VCReporter 09-01-22 by Times Media Group

Now Open in Port Hueneme at Mandalay Village Cottage quality. Urgent care. FREE Oxnard Sex Trafficking Bust | Ventura County Christian School WEEKLY • WWW.VCREPORTER.COM • SEPTEMBER 1, 2022NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, ENVIRONMENT • VENTURA COUNTY’S

September 1, 2022 — — 3 DEPARTMENTS After Dark 18 Arts Listings 22 Free Will Astrology ONLINE Happenings 20 Letters ONLINE Surf Report 16 CONTENTS vcreporter.com Volume 46, Issue 39 Now Open in Mandalay Village Cottage quality. Urgent care. Oxnard Sex Trafficking Bust Ventura County Christian School Please remember to recycle newsprint FOLLOW US | WWW.VCREPORTER.COM For Classi eds and Special issues and additional content 10 COVER Wonda Woman: Ventura’s own breaking phenom Christina Prado by Madeline Nathaus 6 NEWS $34M to address homelessness: T.O., Casa Pacifica receive Homekey Grants for housing units by Alex Wilson Eye on the Environment: National Bee Day and emerging garden educate about pollinators by David Goldstein VCCS opens despite dispute with VUSD: Private school and district at odds over building safety, nondiscrimination clause Sex trafficking operation busted in Oxnard: Massage parlors and restaurant targeted by Alex Wilson 13 ART+CULTURE Arts Briefs: News in art and culture from around Ventura County by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer 15 MUSIC Night Moves: Water Seed 16 IN GOOD TASTE In Good Taste: Aloha means indulgence by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer Cover: Christina “Wonda” Prado competed in the Red Bull BC One 2022.SeattlecompetitionbreakingininAugust Photo courtesy of Christina Prado PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt 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 Veronica Thurman, Paul Braun, Elaine Cota ADVERTISING SALES Barbara Kroon, Jon Cabreros CLASSIFIEDS Ann Browne 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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Thanks to $34 million in state funding, progress should soon be made in the effort to provide safe places to live for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Ventura County.

T.O., Casa Pacifica receive Homekey Grants for housing units Angels Cottage is one of three that will be converted into housing suites thanks to funding from Project Homekey. submitted

Current cottage interiors at Casa Pacifica (pictured) will be remodeled to make space for 27 housing suites for young adults at risk of homelessness. Photo submitted.

6 — — September 1, 2022 NEWS vcreporter.com by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com

“It means that they have a safe place to sleep at night,” she said. “It means that they have a group of adults around them that will guide them, walk next to them, will help them make good decisions, will be there when they don’t make good decisions, because young adults don’t always make good decisions.

Thousand Oaks Mayor Bob Engler said in a statement that addressing homelessness has been a priority of city leaders for many years and the state funding represents a huge milestone. “Securing this essential funding to address homelessness in our community is among the most significant events in the city’s history. The collaborative efforts by our city staff and agency partners are exemplary. I am proud of everyone involved and eager to see this innovative project come to fruition and become a place of safety, hope, and healing for those experiencing homelessness.” City leaders said the efforts represent collaboration with numerous companies as well as public and nonprofit service providers including project developer Shangri-La Industries and Step Up on Second, which will operate the facility. Ventura County government has also committed $6.6 million to the project. Ventura County CEO Sevet Johnson said she was thankful for the partnership that’s making it a reality. “We are so grateful for the support of the city’s elected officials and the tremendous efforts of, and partnership with, the city’s leadership and partners to bring this timely and much-needed housing to the Thousand Oaks community,” Johnson said in a Forstatement.the$6.8 million going to Casa Pacifica, officials with the organization said the state funding will allow a significant expansion of a program launched in 2012 called “Stepping Stones” helping young people who lack support from family or other trustedCasaadults.Pacifica CEO Shawna Morris told the Ventura County Reporter how it felt to receive the funding. “It was amazing. It’s such an affirmation of the work that Casa Pacifica has done all these many years. And this gives us an opportunity to expand those services and to better serve our community. And when the state and the county recognize that these young adults are suffering and need a place to first be housed and have a safe, nurturing environment, and then recognize that they need the services that we provide, it’s just an affirmation of all the good work that’s happened in the last 28 years at Casa Pacifica.”

Coming to Casa Pacifica, living in this beautiful new space is a big piece of it.

