Ventura County Reporter 12-29-22

4 OPINION

Purple is the New Party: The Grand Old (man) Party by Paul Moomjean

5 NEWS

The news in review: Looking back at what made headlines in 2022 by Alex Wilson Eye on the Environment: How and where to recycle your Christmas tree in Ventura County by David Goldstein

10 ART+CULTURE

Return to form: Ventura County art and culture came back with vim and vigor in 2022 by Nancy Lackey Shaffer

13 MUSIC

Hello, goodbye: New venues debuted, festivals returned and the local music industry lost some great folks in 2022 by Alex Wilson

14 IN GOOD TASTE

Good eats in 2022 by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Zac Reynolds EDITOR

Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer STAFF WRITER

Alex Wilson

CONTRIBUTORS

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres

ADVERTISING SALES

Barbara Kroon, Denine Gentilella

Cover: We round up the top stories of the past 12 months in News, Features, Art+Culture, Music and more for our last issue of 2022. PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

CLASSIFIEDS Ann Browne

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EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICE 805.648.2244 barbara@vcreporter.com (Advertising) nancy@vcreporter.com (Editorial) abrowne@timespublications.com (Classifieds)

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Purple is

the New Party The Grand Old (man) Party

by Paul Moomjean paulmoomjean@yahoo.com

The current state of the Republican Party, aka the Grand Old Party, is not healthy. What should have been a landslide red wave victory this past November became an embarrassing thud, with the DNC keeping the Senate and now the GOP debating if longtime House minority leader Kevin McCarthy should become the Speaker of the House. This clown show is a mixture of bad Trump-backed candidates, a terrible reliance on podcasters and talking heads, and a culture war agenda that doesn’t reflect the American people anymore. Yet, we all sit back waiting for a moderate GOP candidate that doesn’t scare us with tweets or clownish buffoonery, if only so the country can settle down and become productive again. With inflation creating an unsteady economical world, the GOP must rely on one group to restore dignity — their old establishment.

Currently, conservatism has a row of young, rowdy, pompous white men like Charlie Kirk, Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh leading the march in a pseudo-religious right masked as Judeo-Christian conservatism. It’s a hateful mantra, blaming our societal ills on drag queen story hours and gay themes in Disney movies. Their favorite term is “wokeness,” as they try to drive it out of our schools, shows and society. They are failing miserably. They might be building loyal fans, but their answer to everything is “be less woke” instead of lowering taxes, expanding freedom and creating economical strategies that benefit all of the United States.

Kirk recently sent a message to 168 RNC members, threatening them with the promise that they’ll lose donors if they don’t double down on this millennial conservatism, which argues the real problem is “them” and not “us.”

“How do we plan to win in 2024 if you so boldly reject listening to the grassroots, our donors, and the biggest organizations and voices in the conservative movement?” Kirk asked in the message, which was obtained by The Washington Post. “If ignored, we will have the most stunted and muted Republican Party in the history of the conservative movement, the likes of which we haven’t seen in generations.”

Kirk, Shapiro and Walsh want to be the Rush Limbaughs of this new podcasting era. They don’t get YouTube clicks with solid economical policy videos, but instead on videos “owning the libs” and taking microcosms of society like drag queen library reading hour and turning it into the greatest horror we face today. Fox News’ Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity are guilty of this as well, and they all are warning the RNC to change or get their funding cut and lose young conservatives to their media cult.

Ben Proto, an RNC member from Connecticut, dismissed Kirk’s initiative in an email as he took aim at “Celebrities who claim to have the pulse of the voters, but who talk in an echo chamber to people who already agree with them.”

“And when I hear that some of these same ‘celebrities’ are going to start a PAC to take over state committees and county committees, and the national committee, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, because it is clear they truly do not understand how elections, at any level, work and, more importantly, how they are won.”

Here is the answer to the problem many of us see. In the attempt to knock down the old school white male patriarchy of the GOP a few years ago, all that came out of it was an arrogant group of hacks like Kirk and Shapiro. The future of the party lies not in the hands of the podcasters, but in the hands of the establishment.

After Donald Trump’s candidates like Herschel Walker and Kari Lake flatlined, who were cheered on by the talking heads and YouTube stars of the right, the establishment must take the party back. Where are our John Kasichs? Where are the Republicans of the past who focused on fiscal responsibility and working with the Democrats?

In 2015 and 2016 they were kicked to the side by Trump and the Fox News bandwagon. Seven years later, the party has no identity. Instead of fighting dumb culture war issues, which they’ve already lost, it is time to rebrand as a party of fiscal responsibility and letting the culture move at the pace it wants.

I may not agree with everything that group wants, but I know I’d sleep better at night with the old male guard than a punk podcast bully with an Internet connection and ring light.

The News in Review

Looking back at what made headlines in 2022

by Alex Wilson

Hotly contested political races, a proposed minor-league baseball stadium and the untimely death of a beloved local leader were among the biggest news stories covered in the Ventura County Reporter during 2022. Looking ahead to 2023 we hope for the best possible news for all our readers. Thanks again for picking up a copy of the Ventura County Reporter every week!

JANUARY

The pandemic continued to make headlines at the start of 2022 with coverage in the Ventura County Reporter on free home COVID tests, hospitals “teeing up” their crisis policies and government facilities such as Oxnard City Hall shutting doors to the public once again to stop the spread. Several colleges also began their spring semesters virtually in the face of surging infection rates. Controversial gun shows at the Ventura County Fairgrounds were also in the news, as the fair board voted 4 to 3 in favor of allowing gun shows during 2022. A new state law banning gun shows at state-owned facilities, however, made gun show planned for October the apparent swan song for the popular events.

A tsunami surge from an underwater volcano in Tonga on Jan. 15 had far reaching impacts on Ventura Harbor. A Ventura Harbor Patrol boat capsized and at least two dozen docks and boat ramps

broke loose. Videos of the law-enforcement vessel sinking went viral on the Internet but, fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Also big news in January was the implementation of food waste recycling in Ventura County. David Goldstein answered common questions and weighed in with knowledge and advice in several Eye on the Environment columns.

FEBRUARY

A judge struck down two challenges to wildlife connectivity zoning ordinances adopted by Ventura County Supervisors in 2019. Proponents said the laws were necessary to protect habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, including mountain lions. Richard Yao, Ph.D. was selected as the fourth president of California State University Channel Islands by the California State University Board of Trustees. The SPARC store in Downtown Ventura reopened after a robbery, and the United to End Homelessness Symposium saw more than 149 attendees grappling with the issue of unhoused individuals.

MARCH

The war in Ukraine made headlines in the Ventura County Reporter, with a March 3 Rally for Peace in Ukraine at the Ventura County Government Center, and local baker Deb Dawson of Desserts to Die For holding a bake sale to raise funds for World Central Kitchen’s work in Ukraine.

There was good news on the COVID front: Officials with the Ventura County Office of Education announced that students at public and private schools in the county would no longer be required to wear masks after March 11. The office still strongly recommended them, however. Meanwhile, the Ventura Port Commission entered negotiations with several Ventura Harbor businesses that still owed rent following closures and revenue losses caused by the pandemic.

APRIL

Fire destroyed a four-story, 122-room hotel under construction along the 101 Freeway in Camarillo the night of April 12. Owner T.M. Mian told the Ventura County Reporter he was self-insured and lost $25 million, but still planned on continuing with the project which includes two hotels, retail space and a conference center.

Ventura Land Trust officials held a COVID-delayed ribbon cutting for the 2,123-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve, which had already become popular with people looking to recreate safely outdoors. The celebration on Earth Day also served to kick off the final $1 million phase of a capital campaign to fund an endowment for long-term stewardship. West Ventura’s Art City found itself facing an uncertain future when the property it had leased for decades was sold.

Harbor Patrol boat capsized by strong tidal tsunami surges. Photo submitted

Halyna Turchyn (second from right), a Ventura resident of 10 years originally from Ukraine, protesting the Russian invasion of her home country at the Ventura County Government Center on March 3, 2022. Photo by Kimberly Rivers

Fire ravages hotel under construction. Photo courtesy of The Mian Companies

Richard Yao, Ph.D., president of CSUCI. Photo submitted

Mountain Lion P-35 is a resident of the Santa Monica Mountains. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

MAY

In May the Ventura County Reporter introduced the community to Ventura Police Department therapy dog Asher, a 1-year-old Cavadoodle. That’s a mix of Cavalier King Charles spaniel and poodle, a breed known for having a comforting and gentle demeanor. Asher will respond to critical incidents, such as fires or homicides, especially when children are impacted by crime or tragedy.

The VCReporter also began its coverage of the June 7 election races, including those for Ventura County Sheriff, Ventura County District Attorney, Ventura County Supervisors for Districts 2 and 4, State Assembly Districts 38 and 42, U.S. Congressional Representatives in Districts 24 and 26, and a variety of countywide offices.

JUNE

Ground was broken June 15 on a $69 million supportive housing project for veterans in East Ventura which has been many years in the making. The Ventura Springs facility will have 120 units with up to three bedrooms to accommodate formerly homeless veterans as well as low-income veterans and their families. A community garden, fitness center and computer lab are also planned.

California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower brought her “labor caravan” to local farms, Channel Islands Harbor Director Michael Tripp discussed his hopes of revitalizing Fisherman’s Wharf, an East Ventura community worked with the Ventura Police Department to develop a neighborhood watch program and city officials reconsidered allowing dogs on Hueneme Beach. A historic but deteriorated oil well on Santa Cruz Island that poses safety risks to visitors will be removed by the National Park Service. A June story in the Ventura County Reporter detailed how the $1.43 million project is part of nearly $10 million set aside to reclaim abandoned oil and gas wells at seven national parks. The following week, we reported on the $2.7 billion county budget.

JULY

Ventura city officials held a community forum on eight applications to operate three cannabis dispensaries during July. The three eventually selected as finalists were The Artist Tree at 2835 East Main Street, Wheelhouse at 4591 Market Street and Embarc at 1890 East Main Street. The businesses are expected to open next year.

