Ventana Monthly - January 2020 by Times Media Group

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CONTENTS

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VOL.14 NO. 1

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

FE ATUR E S editor’s note

6 Go With the Flow

food & wine 10 Pouring Out the Love Wine recommendations for Valentine’s Day.

travel 12 How to UnCruise A cruise designed for travelers, not tourists.

Future Focus

HER

OUR

about town 22 Islands in Transition Discover the lesser-known destinations in Channel Islands National Park. cover Story 29 Beneath the Surface A deep dive into art, activism and imagination with Christine Ren, The Underwater Woman. conversation 35 Love Songs in the Key of Biggs Talking about the connection between music and love with Ojai composer John Biggs.

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8 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County

Holiday shopping spree

short list

40 A preview of coming attractions

COVER: In the Spotlight, featuring Christine Ren, The Underwater Woman. Photo by Justin Lutsky

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Home and Garden 18 4

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

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“M

GO WITH THE FLOW

y dream,” says Christine Ren, The Underwater Woman, “is to bring together movement, film and

ocean science.” Three distinct elements that, in Ren’s inspired approach, flow together beautifully. The Ventura-based artist and activist has made water her muse and medium in order to champion the ocean environment. Surprising, sometimes troubling, videos and photos depict an ocean under siege from pollution, ghost nets and other environmental hazards. And yet, by marrying a dancer’s grace with a visual storyteller’s gift for creating impactful imagery, these same artworks are also lovely and mesmerizing. A vitally important message, wrapped in the most elegant of packages. Not every story in this issue is so obviously and intimately concerned with the health of our oceans, but a love and appreciation for the aquatic environment does, indeed, course through our January/February edition. Ventana Monthly welcomes in 2020 with a wet and wonderful lineup. In addition to The Underwater Woman, we take a comprehensive look at Ventura County’s offshore neighbor, Channel Islands National Park, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Our About Town feature is all about the many ways you can explore this nearby wonderland. While the oft-visited Santa Cruz Island is down a landing spot (thanks to the construction of a new pier

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

at the popular Scorpion Anchorage), there are other entry points on the island to access its vast and special environment. In addition, local boat concessionaire Island Packers is running trips out to other islands in the park, and offering a host of whale watching and wildlife viewing tours. 2020 is a great year to get off the beaten track and discover more of what this island chain has to offer. If you feel like venturing further afield, consider an UnCruise. This aptly named travel company specializes in trips that take you into the nooks and crannies of your destination — places where “nature reigns and culture stays strong.” Far from the madding crowds that flock to the large cruise lines with their endless buffets, silly entertainment and shuffleboard, an UnCruise takes place on a small ship with a handful of other passengers, where you get up close and personal with local culture and the natural world. Read all about this kinder, gentler approach in Travel. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we feature Ojai-based composer John Biggs, who reflects on love, music and inspiration in Conversation. Even here there is a touch of H2O, as Biggs talks about his most current project, which he explains, “celebrates my love for the environment” — in this instance, the Santa Clara River. It’s a new year filled with promise and the potential for enriching experiences and adventures. I hope you embrace every opportunity that floats by, be it by land or by sea. – Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nancy@ventanamonthly.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer CONTRIBUTORS Emily Dodi Chuck Graham Chris O’Neal Leslie Westbrook GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Bret Hooper Vicki Linares Nathalie Proulx SALES MANAGER Warren Barrett ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jon Cabreros Caitlynn Hoehn Barbara Kroon

ADVERTISING sales@ventanamonthly.com EDITORIAL nancy@ventanamonthly.com PHONE 805.648.2244 FAX 805.648.2245 MAILING ADDRESS 700 East Main Street Ventura, CA 93001 Ventana Monthly is direct mailed to 25,000 select homeowners and distributed at over 600 business locations each month. Total circulation is 33,000.

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COMMUNITY

1 BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF VENTURA COUNTY HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPREE

he Los Angeles Rams made the holidays a lot brighter for the Little Brothers and Little Sisters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County. The pro NFL team helped organize two shopping sprees — one in Canoga Park and another in Oxnard. On Dec. 16, three “Littles” along with their “Big” siblings and their families were able to enjoy two hours shopping at PacSun at the Topanga Mall with Rams players Tyler Higbee (#89), Marqui Christian (#26) and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (#45). The following Thursday, Dec. 19, Andrew Whitworth (#77) gave $100 to each of 77 “Littles” to spend at Walmart on Rose Avenue. During the event, the kids enjoyed a special visit from Rams mascot, Rampage. It was a fun and inspiring example of the spirit of giving.

bbsvc.org 1. Top, from left: Little Sisters Samantha, Lydia, Alizal and Marissa; Big Sister Angie Jones, Director of Development Karyn Hagy, Tyler Higbee #89, BBSVC CEO Lynne West, Big Sister Jane Sabitsana-Nakao, Marqui Christian #26. Bottom row: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo #45, Little Brother Peter. 2. Rampage with Little Brother Ethan. 3. Big Sisters Mia, Isabel and Lauren of Channel Islands High School. 4. Little Brothers and Little Sisters with Rampage and Walmart District Manager Gary Vandertang. 5. Big Sisters Jennifer, Yajaira and Brianna of Channel Islands High School.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BBSVC

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FOOD & WINE

POURING OUT THE LOVE WINE SPECIALIST ERIC GARNIER RECOMMENDS SOME OF HIS FAVORITES VINTAGES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY. BY NANCY D. LACKEY SHAFFER

n Feb. 14, local restaurants will be packed with couples enjoying specially concocted, multi-course menus designed for wining, dining and impressing that certain someone on Valentine’s Day. A romantic evening on the town never goes out of style . . . but a quiet evening in offers its own pleasures. If you’re thinking of skipping the crowds and treating your Valentine to a delicious dinner cooked at home, Eric Garnier has some ideas on what you might serve with it. The manager of the Ventura Wine Company has decades in the wine business, and is himself an avid gourmet cook. He spoke with Ventana Monthly about his current favorites for Valentine’s Day, and what he might pour out for his own paramour.

REDS THE OJAI VINEYARD

2014 LA COTE PINOT NOIR

$35.99 A terroir-driven pinot with a low alcohol content (a mere 9 percent) and loamy earth and mushroom notes, rounded out by soft flavors of cherry, tart strawberry and spice. “I think this is an absolutely exceptional, full-bodied, Santa Rita Hills juice that goes perfect with duck or salmon,” Garnier says.

HONIG

2016 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON $41.99 If you’re picturing a substantial wine that will hold its own against something rich and meaty, then this heady cab from Rutherford, in western Napa County, is more than up for the challenge. “This is for the steak people,” Garnier states. “It’s not one of those wines you drink on the patio. It’s a food wine.” Full-bodied, round and juicy, it has the tannins to stand up to lamb and beef, with nuances of blueberry, dark chocolate and hazelnut. Big, expressive, yet elegant.

