wednesdays-

A reception will follow the performance. The show starts at 7:30

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Santa

p.m. VIP tickets $125; regular tickets $50. Ojai Art Center, 113 South

Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula,

Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.8797, ojaiact.org.

In the world of classical music, chamber music compositions

was built in 1892 by famous local architect Selwyn Shaw for

are a composer’s most intensely personal expression. Written for

Benjamin Wells Dudley and his brother, Frank. It is one of the last

small groups of musicians, chamber music demands an intimacy

pioneer farmhouses within city limits and typifies the agricultural

and honesty lost in the impersonal nature of large group perfor-

heritage of the county. Now a National Historic Landmark, the

mances. For over three decades, Camerata Pacifica has offered

house is open on a limited bases for tours and special events

fans of classical music intimate venues, innovative programming

— including the Annual Holiday Boutique! Quality crafts, home

and a roster of highly personable virtuosi, which combine to cre-

decor, antiques, collectibles and a silent auction will be available

ate dynamic, memorable concert presentations. Now returning

every weekend starting Nov. 26 through Dec. 12. 12-5 p.m.

to live performances, the November concert features selections

with a special outdoor flea market on Sundays. Free. 197 North

from Leonarda, Blavet, Tartini, Rameau and Beethoven per-

Ashwood Street, Ventura, 805.642.3345, dudleyhouse.org.

WINTER WONDERLAND OF WREATHS

Nov. 30 | Online

Focus on the Masters’ newest series takes you up close and personal with the organization’s Documented Artists. They’ll share what they’ve been up to, current works, a tour of their

The Foundation for Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks is excit-

studio and how their art is integrated into FOTM’s Learning to

ed to announce the inaugural Winter Wonderland of Wreaths.

See art education program. A different artist is featured each

Get involved with this fundraiser to support your local parks!

month, and in November viewers will go into the studio with

Reserve your display spot, decorate an 18-28 inch wreath and

painter, printmaker and Ojai Studio Artists’ Tour founder Gayel

drop it off at the Community Center administration office. All

Childress. The episode takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6:30-

wreaths will be displayed on Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is free for FOTM members;

and the entire community is welcome to view and bid on them

$10 for nonmembers. RSVP at focusonthemasters.com.

2. For more information, contact Katlyn at 805.482.1996 x 107 or email ksimber@pvrpd.org. 1605 East Burnley Street, Camarillo, www.pvrpd.org/winter-wonderland-of-wreaths.

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

| NOVEMBER 2021

SEE YOU AT THE STUDIO! FEATURING GAYEL CHILDRESS

Nov. 18 – Dec. 2 | Camarillo

through the online auction. The auction closes at 12 p.m. on Dec.

ventana

Nov. 26 – Dec. 12 | Ventura

The historic Dudley House on Ashwood Street in Ventura

more information, visit cameratapacifica.org/home.

|

DUDLEY HOUSE HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

Nov. 14 | Ventura

Ventura County, 100 East Main Street, Ventura. Tickets: $68. For

52

AMANDA MCBROOM IN CONCERT

goes on our plates. Since 2010, the juried show, which fea-

Gilles Vonsattel. Sunday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m. at the Museum of

NOV. 20

Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that

formed by Emi Ferguson, William Short, Paolo Bordignon and

AMANDA MCBROOM IN CONCERT

Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.,

Nov. 20 | Ojai

CAMERATA PACIFICA NOV. 19

p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. Tickets: $47-$107. Bank of America

of agriculture by using art to explore its many facets — from

805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

gettable night of live music virtuosity. The show starts at 8

ON THE HORIZON CHRISTMAS MAGIC 2021 Dec. 3-12 | Moorpark

High Street Arts Center’s joyful holiday show returns as cast

Nov. 19 | Thousand Oaks

members from the entire theatrical season come back to the

Pop music gets into a time machine to be reimagined and

stage to recite classic tales, sing beloved holiday classics,

reworked into different vintage genres, including (but not limit-

share the stories behind favorite songs and more. A magical

ed to) swing and jazz. Always lively and dazzling, Postmodern

way to ring in the season! Shows on Fridays and Saturdays

Jukebox’s multi-talented ensemble of singers and musicians

at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices to be determined.

bring their time-twisting, genre-spanning arrangements to the

High Street Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark,

Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks for a thrilling and unfor-

805.529.8700, highstreetartscenter.com.