The VCReporter also checked in with Oxnard Police Department’s cold case investigator Jeff Kay, and spoke with Jessy Raspiller, whose popular Ventura Pop Up Yoga classes faced uncertainty after losing a city permit that allowed her to offer classes in local parks. When Sierra Northern and the city of Fillmore failed to reach an agreement, the railway company chose to move its Ventura County headquarters to Santa Paula. And in Camarillo, new Ventura County Airport Director Keith Freitas reached out to city officials to improve communication and foster cooperation with regards to improvement plans for the Camarillo Airport.

The race for Ojai Mayor made national news after former Happy Days actor Anson Williams threw his hat in the ring. Celebrity endorsements were not enough to propel him to victory, however, and Williams lost to incumbent mayor Betsy Stix by 42 votes. A hand recount of the ballots paid for by a Williams supporter reached the exact same conclusion.

AUGUST

In early August, the Ventura County Reporter covered the passage of HR 5659, a bill which would name an Oxnard post office after late civil rights leader and longtime head of the Ventura County Chapter of the NAACP John R. Hatcher III. We also reported on the death of a Port Hueneme man during a fight at a soccer game and his family’s pleas for help. The county unveiled its new flag design featuring Anacapa Island, and Ventura’s Marina Park will be a site of the massive VenturaWaterPure project.

But the biggest news in August was the sudden and tragic passing of a beloved local leader. Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez was struck and killed by a pickup truck on Aug. 12 as she walked in a crosswalk to a concert in downtown Oxnard. Hundreds gathered in Plaza Park for a candlelight vigil in her honor the following day. Ramirez became the first Latina supervisor in county history when she was elected in 2020 and is remembered as a champion for both people and the planet.

SEPTEMBER

A Ventura classic car dealer hit bumps in the road with city building inspectors after opening in the former Toys “R” Us location on Johnson Drive. City officials said the owners of Crown Classics and Hot Rod failed to secure building permits needed for interior work. A massive sex trafficking operation was busted in Oxnard, while an Oxnard man was convicted of international wildlife smuggling. We also covered efforts to address homelessness in Thousand Oaks, continuing disputes between Ventura Unified School District and Ventura County Christian School, and the hiring of Dani Anderson, Ventura County’s first-ever Disability Access Manager.

Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard made headlines worldwide with his pledge to make Planet Earth the apparel company’s only shareholder. The formerly privately held Ventura-based business believed to be worth around $3 billion moved all of its stock into an environmental trust and nonprofit. The move should guarantee that profits generated in the future — estimated by the New York Times at about $100 million a year — will be dedicated to environmental initiatives.

OCTOBER

A controversial plan by the Port of Hueneme to build a parking lot to temporarily store nearly 5,000 new cars on a vacant 34-acre site at the southeast corner of Hueneme and Perkins Roads was approved by the Oxnard Planning Commission on Oct. 20, after a public hearing lasting over five hours. Opponents cited environmental and social justice concerns but backers said the project

would help the local economy. The Oxnard City Council later denied an appeal of the planning commission approval, paving the way for the project to proceed.

High school students in Ventura walked out on Oct. 21 in support of teachers, who were embroiled in contentious labor negotiations with Ventura Unified School District.

With the November midterm elections on the horizon, we ran stories on candidates for U.S. Representative in Districts 24 and 26, State Assembly Districts 38 and 42, and Ventura County District 4 Supervisor.

NOVEMBER

Two new members of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors won office in the November election. Jeff Gorell beat Claudia Bill-de la Peña to represent Thousand Oaks-based District 2 while Janice Parvin defeated Bernardo Perez for the District 4 seat covering Simi Valley and Moorpark. Incumbents were victorious in local congressional and state assembly races.

Simi Valley made national news when 25-year-old Rachel Castillo went missing. Her body was later found in a remote area of Antelope Valley. And on Nov. 14, Ventura City Manager Alex McIntrye was placed on administrative leave due to “a private personnel matter.” He would later resign.

Ventura County celebrated both Farm Day (Nov. 5) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11) while U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra included Oxnard as a stop on his “Latino Health Tour” (Nov. 2).

DECEMBER

A proposal to radically recreate the Ventura County Fairgrounds to accommodate a minor league baseball stadium got a chilly reception from the fair board, which voted unanimously to reject the plan.

The historic Victorian building housing the Santa Paula Oil Museum should have a more certain future now that it will probably be owned by the city of Santa Paula soon. Chevron agreed to donate the former Union Oil headquarters building plus $1 million to help renovate it, so that it can continue to be used by the public.

A U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of the U.S. Forest Service and its Tecuya Ridge Shaded Fuelbreak Project, which was opposed by several environmental groups. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Small Vessel Liability Fairness Act, introduced following the September 2019 fire aboard the dive boat Conception that claimed the lives of 34 passengers.

The Los Padres National Forest announced plans to raise fees at several campgrounds in 2023, and the Port Hueneme City Council discussed the $236,000 owned by three cannabis dispensaries. The issue was complicated by the fact that three councilmembers had accepted campaign contributions from one of the businesses.

Thank you for reading the Ventura County Reporter this year and please remember to let us know what’s important to you, since a community newspaper is really a team effort by everyone it reaches.

Ventura Police Department therapy dog Asher. Photo by Meghan Schade

The candlelight vigil for Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez included music, a Native American ceremony and heartfelt remembrances. Photo by Alex Wilson

Rendering of Ventura County Fairgrounds redevelopment proposal including minor league baseball stadium. Image courtesy Pacific Sports Group

Eye on the Enviroment

How and where to recycle your Christmas tree in Ventura County

by David Goldstein

‘Twas the week after Christmas and all through the county Treecycling was popular; some got back a mulch bounty.

Cut trees were placed in curbside carts with great care, In hopes the recycling truck soon would be there.

Even though Christmas tree recycling is an annual ritual, differing rules, dates and deadlines in various parts of Ventura County can make collection and drop-off confusing. The advertisements, fliers and on-line outreach from each city are seen by residents of other areas, but each resident needs to know their own city’s rules.

Other than grinding your tree and using the mulch on site, the best “treecycling” method for the environment, requiring the least amount of truck idling time and transportation, is for you to cut your tree into four-foot segments and fit the pieces into your regular curbside yard waste recycling cart. As long as your tree is free of decorations, stands or other items, it will be mulched with your other yard clippings.

Fire-proofed trees should be placed in trash carts rather than yard waste carts, but trees flocked with fake snow are acceptable in organics/yard waste carts in all cities except Oxnard, Thousand Oaks and Santa Paula. Oxnard does, however, accept flocked trees with whole tree pickup options, in multi-family bins, and in drop-off programs

If you will not cut your tree to fit into your cart, free whole-tree pickup on the regular day of collection is scheduled for these areas:

• Harrison & Sons and WM (formerly Waste Management/GI Industries) collection in unincorporated areas – the areas outside cities: through Jan. 6

• WM in Simi Valley and Moorpark through Jan.6.

• Athens Services in Santa Paula and Thousand Oaks through Jan. 13.

• Port Hueneme Jan. 2-13, and Oxnard through Jan. 29.

If you set out a tree after a deadline or in an area without free collection, you may be charged for special collection unless you make separate arrangements. In most areas, you can make these arrangements by calling your trash collector and requesting your annually allocated “free bulky item collection.”

If you live in a multi-family building without yard waste service, ask your apartment manager to contract separately with your hauler for special service.

For businesses, homes without curbside

yard waste service and apartments without yard waste collection bins, Christmas tree recycling drop-off sites are available during operating hours and will be free through Jan. 10 at the following locations:

• Agromin Organics, 6859 Arnold Road, near Oxnard, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Agromin’s corporate office, 201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.4:30 p.m.

• Peach Hill Soils’ retail site at Performance Nursery, at 6101 E. Los Angeles Ave., Somis, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Peach Hill Soils compost site, 10765 W. Los Angeles Ave., near Moorpark, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

While supplies last, Agromin offers a free bag of potting soil and Peach Hill offers a free bag of mulch to residents dropping off trees at these locations.

Here are some other options:

• Waste Management’s Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center, 2801 Madera Road, allows free tree drop-off, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 26 through Jan. 14.

• Moorpark provides free drop-off bins on Marquette Street and Park Crest Lane through Jan. 6.

• Oxnard residents may drop off trees free at the Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station, through Jan. 3, at the scale house Monday-Saturday 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional sites, open dawn to dusk, for Oxnard residents only include College Park, Oxnard Beach Park, and the Dog Park at 463 H St.

In some areas, residents can also set out extra trash after Christmas. For example, residents of unincorporated areas get free collection of up to two extra 50-gallon bags on their day of collection through Jan. 8. Ojai residents may double their set-out, using tied bags adjacent to trash carts and collapsed cardboard next to their recycling, through January 8. Moorpark residents can set out up to three extra bags of trash next to their solid waste carts at no extra charge for two collection days, or two weeks after Christmas. In Ventura, residents may place two extra bags of trash next to their curbside trash cart or bagged or boxed recyclables, such as flattened cardboard, next to their recycling cart through Jan. 6.

David Goldstein, Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, may be reached at 805-658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org.

Looking Back at 2022

Local politics, climate change and returning events made for a diverse year of coverage

by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

Despite a big flare up of COVID cases at the beginning of the year, 2022 saw a marked return to business as usual. Legal disputes, local politics, surf competitions and a midterm election in November were hot topics in the previous year. In addition, we devoted a lot of space to special events that were back on the entertainment schedule — much to the relief of residents and organizers alike. Here’s a brief synopsis of the major stories that dominated our headlines over the past 12 months.

JANUARY ~

We took to the skies the first week of 2022, with a feature on the majestic California condor and its slow path to recovery as seen at Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, between the Carrizo Plain and the Sespe Wilderness. We also reported on the Toxic Tides program, which uses data to examine the risk of pollution resulting from sea level rise at 145 industrial sites in California . . . including several in South Oxnard. After months at sea, the New England tall ship Mystic Whaler was welcomed to its new home at Channel Islands Harbor — with plans to rechristen it the Mystic Cruzar. The month wrapped up with our Health and Fitness special issue and a cover story on Morumbi Jiu Jitsu’s Fabio Leopoldo.