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WHITES DRAGONETTE CELLARS

2017 CHARDONNAY SANTA RITA HILLS

$35.99 A ripe, textured and complex white from a Los Olivos-based winery. Naturally occurring malolactic fermentation tamed the citrus and oak to allow a more floral character to come through. “I like this particular wine because it’s creamy and not really oaky,” Garnier says — making it ideal for special-occasion foods such as ravioli, risotto or lobster. “When you think of a buttery chard with that side of drawn butter alongside the lobster . . . they kind of go together.” HONIG

2017 RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC

$24.99 Garnier calls this Napa white “creamy and rich. Nice vanilla on the finish and a little bit of oak.” If you’re ditching the stove and oven for a platter of salami, cheese and fruit — a perfectly delightful dinner for many of us — this is the one you want to go with. Even if you’re crafting something more elaborate, consider this wine to accompany a first course. “A good option before dinner with hors d’oeuvres,” Garnier states. “Maybe with a little cheese plate or charcuterie.”

SPARKLING NICOLAS FEUILLATE

BRUT RESERVE NV

$29.99 It’s hard to beat the effervescent charm of a fine sparkling wine for special occasions. And while the fabulously fizzy are available from appellations worldwide, Garnier looks to the original — the Champagne region of France — for his Valentine’s Day 2020 recommendation. This “classic” French champagne offers up a yeasty quality for which wines from this region are known, and drinks far beyond its modest price. Best of all, it’s delightful, delicious and versatile enough to be enjoyed nearly any time of day or night, with any cuisine. “I could drink this champagne before, during or after dinner,” Garnier claims. “It’s the perfect way to start your evening . . . or end it.”

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Say “I Love You” with Chocolate

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HOW TO UNCRU A CRUISE DESIGNED FOR TRAVELERS, NOT TOURISTS

BY LESLIE A. WESTBROOK

rom underwater expeditions to whale watching to cultural immersion excursions, an UnCruise of the Hawaiian Islands aboard the Safari Explorer is the real deal. She will take you there . . . and then some.

UNCRUISE EXPERIENCE

Early on the third morning of a weeklong cruise, I am gently rocked awake. We are calmly plying the Pacific Ocean aboard the 145-foot-long Safari Explorer, a tourist ship built for 36 passengers, nearing our destination: the Hawaiian Islands, the most geographically remote islands on the planet. Today we are motoring from Lana’i to the Westside of Maui. I pull open the door to our compact but comfortable cabin. The sky is a soft pinkish blue and the ocean views extend as far as the eye can see. Another day at sea has begun. If you are one of those people who doesn’t resonate to the midnight buffets and oft-times cheesy entertainment offered by larger cruise lines, the more intimate, educational experience that UnCruise provides might just be the ticket to a dreamy holiday. More than half of the 22 guests on our Hawaiian sojourn had taken at least one previous UnCruise. UnCruise may be the 50th state’s best kept secret. The Safari Explorer is the only passenger ship allowed to dock on the tiny island of Molokai where, during the season, the ship departs from either Hawai’i (the Big Island) or Molokai, sailing for a week to a variety of locales, oft times decided on the spot based on weather and sea conditions. UnCruise provides a mix of onboard life with real experiences and interaction with the locals – not some canned version of the Hawaiian “dream”. In fact, you will return from your holiday more knowledgeable about the islands, even for those who have visited many times. I learned new things, despite having lived on the Big Island for a brief interlude some 15 years ago, from the correct pronunciation of Molokai (it’s mo-lo-kī) to the true definition of aloha (not hello and goodbye, but, simply, love). Poi is really called poi kalo (poi is a preparation of kalo, another word for taro) and a luau is called a pa’ina. Where a luau is a larger social gathering, the pa’ina is more of a cozy family celebration. The word luau means the food you eat, not the actual party or feast.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

ADVENTURES BY LAND AND SEA At almost 8 a.m., a brief announcement comes over the loudspeaker in our room from enthusiastic group leader/tour guide Ben: Two whales have been spotted. Everyone rushes to the bow of the ship for wildlife viewing. Water activities include kayaking, which allows participants to get up close and personal with a pod of spinner dolphins. The frisky mammals delighted us with their antics before our afternoon swim off the boat into the azure blue sea. Each time we re-board the ship, Terra, our awesome bartender, welcomes us with fresh fruit juices such as lilikoi or mixed berry . . . with optional add-ins such as rum or vodka. Our first two days included cultural immersion and/or hiking options. On Sunday, we met dedicated “cultural ambassador” Greg Pilipo, who invited us into his off-the-grid home in the sacred Halawa Valley on the 8

UISE

YELLOW TANGS are one of the many fish and other sea creatures to be encountered on a snorkeling excursion. Photo courtesy of Uncruise Adventures

east end of Molokai, where he introduced us to traditional norms. We walked to Greg’s home bearing gifts of dried coconut wrapped in banana leaves, and then greeted one another in the traditional mode: foreheads and noses touch with a deep breath (“ha”) in. The group then split up. Some forded a stream and hiked up to a 250-foot waterfall, passing ancients religious ruins (sacred heiau or temples) and conversing with the birds en route. Others sought the open-air classroom where Greg pounded kalo from his field on his family’s seventh-generation wooden board using two pumice pounders (also passed down) while sharing the fascinating history of the valley and his ancestors. The cuisine was superb, to put it mildly. Boston-trained chef Liz Samatis created a delightful range of delicious fare ranging from Nobu’s miso cod to Taco Tuesday. Breakfast specials ranged from delectable pancakes made with

taro flour and topped with coconut syrup, fresh mangos and macadamia nuts to avocado toast. Pastry chef Riley turned out exquisite desserts: house-made ginger lemongrass ice cream, Pavlova and a coffee semifreddo with salted chocolate slivers (which several passengers declared their favorite).

MAGICAL MAUI Our UnCruise itinerary included one of my favorite activities: swimming with the honu (green sea turtles) followed by afternoon kayaking. After a hearty “go local” breakfast (scrambled eggs with Spam and rice), we hopped aboard inflatable skiffs and traveled to an abandoned Maui wharf nestled between Lahaina and Kaanapali, a spot (like many we visited) better accessed by sea than land. I adjusted my mask and snorkel, slipped on my Continued on page 16

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

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Whidbey Island, Washington; Florida, Alaska and even Melbourne, Australia) and a few solo travelers from New Zealand and South Dakota. Two Millennial women rounded out our lively group of just 22 passengers. The ages of this merry band of travelers ranged from 30s to 70s — all sizes and shapes, robust and adventuresome, one and all! As the Safari Explorer plied the waters, the hum of the engine and gentle rocking were just soft enough to lull us to a wee afternoon nap — unlike the Alenuihaha Channel crossing the night before, from Maui to the Big Island. “’Twas a seven out of ten,” one of the crew members tells us the next day. Tossed from side to side, enough to keep us awake half the night and make us groggy the next day, we are relieved for calmer waters. “If it was a ten,” the crew member adds, “we call it the Alenuinot-so-ha-ha”. Despite the turbulence, these waters are the clearest of those surrounding the Big Island. Creatures we see snorkeling include bright yellow tangs, sea urchin hiding in the crevices of the coral and skinny needle fish swimming at the surface. Above the surface, we were privy to humpback, Baines beaked and pilot whales, as well as bottle-nosed dolphins. We “oohed” and “ahed” as we craned our necks — away from the delicious falafels and yogurt with dill and quinoa salad — to watch their antics.

