California 101 Travelers Guide -Ventura - Santa Barbara - San Luis Obispo

california 101 Travelers Guide

STAY • PLAY • GETAWAY

SUMMER 2019

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VTA • SB • SLO COUNTIES

Lizards Mouth, Santa Barbara County

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LET THE FESTIVALS BEGIN! Celebrate brews, art, music & more across the Central Coast

CA 101

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THE PATH TO THE SKY: Exploring Santa Barbara’s El Camino Cielo

20 Acres | Equestrian Ranch $3,385,000 | 12150mountainlionroad.com

11+ Acres - Two Parcels | Mid-Century Estate Incredible Views! | 1071RanchoDr.com

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2065 Los Encinos | Ojai Mid-Century Home with Pool | 2065LosEncinos.com

Thacher Road | 31 Acres | 9 Homes 1st Time to Market | $9,000,000 | pierpontcottages.com

Charming Meiners Oaks home $445,000 | 135lomita.com

Country Farmhouse | Pool Adjacent to 80 Acres Ranch | $917,500

Downtown Ojai | 3 Unit Commercial Property | 411WOjai.com

Saddle Mountain | Two Private Acres Impeccable | $1,575,000 | 825azure.com

Spring 2019 california101guide.com Larry Wilde began his real estate career in Ojai in 1975, and by 1978, together with his partner Dennis Guernsey,

East End Ojai Craftsman | $1,925,000 | 1615McNellRoad.com

PENDING

Downtown Ojai | Private | 1.5 Acres $1,349,500 | 811canada.com

3.3 Acres - 4 bed/3 bath in downtown Ojai $1,279,000 1368Farnham.com

Downtown Ojai Fully Renovated Custom Home | $849,000

Downtown 2.5 Acre - Persimmon Hills Great Views - $579,500 | 380longhorn.com

Los Arboles | 3+ bedrooms, 2.5 baths impeccable Condition. $1,175,000 california101guide.com

Downtown Ojai 2/1 with detached guest unit | $599,000

1930’s Meiners Oaks w/pool | $649,000

727 W. Ojai Ave. - Ojai - CA 93023 - Larry - 805.640.5734 - Erik - 805.830.3254

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Our Vision: If you grew up in the pre-GPS era, chances are you remember navigating with the help of Rand McNally maps. You might also recall the web of blue lines coming off the main highways. These represented smaller highways and roads. On long drives, sticking to the country’s largest arteries might get you to your destination faster … but it’s on those blue highways where the true heart and soul of America can be found.

California 101 Travelers Guide california101guide.com MAGAZINE INQUIRIES (833) 805-0101 Published by Blue Highways Productions MANAGING EDITOR Misty Hall CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dennis DeLano

It is with this inspiration that Blue Highways Productions and the California 101 Travelers Guide was founded. The goal: to celebrate the people, places, and experiences found on those “blue highways.”

PHOTOGRAPHER Logan Hall CONTRIBUTORS Bill Warner Logan Hall Steve Pratt Michelaina Johnson Amelia Fleetwood Bennett Barthelemy Rita Maes Susan Hartzler and Seven Nigel Chisholm

Most travel guides are an afterthought, something you pick up once you’ve reached your destination. California 101 Travelers Guide is not just a visitors guide, but a true California travelers companion.

We understand that it’s not just about arriving, but what you see and experience along the way.

COPY EDITOR Pamela Gaughan

What’s Inside:

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mike Dawkins

Feature stories that capture the spirit and vibe of the stunning Central Coast. Our goal is to encourage travelers to truly experience our area — not just drive through.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sandi Diekhuis Chris Williams OPERATIONS MANAGER Jessica Frakes

Whether you’re a fan of antiques, spas, or backpacking … whether you’re a foodie, artist, or historian … no matter your interests, we want you to get off the freeway and into the communities that make this area so unique.

In each issue, you’ll find fun and informative stories that highlight amazing experiences in each of the three counties we cover — Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Some will go in-depth and off the beaten path, while others simply require a quick detour off the 101 to see some incredible local places. The varied landscapes and distinct cultures of each community along the way truly make this region special.

There’s nowhere quite like Central California — and we’ll help you find the perfect adventure or getaway, in the California 101 Travelers Guide!

CONTACT US

ADVERTISING mdawkins@ca101guide.com EDITORIAL mhall@ca101guide.com PHONE (833) 805-0101 FAX (833) 805-0101 x2 MAILING ADDRESS 1129 Maricopa Hwy. #B-201 Ojai, CA 93023 California 101 Travelers Guide is a quarterly magazine distributed to over 300 business locations throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Total circulation is 30,000 per quarter.

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®2019 Blue Highways Productions LLC All rights reserved.

BLUE HIGHWAYS PRODUCTIONS LLC® california101guide.com

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CONTENTS

6 The 101 Cover graphic by F E A T U R E S

Tracing the origins of Logan Hall

California’s longest freeway sideways8creative.com

By Bill Warner

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Things to do in Old Town Camarillo

19 California 101 Golf Trail Feature

By Logan Hall

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Let the Festivals Begin!

Super celebrations across the Central Coast

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Four reasons to love Ventura’s art scene

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A sweet Taste of Ojai: Heavenly Honey tasting

By Misty Hall

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The Ojai Tennis Tournament

By Steve Pratt

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Something to Tweet About

By Michelaina Johnson

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The Path to the Sky: Exploring Santa Barbara’s El Camino Cielo

By Bennett Barthelemy and Rita Maes

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Discover the SB Funk Zone with Lindsey Ross

By Amelia Fleetwood

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Chemically Enhanced: On Reclaiming the Past and the Pleasure of Alchemy

By Amelia Fleetwood

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Get your live music fix in Santa Barbara

By Nigel Chisholm

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SLO sipping with furry friends Wine tasting with your dog in San Luis Obispo

By Susan Hartzler and Seven

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The 101

Tracing the origins of California’s longest freeway

By Bill Warner

Traveling west out of Los Angeles on U.S. 101, there’s a point about

eight miles beyond the Ventura County line where the landscape seems to open up and fall away: the top of the Conejo Grade, the section of highway connecting the Santa Monica Mountains with the Oxnard Plain.

If you’re driving it on a clear night, you’ll see the lights of Camarillo some 700 feet below, with the lights of Oxnard and Ventura farther away. By day, you’ll see broad croplands extending toward the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Topa Topa Mountains off to the north.

Suddenly, the sky seems bigger than ever.

The full name of the road, to be accurate, is United States Route 101, a member of the family of United States Numbered Highways. It’s also known as the Ventura Freeway, Highway 101, or, in regional parlance, simply “the 101.”

Grand Opening of the newly realigned Conejo Grade on May 1, 1937.

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What do Chumash trails, missionaries, and America’s first female bell maker have in common?

The 101 was officially designated such in 1926. Back then, its southern terminus was in San Diego, but the portion from there to Los Angeles was decommissioned in the early 1960s, when Interstate Highway 5 (or “the 5”) was nearing completion.

Today, the 101 sprouts out of the 5 somewhere down in a snarl of concrete spaghetti near the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. Three states — California, Oregon, and Washington — are traversed by 101 pavement, which runs near or along the coastline all the way. The northern terminus is just south of Olympia, Washington, where it dissolves unceremoniously back into the 5, the very same highway from which it sprang some 1,540 miles to the south.

Photo by Logan Hall california101guide.com

1914 – The 101 Highway between La Conchita and County Line. The wooden road was called the “causeway.”

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Though the 101 is not the longest of the U.S. highways, it is California’s longest, at about 808 miles from Los Angeles to the Oregon state line. And more than a few drivers would put it in the running for most scenic. From Washington through California, it takes in several climate zones including oceanic, or marine west coast, and several grades of Mediterranean.

Chaparral and grasslands, rolling vineyards and redwood forests, rocky coves and solemn sea stacks lie along its way. The waters of alluring rivers pass under its bridges: the Russian, the Rogue, the Klamath, and the Eel, not to mention the estuary

The 101 entering San Luis Obispo.

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of the mighty Columbia.

Jan and Dean performed a fun tribute to the road with their 1963 song, Surf Route 101. If surf music’s not your thing, try Herb Alpert’s breezy pop instrumental, Route 101. The 101’s most memorable account, however, might well be a 1955 hit, Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots,

by The Cheers, which included the refrain: "He had a hopped-up ’cycle that took off like a gun, That fool was the terror of Highway One-Oh-One."

Photos courtesy of San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce california101guide.com

El Camino Real There is yet another name for U.S. Route 101, and you’ll find it applied to the main road as well as adjacent thoroughfares all the way from the Mexican border to up past San Francisco: El Camino Real. This was the route, the network of trails, connecting Spain’s earliest efforts at colonizing what we know today as the State of California.

Although Spain had established missionary settlements in Baja California as early as 1697, it would be another 70 years or so before it showed much interest in the northern territories — the so-called Alta California.

Most of the missions were separated by distances of about 30 miles, or a day’s ride, the population at each consisting mainly of clergy, soldiers, and converts from the indigenous peoples of the region. Ultimately, this effort at colonization would entail 21 such missions from San Diego up to Sonoma, all strung along 600 miles of trails known as El Camino Real.

No one today is certain exactly where the old El Camino Real might have run. “I’ve tried to identify the original route,” said Matthew Roth, historian and archivist with the Automobile Club of Southern California, “and it’s just freakin’ impossible.”

So scant is the textual evidence for California’s El Camino Real, Roth said, it’s unlikely to have amounted to much more than a loose arrangement of trails and footpaths between the missions. And when it came to moving heavy cargoes or otherwise expediting transit up and down the coast, he added, water was by far the more efficient way to go.

The whole idea of El Camino Real was probably made up in the early 20th century, in Roth’s view, figuring as an attractive outgrowth of the Mission Revival movement in architecture and design. It was part of a push in the economic development of Southern California to encourage people to move there, Roth added. “It was a way to Anglicize the memory of California.”

Still, there can be no doubt of some sort of infrastructure connecting the missions, a likelihood that continues to intrigue the curiosity. Historian Max Kurillo, in his 2000 study, California’s El Camino Real and Its Historic Bells, characterizes this infrastructure as primarily a military road, essentially the route followed by the colonizers Gaspar de Portolà and Juan de Anza.

This view is echoed by John Kolstad, owner of the California Bell Co. “There was always some kind of roadway connecting one mission with the next,” he said, “but it was not generally used by the public.” The public in those days, he added, would be the indigenous peoples, for whom the use of El Camino Real was unlikely to have been allowed.

The padres wanted to keep their newly acquired flocks close to the missions, Kolstad said, so it would mainly have been soldiers who used the roads. california101guide.com

An old bell now at Camp Pendleton.

Photo by Lance Cpl. John Robbart III

And the connecting trails and roadways were bound to have been ephemeral, too, Kolstad said. “Many would change with the weather,” he said, “with washouts and mudslides, as (common) then as they are today.” He points to present-day Refugio Road (Forest Route 5N12, through Aguajito Canyon) as an example. It began as an alternate route whenever Gaviota Pass happened to flood.

In 1959, the California State Legislature recognized a network of state and federal highways, including parts of the 101, as a commemorative thoroughfare. From Los Angeles to Sonoma, the California Department of Transportation maintains decorative mission bells along the 101 and portions of two state highways.

When you’re rolling down the 101 in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, you’re probably pretty close to whatever the old trail might have been in the early days.

This would seem likely particularly between Ventura and Carpinteria, where historically there were only two ways to go: along the coast by way of Rincon

Photo courtesy of Caltrans Cove, or over Pioneering female bell maker, Mrs. A.S.C. the mountains Forbes, stands next to one of her bells marking through El Camino Real & U.S. Route 101. Based on the sign, this marker was likely near Agoura Hills.

Casitas Pass.

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Either way, the road space is rendered narrow by landform.

Traversing Rincon, in fact, had to be done during periods of low tide, so confined to sea level was the original road.

year, Kolstad approached Caltrans, and by 2010, the El Camino Real had been refurbished with 585 new iron bells, all cast in the original 1906 molds.

Whatever El Camino Real’s precise route might have been, it was probably there long before the expedition by Portolà, who must have followed existing trails to make his way north. Across the three counties, much of today’s transportation infrastructure developed along trails and byways laid down by the earliest inhabitants, said Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, tribal elder of the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of the Chumash. “These old highways and roads into the hills were Chumash routes,” she said. “It was a network.”

Today, the southernmost bells of the 101 begin just west of the Los Angeles River, continuing north all the way into Marin County. At Novato, the bells branch off to the northeast, following State Route 37 into Sonoma County, and then along State Routes 121 and 12 into the town of Sonoma.

The northernmost bell is in front of the historic Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma.

The Bells of the 101 The bells you see along the 101 have been around, in one form or another, for more than 100 years. The diminutive replicas of a mission bell were first put in place in 1906 to commemorate El Camino Real.

Spaced one or two miles apart along either side of the highway, the bells are suspended from 17-foot metal staffs designed to resemble San Miguel Mission shepherd’s crooks. Each bell is cast from iron and weighs about 85 pounds.

Early in the 20th century, author/artist Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes created the design for the bells, based on drawings she did in the belfries of the missions. She was also a bell maker — reportedly the only female bell maker in the country — with her very own foundry in Los Angeles. Her California Bell Co. cast not only the initial run, but also continued making replacement bells until 1948, when the company was sold.

In 1960, its then-owner suspended all operations, locking its entire inventory into a three-car garage in Los Angeles.

For the next 40 years or so, the bells were replaced as needed with models designed and cast by another bell maker, Justin Kramer. In 2000, the aforementioned Saratoga businessman John Kolstad was shopping for a mission bell to hang in his backyard, and wound up purchasing the entire inventory of the old California Bell Co. That inventory included the foundry equipment. Later that 10

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But commemorative mission bells are by no means relegated to the 101’s representation of El Camino Real — you pretty much find them all over the place. They’re still in evidence along the decommissioned segments of old 101 south of Los Angeles, Kolstad said. Numerous communities up the road above Los Angeles still have one or two hanging around on their main streets, holdovers from the time when the 101 ran right through towns, rather than around them.

Beginning in 1906, the mission bell caught on throughout California as a kind of state icon, decorating parks, courthouses, and downtown Photo submitted intersections.

There’s one in front of Ventura City Hall, for example. And cities still incorporate them into urban decor. When the town of La Habra began a recent downtown renewal project, it ordered 15 mission bells, Kolstad said, while Escondido put in 13 bells in 2006.

To be sure, the mission bell means different things to different people. To Mrs. Forbes, the mission bell was a symbol of the iron will of colonist Junípero Serra. For Kolstad, the Caltrans bells commemorate California transportation history. Matthew Roth, historian with the Automobile Club of Southern California, sees them as roadside extensions of the Mission Revival movement of the early 20th century. And for students at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who in 2018 petitioned the school to remove one from the campus, mission bells represent colonial oppression and genocide.

All of which perhaps goes to say that the mission bell is a truly robust symbol, an image offering appreciations of California heritage, and that of Highway 101 history, on many levels.

CA 101

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VENTURA COUNTY

Ventura County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. It has a beautiful, temperate climate and its landmass rises from sea level to 8,831 feet at Mt. Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest. At certain times of the year, it is possible to stand on the beach and see snow in the mountains.

The county’s coastline stretches a stunning 42 miles and the peaks of the Los Padres National Forest account for 46 percent of the landmass in the northern portion of the county. Fertile valleys in the southern half of the county make Ventura County a leading agricultural producer.

california101guide.com

Together, farming and the Los Padres National Forest occupy half of the county’s 1.2 million acres.

The mild Mediterranean climate, along with scenic geography, makes the area attractive to the more than 900,000 culturally and ethnically diverse people who call Ventura County home. The unincorporated areas – along with the ten incorporated cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and San Buenaventura (Ventura) – rank Ventura as the 11th most populous county in the State.

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Your next

ADVENTURE awaits in

SIMI VALLEY

Start your next adventure at VisitSimiValley.com 12

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SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

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CALIFORNIA 101 GOLF TRAIL

CA 101

Simi Hills Golf Course 5031 Alamo St., Simi Valley, CA 93063

(805) 522-0803 www. simihillsgolf.com

Simi Hills Golf Course offers tree-lined rolling fairways and plush greens that will challenge golfers of all skill levels.

Water hazards come into play on eight holes, and over 50 bunkers are strategically placed throughout the layout.

The course is extremely fair and fun for all golfers - just pick one of the five sets of tees to match your game, and you’ll be on your way to a great day. Simi Hills is dedicated to providing an exceptional golf experience and one of the best values in the state.

In addition to 18 great holes of golf, Simi Hills offers exceptional practice facilities, with a lighted driving range and practice putting green, as well as chipping and bunker practice areas.

Elkins Ranch Golf Course 1386 Chambersburg Rd., Fillmore, CA 93015

(805) 524-1121 www. elkinsranchgc.com

Over time, Elkins Ranch golf course has evolved and today exhibits the care and thought that have taken full advantage of its unique location and natural landscape. Magnificently framed against the backdrop of the rugged Sespe and San Cayetano Mountain ranges, five lakes come into play on nine different holes.

Several elevated tees offer breathtaking views, and the signature 17th hole (440-yard, par 4) offers an unforgettable vision of the entire Heritage Valley, with an accurate drive required to hit the fairway situated 110 feet below! This is the finest Ventura County golf course.

Soule Park Golf Course 1033 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, Ca 93023

(805) 646-5633 www.soulepark.com

Soule Park Golf Course is one of the Country’s most highly regarded municipal golf courses. Situated in the spectacular Ojai Valley, Soule Park was ranked the 48th best municipal golf course in the country by Golf Week magazine in 2014. The golf course at Soule Park was originally designed by renowned architect William F. Bell in 1962. Bell was responsible for many other iconic Southern California golf courses including Torrey Pines (North and South) in San Diego and Sandpiper in Santa Barbara. In 2005 Soule Park underwent a golf course renovation led

by Gil Hanse who is one of the industry’s most highly regarded modern-day golf course architects. Hanse was the architect responsible for designing the Olympic Golf Course for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. CA 101

Get in touch with us so we can let our readers know where to go and enjoy the areas.

IN PRINT

If you would like more business at your business, then get seen in the California 101 Travelers Guide.

With 30,000 printed high quality magazines quarterly, distributed to over 300 highly traveled places up and down Highway 101, and a readership of nearly 400,000 annually. (based on 3.2 readers per magazine).

DIGITAL A complimentary smartphone and tablet compatible digital version of each issue of California 101 Travelers Guide is viewable online at california101guide.com SOCIAL California 101 Travelers Guide engages with our audience via our social media channels: facebook.com/california101travelersguide, and on Instagram: @ca101travel In Each Issue: Everything travelers need to know about your town • Lodging • Dining • Entertainment • Night Life • Current Events • Unique History Stories • Real Estate • Wine Tasting • Spas • Golf Courses • Things to do • Outdoor Adventures • Arts & Culture

For more info and to advertise contact Mike Dawkins (833) 805-0101 x 101 or mdawkins@ca101guide.com california101guide.com

Quick Stops and Curiosities

By Bill Warner

Emma Wood State Beach North of Ventura A popular destination for camping, fishing, walking, and/ or chilling out, the main entrance is just off the freeway north of Ventura, accessible from the State Beaches exit. Within the campground itself, there are a few dozen campsites — but be forewarned, there are no tents allowed. This campground is for self-contained vehicles only, and there is no water, electricity, phones, fire rings, or dump stations. But though it sounds primitive, it is a hugely popular RV and trailer campground due to its proximity to the beach (so close, in fact, that it is sometimes closed during especially high tides).

