VCReporter 07-28-22 by Times Media Group

Sespe Creek | Glass House | Safeport | Leaf

NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, ENVIRONMENT • VENTURA COUNTY’S FREE

WEEKLY • WWW.VCREPORTER.COM • JULY 28, 2022

The Issue

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CONTENTS

vcreporter.com DEPARTMENTS

4 OPINION

Purple is the New Party: A tale of two Netflix by Paul Moomjean

6 NEWS

Eye on the Environment: Dust mites do not destroy mattresses by David Goldstein In Brief by Alex Wilson

Volume 46, Issue 34 After Dark _______________________ 20 Arts Listings ______________________ 24 Free Will Astrology ____________ ONLINE Happenings ______________________ 23 Letters ______________________ ONLINE Surf Report ______________________ 20

10 THE CANNABIS ISSUE

“It feels like we are part of a cultural revolution”: Safeport’s success is a family affair by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer The saga of Sespe Creek: Ojai’s first cannabis dispensary traveled a rocky road to community acceptance “Cannabis evolution”: Leaf Dispensary’s David MacFarlane has survived the SoCal cannabis coaster Going from red to green: Glass House converts a tomato farm to a high-tech facility for cannabis cultivation by Alex Wilson

Sespe Creek | Glass House | Safeport | Leaf

NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, ENVIRONMENT • VENTURA COUNTY’S FREE

Cover: Featured in VCR’s

WEEKLY • WWW.VCREPORTER.COM • JULY 28, 2022

The Issue

Paid training. Start at $23.33

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first-ever cannabis issue, clockwise from top left: Chelsea Sutula (center) with her Sespe Creek Collective crew; Graham Farrar of Glass House Farms; Nicole, Nancy, Lonnie and Matt Jarvis of Safeport; Leaf’s David MacFarlane.

19 ART+CULTURE

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ART+CULTURE I PAGE 19

July 28, 2022 —

—3

OPINION

vcreporter.com

Purple is the New Party

A tale of two Netflix

e all watch Netflix or are aware of its contribution to both the economy and entertainment worlds we live in, but for those unaware, it is currently in a dark age unseen. Netflix execs are finding that, with no one required to stay home on lockdown, their empire is crumbling. Plus, after the recent state of the union address, media outlets are creating chaos with their hot takes on the streamer. Two respected news organizations, the Washington Post and Forbes Magazine, have two very different interpretations on the topic of Netflix’s woes. In such an unstable world, we need the media to report correctly, and when we see bias, we must call it out, especially when the financial market is on the line. According to Forbes, Netflix is trading at a 10-year historic low valuation and the future is murky at best. The stock was at $600 a share back in 2021. The company was predicting growth and financial gain hand over fist. Instead, the past two quarters have seen large drops in subscribers (approximately 1.2 million lost between the two first quarters) and the stock plummeting. Forbes reported, “The lagging discussion on Netflix is that there

by Paul Moomjean l paulmoomjean@yahoo.com

was a subscriber decline in Q1 of 200,000, excluding Russia and a subscriber decline of 970,000 in Q2. While critics believe this is due to saturation, it’s much more likely the decline is coming from a pull forward due to Covid as all media stocks – both streaming and social media – demonstrated outsized audience growth through Q2 2021. Therefore, Netflix is lapping some tough quarters for audience growth comps.” (“Netflix stock stronger than it seems following Q2 earnings,” Beth Kindig, July 22, 2022.) What makes all this doom-andgloom talk so fascinating is that the Washington Post is reporting all of this as a net positive in the long term. Look at how the Washington Post creates a different narrative to protect the streaming giant. (“Netflix loses nearly 1 million subscribers, and its stock soars,” Hamza Shaban, July 19, 2022.) To wit: “Shares surged 5.6 percent ahead of Tuesday’s release, closing at $201.63, amid a broad rally that sent the Dow Jones industrial average up more than 750 points, or 2.2 percent. The broader S&P 500 index and tech-heavy Nasdaq ended even higher, up 2.8 percent and 3.1 percent, respective-

ly, as investors appeared buoyed by better-than-expected quarterly earnings that showed businesses were managing withering inflation and despite recession fears.” This lipstick-on-a-pig approach to analyzing the downfall of Netflix’s attempt to take over the world is not healthy to investors. The Washington Post isn’t being honest, because they want people buying stock, not selling. Does corporate America have no soul? Telling people Rome is burning while playing the fiddle isn’t a cure, Mr. Nero. Meanwhile Netflix isn’t really being honest or aware why they went from Tiger King to the Pussycat Dolls. According to Forbes, “The company attributed its slowing revenue growth to a range of issues, including higher adoption rates of connected TVs, more streaming competition, account sharing and broader factors like sluggish economic growth and the war in Ukraine.” Forbes points out Netflix’s detachment from reality. Yes, the recession and inflation hurt, but at $10-15 a month per subscription, that’s not the reason. And it certainly isn’t the war in Ukraine. Netflix creates too much mediocre content,

with about two or three great films a year. Their comedies and action films are awful, and their TV shows are binge worthy, but then you can unsubscribe until something better comes months down the road. The Washington Post is reporting “nothing to see hear” headlines, which will only cause confusion and an uptick in a stock that is bound to fail. The small jump in stock is being seen as an improvement: “The new and improved trajectory in free cash flow won’t change the company’s debt levels anytime soon. Netflix is firmly setting expectations for $10 to $15 billion in debt into the foreseeable future. This is necessary to continue to hold its place as the top media company in terms of revenue and engagement. Gross debt stands at $14.3 billion, when accounting for $5.8 billion in cash, net debt is at $8.5 billion.” When you start celebrating that amount of debt, you’re wearing financial beer glasses, seeing the hot mess at the bar as a real catch. Who knows if Netflix will survive or not. But just know we can’t rely on the media to give us a real, honest analysis. It’s a tale of two Netflix.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Zac Reynolds EDITOR Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer STAFF WRITER Alex Wilson CONTRIBUTORS David Michael Courtland, Ivor Davis, Emily Dodi, Alicia Doyle, Marina Dunbar, Chuck Graham, Chris Jay, Daphne Khalida Kilea, Karen Lindell, Paul Moomjean, Madeline Nathaus, Mike Nelson, Tim Pompey, Alan Sculley, Kit Stolz, Mark Storer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Veronica Thurman, Paul Braun, Elaine Cota ADVERTISING SALES Barbara Kroon, Jon Cabreros CLASSIFIEDS Ann Turrietta Advertising information, call 805.648.2244 Classified Ads | Display Ads EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICE 805.648.2244 barbara@vcreporter.com (Advertising) nancy@vcreporter.com (Editorial) aturrietta@timespublications.com (Classifieds) The Ventura County Reporter is distributed every Thursday in Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Camarillo, Ojai, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. The Reporter is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The Reporter may be distributed only by Reporter authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of the Reporter, take more than one copy of each Reporter issue. The Reporter is copyright ©2022 by Times Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without permission in writing by the publisher. An adjudicated Newspaper of General Circulation (SP50329). Submissions of all kinds are welcomed. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. A stamped, self-addressed envelope must accompany all submissions expected to be returned.