SUNSET near Maui. Photo courtesy of Uncruise Adventures

GRAND FINALE

Our last night aboard we encountered the manta ray — a most surreal experience and definitely a highlight of our UnCruise. fins (all provided aboard the ship) and slid into the I jumped into the dark water in my snorrefreshing blue waters. Almost immediately a huge kel and fins and held onto a boogie board with turtle brushed past me. Before long I spotted three, a handful of my fellow passengers. We’d been four, five more swimming below and rising to the briefed beforehand, so when I found myself surface. I floated effortlessly, watching as small fish immediately looking into the cavernous mouth ate off the back of one large turtle — a symbol of of a huge ray whose ballet-like dance skims within DELECTABLE desserts are a highlight of good luck in the form of a guardian spirit. inches of my body, I remained calm — and full of every Uncruise dinner. Photo by Phil LeVasseur After about an hour in the water, we motored awe. Lanterns used to attract plankton lured, in turn, back to the Safari Explorer where we are welcomed back aboard with the immense, surreal-looking creatures doing somersaults. The experience delectable mimosas made with Spanish Cava and lilikoi juice. made for a mighty fine and memorable ending to our weeklong cruise. There’s time to relax before lunch (Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches) The next morning, we bid a “hana hou” to the wonderful crew who and optional afternoon activities. looked after us so ably and sweetly. The phrase translates to “until we meet again” — and I, too, hope to join the UnCruise’s repeat customers club. v

THANKSGIVING AT SEA Our weeklong sojourn coincided with Thanksgiving, and Chef Liz was able to procure two farm turkeys on Molokai. We were in store for a traditional holiday dinner with our new shipboard friends, which included a mother and daughter from Portland, several long married couples (from

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UNCRUISE ADVENTURES 888.862.8881 www.uncruise.com

HALAWA VALLEY Waterfall. Photo courtesy of Uncruise Adventures

SEA TURTLE encounter. Photo courtesy of Uncruise Adventures

INSPIRED SIDE TRIPS If you have time, plan a few days on either side of your weeklong ship excursion.

OAHU

Queen Kapiolani Hotel 150 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu 808.922.1941 www.QueenKapiolani.com If you have to stay in Honolulu, this is a top choice. Rates are more reasonable than many of the better known high-end hotels (with California resident discounts popping up at times) and the location at the far end of the strip offers a quieter experience with amazing ocean and Diamond Head views from upper-floor corner rooms, plus a great happy hour.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina 92-1001 Kolani St., Kapolei 808.679.0079 www.fourseasons.com/oahu/

Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill 64 Keawe St., Hilo 808.961.2572 www.jackiereys.com

This resort on the north side of the island offers a wonderful poolside lunch at Watermen, which includes burgers, salads, seafood, tacos and poke bowls.

This bar and grill in Hilo is fantastic for happy hour, with tropical cocktails and island-inspired pupus.

HAWAI’I, THE BIG ISLAND

Hilo Farmers Market Mamo St. and Kamehameha Ave. hilofarmersmarket.com

Hale Mohalu www.halemohalu.com Hale Mohalu, located in Pahoa and not far from Hilo, is a reasonably priced and elegantly off-the-grid rental home owned by noted California landscape designer Davis Dalbok. The gardens are amazing and the thoughtfully decorated three-bedroom, twobath house is topped off with an expansive deck and dreamy 12-foot long outdoor soaking tub.

We shopped Hilo’s terrific farmers market (open daily at 7 a.m., 6 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays — both designated as “Big Market Days”) for island-grown produce, flowers, clothing, crafts and more — including numerous (and delicious) dining options.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

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ISLANDS IN TRAN DISCOVER THE LESSER-KNOWN DESTINATIONS IN CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHUCK GRAHAM

he two weathered, wave-battered sea stacks were prominent on the western horizon. Jutting 100 feet high and just off the beach at Willows Anchorage on the south side of Santa Cruz Island, they were an incredible site from the seat of a kayak. The tide was low and the intertidal zone was exposed, with mussels, ochre sea stars and purple sea urchins glistening in the late morning sun. A pair of endemic island scrub jays broke the silence on a footprint-less, white sandy beach, Willows Anchorage being one of those hidden gems on the largest, most biodiverse isle off the California coast and within Channel Islands National Park. Willows will be one of many new trips offered in 2020 by Island Packers, the only boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park since 1968. The reason being? An elaborate pier structure is currently being built at Scorpion Anchorage near the southeast end of Santa Cruz. Scorpion Anchorage has been the main hub for visitors to the national park since the late 1990s. It will be at least eight months before the pier is built, but Island Packers, working in conjunction with the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), hasn’t wasted any time in developing new trips to little-known destinations on Santa Cruz Island and beyond to appease growing park visitation. Get ready to do some island hopping as Island Packers will explore more than ever the rich biodiversity of Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands, the five isles that comprise the remote national park. The building of the new pier may be a strain for all those involved, but there are some positives during this time of an island in transition. “We want to keep our employees working and provide trips for the visitor as much as we can to the islands,” said Cherryl Connally, who along with brother Mark owns Island Packers. “We are responsible to abide by the park contract as the concessionaire. We have survived for 51 years and we’re hoping to get through this challenge.” Here’s an island view of what Island Packers is offering. Some trips are more frequent than others, with weather and sea conditions dictating what’s available. There’s no denying, however, the rugged beauty and unique flora and fauna these windswept isles possess, with Island Packers offering the best opportunities to experience those natural wonders.

PRISONERS HARBOR Island Packers has been taking visitors to Prisoners Harbor for years. With the shutdown at Scorpion, however, Prisoners has become the new, most frequented destination in the park. Located six miles west of Scorpion Anchorage on the boundary of the NPS and TNC, Island Packers is dropping off day visitors for the five-mile, out-and-back, naturalist-led hike to scenic Pelican Bay. Backpackers disembark here as well, on their way to camp at Del Norte Campground 3.5 miles to the southeast. 8

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ABOUT TOWN

NSITION

SEA STACKS near Willows Anchorage, one of the hidden gems of Santa Cruz Island.

Continued on page 26

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Also increasingly popular are Island Packers’ half-day trips beginning with a cruise west to Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world. The massive grotto penetrates 1,215 feet into the volcanic cliffs, giving visitors the rare look inside a wave-battered cavern. As always, sea conditions determine if Island Packers can drive into the first chamber of Painted Cave. Visitors are then dropped off at Prisoners to spend two hours on the island. Kayaking has also been diverted to Prisoners Harbor. The NPS is allowing Channel Islands Adventure Company to continue leading kayak trips beginning at Prisoners and paddling west, just beyond Pelican Bay. There are fewer sea caves, but sightings of flora and fauna are frequent, and the human history is rich. Kayak rentals on the mainland are still available through Channel Islands Kayak Center, located next to Island Packers.