A $27 million “Homekey Grant,” part of the statewide Project Homekey, was awarded to a Thousand Oaks project to convert a former Quality Inn and Suites motel at 12 Conejo Boulevard into 77 units of supportive housing for what city officials describe as “chronically homeless” people. In addition, nearly $7 million in Homekey Grant money will go to Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families to renovate three "cottages" at the charity’s Camarillo campus on Lewis Road. The funding will help build 27 housing suites for adults aged 18-25 who are at risk of homelessness.

“But the other part of it is that they will have adults around them that care for them, that want to see them be successful, that will do anything and everything we possibly can to get them on to their next step of independence.”

More information on Project Homekey can be found at homekey. hcd.ca.gov.

$34M to address homelessness

Photo

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The Stepping Stones program currently serves 12 people, Morris said, but the renovations will allow Casa Pacifica to more than double the number of people helped. The housing will be able to accommodate individuals as well as single mothers and families. Along with help developing life skills, the program also helps young people find and hold down jobs and take college classes. Morris said the program is geared towards both current and former foster kids and people who have been referred from the probation department due to past legal troubles and will help transform lives.

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A United States Department of Agri culture website, www.farmers.gov/ pollinators, cites an estimate stat ing “one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and otherTheinsects.”Agriculture Museum of Ven tura County recently celebrated the 13th anniversary of Honey Bee Day with a “Save the Pollinators” exhib it, some of which is still on view. On Aug. 20, the museum hosted many clever and informative activ ities. Among other activities, vol unteers helped kids craft bees out of pipe cleaners and make candles from wicks rolled into small sheets of bee’s Eduardowax.Flores, owner of Ven tura Bee Rescue, hosted a display and explained how he captures bee swarms and relocates hives. In addition to finding new customers for those services, he hoped to find more local farmers interested in hosting colonies he establishes andBobmaintains.Cromwell, the museum’s manager of education, offered honey sticks as rewards for children who eagerly raised hands in answer to his informative kid-oriented presen tation, danced the bee “waggle” to imitate bee’s communication through motion, and sang along during his song session. Bee-themed songs included an altered Beatles song, “Let It Bee.” When not educating and entertaining, Cromwell served as DJ for the event, queueing up on his sound system bee-themed tunes rang ing from Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s classical “Flight of the Bumblebee” to The Rolling Stones rock classic “I’m a King Bee.” Of course, anyone who visits the museum will quickly learn there are no “king bees,” just queens, drones and workers. Educational signs explain the activities of a working bee hive which is on permanent display at the museum. The hive, with an open pipe to the outside, but fully enclosed in transparent plastic inside the museum, is swarming with real, live bees. At the event, kids swarmed the hive and stood staring at it, fascinated. Schools can schedule field trips to the museum by contacting Cromwell at drawingirrigatementandtrict,Agency’scooperationinAnscapeweekGeneralbypollinatorofGeneraltors,weed,year,toaPretrialbetweency.April8,000-square-footaCountyinglinators,RailroadThursdayAdmissionrcromwell@venturamuseum.org.isfree11a.m.to5p.m.,throughSunday,at926AvenueinSantaPaula.Anotherwaytolearnaboutpolandtogleansomegardenideas,istogototheVenturaGovernmentCenterandseepollinatorgardenemergingonanspaceplantedinbytheGeneralServicesAgenThegarden,onthegreenbelttheHallofJusticeandtheDetentionFacility,featuresvarietyofcolorfulplantsexpectedfloweratvarioustimesoftheaswellasplantssuchasmilkspecifictotargetedpollinaaccordingtoPatrickSquires,theServicesAgency’smanagerhousekeepingandgrounds.Thegardenissupplementedasucculentgarden,whichtheServicesAgencyplantedlastandthatdemonstrateslandoptimalforcuttingwateruse.“ocean-friendly”garden,planted2015andexpandedin2020inwiththePublicWorksWatershedProtectionDisteachesvisitorsto“slow,spreadsink”water.Aswiththerestofthegoverncenterlandscape,thesegardenswithwellwaterratherthandirectlyfromthecity’sinfra

VCCS opens despite dispute with VUSD

Private school and district at odds over building safety, nondiscrimination clause