Within the group camping area, found off the West Main Street exit of the 101, look for the Emma Wood River Trail, a short, ambling walk through the natural wetland of the Ventura River estuary. If you pick your way down to the beach near the Ventura River, you’ll find a couple of large concrete rings in the sand. These are old “Panama mounts,” which accommodated a couple of 155mm artillery guns placed there to protect the Ventura oil fields after a Japanese submarine shelled the Santa Barbara oil field during World War II. Spring 2019

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CAMARILLO population: 65,200 size: 19 sq. miles key attraction: festival-rich downtown

Camarillo boasts favorable weather year-round, making it a prime destination for leisure travelers. It is idyllically situated an hour north of Los Angeles and a short half-hour drive to the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by green fields and a steady sea breeze, Camarillo is nestled amongst the Conejo foothills, making for stunning mountainous milieus spotted throughout the city and the vibrant Old Town business district.

Considered a gateway to California’s Central Coast, Camarillo’s history began with the Camarillo family, namely Adolfo Camarillo and his brother, Juan Jr., who owned much of the land that is known today as Camarillo. Adolfo Camarillo, in particular, was a prominent rancher, horse breeder, landowner, and philanthropist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and remnants of his and his family’s historical significance are still sprinkled throughout this charming Californian town.

A Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1892 by Adolfo Camarillo, Camarillo Ranch House is a historic mansion with peaceful, park-like grounds. Teams and families can step back in time and experience daily life during the 19th century, with docent-guided tours throughout the property’s 15 rooms, Adolfo’s study, and ranch office.

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Visit Camarillo is the local tourism board that assists visitors with information on where to stay, play, and explore. Visit their local office in Old Town Camarillo and pick up a pocket map of the city or browse through their official Visitor’s

Guide.

If

hospitality

is

requested, their friendly staff will help by providing various hotel options to make your stay the most comfortable. california101guide.com

Things to do in Old Town Camarillo

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS University as a part of TRAC 2019, an international symposium on representational art. The summer blockbuster exhibition, 'The Next Big Thing' invites artists to make a bold statement using the Gallery, the grounds, and the green spaces. In this summer's installation, artist Scott Froschauer will invite visitors to explore the site through his subversive use of everyday street signs.

Studio Channel Islands hosts an end-of-year block party to celebrate the festive season and the opening of the Holiday Art Market on the first weekend in December.

Studio Channel Islands is the largest arts venue in Ventura County, and is the home of the Blackboard Gallery and over 40 artist studios. As one of the oldest arts organizations in the county, there is a rich history of creativity woven into the fabric of the extensive five acre site.

Visitors are invited to stroll among the courtyards and studios to see the artists at work, take a class, or visit the Members Gallery to pick up a unique piece artwork.

On the First Saturday of each month all of the Studios are open for visitors, and during the summer months the site is transformed into a festival venue.

The Arts Alive festival takes place on Saturday May 4th and Saturday June 1st. This family friendly celebration of creativity includes performances, interactive artworks, demonstrations, and children's activities.

The Blackboard Gallery presents international quality exhibitions; over the spring and summer months this will include 'The Illusionists' an exhibition of exceptional quality featuring some of California's most renowned figurative artists. This exhibition has been curated by California Lutheran

CAMARILLO OLD TOWN Take a stroll through Old Town Camarillo and shop at the various stores and boutiques found in this shopping destination. Ventura Boulevard is home to great attractions, arts & entertainment, salons, spas, and professional services. Start your day with a hearty breakfast from Old Town CafĂŠ, a favorite among locals that sits adjacent to the charming Bella Capri Inn & Suites, a great romantic getaway during your stay in Camarillo. Spice up your wardrobe with stylish fashions found at Alas Boutique or find great savings at local consignment stores. Saturday mornings in Old Town are spent browsing through artisan crafts and picking up organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables at the Camarillo Farmers Market. Dining options abound in Old Town Camarillo as you have your choice of gourmet craft burgers at Blvd. Burger all the way to awardwinning chef creations from Twenty 88 Bistro.

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How to Get to Camarillo Situated in the heart of Southern California and near the coast, Camarillo neighbors several other major Golden State cities, such as Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Palm Springs, San Diego and Bakersfield. Los Angeles International Airport, otherwise known as LAX, lies one hour southeast of Camarillo, serving the greater Los Angeles area.

1927 Barber Shop Alas Boutique All Sorts Thrift Shop All Source Realtors American Legion Andorra Antique Mall of Camarillo Bella Capri Inn Blvd Brgr Company Bone Deep Tattoo California Designers Choice Custom Cabinetry Chapel City Church Chastain Insurance Services

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Christian Family Supply DeLeon Salon Dot Dot Smile with JZ Boutique El Rey Cantina Empty Hangers Flower Power Green Goddess Herman Bennett Foundation / Save a Life Thrift Store Lamplighter Sports Bar Legal Shield / IDShield Lularoe Sarah and Joanne Luminous Skincare & Makeup Studio Mills Jewelers & Loan

Mister Rogers Hairstyling Mister Softee (Surfside Softee, Inc.) Moxie Hair & Design Studio Museum Quality Art Services Old Town CafĂŠ Painting with a Twist Palm Dental Smiles Posh Hair & Skin Studio Que Pasa Mexican CafĂŠ Red Carpet Formal Wear Realty One Group Summit Revolution Surf and Skate Robert Martin Salon Salon eLLe Studio and Spa

Schearer Designs Sessions at the Loft / Don Harper Productions SoCal Flooring Studio Channel Islands Sun Kissed Yoga TCR Accupuncture Tony's NY Pizzeria Twenty 88 Usborne Books + More Visit Camarillo Window Box Antiques Wine Closet Woof Pack Grooming Zander's Game House california101guide.com

NEW WINES Presented Weekly!

WINE • BEER • FOOD

small production, artisan wine and craft beer serving beer and wine by-the-glass and small plates daily creative food menu and gourmet panini

wine club discounts wine tasting Thur-Sun BOTTLE SHOP & CHEESE MARKET

HOURS Monday Closed Tue/Wed 12–7PM Thur/Fri/Sat 12–9PM Sunday 12–5PM

2423 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010 (805) 746-5708 | wineclosetinc.com

CA 101

Quick Stops and Curiosities

By Bill Warner

Plaza Park Downtown Ventura This is another pleasant, spacious city park, situated on East Thompson Boulevard between South Chestnut and South Fir streets in downtown Ventura.

And guess what — it also has its very own Moreton Bay fig tree, just handing out the shade for free over in the northwest corner. Thompson Avenue is old U.S. 101, too, so you’re on good ground here.

Dizdar Park 2400 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo This relatively tiny, unobtrusive public park, scarcely a half block in size, is right behind the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. It does feature a small playground in which you can let the kids (human or fur) burn off some energy. If the park strikes you as utterly uninteresting, though, you can always step around the corner and give a respectful nod the statue of Adolfo Camarillo on his steed, right next to the Chamber building. If Adolfo doesn’t move you, you can saunter a scant 500 feet eastward california101guide.com

down Ventura Boulevard and admire the stunning architecture of the Saint Mary Magdalen Chapel.

And if that doesn’t do it for you, well, there’s a bunch of restaurants nearby.

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden 400 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks And you thought there was nothing more to Thousand Oaks other than suburban development and urban retail sprawl — wrong! There’s a whole world of cool scenes in the Conejo Valley, and the Botanic Garden is one of them. With fine views of the valley and a wealth of utterly fascinating native vegetation, the garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Located across from Tarantula Hill, the highest point in Thousand Oaks, it includes a Kid’s Adventure Garden and extensive educational resources. Better yet, admission is free. The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is just off the 101 by way of Lynn Road. For more information, visit conejogarden. org, or call (805) 494-7630.

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Welcome to The Heritage Valley

Photo by Larry Holt - SketchPadGraphicDesign.com

Step Back in Time – Explore scenic CA Highway 126 between the City of Ventura and I-5 in Santa Clarita. Discover the quaint towns of Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru, and the Rancho Camulos National Historic Landmark. Together, this rural area is known as the Heritage Valley. Take a scenic drive or bike ride, train ride adventures or get a bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon to experience the valley, mountains, and orchards. Explore the valley’s treasures, including seven museums, antique shops, golf courses, produce stands, working ranches, boutique hotels, and restaurants.

Simpler times are calling. For more information, see heritagevalley.net

Santa Paula Theater Center Season 2019

A season of emotions - whether dealing with dementia, discretion, delusions or death, the season offerings will allow you to escape into the world that only theater makes possible.

CASA

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Valen rvey

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June 21 - July 28 April 12 - May 19

August 30 - October 6

November 8 - December 15

Purchase Tickets Online at www.santapaulatheatercenter.org (805) 525-4645 santapaulatheatercenter@gmail.com Located Just 15 minutes off of CA 101 via CA 126 18

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A view of the mountains surrounding Lake Piru california101guide.com

California 101 Golf Trail Ventura County

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tyLer Hendy

By Logan HaLL

alifornia is a playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. From hiking and fishing, to surfing and camping, it would take 100 lifetimes to explore every nook and cranny of the Golden State. When you factor in the more than 900 golf courses (as estimated by Southern California PGA), California is a golfer’s dream come true.

From the rolling hills and mountain views, to the cliffs and ocean vistas, there’s no shortage of fairways and greens for every level of linksman seeking to find some new swinging grounds. All of these courses offer golf instruction, rentals, and dining that can cater to any group or individual’s specific needs. Let’s take a look at a few courses in Ventura County.

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Elkins ranCh Golf CoursE Surrounded by mountains and orange orchards, Elkins Ranch offers golfers a chance to get out of the city and into a more natural setting. There isn’t a hole on the course that doesn’t have a sweeping mountain view, and with several drastic elevation changes, there are no shortage of vantage points to take in those vistas.

course still demands strategy and shot placement if you want to go low.

From the 16th green and the elevated 17th tee, you can look out over the Santa Clara River and the town of Fillmore beyond in one swoop.

One emerging twist on golf available at Elkins is foot golf. Players kick a soccer ball and aim for 2-foot-wide holes that are interspersed between the regular holes.

“From the top of the 17th tee box you can see the whole valley,” said Elkins’ general manager Nick Redmond. “There are really amazing views all over the course.”

While the rolling hills and changes in tee/green height can provide a challenge, the course is still accessible to golfers of all skill levels. For those just starting out, ample fairways and forgiving rough will help ease the frustration of chasing the ball around the course. For the more seasoned players, the 20

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“This is a great little course,” said Elkins regular Jye Lanphere, who was just about to tee off on 17. “The greens are nice and so are the people. Plus they have low rates, which is always nice.”

“We have a full 18-hole foot golf course that is set up about 40 yards from the regular greens,” said Redmond. “People have a lot of fun trying that out.”

After your round, be sure to grab a burger at the snack bar, which Redmond says, “has been voted best cheeseburger in Ventura County for 25 years.”

For more info on Elkins Ranch, go to elkinsranchgc.com.

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Logan HaLL

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simi hills Golf CoursE Winding through hills and neighborhoods, Simi Hills Golf Course offers players a chance to experience a natural and more urban setting, all in one place.

You might find yourself teeing off amongst the homes surrounding part of the course one minute, then sinking your birdie putt the next near a pond under a tree covered hill.

There’s no shortage of water hazards at Simi. With lakes and ponds around every turn, you might end up passing by a flock of geese or ducks to find your ball in the rough.

Whether walking the course or taking a golf cart, Simi Hills is a player’s course. Bunkers and water will keep golfers on their toes, while protected greens challenge low-shooting players. The course has several tee boxes that help even the playing field for those with varying skill levels.

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mountain views and an open, natural feel, several of the holes cut through the surrounding neighborhood.

Tee boxes and greens seem to be nestled amongst the homes and gardens of the local residents, offering a different yet still visceral counterpart to the hills and trees.

Although not far from town, most of the course is set back from the road, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the highways and shopping centers of the city. Well maintained landscaping and the natural beauty of the mountains can provide a sanctuary for those who don’t have time to leave the city behind altogether.

If you’re just starting out or have been playing for many years, Simi Hills has something to offer everyone.

For more info on Simi Hills Golf Course, log on to simihillsgolf.com.

While much of the course winds through hills with

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riVEr ridGE Golf Club o

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With 36 holes spanning two separate courses, River Ridge Golf Club has views, amenities, and a challenging layout that is still accessible to those of lower skill levels.

The Vineyard Course has wide fairways, but boasts more than eight acres of water — most notably, on the signature island hole (pictured above). The Vineyard Course has been remodeled over the years and now has four holes with incredible views of Ventura County.

“From the tee box on six, you can see the ocean,” said course manager, Otto Kanny, who has been maintaining and operating River Ridge with his family for 25 years. “On a clear day you can see the Channel Islands.”

The second of the two courses, the Victoria Lakes Course, opened in 2008 and added 18 holes to the party. Featuring bent/poa grass greens and Greg 24

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Norman hybrid Bermuda tees and fairways, the Victoria Lakes course has been home to several major events, including the U.S. Senior Open qualifier in 2016. The course may have less water than The Vineyard, but it plays more strategically, even featuring its own take on the infamous Amen Corner at Augusta.

Like Elkins Ranch, River Ridge also offers foot golf for those who want to try something different, and the clubhouse can host events from birthdays to weddings.

Between the nines, be sure to grab a tuna melt or club sandwich at the River Ridge Cafe, which offers breakfast, lunch and a full bar for those heading to the 19th green.

For more info on River Ridge Golf Club, head to riverridge-golfclub.com. california101guide.com

PHotos Courtesy river ridge ManageMent california101guide.com

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Let the Festivals BEGIN! Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties love their festivals — especially in the spring. The hills are still green and the weather’s warm, but the sea breezes keep things from getting too sweltering.

After a wet and chilly winter, this spring’s festivals are sure to be even livelier. So whether you’re looking for something to do with your college buddies (beer and wine festivals), your grandparents (Art in the Park), or your kids (Kite Festivals), there’s tons of festivals to suit your tastes.

Way more, in fact, than we can begin to list here!

So get off the 101 and get to exploring these tastes of the region.

Story by Misty Hall APRIL April 6 to 7 44th Scandinavian Festival

When and where: 10 am to 5 pm each day, at California Lutheran University, 60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks Cost: $5 and up Tickets and more: scandinavianfest.org The largest Nordic festival in Southern California is back to celebrate all things Scandinavian: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Sami people. Enjoy cultural music, food, crafts, demonstrations, vendors, and lectures, then check out the authentic Viking village. Try your hand at traditional games, get a reading from a rune reader, and get some dance lessons, too. Whether or not your family hails from Scandinavia, this is an original festival you’ll be talking about for weeks afterward.

• April 5 to 7 Skull & Roses II

When and where: April 5 to 7 at Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura Cost: $34 to $899.95 Tickets and more: skullandroses.com Love the Grateful Dead? Then this is the festival for you!

Grateful Dead-inspired bands — dozens of them throughout the 3 days! — will rock the stages all weekend long, from 10 am to midnight most days. Different themes each day encourage attendees to dress up and get into the groove. You can even camp onsite the whole weekend. Drum circles often open and close each day. (Important: as festival organizers note, this is a GD-style camping experience, with no hookups — just dirt and rocks— so come prepared, and check the website for restrictions.)

• April 6 Spring Wine Walk & Street Fair When and where: 10:30 am to 6 pm, Downtown Ventura Cost: Varies More info: springwinewalk.com If you’ve never been to downtown Ventura, it’s well worth the 5-minute detour from the 101. And there’s no better time to visit than in the spring, when the ocean air mingles with the smell of growing things in the hills. If you happen to be around on April 6, it’s a no-brainer: get yourself downtown. The fun starts with a free Egg Hunt in Mission Park, with hunts for different age groups starting at 11 am.

As soon as the egg hunt starts, so too does the street fair — something downtown Ventura does spectacularly well.

Check out the offerings from artists, local organizations, and commercial vendors, and don’t forget to visit the downtown shops.

Live music will be pumping all the while.

The wine walk kicks off at 3 pm and takes you through the downtown shops for wine, beer, and champagne tastings (not to mention some seriously great sales!).

A VIP area (dubbed the Bunny Lounge) will be open at the same time as the wine walk, 3 to 6 pm, and kicks it up a notch with mimosas, chocolates, snacks, and special VIP-only tastings. VIP tickets include both the regular wine walk and VIP experience.

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The city of Oxnard is again hosting an Earth Day celebration, complete with children’s activities, information booths, food and drink vendors, and myriad opportunities to take action to preserve and protect the Earth.

• April 14 Santa Barbara Kite Festival When and where: 11 am to 5 pm, Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara Cost: Free More: santabarbaraca.com/events/the-2019-santa-barbarakite-festival/

When and where: All day, various Paso Robles locations Cost: Varies For more: wine4paws.com Love wine and dogs? Have we got an event for you! Wine 4 Paws brings together dozens of wineries for a weekend of tasting some of the region’s most distinctive varietals. There will also be beer tasting, courtesy of Earth and Fire Brewing Company, as well as olive oil tasting from Olivas de Oro. Different area wineries will host live music and tastings. Many — including AronHill Vineyards, Calcareous, Cass Winery, Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines, Justin Winery, Niner Wine Estates, Oso Libre Winery, Villa San-Juliette — will offer food at their tasting rooms, so you can bring a picnic or make your own when you get there. Some require reservations, so be sure to check the website and plan ahead.

Other spots to hit: Asuncion Ridge and HammerSky Vineyards have music planned throughout the weekend; Brecon Estate will host a paint and sip Saturday at 11:30 am, where you’ll learn to paint your pet; Chateau Lettau will have a doggy costume contest and picture booth; Parrish Family Vineyard will host pet photographer Monique Snow to capture you and your pooch from noon to 3 pm each day; and more is being added all the time. If you’re in town the night before, join the Bark After Dark in downtown Paso Robles.

A portion of the tasting fees will go to benefit homeless pets at the Woods Humane Society and Woods Humane SocietyNorth County.

• April 13 Tequila, Sal y Limón When and where: 11 am to 6 pm at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Grounds, 113 S College Dr, Santa Maria Cost: $25 to $100

Let’s go fly a kite! Santa Barbara City College is the ideal venue to let loose with some colorful flying machines at this annual family-friendly event. Pack a picnic and your favorite kite, or buy one on-site!

• April 20 Buckles ’n’ Brews Invitational

When and where: 12:30 to 4:30 pm, Santa Barbara Carriage Museum, 129 Castillo St, Santa Barbara Cost: $15 (non-alcohol tickets) to $65 For tickets and more: bucklesandbrews.com This year marks the fourth Buckles ’n’ Brews, and it’s the biggest one yet. Sample from more than 30 craft breweries and wineries, then get your dance on with The Dusty Jugs and The Brambles. VIP entry gets you in an hour early, and includes special tastings not available with general admission tickets.

The Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara will be grilling up barbecue goodness on-site.

Breweries will include Ballast Point, SLO Brew, Lagunitas, Rincon, Firestone, and dozens more!

Proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara to continue their support of the Santa Barbara community and children’s causes worldwide. Notes: no pets allowed; ticket holders must be at least 21 years old to enter.

Celebrate Banda and Mariachi music — along with tequila, of course — at this Santa Maria event. Proceeds will benefit the Welcome Home Soldier Foundation, providing sleeping bags to homeless Veterans. Note: This event is for those ages 21 and older only.

• April 20 and 21 Santa Paula Easter Festival When and where: noon to 4 pm, 364 Main St, Fillmore Cost: $12 to $26 Tickets and more: fwry.com

• April 13 Oxnard Earth Day Festival When and where: 11 am to 3 pm at Plaza Park, on the corner of Fifth and C Streets in downtown Oxnard Cost: Free More: visitoxnard.com

Hop on the train with the Fillmore and Western Railway Co. for an adventure to the Santa Paula Easter Celebration. The train departs Fillmore at noon and drops off passengers in downtown Santa Paula to experience the Easter festivities.