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hen we experience increased market volatility, one of the most asked questions we hear is, “Should I keep contributing to my 401k?” The short answer is yes, but let us explain why. By contributing to your 401k with every pay check, you automatically take advantage of an investing strategy called Dollar Cost Averaging. Here’s how it works: every two weeks (or at any regular interval), you invest a set amount of money, regardless of how the stock market is performing. The beauty of this approach is that when the markets are down, and prices are low, you are able to purchase more shares for your money. Conversely, when markets are up and prices are high, you buy fewer shares. Consider a hypothetical example. Let’s say you invest $100 the first day of every month for six months into a fund whose value fluctuates wildly month to month: from $10 per share to $5, to $6, back to $5, to $8, and then back to $10. With dollar-cost averaging over this six-month period, you invest a total of $600 dollars and purchase just a tad over 89 shares, for an average cost of $6.73/ share and an ending value of about $892. If, instead, you had invested the entire $600 at the beginning of the six months, you’d have only purchased 60 shares, with a much higher average cost of $10/share, that would continue to be worth just $600 at the end of the six months. Of course, the results will vary depending on the real numbers. In our example, if the fund had continued to decline, with dollar-cost averaging, you’d have purchased even more shares over the six months. On the other hand, if the fund had continued to go up every month, you’d have been better off investing all of your money at once instead of spreading it out. While the road can be rocky (particularly over the short term), over longer periods of time the stock market tends to rise. In this way, dollar-cost averaging is not a guarantee of the biggest profit or absolute protection against a loss, but it is a great way to stay the course during a volatile market.

A built-in benefit of dollar-cost averaging is that it is an antidote to market timing. We all hear about people who want to find that perfect moment to invest and make a killing, and we completely understand when you say you don’t want to invest just to see your values go down, but timing the market is pretty much impossible. In fact, the length of time you invest matters much more than entering the market at the best time. Investments in stocks have outperformed cash over every 20-year period from 1926 to 2019 by a large margin. During these 90-plus years, the average ending wealth for an investor who put $2,000 a year in cash investments for 20 years is approximately $64,500. The average ending wealth for an investor who puts their $2,000 a year in the stock market with perfect timing (always investing at the low) is approximately $175,000. And the most interesting data point of all is that the investor who put their $2,000 in the market on the first day of the year, without any thought for timing, would end up with approximately $162,000. In other words, they made almost as much as the perfect timer and outperformed the procrastinator by a threefold margin. Let us repeat: perfect market timing (which, in reality, even the experts can’t implement) doesn’t make nearly as much difference as consistency, year over year. One of the easiest ways to be consistent? Dollar-cost averaging. Despite the wild gyrations of the last several months, the stock market remains the best place to build long-term wealth. Again, it is not a way for the average investor to make a quick profit. Start slowly, but start now, and continue to invest regardless of market conditions. Source: Charles Schwab

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NEWS

vcreporter.com

Eye on the Environment

Dust mites do not destroy mattresses then resold at the estate sale.” Used mattresses are generally hard to sell or donate, but recycling is free. Retailers are required to pick up a mattress after delivering one, trash collectors provide annual bulky item collection to houses, and Ventura County has five drop-off sites listed at byebyemattress.com. Nevertheless, illegal dumping of mattresses is still a problem. On Tuesday, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors will consider approval of a funding agreement between the Public Works Agency and the MRC. The MRC is offering the county up to $61,600 for installation and monitoring of cameras in select spots along rural roadways to catch illegal dumpers. The agency will also install anti-dumping signs and conduct an associated public education campaign. In 2023, the agency will provide a final report analyzing the effectiveness of these measures for reducing illegal dumping of mattresses and other items. On the web: www.byebyemattress.com w w w . l u n g . o r g AD / c l e aPROOF n-air/ at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/ dust-mites Client: Salzers Ad Executive: Warren Barrett (805) 648-2244 FREE UP YOUR DRIVEWAY/PARKING GARAGE www.aller-ease.com Please check this proof over carefully and indicate all corrections clearly. You will have a “1st Proof”, “2nd Proof”, and “Final Proof”. If we receive no proof after the 1st or 2nd Proofs, AD WILL RUN AS IS. If this proof meets your approval on the 1st proof, check off “FINAL PROOF (APPROVED)” box, date and sign at the bottom w w w. s l e e p f o u n d a t i o n . o r g / m at t r ess- i nf or m at i on/ howt oISSUE: 2/25/21 NOTICE: PLEASE FAX THIS PROOF TO (805) 648-2245 ASAP clean-a-mattress

entire surface of the mattress,” where dust mites can live.” On this final point, in my home, leaving it on “for at least a few Keep it clean in bed,” urges where I have a child with aller- hours,” vacuuming up the baking an advertising campaign by a gies, we cover mattresses and soda, and repeating the process major retail chain of mattress pillows he sleeps on, using aller- for the underside of the mattress. stores, trying to coax consum- gen encasements. Allerease, one She also recommends a waterers into buying a new mattress maker of these covers available at proof mattress protector, “or at the at least every eight years. The home improvement and furnish- very least a quality mattress pad.” AD PROOF A mattress topper is a step up television ad features a comically ing stores, claims on its website, scowling actor dressed in a dust “advanced, tightly woven fab- from a mattress pad, and those Cars mite costume and another actor Ad Executive: Barrett concerned (805) 648-2244 about the potential for ric prevents Warren household allergens dust mites on a mattress, feigning disgust all at the prospectclearly. of from through collectover carefully and indicate corrections Youpassing will have a “1st and Proof”, “2nd Proof”, and “Final Proof”. Ifbut who er the 1st sharing or 2nd Proofs, AD WILL RUN IS. Ifinthis proof meets your approval are on the 1st proof, check off unwilling or unable to follow mattresses. a bed with an insect whoAS ing” VED)” box,feeds date and sign at thecells bottom. The Sleep Foundation, at Sleep- protocols for dust mite control, on dead skin and then in an article by can periodically replace a mattress “poops” all over mattress. The foundation.org, ISSUE: 9/17/20 FAX THIS PROOF TOthe(805) 648-2245 ASAP ad claims mattresses over eight Lauren Fountain, who is referred topper much more easily and inexyears old host too many dust mites to as a “Certified Sleep Science pensively than an entire mattress, Coach,” provides additional tips. according to Spencer Simcik, and should be replaced. The website of the American To “extend the lifespan of your owner of Spencer’s Ventura MatLung Association points to more bed” and reduce allergic reactions tress. “Our mattresses are made practical methods of dust mite to dust mites, she suggests people to last much longer than that; it control for people with allergies wash bedding “around once per would be a shame for someone and asthma, who are sensitive week,” vacuum mattresses using a to recycle a perfectly good eightto dust mites: reduce humidity vacuum’s upholstery attachment, year-old mattress just because in bedrooms, use hard flooring and follow a process every six someone trying to sell them a new instead of carpets, clean hard months to clean the mattress more mattress is making them scared of floors with a damp cloth to capture thoroughly. The thorough clean- dust mites,” he said. Dust mites are not parasites, dust, avoid upholstered furniture, ing process includes applying “a dust regularly and “reduce places thin layer of baking soda over the do not bite or burrow into our