Classes resumed at Ventura County Christian School (VCCS) on Aug, 29, but the beginning of the school year was anything but routine. On Aug. 19, the Ventura pri vate school’s landlord, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD), told VCCS leaders that after two decades of leasing the century-old campus they would have to find a new home due to safety concerns — just three days before classes were set to Butresume.VCCS opened back up in defiance of the order a week later than originally planned, and staged a news conference outside the campus at 96 MacMillan Ave nue, known as Washington School. Standing in front of a crowd of supporters, school board member and local pastor Brad Lawson said district officials told him VCCS had to leave the campus and would be “trespassing” if they returned. “This is devastating beyond words. It will kill us,” he said. “And so we’re left with no option but to be Abouthere.” four hours after the news conference, VUSD offi cials issued a three-day notice to vacate the campus. District officials said the lease has been officially terminated, but the Christian school’s leaders said the district has continued to accept rent since the previous lease recently expired and they should be allowed to stay on campus. District superintendent Antonio Castro declined to be interviewed by the Ventura County Reporter but did issue a statement about the safety issues: “A technical report by 19six Architects and Engineers and received by the District on August 11, 2022, showed that the building was unsafe and must be vacated . . .

Eye on the

The emerging pollinator garden at the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura. Photo by Cyndy Taschman/VC General Services Agency.

8 — — September 1, 2022

“Thispayments.action by VUSD is pre textual for their discrimination against VCCS as a Christian school that has the right to hire Christian-only teachers and staff pursuant to Education Code 221 and the First Amendment exercise of their religion,” Bamieh said in a newsCastrorelease.said in his statement that the non-discrimination lan guage is a standard part of district contracts and was included in the latest 2021 lease agreement with the Christian school. After hearing about the posting of the three-day notice to vacate the campus, Bamieh told the Ventura County Reporter that classes will continue anyway, and that he’s con fident in VCCS’s legal position.

VCCS leaders retained the law office of Bamieh and De Smeth to represent them after learning the school district was demanding they leave the Attorneycampus.Ron S. Bamieh said during the news conference that the law firm had hired its own expert to assess campus safety, who dis agreed with the district’s position.

by David Goldstein

Environment NEWS vcreporter.com

structure. As the gardens establish, hand watering ensures application of only amounts needed. Exten sive use of mulch further conserves water, reducing evaporation, shading soil, and preventing the growth of water-stealing weeds. Water usage at the government center has steadily decreased in recent years, according to Cyndy Taschman, who coordinates security and special services for the General Services Agency. As noted on the Department of Agriculture website, “Animal polli nators face many challenges in the modern world. Habitat loss, disease, parasites, and environmental contam inants have all contributed to the decline of many species of pollina tors.” The way we plant and main tain landscapes and crops affects the future of these essential animals.

David Goldstein, an Environmen tal Resource Analyst with the Coun ty of Ventura Public Works Agency, can be reached at 805-658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org. by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com

“There’s no way a school could be in those properties any time in the near future,” Bamieh said. “They would need massive improvements.”Anotherissue of contention between the school district and the private school is a clause in the latest proposed lease about non discrimination in hiring regarding applicants’ religious beliefs. Bami eh said the Christian school leaders signed a new lease with that clause removed, but the district never signed that version of the lease even though they continued to accept lease

The third Saturday in August was National Honey Bee Day, but if you missed it, you still have local opportunities to learn about a very useful insect. Even more important than the delicious honey provided by bees is their role as key pollinators, since three quar ters of the world’s flowering plants, including our local avocado crop, depend on pollinators to reproduce.

We understand how difficult this situation is for the Ventura County Christian School (VCCS) commu nity, and our hearts go out to the stu dents, families, and staff whose new school year is being impacted by the need to shut down the 100-year-old building they occupy due to signifi cant structural issues.”

“What we tell Ventura Unified School District is that we’re not going anywhere. The school is safe,” Bamieh said. Castro said in his statement that the district tried to find other prop erty for the Christian school to relo cate to, but in an interview after the news conference Bamieh said the facilities offered were inadequate.

National Bee Day and emerging garden educate about pollinators

The investigation started in March 2021 after authorities said they learned sex and labor trafficking was taking place at several businesses operated by the family. Authorities said the suspects targeted vulnerable women from Mexico with “underprivileged backgrounds” to work in the brothels.

“It feels good in that sense, a certain sense of accomplishment, and often knowing that we are doing something to stop these suspects from victimizing other people,” the detective said about his team’s effort.

In addition to the women, investigators also discovered large sums of cash believed to be proceeds from sex and narcotics trafficking. Suspected drugs that were seized included methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana, authorities said. Two firearms were also found and neither was registered, according to investigators. One of the guns was what’s known as a “ghost gun” that had been privately manufactured and had no serial number. The case has been handed over to the U.S. Attorney’s office for prosecution in federal court. Efforts to reach the suspects by the Ventura County Reporter were unsuccessful.

Authorities said a husband and wife, Ira and Erika Malarowitz, were the main operators of the criminal organization.