Spend two hours in town then catch the train back to Fillmore.

Food and beverages are available on the train.

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• April 6 and 7 Wine 4 Paws

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• April 26 to 28 Morro Bay Kite Festival

awareness, present environmental concerns and solutions, and to inspire action.

There will be a kid’s zone, bike/transportation hub, food, drink, and environmentally-conscious vendors and information booths, as well as a beer garden. More information and excellent resources are available on the Earth Day Alliance website earthdayalliance.com.

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When and where: 10 am to 4 pm (3 pm Sunday) at Morro Bay Beach, 200 Coleman Dr, Morro Bay Cost: Free More: morrobaykitefestival.org There’s just something mesmerizing about kites. No matter how old you are, watching them flutter in the breeze holds a certain kind of magic. At the Morro Bay Kite Festival, you’ll see kites of all sizes: tiny kites, huge kites (and we mean giant), trick kites, wind surfing kites, sand surfing kites (yeah, that’s a thing!), aquatic kites (also a thing!). Check out demonstrations of all these and more throughout the weekend in one of the best places to fly kites anywhere.

All kids get a free kite while supplies last.

• May 2 to 5 Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show When and where: Times and locations vary, 695 Harbor St, Morro Bay More: morrobaycarshow.org The Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show returns for the 23rd year with cars of all kinds: new, classic, and everything in between.

Register to cruise throughout the weekend with various activities, or just come check out the goods.

• May 4 Buellton Brew Fest

• April 27 Charles Paddock Zoo’s Brew at the Zoo When and where: 5:30 to 9 pm at the Charles Paddock Zoo, 9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero Cost: $35 to $45 Tickets and more: VisitAtascadero.com The fifth annual Brew at the Zoo is a groovin’ good time featuring craft beer, wine, cider tasting, and live music — all within the zoo grounds.

This event raises funds for the zoo, which is home to hundreds of animal species and helps preserve their natural habitats around the world. Must be 21 years and over to purchase tickets.

• April 27 Earth Day SLO

When and where: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm at Riverview Park, 151 Sycamore Dr, Buellton Cost: $20 (non-alcohol ticket) to $55 For tickets and more: buelltonbrewfest.com Buellton Brew Fest returns for the seventh time to Riverview Park. More than 50 brews, wines, ciders, and spirits will be available. We’re talkin’ Figueroa Mountain, Golden Road, Island Brewing Co., Topa Topa Brewing Co., Stone, Green Flash, Anchor Steam, Elysian, Kona, and tons more.

Live entertainment will be provided by DJ Hecktik, Richie Rey, Tony Balbinot and the Cadillac Angels. Take a break from dancing to try your hand at some lawn games, like mega sized beer pong and cornhole. When you’re hungry, head over to the huge assortment of regional food trucks. Make a day of it and bring lawn chairs and blankets. A VIP ticket gets you in an hour early and gives you access to special beers not available to general admission ticket holders.

Want to participate but don’t want to drive? Buy a bus ticket!

Stops include Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, and Goleta. Tickets ($10 to $25) must be purchased ahead of time. Note: Ticket holders must be 21 and older to enter.

When and where: 11 am to 5 pm at Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo Cost: Free More: earthdayalliance.com

• May 16 to 19 37th annual Paso Robles Wine Festival When and where: Times and locations vary Cost: $25 and up For tickets and more: pasowine.com/events/winefest/

The Earth Day Alliance will again host its San Luis Obispo County Earth Day Fair & Music Festival on April 27. Earth Day Alliance’s goal is to bring the community together for eco-

A four-day celebration of all things Paso wine country, the 37th annual festival encompasses several events in several locations: Winemaker dinners at local restaurants; the Reserve

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• May 18 Atascadero Car Show

When and where: 10 am to 3 pm at 6500 Palma Ave, Atascadero Cost: Free More: socalz.net The Zs are coming! Not the sleeping kind — the Datsun/Nissan Zs. The fifth annual event is hosted by Fast Intentions and will include Z cars from all generations from across the state.

Also on hand will be music, entertainment, racing simulators, a mobile dyno machine, trophies, models, raffles, food trucks, vendors, a beer island, and more.

Beach, 901 San Pedro St, Ventura Cost: $20 (designated driver ticket) to $65 For tickets and more: surfbeerfest.com There’s a good reason — well, lots of good reasons — the Surf ’n’ Suds Beer Festival has been rated one of beeryeti.com’s top 10 festivals in the U.S. The setting is ideal, just steps away from the Pacific Ocean, for gorgeous views and fresh ocean breezes. The beverages are plentiful — there are more than 75 breweries, ciders, kombucha, and wine, for a total of 200+ different drinks (including gluten free beers). There are choice tunes. Soul Majestic, Flogging Seagulls, and DJ Hecktik are all on the bill.

And there’s a surf twist. Surfboard shapers, local nonprofit groups, awesome surf-inspired vendors, and plenty of food trucks and restrooms make Surf ‘n’ Suds the top beer festival in the area! VIP ticket holders enter an hour early at 11:30 am, and get to sample special booze not available to general admission ticket holders.

The festival organizers are big on quality of experience, so they cap ticket sales to ensure you’re not standing in line for tastings all day. There are also free water stations and plenty of shade and bathrooms. Safety is also important, so check the website for a list of transportation opportunities.

Bus transportation available from Goleta, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Oxnard (advanced ticket purchase is required), and if you want to ride your bike, a free bike valet will keep them safe.

Proceeds benefit the Young and Brave Foundation, a nonprofit that helps children and young adults diagnosed with cancer.

• May 18 and 19 California Strawberry Festival

• May 18 LakeFest & Cardboard Boat Regatta When and where: 10 am to 5 pm at Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave, Atascadero Cost: Free For more: visitatascadero.com Ahh, duct tape, is there anything it can’t do? Come find out at the LakeFest & Cardboard Boat Regatta at Atascadero Lake. Watch as competitors try out their cardboard and duct tape boats. There’ll also be rubber ducky races and lots of fun activities for the kids. Food, drinks, and more are available onsite. All proceeds benefit special projects for the lake.

• May 18 Ventura Surf ’n’ Suds Beer Festival

When and where: 10 am to 6:30 pm, Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 South Rose Ave, Oxnard Cost: $5 to $12; kids under 4 free Tickets and more: castrawberryfestival.org If you live in Southern California, chances are you know that some of the world’s best strawberries are grown in the Oxnard plain. It makes sense, then, that the 36th annual festival would be held in the heart of strawberry country.

When and where: 12:30 to 5 pm at San Buenaventura State california101guide.com

Get your berry bliss on with dozens of food and drink booths.

Sample fresh-from-the-farm whole berries, margaritas, and chocolate-dipped treats. Or, get adventurous and try something a little different, like strawberry pizza, strawberry tacos, even deep-fried strawberries! There’s even a buildyour-own strawberry shortcake (in case you’re wondering where you’ll find us all day).

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event, showcasing library, reserve, futures, and white/rosés paired with local gourmet food tastings; seminars; and the big party, the Grand Tasting. The latter will feature more than 70 wineries in Paso Robles Downtown City Park. This year they’ll be brilliantly arranged by region to give you a true sense of what Paso wineries have been able to do with the likes of Bordeaux-style, Zinfandel, Italian varieties, and more.

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But there’s more than just berry-themed food and drink.

You’ll find plenty more to do with live music from well-known groups, hundreds of vendors, attractions, and rides. And if you’re feeling a little competitive, why not join the strawberry shortcake eating contest, or pie someone in the face in the strawberry tart toss? There are also contests for best berry hat and kids’ costumes. The culinary-inclined will want to keep an eye on the Berry Blast Off Recipe Contest, where locals submit their berry best berry-themed dishes.

• May 26 Avila Beach Blues Festival

The local community benefits in a big way, with 100 percent of proceeds going to dozens of local charities and youth groups — more than $4.5 million has been raised to-date!

• May 19 State Street Nationals Premier Car Show When and where: 9 am to 4 pm on State Street, Santa Barbara Cost: Free More: sbcarshow.com Cars and car lovers will take over 10 blocks of Santa Barbara’s State Street for this fun family event. On display will be some of history’s most notable driving machines. Vendors, food, drinks, and live bands make this an all-day event worth stopping for.

• May 25 and 26 Art in the Park Ojai When and where: 10 am to 5 pm each day, at Libbey Park in downtown Ojai Cost: Free For more: ojaiartcenter.org Meander through dozens of booths under the beautiful oak trees of Libbey Park this Memorial Day weekend for Ojai’s Art in the Park. Ojai is known as an artist community, and the Ojai Art Center — the festival organizer — is California’s oldest multipurpose nonprofit art center. So it’s safe to say these folks can put on a good art festival. This 42nd event attracts local and regional artists with their sculptures, kitchen ware, lawn art, jewelry, photography, furniture, clothing, bags, upcycled art, hand-blown glass … you get the idea.

Along with working artists, there are also display areas for teens, an educational pavilion for kids (make your own art!), food booths, and live music.

It is also a juried fine arts show with prize money — which, naturally, attracts some high caliber artists. Awards are given to both professional and high school artists. But perhaps the best part is getting to spend time with the artists themselves, whose passion for their work and eagerness to share it make for an educational — and memorable — experience.

• May 25 to 27 Morro Bay Art in the Park When and where: 10 am to 5 pm (Sunday, till 4 pm), Morro Bay City Park, at the corner of Morro Bay Blvd and Harbor Dr, Morro Bay Cost: Free For more: morrobayartinthepark.com

When and where: 12:00 to 11:30 pm at Avila Beach Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd, Avila Beach Cost: $55 to $110 Tickets and more: slochamber.org/event/26th-annual-avilabeach-blues-festival/ The longest running blues festival on the Central Coast is back at the beach, this year with Eric Burdon and The Animals, Little Feat, and Charlie Musselwhite. The blues begin at 2 pm and will groove on until sunset. Different seating options are available, from lawn to a VIP balcony, at this stunningly beautiful venue.

Notes: No pets and no umbrellas (so bring a hat). Only lowbacked chairs allowed in the lawn seating. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Rossi Foundation, which serves multiple family and community charities.

• May 25 Beer Fest at Madonna Meadows When and where: Noon to 5 pm at 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo Cost: $10 (non-alcohol ticket) to $40 Tickets and more: memorialdaybeerfest.com Come enjoy dozens of regionals beers and foods, at the annual Beer Fest at Madonna Meadows. Live music, giant beer pong, cornhole, an obstacle course, sumo and joust will add to the fun (and make for some seriously amazing photo ops). Free shuttles and bike parking are available (see the website for details).

JUNE • June 1 Ojai Blues Fest #4 When and where: 2 to 9:30 pm at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S Montgomery St, Ojai Tickets: $25 advanced / $30 at the door For more: eventbrite.com/e/ojai-blues-fest-4tickets-57345502943

For almost 65 years, Morro Bay artists have gathered annually for a celebration of all things creative. More than 125 artists and crafters exhibit and sell their wares, with everything from ceramics to paintings, clothing to wind chimes.

Find a seat on the oak-lined patio of the historic Ojai Art Center for the fourth Ojai Blues Fest. On the lineup this year are Crooked Eye Tommy featuring Rae Gordon, Orphan Jon & The Abandoned, Kelly’s Lot, Laurie Morvan Band, and more.

Drinks are available on-site. All proceeds go to benefit the Ojai Art Center, the oldest nonprofit multipurpose art center in California.

Can’t make it this time of year? The Morro Bay Art Association has you covered, with additional festivals on July 4 and Labor Day weekend. Proceeds for all three festivals help fund children’s art classes, scholarships, and other art programs.

• June 1 Santa Barbara Zoo Brew When and where: 3 to 6 pm, Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara

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• June 2 Paso Pinot & Paella Festival

Sample tasty brews from more than 30 breweries at this Santa Barbara Zoo benefit. Enjoy beautiful views and support the amazing work the SB Zoo folks do to preserve and protect some of the world’s most incredible creatures. VIP tickets will get you in early and includes appetizers and other perks.

Tickets go on sale May 1 and sell out fast every year, so set a reminder on your calendar!

• June 1 OakHeart Country Music Festival When and where: 1 to 10 pm, at Conejo Creek Park South, 1300 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks Cost: $49.95 to $109.95 Tickets and more: oakheartcmf.com Featuring country music favorites as well as up-and-comers, the OakHeart Country Music Festival is a guaranteed rockin’ good time. Eat, drink, and line dance the day away at Conejo Creek Park in Thousand Oaks. Bonus: proceeds go to the Westlake Village Rotary Club!

• June 1 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival When and where: noon to 5 pm at the Paso Robles Event Center Frontier Town, 2198 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles Cost : $90 to $200 For tickets and more: firestonebeer.com/brewery/invitationalbeer-fest.php Now in its eighth year, this is a beer drinker’s paradise.

Featuring more than 50 leading brewers from all over the world, this is a celebration of craft beer — and some of the yummiest foods to go with them. There’s even an official app to plan your adventure and keep track of your tastings.

Notes: Tickets are limited and sell out fast, so get ‘em while you can. No pets or children; no one under 21 admitted. With lots of transportation options — shuttles, cabs, Uber, Lyft, etc — there’s no excuse to drink and drive.

• June 2 Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival When and where: 1 to 5 pm at California State University, Channel Islands, Camarillo Cost: $135 to $275 Tickets and more: cpwineandfoodfestival.com Get a taste — and sip! — of the region at the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival. This all-inclusive festival highlights some of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties’ top restaurants, caterers, and specialty shops. Eat and drink to your heart’s delight: sweet treats, savory snacks, local wines, craft beers … too many to list! In between tastings, get your groove on with live music. A VIP lounge gets you in an hour early and features champagne, spirits, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment in a luxe setting.

If you’re in town May 31, get tickets for the Yummie Top Chef Dinner, a seven course feast prepared by past culinary competition winners.

Proceeds benefit Casa Pacifica, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. california101guide.com

When and where: 2 to 5 pm, Templeton Community Park, Crocker and 6th Streets, Templeton Cost: $75 For tickets and more: pinotandpaella.com Pinot and paella, the name says it all — and really, how can you say no to this perfect pairing? The uninitiated might think it surprising to find pinot noir in Paso wine country. But, festival organizers explain, the area boasts diverse microclimates that actually make for ideal growing conditions, with warm mountain mornings giving way to afternoon ocean breezes that make their way into the vineyards.

But don’t take our word for it, come see for yourself! Check out the best from local chefs, who pair their offerings with different Paso region pinot noirs. All afternoon, enjoy live (and very danceable!) music from local legends Casey Biggs and the Paso Wine Man Band.

• June 6 to 9 Ojai Music Festival

When and where: Time and locations vary in the Ojai Valley Cost: Varies For tickets and more: ojaifestival.org For more than 70 years, the Ojai Music Festival has been the place to be for the musically curious. It’s billed as a classical and contemporary music festival, but it encompasses much more than that. Legendary names have performed on the Libbey Bowl stage — Pierre Boulez, Aaron Copland, Lou Harrison, Igor Stravinsky — as well as up-and-comers, like Michael Tilson Thomas, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Kent Nagano. From groundbreaking works by John Luther Adams to the timeless sounds of Stravinsky, this year’s festival promises more of the same boundary-pushing performances to thrill even the casual listener.

The brilliance behind the Ojai Music Festival is not just the names who perform there, but rather, the freedom given to the directors to craft a program that is a true reflection of their tastes and personalities. This year, Barbara Hannigan is at the helm as music director, working with Thomas W. Morris as artistic director.

With this being Morris’s last year as AD, you can be sure he’ll be pulling out all the stops.

Daytime and evening concerts are held in multiple locations throughout the Ojai Valley, but the big ones are all held in one of the jewels of the valley, Libbey Bowl. Along with the concerts themselves are Ojai Talks panels, Concert Insights events, and free community performances.

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Cost: $65 to $105 (Parking $11) Tickets and details: sbzoo.org/zoobrew/

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• June 9 Ojai Wine Festival

tastings are complimentary, wine tasting fees may apply at each winery.

• June 21 to 23 Central Coast Reserve (formerly Atascadero Wine Festival) When and where: 4 to 8 pm at Atascadero Lake Park, on Lago Ave in Atascadero Cost: $16.99 (designated driver) to $124.99 (VIP) Tickets and more: centralcoastreserve.com

When and where: 11 am to 4 pm, Lake Casitas Recreation Area, 11311 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura Cost: $55 - $110; discounted group rates available Tickets and more: ojaiwinefestival.com Trust us when we say the Rotary Club of Ojai-West knows how to throw a party. Set at scenic Lake Casitas between Ojai and Ventura, the 33rd annual Ojai Wine Festival brings more than 60 wineries and breweries from all over California. Enjoy lakeside tastings of beer, wine, ciders, and other treats on the large lawn while enjoying lake and mountain views. Live music, a huge dance floor, tons of vendors, and excellent food from local restaurants and caterers make this one of the area’s most popular springtime events. The growing beer garden features regional beers from across the tri-county area and beyond.

The VIP lounge with spirits, exclusive foods, upscale bathrooms, special gifts, and more is worth the ticket upgrade.

And hey, have we mentioned the setting? Views of the Ojai Valley’s iconic Topa Topa Mountains to the shining lake, plenty of space, shade, and picnic tables make this an ideal place to spend a late spring day. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the bald eagles who nest just south of the venue site.

Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Ojai-West, which provides grants for youth and family causes both locally and internationally.

• June 8 and 9 A Taste of Tuscany When and where: 11 am to 5 pm; various locations on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail Cost: Free; individual wineries may have tasting fees For tickets and more: pleasantvalleywinetrail.com

Replacing the much-loved Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival, this year’s event is dubbed Central Coast Reserve. Come experience wineries, breweries, ciders, and distilleries lakeside.

Food and art vendors will also be on-hand, on an even bigger scale than the last 23 years’ worth of wine festivals. Check the website for details on the Mayor’s Winemaker Dinner June 21, a golf tournament June 22, and a free yoga-and-mimosas session June 22.

• June 29 Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival When and where: 2 to 5 pm at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara Cost: $80 to $155 Tickets and more: sbnature.org The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a must-see spot of its own with a wealth of local natural history (they even have a full-sized whale skeleton out front!). Add wine and food, and you have an ideal afternoon. More than 100 Central Coast wineries and eateries will be on-hand in the meandering, oakstudded backyard area of the museum. You’ll get a chance to explore the backyard and the Butterfly Pavilion, as well.

VIP tickets get you in at 1 pm and give you access to a private lounge (twice the size it was in 2018!) with exclusive food and wine tastings.

• June 29 Ojai Valley Lavender Festival

Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy along the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. These are serious vintners — trail members have collectively won more than 200 wine awards over the last year, and more than 50 of their wines have been rated at 90 to 98 points.

Each member along the wine trail — and there are more than a dozen! — will have an Italian bite paired with one of their wines. Blaze a trail through the Paso area wine country, sipping and tasting your way through the beautiful countryside. The Pleasant Valley Wine Trail website features some handy tasting tools, like a checklist to help you plan your trip by varietal, from Albariño to Zinfandel.