California condors soar over Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

FEBRUARY ~

Disputes over property lines, water rights and other issues led to legal actions pitting Meiners Oak resident Susan Moll against the Meiners Oak Water District. We covered that saga, spanning more than five years, in early February. Annual surf competition Rincon Classic returned in 2022, while pesticide use policies shifted in relation to public pressure. And for our month-ending Great Outdoors Issue, we explored the Ventura River, camping at the Channel Islands and the rowing aspirations of Ventura High’s Carson Peterson.

Ventura County Christian School faced an uncertain future in the face of a dramatic rent increase, and we spoke with school officials, parents and Ventura Unified School District officials about the situation for our March 3 issue. The following week, we covered the all-woman Akashinga, an anti-poaching ranger corps protecting several nature preserves in Zimbabwe, whose founder, Damien Mander, was preparing to give a talk for National Geographic Live at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. We also interviewed Dianne Lake, a Ventura County resident and survivor of Charles Manson’s “family” who testified against him, and ran a feature on women making an impact in the local wine industry. Our very first special issue devoted to surfing put the spotlight on notable surfers based on the Central Coast, the history of Rincon Point and some of the area’s best surfboard shapers.

MARCH ~ ~ APRIL ~

We began the month with four former members of Oxnard’s Sunset Little League, who reflected on life, friendship and baseball 50 years after they won the Little League National Championship in 1972. Extreme weather, rising temperatures and climate change were also hot topics in April, and we offered up an issue devoted to all things wedding: event planners, jewelers, bakers and more. Our second annual Food and Drink Issue featured Oxnard’s Taco Trail and SushiWay, The Twist on Main in Ventura and Yume Japanese Burger Cafe in Ojai.

Photo by Chuck Graham

1972 Sunset Little League team. Photo courtesy Tom Barber

Ventura River at Willoughby Preserve. Photo courtesy Ventura Land Trust

Sage Erickson.

Photo by Gregg Erickson, @ gboyphoto1

It was back to Pine Mountain in May, with a report on the controversial Reyes Peak Project wildfire prevention plan that had local environmental groups challenging the U.S. Forest Service. The VCReporter also did stories on the tragic and untimely death of beloved local jazz guitarist and pianist Hans Ottsen, and the rise of women artistic directors at theaters in Santa Paula, Oxnard and Ojai. Our May 26 “Summer Fun” issue was full of light and life, with features on Wheel Fun Rentals, YMCA and Studio Channel Islands summer camps, and the growth in popularity of surfing via electric foil.

“Chenrezig”

by Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo

We put the fancy footwork and power moves of professional breaker Christina “Wonda” Prado in the spotlight at the beginning of September, followed by a look at the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing. Its importance to the survival of the iconic mountain line was demonstrated by the deaths of two juveniles, P89 and P90, over the summer. Then it was a deep dive into the ancient Tibetan fabric art known as thangka, as we took a look at the life and work of thangka artist Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo of Oxnard. National Geographic photographers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes shared stories from their experiences exploring a variety of underwater realms, and the month wrapped up with our 37th Annual Best of Ventura County.

As summer got under way, we looked to the wide variety of films appearing on the big screen during our annual Summer Movie Preview. Ventura warmly welcomed a variety of body modification artists to the fairgrounds for the Seaside Tattoo Show, while Sierra Northern Railway had a chillier reception in Fillmore . . . leading to speculation that train operations might move to Santa Paula instead. Legendary powerboat Gentry Eagle was finally dismantled after failing to find a buyer who could adequately maintain it. Our 2022 People Issue was full of Ventura County (and adjacent) residents from all walks of life, including Adam Casillas of the Latino Business Expo, “Woman of the Islands” Marla Daily and producer/director Steve Binder.

Following the unexpected death of Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez in August, Oxnard City Councilmember Vianey Lopez was appointed to the District 5 seat. We profiled the incoming supervisor, who spoke about her commitment to public service and the environment, and the powerful example left by her predecessor. The value of the “urban forest” was advocated by the Ventura Tree Alliance, and Ventura surfboard shaper Bill “Blinky” Hubina was inducted into the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame. Our “Halloween Spooktacular” rounded up nearly every eerie event taking place the last week in October.

The threat of coastal erosion on the Central Coast . . . and Ventura County beaches . . . was explored the first week in July. We stayed waterside the following week, with a big feature on Surf Rodeo at Ventura Pier. AND we continued to celebrate music this month, with Ventura Music Festival returning to form with energy and excitement. Finally, with the city of Ventura considering proposals from dispensaries, we dedicated an entire issue to the local cannabis industry, highlighting the work of Sespe Creek Collective, Leaf Dispensary, Glass House and Safeport.

For the first time since the pandemic, the Ventura County Fair returned in August, and we reported on the traditions that remained, and the changes in store. The local sportfishing industry was shocked by the news that alterations to rockfish regulations were being proposed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Our coverage for Ventura County Pride included a talk with Genevieve Flores-Haro of Diversity Collective Ventura County, who spoke about the importance of the event to her personally, and to the entire LGBTQ+ community. Venues were the focus of our special Music Issue, with stories on Ventura Music Hall, Music Freqs, the Garage Bar, The Grape, the Deer Lodge and BL Dancehall and Saloon.

On Nov. 5, Bart’s Books in Ojai hosted an event with Oxnard natives Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, who celebrated the 40th anniversary of their groundbreaking comic Love and Rockets. Then it was back to the beach in the middle of the month, for a look at a variety of watersports competitions taking place along the Ventura County coast. We did extensive reporting on the results of the midterm elections, and had a ball with United Soccer League national champs Ventura County Fusion.

We returned to the Carrizo Plain (and neighboring areas) once again to check in with its wildlife — specifically, the antelope ground squirrel, which has been the focus of population studies and recovery efforts. By the following week, the holidays were in full swing, and we gave an overview of the many festive events bringing the joy of the season to Ventura County. In addition, our Staff Picks Gift Guide provided a variety of locally available options for scratching off those wish lists. Saturnina Rosete Manglicmot of Oxnard celebrated her 102nd birthday, and Dave’s Trees in Santa Paula kept the Christmas spirit alive — helped in no small part by his warm, welcoming nature and an “elf” dressed up in tree branches.

We are profoundly grateful to all of our readers who kept picking up and navigating online to the Ventura County Reporter, week after week. You are the reason why we do what we do, and we look forward to bringing you the best in community news, art, culture and events in 2023. Thanks for being there — and Happy New Year!

Pumpkin patch at Underwood Family Farms

Giovanni Calderon, #16. Photo courtesy Ventura County Fusion

Gigi Abbitt of Dave’s Trees, Santa Paula. Photo by Vince Burns

Angela DeCicco, Jessi May Stevenson and Tracey Williams.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Adaawe gave a free concert for the 2022 Ventura Music Festival.

Photo by Taso Papadakis

Drag Queens at Ventura County Pride.

Photo by Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Return to form

Ventura County art and culture came back with vim and vigor in 2022

by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

The Art+Culture retrospective in 2021 saw institutions dipping their toes in the water to get back on track after the pandemic upended everything in 2020. Now, looking back on 2022, it seems like artists of all kinds have been making up for lost time. Theater stages never seemed so busy, every festival in the county was excited to announce its return and galleries were throwing all kinds of artwork up on their walls for in-house viewing. It’s not clear if things will ever be the same following COVID-19, but as the Ventura County art world rights itself, it feels more exciting than ever.

WOMEN ON STAGE

In 2022, women were a force to be reckoned with — particularly in the world of theater.

NAMBA Performing Arts Space hosted a number of compelling productions by and/ or about women. The great opera star Maria Callas was the subject of January’s La Divina, but it was a trio of Hollywood Fringe productions — The Queen of Fishtown, Made in America and Emergence: First Flight — that anchored the Women’s Voices Festival in July and left a lasting mark on audiences who had the opportunity to view these heart-wrenching yet comical gems.

Also in 2022, three separate theater companies — The Elite in Oxnard, Ojai Art Center Theater and Santa Paula Theater Center — named three powerful, creative women as artistic director. We talked to Angela DeCicco, Tracey Williams Sutton and Jessi May Stevenson about their visions for their respective stages in an illuminating cover story. For our People Issue at the end of June, we also profiled Jan Glasband, the founder and artistic director of the Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi Valley. Ojai’s Rain Perry followed up her wildly popular Cinderblock Bookshelves with This Is Water, in which she revisited her life and memories through a racial lens.

Ventura County theater bid adieu to one very special woman: Karyl Lynn Burns, longtime artistic director of the Rubicon Theatre Company. She retired after the fall production of In the Heights, and, as our theater reviewer said with warmth and fondness, “she will be leaving on a very high note.”

VC JUST WANTS TO HAVE FUN

Examining our prejudices and amplifying the voices of those that have too often gone unheard is important, necessary work. But sometimes, entertainment is all about having fun — and there was plenty of that in 2022.

DIVERSITY MATTERS

One trend that became increasingly clear as we looked back on our Art+Culture articles: The diversity of artists featured in our pages grew markedly. On stage and screen, through the camera lens or along gallery walls, the experiences of people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community were being shared like never before.

In January, we featured an Ojai Art Center exhibit of work by two very different artists who inhabit the same body. Paul Whitehead/Trisha van Cleef enjoyed consecutive shows, with Whitehead’s “paintstakingly detailed” works shown in January, followed by the “gloriously abstract” paintings of his female alter ego in February. Ventura’s Westside unveiled a beautiful new mural, Pura Avenida, celebrating the Indigenous and Mexican American culture of “The Avenue,” while Santa Paula’s De Colores Festival celebrated art, Latinx culture and social justice. Racism, sexism and injustice stirred the plot of the brilliant Lobby Hero at the Elite, while the Rubicon brought the multicultural world of Washington Heights to vibrant life with its production of In the Heights. The Ojai Playwrights Conference showcased a wide range of diverse talent for its New Works Festival in August, and during our VC Pride coverage, we took a look at JEST Improv and its all-inclusive comedy. The experiences of unhoused residents of Ventura County were examined during the storytelling event Stories from the Street. And the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival made history by naming its first Black director, Warren C. Bowles.

Disney princesses and Blippi both delighted young audiences at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. BAPAC also hosted the hilarious antics of Piff the Magic Dragon, an episode of Dancing With the Stars Live!, and the delightfully campy The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy (starring none other than Teri Hatcher).