“

by David Goldstein

bodies, and they meet a need — they eat dead skin cells we shed, and they also eat mold, according to the website of the American Lung Association. “People who are allergic to dust or dust mites are reacting to inhaling proteins in dust that comes from” the mites, the site reports. Mike O’Donnell, managing director of the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), which coordinates statewide recycling programs for California and other states, provided a more realistic gauge for how long people keep mattresses. In 2019, an MRC study indicated that the average age of a discarded mattress was about 11 years. However, “the data set had limitations because so many units had no tags,” according to O’Donnell. If older units were less likely to have readable tags, the average age could be higher. As an example, O’Donnell revealed, “The mattress I slept on as a kid remained in Mom and Dad’s house for 40 years and was

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by the production department of Times Media Group, is the copyrighted property of Times Media Group. Any ment of advertising in any of Times Media Group’s publications is prohibited without the express consent of

David Goldstein, an Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, can be contacted at 805658-4312 or david.goldstein@ ventura.org. He did not write this column in his role as a member of the California Mattress Recycling Advisory Committee.

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NEWS In Brief July 29 deadline for written comments on cannabis dispensary applications The fate of eight applications to operate three cannabis dispensaries in the city of Ventura will be decided by City Manager Alex McIntyre by September at the latest, according to city officials. Backers of the proposals packed city hall to hear presentations from the finalists on July 18, and a video of the community meeting is posted on the city’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=TdAZ9em62hk). City officials also extended the deadline for submitting written comments on the proposals until the end of the business day on Friday, July 29. Another round of applications is planned for two additional dispensary licenses which will include areas in the city’s so-called coastal zone including downtown, which were not considered in the first round of applications. The next selection round will only commence after the California Coastal Commission signs off on the plan. In 2020 Ventura voters approved Measure I to allow taxation of cannabis dispensaries and the city council then adopted a framework for regulations. No gun shows at fairgrounds A bill forbidding gun shows at the Ventura County Fairgrounds has been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The bill was sponsored by Assemblymember Steve Bennett and State Senator Monique Limón, both Democrats. Issues surrounding gun shows at the state-owned facility have raged for years with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. “Unfortunately, the United States experiences far more gun violence per person than virtually every other modern industrialized country in the world,” Bennett said in a news release. “And what accounts for this? The United States has one of the most pervasive gun cultures in the world supported by a powerful gun lobby. Gun shows at the Fairgrounds enhance this.” Monarchs named a threatened species Migratory monarch butterflies have been added to the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Native populations of the orange and black butterflies known for their migration through Ventura County have shrunk between 22% and 72% over the last decade, according to IUCN scientists. Anna Walker led the assessment for the IUCN. “It is difficult to watch monarch butterflies and their extraordinary migration teeter on the edge of collapse, but there are signs of hope,” Walker said in a news release. “So many people and organizations have come together to try and protect this butterfly and its habitats. From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting the protection of overwintering sites

vcreporter.com and contributing to community science, we all have a role to play in making sure this iconic insect makes a full recovery.” Seventh Tree Farms workers’ rights upheld The Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) has resolved unfair labor practice charges against Oxnard’s Seventh Tree Farms. The charges alleged that the company failed to pay for work that was completed and did not provide drinking water and bathrooms for the workers. The company was also accused of threatening to call the sheriff after workers complained. In a July 12 settlement agreement, the company agreed to uphold the rights of farm workers who speak out about working conditions. Company supervisors will also receive new training from ALRB agents, according to a news release. Library to get AC Ventura’s E.P. Foster library will soon have air condoning for the first time. The 60-year-old downtown library currently has only heat and ventilation systems and will be used as a cooling center for residents after air conditioning is installed. Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava said she was happy to hear about the improvements paid for by federal funding. “These funds will allow us to provide a much-needed AC system that will enhance the health and safety of this vital community facility.” The project was announced in a news release from Congressmember Salud Carbajal, who took credit for securing $750,000 for the project. Carbajal also announced that $1,000,000 will be spent to install new stairs to the popular Mondo’s Cove beach in the Rincon area. Turnbow joins CSUCI Officials at California State University Channel Islands have chosen a new vice president for student affairs. Ford Turnbow earned her doctorate in Sociology from Wayne State University in Michigan, specializing in gender and work in higher education, according to a university news release. “I am immensely excited about serving as the next Vice President for Student Affairs and looking forward to joining the CSUCI team,” Turnbow said via press release. “There is immense opportunity for growth on critical initiatives and I am humbled to be able to contribute to the efforts across the campus.” CSUCI President Richard Yao said Turnbow has a reputation as a natural collaborator. “Through her educational background in student affairs and her participation and leadership opportunities in professional associations in the field, her demonstrated successes in walking the talk of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, her track record of building and nurturing effective cross-divisional and community partnerships, and more, Dr. Ford Turnbow brings much to the role of Vice President for Student Affairs,” Yao said. — Alex Wilson

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The Issue

“It feels like we are part of a cultural revolution” Safeport’s success is a family affair

by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

he Jarvis family has been a part of the Ventura County cannabis industry for years. Long before most dispensaries were operating in the area, Lonnie and Nancy Jarvis (who also operated Channel Islands Boatyard, which was opened by Lonnie’s parents) were cultivating under Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. When Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, was passed by the state of California in 2016, it opened the door for the city of Port Hueneme’s Ordinance 734, which allowed for the operation of cannabis facilities for medicinal and non-medicinal use. At that point, Lonnie and Nancy made the move to retail, safely and legally opening Safeport in 2018. Today they run their dispensary with children Nicole and Matt, providing one of the largest selections of products in the county. Marketing maven Nicole Jarvis talked with the Ventura County Reporter about her family’s homegrown enterprise.

What inspired you to open Safeport?