Among the bites will be: charcuterie platters, wood-fired gourmet pizzas, meatballs and garlic bread, bruschetta, cannoli, spicy sausages, polenta, biscotti, Italian cheeses, arancini, pesto bites, and lots more. Note: While Tuscan food Spring 2019

When and where: 10 am to 5 pm in Libbey Park, Downtown Ojai Cost: Free More: ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org June is officially lavender month in Ojai! And it’s no wonder — the smell, the look, the taste … lavender has it all. And Ojai’s climate is ideal for growing this hardy and beautiful plant. Visit the heart of Ojai for a celebration of all things lavender. Buy bunches of fresh-cut lavender as well as lavender plants, soaps, drinks, foods, beauty products, and lavender-inspired jewelry, clothing, and more. Make time for the live entertainment and speakers as well. california101guide.com

Welcome to Channel Islands Harbor

Discover it for yourself… Beautiful seaside Oxnard lies on the Pacific Coast of Southern California, 62 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles and 35 miles south of Santa Barbara.

Hop on a jet ski. Catch a glimpse of a whale. Watch the sunset over the ocean. Whether you live around the corner or you’re unplugging for a weekend adventure, the scenic Channel Islands Harbor is worth the trip. Just about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, our beach-lined parks and picnic-worthy coastline await you.

If you’re into surfing uncrowded beaches, strolling in for a museum exhibition, then rounding out the day with some mouth-watering local cuisine, bring the whole family for an adventure. We have something for everyone! Description provided by channelislandsharbor.org

THE MARINE EMPORIUM LANDING AT CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR Hook’s Landing 3600 Cabezone Cir., Suite 115, Oxnard, CA, 93035

CA 101

(805) 382-0402 www.hookslanding.net

Get Hooked on Fishing!

LOCAL FISHERMAN EXPECT THE BEST Welcome Aboard! Hooks Sportfishing is a 4th generation family operated business that specializes in providing the finest in saltwater sport fishing experiences in the Channel Islands. We offer open party and private charter trips for all occasions!

Whether you are looking for an exotic outer island overnight or multi day adventure to local freelance half and 3/4 day trips, we stand ready to help make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!

Red Tandem Brewery 1009 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard Shores, CA

(805) 832-4023 www.redtandembrewery.com

Nestled into the Oxnard Shores neighborhood, we’re only one block from the beach and enjoy a substantial amount of business from walk-in and bike-in patrons. Red Tandem brewery shares a wall with the Oxnard Shores Pizza Company so the obvious synergy of pizza + beer is a daily occurrence in our tasting room. The tasting room is open Wednesday-Sunday and all Monday holidays. Private parties are welcome by prior arrangement. An on-going event that we host is our Sunday afternoon Community Bike Rides, always open to riders of all ability levels. We also host educational and informative Open House Brew Sessions on the first Tuesday of the month, starting at 8am. Locally owned. Veteran owned.

Hopper Boat Rental 2741 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard, CA 93035

(805) 382-1100 www.hopperboatrentals.com

Come on down and enjoy a day on the water. Hopper Boat Rentals is the best place along the coast to rent almost any kind of “U-Drive” boat you’ve been looking for. We have electric boats, kayaks, paddle boat and paddle boards, all available for hourly rentals. Most popular are our electric boats which can fit 8-12 passengers; perfect for packing a picnic and some beverages and heading out with a few friends in the early afternoon for a little buzz around the harbor.

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4 REASONS TO LOVE V EN TURA ’S

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VENTURA IS CAPTIVATING FOR SO MANY REASONS and the art culture here is one of them. Wall murals adorn exteriors, old and new, whispering a commonality among the creators here. In swashes of vibrant hues depicting powerful women, bold abstract patterns, and glimpses of vintage signage, they send one simple message: “you belong here.”

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The art culture in some towns can be intimidating, but in the seaside oasis of Ventura there is deep desire to connect.

It is evident by the number of galleries with direct access to the artists. Over half of the galleries, such as H Gallery and Art City, are also working spaces where you can meet and greet the creators, learn what inspires them, and hear the stories behind the art. Some provide this access on a daily basis, and others by special event.

First Fridays each month are particularly alive on the West End, with special events stretching from Bell Arts, to

Stoneworks, to Vita Art Center and beyond. The vibe is laid back, no pretentious small talk.

Here, you instantly belong. “I never miss a First Friday” Says Marie Lakin, creator of the ArtsVentura.org website. Also check out mingaopazo.com and venturamuseum.org. A virtual database of local artists and events, she provides this service for free to the art community, and her passion for the arts evident in her voice. Her desire is to connect. Artist to viewer.

Creator to connoisseur.

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First Fridays Ventura

Gallery and studio spaces in Ventura open to the public for a meet and greet behind-the-scenes studio hop.

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February 8, 2019

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In Ventura, artists not only want to connect, they also want to inspire.

The competitive undertone falls away like waves hitting the shore, as many of the art galleries also teach classes and hold workshops. From the Focus on the Masters Series, to Vita Art Center’s frequent workshops for youth and adults, there is something for everyone. The Buenaventura Art Association is a co-op space which also holds workshops by their members. Ventura’s artists focus on sharing and collaborating to create a vibrant community, and they know the tools they use to create their work are simply that–tools. So the more they share, the more we all can grow together.

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Ventura loves emerging artists. Galleries like 643 Project Space are dedicated to fostering and showcasing new talent. The VC Art Market is every second Saturday of the month at Mission Park. Here you can find a myriad of experience and medium in the city’s only outdoor urban pop up art gallery. Passion is what is revered in this little slice of paradise.

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Everyone loves Ventura. Akin to rooting for your favorite team, hometown and travel pride is fierce here. Maybe it is because there are so many beautiful landmarks and places to visit, maybe it’s the perpetual springtime weather making every day exquisite, or maybe it is just the way you feel when you come here– like you can finally breathe again. One thing is certain, the celebration of Ventura itself exudes everywhere. The Visitors Center and Very Ventura gift shop offer one of a kind local items with favorite themes, such as the beloved Two Trees and iconic Pier, or locally sourced sea glass and driftwood creations. There is even a gallery dedicated to the sights of the city. At Latitudes Gallery, you can take home a piece of your vacation or hometown pride in any shape or size, often meeting the photographer in the process.

The love in this city runs as deep as the ocean.

No matter how you choose to experience Ventura’s art and culture, Ventura is calling you.

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Tasting Room Hours MON - THUR 4 pm - 10 pm • FRI 3 pm -11 pm SAT 12 pm - 11 pm • SUN 12 pm - 9 pm Shake off the sand and get ready for good times at Leashless brewing, the only certified organic brewery between Santa Cruz and San Diego. Offering both gluten-reduced beer as well as regular beer.

Leashless Brewing offers something for everyone.

Leashless is family-friendly, dog-friendly brewery that has food trucks on site to meet your dining pleasure.

Add in live entertainment 2 to 5 nights a week and you’ll see why downtown Ventura is the place to be!

L EASHLESS B REWING 585 East Thompson Blvd.

Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 628-9474 leashlessbrewing.com

446 E. Main St. • Ventura • 93001 (805)643-9309 • BonMain.com B. On Main Ventura Bonmainventura california101guide.com

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Step out of the ordinary….

Let the sounds and sights of the Pacific Ocean lull you into a peaceful night’s rest.

Spend the days exploring the Gold Coast or just relaxing on your balcony or patio.

Every room faces the ocean and features a fire place.

Continental Breakfast included –Free parking –Free Wifi

Ventura’s only ocean front hotel Named 1 of the top 10 affordable beach front hotels on the west coast by Sunset Magazine

Inn on the Beach (805) 652-2000 1175 S. Seaward Ave Ventura,CA 93001 innonthebeachventura.com

Welcome to the Ojai Valley

The Ojai Valley is known for its breathtaking beauty and small town charm. Plan your visit and experience all that is has to offer. Explore our eateries; from taquerias, family-friendly outdoor patios to fine dining. From charming bed & breakfasts to five diamond resorts.

Ojai will be the getaway of your dreams. Ojai is a haven for artisans and craftsmen. Don’t leave without taking a piece of Ojai with you. For more, visit wheninojai.com 38

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A Sweet Taste of Ojai

By Misty Hall

The iconic Ojai Post Office tower can be seen out the front window of the Heavenly Honey Tasting Room.

Photo by Jeanne Tanner Photography

These days, we’re all about our tastings — wine, beer, bourbon, tequila, cheese, the list is always growing. Anytime you can combine food, drink, and friends with a little learning is a guaranteed good time.

But honey tasting? That was a new one for me. I mean, honey is honey, right? Bees make it, we buy it in bear-shaped bottles, the end.

Not if you visit Ojai’s Heavenly Honey Tasting Room. A honeycomb of questions quickly presents itself: Where is my honey sourced? How is it processed? Does it all taste the same? How do I know if I’m getting “the good stuff?” Fortunately for us, the Haskins family has all the answers.

Situated near the corner of Signal Street and Ojai Avenue, the Haskins Heavenly Honey Tasting Room is about as close to the center of Ojai as you can get. And so, too, is the Haskins’ philosophy: Doing things the right way is all-important, even if it takes more effort.

Step into the tasting room and one of the first things you’ll notice is a long counter lined with large honey jars. A closer look will reveal a curious surprise: they’re not all the same color. Far from it, in fact.

On one end is what looks like butter. On the other end, something resembling molasses.

Photo by Barbara Haskins

One of the un-bee-lievably hard workers.

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The Haskins’ daughter, Olivia, was raised in the honey business just like her mom.

Photo by Jeanne Tanner Photography california101guide.com

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using their sage honey as a base, they added a lavender infusion, grown organically by their pals at Ojai Lavender Farms. The result is sweeter, with subtle lavender smell and taste.

Heavenly Honey’s only infused honey, the Ojai Lavender, pays tribute to the valley with an Ojai sage honey base and lavender sourced from the Upper Ojai Valley.

Is that all really honey? Yep, says Barbara Haskins. Do they all taste the same? Have a seat and try for yourself. Taste the pomegranate or blackberry honey, and you’ll get a hint of tartness. The orange blossom is a bit sweeter, and smells of oranges — but doesn’t taste like them. The darker buckwheat, avocado, and alfalfa honeys are thicker, and a little bolder.

The diversity of color, flavor, texture, and viscosity isn’t due to additives.

This is pure, raw, unfiltered stuff, and all single-source — meaning each variety comes from one place. They don’t mix, blend, or add anything. The one exception is the Ojai lavender honey, which is Heavenly Honey infused with locally-grown lavender.

“And I was really hesitant to infuse it!” Barbara says. “Why change something that already tastes so perfect?” But after numerous requests from customers, Heavenly Honey crafted it as a tribute to Ojai:

The Heavenly Honeys As the saying goes, you are what you eat! Honeys taste different depending on where the beehives are placed.

day can help ease allergy symptoms.

Another Ojai Valley product, the avocado honey is one of Heavenly Honey’s heartier varieties. “It’s a unique honey that’s like molasses,” Barbara says. “Anywhere you’d use molasses, you can use this honey instead.” From ginger cookies to a salmon glaze or even on a cheese

The sage honey — produced here in the Ojai Valley — is a treat, one that requires specific weather conditions that don’t come around every year.

Surprisingly, it doesn’t taste like sage. It is sweet and delicate, making it excellent in tea.

Also sourced locally, the wildflower honey is a bit different each year, because the hives are placed in different locations according to what’s blooming, and where. It’ll be interesting to see how the fire-follower wildflowers — so called because they only come around after an event like 2017’s Thomas Fire — affect the complexity of this year’s product. Some believe that a spoonful a

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( 1 ) Don’t be surprised if you end up with an armful of honey when you’re done tasting! ( 2 ) Plenty of non-edible goodies line the shelves, as well. Roots Candles uses natural beeswax as a base for their sweet-smelling candles. ( 3 ) Little tubes provide the perfect taste of each varietal. ( 4 ) Take home a piece of the hive with a bit of cut comb in your honey.

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board, you’ll find lots of uses for this dark, bold varietal.

Orange blossom honey is a great all-around honey, excellent in cooking as well as in tea.

Hives are placed in orchards across Central and Southern California, creating one of Heavenly Honey’s most popular

varieties. “It’s sweet enough that it can sweeten anywhere that sugar would, but obviously it’s healthier,” Barbara explains. “It doesn’t have a big flavor profile, meaning it won’t change the flavor of the food other than to sweeten it.”

Barbara uses it every Thanksgiving when making her cranberries.

Coming from a little further afield, the alfalfa honey hails from the alfalfa farms of the high desert. But don’t be fooled by the name — it’s not grassy.

“To me, it tastes like raw sugar with a caramel finish,” Barbara says. “I put that in my coffee. It’s also really good in black tea with cream.”

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Both the alfalfa and buckwheat are good on oatmeal “and whole grain things,” Barbara says. The buckwheat honey comes from the Gorman, California, area and boasts a slightly stronger flavor, but not overwhelmingly so. Try it as a substitute for syrup the next time you make pancakes.

And because it’s thicker, it can be great to help soothe a sore throat.

That same quality also makes it good for a face mask. “Because

The bright and spacious tasting room.

it’s dryer, when you rub it around on your face, it pulls dead skin cells off, but not in an abrasive way. And it kills bacteria in the process, leaving you with a better complexion,” Barbara notes, adding that all pure honeys are antibacterial.

The wild blackberry honey takes us out of California and into Oregon, where blackberries grow in abundance. It’s sourced from a small beekeeper in Oregon, who only makes a few drums per year (most of which Heavenly Honey buys).

It really does taste like blackberries! I also loved the pomegranate honey for the same reason; there’s a distinct tartness to both which makes them perfect when spread on a freshbaked biscuit or added to a fruity tea.

And then you have the clover and creamy sunflower honeys, which hail all the way from the Dakotas.

The beekeepers bring their California bees halfway across the country to

( 5 ) Light, creamy and supremely spreadable, the Creamy Sunflower is a popular treat. ( 6 ) You can’t go home without a honey dipper. Stick it in a honey jar on a cheese board and wow your guests with the combination of flavors. ( 7 ) Honey-themed antiques and products mingle on cleverly designed shelves in the tasting room.

Photos by Misty Hall

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enjoy the huge clover patches and sunflower farms the region is known for. The nutmeg and cinnamon flavors exhibited in the clover honey are the product of the nectars, not additives.

And although you often see grocery store honeys labeled as “clover honey,” they’re often blended and filtered, meaning you lose much of that distinctive taste (not to mention the nutrients).

The creamy sunflower, meanwhile, is a big favorite because of its spreadability. It looks like butter in the jar, and spreads like it, but it sure doesn’t taste like it. To achieve the consistency, it is creamed, which makes small crystals that eventually give it that special texture. I recently tried the sunflower honey on a waffle — a truly sublime (possibly life-changing) experience. Barbara suggests spreading it on a green apple. It’s also fantastic on toast, cheese, and fruit, or even as an extra pop of flavor for your peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The Tasting Room We can talk about these honeys all day, but the bottom line is, you’ve just got to try them for yourself. The Heavenly Honey tasting room is a perfect stopover while you’re in Ojai, which is less than 30 minutes from Ventura and Highway 101.

So many sweet choices!

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Photos by Misty Hall

A honey flight is just $3 per person, and includes some sweet knowledge from Barbara and her husband, Jeff.

Sidle up to the “bar” — which is made from Barbara’s dad’s old beekeeping equipment — surprise your taste buds, then pick your favorite varieties to bring home. There are tiny jars perfect for gifting, up to large tubs for the newly obsessed (guilty), and lots of bee-themed accessories and novelties.

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You might walk into the tasting room a casual tourist, but you have a very good chance of walking out a honey snob. At least that’s how I felt, anyway. Now, along with my fancy beer, coffee, and olive oil, I have to have my fancy honey. (Which, by the way, isn’t really all that fancy; read on to see what I mean.)

Barbara loves having the tasting room to share all of this — and tons more — with her customers. “I really want to be able to educate the public. That’s very important to me, that people leave there a little smarter than when they walked in.”

A tasting room might not have been in the original business plans, but Barbara thinks her dad would’ve whole-heartedly approved with how things turned out.

It was her father, Bob, who started Heavenly Honey four decades ago, when he brought home his first beehive in the back of his 1965 Volkswagen Bug. Barbara was just 6 years old at the time, and became her dad’s right-hand-man until she left for college.

Bob is no longer with us, but his daughter carries on the passion he started 40 years ago. Like her dad, Barbara is proud to do things the right way. Which, interestingly, is the hard way. Heavenly Honey is actually quite simple — it’s just unfiltered honey — but it takes a lot of work to keep it that way.

have been friends of our family for decades.” They’ve chosen to work with specific beekeepers, she adds, “Because they have the same kinds of cultural standards as we do — the way the hives are treated, the way we handle the honey …no chemicals used, etc.”

Beekeepers take their bees to different locations, and then extract the honey into 55-gallon drums which are brought back to the Heavenly Honey processing facility. There, it is slowly, slowly prepared for market. Some of the thicker honeys require warming to get them out of the 55-gallon drums.

“We have warming blankets specially designed to be used around 55-gallon drums,” Barbara explains. “It’s a really slow process, bringing it to temperature. It’s kind of like warming the drum in the sunlight as opposed to harsh electric heat … we warm it enough to pump it out of the drum into a stainless steel kettle, and we use gravity to pour it out into the jars, one at a time.” They’ll let them sit for a while, so there are no air bubbles in the jars. “It just looks nicer when we do that,” Barbara says. “Again, it’s totally inefficient, but it makes a big difference.”

In the end, it all comes down to honoring the product, and all the energy that’s been put in — on all

sides — to making it happen. “The beekeepers know how hard the bees had to work to make the honey. And everything’s 10 times harder right now” with the frequent drought conditions in recent years, Barbara says. “So the beekeepers are pleased we’re bottling the honey and bringing it to market in a way that represents how hard they work, too. It’s a credit to how hard everybody’s worked.”

The sweet future Want to dive deeper into the honeymaking process? Lucky for you, Heavenly Honey is adding a new venture this year: a beekeeping experience. The Pepper Tree Retreat, located in Ojai’s bucolic East End, will play host to a few hives in their herb garden. Heavenly Honey will bring folks out to the property and go through the hives, showing them what happens inside, depending on the time of year. “It’s an inside glance not everybody gets to see,” Barbara says.

So whether you’re ready to suit up for a sweet adventure or sit down for a quick taste of something sweet, Heavenly Honey has you covered.

For more on Ojai’s Heavenly Honey, check out their website at heavenlyhoneycompany.com, or visit the tasting room at 206 E. Ojai Ave, Ojai.

The Heavenly process “It’s a totally inefficient way of doing things,” Barbara laughs. They start with bees and beekeepers from this area, folks they’ve worked with for years. “We call ourselves the honey mafia,” Barbara jokes. “Many of them

Plenty of non-edible goodies line the shelves. california101guide.com

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Buddhas to Birthday Cards

OJAI HOUSE m

a

and a Huge Selection of Crystals

est. 2000 ...

um

Bumperstickers to Beeswax

ys tical empori

INTUITIVE READERS DAILY Tarot Readers Spiritual Counselors Astrologers Chair Massage & Energy Healing

OPEN DAILY 11-6

304 N. Montgomery Street, Ojai, CA

2 blocks north of Ojai Avenue & A World Apart!

805.640.1656 • OjaiHouse.com •

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Ask us about ou r Honey Club!

Visit our Honey Tasting Room: 206 East Ojai Avenue, in the Arcade, downtown Ojai www.heavenlyhoneycompany.com | 805-633-9103 46

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Ojai Cafe Emporium Ojai’s favorite gathering and eating place for over 30 years.

Voted Best Bakery, Breakfast & Lunch Place ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16

805 646 2723

108 S. Montgomery Street / off Ojai Ave www.ojaicafeemporium.com BREAKFAST Served All Day Every Day LUNCH Served Daily11am-3pm BAKERY & COFFEE BAR Open Daily 6:30am-3pm california101guide.com

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HORSE, HEART & CONNECTION An Equine Experience in Ojai, Califor nia Explore spiritual wellness, mindfulness and embodied intuition with the horse as your mirror - with Equine Facilitated Learning teacher, Andrea Gaines

is an opportunity t o be wit h

Small group session s a nd privates, maxim um 6 participants .

to e x plore your int uit ive

Cultivate your inner kno w i ng with horses.