Authorities said the suspects updated the advertisements every day and that the women were rotated between the various establishments.

During the raids, numerous trafficked women were contacted and received services from human trafficking victim service providers. Jauregui said he’s happy that the women, who ranged in age from 20 to 50, are getting the help they need to free themselves from sex trafficking.

Alma Monarrez-Diaz, Melesio Monarrez-Diaz and Justin Malarowitz worked as “middle management” operating the brothels, detectives said. The investigation is continuing and no arrests have been made so far. Jauregui could not predict how long it would take before arrests on federal charges are made.

“It was definitely a large-scale operation, which is why we partnered up with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office in this investigation,” he said.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Detective Ernan Jauregui led his department’s response and told the Ventura County Reporter it was one of the most complex sex trafficking cases he’s worked on.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of great work and it’s a team and it’s full of different people who’ve helped out. Not just myself and our partners, but also our non-government organizations provide resources. So it’s truly satisfying to get these victims out of these situations and to ensure that these suspects also stop their illegal and, I would say, unethical behavior.”

Officials with the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force said they have dismantled a sex trafficking operation involving four massage parlors operated by members of an Oxnard family, and also found large amounts of narcotics and two guns during the operation. Eight search warrants were served on Aug. 19 at five businesses and three Oxnard homes. The massage businesses targeted were Magic Therapy, Mission Spa and Souly Foot Massage in Oxnard, as well as Sunshine Therapy in Port Hueneme. Investigators said they also searched an Oxnard restaurant, Burrito Express, allegedly used to launder money.

Narcotics and firearms were among the contraband seized during searches of massage parlors, homes and a restaurant, authorities said. Photo courtesy Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

After they were recruited, the women were featured in online sex advertisements describing the types of sexual encounters provided, the cost and the businesses where the women worked.

Sex trafficking operation busted in Oxnard Massage parlors and restaurant targeted by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com

Ventura’s own breaking phenom Christina Prado

10 — — September 1, 2022 by Madeline Nathaus Dancing is complex sim plicity in its rawest form,” said local professional break dancer Christina “Wonda” Prado. “It’s not just a dance. It’s a lot of passion, blood, tears, injury, sweat and pain. Everyone can relate to breakdancing.”

“At the time there were a lot of guys in this dance,” Prado said. “It’s a little intimidating at first, but for me I thought, ‘I don’t care, I can dance too. And I can beat them, I know I can.’” She added that she also felt embold ened by her friend and fellow breaker Jessica Zahra Hamani, 40, who goes by “Jeskilz” in the breaking com munity. Hamani encouraged Prado to take on the “heavy hitters” who were all Pradomale. said through this she learned to have “courage” and “be fearless.” She learned that her gen der shouldn’t matter. “It’s really important for women to step up,” said Hamani, founder of Cypher Adikts, a former annual break dancing event. “I do feel like we’re strong enough to make moves and changeOvermentalities.”thenext10 years, Prado had the opportunity to perform at the Rockefeller Center for the Today Show in New York, be featured in a jewelry commer cial for King Ice and work as a background dancer in music videos for Ben Rector and Joji. In 2020, she beat people from all around the world to win the USA Title Top Rock Champion at Rock City — an interna tionally recognized breaking competition held annually in Orange County. Before that, she won the 2018 World Title Top Rock Champion at Free style Session in L.A. (Freestyle Ses sion is one of the oldest competitions in breakdancing history, and among the first of its kind to be offered in the United States.) She has also competed in the Red Bull BC One breakdancing competition three times and has done other work for Red Bull and Monster Energy Drinks. She competed once again at the Red Bull BC One on Friday, Aug. 26, in Seattle.“I’mreally trying to pay homage to other dances through breaking,” Prado said. “I think showing Latinos, Black culture, Asians and all these other cul tures that have been in this dance will

Prado says breaking is "the dance of immigrants; it's American."