Nicole (left), Nancy, Lonnie and Matt Jarvis outside Salzer's Video, where they hope to open a Safeport Dispensary if the city of Ventura grants them a license. All photos courtesy of Safeport 10 —

— July 28, 2022

Our family has been involved in the cannabis industry for 15-plus years. Desperate to help a loved one in need, along with his love of cannabis, my dad, Lonnie, started working in the cannabis industry in 2007. When Prop 64 passed in 2016, Lonnie and my mom, Nancy, patiently waited for a city close to home to pass an ordinance. In 2017 the city of Port Hueneme passed ordinance 734,

allowing recreational cannabis businesses. With the aspirations to provide safe access to cannabis in their hometown, as well as a safe working environment for their family, my parents knew they had to pursue this business venture. In 2018 our family opened Safeport Port Hueneme to the public.

Who were the main people involved at that time, and who is involved now?

It was a family venture from the start! My parents, my brother, Matt, and I worked together to open Safeport in 2018. To this day it is still family owned and operated. Lonnie and Nancy are the founders, I serve as creative director and chief marketing officer, Matt is the product buyer. In 2018 Brad Schouten came on as our general manager, and today he stands as our chief operating officer.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when Safeport ﬁrst opened?

We had many challenges when we first opened Safeport, but the biggest was the financial risk. My parents put every cent they had and invested it into Safeport; they took equity out of our family home to launch Safeport. We are happy to report that the risk paid off! Navigating a highly regulated industry presented challenges that we had not encountered before in more conventional businesses. The learning curve was very steep. Finding locations initially was a challenge because most landlords we

Computer rendering of potential dispensary plans at the Salzer's Video location if Safeport is licensed in Ventura.

Signage at Safeport's Port Hueneme location. talked to were afraid to let their property be used for the cannabis industry, for fear of repercussions from the federal government. Marketing is crucial for a successful business and with the heavy restrictions on cannabis marketing, that has also been a tough obstacle to overcome.

Cannabis use and its perception has changed dramatically over the last decade. How has your business evolved as a result of that?

Traditionally the cannabis industry was very male dominated. Since legalization, Safeport alongside the rest of the industry has been working hard to do our part to destigmatize the industry. We made sure to make our store a very comfortable space for all genders. We did that with aesthetics, marketing, products and a level of customer service we instilled in our employees. We put focus on education and taking time with our customers, rather than pushing them out the door as quickly as possible. Doing this created a wider clientele, opening up a market for more diverse products. We are proud to say our current clientele is now almost 50/50 women and men!

What kinds of products and services does Safeport currently oﬀer?

Counter of the Safeport Dispensary in Port Hueneme.

We pride ourselves on offering the most diverse product selection in Ventura County. We carry everything from pre-packaged flower, joints, cartridges, wax, edibles, tinctures, lotions…the list goes on! We currently offer in-store shopping, delivery, in-store pickup and curbside pickup.

What are your biggest challenges now?

The most challenging aspect of our business is navigating licensing opportunities in cities to grow our business. It is an extremely competitive and expensive process. Another challenge is not being able to take full advantage of the tax code like other businesses, due to federal restrictions.

What do you enjoy about this business?

It’s exciting! We are at the forefront of an emerging industry. There is a ton of opportunity; it feels like we are part of a cultural revolution. Getting into this business, we never could have imagined how much we would be able to help our local community. Being local Ventura residents, it feels amazing to be able to give back to our community. We have been able to support organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Caregivers, Oxnard Sleep Out, National MS Society, Ventura Land Trust, VCMilC (Ventura County Military

Collaborative), Habitat for Humanity, Santa Clara River Conservancy, Port Hueneme High School, Santa Clara High School and more!

What’s a typical day like for you?

There isn’t really a typical day for any of us, but that is something that we love so much about our jobs!

Does Safeport have a “typical” customer?

Something that is so special about Safeport is that our customer base is so diverse and so loyal! We have customers of all cultures and all ages. We are like the coffee shop of weed. Everyone loves Safeport!

Where are your operations currently based?

We currently operate a medical and recreational store in Port Hueneme. We are also currently constructing a retail store, distribution center

and manufacturing center in Oxnard, as well as our corporate headquarters in Oxnard.

My understanding is that you are hoping to be granted a permit to open a dispensary in the city of Ventura.

Yes! We are currently involved in the licensing process in Ventura. We are awaiting the final decision from city manager Alex McIntyre; we should hear the final decision in August. We hope to have our location at the site of the Salzer’s Video building at 5801 Valentine Road. We have partnered with the Salzer’s family to revitalize this iconic corner, which is often referred to as the gateway to Ventura!

What has the application process been like?

We have been very impressed with the licensing process in Ventura so far. The city took their time creating their ordinance, watching other cities to make sure they did everything the right way, avoiding mistakes other cities made. The city has been very organized and transparent throughout this process. We would be so honored to be able to serve our Ventura community. It has always been a dream of ours to operate a dispensary in Ventura. It is our home, and this community means so much to us. Some important things the city expects from potential license holders is a strong security presence, neighborhood compatibility, odor control and minimal negative impact on youth in the area. These are just a few of the expectations from the city.

What are some of your plans if Safeport receives a permit for operation in Ventura?

We are so excited about our prospective location at the Salzer’s Video building. Safeport plans to shed a

new light on what was once such an iconic corner. We plan on offering an experiential retail environment with ties back to the music industry. At the Ventura location, Safeport will seek to expand our brand into the musical arts. We see a huge advantage in partnering with the Salzer family to build upon the work that they have put into the music industry for the last 50-plus years.

Where do you see things going with Safeport in the next 3-5 years? How about the next decade?

At Safeport we dream big! In the next 3-5 years we plan to open more retail stores, expand our manufacturing and distribution centers, open a cultivation site, launch our Safeport cannabis brand and expand into other states. Our goal for the next decade is to be a household name in the cannabis industry.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about Safeport?

With the current expansion, Safeport will be looking to hire! Several positions will be opening up: budtenders, receptionists, floor and assistant managers, people to work in manufacturing and distribution and more. People can apply by sending a resume and cover letter to info@safeportcannabis.com. Visit us at our Port Hueneme location (we’re open seven days a week), or order delivery from the comfort of home at safeportcannabis.com/ order-online. We currently deliver to Port Hueneme, Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Santa Paula. Safeport Premium Cannabis Dispensary, 353 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard, 805-843-3131, safeportcannabis.com, @safeport_. Open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. July 28, 2022 —

— 11

The

Sespe Creek CEO Chelsea Sutula (second from right) and staff members. Photo submitted

Issue

The saga of Sespe Creek Ojai’s first cannabis dispensary traveled a rocky road to community acceptance

by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com he promise of safe access to medical marijuana was a big reason Chelsea Sutula moved to California in 2009. It ended up being the right move, since she’s now finding success as the owner and CEO of Ojai’s first cannabis dispensary, Sespe Creek, and is formulating plans for a cannabis lounge where people can gather together to enjoy the products she sells. But Sutula’s journey had some major ups and downs, including an arrest by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, ultimate exoneration, and a loving embrace by the city of Ojai.