Eq uine Facilitat ed Lear ning hors e s , without r iding, nature , non-ver bal

c ommunication and be your authe ntic self.

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A n d re a G a i n e s ( 8 4 7 ) 9 7 1 -3 643

Instagram: @horseheartandconnection

horseheartandconnection.com

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CALIFORNIA 101 MIND, BODY, & SOUL Body Essentials of Ojai Wellness Spa 236 W. Ojai Ave., #101, Ojai, CA 93023

CA 101

(805) 646-7600 www.bodyessentialsojai.net

Voted 2018 BEST DAY SPA & BEST FACIAL Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Ojai, Body Essentials is the valley’s oldest day spa. Using a holistic approach with an emphasis on stress reduction, and the balance of mind, body and spirit, we offer a wide variety of relaxing, detoxifying and revitalizing spa treatments. Our team of professionals provide excellent customer service in a beautiful environment where our guests are truly cared for. Give us a call today and enjoy state-of-the-art wellness delivered with Ojai love!

The Day Spa of Ojai 209 N. Montgomery St., Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 640-1100 www.thedayspa.com

Our mission is to offer a place of tranquility and rejuvenation. A place where one can come to mend … to rest their body and their mind. A quiet place to reconnect with the spirit within. We will do all we can to make you feel comfortable … to take care of you… to help bring you back to an energized feeling of well being. The therapists at The Day Spa of Ojai are highly trained to recognize and apply our various treatments and products to your specific needs. The professional and personalized skin analysis and recommendations you will receive at The Day Spa of Ojai are simply not available at your local department or drug store.

Bamboo Creek Spa 1002 E. Ojai Ave., Suite B, Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 299-5899 www.bamboocreekspa.com

Open every day 10am - 10pm (except Tuesday 11am - 8 pm) Bamboo Creek Spa is a sanctuary located in downtown Ojai, California. Opened in 2012 by Alice Ramsay, a Chinese native now living in the USA, the spa is an outgrowth of Alice’s desire to bring massage to more people at modest prices. Hot oil massage - allows for deep finger pressure and slow firm strokes, releasing chronic patterns of tension and stress. Reflexology - An ancient Chinese healing therapy that stimulates the entire body and brings on natural healing properties. Hot Stone Therapy - Hot stones bring heat to sore, stiff muscles, restoring energy and balance while melting away tension.

AA Relaxing Station 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, Ca 93023

(805) 640-1602

Wed - Mon: 10am - 10pm • Tues: 10am - 8pm Both men and women can find professional spa services to suit their needs at Ojai’s AA Relaxing Station. Reduce stress and unwanted knots with a full body massage. Seeking alternative remedies like physiotherapy? This spa can help you with all of your needs. Stop going to places that make you wait days or even weeks for an appointment. This spa lets you come in when you’re ready with their convenient walk-in policy. Customers at AA Relaxing Station will love the simple and nearby street parking options.

Enhanced Day Spa 439 W. El Roblar Dr., Ojai, Ca 93023

(805) 746-6476 www.enhancedojai.com

Mon 10am - 8pm • Tues 10am - 4pm • Thur 10am - 8pm • Fri 10am - 4pm • Saturday 10am - 5pm The crème de la crème of the Ojai Valley for our signature massages, medi-spa custom facials, lash extensions by our valley’s master lash artist, professional makeup, tanning, sugaring hair removal, and the most sought after spa for couples treatments and private parties, along with our Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna and our Purifying Acne Clinic. You will find that most of the services offered at Enhanced can not be found or duplicated anywhere else in the county.

New Leaf Skin Care, Spa & Boutique 307 E. Ojai Ave., #101, Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 640-9911 www.newleafojai.com

Tues- Sat 10:30am – 5pm • Sun - Mon Closed Since 1999, New Leaf has been growing, and I have gathered a team of professionals committed to the same vision. Together with all of the wonderful clients we have served, we’ve blossomed into a thriving place of personal retreat. We at New Leaf have created an environment which encourages the ultimate relaxation experience.

Using only the finest, non-toxic products, our highly effective treatments are done with loving care and nurturing touch. We are proudly an environmentally conscientious business. At New Leaf, it is our policy to practice and encourage others to keep the earth in mind with each choice we make in everyday life and in business.

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Dennis Guernsey (805) 798-1998

Broker/Owner, State Licensed Appraiser, General Contractor

Coldwell Banker ProPerty ShoPPe Ojai homes, Ojai ranches, Ojai commercial real estate.

Experienced and knowledgeable Realtors serving the Ojai Valley for over 30 years.

Ready to build One of the last buildable lots in Rancho Matilija---Buyer to verify.

Completely flat, interior location, mountain views, adjacent to walking and riding trails and includes 1 Casitas water and sewer hook up. $599,500

OJAI CONTEMPORARY VIEW HOME

Charming 2-bedroom, 2.75-bath 2 story view home on 1/2-acre in prime Ojai location.

Step down living room with stone fireplace, den or office, formal dining area and breakfast area. Master bedroom with step up tub huge walk in closet with skylights. Incredible views, extensive decking overlooking pool/spa and pool house with 3/4 bath and shade area. $1,394,500

RARE FIND

East End Acre in East side of Ojai---Flat 1-acre lot just minutes from town. Utilities at street---buyer to verify.

Buyer advised to check with City or County about possible development. Perfect for mini estate, horses, planting etc. Great mountain views---Reduced 50K! $399,500

HARD TO FIND 4-bedroom, 2-bath single story family home in great Ojai location. Includes spacious living room with fireplace, family room, 3-car garage, covered patio, large lot and RV parking area and more. Some upgraded windows and wood sliders---Move in condition $759,500

Dennis Guernsey, Cell: (805) 798-1998 • Office: (805) 646-7288

Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe Ojai 727 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023 • dennisguernsey.com • ojaicoldwell.com 50

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OJAI TENNIS TOURNAMENT OJAI TENNIS TOURNAMENT APRIL 24-28, 2019 APRIL 24-28, 2019 The Ojai Tennis Tournament celebrates its The Ojai Tennis Tournament celebrates its 119th year with tennis and tea and tradition 119th year with tennis and tea and tradition all set in historic Libbey Park in downtown Ojai. all set in historic Libbey Park in downtown Ojai.

Eventsinclude: include: Events Men's Women'sPac-12 Pac-12Championships, Championships, Men's and and Women's Men'sand andWomen's Women'sOpen Open Men's with more than than$30,000 $30,000ininprize prize money, with more money, as as collegiate collegiateand andjunior junior events. as well as events.

SantaBarbara Barbara Santa

Ojai Ojai

Just 20 minutes Just 20101 minutes off the

New Website!

off the 101

TheOjai.NET TheOjai.NET New Website!

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Shangri - La Care Cannabis Dispensary

a two-day juried fine art festival

May 25 & 26, 2019 • 10-5PM Spend your Memorial Weekend with us!

Shangri-La Care Cannabis Dispensary Both Medical and Adult access.....18 and older for medical and 21 and older for adult access

805-640-6464 408 Bryant Circle Suite G, Ojai CA Second Driveway

www.slcc.info • IG @SLCC_Ojai Monday - Saturday 10am to 7pm Sunday 12pm to 7pm Permit #- M10-18-0000182-Temp

Libbey Park, downtown Ojai This free arts festival is presented by the Ojai Art Center and is celebrating its 42nd year of attracting artists from all over the country. Paintings, jewelry, ceramics, glass, wood, sculpture, and mixed media are included in this eclectic festival celebrating the arts. live music

• food trucks • children’s activities

for more information visit

www.ojaiartcenter.org

i va l neFest OjaiWi

.com

Join us for over 60 wineries & 250 wines, more than 35 craft breweries, Lakefront VIP Lounge with Hors d’oeuvres, a selection of local restaurants, fine artisan vendors, silent auction, fine crystal souvenir wine glass, free boat rides and all-day entertainment!

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Tennis Tournament Watch tennis legends bloom amongst the oaks in the Ojai Valley With Pac-12 finals and a hefty Open prize purse, The Ojai promises thrills (and tea?)

By Steve Pratt The Ojai Tennis Tournament has always been about history, traditions, and community involvement. It is also big on moments.

There’s the moment early on Tuesday morning during tournament week, when Libbey Park remains quiet as some of the 750 volunteers begin their preparations — just like they’ve done for almost 125 years.

There is a moment around 4 pm on the final Saturday of April, when the park is bustling and you can feel the electricity as the final two remaining Pac-12 teams conclude their warm-ups, and the fans settle into the bleachers.

But perhaps the biggest moments are those that live within the minds of every spectator, as they begin to realize that the players on the court — Arthur Ashe, Billy Jean King, Tracy Austin, Jack Kramer, Pete Sampras — are destined for greatness.

Over the decades, fans of The Ojai have gotten to watch more than 90 eventual Grand Slam winners play on these historic courts in the heart of Ojai Valley.

Photo courtesy of the Ojai Tennis Tournament

Fashions have changed over the last 125 years, but the spirit of competition has not.

Photo courtesy of the Ojai Tennis Tournament

Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, and Stan Smith are among the legends who won at The Ojai and went on to win Grand Slams.

Seeing these legends as they approach stardom makes The Ojai among California’s most thrilling sporting events.

There will no doubt be similar dramatic moments at the 119th Ojai Tennis Tournament, set for April 24 to 28.

Headquartered at Libbey Park in downtown Ojai, the event serves as the final showdown for the Pac-12 college teams. But The Ojai takes over dozens of courts across the Ojai area. With a total of 27 events — including an Open, Division III finals, community college finals, regional high school finals, and junior finals — it requires the use of courts at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Ojai Valley Athletic Club, and Weil Tennis Academy, as well as private Ojai residences and other sites in West Ventura County. california101guide.com

L: Photo courtesy of the Ojai Tennis Tournament R: Photo by Holly Roberts

Tennis luminary Tracy Austin celebrates her first win at The Ojai with Ojai’s Alan Rains. Decades later, she returned to Ojai to reunite with her old pals.

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Photo by Holly Roberts

UCLA men’s tennis took the 2018 championship over USC. They’ll defend their title April 24 to 27 this year.

Photo courtesy of the Ojai Tennis Tournament

Tennis players from The Thacher School stand next to trophies from The Ojai in the early 1900s.

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Photo courtesy of the Ojai Tennis Tournament

Keith Gledhill feigns bashfulness with his banner and trophy in the late ‘20s.

For the second year in a row, the top finishers in both the Men’s and Women’s Open division will receive equal prize money. This year’s prize money payout is $30,200, all of which is donated by longtime Ojai resident Mike Taggart.

“We want The Ojai to not only be about the great tennis played on the courts, but we also hope to create a great fan experience for both our longtime supporters and those who are visiting the tournament for the first time,” said The Ojai’s Executive Director, Katrina Rice Schmidt.

To help fans keep track of all the activity, the Ojai Valley Tennis Club has created a revamped website: theojai.net. It’ll include continuously updated tournament news, draws, and results. Fans can also follow all the action on The Ojai’s Twitter (@TheOjai), Facebook (OjaiTennisTournament) and Instagram (@OjaiTennis) accounts.

The Ojai is all about mixing technology and tradition.

So while you’re checking out the latest results from the Men’s Open, stop by the Tea Tent. A tradition that began in 1904, the Tea Tent serves complimentary tea poured from silver urns into delicate china cups. Since the 1930s, they’ve also offered freshly-squeezed orange juice, sourced from fruit grown in the Ojai Valley. And don’t forget about the cookies!

Spring 2019

california101guide.com

Photo by Holly Roberts

The 2018 USC and UCLA men’s teams stand on the court with some of the first responders to the Thomas Fire, in a touching tribute to the men and women who helped save the town from the devastating fire in 2017.

Photo courtesy of the Ojai Tennis Tournament

Florence and May Sutton were trailblazers for female tennis players in the early 20th century.

They won numerous titles at The Ojai.

Two Pac-12 coaches who competed at The Ojai and won collegiate titles for their respective schools — Billy Martin of UCLA, and Stanford’s Paul Goldstein — consider The Ojai to be among the best venues for tennis.

“The beautiful trees, the tea, the orange juice, it can’t be replicated too many places,” Martin said. “Maybe Wimbledon, with its strawberries and cream.”

Added Goldstein, “It’s not only about just the Pac-12 Championships, it’s this whole tennis festival. What this place has built and meant to the community, for more than 120 years, is bigger than any one of us who are coming through any one of these years.”

Founder of the Weil Tennis Academy, Mark Weil, calls The Ojai the “most unique tennis tournament in the world.” Weil, who also serves as the Ojai Valley Tennis Club vice president, added, “Tennis is really in the roots of this town. It’s really in the foundation. The excitement, the spirit. It’s like nothing you’ll experience anywhere else.”

Photo courtesy of the Ojai Tennis Tournament

Harvey Snodgrass, Roland Reinke, Miles Reinke, and Eugene Warren played The Ojai in the 1920s. california101guide.com

For tickets, draws, history and more, check out theojai.net.

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PA T T Y WA LT C H E R

25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE MATCHING PEOPLE AND PROPERTY IN THE OJAI VALLEY

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This beautiful, redesigned mid-century modern home is located just outside the Ojai Valley Inn. With amazing views of the Topa Topas, a light-filled, open-concept design and a spectacular pool, it offers the quintessential California indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

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PATTY WALTCHER

I will help you discover the home that brings peace to your mind and heart

(805) 340-3774 CaliforniaSpring 1O1 Real Estate Guide 2019 56

pattywaltcher.com 17

Ojai, CA – Sept. 14, 2018 california101guide.com

PRE-K—12, COLLEGE PREP, DAY AND BOARDING

THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL for Oak Grove School, but preserving an environment for students to ask the deepest and most formidable questions is at the top of that list; to directly confront fear, loneliness, self awareness and love; to flower from a deep truth within. Oak Grove’s expansive wooded campus and community of adults (parents, teachers, staff) support a safe space for deep inquiry, affectionate communication, and openness in the face of challenge, all while infusing our days with a sense of ease and joyfulness.

COLLEGE PREP, PRE-K—12 , DAY AND BOARDING FOUNDED BY J. KRISHNAMURTI

OAK GROVE SCHOOL The Art of Living and Learning

california101guide.com

Oak Grove’s 150-acre rustic campus is as unique as its academic program: A college preparatory DAY and BOARDING High School with an intimate, home-style boarding program. A rich academic curriculum, emphasizing depth over breadth, spanning PRESCHOOL through HIGH SCHOOL. Engaging OUTDOOR EDUCATION courses that encompass field trips, camping, and backpacking, culminating in a month-long Senior trip to India.

LEARN MORE

OAKGROVESCHOOL.ORG/GO Spring 2019

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CALIFORNIA 101 DINING GUIDE – OJAI Ojai Cafe Emporium 108 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, CA 93023

CA 101

(805) 646-2723 www.ojaicafeemporium.com

Open 7 days a week from 7:00am till 3:00pm Serving the Ojai Valley since 1985. A favorite Breakfast and Lunch spot for locals and visitors. Voted Best Bakery, Breakfast and Lunch. Beautiful outdoor dining as well as indoors. Visit our Bakery located in the front of the building, featuring fresh baked goods and coffee bar. We are known for our fresh food and extensive menu, you’re sure to find something to please everyone. We look forward to serving you soon.

Sakura Ojai Japanese Restaurant 219 E. Matilija St., Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 646-8777 www.sakuraojai.com

Mon - Thur - 11:30 - 2:30/5:00 - 9:30 • Fri - 11:30 - 2:30/5:00 - 10:00 • Sat - 11:30 - 10:00 • Sun - 11:30 - 9:30 • Sushi, Roll• Vegetarian Dishes • Teppan Yaki (Salmon, Shrimp, Chicken, Beef, Rib Eye Steak) • Soup and Noodles • Salad and More!

Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill 214 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 640-1301 www.jimandrobsojai.com

Voted Best Burrito & Best Burger in town! Proudly serving locals & visitors for over 21 years!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Veggie, Vegan & G-free items available!

Margaritas, Seasonal Cocktails, Craft Beers • Happy Hours 3-6 pm Mon-Fri, Sports on 5 HDTVs! Restaurant open @8am Daily Enjoy a drink on the patio! Cantina open @12pm M-F, 11am S-S

Home Kitchen of Ojai 1103 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai, California 93023

(805) 646-5346 www.homekitchenofojai.com

Breakfast and lunch Monday - Sunday 7am - 2:30pm Open Thursday-Saturday from 5pm-9pm for Dinner; Breakfast menu also available.

Private events available

Ca’ Marco Ristorante 1002 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 640-1048 www.camarcoojai.com

Ca’ Marco has become a hit in Ojai with its inviting atmosphere and delicious authentic Italian dishes. On warm days guests enjoy the patio with views to the back nine of the Soule Park Golf Course. When it chills up they cozy up inside near the fireplace.

No matter where you sit, you bask in that sweet spot between fine dining and comfort food that Ca’ Marco has managed to master. The food is prepared to impress, from the fresh bread and dipping sauce brought to the table, to the thoughtfully constituted salads, to the homemade pizza and large, interesting wine list.

Hakane Sushi 967 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 9302

(805) 640-3070 www.hakanesushi.com

“We treat our fish with care from the heart” • Locally Owned Patio Dining • Pet Friendly Patio • Wine & Beer • Variety of Cold Sake, Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials • Vegetarian Menu • Seasonal Hot Soups Available Check out our Fish Art Gallery

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CALIFORNIA 101 DINING GUIDE – OJAI Bonnie Lu’s Country Cafe 328 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023

CA 101

(805) 646-0207 www.ojaicafeemporium.com

Open Daily for Breakfast & Lunch 7am - 2:30pm • Closed Wednesdays Bonnie Lu’s is a charming country cafe serving good fixin’s with a smile! An Ojai favorite classic American diner since 1995.

Traditional comfort food including farm-fresh omelets, homemade soups, and hearty sandwiches made with ingredients from local distributors

Food Harmonics 254 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 646-8777 www.foodharmonicsojai.com

Open 11am - 8pm Daily Located in the heart of the beautiful historic Ojai Arcade, we serve healing, balancing and harmonizing food and drink that is always fresh and delicious. Our menu is 100% organic, AND gluten, sugar, soy, and GMO-free!

Enjoy our outside back patio or browse our unique in-store market while waiting for your meal. We love serving the healthiest food and drink to nourish your body and soul the right way

AJ’s Chinese Express 11566 N. Ventura Ave., Ojai, CA

(805) 646-1177 www.ajchineseexpress.com

In Mira Monte next to the Wendy’s Monday - Friday 11am - 3pm • 4:30 - 9:30pm • Saturday and Sunday 11am - 9:30pm In Mira Monte next to the Wendy’s Dine inside, on our new patio or take home.

Fresh ingredients locally sourced to create gourmet Chinese dishes.

20% off

wine tasting with ad

Expires 6/31/19

Wine tasting available 7 days a week Open Noon Every Day Live music 7:30-11:00 Full Bar. 50 beers.

Full Kitchen from 5:00. california101guide.com

308 E Ojai Ave Spring 2019

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Snowy Egret

Photo by Don Klabunde

Perched high up in a bare tree in Ojai’s Soule Park sits an enormous bird. Another, larger one swoops down and perches on the branch next to it.

for regions north of the U.S.-Mexican Border, with 150 or more bird species for Audubon’s annual Christmas bird count.