Born in Ventura, Prado, now 32, discovered an interest in dance at a young age by listening to Motown music and watching movies like Beat Street, Breakin’ and Wild Style. She found her groove by copying the moves of Michael Jackson, David Ruffin and even her older brother. By the time she was 16, Prado truly began adventuring into the world of breakdancing while at the Oxnard Police Activities Leagues Teen Center. She partook in the hip-hop workshops and witnessed for the first time in person a breakdancer in action. It was then that her interest in dance turned into a way of life. “He started doing a headspin and I was like, ‘Yo, what is that? I want to do that, too. I’ve seen that on TV! Teach me that,’” Prado recalled. “And that’s when I really started breaking.” “I can beat them”

FEATURE vcreporter.com

A year later, Prado graduated early from Pacifica High School at 17 and was accepted to the San Francisco Art Institute for film. Her family could not afford the tuition, however, so she attended Gavilan College in Gilroy, just south of San Jose, where she took some journal ism and acting classes instead. She explained that she found writ ing and acting to be too vulnerable, but that dancing was an outlet that always made sense to her. While away at college, she contin ued breakdance training in San Jose and Los Angeles, but her home base was always Ventura. She became pop ular through competitions, YouTube videos and word of mouth. Wanting to see where a career in breakdancing could lead her, at 21 she finally joined her first breaking crew in L.A.

Prado joined her first breaking crew in Los Angeles when she was 21. All photos courtesy of Christina Prado

Coming home With her baby’s birth also came the decision to return to her roots. In 2017, Prado moved to Ventura again, after eight years away, to raise her child.“Ventura is such a hidden gem,” she said. “You have everything here, there’s so much art here. Coming back to Ventura, I’m honored because I’m the only b-girl to represent Ventura. I would love to have more b-girls and b-boys follow in my footsteps.”

Prado said she is particularly excited for is her mental health campaign for the danc ing and creative community in Ventura County — Mental Break.Dance. “I wanted to build some type of portal for my dance community,” Prado said. “People have said I’ve been changing since I’ve had thera py. So I wanted to offer a safe place where my community can have resources like mental therapy, art therapy, dance therapy and theater therapy all in one platform.” To that end, Prado promoted her Mental Break.Dance campaign at her recent Red Bull One performance. Eventually, she said she hopes to have a large space available for mental health retreats. The website is currently in progress, but she hopes that the Instagram will go live on Sept. 3. This campaign has seen a lot of involvement from those in Prado’s life. Along with her fiancée Bell working as a vice chair of Mental Break.Dance, their friend and fellow professional dancer Jarrod Taylor, 46, works as the strategic advisor for the campaign.

Taylor has experience in this area. In 2002, he founded the Dance Mas ters organization, an international non profit for dance education. “Christina has been an inspiration and a positive motivator in our com munity,” Taylor said. “It is a pleasure to be in partnership with her and to support this endeavor. My hope is that this project leads to motivating and providing assistance to individuals who are struggling with their mental and physical health.” On top of all this, she also works with a nonprofit in L.A. called JUiCE, Justice by Uniting in Creative Energy, that offers a space in which youths in impoverished areas can experiment in hiphop arts and culture. Her creative endeavors even extend into the culinary world: Prado sells authentic guaca mole using her own recipe under the prod uct name What The Guac! Rising to challengethe Despite all these accomplishments, Pra do’s journey had many obstacles from the beginning. She said her family wasn’t very supportive of her dancing. They wished to see her pur sue a more financially stable career in law. She was also regularly compared to her brother’s academic achieve ments.Through all this, she said she trusted her street smarts. Her safe place was always dancing.

Follow Christina “Wonda” Prado on Instagram: @wondaslick, @ mambawonda. For C.Prado Styles: @c.prado.styles.

Since moving back to Ventura, she said she hopes to encourage breakers and other artists in the city to put themselves out there and be proud of where they come from. “Thank you to everyone that I’ve met in my life that poured into me,” Prado said. “Now I’m ready to pour out to others.”

“I believed in myself,” Prado said. “That was very crucial in my life at that time because every one was against me. We all come from a place that’s broken, and we’re all just really trying to Prado’ssurvive.”power and potential is apparent in her name as well. Her moniker “Wonda” comes from Won der Woman, a name given by her older brother due to her versatility in dance. She later shortened it to “Wonda.”Herstrength persisted when anoth er challenge presented itself. When she was 26, Prado left an abusive relationship while pregnant and became a single mother in the midst of her career. She left her crew and sacrificed competing for a time to help support herself and daughter, but Hamani said Prado’s new motherhood still made her stronger than ever. “It’s an awesome way to show everyone else that it doesn't matter where you are, your status or how much you are praised. You can always turn that around,” Hamani said. “Any thing that happens to you can always be turned into a positive and a source of Pradoinspiration.”admitted that there were those in the breaking community that believed her career was over after giving birth, but this hardly gave her reason to quit. “I wanted to prove them wrong,” Prado said. “I’m not going nowhere.” Despite pressure from some within the breaking community, Prado said her family and Bell were incredibly supportive during this time and con tinue to be. “I do my best to be a father figure in her daughter’s life,” Bell said. “To show her the importance of communi cation and patience, to always seek for knowledge in everything she does.”