There was plenty of laughter to be found in other parts of the county, too. Ojai ACT’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (a spoof of the dark, brainy Chekhov) had audiences laughing out loud, while Santa Paula Theater Center’s adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express gave the Agatha Christie classic a brilliantly entertaining update. And who didn’t smile when Spider-Man swung by Ventura to grace a limited-edition cover for the Amazing Spider-Man #900, available exclusively at Arsenal Comics and Games?

The cast of Lobby Hero at the Elite in Oxnard. Photo by Demian-Tejada-Benitez

Teruko Nakajima, writer and star of Made in America.

Arsenal Comics and Games owner Timmy Heague (left) is joined by Spider-Man cosplayer Peter Norton at the Ventura location on Telegraph Road.

Photo by Catlin Smith

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL

There were a few entertainment offerings in 2022 that stood out for their unusual nature.

In April, dance-illusionist group MOMIX came to Thousand Oaks, wowing audiences with the strange and surreal Alice. All things strange and supernatural could be found at the Majestic (some say haunted) Ventura Theater in June, which hosted a weekend with psychics, ghost hunters, mediums and more for Pacific Coast Paracon. And the Speakeasy Project returned to “Sweet Jay’s” (ie Suite J Theater at the Liminal Church of Ventura) with tales from the Southwest . . . and beyond.

Channel Islands Harbor got into the spooky spirit with its first-ever Parade of Frights, rumored to be the only Halloween-themed boat parade on the West Coast. The following November saw the debut of Paranormal Cirque, a one-of-a-kind production marrying traditional circus with horror, humor and emotive theatre, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

FOND FAREWELLS

New West Symphony mourned the passing of Boris Brott, its founding music director and conductor laureate, in April 2022. A native of Canada, Brott passed away in Hamilton, Ontario, at the age of 78. As NWS music director for 15 years,

he helped establish the orchestra as one of the most respected in Southern California.

Ventura County also said goodbye to the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks, a haven for Conejo Valley art lovers since its first public exhibition in 2015. While CMATO successfully weathered a 2018 move from its original location near the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza to a 5,500-square-foot space at The Oaks mall, the art institution ultimately could not overcome the significant revenue losses it incurred as a result of the pandemic. CMATO officially closed up shop on June 19. And on Dec. 2, the art world was rocked by the news of the passing of Julia Frances Campbell Namba. An outgoing personality, nurturing spirit and longtime advocate of the arts, the philanthropist had supported numerous Ventura County organizations, including the Ventura Music Festival, the Museum of Ventura County, the Rubicon Theatre Company and the NAMBA Performing Arts Space.

Despite these losses, and a tumultuous couple of years, the arts continue to be a dynamic force in Ventura County. But it is our support — as viewers, buyers, subscribers and audience members — that help keep the arts alive and well in the community. Here’s to 2023 and a new year of exciting, engaging and entertaining shows and events springing from passionate and creative minds. I hope you’ll find every opportunity to embrace them.

MOMIX’s Alice. Photo by Sharen Bradford

Local philanthropist Julia Frances Campbell Namba passed away on Dec. 2, 2022. Photo submitted

Hello, goodbye

New

by Alex Wilson

Ventura County’s music scene almost felt like it was getting back into the swing of things in 2022, with pandemic upheaval tentatively and hopefully in the rear-view mirror. (Although we are still hearing about occasional gigs postponed due to COVID.)

The Ventura County Reporter shared stories of bands, venues and events emerging from the pandemic stronger than ever, with new visions, expanded offerings or refreshed looks as evidenced by the beautiful renovations of the Majestic Ventura Theater.

New and exciting venues continue to open up. Ventura Music Hall, for example, launched in March in a soaring lattice-ceilinged space originally occupied by bowling alley/ concert venue Discovery. One of Ventura Music Hall’s first shows was Thievery Corpora-

tion, whose ensemble of performers brought their soulful, international, electronic vibes to an enthusiastic audience.

Revered venues, festivals and events that faced challenging years during the pandemic hit their stride again in 2022. The year got off with an auspicious start with finger-picking guitar greats Mike Dawes and Tommy Emmanuel at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center in a January concert presented by the Ventura Music Festival. February brought a cappella legends Rockapella to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks.

In March the Oxnard Performing Arts Center held the first ever Los Fest music festival with local bands, artists, vendors and workshops in an event for all ages. Hip-hop and the visual arts came together in Camarillo in April with the ROUND4 hip-hop event at Studio Channel Islands, organized by Dexter Nunnery.

During May the Ventura County Reporter shared the sad news of the passing of Hans Ottsen, who led the Gratitude Jazz Jam at The Grape in Ventura for more than a decade, and helped establish the Midtown Ventura venue as one of the county’s premier places to hear jazz. Ottsen, 45, inspired countless musicians to take the stage for the first or 100th time in a welcoming yet creatively charged atmosphere.

The wide variety of festivals that have become mainstays of Ventura County’s summer months basked in the sunshine once again during 2022, including the Ojai Blues Fest. The venerable Ojai Music Festival went AMOC this year with the American Modern Opera Company, a New York-based collective of 17 performers who danced and sang among the audience during the final performance in a joyful celebration of togetherness.

The Ventura Music Festival was held in July with Adaawe performing a free, high-energy outdoor concert at Mission Park, where audience members shimmied on the grass to the inviting beat. July also brought the Tequila and Tacos

Music Festival to the Ventura County Fairgrounds with bands including Sugar Ray and Afro-Brazilian-influenced dance band SambaDá, whose members talked with the Ventura County Reporter about their love of playing near the ocean in Ventura.

Ventura’s NAMBA Performing Arts Space scheduled Iona Fyfe, one of Scotland’s finest singers, and Scottish Celtic guitarist Tony McManus for shows in September. Sadly, we also learned later in December about the passing of the venue’s co-founder Julia Frances Campbell Namba at age 86. She was known for her generosity and belief in the power of art to transform lives.

In 2022, the Halloween party season roared back to life –which has become as much a tradition for adults looking to cut loose in costumes as kids on a quest for candy. Las Cafeteras celebrated the spooky season with their blend of Afro-Mexican rhythms, soul, rock and hip-hop at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center on Oct. 30, also in honor of Dia De Los Muertos.

Great holiday music wrapped up the year including the Conejo

Valley Youth Orchestra’s Winter Gala Concert at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center and the 9th Annual Holiday Sing Along and Toy Drive at the Majestic Ventura Theater.

The year also ended with a loving tribute surrounding the final days of troubadour “Hippie Mark” Searcy, who played guitar and harmonica in numerous local bands since the 1960s. Searcy was a mainstay at Ventura’s Westside music and art community gathering spot Green Art People. The Ventura native had been in declining health and passed away Dec. 2 at age 68 at his home near Ventura Avenue, surrounded by close friends singing the Grateful Dead song “Brokedown Palace.”

A wake will be held for Hippie Mark at Camp Comfort in Ojai on Saturday Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The celebration of life will undoubtedly feature lots of great music from an “all-star” band. His memory will also live on in 2023 with a series of monthly Green Art People reunion shows at Ventura’s Vaquero Y Mar every third Wednesday of the month . . . so stay posted for more news on that in the Music section of the Ventura County Reporter in the coming year!

venues debuted, festivals returned and the local music industry lost some great folks in 2022

La Cafeteras played a concert in honor of Dia De Los Muertos at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center on Oct. 30. Photo submitted

Hans Ottsen. Photo by Chris Jensen

Good eats in 2022

by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

It was back to business as usual for much of 2022. In addition to food fests and beer bashes back on the calendar, new restaurants opened their doors and longtime establishments welcomed customers back inside. Here’s what whet our appetites over the last 12 months.

OLD FAVORITES

We reviewed a number of “oldies but goodies” in 2022 — and found that there’s much more beyond nostalgia that keeps these decades-old restaurants going strong. The roast beef and pastrami sandwiches of Port Hueneme’s Roxsbury Deli and Grill were pure, old-school-diner heaven (with triple layer cakes to match), while the rich, creamy lattes and healthy yet hearty breakfast wraps at Simone’s Coffee and Tea in Ventura showed just why this locally owned coffee shop blows Starbucks out of the water . . . and makes an appearance in our Best Of listings nearly every year. Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market in Ventura Harbor Village celebrated its 40th anniversary, and we celebrated what might be Ventura County’s best fish and chips. Gastropub Ojai Beverage Company has maintained its quality and popularity even in the face of stiff competition from the always enticing Ojai dining scene.

WINE TIME

Breweries and beer festivals thrive in Ventura County, but in 2022, we found ourselves gravitating toward the vine. In February, we spoke with local wine experts — Bob Huey of Ojai’s Point de Chêne, Greg Leon of Ventura Wine Co. and Amanda Novak of The Wine Closet in Camarillo — about some delicious red, white, sparkling and dessert wines to impress sweethearts on Valentine’s Day. And in March, we ran a special feature on women making an impact on the local wine industry. Lovely Lake Casitas was the setting for the 34th Ojai Wine Festival in June. We also had the opportunity to check out two new wineries in 2022. We reviewed the wonderful

out rich and sophisticated boutique

we headed to the harbor for a flight at

Wines, which offers an

REFURBISHED AND REINVENTED

This year we took a look at a few establishments that recently underwent new management, new menus and some remodeling. Prior to the pandemic, Vaquero Y Mar in Downtown Ventura took up the spot once occupied by the Hong Kong Inn. It managed to outlast the shutdowns to welcome in customers for indoor and outdoor dining once again, serving up homestyle Mexican cuisine rather than greasy Chinese . . . but with a nod to tradition, it kept the original sign, curved roof and mural depicting a Chinese harbor. Nearby, the Sandbox Coffeehouse became Surfers Point, which kept the coffee drinks, acai bowls and simple but tasty sandwiches, but refreshed the space with fresh paint and better furnishings. The Tavern in Downtown Ventura became A Bar Called Country, which impressed with its excellent barbecue and $12 lunch special, and Mai’s Cafe in Midtown gave itself a facelift, replacing the bright, kitschy decor with a chic black and white color scheme. We also checked in on El Capricho in Santa Paula, formerly the home of beloved institution Vince’s Coffee Shop. Many of the dishes that made Vince’s famous remain (and continue to be delicious), but the restaurant remodeled and expanded, and acquired a liquor license.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

New spots did manage to show up on the local dining scene, and the VCReporter had the opportunity to visit a few. In the North Bank Shopping Center off of Johnson Drive, Hello Mai Darling offered up a dizzying array of boba and other teas and juicy “refreshers,” Asian-style baked goods and plenty of charming, youthful ambience (although the vegan donuts left something to be desired). Don Waffly’s dipped and decorated waffle sticks made for colorful, super sweet and inventive dessert options at the Annex Food Hall at The Collection. Popular Brophy’s at Ventura Harbor opened its fast-casual On the Alley downstairs, where diners could skip the wait for table service to order fish tacos, burgers and sandwiches at the counter. And Downtown Oxnard got an absolutely stellar breakfast spot in the aptly named Downtown Cafe.