“Those are Red-tailed Hawks,” explained Linda Easter, today’s volunteer birding guide with the Ventura Audubon Society. I observe them clearly through the scope, my first time seeing these magnificent hawks in much detail.

Burgeoning with outdoor spaces and beautiful weather year-round, Central and Southern California are particularly ideal for first-time and seasoned birders alike to bust out their binoculars and bird identification books for a fun afternoon. Quality bird books and apps include The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, iBird Pro Birds North America, and Sibley eGuide to Birds.

On my first day of birding, I saw at least 15 birds, many of which I’d never heard of before: White-breasted Nuthatch, Say’s Phoebe, California Towhee, and White-crowned Sparrow, to name a few.

The trees around me are coming alive in a way I’ve never experienced. From nearly two decades of living in Ojai, the symphony of tweets to which my ears have become accustomed meant I missed out on the avian diversity around me. As a matter of fact, several portions of the tri-counties — San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and – Golden Eagle Ventura — ranked near the top Photo by Don Klabunde 60

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Jesse Grantham, retired from the National Audubon Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, uses the applications when in the field and references the book when he returns home. The apps contain actual photographs, calls and song recordings, and extensive descriptions of the birds — all while weighing significantly less than a fullsized field guide.

Instead of leafing through hundreds of pages trying to identify a bird before it takes off, Grantham recommends first-time birders california101guide.com

Morro Bay sunset

Photo by Kaaren Perry

join a local Audubon field trip to glean important field marks and other relevant facts from local birders. As I did on my first excursion, you will find your fellow birders welcoming and helpful, sharing with you not only their birding stories but also recommendations for your visit.

It’ll be an adventure worth tweeting about!

Several wildlife organizations, including The Audubon Society, offer free field trips in the Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo areas about once a week.

Whether you decide to take a tour or hike a trail solo with binoculars, spring is the ultimate time to explore California’s natural wonders. Spring is bird mating season, and the Pacific Flyway migration northward is at their zenith.

San Luis Obispo County San Luis Obispo County spans a wide breadth of ecosystems from the Carrizo Plain National Monument in the east to the coastal Morro Bay, both of which the Audubon Society counts as “Important Bird Areas.” The

natural habitat of these two popular areas remains relatively unaltered, providing paragons of birdwatching locations in a county replete with natural wonders.

Kaaren Perry, Education and Outreach Chairperson for the Morro Coast Audubon Society, suggests that visitors come to bird in Morro Bay in the fall and winter months.

Waterfowl and shorebirds migrate south mainly in fall, arriving here from their northern breeding grounds.

American Avocet

Photo by Don Klabunde

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Allens Hummingbird

Photos by Kaaren Perry

Then they spend the winter months in Morro Bay and other similar habitats, feeding in the productive shallows and wetland environments.

With respect to hot spots in terms of number of observed species, Oso Flaco Lake, specifically the parking area for the dunes, and the Oceano Campground of Pismo State Beach, rank the highest with more than 260 birds

Greater Roadrunner

Photo by Don Klabunde

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Black Oystercatcher - fledgling

seen at both sites. But that’s a fraction of the 464 distinct species in SLO County.

The Morro Coast Audubon Society, which serves SLO County, offers a multitude of resources for visitors and locals looking to birdwatch within the county.

Directions and maps to dozens of birding sites and lists of birds seen in the county can be found at morrocoastaudubon.org.

Proper Care for an Impaired Bird In your outdoor adventures, you may encounter a seemingly injured or orphaned bird.

Your first instinct may be to independently help it and/or consult the Internet. However, as Kimberly Perez, president of Pacific Wildlife Care, explained, often that information is outof-date, inadequate, and not species-specific. As a result, the birds, especially chicks, that people try to recuperate at home before being brought to a wildlife rehabilitation center are often malnourished and ill.

When you see a feathered fledgling on the ground, it’s probably not orphaned but rather is learning to fly or waiting for a parent to deliver it food. When a person raises a fledgling rather than with its own species, it does not learn proper behavior for survival but rather becomes dependent on a human early on in life. This is the most preventable humancaused injury, according to Kimberly Stroud, executive director of the Ojai Raptor Center.

Because people frequently misunderstand bird behavior, experts said it is best to either leave the bird alone or call the hotline of a local wildlife rehabilitation organization.

Phone numbers are available either by a Google search of “wildlife rehabilitation center” followed by the county name, or through the California’s Fish & Wildlife webpage: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/ Laboratories/WildlifeInvestigations/Rehab/Facilities.

california101guide.com

Turkey Vulture

Photos by Don Klabunde

Island Scrub

Lazuli Bunting

Wood Duck

Photo by Don Klabunde

Santa Barbara County Between SLO and Ventura Counties, Santa Barbara offers some stunning birding views along waterways and shorelines.

Alexandra Loos, Publicity Chair of Santa Barbara Audubon Society, advocates that visitors combine pleasures like photography, beach lounging, and bird watching. A visit to Goleta Beach County Park and Goleta Slough, for instance, provides the opportunity to walk along the beach and see perhaps dozens of bird species feeding in the water.

The highest ranked birding spots in Santa Barbara County are Devereux Slough, Santa Barbara Island, and the Ocean Beach County Park, with more than 250 recorded species. Loos additionally recommends Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve for bird watching. Early morning and late afternoon are opportune times to bird watch when the fliers are feeding.

The Santa Barbara Audubon Society offers field trips and bird walks, sometimes even in locations that are not california101guide.com

usually open to the public. For trips and resources, visit santabarbaraaudubon.org for resources. For a list of birding locations in the county that includes directions, noteworthy birds, and other visual rewards, visit sbcobirding.com/southcoast.html.

In addition to birdwatching, the Santa Ynez Valley houses a particularly emu-sing surprise called OstrichLand USA. Per its name, this tourist destination possesses 53 ostriches and 53 emus that are trained to eat from a bowl or dustbin. In the spring, you can even buy ostrich eggs for $50 and emu eggs for $36. You can cook them like a chicken egg but expect to double the time. Beware: do not attempt to pet the birds, even though their luscious feathers are tempting!

Ventura County Ventura is considered the most desirable place to live in the United States thanks to its scenery and climate.

The same rugged mountains and blue waters that draw people from across the world to Ventura County also attract around 475 bird species.

Different birds have adapted to specific habitats. While Spring 2019

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Western Snowy Plover

Bullock’s Oriole

Photo by Don Klabunde

Photo by Kaaren Perry

California Quail

Photo by Kaaren Perry

the American Avocet resides at the Santa Clara River Estuary and won’t travel to the Golden Eagle’s savanna territory of Cañada Larga Road, you can! Ventura County contains more than 30 coastal and inland birding sites. Ormond Beach is especially active in the spring when it hosts over 200 migratory bird species, and serves as the breeding grounds for the endangered California Least Tern and the threatened Western Snowy Plover.

Interestingly, one of the best spots to see birds in the county is manmade, said Frank DeMartino of Ventura’s Wild Birds Unlimited. The 20-acre site includes three ponds full of treated water discharged from an adjacent wastewater plant, and more than 240 bird species have been found at this location alone.

Tropical Kingbird

Photo by Kaaren Perry

For an escape into nature, the Channel Islands National Park and Los Padres National Forest offer hiking trails and campsites ideal for the birder who seeks an immersive experience. The National Park Service recommends Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands for shorebird viewing. Most of the birds are shared between the islands and mainland, with only the Island Scrub-Jay endemic at a species level on Santa Cruz Island.

Check conejovalleyaudubon.org and venturaaudubon.org for resources and special tours of these sites. Or, plan a solo island trip with Island Packers: islandpackers.com

Vermilion Flycatcher

Photo by Kaaren Perry

I’ve driven past or heard of most of the optimal birding locations that enthusiasts recommended to me, but had never explored them. This article was new inspiration to slow down, get off the freeway, and explore the incredible habitats that lay within just a few hours’ drive from home.

I can now identify the bird calls outside my home as a California Scrub-Jay. My avian neighbors are no longer strangers, and I hope it can be the same for you.

CA 101

Purple Finch

Photo by Kaaren Perry

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Yellow Crowned,left and Black Crowned Night Heron juveniles

Photos by Kaaren Perry

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S A N TA B A R B A R A C O U N T Y

Whether you enjoy hiking, fine-dining, water sports, lazing on the beach, culture, or a great night-life, Santa Barbara has something for you.

Its beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and colorful culture make Santa Barbara a premier resort destination.

World-class accommodations and dining await its many visitors.

Santa Barbara is a 2-hour drive north from Los Angeles or a short hop from any corner of the world via the Santa

Barbara airport. Santa Barbara’s harbor is home to the world famous Stearns Wharf, a great destination for the entire family. Visiting the zoological gardens makes for a great family day-trip.

From the City, you are just minutes away from the Santa Barbara wine country. The gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley, with its breath-taking vistas, is home to such notable attractions as Solvang and the Chumash Reservation.

For more information visit santabarbaraca.gov

CALIFORNIA 101 ALE TRAIL

Hollister Brewing Company - Goleta 6980 Marketplace Drive (Camino Real Marketplace) Goleta, California 93117

(805) 968-2810 hollisterbrewco.com

Hollister Brewing Company (HBC) was established in May 2007 with a vision of creating a fun, relaxing establishment offering handcrafted beer to complement handcrafted food.

We are a locally owned and operated brewpub and our goal is to provide and maintain a comfortable, unpretentious environment that appeals to our local clientele as well as beer and food aficionado’s from around the country. We’re here to exceed expectations, to introduce people to things they may not have had before, and to do it in a fun and educational way.

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Ojai Valley Brewery - Ojai 457 E Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 93023

(805)640-7987 california101guide.com

CA 101

Quick Stops and Curiosities

Welcome to Carpinteria

By Bill Warner

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve 5905 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria A scenic, 52-acre open space atop sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific, this stop is right off the 101.

Whether northbound or southbound, just take the exit for Bailard Avenue and turn south. The parking lot is right where Bailard t-bones with Carpinteria Avenue.

Easy trails will take you along the bluffs, with views of a seal sanctuary and a group of tar pits. For more info, visit carpinteriabluffs.org, or call (805) 684-5405.

Rincon Point South of Carpinteria Between Carpinteria and La Conchita, this worldfamous surf break draws surfers from far and wide.

The hillside above the point itself is encrusted with rather expensive bungalows, so you’ll want to park at Rincon Beach Park, follow the trail down to the beach and then amble southward. Depending on the water, you might witness some great riders. And if you’re there to surf, you’ll probably find a great ride yourself.

Whichever direction you’re traveling, look for the Bates Road exit from the 101, and steer toward the ocean.

“Experience the

Artful Life!”

Carpinteria is located on the south coast of Santa Barbara County, approximately 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara.

Carpinteria is a coastal community with small-town charm valued by visitors and residents alike. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain views, and a diverse economy make it a wonderful place to live, work, and play!

It is home to The California Avocado Festival, which began in 1986. It has evolved into one of the largest festivals in California, with three days of fabulous food, terrific music, and safe family fun. It is one of only a few community festivals still operated in the heart of downtown. For more, visit carpinteria.ca.us.

quilting • Knitting needleworK • arts and gifts

A whimsical store with everything you’ll need for quilting, knitting, needlework, inspired gifts and more…

Hours: M-s • 10 to 5 sun. • 11 to 4

919 Maple avenue • Carpinteria, Ca 93013 • 805.566.1250 • roxannequilts.CoM california101guide.com

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IT’S BEER FEST SEASON! SATURDAY APRIL 20th 11:30 - 4:30 P.M.

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Saturday, May 4th 11:30a – 4:30p

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Richie Rey • Cadillac Angels • DJ Hecktik Food Trucks • Lawn Games • Vendors & More!

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BENEFITTING:

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The Path to Exploring Santa Barbara’s El Camino Cielo

Lizards Mouth on West Camino Cielo.

By Bennett Barthelemy and Rita Maes

At

the back of the overhanging cave of Lizard’s Mouth, Rita reached for the pocketed sandstone with both arms stretched out above her head. Her feet left the ground and found purchase higher up on the ancient folds of solidified sand as her left arm shot upward for the next deep pocket.

A leg then dropped, swinging freely behind her for balance, as an arm would cross to a further, higher handhold. In my spotting stance, I held my arms skyward so I could gently guide her fall to the foam pad we brought if she were to let go unexpectedly.

The setting sun flared out around the edge of her silhouetted body, and far below the cave I could see the Channel Islands and the Pacific Ocean shimmering an azure blue.

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Photos by Bennett Barthelemy

There are few areas in California that can match the truly sublime sunsets and views that Camino Cielo offers, especially if you have only half a day for a quick adventure.

Once you have left Highway 101 and then Hwy. 154, this vertiginous serpentine road runs a marathon (25 miles) across the ridges of the Santa Ynez Mountains that rise some 4,000 feet above the glistening Pacific Ocean and hem in the Mediterraneanesque Santa Barbara and Goleta. The drive itself is well worth the time investment.

Winding along the eastern side of the Camino, you will often see paragliders and hang gliders launching, as the currents here are some of the most favorable anywhere. If you are a climber – and yearn for textured, california101guide.com

the Sky:

Gibraltar Rock on East Camino Cielo.

Photos by Zach DiStefano

well-featured stone with epic positioning – then you won’t want to miss Lizard’s Mouth (for bouldering) or Gibraltar (for roped climbing) that essentially lie at opposite ends of the Camino Cielo.

3,000 feet above the Central Coast region of Santa Barbara County is home to the chaparral plant community. Chaparral comprises just five percent of the total land in California. It is very drought tolerant, dry and very fire prone, and may burn a couple of times a decade when the natural burn cycle isn’t interrupted. Scrub oaks, manzanita, sages, and yuccas are common. If you wander too far off the stone slabs or a defined trail, the chaparral can feel all but impenetrable at times. Some believe that the leather chaps cowboys like to wear to protect their legs originated in the Southwestern U.S., where they were often riding through sagebrush and chaparral (hence the name ‘chaps’). If you remember nothing else from this rambling essay, this last tidbit will likely come to mind if you choose to wear shorts for your off-trail explorations up here.

Raucous stellar jays and soaring turkey vultures keep company with western fence and alligator lizards. If you are paying close attention, it isn’t uncommon to find prints from more elusive denizens like raccoons and bobcats in the sandy washes. As california101guide.com

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you hike toward Lizard’s Mouth, or along the base of Gibraltar Rock, allow yourself your own flights of fancy imagining what strange beasts have been frozen in time. My partner, Rita, is convinced that the bouldering cave resembles a wide-mouthed toad rather than a lizard.

At the eastern edge is the iconic Gibraltar Rock. A cliff over 100 feet high immediately off the steep road, it’s a popular place for the general public to scramble a rough trail to its summit for the amazing views. Below the summit surrounding all three sides of Gibraltar, are more than a dozen roped climbs varying in difficulty from close-to-beginner level to seasoned expert. One nice thing about this cliff is that the easy access to the top means a rope can easily be hung from above — instead of having to lead climb the routes that requires more gear and skills.

I stood back a few paces on the cave floor as Rita stretched skyward up the steep edge of Lizard’s Mouth. I took close mental notes of her flowing movements, hoping I would unlock a similar gymnastic sequence after her ascent.

The rock picked up the rose hue of the setting sun. Rita was connecting the dots on her own path to the sky...

Gibraltar Rock: If you exit Hwy. 154 and head to the right when cresting the summit, you will find East Camino Cielo. Where this road ends (some 18 miles in), it begins to drop toward Santa Barbara. This is Gibraltar Road.

About 1.8 miles down this road, you will find the namesake crag rising on the right side of the road. The labyrinthine streets in the Santa Barbara hills make access heading up Gibraltar Road a fairly intense navigational challenge, so I prefer this route up Hwy. 154 and enjoy the ridge drive.

Lizard’s Mouth: After exiting Hwy. 154 onto West Camino Cielo, on the left side of the road at about 3.5 miles, slabs of flowing stone and random mystically shaped boulders appear heading off and down toward Goleta. There is not a defined specific trail as such, but at about one-quarter mile beyond the Los Padres Forest Service sign at the road’s edge, and with a bit of exploring, you can find the cliff face by heading west and then north. You will arrive on top of the head of the Lizard and then need to access it from the right side and head down.

Due to the elevation and the fact that winds can whip across the ridge, especially when the Sundowners blow just after sunset (the Sundowners are specific to the Santa Ynez Mountain Range’s extreme windstorms that can, and often do, spell disaster if there is a high fire danger), it is a good idea to bring a warm layer — even in summer. Not to be missed is the offshoot from East Camino Cielo, Painted Cave Road, which is home to some amazing Chumash rock art. The Chumash are the local indigenous Native American tribe, and keen astronomers. Their ancient artwork inside the cave reflects this cosmology.

For more information on Lizards Mouth, Gibraltar Rock, and several other climbing areas along Camino Cielo, visit mountainproject.com and summitpost.com.

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Gibraltar Rock on East Camino Cielo.

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Photos by Bennett Barthelemy california101guide.com

Local Wisdom: Camino Cielo, from Lizard’s Mouth across to where it cuts down to Gibraltar Rock is all paved. It will require a bit of defensive driving as there may be potholes, wild motorcyclists and cyclists, and no center line. Other considerations: the Central Coast of Santa Barbara County is blessed by a relatively mild Mediterranean climate. However, Camino Cielo is the only spot in the Santa Barbara area where you might find snow in the colder months.

A good resource for hiking trails of all varieties and difficulties: alltrails.com.

Gibraltar Rock on East Camino Cielo.

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DISCOVER THE FUNK ZONE

Lindsey heads out for the day.

with fine art photographer Lindsey Ross Photos and story by Amelia Fleetwood Today, Santa Barbara’s eclectic Funk Zone neighborhood is a big draw for all those with a discerning palate and an eye for happenings. The 16-block radius — roughly between the beach and Highway 101 — is home to tasting rooms, restaurants, galleries, coffee shops, breweries, and boutiques. Once a busy industrial zone, the area consists of many old buildings and reclaimed warehouses that have been transformed.

When Lindsey Ross moved her photography studio to the Funk Zone in 2012, it was a quiet neighborhood, she recalls. “When I moved to the Funk Zone, it was a moment of Bohemian innocence. My artist friends lived across the train tracks. I would invite them over to take a portrait — this was while I was still refining my craft. Sometimes it would work out and sometimes it would The Funk Zone is full of surprises, Lindsey shows off her favorite street art a portrait of Yayoi Kusama by David Flores

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“Over the last 10 years I have seen it change and grow into a vibrant community full of things that I get to enjoy daily.”

Lindsey Ross

Lindsey standing outside Dart Coffee a Funk Zone favorite.

not. The only people there most days were upholsterers, contractors, framers, woodworkers, landscapers, arborists, artists, and the fish market guys across the street. And there were my next-door neighbors who dried sea cucumbers.”

Lindsey’s best-loved Funk Zone stops: 1. Dart Coffee (above) “The all-time best way to start my mornings before a long day in my studio is with a June Bug (lavender) Latte at Dart Coffee.”

Dart Coffee, 121 E Yanonali St. dartcoffeeco.com 2. Loquita Santa Barbara “My favorite sandwich is a jamón serrano con tomate with ‘crystal bread’ at Loquita, which serves farm-fresh Spanish tapas and craft cocktails.”

Loquita Santa Barbara, 202 State St. loquitasb.com

The Lucky Penny is a great place for pizzas and pastries.

3. Lucky Penny (right top) “I love to walk from my place to meet a friend at the Lucky Penny, which is a cute combo pizzeria and coffeehouse that serves wood-oven pies & pastries. I always order The O.G. Pizza.”