Prado’s breakdancing path has taken her in many different directions. Within the breaking community, she’s also a prominent stylist under C.Prado Styles. She said she sees great signifi cance in how a dancer dresses and tries to use their clothes to accentuate their dancing rather than distract from it. Recently, Prado opened a private clothing store and studio in Ventura called Limitless Box with her fian cée Robert R. Bell, 38, a profession al stuntman and fellow world-class breaker who goes by “Bboy Fantum.” They met in Miami in 2019 while working on a music video together. Owning a storefront for styling and image consulting has been a longtime dream of Prado’s. Bell’s clothing brand OMH — “Originals Making History” — is featured in the store along with personal pieces from Prado and Bell’s own clothing collection. Combining their creative talents, the pair now have their own space to doc ument and film their work and help other artists find their vibe. “We make any vision come to life,” Bell said. “I know all her projects come from her heart, I support her in all her Anotherendeavors.”bigendeavor

September 1, 2022 — — 11 be able to wake up other people to see that they can do it too. It’s the dance of immigrants, it’s American.” Fashion, style and mental health

vcreporter.com FEATURE

Prado at the Red Bull BC One competition in Seattle, August 2022. Fancy footwork and power moves have helped Prado rise to the top in the breaking community.

Prado also works as a stylist in the breaking community as C.Prado Styles.

September 1, 2022 — — 13 by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com

The Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, recently won an award at one of the most coveted car shows in the world. The museum’s historic 1951 Talbot-Lago Type 26 Grand Sports Stabilimenti Farina Cabriolet was awarded the “Best in Class” prize and competed as a finalist for “Best in Show” at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance held on Aug. 21 on the Monterey Peninsula. The award-winning vehicle was one of six displayed at various events during Monterey Car Week, Aug. 17-21. The Mullin also showcased a 1946 Delage D6-3L racecar, 1937 Talbot-Lago Type 26-SS, 1936 Delahaye Type 135 CS Grand Prix and a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Competition Roadster at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca. The 1930 Bugatti Type 46 from the museum was also featured at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, held Aug. 19 in “MontereyCarmel.

Lakes named OSF ED The Ojai Storytelling Festival has named Kara Lakes as the festival’s new executive director. Lakes replaces Brian Bemel, who founded Performances To Grow On in 1995 and the OSF in 1999. Every year, the festival brings world-class storytellers and musicians to the Ojai Valley to share engaging and imaginative tales for audiences of allLakesages. has taught in the Ojai area for over 20 years, specializing in creative music and storytelling techniques. According to a press release, she hopes to expand the OSF’s accessibility to low income, hearing impaired and special needs communities and build programming in local public schools by bringing storytellers from varying cultures and backgrounds for residencies throughout the year. The 2022 Ojai Storytelling Festival takes place Oct. 27-30. For more information, visit www.ojaistoryfest.org.

“We are getting closer and closer to helping area high schools turn the lights back on in their choir rooms,” Butler explained. “Walk onto many area high school campuses and ask to see their choir room and I think you will get some strange looks. Those rooms just don’t exist or have been converted into storage spaces.”

“It was encouraging to see so many high school students sharing

“By doing so, we are creating a healthy feeder program for CSUCI’s music program while inspiring young artists to become contributors to their communities through the arts,” said Dean Butler, president of the Channel Islands Choral Association (CICA), via press release. CICA sponsors the University Choir as well as the Pleasant Valley School District Chorus.

Mullin honored at car show

News in art and culture from around Ventura County

CSUCI choir opens auditions to high schoolers In an effort to highlight the importance of high school choirs, Ventura County area high school students are being invited to audition this fall for the University Chorus of California State University, ChannelAuditionsIslands.arecurrently underway for high school students, non-student members of the community as well as CSUCI students, faculty, and staff for the 2022-23 concert season. Inviting high school students to audition and participate in a university-level chorus is part of “Project: Lights On,” aimed at re-energizing high school choral singing by providing an opportunity for high school singers to perform with professional orchestras at major concerts.

Car Week is always the preferred destination to showcase historic automobiles with enthusiasts from around the world,” said Mullin Automotive Museum Founder and CEO Peter Mullin. “With six of our vehicles on display across three events, we’re excited to bring a touch of French culture to the proceedings.”

High school students were part of the CSUCI University Chorus in June of 2022 when it performed, under the direction of CSUCI Associate Professor of Music KuanFen Liu, at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. The performance inspired a standing ovation, two curtain calls and an invitation to return.