Trois le Fou, where its three proprietors poured

wines from a small spot on Market Street in Ventura. Then

Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, the new Ventura home for Conway Family

easy-breezy spot for rest and relaxation.

Cinnamon dulce creme latte and spinach feta breakfast wrap from Simone’s.

Wines from Trois le Fou in Ventura.

The remodeled interior of Mai’s Cafe, Midtown Ventura.

Ox Berry and Coco Berry waffle sticks from Don Waffly at the Collection in Oxnard.

THURSDAY

MONTHLY MOVIE: DON’T WORRY DARLING | 5-7 p.m. This month our screening features Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine, Olivia Wilde and KiKi Layne. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it “tells an intricate and visually captivating story about marriage dynamics from a perspective not often considered.” Conference Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

~ Happy New Year! No events. ~

MONDAY

CHAIR YOGA | 3-4 p.m. Take a moment to stretch! Instructor Lisa Clements Feeney will teach chair yoga suitable for everyone. No experience necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

TUESDAY

BUON ANNO! BONNE ANNÉE! FELIZ AÑO

NUEVO! | 5 p.m. You are invited to end the year with a fun evening which will be a spaghetti and salad dinner with Italian and French café music on Friday, Dec. 30, in the Parish Hall of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula, 740 E Main Street, Santa Paula. Rev. Maddie Sifantus and her longtime musical collaborator Richard Conti will perform during dessert. Richard is the former head of music for the Wayland, Massachusetts schools. He has played the accordion since childhood. Maddie is a professional singer who later in life was called to the ministry. All proceeds to benefit the UUCSP. Seating is limited. Ticket reservations from our website via PayPal at uucsp.org/events/1717/ buon-anno-bonne-annee-feliz-ano-nuevo-dinner-and-music-fundraiser/ or call the office at 805-525-4647 or email office@uucsp.org. Reservations are $25 per person.

SATURDAY

NEW YEAR, JOYFUL LIVING MEDITATION SERIES | 3-4 p.m. Start out your new year with a resolution to be more mindful. In this series of meditation classes, we will explore how to create authentic happiness and develop a stable inner feeling of well-being through meditation. Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

WEDNESDAY

GINGERBREAD

HOUSE EXHIBIT AND TOURS

| 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come see Heritage Square decorated at the best time of the year and take in the festive gingerbread creations at Heritage Square Hall. While visiting, take a guided tour of the Heritage Square houses’ exteriors with select interiors. Gingerbread exhibit is free and open to the public. Tours and private viewings are also available by appointment.Tours are $5 per person. 731 S. A St., Oxnard, heritagesquareoxnard.com/christmas.html

NOON YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION | 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Please join us at the Hill Road Library for our daytime celebration of the new year, Noon Year’s Eve! Families and children are invited to this event featuring crafts, storytime, and a Countdown to Noon Year’s Eve party! This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, con -

BEACH CITIES NEIGHBORS AND NEWCOMERS GROUP | 9:30 a.m. Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers, BCNN, is a group for women from Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. It has dozens of small group offshoots, from sports activities to wine tasting, bridge, games, book groups and more. BCNN holds a monthly coffee meet at the Ventura Yacht Club in Ventura Harbor. This first meeting of the year, all the leaders of the various groups offered will be speaking to give insight into the activities that are offered by the group leaders. Come join us! 1755 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, www.bcnnwomensclub.org

THURSDAY

LOCAL AUTHOR TALK | 2-3 p.m. Local author P. Scott Corbett will be discussing his books, A Thousand Cranes and Uniformly Undeserved . Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org

tact Linda Cherry, Librarian, at 805-677-7180.The Hill Road Library is located at 1070 S. Hill Road, Ventura.

These are the last few days to catch Wild Lights and Jungle Nights at America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College. The special holiday display and evening hours will be up through Dec. 30.

HAPPENINGS

COMMUNITY NEEDS, OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

BIG ROCK PRESERVE VOLUNTEERS

WANTED | Get outside and assist Ventura Land Trust staff with preserve maintenance and restoration activities such as mulching, invasive species removal and trail maintenance. More information and sign up at www.venturalandtrust.org/big_rock_beautification

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP

| The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC), Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County (WDBSLO), Workforce Development Board of Santa Barbara County (WDBSB), and the Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council are offering accelerated pre-apprenticeship training at no cost to residents in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. This pre-apprenticeship training is designed to prepare applicants to successfully enter full time paid apprenticeships and employment in a multitude of Construction Trades. The next 12-week program starts on Jan. 4, 2023. Watch the info session, check out the FAQs, and apply today at apprenticeship.tcbtcc - slo-sb-vta.org/apply. For more information about the program, email sb1@tcbtcc-slo-sb-vta.org.

CAREER PATHWAYS AT BLANCHARD

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

FREE DAYS AT VENTURA BOTANICAL

GARDENS | The public is invited to visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens free of charge on the following dates: Jan. 1, Feb. 2, March 22, April 8, May 29, June 21, Aug. 17, Sept. 4, Oct. 31, Nov. 23 and Dec. 25. Come enjoy this beautiful, natural environment boasting picturesque paths, thousands of plants and extraordinary views at no cost! 567 Poli St., Ventura, venturabotanicalgardens.com

INFORMATION ON THE HIGH SCHOOL AT MOORPARK COLLEGE

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

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

more information or to learn more about the Landlord Engagement Program, contact Carie Bristow at carie.bristow@vcunitedway.org or 805-485-6288 x235.

MENTORS NEEDED FOR WOMEN UNITED EDUCATION AWARD RECIPIENTS | Women

United is seeking potential mentors in professional positions who would like to guide a single mother college student and help her reach her career goals. Anyone who has professional experience in a business environment and is willing to meet with a mentee for 2-3 sessions during the semester (in person or via Zoom) is encouraged to apply. To learn more, contact Leslie Osuna at leslie.osuna@vcunitedway.org or 805-485-6288, ext. 224.

VENTURA POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY ACADEMY | Through

shops, library, free table and community quilts. All are welcome. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, camarilloquilters.com

Dec.

31. The Community Academy is part of the Ventura Police Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships and increase transparency. This free program will take participants on a patrol ride-along, provide interactive trainings, showcase hands-on activities that provide an inside look at local policing, and much more. Each night features a new topic with different speakers, demonstrations and discussions. The Community Academy takes place March 1-May 3, 2023 and can accommodate no more than 30 participants. Open to Ventura residents and business owners 18 years of age and older. Deadline to apply is Dec. 31, 2022. Application and more information at www.cityofventura. ca.gov/1324/Community-Academy

ONGOING/UPCOMING EVENTS

CAMARILLO QUILTERS | 9:30 a.m., second Tuesdays of the month. The Camarillo Quilters meet the second Tuesday of every month. Quilting speakers, work -

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS | First Wednesday of the month. Want to cure the Holiday Blues? Consider joining Circle of Friends, a social group for retired women. The Club is seeking new members. The group meets once a month for business/luncheon on the first Wednesday of the month at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. Various events promote friendship and fun by the members hosting several special interest activities: cooking, walks, crafts, Scrabble, excursions, discussion group, movie night and card and board games. For more information, call Loretta at 805216-1694 or Carol at 805-340-6336. Price for luncheon is $25 and annual fee is $50.

DEPRESSION

Locations can be in public libraries, coffee shops, churches, outdoors, or any place convenient to the tutor and adult learner. Free. For more information, contact Laubach Literacy of Ventura County, 805-385-9584 or www.laubachventura@ gmail.com.

HOPE AND HELP FOR OVEREATERS | Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. Is your eating out of control? Are you feeling fat? Overeaters Anonymous can help. 133 S. Laurel St., Ventura (building next to the church). For more information call Amy at 805-3405882. Donations only.

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS GRIEF

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

AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT

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

FAMILY STORYTIME | Mondays, 4 p.m. Every Monday the South Oxnard Library hosts an all-ages storytime with Miss Joanne in the Children’s Area. South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road, Oxnard, 805-385-8129, www.oxnard.org/library/ south-oxnard-branch-library/ FREE TUTORING FOR ADULTS | Aimed at anyone 18+ who wants to learn or improve their English and learn American culture. One-on-one tutoring is arranged by the tutor. Instruction is available in Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Ojai, Saticoy, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and Moorpark.

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

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

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

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

VENTURA SENIOR MEN’S GROUP | Twice monthly. Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category, (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group lunch meetings at the Ventura Poinsettia Pavilion twice monthly. We’re strictly a social bunch, with no governing agenda and no obligation to any sponsor. Drop in and say YOUR piece; we might all benefit by it and we’ll treat you to a lunch to hear it. Call Lyle at 805-341-9820 if you’d like to know more; he’ll fill you in.

WILD LIGHTS AND JUNGLE NIGHTS | 6-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 30. America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is all aglow with dynamic lights, immersive interactive experiences and seasonal magic — all throughout a wild wonderland boasting exotic birds, tigers, reptiles, Ira the Lion and more. You’ve never seen the zoo quite like this before! See the zoo in all this sparkling splendor Dec. 16-23 and Dec. 26-30. Wild Lights and Jungle Nights hours are always 6-8:30 p.m. $3-15. 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/holiday-lights/.

The Camarillo Library hosts a Monthly Movie screening of Don’t Worry Darling on Thursday, Dec. 29, 5-7 p.m.

ARTS LISTINGS

Some classes, exhibits and events are available exclusively online. All events are subject to change and cancellation; always verify with venue and/or organizer.