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The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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LOCALLY OWNED | GLOBALLY CONNECTED | VENTURA | SANTA BARBARA | MONTECITO | SANTA YNEZ | VILLAGESITE.COM | DRE 01206734 All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

Welcome Home

Ariel Palmieri CalDRE #01501968

Karen Stein

CalDRE #01505059

Juliet Esquibias CalDRE #01831073

Exceptional Real Estate within Ventura, Santa Barbara & Los Angeles counties! www.ArielandKaren.com ArielandKaren.com NEW LISTING

www.JulietReviews.com JulietReviews.com NEW LISTING

317 Homer Avenue, Ventura

Incredible architectural home nestled between Loma Vista and Foothill. Approx. 2488 SF with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and extensive living and entertaining space. Dramatic style with high ceilings, large windows, and beautiful stone flooring.

Listed for $1,249,000

70 N. Ann Street, Ventura

Seeking a project with incredible potential? Vintage home near Downtown in need of renovation. Built in 1893 on a deep lot, the Victorian home has a traditional floorplan with high ceilings, a grand foyer, an oversized parlor, and a downstairs bedroom. Upstairs, four bedrooms all have walk-in closets, and one bedroom features sweeping ocean views. Bring your imagination and your contractor to restore, or explore possibilities for an ADU. Listed for $999,000

SALE PENDING

5227 Neptune Square, Mandalay Shores

5151 Sealane Way, Mandalay Shores

Rare, ocean-view, R3 lot only steps from beautiful Mandalay Shores Beach.

The approximate size is 8,016 SF. The R3 zoning of this large lot allows for either a triplex, or, the possibility of two single-family homes. Both options could enjoy entertainment decks with 360° views of the adjacent beach and Pacific Ocean, the nearby Channel Islands and Ventura County hillsides.

Listed for $1,880,000

Incredible ocean, island and sunset views! With more than 2000 SF, this home features a large living room, a spacious family room with views, plus a loft that can make a great ocean view office or reading space!

Very flexible floorplan with main level kitchen. Private entry courtyard with fountain and pretty backyard too! 14 lots from the beach!

Listed for $1,550,000

SOLD

SOLD

1511 Mandalay Beach Road, Mandalay Shores

Stunning beachfront contemporary! This award-winning custom home is on a large lot on a deep, sandy beach. High ceilings, huge windows, skylights and an open floor plan create a bright modern home with dramatic ocean and island views. Approximately 4,000 square feet, with 3+3 in the main residence and a 1+1 guest apartment.

Sold for $4,491,000

NEW LISTING

160 Ojai Drive, Oak View

Located within the Ojai Valley, this custom-built, gated “artist’s cottage” hideaway is nestled in Oak View 5 miles from Downtown Ojai and only 10 miles from Downtown Ventura, the beach and pier. On almost ¾ of an acre, this unique home is cabin-like and is perched at the top of a driveway allowing for breathtaking views.

Incredible light with lots of windows, high wood-beam ceilings and oak trees all around. Multiple decks for entertaining and relaxing. Listed for $899,000

SALE PENDING

10796 Sunflower Street, Ventura

Turn-key, single-story home in East Ventura awaits you! Built in 1998, this home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an open floor plan. Jigh ceilings, plantation shutters, and a dining area big enough for a sizeable table for entertaining. The large kitchen has plenty of cabinets, a center island, and a convenient breakfast bar. It leads to a den with cozy fireplace, room for more seating, and recessed lighting. The primary bedroom has an en-suite, walk-in closet, and a beautiful slider to the large private backyard, patio, and a useful shed.

Listed for $689,000

SOLD

3959 Mound Ave, Ventura

Large single story home on an approximately 1/2 Acre level lot! Feels like you’re living in the country but it’s in Midtown Ventura, just 6 minutes to the beach! This custom home was built in 1953, with all the charm of the mid century still intact. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, approx. 2181 SF. Approx. 24,394 SF lot provides ample room for expansion, ADU or more.

Represented the buyer.

Sold for $1,345,000

3705 Islander Walk, Oxnard

Gorgeous townhome style condo. No Mello Roos! 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, more than 1800 SF. Park views, spacious patio and balcony, immaculate condition.

Across Victoria from Seabridge!

Two-car attached garage.

Sold for $672,000

(805) 616-4040 • (805) 746-2070 • (805) 824-2004 Juliet Esquibias

Ariel Palmieri

Karen Stein

r k a l e p S y a d i l o H Glittering Diamond Jewelry on SALE NOW at Lynn’s

Let us create new memories with you.

4572 Telephone Road, #906, Ventura Lynnsjewelry.com

805.642.5500

Quality Repairs • Professional Restorations • Custom Design • Appraisals • Gold, Silver & Estate Purchasing All our custom designs have been made from 100% recycled gold for more than 40 years. Respect for the earth is not a new idea at Lynns.

Jewelry Classes are Back!

Call to reserve your spot!

John Muscarella Master Jeweler