W I L L O W S A N C H O R A G E , C U E VA VA L D E Z , F R Y ’ S C O V E Island Packers will be transporting visitors to lesserknown destinations on Santa Cruz Island with permission from TNC. Willows. Cueva Valdez and Fry’s are all idyllic coves and anchorages on the northwest and south sides of the craggy isle. Island Packers will only offer one or two trips in the coming year, in the spring and fall months, to each locale. Look for announcements on the concessionaire’s website.

ABOVE: The pier at Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island.

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Each destination is visually pleasing and different from the other, offering unique experiences for the visitor. There are possibilities of seeing the endemic island scrub jay on land, and seabirds and marine mammals during crossings to and from Ventura Harbor.

ANACAPA ISLAND Now that the landing dock construction is complete, Island Packers has begun landing visitors on the east end of the narrow islet. Naturalist-led hikes take visitors to breathtaking Inspiration Point, and other hikes lead to Cathedral Cove and the lighthouse. Resident western gulls and California brown pelicans are seen every trip. In addition, Island Packers will offer a lot of island wildlife cruises around the narrowest island in the chain, with excellent sightings of California sea lions, common dolphins, possibly peregrine falcons and whales.

SANTA ROSA ISLAND For the first time, Island Packers will be running trips to Santa Rosa Island through the winter. The second largest isle off the California coast is epic, and its natural history and ranching history shouldn’t be missed. Day tripping visitors will have 3.5 hours on land with opportunities to hike through the Torrey Pine for-

FACING PAGE: Fluke of a diving humpback whale near Santa Cruz Island.

Camping on Santa Rosa Island is an experience not to be missed. Weather, mainly prevalent northwest winds, only enhance your time spent on this windswept isle, especially during the winter and spring. The return to Ventura Harbor offers good possibilities of marine mammal sightings and a pitstop at Painted Cave before crossing the channel.

PELAGIC BIRD WATCHING TRIPS The Santa Barbara Channel and the waters surrounding Channel Islands National Park are teeming with seafaring birdlife. Island Packers will offer at least three pelagic birdwatching trips for those looking to add to their life lists. Possibilities include sooty, black-vented and pink-footed shearwaters, murrelets, Cassin’s auklets, various gulls, phalaropes and maybe even an albatross. Knowledgeable birders are onboard to point out rarely seen species, and there may even be a run out to Santa Barbara Island to see brown boobies that have recently colonized Sutil Island, a 13-acre rocky islet just south of the smallest isle off the coast. “We are glad to bring people to other places besides Scorpion and bringing awareness of these special trips to the visitor,” said Connally. v

IF YOU GO Channel Islands National Park www.nps.gov/chis Island Packers 1691 Spinnaker Drive, #105B, Ventura 805.642.1393 www.islandpackers.com Santa Barbara Adventure Company 32 East Haley Street, Santa Barbara 805.884.9283 www.sbadventureco.com est. There’s only one other like it in the world (in San Diego). From the pier to the pines and following the loop trail through the pines and back to the pier is 7.5 miles. There’s also another hike worth considering through Cherry Canyon, a narrow, botanically rich environment that offers stunning views of Bechers Bay and Santa Cruz Island. From the pier and back is 3.5 miles. There’s also time to explore the historic Vail & Vickers cattle ranch before heading back to the boat.

Channel Islands Adventure Company 34 East Hailey Street, Santa Barbara 805.884.9283 www.islandkayaking.com Channel Islands Kayak Center 3600 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard 805.984.5995 www.cikayak.com

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COVER STORY

BENEATH THE SURFACE A deep dive into art, activism and imagination with Christine Ren, The Underwater Woman.

JELLYFISH SOUP, Brett Stanley

BY EMILY DODI

ne of Christine Ren’s first memories is of being a little girl at the community pool in rural Pennsylvania where she grew up. She hadn’t yet learned how to swim but, as Ren recalls, “I would just pace and pace along the pool and watch the older kids swim. I’m a very visual learner.” Before anyone knew it, she adds, “It was like, ‘Oh, my God, she’s in the water!’ ” Instead of tragedy, a trajectory was begun. “My mom always said I swam before I could walk,” Ren says. “She couldn’t get me out of the water.” Over the years, she’s gone from her local pool to far-off oceans to the shores of Ventura — her adopted home. “I love Ventura,” Ren says. Living close to the ocean is key. She finds that “the ocean is recharging.” That is a good thing for a very busy person. Ren’s life has taken her from being a professional dancer to earning a degree in marine affairs and policy from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science to working on the PBS series Changing Seas to creating powerful narrative underwater images and films. As stated on her website, www.theunderwaterwoman.com, Ren’s “skill

sets and work history [are] an eclectic mix of marine science, professional dance and entrepreneurship but that, at her core, she is an artist and passionate visual storyteller.” Continued on page 31

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BETWEEN WORLDS, Justin Lutsky

“My dream,” Ren says, “is to bring together movement, film and ocean science.” To that end — or rather, to a new beginning — Ren is in the early stages of creating Imaginesque, the “world’s first underwater performance and produc-

tion company.” It is a “first-of-its-kind production company, built on female-driven imagination.” The company builds upon Ren’s existing underwater narrative style but moves from photo and into film — specifically to exactingly choreographed underwater dance performances for camera. Like with all promising start-ups, Ren is looking for investors and she has reason to be optimistic. Everything that comes to pass in her life and career seems to have a certain inevitable, beautiful flow to it. “My life works in mysterious ways, like a snow globe,” she says, adding that one minute she can say, “Oh, look, how nice and quiet and then: shake, shake, shake.” One thing that has always held firm in Ren’s life is her love of the water. Throughout her career she has translated that passion into purpose. Known professionally as The Underwater Woman, Ren has produced a stunning portfolio of images and films depicting herself and/or other performers in sublime, impactful movement underwater. She calls it “Imagery that drives action.” Her elegantly choreographed works, shot by renowned photographers, meld fantasy and stark reality. They exalt the beauty of the ocean and the human form contrasted against the ugliness of pollution and other threats to the environment. Her videos of underwater performances are often accompanied by a message about the dangers that plastics, “ghost nets” and other hazards pose to the ocean. There is something extremely refreshing about Ren that allows her to deliver dire scientific facts with a touch of optimism — a belief that humans really can get our act together in time. Ren began capturing choreographed underwater movement with a GoPro camera in swimming pools in Florida. She learned that the work wasn’t easy, but she loved it. She also realized that it required a skillful team; it takes a lot of hands to get the “highly styled” look she seeks. It didn’t phase her — or change her vision. She continued to think up new ideas. “I’m always sketching,” Ren says, “I have very persistent, wake-you-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night images. I carried a sketchbook around for about eight years until I saw Brett Stanley’s work.” That’s when everything really clicked. She reached out to Stanley and they met in San Francisco. She showed him some of her sketches. Before long, they were collaborating. One of their most popular collaborations is Blind Spots, which features Ren underwater pushing a shopping cart that is literally overflowing with plasContinued on page 32