OPENING THEATER

~ No Opening Theater ~

OPENING ART

~ No Opening Art ~

AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS

BUENAVENTURA ART ASSOCIATION Through Dec. 30, 2022; Jan. 6 and Jan. 13, 2023.

The BAA is currently accepting entries for three shows in three separate galleries. Submissions for the members show at SpiceTopia in Ventura are due by Dec. 30. Its Plein Air Open Show (members and nonmembers) will run Jan. 13-Feb. 25, 2023, at its main gallery in Studio 99 at the Bell Arts Factory in Ventura with a deadline of midnight on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. The deadline for the BAA members show at Harbor Village Gallery and Gifts in Ventura Harbor is Jan. 13, 2023. For submission guidelines, fees and more information, visit www. buenaventuraartassociation.org (see the Call for Entries section) and baa.wildapricot.org/ EntryThingyWA

DAB ART Ongoing. The contemporary art organization is currently seeking submissions of work in any media for group and solo exhibitions at H Gallery and Studios in Ventura. Submit three to 20 images; $35 entry fee. For submission guidelines, online application and more information, visit www.dabart.me/ventura-2

LATINX ARTS PROJECT MURAL DESIGNS

Through Dec. 31. The Latinx Arts Project/Artes de Proyecto Latinx - Carpinteria is opening up its formal call for regional artists to submit designs for a mural incorporating the theme “Past, Present, Future” of the Latinx community

in Carpinteria. The design can incorporate one, two, or all three aspects of this theme, as envisioned and interpreted by the submitting artist. This call is open to residents of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. A $2,500 cash honorarium will be provided to the winning entry, and the final design will be depicted on a public wall in Carpinteria. More information and submission guidelines at www.latinxartsproject. org. Artists can find more information on the www.latinxartsproject.org website.

ONGOING ART

AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Opened

June 16: Save the Pollinators: A YouthLed Environmental Restoration Project. Ongoing: Farm to Market , an interactive exhibit promoting healthy lifestyles through role play; plus antique tractors, farming implements, a living beehive and more. Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, venturamuseum.org/ visit-agriculture-museum/ BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Through Jan. 1, 2023: Works by the American Ceramic Society will be on display. ACS includes educators, hobbyists and ceramic technicians across the U.S., and past presidents of the Southern California Chapter were influential forces in the field of ceramic art in the 20th century. Also through Jan. 1: Selections from the Ventura County Handweavers and Spinners Guild. 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Upper Ojai, 805-646-3381, www.beatricewood.com

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

CANVAS AND PAPER Through Feb. 5. Paintings by Keith Vaughan. 311 N. Montgomery St., Ojai, canvasandpaper.org.

CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM

Ongoing. Maritime art covering Asian, European and American seafaring history; the Marple Model Ship Collection; exhibits on whales, sailors and the Port of Hueneme and more. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org

DUDLEY HOUSE HISTORIC MUSEUM

Ongoing. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1892 by Selwyn Shaw for lima bean farmer B.W. Dudley, and is one of the last pioneer farmhouses in Ventura. On display are artifacts and other elements showcasing aspects of life from 1895 to 1925. Open for tours the first Sunday of the month. COVID protocols will be strictly followed. 197 N. Ashwood Ave., Ventura, 805-642-3345, dudleyhouse.org

H GALLERY Through Dec. 31. La Gran Vida (The Big Life) , large scale compositions and alternative views from the female perspective. H Gallery, 1793 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-2931616, www.dabart.me/la-gran-vida HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS Through Jan. 7: BAA members holiday show. Ongoing: Buenaventura Art Association members showcase and sell their work. Masks and social distancing required. 1559 Spinnaker Drive #106, Ventura Harbor Village, 805-644-2750, www.facebook.com/HarborVillageGalleryGifts

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

MULLIN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Ongoing. The famed auto museum pays tribute to French automotive design, with coaches from the 1800s, Bugattis from the 1920s-30s, Concours d’Elegance winners and more. Hours: FridaySunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; advance tickets required. 1421 Emerson Ave., Oxnard, 805-3855400, mullinautomotivemuseum.com

MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM Ongoing. Impressive display of vintage automobiles and Americana, as well as the Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club and the car-centric art in the Fireball Art Gallery. Muscles and Mojo car show in the parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month. The museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1930 Eastman Ave., Oxnard, 805-487-4333, www.murphyautomuseum.org

Works by Keith Vaughn will be on display at Canvas and Paper in Ojai through Feb. 5. Pictured: “Grey Shore Seascape, 1950,” oil on hessian on board, by Keith Vaughn. © 2022 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / DACS, London

ARTS LISTINGS

Continued from page 17

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY Through Aug. 31, 2023: All That Glitters Is Not Gold, the Jazz Age in Ventura County; Chromatic: The Museum in Six Colors. Through Dec. 31, 2023: Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak. Through Feb. 28, 2023: Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®. Ongoing: MVC Gallery Marketplace, exhibits devoted to the Chumash, the history of Ventura County, online exhibits and resources and more. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-6530323 or venturamuseum.org

OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM Ongoing. Small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the Ojai Valley, as well as virtual talks and more. Now open Friday-Sunday. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org

OLIVAS ADOBE HISTORIC PARK Ongoing. The Olivas Adobe is now open the second Sunday of each month for visitors, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The historic park invites all plein air artists to come out to the site for creative inspiration, from the rose garden and 160-year-old fuchsia to the rancho and the bell tower. In addition, Laura Jean Jespersen’s The Romance of the Adobe will be on exhibit in the small adobe. There will be raffles, historic interpreters, an al fresco gift shop and more. 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe .

POPPIES ART AND GIFTS Ongoing. Gifts, jewelry, decor and more made by local artists. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-798-0033, www.poppiesartandgifts.com

RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM Ongoing. The 40-acre landmark and museum is one of the best surviving examples of an early California rancho and honors the area’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. “Last Sundays at the Landmark” take place the last Sunday of every month, and include docent-led tours, music and more. Open every Sunday for docent-led tours; group and special-focus tours by appointment. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-521-1501, www.ranchocamulos.org

realART Ongoing. The art gallery in Whizin Market Square features works by a variety of contemporary artists. Whizin Market Square, 28861 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 310-452-

4000, buyrealart.com

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

SANDRA AND JORDAN LABY GALLERY Ongoing. An Historical Eye, oil paintings, dye sublimations and gold-leaf prints from renowned artists Michael O’Kelly, to be displayed on the newly created arts space downstairs at the Rubicon Theatre Company. 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org

SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Through March 5: 14th Annual Art About Agriculture, a group show presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance to promote awareness of agriculture by exploring its many facets through art. Through Jan. 8, 2023 : Remedios (Remedies), a solo exhibition by Conejo Valley artist John Galan. With artworks rich in symbolism and vibrant hues inspired by his Mexican heritage, Galan’s exhibit explores the connections between mind, body, nature and healing. The museum is now open, Wednesdays-Sundays. Free family days the first Sunday of the month. 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula, 805-525-5554 or www.santapaulaartmuseum.org

SPICETOPIA Through Jan. 5. The spice and tea shop in downtown Ventura now shows works by members of the Buenaventura Art Association. 576 E. Main St., 805-6283267, www.spice-topia.com

VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — housewares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. Starting Nov. 19, enjoy a free gift with purchase of $30 or more. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805644-6800, venturapottersguild.org/gallery

The Museum of Ventura County will feature detailed and magnified views of the works of artist and historian George Stuart in Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 28, 2023. Pictured: The George Stuart Historical Figure® of Elizabeth I of England.

AFTER DARK LIVE AND ONLINE

H = Highly recommended

If you have something related to nightlife — online or otherwise — please email nshaffer@ timespublications.com. Due to the erratic nature of entertainment booking, information contained here is subject to change and not guaranteed. Call venues ahead to confirm. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!

THURSDAY, 12/29

LIVE MUSIC

Boatyard Pub: Bluegrass Thursday

The Canyon: Donavon Frankenreiter, Iris and the Shade and Charlie Treat, 7 p.m. H

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

Tony’s Pizzaria: Reggae Thursdays, 6:309:30 p.m.

COMEDY

Levity Live Comedy Club: Cristela Alonzo, 7:30 p.m. H

DJS

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

OTHER Anna’s Cider: Trivia night, 7 p.m.

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

The Garage: Tiki Thursdays

GiGi’s: Karaoke with Steve Luke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

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

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

The Manhattan: Trivia night, 7 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY, 12/30

LIVE MUSIC

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

The Canyon: So Petty (Tom Petty tribute) with Zack Kirkorian, 7 p.m.

Copper Blues: Wired, 7 p.m.

Keynote Lounge: Pull the Trigger, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Leashless Brewing: Adam Lenhard, 7 p.m. H

The Manhattan: Tour Support, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Ojai Underground Exchange: Ojai-Fi #5, 7 p.m.

The Raven Tavern: Teresa Russell, 7 p.m. H

Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley, Cochran): Irie Nature, LakeDub, The Resinators, 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Vaquero Y Mar: Jarocho music with Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera, 6-8 p.m.; Music

Nortena con Jaime and DJ Sensacion, 8:30 p.m.

Ventura Theater: Circle Jerks, TSOL, SKOWL, 8 p.m. H

Winchester’s: Brittany and Ben, 7-10 p.m.

COMEDY

Levity Live Comedy Club: Cristela Alonzo, 7 and 9:15 p.m. H

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Mark Eddie, 7 p.m.

DJS

Copper Blues: DJ Atre, 10 p.m.

Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean

OTHER

BL Dancehall/Borderline: New Year’s Eve Party with line dancing, two-stepping and more, 6 p.m.

The Garage: Karaoke with Steve Sharp, 7 p.m.

GiGi’s: Karaoke with Steve Luke, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, 12/31

LIVE MUSIC

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

The Canyon: New Year’s Eve with Queen Nation (tribute), Second Sight, DJ and dancing, 8 p.m. H

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

The Garage: New Year’s Eve Party

GiGi’s: New Year’s Eve with Jesse Jay Harris Band, 8 p.m.

Keynote Lounge: NYE Party with CRV, 8 p.m.

Leashless Brewing: NYE East Coast with FIDO, 6 p.m.