Lucky Penny, 127 Anacapa St. luckypennysb.com 4. McConnell’s Ice Cream “I love to stop off at McConnell’s Ice Cream on State Street before I head to the beach.”

McConnell’s Ice Cream, 728 State St. (805) 324-4402 mcconnells.com 5. Catherine Gee Designs (right) “Catherine Gee Designs is just heaven. Their showroom is open by appointment at The Mill. Her designs are a timeless yet contemporary collection of strong pieces with elegant, modern lines. Everything there is so beautiful.”

Catherine Gee designs, 414 E Haley St. catherinegee.com california101guide.com

Catherine Gee Designs is a must see showroom near the Mill.

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Catching up with friends, Lindsey talks photography.

5. Melville Wine Tasting Room “Melville Wine Tasting Room is located in the Hotel Californian at the edge of the Funk Zone. (It) offers a chic environment to enjoy small bites, a glass of sparkling wine or full tasting flight.”

Melville Wine Tasting Room, 120 State St. Suite C melvillewinery.com/tasting-room-santa-barbara/ 6. Third Window Brewing Co. (right top) “I love the Third Window Brewery at The Mill.

They have a great selection of beers and the food is really good!”

Third Window Brewery, 406 E Haley St. #3 thirdwindowbrewing.com

A local watering hole,Third Window Brewery.

Street art by David Flores

7. SBCAST “SBCAST is a collective of artist studios and galleries on Garden Street, near Haley. I love the variety of artists who show in this space, and they also have great parties there!”

SBCAST, 513 Garden St. sbcast.org

Watching the world go by at Oreana Winery.

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8. The Arts Fund “I love to check out The Arts Fund, which is another great exhibition space in the Funk Zone. They always have a new exhibition each month, and support and organize the murals that I love, which are exhibited throughout the Funk Zone.”

The Arts Fund, 205-C Santa Barbara St. artsfundsb.org 9. Music: The Bowl, Lobero, and SOhO “For music, I am spoiled for choice; my favorite concerts all happen at the Santa Barbara Bowl, Lobero Theater,

and SOhO. The Santa Barbara Bowl is a beautiful, classic venue that has attracted top musicians for decades. It has beautiful views of Santa Barbara, the Mesa, and the ocean from the top. The Lobero is a quaint theater on Canon Perdido, and always hosts a diverse selection of acts. SOhO is near State Street and Victoria and has live music every night of the week.”

• Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N Milpas St.: sbbowl.com • Lobero Theater, 33 E Canon Perdido St.: lobero.org • SOhO: 1221 State St. #205: sohosb.com

Outside Silo 118 Gallery.

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hemically

Enhanced

Lindsey Ross:

On Reclaiming the Past and the Pleasure of Alchemy

L

L

indsey Ross has spent the last 10 years honing her photography skills in her Santa Barbara studio. Based in the city’s hipindsey Funk Zone, is a master Ross Ross has spent the last 10 years h of the fine art of wet plate Santa Barbara studio. Basedcollodion in the city’s hip Fun photography. art of wet plate collodion photography.

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Thirty-seven-year-old Rossinwas born in Columb 37-year-old Ross was born Columbus, schoolwhere for theshe arts.

In 2008,aher Ohio, attended highdecision school to emba Institute brought her her to Santa Barbara. for the arts.

In 2008, decision to At Brooks, Ross encouraged experiment w embark on a MFAwas program at theto Brooks Institute brought “I herwas to not Santa Barbara.in working as. She explains, interested At Brooks, Ross was encouraged to experiment with film using larger format california101guide.com

Photo by Mariana Schulze Taking a moment in her studio/gallery

cameras. She explains, “I was not interested in working It was then Ross began working with wet plate chival qualities of that medium are yet to be proven.” Her “Aha!” moment came when collodion. She creates tintypes, as well, but Ross with digital photography, since archival qualities of she viewed a collection of early 20th century prisoner mug shots on glass plates, clarifies, “The tintype is a misnomer. ‘Tin’ was just a that medium are yet to be proven.” Her “Aha!” moment taken using the wet plate collodion process. It occurred to Ross that those prisoner vernacular word to describe a photo on metal. There came when she viewed collection of early 20th honing her photography skills inaher mug shots would long out-live photographs shoot on our were the all sorts of metalswe used fortoday tintypes, but phones I use and plates, taken using nk Zone,century Ross is prisoner a mastermugshots of the fineon glass digital cameras. enameled aluminum.” the wet plate collodion process. It occurred to Ross “This vintage medium really has a weight to it,” she continues. “It has an importance that thoseshe prisoner mug shots would long outlive the bus, Ohio, where attended a high Nostalgia plays a large partand in Ross’s attraction to with no one is capturing with the contemporary mediums technology available weatshoot today on our phones and digital ark on aphotographs MFA program the Brooks doing things the old-fashioned way. A return to this digital photography.” cameras. historical process cannot be matched by any iPhone as It was then Ross began working with wet plate collodion.

She creates tin-types, with film, using larger format camer- well, but Ross clarifies, “The filter or modern camera. tin type is a misnomer. ‘Tin’ was just a vernacular word “This vintage medium really has a weight to it,” she g with digital photography, since ara photo on metal.

There wereplate all sorts of metals usedIfor tin types, continues. “It has an importance to nodescribe one is capturing “With the wet collodion process, found I reallybut I with the contemporary mediums and technology liked working with my hands. I felt emotionally and aesthetically connected to this medium. I also loved the available with digital photography.” california101guide.com

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slow pace of it and its many visceral aspects, the alchemy, the smells, the fact that there are so many steps, the constraints and how it is less immediate than other types of photography.”

Ross also enjoys shooting with view cameras. Looking through the glass viewfinder, where the image is upside down and backwards, challenges her creative process.

“It automatically takes me out of the left, more linear brain, and into the right brain, where I’m looking at design — light and shadow vs. a landscape that is right in front of me.” It is tapping into this non-verbal part of her brain and her intelligence that Ross particularly enjoys.

Among her influences, Ross names female photographers Marcia Resnick, Francesca Woodman, and Sally Mann, but also counts a visit to the Irving Penn retrospective at the Getty Museum in 2008 as a major turning point. “I loved Penn because he was the A-list fashion photographer of his day. But Penn was also printing all his own work and using his own formulas, and that really resonated with me. He could have delegated his printing to someone else, but he kept his hand in the process.”

These days Ross can be found in her Funk Zone photo studio where she does commissioned portraits for clients 80

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by appointment. She does pop-ups at local and statewide events, including the popular Echo Park Craft Fair in Silverlake and the Mercado Sagrado event in Malibu Canyon. She can sometimes be found at Ojai’s In the Field clothing and lifestyle shop, and the Proof Lab in Mill Valley throughout the year. All appointments can be made through her website, lindseyrossphoto.com Her work can also be viewed in the community of Guadalupe, near Santa Maria on the Pacific Coast Highway.

“I love photographing people using this process,” Ross says. “It’s a unique style of portraiture, and there’s an intimacy because of the slow pace. I love the way it shifts the light and transforms portraits into something completely different than what we see in real life.”

Landscape photography is another big draw for Ross, who has lived in Wyoming and has a passion for the American West of the late 19th century. Lugging her 200-pound camera, Ross scales mountains and hillsides to capture her shot. Positioning the immense camera along bumpy roads and steep hillsides is always a challenge, and the physical nature of this work means that it can take an entire day to create a single plate, capturing the right light and moment. california101guide.com

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Portraits of Lindsey by Mariana Schulze california101guide.com

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“I started working with a gallery in Jackson, WY, and began shooting landscapes,” Ross shares. “It was harder than I thought, but I love it. You have to think about the wind and the temperature. When it does work, it’s beautiful and there is so much detail! I have a real connection to each image because it takes a full day to create it. Afterwards, I have stories about the shoot, about the land, and the day we had.”

It’s this connection — the back-and-forth between nature and humans — that Ross captures in her uniquely oldfashioned way.

To schedule a trip to Ross’s studio, visit lindseyrossphoto.com. Keep up to date with her work and pop-up events by following Ross on Instagram @thealchemistress.

Portraits of Lindsey by Mariana Schulze

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Mural in Guadalupe

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Photos by Lindsey Ross

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WE GOT THE FUNK - THE FUNK ZONE IS SANTA BARBARA Bluewater Grill Santa Barbara 15 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

CA 101

(805) 845-5121 www.bluewatergrill.com

Bluewater Grill Santa Barbara combines locally caught sustainable seafood and shellfish with the latest releases from Santa Barbara County wineries in a landmark lighthouse at the foot of Stearns Wharf. The destination beachfront restaurant offers lunch, dinner and small plates daily on two floors featuring an oyster bar, dining counter overlooking an open kitchen and an upstairs dining patio and bar offering beach views, local wine flights and locally caught fish. Chef Chanel Ducharme offers up to 40 varieties of seafood and shellfish annually, either simply grilled or in gourmet presentations like Chipotle Blackened Swordfish and San Francisco Cioppino with Hope Ranch Black Mussels.

DV8 Cellers 28 Anacapa St., Suite C, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 966-6601 www.dv8cellars.com

At this boutique winery in the heart of the Funk Zone, Rock musician-turned vintner Marc Simon pours Rhone varietals and sparkling wine sourced from Santa Barbara’s top vineyards. Check out the artwork on DV8’s bottles inspired by Formula One racing.

WINERIES OF THE PRESIDIO NEIGHBORHOOD SANTA BARBARA’S PREMIER WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE Au Bon Climat 813 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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(805) 963-7999 www.aubonclimat.com

Open since 2011, our tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara offers current releases and select library wines in a warm and casual setting. The wines of Au Bon Climat, Clendenen Family Vineyard, Ici/La-Bas, Barham Mendelsohn, Vita Nova, and Jim Clendenen’s other creative endeavors are featured, representing an array of varietals beyond Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With over 100 different wines stocked, the selection is amazing.

We are open 7 days a week. Noon - 6:00pm on weekdays & 11:00 - 6:00pm on weekends.

Drop in any time to taste our wine.

Cebada Tasting Room 8 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 451-2570 www.cebadawine.com

Cebada Wine’s tasting room is located just off State Street in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. We feature Estate Grown, Burgundian style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You can even taste our Estate Blueberry Dessert Wine. Enjoy delicious treats from fruits grown on our farm, chocolate and honey parings and unique gift items. Our friendly atmosphere and beautiful view of the mountains creates the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon sipping on our Sparkling wine or a romantic sunset Pinot, all served by our knowledgeable staff.

Tasting Hours: Monday-Wednesday open by appointment. Thursday 2-6 • Friday 1-6 • Saturday 12-6. Sunday 12-5

Jamie Slone Wines Tasting Room 23 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 560-6555 www.jamieslonewines.com

LAID-BACK LUXURY - As 2018 Best of Santa Barbara runner-up, our mission is to provide guests an outstanding Santa Barbara wine experience. In our cozy tasting room, you’ll discover our passion for family, entertaining, and delicious handcrafted 90+ point wines from the best local vineyards. We’re sipping on Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Red Blends and Cabernet Sauvignon. We are living the wine lifestyle. A Yelp and TripAdvisor favorite...join us!

Grassini Family Vineyards 24 El Paseo - in the Center Courtyard, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 897-3366 www.grassinifamilyvineyards.com At Grassini Family Vineyards and Winery, our extended family’s passion for beauty, the commitment to hard work, and a special place all come together to make the wine in bottles bearing our family’s label something special… and it is our hope that you will enjoy the poetry of the wine and its sense of place and tradition with your friends and family.

Open Daily 12 - 6 pm (last tasting at 5:30pm)

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Welcome to the Santa Ynez Valley The beautiful Santa Ynez Valley is accessible in a day. Visit each community to get the full flavor of the area. Buellton, once known as “The Motor City” when automobiles and new highways encouraged travel in the state, it is the gateway city to the Santa Ynez Valley, right off the 101, and has an up-and-coming wine and food scene. Then there’s the small, don’t blink-or-you’ll-miss-it town of Ballard, which was founded in 1880 and hosted the first stagecoach stop in the area.

Santa Ynez, the turn-of-the-century township, offers Western façade shops and award winning cuisine. In Los Olivos, there are plenty of places to relax in the wine and art-infused town. The delightful Danish town of Solvang boasts windmills, Danish bakeries, specialty shops and sunny fields. Finally, there’s the charming little town of Los Alamos — also affectionately known as Lost Almost — with unique hotels and eateries. All this, just two hours north of Los Angeles. For more information, visitsyv.com or santaynezchamber.org Submitted by Linda Small, Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce

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Photo by Nancy Yu-Ride

Get your live music fix in Santa Barbara John Denver only got it half right in 1971

when he said country roads take you home.

Those very same blue highways can also unwittingly take you on adventures of the musical kind.

Blue highways paint this country from top to bottom. But, in our non-stop, gotta-bethere-right-now, constant-engagement lives, somehow we have become disconnected from the journey itself. Yet, we know full well that the most important part of any journey IS the journey. Think Simon and Garfunkel’s classic America as a starting point. The line, “‘Cathy, I’m lost,’ I said, ‘though I knew she was sleeping’” has got nothing to do with being physically lost.

It’s a state of mind: One that we should all look to embrace a bit more when we travel.

So, let’s go get a bit lost. Let’s take a journey into what makes America America, and Americans American. As Robert Frost put it, let’s “take the road less traveled.”

Let’s make a concerted effort to leave the corporate hospitality world behind while seeking out some owner-operator joints where you’re a friend as soon as you walk through the door. Places where you walk out believing that you got a $1.50 worth of value out of the dollar you just spent.

The tri-counties — Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo — are geographically huge and I’d encourage you to build in an extra day to get off Highway 101 and Interstate 5 when possible. Today, I’ll give you three must visit spots in Santa Barbara that even most Santa Barbarites don’t know exist. None of them charge a cover.

The granddaddy of all of these is off Highway 154 between Santa Barbara and Los Olivos. Just over the apex of the hill, if you’re headed east, is a little-noticed turn-off called Stagecoach Road. Take that road down a ways and you will stumble into an absolute treasure: The Cold Springs Tavern 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara; (805) 967-0066. From 1868 to 1901, this place was a real stagecoach stop.

Over the years, various other buildings were added to create a truly unique environment. It all gives you a sense of the true Old West. There is a restaurant with an 86

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extensive and attractive menu. However, all you’re going to want on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon is one of their famous tritip barbecue sandwiches to munch on while you sit outside and listen to the music. On Fridays, you’ll find music there from about 5 to 8 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays they typically host two separate bands, at 1:30 and 5 pm. What you are going to find are musicians who WANT to play here. Not some rosy-cheeked neophytes, but seasoned professionals whose names you have probably never heard yet boast staggering resumes. The music could literally be anything short of punk, hip-hop, and death metal. Their website is kept nicely up to date if you care to look. My advice: Don’t bother, just go and when you see a parking space on the street, take it! Grab your coat because in this beautiful tree covered location atop the San Marcos Pass, it’s icicle time when the sun dips south of the treetops.

If jazz is more in your lane, then you absolutely must head to Stella Mare’s Bistro 50 Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara; (805) 969-6705. Stella Mare’s only hosts music on Wednesdays from 7 to 10 pm.

Here’s why it’s special: The George Mamalakis Trio have been playing there every Wednesday since 1997. For those who are counting, that’s 21 straight years!

George studied for six years with famed LA jazz pianist Terry Trotter and so, right out of the box, you know it’s going to work. Not only are these cats excellent, they are incredibly comfortable in the greenhouse-like environment. Frankly, the only way you could get more relaxed while enjoying their music would be by having a full-body massage at the same time.

While Stella Mare’s is, without doubt, an upscale French dining establishment, the elegant atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a bite to eat while collapsing into the jazz.

I ordered a Vesper Martini and felt very James Bond for the duration. After waiting unsuccessfully at the bar for either Ursula Andress or Eva Green to stop by and chat me up, I wandered over to the plush sofa and sat down in front of the open fire. The very fine jazz salved my wounds in short order. What is it about jazz that makes one

By Nigel Chisholm

feel smarter and better looking than one really is?!

And now, for something completely different, let’s head to The Pickle Room 122 E Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara; (805) 965-1015. This place is a real gem. Think old-style, red leather bar where the West’s idea of what the East is, is turned up to 11. A place where, in times past, you wouldn’t be surprised to bump into Ella Fitzgerald — or, Bugsy Siegel for that matter. Opening in 1947 as Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, presumably because it sits in what used to be Santa Barbara’s Chinatown, The Pickle Room has quite a history. Jimmy’s stayed locked in its own time capsule until 2007 when its doors closed. After six years, it arose phoenix-like as The Pickle Room. Walking in now, you are immediately and magically transported back to 1947. The current configuration maintains the original environment, and it is fantastic. This place has next to no staff turnover. Two of the very able bartenders, PJ and David, have worked there since day one. It shows in their friendly, relaxed, welcoming demeanor, and the remarkable speed and physical dexterity they display behind the small red bar beneath the original Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens sign.

These guys love where they work and I am not at all surprised. Amazingly, The Pickle Room manages to squeeze blues bands into this small space on every second Tuesday of the month and jazz bands on every third Tuesday of the month. You best get in there early because not only is the space mighty tight, the music is mighty right. The bands are filled with top-quality musicians who are not playing for the paycheck but for the love of the music and each other. This is the type of joint where the music regularly goes long, and the only bad thing to happen is that your cheeks hurt from the smile that won’t leave your face. If you are even close to this place: GO. While you are there enjoy a pickle martini and order the panko-crusted deepfried pickles. You’re welcome.

In the next issue I’ll tell you a tale about how the Blue Highways have changed my life: “So, three saxophone players walked into a bar …”

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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

San Luis Obispo provides the perfect jumping off point for a county rich with diverse experiences. Shopping for artisan creations, savoring farm to fork dining, sipping specialty wines, hiking up one of the local peaks, or lying on a sun kissed beach are all within reach. The possibilities are endless.

Agriculture still plays a vital role in the local economy and this becomes very prevalent on Thursday night during the second largest farmers’ market in the western United States. For three hours every Thursday six blocks of Higuera Street are closed off for a street party featuring some of the freshest produce, hottest barbecue and engaging entertainers.

South of town, and throughout the county, a booming artisan San Luis Obispo wine country has been growing, unassumingly, for decades. Some two dozen wineries

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produce critically acclaimed vintages in the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley. Visitors can head out along the gorgeous country roads to sip their way through the vineyards, and then return to town to savor everything from Santa Maria barbecue to Italian fritti.

In and around SLO, extensive hiking and biking trails thread through the city’s open spaces. Montana de Oro State Park, Los Padres National Forest and some of the most beautiful lakes in California open up endless outdoor adventure opportunities. Minutes from downtown SLO are miles of uncrowded beaches, pristine coastline, ragged sea cliffs and some of the best ocean vistas this side of Ireland. All this combined with 315 days of sunshine a year makes SLO a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast.

For more information visit SanLuisObispoVacations.com.

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SLO sipping with furry friends W ine tasting with your dog in San Luis Obispo

by Susan Hartzler and Seven

Pet owners will tell you: taking trips with your fur babies isn’t always easy.

It’s rewarding, but requires careful thought and planning. And that’s where writer Susan Hartzler and her dog, Seven, come in.

Here, the experienced travel buddies share their insider tips for exploring some of San Luis Obispo County’s dog-friendly wineries.

Photos by Susan Hartzler

Seven relaxing in the wine barrel dog bed at Ventuex Vineyards.

Love wine? Love dogs even more?

Have we got an adventure to share with you.

My dog, Seven, and I set out on a rainy weekend in search of dog-friendly wineries in San Luis Obispo. Seven brought his pal Bear along, which meant I got to explore the region with Bear’s guardian, Penny, who also happens to be a wine connoisseur.