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tic garbage: bags, bottles, cups, packaging, the gamut. Ren is blindfolded with a “scarf” fashioned from a black garbage bag. Another one of Ren’s and Stanley’s collaborations is a series entitled Jellyfish Soup. The photographs depict a dire consequence of ocean pollution and over-fishing, which is to say: There won’t be anything left alive in the ocean but jellyfish. (Not that there’s anything wrong with jellyfish.) These images, like all of Ren’s work, are as meaningful as they are stunning. Calling attention to the plight of the world’s oceans is vitally important to her. “I see so many people walking around thinking they are a separate entity from other people and the world.” Ren’s guiding principle is this: “How do I embody the love I feel for the ocean?” Her hope is that she can help people “feel connected to the environment” because she believes that it is only when people feel “fundamentally connected” that any meaningful change is possible. This is what she strives to achieve through her work. Her portfolio is filled with photographs and videos that entice the viewer with images filled with natural beauty and sensuous curves and angles. But look beneath the surface (pardon the pun) and there is a deeper message. Take the series entitled Silent Killers, photographed by Jose G. Cano. In the photographs and captured in the accompanying video, Ren swirls in an ominous pas de deux with a fishing net. Protect What’s Precious, shot by Brett Stanley, depicts Ren as a righteous defender of the coral reef against a trawl net. Resurrection Science, photographed by Chiara Salomoni, shows Ren in a lab coat studying a rejuvenated piece of coral. (A playful nod to her marine science background, perhaps?) In a selection of works photographed by Justin Lutsky, including Balancing Act, Leap of Faith and others, Ren’s artful movement takes prominence over activist symbolism and yet the message of loving the ocean carries through loud and clear. To date, Ren’s work has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times online and has been featured on Nat Geo, KQED and other outlets. She’s also helped people make a change in their own lives. “I spent a lot of time last year teaching,” Ren says. That included hosting several destination retreats across the world, in places such as Thailand, Mexico and the Maldives, as well as popular “underwater play days” in Los Angeles. They all focused on “underwater movement and healing immersion.” At the end of

SILENT KILLERS, Jose L. Gay Cano

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each session, every participant went home with an underwater selfportrait taken by a professional photographer. The real end result, however, was far greater than a very nice souvenir. “Water is healing,” Ren explains. “By the end of the retreats people had profound experiences . . . Essentially what happens when you’re underwater is that you go into a very deep meditative flow state.” She adds that by literally immersing themselves in underwater exercises and movements, participants often come to deep realizations.

RESURRECTION SCIENCE, Chiara Salomoni

For instance, Ren says many of them began to realize that, “we are more than our bodies.” In the water, she adds, “our edges disappear. It’s very PURE FLOW, Justin Lutsky powerful.” As she states on her website, “The water is the one place you can infinitely pour whatever you’re carrying.” In other words, Ren says, water is where you “can find your freedom.” Ren seems to be finding her own freedom of late. While she plans to continue to do private one-on-one immersion sessions, she is putting her focus on growing the business of Imaginesque. “My ultimate goal is to wake up every day and just be me.” That means making art that matters to her and the world. “I feel like I was put on Earth to do this. It’s what I’m meant to

do.” She adds that, “We have to show up as our best selves. The world needs us to do that.” The ocean needs Christine Ren — and the rest of us. Ren’s work is a stark and beautiful reminder of that. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association states on its official site, “The ocean is the lifeblood of Earth,” and while it covers 70 percent of the planet’s surface, it is largely a mystery to us. More than 80 percent of “this vast, underwater real remains unmapped, unobserved, unexplored.” It is not, however, unloved. Not as long as Christine Ren has anything to say about it. The performer, filmmaker and speaker has made the Earth’s “lifeblood” her life’s work. And it couldn’t be more worthwhile. v

THE UNDERWATER WOMAN www.theunderwaterwoman.com me@theunderwaterwoman.com See videos and more at Christine Ren’s YouTube channel, The Underwater Woman, at www.youtube.com/channel/ UCZumsNxurgSnQRiKdOLI_6g.

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IN THE KEY OF BIGGS Talking about the connection between music and love with Ojai composer John Biggs.

CONVERSATION

LOVE SONGS BY LESLIE WESTBROOK

Ah,

music and love. Such a “loverly” subject. Music inspires. Music can make you fall in love with someone, something or even a place. It can make you cry. Movies would be boring without music. Music is great to cook by, dance to and sing along with. I once fell in love — with Tierra Amarilla in Northern New Mexico — while driving around listening to a CD by Ventura College professor/recording artist Bevan Manson. Music’s power and majesty, particularly where love is concerned, cannot be overstated. With Cupid’s arrow due to strike on Feb. 14, I found myself musing on music and love. If I could interview anyone on the subject I would choose the composer Alma Mahler (1879-1964), known for her assignations with famous, creative men (artist Gustav Klimt; composer Gustav Mahler, Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, writer Franz Werfel, artist Oskar Kokoschka). Alma Maria Mahler Gropius Werfel was a Viennese-born composer, author, editor and socialite. She composed at least 17 songs for voice and piano — somewhat dark and all quite beautiful. I would include Alma to one of those imaginary dinner parties where you can invite anyone from history. Instead, I found myself at Danny’s Deli on Telegraph Avenue in Ventura, musing with Ojai-based composer John Biggs over a late breakfast of shared potato pancakes, clam chowder and tuna sandwiches. Born into a musical family on Oct. 18, 1932, Biggs received training in acting, singing, piano, bassoon and violin, and was a member of his father’s church choir. As a performer, he founded the John Biggs Consort, which specialized in vocal chamber music from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. As a composer, his output is varied, and includes chamber, vocal, choral and orchestral music as well as compositions for the stage. I’d only heard one work by Biggs performed live — his stunning “Quartet for Strings” at the 2017 Ventura Music Festival chamber music program. (Listeners also celebrated Biggs’ 85th birthday that evening.) I’ve listened to several CDs, however, and excerpts online. Biggs’ music is far and wide reaching and includes quirky and spunky folk songs, traditional choral music, dramatic chamber pieces and symphonies, operas and more. He writes lyrics and librettos for his works, but also sets words to his musical compositions from regional poets to Pablo Neruda to those from Santa Barbara Dental Surgery (more on that in a moment). Now 87 years old, he is, perhaps, at a fine age to look back across the landscape of his life and ponder love. Biggs is a sensitive man who is prone to shed a tear. He was rather serious during our breakfast meeting, but I discovered that he could be pretty funny musically as well as serious. He has twisted the usually cheerful “Oh! Susannah” into a sad lament, and set his Santa Barbara tooth extraction aftercare instructions to music. “At UCLA, where it premiered, in the office where they were supposed to print the text for the concert, they called me in and said they couldn’t print that song because it said ‘Keep bowels open.’ ” the composer recalled, “But I sang it clearly and everybody could hear the words. It was a big hit!” }}

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The Biggs Family Ensemble at Disneyland, 1978, with Biggs, Terri and daughters Adrienne and Jennifer.

John Biggs and Salli Terri at UCLA in 1967.