“Helpful medicine”

Sutula spent her early years moving around with her family on the East Coast, mostly growing up in Maryland and Georgia. She was in college at Northwestern University near Chicago when her previously unfavorable views of marijuana changed after a friend shared some with her. “I had a really great time. It expanded my mind in a really pleasant way,” she recalled. “I was really surprised. Because I had had a lot of stereotypical thoughts about it up to that; I just thought it made people stupid.” After college, Sutula moved around to different cities on the East Coast and worked at a variety of jobs. At one point she even owned a dog walking business. A failed marriage and other personal issues led to prescribed antidepressants, but she 12 —

— July 28, 2022

found cannabis did a better job of relieving her symptoms. “It was helping me balance my mood,” Sutula explained. “It eventually helped me get off antidepressants, which I had been on for many years of my life. So by the time I moved to California I was already convinced it was a helpful medicine for me.” Her East Coast doctors were skeptical cannabis was helping her, and pressured her to stop using it, but she disagreed with them. “I had to listen to my body instead of doctors in the end.”

Seeking safe access

cannabis for a while before they could really afford to pay me anything.” After helping the delivery business grow, one of the original founders quit the still somewhat risky business when he started a family, and Sutula ended up buying the other out. She was the sole owner by 2013.

Bouncing back after the bust

Instead of flying under the radar, Sutula became an outspoken proponent of medical marijuana, speaking at government meetings to try to get laws changed to provide better access, and even meeting with Ventura County

Sutula moved to California where medical marijuana was allowed at the time. “Safe access was really a problem for me, so that was one of the things I was most looking forward to when I moved to California, just being able to get a medical recommendation from a doctor and some kind of legal Mosaic Sespe Creek access to it,” she said. logo. Photo submitted After accepting a job in business development and project management in Thousand Sheriff’s officials in September 2016. Oaks, Sutula found a delivery service Sutula said that she did everything started by two cannabis farmers called possible to follow state guidelines, Sespe Creek. offering delivery but not a brick-and“I said ‘Wow, this is amazing. I mortar dispensary like she has now. would love to get into this industry.’ “I wanted to bring transparency Knowing the growth potential, I could and validity,” she said. “I didn’t see where it was going. People aren’t want to be ashamed.” using this just to get high. It’s doing all But just days before the Novemthese other things for people in such a ber 2016 election and the passage fascinating way. So I was invited to of California’s Proposition 64, which join. It was an alignment of the stars. legalized “specified personal use and I worked for some gas money and cultivation of marijuana for adults 21

years of age or older,” Sutula’s world was shaken. The industrial building where Sespe Creek operated was busted by deputies wearing bulletproof vests with guns drawn. “In the back of my mind I always feared that,” Sutula noted. “But we were so close to the election and I felt like we had something to hope for. But it was a false hope.” Sutula was jailed for one night and about two dozen employees suddenly lost their livelihood. “It was a kick to the gut. It was horrible. So many people suffered needlessly. My employees and customers that needed us for their pain medication or whatever they were using the medicine for.” The charges were finally dropped after 19 months, but it wasn’t until the fall of 2021 — nearly five years later — that her computers and products, worth an estimated $350,000 at market value, were returned. By then, the products were completely unusable and had to be destroyed. But even as her case was winding its way through court, she was embraced by the city of Ojai. According to Sutula, she was granted one of three licenses to operate a dispensary because the city council knew residents depended on Sespe Creek for safe access to cannabis products. “The city of Ojai was a lifesaver, and that’s really what kept me going. Because we had started the process of what the rules would look like before I was busted,” she

said. “I never felt so supported by a community. And I credit that to really saving me and this company.”

“An Ojai vibe”

She opened Sespe Creek Collective on the one year anniversary of the raid, Nov. 2, 2017. Sutula built the dispensary with the goal of making it a welcoming place that feels more like a boutique than a clinic. “It’s definitely an Ojai vibe,” said Sutula. “We bought a lot of nice wood and turquoise inlay. It’s reclaimed wood, trees that got felled in storms. We’ve got a nice, warm place.” While she’s bombarded by requests from growers who want to sell cannabis at Sespe Creek, Sutula stays focused on growers who put the planet ahead of profits. “We’ve been really pushing sungrown and regeneratively-grown, with no pesticides, by small craft farmers,” she said. “We’re really choosy about which brands we want to feature.” Next up for Sespe Creek is the search for a location to create a cannabis lounge. Sutula is looking at locations that would be appropriate along Ojai Avenue, the city’s version of Main Street, which passes right through the center of town. She envisions it as out in the open where everyone can see it — without shame, embarrassment or secrecy. Because Sespe Creek is proud to be a local business…and as much a part of its community as any other. Sespe Creek Collective, 408 Bryant Circle, Unit C, Ojai, 805-7387490, sespe.org.

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Photo submitted

Leaf Dispensary’s David MacFarlane has survived the SoCal cannabis coaster by Alex Wilson

awilson@timespublications.com avid MacFarlane has witnessed huge changes in the legal cannabis market since helping found one of Santa Barbara County’s first medical marijuana collectives in 2007. What started off as a group of medical marijuana patients sharing what they grew in the hills above Santa Barbara has led to the sleek Leaf Dispensary in Thousand Oaks, slated to become one of the Conejo Valley’s first adult-use dispensaries on Aug. 5.

Natural healing

MacFarlane grew up in Thousand Oaks and became interested in the healing properties of the plant before opening the Santa Barbara Care Center in Goleta. Starting out, he didn’t envision a multi-location business carrying dozens of slickly packaged cannabis products. “I did it for the love of what it did for people. I grew up in a family where my dad was a chiropractor and all about holistic health, medicine, and natural healing and I was always raised in that manner,” he said. It was around 2006, when the

medical marijuana movement was gaining steam, that he was inspired to get involved. Proposition 215 was approved in 1996, giving Californians the right to grow their own medical marijuana. State Senate Bill 420 passed in 2003, helping clarify how collectives could operate under a framework recognized by state leaders, if not federal officials. “I found the cannabis plant very intriguing. I studied it and the medicinal values that it brought,” MacFarlane explained. “I saw that there was a movement happening, and I wanted to get behind it. So I took a stand for safe access for Leaf Dispensary owner David MacFarlane medical marijuana patients was a pioneer in the medical marijuana in the state of California, field. Photo submitted and I helped pioneer and pave the way to where we are today.” with other patients. “It was like a cannabis club of Cannabis club medical marijuana patients,” MacThe Santa Barbara Care Center Farlane said. “It was really unique. was originally a collective of canna- We got great relationships with the bis patients with doctor’s recommen- actual patients. It was a very different dations who grew plants to be shared time. There was no testing, so we

took it upon ourselves to do our own quality control.” MacFarlane said he’s proud he could help people when access was still a challenge. “We had a patient who had an inoperable brain tumor and she never thought in a million years that she would turn to cannabis ever in her lifetime to help her,” he explained. “And it turned out it was the only thing that ever gave her any relief towards the end of her life.” MacFarlane said he’ll never forget the gratitude that the patient expressed before dying from cancer. “She came to me as the owner and thanked me for taking a stand and going through what I did to create this avenue and this path of safe access to cannabis. And it turns out she was a district attorney up in northern California that spent most of her career putting people away for cannabis. She was a wonderful lady, and her eyes were opened to actually what the cannabis plant can do, and the medicinal value it has for people.” MacFarlane now runs three dispensaries, with the original location in Goleta. Lompoc’s Leaf Dispensary was the first adult-use dispensary in Santa Barbara County when it opened in 2018. But he admitted that sometimes he misses the old days before the cannabis industry became corporate and, in his view, overregulated and overtaxed. For example, MacFarlane said, some

of the cultivators he worked with in the early days still grow cannabis but sell it on the illicit black market because they don’t want to pay taxes.