Ventura,1445UltimateRugSpa@kellyclean.netDonlonSt.,Ste.2,CA93003 805.644.0846 • Aromatherapy: Odor removal • Flexology: Fiber enhancement treatment • Detoxification: Atmospheric soiling removalyourCleaningUltimateforHighEndFurnishings BOOK SPAULTIMATETHEDAYFORYOURRUGTODAY!...Where Rugs Say Ahhh • PERSIAN • ORIENTAL • TURKISH • AFGHAN • • WOOL • SILK • SYNTHETIC & OTHER MATERIALS • OFFICEHOME••• CLEANINGSTEAM•• $20 OFF with a purchase of $100 $10 OFF with a purchase of $50 OR Coupon not valid with wholesale pricing, sale items or any other offers or coupons. Offer does not include Manuka Honey or candy items. Limit one coupon per household. Must present coupon to cashier at time of purchase. Offer expires 9/31/22 Come Visit Our Gift Shop! 3176 Honey Lane, Fillmore • 805.521.1375 Shop our E-Store at www.bennetthoney.com Mon. - Fri. 8am - 4:30 pm • Sat. & Sun. 9am - 5pm Bennett’s Honey Farm vcreporter.com ARTS BRIEFS Continued on Next Page The CSUCI University Choir at a tech rehearsal at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, June 2022. Photo submitted. A 1946 Delage D6-3L racecar was one of six cars showcased by the Mullin Automotive Museum during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca in August 2022. Photo submitted.

FOTM receives $27K from arts council Focus on the Masters (FOTM) Arts Archive and Library was the recent recipient of a $27,000 grant from the California Arts Council (CAC) for its community outreach programs and archival preservation of the work and history of localAccordingartists. to the FOTM press release, in selecting grant recipients, CAC panelists scrutinized artists and organizations in order to determine those that best represent diverse geographic, racial, ethnic and gender identities, perspective and knowledge. CAC awarded grants across seven different program areas within Cycle A, focused on the CAC’s efforts to address geographic equity, enable autonomy and sustainability for smaller organizations, and grow the strength of local arts agencies and theirSaidpartnerships.FOTMfounder Donna Granata, “The arts must be incorporated into our daily lives — now more than ever. Art builds empathy and understanding of our fellow human beings. No two artistic expressions are alike — just as no two human beings are FOTM’salike.”Learning to See program has brought local artists to provide artistic lessons to over 250,000 students throughout Ventura County, while its archive provides an awareness of the richness and diversity of local artists and insight into the stories behind the art. For more information on FOTM, visit www.FocusOnTheMasters. com. More information on the California Arts Council’s Cycle A grants is available at CACGrantees_2022CycleA.http://tiny.cc/

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Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

“As part of our goal to provide improved access to all, including families with children, it was decided that the Museum would eliminate admission fees for those under 18 years of age,” Museum Executive Director Adri Howe stated via press release. “We certainly hope it will allow for more families to come to CIMM and help them to enjoy and learn about the wonders of the maritime experience and human creativity. Museums play an important role in our society and we very much believe that future museum lovers are created when people have access to museums, especially as CIMMyoungsters.”iscurrently open Thursday through Monday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information at www.cimmvc.org.

Coupon Expires September 31, 2022

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Longtime SCIART volunteer Rachel Resnik Miles (shown here with her husband, Howard) was honored with the 2022 Medici Award. Photo submitted.

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Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

Lights On” 202223 season will include “De Colores, A Choral Celebration of Colors and Cultures” in December and the annual “Choral Spectacular” in ForApril.more information or to schedule an audition, contact Conductor KuanFen Liu at downbeatplus@ gmail.com or visit cicachoir.org.

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In July, the Museum of Ventura County added two new directors to its staff: Development Director Tricia Murdoch and Programs Director Marisa firmslow-incomeaUniversity.managementter’sOccidentalartszano-HamiltonprogrammingcutingforingramspriorculturepretivethedevelopmentLindatorBarbara,theandfundraising,Withum’singcultivating,Murdoch’sSolórzano-Hamilton.dutieswillincludesecuringandmaintain-relationshipswiththemuse-donors,partnersandsponsors.over20yearsofexperienceinmarketing,recruitmentteaching,shehasworkedwithUniversityofCalifornia,SantaArtsandLecturesasdirec-ofdevelopmentandwithLomaUniversityHealthasseniorofficer.Solórzano-HamiltonstartedwithMuseuminMarchastheInter-SiteManagerfortheAgri-MuseuminSantaPaula,toherpromotiontoPro-DirectorforbothmuseumsJuly.Shewillberesponsibleplanning,schedulingandexe-allaspectsofinterpretiveandevents.Solór-holdsabachelorofdegreeinanthropologyfromCollegeandamas-degreeinculturalresourcefromSonomaStateShehasworkedwithnumberofnonprofitsservingfamilies,archaeologyandhistoricalproperties.