Even in the rain, the scenery of gently rolling hills dotted with lush vineyards took my breath away. We couldn’t wait to experience the dog-friendly wineries, many with their own “winery dogs” to greet visitors. While some vineyards allow well-behaved pets in picnic areas, others warmly welcome furry family members into their tasting rooms, where water, tasty dog treats, and lots of attention await the four-legged guests. Word has it that cats (leash trained, of course) and even a pet llama have all shown up at tastings in San Luis Obispo.

Photos by Susan Hartzler

The California Wine Dog book, open to the page that features the wine dog, Izzy, at Ventuex Vineyards with the bottle of Rescue Red wine made in honor of the rescued pup.

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Chamisal Vineyards

Our first stop was Chamisal Vineyards. This vineyard is located in a tranquil setting just 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, in the beautiful Edna Valley. Chamisal is known for their california101guide.com

Photo courtesy of Four Lanterns

The terraced hills of Four Lanterns is the perfect backdrop for a tasting.

sustainably produced chardonnay and pinot noir, served in their tasting room straight from the source.

Since 1983, Chamisal Cellars has been making a name for itself on the Central Coast with intense flavors, mouthwatering texture, and impeccable balance. We loved the 2016 Califa Chardonnay, aged 14 months in 40 percent new French oak. This varietal was released May 2018. If you’re a fan of white wine, you’ll appreciate Califa’s aromas of fresh peach, Bosc pear, honeysuckle, and crème brûlée.

Seven loved this winery because of the people he met, both those who poured the wine and those who were sampling it. Customers — including a little girl and her parents — gave Seven and his BFF Bear lots of love and cuddles. Seven was in heaven!

Venteux Vineyards

Next stop: the small, family-owned estate of Venteux Vineyards. Located in the Willow Creek district of Paso Robles, Venteux prides itself on using natural farming and winemaking techniques to showcase the unique land and location of their vineyard. Venteux crafts their award-winning Rhone varietal by growing their grapes on head-trained vines, california101guide.com

then dry farming them with natural yeast fermentation.

Too bad it was raining when we were there because the grounds are absolutely spectacular, with open space to spare. We’re talking green rolling hills with grape vines for miles. When the sun is out, you can take your tasting outside and play lawn games. With all that open space, it’s not surprising that they host an array of events throughout the year. And not just wine-focused events, either — they offer live music, iconic campouts, and wellness retreats. Venteux’s calendar is ever-evolving, with unique events designed to celebrate great wine and great company.

The tasting room is quaint and cozy. Seven curled up in a wine barrel converted into a dog bed, then visited with other patrons who were there to taste the newly released wines and exclusive estate vintages. Venteux releases wines every spring and fall in six to 12-bottle increments.

We particularly liked the 2015 Venteux Paso Robles Grenache. Christine Havens of cellartracker.com described this grenache exquisitely, saying, “Limpid, translucent garnet in the glass, the 2015 Venteux Paso Robles Grenache is native yeast fermented — and Spring 2019

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one of the more delicate expressions of the varietal I’ve found in this region.

Eccentric rings of black cherry and fresh blackberry tumble from the glass, followed by a glorious and evolving profusion of cigar box, warm spice, dried lavender, sagebrush, ash, earth, and dust. In the mouth, it’s nimble, with fine tannins lending structure to a wine that seems more Old World than New—with every element well integrated and precise.”

Couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Photo Courtesy of Castoro Cellars

Castoro Cellars boasts a Mediterranean-style tasting room.

Castoro Cellars

Another SLO winery in existence since 1983, the Castoro Cellars tasting room is located in the heart of the Paso Robles wine appellation on scenic Highway 46, just off Highway 101. To get into the spacious, Mediterranean-styled tasting room and wine shop, you walk through a long grape arbor. It sets the stage for an enjoyable afternoon tasting their “dam fine wines” (that’s their tag line). The surrounding hills and vineyards make for an ideal picnic spot.

For more than 35 years, Castoro Cellars has created a wide array of wines and even makes their own spirits. From bold reds to delicate whites, everyone leaves the Castoro wine tasting room with smiles on their faces. Even dogs. Seven’s experience began with some delicious dog treats provided by the nice people who work there. Yum! On the way out, Seven posed for a picture sitting on top of a wine barrel before jumping off and zooming around the vineyard in the rain. I guess he needed to stretch his legs from the road trip. Seven got away with his crazies because the owner’s dog at Castoro Cellars is a fellow Australian Shepherd named Ruby. She wasn’t at the vineyard that day, but be sure to look for her when you visit.

Photo by Susan Hartzler

Seven poses in front of the grape vines at Castoro Cellars.

Castoro’s “dam fine wines” include reds like zinfandel “Zinfusion,” tempranillo, syrah, cabernet, pinot noir, and red blends. Notable whites include chardonnay, tango, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, and viognier.

Everything we tasted at Castoro was spectacular. We even brought a

Castoro Cellars’s picnic area.

Photo Courtesy of Castoro Cellars

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Seven gets a warm welcome at Venteux.

Photo by Susan Hartzler

Seven at Chamisal Vineyards.

Photo by Susan Hartzler california101guide.com

bottle of their brandy home with us.

Four Lanterns W inery Four Lanterns Winery is a family owned and operated boutique winery that creates balanced Rhone and Bordeaux style wines in Paso Robles.​ The 35-acre property is located on West Highway 46, in the formidable Willow Creek American Viticultural Area. As owners Steve and Jackie Gleason point out, this region’s hot days, cool nights, and calcareous soil provide a perfect environment for making wine.

Their tasting room is actually a converted barn serving wine instead of sheltering animals, unless you count the dogs that are allowed inside. It’s a comfortable spot with a long wooden bar where you can taste some of their award winning varietals. Four Lanterns Winery specializes in westside Paso estate grown and produced Rhone and Bordeaux style wines.

Their wines are balanced, elegant, and critically acclaimed.

We especially liked the 2015 Firelight Syrah. As Four Lanterns notes, the Firelight offers an “intense nose, earthy mid palate, balanced acidity, and medium tannins.” But anything you taste there will make your taste buds happy.

Cutruzzola Vineyards

Since we were staying in Cambria, we visited the Cutruzzola Vineyards tasting room in town. They produce Riesling and pinot noir from their estate vineyard located only a few miles from the ocean, just over the coastal mountains.

Photo by Susan Hartzler

Seven gives his best model impression in front of Four Lanterns Winery.

We got to taste their award-winning boutique wines in the quaint tasting room, nestled among the pines in the West Village. Seven and his buddy Bear were treated to some delicious dog biscuits while we sampled the wine. Both boys were a bit tired from a long weekend and crashed on the cool floor. Good news for me and Penny, because we could sample the wine uninterrupted.

You must try the 2013 Pinot Noir, Gloria Estate. Cherries, plums, spices, and silky tannins make this one structured and distinct. While this wine can be enjoyed now, the winery anticipates it will improve significantly in three to five years.

Good things come to those who wait!

Cutruzzola Vineyards’ rolling hillside.

Seven makes a cute friend and goes behind the scenes at Venteux.

Photo courtesy of Cutruzzola Vineyards california101guide.com

Photo by Susan Hartzler

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Madeline’s Restaurant and W ine Cellar Before 5 pm, Madeline’s Restaurant and Wine Cellar in Cambria welcomes well-behaved dogs to its bar, where pet guardians can partake in a wine tasting. While most of the varietals on the menu are from France, they got help recently from Central Coast winemaker Jeff Branco — of Justin Winery fame — to create five wines of their own. These they sourced from across San Luis Obispo County.

Madeline’s Petit Verdot is one we loved. You’ll smell blackberries, blueberries, and plums, according to Madeline’s, which adds, “Flavors of herbal and floral notes such as violet, lilac, lavender, sage, and dried herbs stand out as well as a rustic nuance of smoked meat.” New French oak barrels add some vanilla nutty goodness. Yum! There are many more wineries in San Luis Obispo County that are dog-friendly. Pick up a San Luis Obispo Wine Map at any of the local wineries where you’ll see a dog paw print at all the wineries that are dogfriendly. If you’re traveling from far away, Seven suggests you check out the pet-friendly Cambria Shores Inn in Moonstone Beach, where we stayed. They welcomed us with a basket filled with doggie goodies, to the delight of Seven. Penny and I were thrilled with the amazing view of the ocean.

Photo by Susan Hartzler

With all the affection showered on Seven by staff and fellow wine tasting patrons on our journey, life back in Oxnard seems a bit lackluster for both of us. Time to plan our next adventure. Woof!

Our furry friend shows off on top of a wine barrel at Castro Cellars, before jumping off and zooming around the spectacular grounds.

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Chamisal Vineyards 7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo (805) 541-9463 chamisalvineyards.com

Four Lanterns Winery 2485 West Highway 46, Paso Robles (805) 226-5955 fourlanternswinery.com

Venteux Vineyards 1795 Las Tablas Road, Templeton (805) 369-0127 venteuxvineyards.com

Cutruzzola Vineyards 555 Main Street, Cambria (805) 927-2670 cutruzzolavineyards.com

Castoro Cellars 1315 N Bethel Road, Templeton (805) 238-0725 castorocellars.com

Madeline’s Restaurant and Wine Cellar 788 Main Street, Cambria (805) 927-0990 madelinescambria.com

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Welcome to Cambria

Cambria Garden Shed (805) 927-7654 CambriaGardenShed.com Grow Nursery (805) 924-1340 GrowNursery.com Lily’s Coffee House (805)927-7259 Ocean Heir (805) 909-9022 OceanHeirEstateCompany.com

2024 Main Street • East Village Cambria OPEN 10 - 5 daily, 10 - 6 on Fri. & Sat.

Welcome to Cambria, your Central California vacation destination! Cambria is located half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, just four miles south of the famous historic landmark Hearst Castle.

Nestled among towering pines and the shimmering sea on the Central Coast, Cambria is a picturesque village that unfolds along scenic Highway 1. Free of chain stores and brimming with charm, Cambria invites you to exit the beaten path and explore one of the state’s truly unique destinations.

Some of the most popular annual events are the Cambria Art and Wine Festival, the Cambria Chili Cook-Off & Classic Car Show, the Cambria Western Dance Jamboree and the Cambria Festival of the Trees. Description provided by cambriachamber.org

Simplistic Home (559) 970-5654 SimplisticHome.com Twin Coyotes Winery GOOD (805) 927-9800 THINGS COME TwinCoyotes.com IN LITTLE And More!

SHEDS

815 Main Street, Cambria CA 93428 ph. 805.203.5950 www.patrickgallery.com www.facebook.com/workingartiststudio california101guide.com

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Paula Radke Originals AMBER AND DICHROIC ART GLASS RUFFLED BOWL

BAILEYANA, TANGENT & TRUE MYTH 5828 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 269-8200 nivenfamilywines.com/taste

This fused glass bowl is handmade by Paula Radke from orange dichroic art glass with an amber background and solid orange dichroic tile border. It is both functional and decorative.

Studio: 1129 Market Street, Morro Bay Store: 701 Embarcadero Morro Bay (805) 459-3329 - paularadke.com

Reservations required for 8 or more OPEN DAILY 10:00am - 5:00pm In our Tasting Room, a re-purposed Schoolhouse built in 1909, taste through a flight of five featured wines or buy a glass or bottle from over thirty different white, red, sparkling and dessert wines. Browse our enticing shop stocked with gourmet foods and charming gifts, or picnic outside and play boccie ball with views of the vines across the valley to the mountains.

Minutes to 30+ wineries of Arroyo Grande & Edna Valleys Borders San Luis Obispo & Pismo!

Hacienda Felise

Wine Country Boutique Inn

Perfect for romantic retreats or girlfriend getaways.

Offering 3 serene lodging options, all centered around Spanish courtyards for enjoying morning coffee, stellar sunsets over wine, yoga, or meditation, with soothings sounds of fountains and birds.

Each uniquely decorated accommodation sleeps 2. Rent individually or combine for groups up to 6.

Casa de los Sueños: 650 sqft detached casita - kitchen, living area, cozy fireplace, laundry, private deck Corazón Sagrado & Catrina Suites: private entrances, ensuite bathrooms, in-room tea/coffee bars

Inquire about our Romance Package.

Book Now and mention this ad for a complimentary bottle of local wine!

HaciendaFelise.com info@HaciendaFelise.com 3 acre estate located in Arroyo Grande Valley off Noyes Road; minutes to beaches, hiking, dining, old mission trail & historic Village of Arroyo Grande 94

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Paso Robles is more than just a place – it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Whether planning your next California adventure, wine country tasting tour or downtown shopping date, there’s something for everyone in Paso Robles. Downtown Paso Robles is home to a diverse array of restaurants, boutique shops, hotels, wine tasting, antique shops, and much more!

Things to do in downtown Paso Robles

Where Everybody Comes Together PasoRoblesDowntown.org

Experiencing downtown Paso Robles is as simple as finding out what interests you. In fact, visitors have been coming to Paso Robles for centuries in search of the area’s sulphur hot springs, which, among other notable attractions, continue to beckon visitors to the heart of central California.

Shopping, sightseeing historic landmarks, fine dining, wine tasting, craft beers, entertainment, art galleries — these are just a few of the things to do and see in downtown Paso Robles. Downtown Paso Robles offers a variety of unique shops, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, gift stores and one-ofa-kind experiences for your next venture downtown.

Shop, dine, wine & stay

If you’re pondering things to do in downtown Paso Robles, look no further than the shops, restaurants, boutiques, wine tasting bars, pubs and variety of venues downtown has to offer. Jump start your experience in the heart of downtown at Downtown City Park, a central square anchored by the historic Carnegie Library. Horseshoe pits, a gazebo, picnic tables, a playground and newly renovated bathroom facilities are among the park’s many amenities, where you’ll also find plenty of shade under the trees!

Shop or dine at the array of boutique shops and restaurants, all within easy walking distance of free parking. Look for the bright lights and catch a flick at Park Cinemas on Pine Street with movies showing for the entire family. Events abound throughout the calendar year, and there’s always something happening in downtown Paso Robles. Each summer, Paso Robles plays host to the California Mid-State Fair, a popular attraction and tradition that brings together fair-goers from across the state. Events abound throughout the calendar year with guaranteed fun for the entire family.

Special downtown Paso Robles events

Community & traditions

If you’re looking to find out more about Paso Robles firsthand, the city hosts a variety of community events and traditions held throughout the calendar year including the annual Paso Robles Olive Festival, Pioneer Day, Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles Wine Festival, Vine Street Victorian Showcase and much more! Getting to know Paso Robles could take more than just one day, so be sure to come back on your next visit to find out what you can discover in paradise!

Ideally located

Paso Robles is ideally situated midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and there’s reason that visitors return time and time again to experience more of what Paso Robles has to offer.

Paso Robles is also within close proximity to a number of area attractions, with Highway 46 West acting as a gateway to the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and whose coastline is home to the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Calif., as well as other notable area attractions. california101guide.com

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WINE TASTING ROOM | OPEN DAILY 10AM - 5PM

Lloyd’s Lookout at Calcareous 3430 Peachy Canyon Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 calcareous.com

“Let The Soil Speak!” Calcareous Estate wines are produced from grapes grown at one of our 3 vineyards. Due to farming practices and the nature of the land, these vineyards produce tiny yields, resulting in fruit of profound depth and sense of place. Utmost care is taken during harvest and cellaring to capture the true essence of the land. These techniques include small lot fermentations, extended maceration, no use of chemical fining, premium cooperages, and minimum racking as the wine ages. These are truly hand-made wines of distinctive character.

S

Chateau Margene Estate Vineyard & Winery 4385 La Panza Road, Creston, CA 93432

(805) 238-2321 chateaumargene.com In our 21st vintage, Chateau Margene produces highly rated, luxury Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon from our estate vineyard & winery and luxury Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands.

We use “best practices” throughout our organic and sustainable viticultural program.

Our estate tasting room is open Friday through Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our wines can also be tasted at our Morro Bay location, open daily from noon to 7:00 p.m.

American Barn & ’ H Wood R

Let us surprise and delight you with the best this region has to offer!

1313 Park Street Paso Robles 805.226.5888 thomashillorganics.com

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N MI

I LA C E

AS C I R ME

E AG T I ER

Old Reclaimed Barn Wood • Barn Doors • Beams and More We supply homeowners and professionals with a large variety of old, authentic wood

3460 La Cruz Way, Paso Robles 805-610-7838 or 805-610-7839

americanbarnandwood.com • info@ americanbarnandwood.com california101guide.com

CA 101

Quick Stops and Curiosities

By Bill Warner

Monarch Butterfly Grove Pismo Beach Located in Pismo State Beach about a half mile off the 101 on State Route 1, this patch of vegetation loads up with migrating monarch butterflies during the winter months. The numbers fluctuate throughout the season and from year to year, but folks generally rate strolls through the grove in the highly impressive range of stuff to be seen. More up-to-date info can be found at monarchbutterfly. org, or by calling (805) 773-7170.

Bubblegum Alley 733 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo This is a 100-foot pedestrian alley encrusted with chewed bubblegum in San Luis Obispo. Who could resist that? A screaming eyesore or a Wonder of the Weird, depending on how you want to look at it, Bubblegum Alley has been around for decades.

And though the city is reported to have scoured it several times in the past ‌ well, the chewed gum always seems to grow back. The alley can be accessed near 733 Higuera St.

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“There’s no place like home – Let me find yours.”

RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® (805) 798-0516

DONNA SALLEN lic.#01488460

donnasallen.com · donna4remax@aol.com ·

1370 Cuyama Ojai, CA , 93023 Sitting perfectly on over an acre of land with citrus fruits and a driveway of Cypress trees.

Located minutes away from trails, organic grocer, coffee shops and yoga studio. This home has the modern design that unites family spirit, cozy atmosphere and large open spaces. Recently renovated this light filled house has a spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, polished concrete floors and custom doors leading out to a private backyard. The property’s meandering paths lead to an artist studio and a sleeping cottage. This home is made for a true Ojai lifestyle. $1,700,000

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“There’s no place like home – Let me find yours.”

RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® DONNA SALLEN lic.#01488460

(805) 798-0516 donnasallen.com · donna4remax@aol.com ·

2188 Sunset Ventura, CA , 93001 Welcome to this charming Ventura Heights ranch style home with some of the most spectacular Ocean Views. As you enter into the private, gated front yard you instantly notice that this beach home feels different. The gardens in the front yard not only offer you complete privacy they also have a true tropical feel. Your are welcomed into the home with lots of light and large windows in every room showcasing the Ocean Views. The living room is spacious, has a fireplace, and is open to the dining room and the kitchen which then leads you into a large den or bonus room. The master bedroom is light-filled and spacious, yet cozy.

There is also a fireplace in the second bedroom which adds warmth and charm. With every room in the house taking advantage of the ocean views you will notice the perfect mix of indoor/outdoor living. I’m certain most of your time will be spent on the deck outside overlooking your own mini orchard complete with citrus, peach, and avocado tress...and the Views! $1,150,000 california101guide.com

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Patty Waltcher 25 ye a r s o f e x p e r i e n ce m a tc h i n g

p e o p l e a n d p ro p e r t y i n t h e O j a i Va l l e y

D e l O ro Luxur y This recently remodeled and upgraded 3,000+ sq ft Spanish style home sits on one acre in the desirable Del Oro community, close to downtown. It includes a chef ’s kitchen, an impressive master suite, Brazilian hardwood floors, a large porch-style balcony with sweeping mountain views, a family orchard and drought tolerant landscaping.

Offered at $1,895,000 520DelOroDrOjai.com

I will help you discover the home that brings peace to your mind and heart (805) 340-3774 100

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