Changing times

The second Leaf Dispensary opened in Thousand Oaks in February, but only for medical marijuana patients with a doctor’s recommendation. Over the course of several years, as Thousand Oaks city leaders were considering allowing cannabis sales, the market radically changed, making medical-only dispensaries mostly a relic of the past, according to MacFarlane. Leaf’s medical-only provision stifled sales, since people could go to the San Fernando Valley or Port Hueneme to buy cannabis with only an ID showing they were over 21. MacFarlane said about half of his potential customers who walk through the doors turn away upon learning they need a doctor’s recommendation. He said many are afraid their names will end up in a government database or believe their personal information could be exposed. He and the operators of a second medical dispensary in Thousand Oaks, Legendary Organics, recently convinced a majority of city council members to change the rules and allow adult-use sales starting Aug. 5. “It’s been a long process and we’re just really happy that we stuck with

Leaf Dispensary in Thousand Oaks showcases many of the top cannabis brands. Photo submitted

it. I can’t thank the city staff and the city council enough for what they’ve done to allow us to have a chance to compete in a market that’s in other communities,” said MacFarlane. “To give us a chance to give the same services that other jurisdictions are providing to their citizens, and now we get to give them to the citizens of the Conejo Valley.” The Leaf founder wants people to feel comfortable when they come to

the dispensary, especially if they’re skeptical about cannabis having any redeeming value. “Seeing how this industry has evolved and the misconceptions of cannabis to some people out there. They still have a, ‘This is just a head shop, a pot shop,’ attitude, and seeing how it’s come to this higher end, cannabis evolution,” he said. A grand re-opening celebration is set for Leaf Dispensary in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, Aug. 6, starting

at 9 a.m. Vendors will be offering special deals, and there will be food trucks in the parking lot. “It’s just a day of celebration for us, finally breaking through and coming to where the state has evolved,” he said. “It’s almost like another day of 420.” Leaf Dispensary, 3321 Grande Vista Dr., Thousand Oaks, 805-3760051, leafthousandoaks.com.

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The

"It's the largest greenhouse that's ever been licensed for cannabis in human history," says Graham Farrar at his Camarillo facility. Photo by Alex Wilson

Issue

Going from red to green Glass House converts a tomato farm to a high-tech facility for cannabis cultivation

by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com raham Farrar can barely contain his excitement as he provides a tour of his 5.5 million square-foot greenhouse south of Camarillo. The operation is expected to become the world’s largest for growing cannabis once it’s fully converted from its original use as a high-tech tomato farm. Farrar points out the complex equipment making Glass House Farms as green an operation as possible in every sense — environmentally, agriculturally and, of course, financially. A vast array of solar panels helps power the facility. A sophisticated water recycling system allows for the reuse of

water infused with expensive fertilizer to grow cannabis hydroponically. Robotic machines open and close windows in the translucent roof and pull black shades back and forth to trick cannabis plants into believing it’s nighttime during the day, a strategy to grow the best quality cannabis possible at the lowest cost. Dozens of workers — better paid than their counterparts at surrounding farms — trim buds and perform other tasks such as adjusting irrigation equipment and hanging plants to dry. “It’s pretty cool to see the progress and the way things are coming together,” Farrar said about the operation that saw its first harvest last month. “We’re finally seeing the first results of four years’ worth of work, which in cannabis sometimes feels like 40

Aerial shot of the 5.5 million square-foot Camarillo greenhouse looking northwest toward Ventura. Photo by Graham Farrar

16 —

— July 28, 2022

years’ worth of work.” The company’s president and co-founder is a self-professed techgeek enamored of all the high-tech systems designed to grow cannabis as efficiently as possible. But it’s also apparent he loves the product even more. Farrar sees a three-foot-tall plant

sprouting fresh buds covered in tiny white crystals along with red and purple hairs, pulls it to his nose, and takes a deep inhale of the aroma. He rubs the bud between his fingers to better smell the terpenes, organic compounds that provide flavor to cannabis. It’s obvious the bud is top quality, which Farrar’s customers will also appreciate. Farrar knows there’s nothing quite like the giant greenhouse on the Oxnard Plain that Glass House bought for $93 million last year, even as the industry expands across states where cannabis is legal. It’s unlikely anyone will ever build such a large greenhouse for cannabis, he said, since this one is being converted from growing tomatoes and cucumbers. He estimates the cost to build the complex today at between $250 and $300 million. It’s an ideal facility for growing cannabis in every way, Farrar said, especially due to its location in California. He is envisioning a day when cannabis is legalized nationwide and he’s finally allowed to ship his product across state lines. He believes consumers will always want their cannabis grown in California, much like wine lovers pay a premium for wine

from specific appellations like Napa or Bordeaux. “It makes so much sense. It’s all the right pieces, right? It’s the right climate, the right facility, the right team. It’s in the right location for consumers and where they want to buy cannabis from,” Farrar said. “It’s not filled up yet, but it’s the largest greenhouse that’s ever been licensed for cannabis in human history.”

Software, sailing and Sonos

Farrar grew up in Santa Barbara and said the enjoyment he received from smoking marijuana as a youth convinced him the negative things he heard about cannabis from adults were scare tactics. He enjoyed laughing with friends and the way food tasted better after smoking out. He finished high school in a program at Santa Barbara City College that allowed him to earn college credits at the same time, and then went on to study molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He was there only a year, but that’s where he met the Continued on Page 18

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“Going from red to green” Continued from page 16 woman who would eventually become his wife. The couple returned to Santa Barbara where Farrar joined a pioneering Internet company called Software. com involved in email applications. “I was lucky to be one of the early folks at that company. We went public back in the dot-com boom days,” Farrar said about the company that first sold stock in 1999. His financial success with Software. com allowed him to realize a dream of sailing across the Pacific Ocean. “I bought a boat and spent two years sailing with my girlfriend who I met in Colorado. We sailed from Santa Barbara to New Zealand for two years and came back to get married,” he explained. After returning to Santa Barbara, a friend told Farrar about starting a company described as an “iPod for the house,” which became Sonos, a leader in fashionably designed home-speaker systems. Farrar was part of the founding team at Sonos involved in product design, sales and customer support. He became something of a serial entrepreneur, starting businesses involved in eBook publishing and an agriculture technology company developing fertilizer and other products for the hydroponics industry.