Biggs has been married four times, first to a concert pianist, then to the singer and arranger Salli Terri for 30 years, with whom he had two children. He later married painter Carol Rosenak (16 years) and is currently married to former educator Robbie Sheppard. Biggs and I share a funny love connection: His second wife, Salli Terri, was my father’s girlfriend for a couple of years before he married my mother. How did you meet and fall in love with Salli Terri? I was singing in the UCLA choir with Roger Wagner as conductor. I joined the Roger Wagner chorale in 1957 and met Salli (who sang and arranged for the choir). I was 25, she was 35. She also sang for weddings at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, where my father was organist. I came in with a black eye (from a glass I dropped) and was wearing zoris [flip flops] and had a butch haircut. Salli turned to her friend Maxine and said, “What is that?” She was dating another singer at the time, Tony Katics, who sang with the Stan Kenton group The Modern Men. Soon after I was attending a big mass for someone who had died

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and was walking out of the church and saw a gal with long black hair in the choir loft. Our eyes met and there was an immediate attraction. During our first conversation on the phone she was thinking so fast and being so witty — and topping me with better puns! She was a very bright woman. I was freshly divorced and our first date was to see the film version of Menotti’s opera, The Medium. Did you ever write a composition for her? I dedicated a set of songs that I wrote, “Vocal Bouquet,” to Salli. It was a new relationship and I wanted to give her something. She thought it was wonderful. What do love and music have to do with one another? When you agree on the same kind of music you like and you like the same thing — especially if it’s esoteric, like Gloria Cheng or sacred choral music — if you are sitting and enjoying the same kind of music, it’s a kind of communion that other people don’t have on a highly aesthetic and beautiful level. People who enjoy sports and see a game together, that’s another thing. Going on a trip with classical music is a kind of sharing. Salli was by far my longest marriage. [No doubt due to shared musical interests.] Continued on page 38

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Have you been inspired to compose music for someone you loved? The piece for my mother. It’s one of my strongest pieces: Songs of Laughter, Love and Tears. When you think of love songs, what comes to mind? Salli really loved my cycle, Songs of Laughter, Love and Tears. She especially loved the setting of Annabelle Lee by Edgar Allan Poe. It was the first piece I wrote after my mother died. If you were to write a piece to Cupid, what would it consist of at this stage in life? Probably to a Pablo Neruda text; he’s one of my favorites. I did write something for one of my students I fell in love with, “Christmas Canticles.” She was a very fine soprano who went on to have a fine career. What are you currently working on? Actually a piece that celebrates my love for the environment. It’s an unusual project commissioned by three ladies in Santa Paula that like my music and the Santa Clara River. They want to keep the river and the area around it wild, so they asked me to write something to draw attention to the river. I decided to make it a kind of fantasy, so the river is talking to the listener. It’s about the 83-mile trip it makes to the ocean carrying steelhead trout. There’s going to be a video, too, in the 10-minute piece with a score excerpted from my Second Symphony. v

“If you are sitting and enjoying the same kind of music, it’s a kind of communion that other people don’t have on a highly aesthetic and beautiful level.”

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Holy Cross School 2020 Open House

THIS YEAR, WOMEN MAKE HISTORY...AGAIN. American Heart Association Central Coast 2020 Ventura County Go Red for Women Luncheon February 21, 2020 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Four Seasons Westlake Village GoRedVC.heart.org

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SHORT LIST SPIRITUAL BODIES: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLTON WILKINSON

Through Feb. 29 | Thousand Oaks Photographer Carlton Wilkinson has long been fascinated by the arts of the African diaspora, which led to this extraordinary collection of intimate photographs, combining two bodies of work: On the Altar of Liberty and African Male Museum. The churches depicted in On the Altar of Liberty played a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement, which brought voices from the African diaspora to the forefront of the American psyche. This collection of evocative photos captures memory, loss, longing, and tenderness through a range of models and techniques, serving as a reminder of a great past and an uncertain future. Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture, California Lutheran University, Soiland Humanities Center, 120 Memorial Parkway, Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www. blogs.callutheran.edu/kwanfong.

PETE HOLMES: SILLY SILLY FUN BOY TOUR

Jan. 24-26 | Oxnard Comedian, writer, actor, cartoonist, podcast host, and author Pete Holmes brings his weird brand of comedy to Oxnard for an entire weekend. His wildly popular podcast, You Made It Weird, is a comedic exploration of the meaning of life, with guests ranging from Deepak Chopra and Elizabeth Gilbert to Seth Rogan and Garry Shandling. Pete also created and starred in the semi-autobiographical HBO show Crashing, which he executive produced alongside Judd Apatow. Tickets $25-75. Oxnard Levity Live, 591 Collections Blvd., Oxnard. For more information, visit www.improv.com/oxnard.

HAPPY 250TH, LUDWIG!

Jan. 25-26 | Thousand Oaks Conductor Stefan Sanderling welcomes the Eroica Trio in a dazzling performance of Ludwig von Beethoven’s Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello, Piano, and Orchestra and Symphony No. 3 “Eroica.” The New West Symphony Orchestra celebrates Beethoven’s passionate music which stands the test of time with this birthday celebration. Prior to the show, a fun and informative talk will be held on the composer’s work and legacy. Saturday, Jan. 25: Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sunday, Jan. 26: Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo. Tickets: $30-120. For more information, visit www.newwestsymphony.org.

CONEJO VALLEY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS AND ENSEMBLES PRESENT: TALES FROM RUSSIA

Jan. 26 | Thousand Oaks The Mighty Five were a group of Russian composers who in the 1860s banded together in an attempt to create a truly national school of Russian music. The group’s compositions were influenced by Russian tales and poetry. The Conejo Valley Youth Orchestras and Ensembles will perform Russian favorites composed by three of the The Mighty Five: Borodin, Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov as well as pieces by Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. Tickets $10-35. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www.cvyo.org.

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS

Feb. 1 | Thousand Oaks The spellbinding artistry and amazing athletics of the Golden Dragon Acrobats will thrill audiences and children alike. Worldrenowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and beauty. Single tickets $19-41; group discounts available. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m. at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. For more information call 805-449-ARTS (2787) or visit bapacthousandoaks.com.

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THROUGH

FEB. 29

SPIRITUAL BODIES - THOUSAND OAKS

NEVER, NOT ONCE

Feb. 5-23 | Ventura When a young biology student raised by two mothers decides to learn more about her DNA, she reaches out to the man she believes to be her father, forcing everyone around her to relive a painful hidden past. Recipient of the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award, this play by Carey Crim which recently premiered at Jeff Daniels’ The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan, captures our desire to understand our past and the choices we make in life. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday, various times. Tickets $24-59. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. For more information, visit www.rubicontheatre.org.

SIMI VALLEY TOY AND COMIC FEST

Feb. 9 | Simi Valley The gathering of all-things comic-book and pop-culture related will feature an artist alley where you can meet local comic artists, a full vendor and exhibitor hall for that one-of-a-kind collectible, special celebrity guests, a gaming room, a full panel and programming schedule plus themed activities and contests. Set phasers to fun and get ready for Simi Valley’s foray into the world of the fantastic. Tickets $10-15. Grand Vista Hotel, 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley. For more information, visit www.simivalleytoycomicfest.com.