The Lookout: New Year’s Eve with Gary Ballen, 9:30-12:30 p.m.

The Manhattan: New Year’s Eve Party with Jeanne Tatum, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Ojai Valley Museum: New Year’s Eve with Alexandra King Dance Ensemble, Cassidy Linder, Bernie Larsen, DJ Mikael Jorgensen and more, 6:30-9:30 p.m. ★

The Raven: Doc Rogers Band, 8 p.m. Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley, Cochran): New Year’s Eve Party with Dressed to Kill (KISS tribute) and others, 8 p.m.

Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Thompson): NYE Backroom Bash, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.

Vaquero Y Mar: New Year’s Eve Salsa Party with Ruben Estrada, Ruben Palazuelos, The Martinez Brothers and Jose Valdez, 8 p.m.H

Ventura Harbor Village: Blown Over, 12-3 p.m.

Winchester’s: New Year’s Eve with the Corsican Brothers, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

COMEDY

Bank of America Performing Arts Center: Jason Love’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Bash, 7 p.m. H

JR’s Comedy Club (inside Junkyard Cafe): New Year’s Eve with Jackie Flynn, Randy Lubas and Sandy Gelfound, 5:30-9 p.m. H

Levity Live Comedy Club: Phil Medina, 7 p.m. Rubicon Theatre Company: Ventura Improv Company, 8 p.m. H

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Darren Carter, 8 and 10 p.m.

DJS

Copper Blues: DJ Honey, 10 p.m.

Deer Lodge: New Year’s Eve Dance Party with DJ Project Pineapple, 9:30 p.m.

Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean

OTHER

GiGi’s: Karaoke with Steve Luke, 9 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, 1/1

LIVE MUSIC

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

Copper Blues: Mariachi brunch, 12 p.m.

Leashless Brewing: Emily Coupe, 2 p.m.

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

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

Ventura Harbor Village: Ashun, 12-3 p.m.

Winchester’s: CRV, 2-5 p.m.

OTHER

The Garage: VC Dart Tournament

GiGi’s: Karaoke with Steve Luke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Harbor Cove Cafe: Yacht Rock Sunday

MONDAY, 1/2

OTHER

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

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

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

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

Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Thompson): Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, 1/3

LIVE MUSIC

Copa Cubana: Hot Roux, 7-9 p.m. H

Prime Steakhouse: Danny Delurgio sings Sinatra, 6 p.m.

Ric’s Restaurant: Tour Support, 5-8 p.m.

Vaquero Y Mar: Sea Hunters, 5-7 p.m.

OTHER

BL Dancehall/Borderline: Karaoke, 7 p.m.

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

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

The Lookout: Trivia, 7 p.m.

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

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

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

Winchester’s: Open Mic Night with Jenna Rose, 6-9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 1/4

LIVE MUSIC

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

The Six Social House: Bone Maggot Presents

Wicked Wednesdays with special guest Alyson Montez and music video filming, 8:30 p.m.H

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

COMEDY

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

OTHER

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

The Lookout: Garyoke with Gary Ballen, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Bone Maggot hosts a very special Wicked Wednesday at The Six Social House on Wednesday, Jan. 4, starting at 8:30 p.m. The band will be joined by Alyson Montez for a live music video filming.

Jackie Flynn is joined by Randy Lubas and Sandy Gelfound for a special New Year’s Eve comedy show on Saturday, Dec. 31, 5:30-9 p.m. at JR’s Comedy Club inside the Junkyard Cafe in Simi Valley.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor,” writes Aries author Anne Lamott. “It will keep you cramped and insane.” I think that’s a key theme for you to embrace in 2023. Let’s express the idea more positively, too. In Navajo culture, rug weavers intentionally create small imperfections in their work, like odd-colored beads or stray pieces of yarn. This rebellion against unattainable exactitude makes the art more soulful. Relieved of the unrealistic mandate to be flawless, the rug can relax into its beauty.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Here are my four decrees for you in 2023, Taurus. 1. You are cleared to be greedy if it’s in service to a holy cause that fosters others’ well-being as well as yours. 2. It’s permissible to be stubborn if doing so nourishes versions of truth and goodness that uplift and inspire your community. 3. It’s proper to be slow and gradual if that’s the best way to keep collaborative projects from becoming slipshod. 4. It’s righteous to be zealous in upholding high standards, even if that causes less diligent people to bail out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

In 2023, many interesting lessons will arrive via your close relationships and collaborations. You will have the potential to learn more about the art of togetherness than you have in a long time. On occasion, these lessons may initially agitate you. But they will ultimately provide more pleasure and healing than you can imagine right now. Bonus prediction: You will have an enhanced talent for interweaving your destiny together with the fates of your allies.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Here are some projects I’d love to see you pursue in 2023: 1. Teach your allies the fine points of how to cherish you but not smother you. 2. Cultivate your natural talent for appreciating the joys of watching and helping things grow: a child, a creative project, a tree, a friendship, or your bank account. 3. If you don’t feel close to the family members that fate provided you with, find others you like better. 4. As you explore territories that are further out or deeper within, make sure your Cancerian shell is expandable. 5. Avoid being friends with people who are shallow or callous or way too cool. 6. Cultivate your attraction to people who share your deepest feelings and highest ideals.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

Mystic teacher Terence McKenna said, “You have to take seriously the notion that understanding the universe is your responsibility, because the only understanding of the universe that will be useful to you is your own understanding.” This will be key advice for you in 2023. You will be wise to craft an updated version of your personal philosophy. I suggest you read a lot of smart people’s ideas about the game of life. Make it your quest to commune with interesting minds who stimulate your deep thoughts. Pluck out the parts that ring true as you create a new vision that is uniquely your own.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

How should we refer to your romantic adventures in 2023? We could be whimsical and call them “Ritual Mating Dances on the Outskirts of History.” We could be melodramatic and call them “Diving into the Deep Dark Mysteries in Search of Sexy Treasures.” Or we could be hopeful and call them “A Sacred Pilgrimage to the Frontiers of Intimacy.” I think there’s a good chance that all three titles will turn out to be apt descriptors of the interesting stories ahead of you—especially if you’re brave as you explore the possibilities.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

“Coddiwomple” is an English slang word that means to travel resolutely and dynamically toward an as-yet unknown destination. It’s not the same as wandering aimlessly. The prevailing mood is not passivity and

vagueness. Rather, one who coddiwomples has a sense of purpose about what’s enjoyable and meaningful. They may not have a predetermined goal, but they know what they need and like. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the next six months will be an excellent time for you Libras to experiment with coddiwompling.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

In the theater of ancient Greece, the term anagnorisis referred to a pivotal moment when a character discovered a big truth they had previously been unaware of. Another Greek word, peripeteia, meant a reversal of circumstances: “a change by which the action veers round to its opposite.” I bring these fun ideas to your attention, dear Scorpio, because I think 2023 could bring you several instances of an anagnorisis leading to a peripeteia. How would you like them to unfold? Start making plans. You will have uncanny power to determine which precise parts of your life are gifted with these blessings.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Winters are cold in Olds, a town in Alberta, Canada. Temperatures plunge as low as 24 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. But an agronomist named Dong Jianyi has built a giant greenhouse there that enables him to grow vegetables year-round. He spends no money on heat, but relies on innovative insulation to keep the inside warm. In 2021, he grew 29,000 pounds of tomatoes. I propose we make him your inspirational role model for 2023, Sagittarius. My guess is, that like him, you will be a wellspring of imaginative resourcefulness. What creative new developments could you generate? How might you bring greater abundance into your life by drawing extra energy from existing sources? How could you harness nature to serve you even better?

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

In accordance with your astrological omens in 2023, I’ve chosen a quote from Capricorn storyteller Michael Meade. I hope you will make it one of your core meditations in the coming months. He writes, “All meaningful change requires a genuine surrender. Yet, to surrender does not simply mean to give up; more to give up one’s usual self and allow something other to enter and redeem the lesser sense of self. In surrendering, we fall to the bottom of our arguments and seek to touch the origin of our lives again. Only then can we see as we were meant to see, from the depth of the psyche where the genius resides, where the seeds of wisdom and purpose were planted before we were born.” (The quote is from Meade’s book Fate and Destiny, The Two Agreements of the Soul.)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

In addition to my career as a horoscope columnist, I have written novels and other books. I have worked as a singer-songwriter in rock bands and performed a one-person show in theaters. As I survey my history, I always break into sardonic laughter as I contemplate how many businesspeople have advised me, “First, you’ve got to sell out. You’ve got to dumb down your creative efforts so as to make yourself salable. Only later, after you have become successful, can you afford to be true to your deepest artistic principles.”

I am very glad I never heeded that terrible counsel, because it would have made me insane and unhappy. How are you doing with this central problem of human life, Aquarius? Are you serving the gods of making money or the gods of doing what you love? The coming year will, I suspect, bring you prime opportunities to emphasize the latter goal.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20):

I’ve chosen a sweet taste of advice for you to keep referring back to in 2023. It’s in rapt alignment with upcoming astrological omens. I suggest you copy my counsel out in longhand on a piece of paper and keep it in your wallet or under your pillow. Here it is, courtesy of author Martha Beck: “The important thing is to tell yourself a life story in which you, the hero, are primarily a problem solver rather than a helpless victim. This is well within your power, whatever fate might have dealt you.”