Growth of Glass House

After learning more about the cannabis industry, Farrar started Glass House Farms about seven years ago with Kyle Kazan, now the company’s CEO. Kazan is well versed in commercial real estate, a former law enforcement officer and longtime advocate for ending the war on drugs. The co-founders purchased a greenhouse in Carpinteria and the business took off. Glass House has established itself as a market leader in the cannabis industry. It’s a vertically integrated company that also distributes its products to dispensaries across the state and owns a growing number of dispensaries. Besides products sold under the Glass House Farms name, the company also owns several other brands including Forbidden Flowers in association with actress and musician Bella Thorne, and one of the best-selling edibles brands, PLUS Gummies. Farrar opened the first adult-use dispensary in Santa Barbara, Farmacy, and the company acquired others in cities including Morro Bay and Turlock. The company has won licenses to open more, including in Isla Vista and Santa Ynez. Farrar said by the end of the year the company should have 12 dispensaries. Glass House went public last year with its stock sold on a Canadian exchange. During the company’s first quarter investor call last month, Kazan discussed the latest developments at the Camarillo greenhouse. “The SoCal facility’s phase one 18 —

— July 28, 2022

expansion is expected to increase our greenhouse footprint by approximately 1.6 million square feet, which will enable us to produce an additional 180,000 dried pounds of cannabis, tripling our current cultivation footprint,” Kazan said. “Our longterm goal, when fully built out, is to increase our cultivation capacity to 1.7 million pounds of biomass. The competitive advantage of this facility is its potential to increase quality while significantly reducing our cost of production. As stated previously, our eventual goal is to lower our cost of goods sold to $100 per pound.” Chief Financial Officer Mark Vendetti said on the conference call that total revenue for the first quarter of 2022 was $14 million, a 24% decline compared to the previous quarter. Farrar said it’s been an interesting experience taking the company public while so much progress has been made on other fronts. “It feels like we’ve accomplished a lot. It’s a lot of work. Cannabis is very hard. It’s the hardest industry I’ve ever worked in,” he said.

Coping with the curveballs

The road to putting Ventura County on the map for industrial-scale cannabis cultivation started with tomatoes. According to the Houweling’s Tomatoes website, the company was founded in 1956 as a floral greenhouse and berry farm in British Columbia by Cornelius Houweling. Son Casey Houweling joined his family’s farming business in 1976, leading an expansion plan that included new high-tech ways to grow tomatoes hydroponically, a system that uses water enriched with fertilizers to nurture plants instead of planting them in dirt. The 125-acre greenhouse near Camarillo was built in 1996. By the time California’s legal cannabis industry was taking off, it became apparent that the giant tomato greenhouse could be put to use for an even more lucrative crop. Farrar said he first set eyes on the greenhouse in 2018 and immediately saw the potential. “I got a tour through a friend and said, ‘Holy smokes, this is the nicest greenhouse. This is in the perfect place. There is no better place to grow cannabis than here. We should turn this place into the best weed farm in the world,’” Farrar recalled. One problem: Cannabis cultivation was still illegal in Ventura County. That all changed in 2020 when a countywide ballot initiative, Measure O, easily passed, with Houweling as its main backer. Part of the measure’s appeal to voters was that it limited cultivation to preexisting greenhouses or warehouses and capped cultivation at 600 acres. Houweling and Farrar are now business partners, and about two-

Cannabis fields feel like they go on forever at Glass House Farms near Camarillo. Photo by Alex Wilson

thirds of the facility is still used to grow tomatoes and cucumbers under Houweling’s supervision. While the wholesale price of cannabis and cannabis stocks have both dropped precipitously in recent months, Farrar is not deterred by that setback. “We’re on the bleeding edge of what’s happening with regulations and legalization and taxes and illicit market and all that. It’s curveball after curveball and now you have a massive price drop in the last year and half, so again, we’re not totally surprised by that,” Farrar explained. “Part of the reason we’re doing what we’re doing here is because we’re trying to build a company and an operation that can survive through stuff like that . . . The cycle will go up and the cycle will come back down, and we want to make sure we have a company that can thrive through all of that.”

Impacts on the local community

Measure O includes local taxes totaling 4% of gross receipts from the sale of processed cannabis, and 1% for selling cloned plants to other growers. Now that harvesting has begun, Farrar said he expects a financial windfall for the county government. “I’m fairly confident that at some point we will be one of, if not the largest, taxpayer out there. I think we’re going to generate a lot of jobs and a lot of tax revenue,” he said, adding that he could not discuss specifics about how much Glass House expects to produce in the Camarillo greenhouse in coming months due to financial regulations on publicly traded companies. About 150 people work on the cannabis side of the business with around 200 people growing tomatoes and cucumbers on the sections of the greenhouse that have not yet been converted. Aside from higher pay than nearby farms offer, Farrar said another advantage for his workers is that it’s a year-round operation, not seasonal like

many other jobs in agriculture. “I know we attract a lot of the best talent out there and we try to take care of people. A lot of the employees are shareholders and we have 401(k) plans, vacation plans, and all of that kind of stuff that’s not super common in ag,” he said. Employees working on the vegetable side of the greenhouse will be brought over to the cannabis operations as they expand over time, he said.

County government’s perspective

With the passage of Measure O, the Ventura County CEO’s office was assigned the duty of regulating the industry. James Importante, a program management analyst in the CEO’s office, is the main point of contact for businesses seeking to start local cultivation. So far, just two permits have been granted, Importante said. In addition to Glass House, a permit was granted for a long-vacant 15,000 square-foot greenhouse on Fifth Street, not far from the Glass House greenhouse, by a company called Cubs Den LLC. He noted that applications have been filed to convert eight other greenhouses to cannabis use in county unincorporated areas. The drive to convert more greenhouses to cannabis may have been slowed for a variety of reasons, including market conditions, COVID, and complex state regulations. Importante said he’s been impressed with the quality of the applications. “One of the fascinating aspects of this project was the level of sophistication from our applicants,” he explained. “The requirements of the ordinance are rather robust. We do get quality applications. We haven’t rejected an application because of poor work or information.” It’s all gone smoothly so far, Importante said, but the county is ready to act if there are any problems with cannabis facilities. “It’s still really

early in our program. We haven’t had any complaints or any criminal activity associated with this program. That may be something that may occur in the future, so I might have a different opinion then, but we haven’t had to have that experience yet so it’s been pretty low key, it’s been pretty quiet.” Importante noted that in the event of complaints, the county will have ways to address them. “If a licensee does have these issues and either they aren’t able to resolve it or, for whatever reason, are unwilling to resolve it, then their license will not be considered for renewal. So there’s some language in there that would help mitigate any bad actors.”