FEBRUARY 1

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS - THOUSAND OAKS

8TH ANNUAL SEASIDE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, 5K AND 10K

Feb. 16 | Ventura Runners, start your engines! The 8th annual Seaside Marathon kicks off on Feb. 16 at 7 a.m. sharp. Runners will pass by the picturesque seaside in an effort to catch the runner’s high beginning at Emma Wood State Beach. This is the first of three in a series of races to take place along the Ventura coast. Completing all three awards the runner a special medal! For more information and to register, visit www.seasidemarathon.com.

INSPIRATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF OUR OCEANS

Feb. 19 | Oxnard Join marine biologist and educator with Ocean Futures Society Holly Lohuis for a talk on sustainability and the future of our world’s oceans. Lohuis has been diving the world’s oceans with Jean-Michel Cousteau and his team since 1996. For her talk, Lohuis will highlight the complexities of the ocean environment and some of the impacts that are threatening the long-term vitality of our water planet. Tickets $5-7. Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard. For more information, visit www.cimmvc.org.

VENTURA FLEA MARKET

Feb. 23 | Ventura The not-to-be-missed event returns for 2020, featuring antiques, used and new merchandise sold by over 500 vendors. More than 5,000 buyers visit the market each time it is held, searching for the next big Antiques Roadshow score or simply for that finishing touch to the home. The next flea market will be held in March and concludes on Nov. 5. Special early bird admission 6-9 a.m., $10; regular admittance 9 a.m.-2 p.m., $5. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. For more information, visit www.rgcshows.com/Ventura.aspx.

ON THE HORIZON VGMS GEM & MINERAL SHOW

March 7-8 | Ventura Over 50 exhibits featuring gems, minerals, fossils, meteorites, lapidary and jewelry arts alongside demos of lapidary arts, jewelry making and gold panning will be hosted at this 58-year-old event. Kids’ activities will include digs and demonstrations and tnterspersed throughout the day will be silent auctions and a raffle as well as a country store flea market and plant sale. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. For more information, visit www.vgms.org.

FEBRUARY 16

FUTURE OF OUR OCEANS - OXNARD

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of youron approval the 1st proof, check off “FINAL PROOF (APPROVED)” box, sign dateatand at the bottom. ISSUE: JAN. - FEB. 2020 ourmeets approval the 1ston proof, check off “FINAL PROOF (APPROVED)” box, date and thesign bottom. ISSUE: JAN. - FEB. 2020

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VENTANA HOME SALES INDEX HOMES SOLD

AVERAGE PRICE

➡ 0.0%

DECEMBER 2018 VS. 2019 TREND

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

Tina Comden CalBRE 00953910

+14.6% CAMARILLO

Meet Your Real Estate Team

DECEMBER ‘18

DECEMBER ‘19

65 $725,700

78 $694,200

4 $462,200

5 $439,300

Integrity, professionalism and enthusiasm are my way of doing business. I love helping amazing people buy or sell homes in West Ventura County. One of the greatest compliments I received as a Realtor was "With you it feels like anything is possible, and it's all done with a love and a smile". With my nearly 25 years in Real Estate my goal is to make your real estate experience smooth and stress free! 805-218-5926

FILLMORE

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE NEWBURY PARK

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

28 $761,900

32 $766,100

27 $708,600

30 $822,600

12 $938,100

11 $951,300

85 $665,800

99 $638,100

MOORPARK

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE OJAI

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

Bob Ridgway CalBRE 01060428

A Ventura native, Bob understands and embraces the local cities and their culture. With nearly 30 years of real estate experience, he is able to present his clients a full understanding of the local real estate climate. “I love the city of Ventura and the surrounding communities of Oxnard, Camarillo, Ojai and others. To me and my family there is no place that has everything West Ventura County has to offer.” Cal Bob for all of your real estate needs! 805-351-3500

OXNARD

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

CalBRE 02035904

PORT HUENEME

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

22 $377,100

27 $374,800

10 $555,600

12 $506,100

105 $597,800

122 $630,000

62 $992,600

69 $974,600

SANTA PAULA

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE SIMI VALLEY

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

Albert Barosso My enthusiasm for helping others helps me connect with clients and create a new positive change in lifestyle and living. From a past client: "We bought in a tough market and Albert pulled out all his creative tactics and tapped into his very large network of resources when it came to crunch time." I truly love my work and am grateful. Please call me for a free home or investment evaluation. 805-901-3654.

THOUSAND OAKS

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE

“Work Hard & Be Nice To People”

VENTURA

# HOMES SOLD AVERAGE PRICE TOTAL # OF SALES

EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE

65 $655,500

71 $628,600

485

556

Ventana Monthly Home Sales Index is presented each month as part of the real estate section. The figures are sourced from sales reported to MLS for the period of 12/1/19 to 12/31/19. Ventana Monthly Home Sales Index © Ventana Monthly, 2020.

CRBrealestate.com | 805-351-3500 2831 N. Ventura Rd., Oxnard • 1071 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 |

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Island View Apartments

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hutters have been the most elegant, yet practical way to cover your interior windows and doors. More than just a window covering, shutters are an expression of your good decorating taste, and have been the fashion choice of interior designers and stylists for decades. They never seem to go out of fashion, and in fact, their popularity has been increasing. Increase Your Home’s Value

1 Bedrooms from $2,095 2 Bedrooms from $2,425

Shutters count as a permanent fixture, or improvement, to your home. This means that when an appraisal is done on your property your shutters will be used to increase the value of your home. Blinds and draperies are considered a temporary item and do not add this value to your appraisal. Types of Shutters Shutters can be made in a variety of shapes and almost any size. Woodcraft Shutters has sold shutters for windows, sliding and French doors, arched and raked top windows, octagon and round windows, oval windows and semi-circle windows. Shutters for rounded windows can have a fan shaped shutter treatment, or an arch top with operable horizontal louvers. Wood vs. Synthetic Shutters Woodcraft Shutters sells both wood and “poly” (or extruded compressed foam) shutters. We do not sell vinyl or compressed fiberboard (or MDF) shutters, which are inferior products.

Ask about our Premium Island View Units!

“Poly”, or extruded compressed foam, is a solid, paintable product, often made in the United States. It most resembles wood, cuts like wood, and can be used in very high moisture areas like in showers or above sinks. Woodcraft Shutters does sell this poly product for these kinds of applications—the panels are made in California. Unfortunately poly shutters, being made from petroleum products, are actually more costly than hardwood shutters. So why purchase wood shutters? They are more durable than MDF or vinyl shutters. They can be made into much wider panels than any of the alternatives, enhancing your views and light. And they are less costly than poly shutters. They also insulate better (being solid wood) than other shutters and are truly a natural and sustainable product for your home.

Woodcraft LiveIslandView.com • 805.644.8439 6160 Promontory Lane, Ventura CA 93003 Just off Victoria Ave., Behind Montalvo Square OFFICE HOURS: Weekdays 9am – 6pm • Saturday 10am – 6pm • Sunday 11am – 6pm 44

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COMING SOON! BETTER CALL BLAKE!