Contact Ann Browne | 625-584-8747 abrowne@vcreporter.com Deadline is Monday, 11 a.m. for Thursday publication

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

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Haley Wilburn furniture, suitc a s e s , b o x e s , t o y s , b a b y i t e m s s m a l l t o o l s Richard Barrios tables, bbq, t o o l s , l a d d e r , h o m e d e c o r , b o x e s K r i s s B u h a i n t a b l e s / c h a i r s , b o x e s , b i c y c l e , t o y s , h o m e d e c o r

S t e p h e n P e t e r s f u r n i t u r e , s u i t c a s e s , t o t e s , c r a t e s , c l o t h e s , e l e c t r o n i c s Rebecca Gutierrez bicycles, table suitcases bags totes matress

N i c h o l e T h o m a s o n t o t e s , b a g s , c l o t h e s , f r a m e Antonio Acosta tables/chairs, lamps home decor small appliances, shelving S e a n L a m b e r s o n m a t r e s s , boxes, furniture, lamp, xbox, power washer Cayetano Garcia wheel barrel, small piano, shovels M i c h a e l R i c o M u l d o w n e y b o x e s , b a g s , c l o t h e s , b l a n k e t s S t e p h a n i e P e t e r s b o x e s , b a g s s u i t c a s e s f u r n i t u r e h o m e d e c o r

The auction will be listed and a d v e r t i s e d o n w w w s t o ra g e t r e a s u r e s c o m P u rc h a s e s m u s t b e m a d e w i t h c a s h o n l y a n d p a i d a t t h e a b o v e r e f e r e n c e d f a c i l i t y i n order to complete the transaction Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up unt i l t h e w i n n i n g b i d d e r t a k e s p o s s e s s i o n o f t h e p e r s o n a l p r o p e r t y P u b l i s h e d : V e n t u r a C o u n t y Reporter 12/29/22, 01/05/23

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

T o s a t i s f y t h e o w n e r ' s s t o ra g e l i e n P S R e t a i l S a l e s L L C w i l l s e l l a t p u b l i c l i e n s a l e o n J a n u a r y 1 7 , 2 0 2 3 , the personal property in the below-listed units, which may include but are not limited to: h o u s e h o l d a n d p e r s o n a l items, office and other equipm e n t T h e p u b l i c s a l e o f

T o s a t i s f y t h e o w n e r ' s s t o ra g e l i e n , P S R e t a i l S a l e s , L L C w i l l s e l l a t p u b l i c l i e n s a l e o n J a n u a r y 1 7 2 0 2 3 the personal property in th e below-listed units, which may include but are not limited to: h o u s e h o l d a n d p e r s o n a l items, office and other equipm e n t T h e p u b l i c s a l e o f t h e s e i t e m s w i l l b e g i n a t 09:30 AM and continue until a l l u n i t s a r e s o l d T h e l i e n sale is to be held at the onl i n e a u c t i o n w e b s i t e w w w s t o r a g e t r e a s u r e s c o m , where indicated For online lien sales, bids will be accept e d u n t i l 2 h o u r s a f t e r t h e t i m e o f t h e s a l e s p e c i f i e d PUBLIC STORAGE # 20627, 4 5 6 8 E L o s A n g e l e s A v e , Simi Valley, CA 93063, (805) 285-7018

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com C165 - Evans, Karina; C284GURROLA, DINORA; D096Roth, Elke

PUBLIC STORAGE # 24322, 2 1 6 7 F i r s t S t r e e t S i m i V a ll e y , C A 9 3 0 6 5 , ( 8 0 5 ) 2 8 57 0 7 3

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com A 0 2 9 - A l i a h m a d V i c t o r i a ; B027 - Stokes, Leah; C053Tisdale, Alex; F073 - Vargas, David PUBLIC STORAGE # 25753, 8 7 5 W L o s A n g e l e s A v e , M o o r p a r k , C A 9 3 0 2 1 , ( 8 0 5) 2 9 8 - 1 3 8 4

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com 0 3 7 - S t c l a i r , A r t h u r ; 3 0 7C o s t a K a y l a ; 5 7 2 - S c h a b L u c a s ; 7 5 6 - S t e w a r t , P h i l ; A 1 4 1 - J a c k s o n , N a t a l i e PUBLIC STORAGE # 26607, 120 West Easy Street, Sim i Valley CA 93065 (805) 2857067

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com 140 - Meijer, Eric; 234 - Barlaan, Jefferson; 336 - Blackw e l l , Ta w n i ; 3 5 3 - M e r c a d o, R e n e ; 5 1 4 - C a s tr o , M a r i a Public sale terms, rules, and r e g u l a t i o n s w i l l b e m a d e available prior to the sale All sales are subject to cancellation We reserve the right to r e f u s e a n y b i d P a y m e n t m u s t b e i n c a s h o r c r e d i t card-no checks Buyers must s e c u r e t h e u n i t s w i t h t h e i r own personal locks To claim t a x - e x e m p t s t a t u s , o r i g i n a l RESALE certificates for each space purchased is required By PS Retail Sales, LLC, 701 W e s t e r n A v e n u e G l e n d a l e C A 9 1 2 0 1 ( 8 1 8 ) 2 4 4 - 8 0 8 0 12/29/22, 1/5/23 CNS-3655807#

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

T o s a t i s f y t h e o w n e r ' s s t o ra g e l i e n , P S R e t a i l S a l e s , L L C w i l l s e l l a t p u b l i c l i e n s a l e o n J a n u a r y 1 8 , 2 0 2 3 , the personal property in th e below-listed units, which may include but are not limited to: h o u s e h o l d a n d p e r s o n a l items, office and other equipm e n t T h e p u b l i c s a l e o f t h e s e i t e m s w i l l b e g i n a t 09:30 AM and continue until a l l u n i t s a r e s o l d T h e l i e n sale is to be held at the onl i n e a u c t i o n w e b s i t e , w w w s t o r a g e t r e a s u r e s c o m , where indicated For online lien sales, bids will be accept e d u n t i l 2 h o u r s a f t e r t h e t i m e o f t h e s a l e s p e c i f i e d PUBLIC STORAGE # 23411, 7 4 0 A r c t u r u s A v e , O x n a r d , C A 9 3 0 3 3 ( 8 0 5 ) 2 4 8 - 7 0 8 3 Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com B035 - Larios, Regina; B070 - M a r t i n e z , L i s a ; F 0 2 9B r o w n F r e d ; F 0 4 4 - H i c kstein, Wayne; F050 - Cuilty, S c o t t ; F 1 0 1 - G o n z a l e z , M i F243 P lk Ch l

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r a g e t r e a s u r e s c o m , where indicated For online lien sales, bids will be accept e d u n t i l 2 h o u r s a f t e r t h e t i m e o f t h e s a l e s p e c i f i e d PUBLIC STORAGE # 23411, 7 4 0 A r c t u r u s A v e , O x n a r d , C A 9 3 0 3 3 , ( 8 0 5 ) 2 4 8 - 7 0 8 3

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com

B 035 - Larios, Regina; B070 - M a r t i n e z , L i s a ; F 0 2 9B r o w n , F r e d ; F 0 4 4 - H i c kstein, Wayne; F050 - Cuilty, S c o t t ; F 1 0 1 - G o n z a l e z Maria; F243 - Polk, Charles; F 3 1 8 - M o r t o n , C h r i s t i n e ; F 3 8 0 - P e r e z , M a r y L o u ; F 3 8 9 - B o n e w i t z , C h r i s t i n a

PUBLIC STORAGE # 23050, 4 4 0 0 M c G r a t h S t , V e n t u r a , C A 9 3 0 0 3 , ( 8 0 5 ) 3 2 4 - 6 0 1 1

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com

A 0 1 7 - B a i y l e y W o r t l e y , C h r i s t i n e ; B 3 0 3 - m a g u i r e L i s a ; B 3 3 5 - B u t l e r , L u w a n ; C227 - Niland, Cristina; H021

- F a l l a n d y , M a r t i n ; H 0 8 0C e f a l u , V i n c e n t ; H 2 3 5V a r e l a R o b e r t ; H 2 4 6T h o m p s o n , V i c t o r i a ; J 0 0 7P e i n a d o , J a n e t ; K 0 0 8P e i n a d o , J a n e t ; K 2 0 7V a s q u e z , S t a c e y

PUBLIC STORAGE # 26812, 6435 Ventura Blvd Ventura CA 93003, (805) 329-5384

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com C171 - Dergan, Trevor; C232 - F e r r e i r a V i c t o r ; C 2 3 3C o l e m a n , P a m e l a ; D 0 8 6O s u n a , O l i v a ; D 1 5 2 - H A RV I L L E , A N N E T T E ; D 1 8 9Fields, Jazmin; D306 - Collie r J o a n ; D 3 2 6 - P e t e J i m m y ; D 3 4 0 - S a n c h e z , C r i s t i n e

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

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com 3 5 8 - B - A l m a n z a n , L i s a ; B 1 0 7 - E s t r e l l a , M e l i s s a ; E 4 1 5 - W e s t r i c k , V a l l e r i e ; E422 - Marin Vanessa; E453 - S m i t h , H e a t h e r ; E 4 7 5Torres, Mark; E478 - Reese, Willie; E518 - Cadenas, Louis Mario PUBLIC STORAGE # 25779 161 E Ventura Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93036, (805) 456-6430

Sale to be held at www storagetreasures com

B 5 3 9 - R o s e , S k y e ; B 5 4 3L o p e z T o r r e s L u i s ; B 5 5 9Johnson, Adenessa; B614B u m a t a y , E l e n a ; B 6 1 7C a s t i l l o , V i r i D i a n a ; B 7 1 2Alvarez, Cesar; B728 - Workm a n M a r y ; R 2 7 3 - J o n e s Sherine; W115 - Hernandez, Joseph; W140 - Jones, Sheri n e ; W 2 0 7 - L o p e z , S t e v e ; W 2 1 0 - T a p i a , C e s a r Public sale terms, rules, and r e g u l a t i o n s w i l l b e m a d e available prior to the sale All sales are subject to cancellation We reserve the right to r e f u s e a n y b i d P a y m e n t m u s t b e i n c a s h o r c r e d i t card-no checks Buyers must s e c u r e t h e u n i t s w i t h t h e i r own personal locks To claim t a x - e x e m p t s t a t u s , o r i g i n a l RESALE certificates for each space purchased is required

Dated this 29th of December 2022 & 5th of January 2023

B y P S O r a n g e c o , I n c , 7 0 1 W e s t e r n A v e n u e , G l e n d a l e, C A 9 1 2 0 1 ( 8 1 8 ) 2 4 4 - 8 0 8 0 12/29/22, 1/5/23

CNS-3653762#

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a p u b l i c a u c t i o n t o s e l l p e rsonal property described below belonging to those indiv i d u a l s l i s t e d b e l o w a t t h e l o c a t i o n i n d i c a t e d : 1285 E Thousand Oaks Blvd T h o u s a n d O a k s , C A 9 1 3 6 2 January 10, 2023 at 2:30 pm

Tiffany Long: Boxes Household items Aron Oppliger: Files Th ti ill b li t d d

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