Looking to the future

Even though Glass House has established itself as one of the leading cannabis companies in just a few years, Farrar said he’s mostly focused on what still needs to be accomplished. “Nothing feels done. It’s a lot of hard work but we’re lucky to have the opportunity to work on it,” he said. “There’s so much work to be done I probably don’t stop and smell the buds often enough.” While the company is not currently offering tours of the facility to the public just yet, Farrar hopes that will be possible in the future. He wants Glass House to be a part of the community in Ventura County. “We’re really happy to be here. We consider it an honor. The county’s been great to work with. The people down here are great,” Farrar said, “We’re really happy to have been able to take a greenhouse that already existed and put a new crop in it, a crop that we think helps people. Whether it’s fun on Friday night or a tincture that helps you sleep or something someone uses for cancer or epilepsy or PTSD. We think it’s a positive thing.” Glass House Farms, 5601 Casitas Pass Road, Carpinteria, glasshousefarms.org.

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The entire cast of Playzapalooza! at the Santa Paula Theater Center in July 2022. Photo courtesy of Elixeo Flores

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$5 when you download This year’s lineup 10235 Telephone Rd., CHECK LIST: includes an eclectic mix app Venturais correct thepPayRange of works by established p phone number is correct p address expiration date is correct p and up-and-coming playwrights alike. DEADLINE FOR AD CHANGES IS 12:00 NOON THE TUESDAY PRIOR TO THA PLEASE NOTE: The evening opens with All advertising produced by the production department of Times Media Group, is the copyrighted property of T Leslie Vitanza directing Bethany D’Ambra and use other than the placement of advertising in any of Times Media Group’s publications is prohibited without the Anthony Baldonado in Media Group, plus any applicable fees. Hitch, written by the prolific p OK to run Date: ________________ Houston-based playwright This proof is to check for accuracy and is p OK to run and actor Michael Weems. not intended to show quality of reproduction. with correction Signature: ___________ Adrienne Dawes’ Run. Hide. Fight., directed by Dave Clintron, features Jared Lantiegne, Cathy Tran and Scott Blanchard. Originally from Austin, 10-7 Stiix 2x3.indd 1 Dawes is a writer, producer, teaching artist and Bethany D’Ambra in Hitch by Michael CHECK LIST: member of Austin’s SalWeems. Photo courtesy of Elixeo Flores vage Vanguard Theater. p phone number is correct p address is correct p expiration date is correct p spelli B-Movie, written by Joe been called “a masterpiece of quirkiCarlisle, stars Anthony DEADLINE FOR AD CHANGES IS 12:00 NOON THE TUESDAY PRIOR TO TH PLEASE sarcasmNOTE: with all the feels.” Baldonado, Beltane Howden and ness and SexAll and the Mailman was written Christine Adams, and is directed advertising produced by the production department of Times Media Group, is the copyrighted property of T playwrights Torres of advertising in any of Times Media Group’s publications is prohibited witho by Leticia Mattson. A founding by local use other than theJosé placement member of the Berkeley Repertory and Larry Nadler, who sadly passed Times Media Group, plus any applicable fees. Theatre, Carlisle’s work has been away in 2021. It is directed by Letip OK to run Date: _________________ produced on the New York stage and cia Mattson and stars Dolores Britproof is toNancy check for accuracy and is ton, This Elixeo Flores, Hullihan in other venues around the country. p OK to run Mitch Stone. to show quality of reproduction. Sindy McKay directs When Mom and not intended with correction Signature: _____________ Filled with humor, sass and great Swipes Right by Thomas J. Misuraca, an award-winning writer who has fun, SPTC’s one-act festival is a had more than 150 plays produced great way to spend a summer eveacross the country. The cast includes ning or afternoon. So, welcome Christine Adams, Scott Blanchard and back, Playzapalooza! Your return been worth the wait.1 Byron Fraser. McKay also directs A12-3 has Scandia Laundromat 2x3.indd Night Out by Michael P. Adams, an award-winning playwright based in Playzapalooza! through July 31 at the Los Angeles area. His work has Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. been produced from New York to L.A. Seventh St., Santa Paula. For tickets and many points in between. Bethany and more information, call 805-525D’Ambra, Byron Fraser and Beltane 4645 or visit www.santapaulatheHowden star in the one act that has atercenter.org/backstage.html. July 28, 2022 —

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AFTER DARK

vcreporter.com

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, 7/28 LIVE MUSIC

Boatyard Pub: Bluegrass Thursday Crown and Anchor: Teresa Russell, 5-8 p.m. The Grape: Tom McMorran, 7:30 p.m. Leashless Brewing: Chris Hawley, 6:30 p.m. Tony’s Pizzaria: Reggae Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Twist on Main: L.A. Jazz Connection, 6:308:30 p.m.

Ventura Music Hall: Tropidelic and Kash’d Out with Joe

Samba, 8 p.m.

Winchester’s: Big Adventure, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

COMEDY

Shawn Wayans returns to Oxnard with a series of engagements at Levity Live Comedy Club at The Collection. Catch him on Friday, July 29, at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. and on Saturday, July 30, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Levity Live Comedy Club: Shapel Lacey, 7:30 p.m.

Sportsman Lounge (Camarillo): Sing Time Karaoke,

Anna’s Cider: Trivia night, 7 p.m. El Rey Cantina (Camarillo): Karaoke with Leigh Balton,

Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Colt): Head Games

GiGi’s: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. The Hangar Bar: Karaoke with Susan, 6-9 p.m. Keynote Lounge: Open Mic Jam, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. The Lookout: Acoustic Open Mic with Tommy Foytek,

LIVE MUSIC

7-10 p.m.

OTHER

8-11 p.m.

Trivia, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, 7/29 805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Teresa Russell, 7-10 p.m. BL Dance Hall and Saloon: Mighty Cash Cats and Linda Ronstadt Experience, 7 p.m. H

7-10 p.m.

Black Angus: Square Cow Live Series, 7-10 p.m. Cantara Cellars: Kelly’s Lot, 7 p.m. H The Canyon: Metalshop (80s Hair Metal Bands tributes),

The Manhattan: Trivia night, 7 p.m. Outlaws: Sing Time Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

surf repor t sponsored by

Surfer Analie Sherman. Photo by Robert Chapman

Tide Table

♦

July 28 - August 1

Sunrise 6:03am • Sunset 8:04pm

OFFER ENDS: 8/31/22 AM

HIGH TIDE HT PM

LOW TIDE HT PM

Thu