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Built in 2017, this beautiful custom Cape Cod was thoughtfully designed with entertaining and family gatherings in mind. At approx. 4888 SF, the home has 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, with an elevator serving all levels. A media room, game room, office & bonus room offer ample space for work and play, most with views. The great room has a dining area, gorgeous coffered ceiling, fireplace and a wall of glass that opens to a large oceanfront deck with breathtaking views!

The spacious kitchen is a gourmet dream, with quartz countertops, a large center island with 2 dishwashers and a peninsula that seats 8, a Thermador Range, double convection ovens, custom panel fridge, a wet bar & butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pantry. The master has amazing views up and down the coast. The master sitting area has a fireplace and a trifold window, which is the ideal vantage-point to see dolphins playing in the surf or watch shooting stars over the ocean. The master bath

includes 2 vanities in separate spaces, 2 walk-in closets, an ocean-view tub and a large ocean-view shower. There are 3 decks total, all with views. The covered rear deck has a built-in Evo for Teppan-style grilling. A true show place! Presented by Ariel Palmieri and Karen Stein, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. 805-746-2070. BEDROOMS:

BATHROOMS: PRICE:

5.5

$5,600,000

ENCHANTING GARDENS & MESMERIZING VIEWS!

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805-856-9350 www.BlakeMashburn.com Everest

CalB.R.E. #01065624

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

Ideally situated on a 1/4+/acre lot, with some 2286+/- SF of living space, all on 1-floor, with 2 living areas, 4BR & 3BA, the main living area boasts a lovely fireplace & loads of windows, plus French doors that bring the outside in! The den features built-in bookcases & entertainment center, custom window coverings & opens to a large, raised, Trex-like material deck, canopied by a mature Pepper Tree with beautiful

MOUNTAIN, VALLEY & CITY LIGHT VIEWS! The dining area opens to the gourmet kitchen with a tasteful blend of hickory floors, cherry cabinets, granite counters & stainless-steel appliances! The spacious master-bedroom boasts a lovely en suite bathroom finished in Travertine & features an e-z entrance shower! Fully fenced front & rear yards with beautiful gardens! Front & rear decking! Auto sprinkler systems! Stamped concrete driveway!

Newer furnace with electronic air-filtration! Central A/C! Waterconditioning system! Newer 200 amp main panel! Newer windows! Newer roof! Newer garage door & opener! Better Call Blake! Century 21, Everest, DRE#01065624. 805-368-0202. BEDROOMS:

BATHROOMS:

PRICE:

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 |

$899,000

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Ariel Palmieri

Juliet Esquibias

CalDRE #01501968

CalDRE #01831073

Karen Stein

CalDRE #01505059 REALTORS®

REALTOR®

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

JulietReviews.com JulietReviews.com NEW LISTING

935 Mandalay Beach Road, Mandalay Shores

1511 Mandalay Beach Road, Mandalay Shores

Spectacular Mandalay Shores Oceanfront! Custom-built in 2017, this home with approx. 4888 SF has breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. There are 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, two offices, and an elevator serving all levels. The gourmet kitchen opens to a great room with floor to ceiling windows to maximize the stunning views. Listed for $5,600,000

Mandalay Shores beachfront, AIA award-winning custom modern home. Approx. 4000 SF with great views of the ocean and islands. Located on a large lot on a deep, sandy beach, the main home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, plus there is a 1+1 guest unit with separate entrance. Extensively upgraded with exceptional finishes. Listed for $3,895,000

1435 Marine Way, Mandalay Shores 3 + 2 1680 SF Remodeled ocean front A-Frame with breaktaking views. Fabulous ocean frontage on a highly-desired street. 10,000 SF lot, with 40 feet across of ocean frontage. Neutral coastal colors and decorator touches combine to make this classic beach house ready for 2020! Listed for $2,995,000

NEW LISTING

2461 Jamestown Court, Mandalay Bay, Oxnard Multiple Boat Docks for Water Leisure! West and North corner location provides an oversized boat dock easement with multiple docks. Light-filled home with many upgrades and more than 200 feet of dock space. 4 bedrooms + 3 baths – 2,192 SF Listed for $1,795,000

SALE PENDING

1130 Capri Way, Mandalay Shores

1218 Rugby Avenue, East Ventura

Across from the sand, this spacious 4 bedroom + bonus room property is on sought-after Capri Way. The gorgeous remodeled kitchen, large deck and private yard with ocean and beach views make this an entertainer’s delight. Approx. 2511 SF. Listed for $1,750,000

Just listed! Single-story 3 + 2 with approximately 1256 square feet. Large lot with potential RV access. Welllocated near Kimball Aquatic Center and sought-after public schools. Listed for $560,000

SALE PENDING

5227 Sealane Way, Mandalay Shores Ideal location west of Mandalay Beach Road, on an oversized lot with a 3-car garage, this home has amazing beach and ocean views from the living room and deck! With approx. 2546 SF, the home has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. A private yard includes a hot tub. Only a few lots from the sand.

SALE PENDING

1342 Bayside Circle, Oxnard

1917 American Way, Ventura

A spectacular designer renovation made this Westport townhome a masterpiece. The gourmet kitchen has beautiful stone counters, finecrafted cabinetry, a large pantry, and a custom island. Features include 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a fireplace in the living room, 2 terraces, a patio, and attached 2-car garage. HOA is gated with pool and spa.

This spacious townhome has approx. 1959 SF with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The private patio is located off the kitchen and family room for outdoor grilling, and the large loft would make a great office or playroom. Attached 2-car garage. HOA has pool and spa.

Exceptional Real Estate Within Ventura, Santa Barbara , & Los Angeles Counties

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

Ariel Palmieri

Karen Stein

The Wright Way Team listed or sold nearly $50,000,000 in 2019. Compass Concierge Compass covers upfront costs for home improvements to sell your home faster and for top dollar. No hidden fees. No interest—ever. Serivces may include: • • • •

Staging Decluttering Painting Moving & storage

• • • •

Cosmetic renovations Landscaping Flooring Roofing repair

Compass Coming Soon Buying – Before it’s out there, it’s on Compass.com. Find the home you’ve been looking for before it hits the market, only at Compass.com. Selling – Drive buyer interest and buzz, and gather valuable feedback, with Compass Coming Soon, which affords perspective buyers a glimpse of your home, before it officially comes on the market.

Compass Bridge Loans A simple solution to bridge the gap between the home you have and the home you want. Compass Bridge Loan Services gets you access to competitive rates and dedicated support from industryleading lenders, with the exclusive option to get up to six months of your loan payments fronted when you sell your home with us.

Call The Wright Way Team today to find out how we can offer white glove service and exclusive access to a suite of industry defining programs, to help you accomplish your 2020 real estate goals.

PASSIONATE LOCAL AGENTS. UNPARALLELED MARKETING REACH. INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY. RESULTS DELIVERED. AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER. Adrian Wright 818.939.6415 adrian.wright@compass.com DRE 00935559

Jordan Wright 818.746.6987 jordanwright@compass.com DRE 01952694

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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