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The Museum of Ventura County has promoted Interpretive Site Manager Marisa SolórzanoHamilton to programs director. Photo submitted. Tricia Murdoch is the Museum of Ventura County’s new development director. Photo submitted.

FictionalMagicalGENRE:RealismMemoir Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Wordsread by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store inter nally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss. Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

Kids visit CIMM free Beginning on Thursday, Sept. 1, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum will offer free admission to visitors who are less than 18 years of age — although youths or children must still be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Admission prices for seniors and active military personnel will remain at $5 per person while adult admission will change to $10 per person. The museum will also continue to offer its Museums for All discounted admission for those patrons who present EBT, SNAP or CalFresh identification cards.

Resnik Miles wins Medici

ARTS BRIEFS

In August, Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo announced that Rachel Resnik Miles was the recipient of the 2022 Medici Award, the highest honor bestowed by the artEachcenter.year SCIART’s board of directors selects an honoree whose support has been exceptional and transformative for the organization. Resnik Miles was recognized for her volunteer efforts that go back over a decade. She served on SCIART’s board for three years and was chairperson in 2016. She has also played a critical role in planning and producing the center’s annual fundraising gala, Collector’s“RachelChoice.has been a fantastic ambassador for SCIART in the community, always promoting the studios and artists,” said Sean Leonard, president and CEO of S.L. Leonard and Associates, Inc. and a former SCIART board member. “When I served with Rachel on the board of directors, Rachel was always diligent, thoughtful and passionate. She never sought the limelight, and I am delighted she is now beingResnikrecognized.”Mileswill be presented with the Medici Award as part of the annual Art à la Mode gala, taking place Oct. 8 at the Las Posas Country Club. Sponsorship opportunities and program tributes are available; contact Executive Director Peter Tyas at ptyas@studiochannelislands.org or 805-3831368. Tickets are available online at studiochannelislands.org/gala/, by calling 805-383-1368 or by visiting the SCIART office at 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo.

FictionalMagicalGENRE:RealismMemoir Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Wordsread by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store inter nally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss. Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

vcreporter.com the stage with us in performance at Carnegie Hall this summer,” said Liu, who is also CICA’s artistic director. “I really believe that this was an extraordinary experience that made a positive impact in their lives, and they will treasure it for a longThetime.”“Project:

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MVC hires two new directors

Cinese (left), Ryan Johnson and Berkley of Water Seed. Cinese and her flute opened the show. Cello

LIVE music LOVERS! get your tickets today!! NAMBA Performing Arts Space 47 S Oak Street, Ventura NambaArts.com 805.628.9250 v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e f o r d e t a i l s a n d t i c k e t s saturday September 10 - 7 pm DIRTY CELLO Led by vivacious cross over cellist, Rebecca Roudman From down home blues and rock with a wailing cello, to virtuosic stompin’ Americana, Dirty

MUSIC Future Funk Night Moves

is a back at NAMBA! Sure to get your heart thumping and your toes tapping! IONA FYFE SEPTEMBER 11 TONY MCMANUS SEPTEMBER 18 “The best Celtic guitarist in the world ...” MG ALBA Scots Singer of the Year

T he Grape in Midtown Ventura is better known as a jazz club, but it embraced the funk last week. The venue had a rare chance to showcase pro gressive R&B band Water Seed, who trav eled all the way from New Orleans to do a series of gigs in California. And for those who came out on Thursday, Aug. 25, it was an unforgettable night. The band opened with phenomenal flautist Cinese, who charmed the crowd with her musicianship and got the stage warmed up along with keyboardist J. Sharp, bass player Marius Tilton and drummer Lou Hill. The quartet was soon joined by lead singers Ryan Johnson and Berkley, whose dynamic vocals and dance moves brought the audience to its feet — helped in no small part by the singers coming down onto the dance floor to provide someThisinspiration.wasold-school funk in the mold of Earth, Wind and Fire or Parliament, with an all-inclusive, life-affirming outlook and an infectious vibe that had the room packed and in a state of exhiliration. Water Seed proved to be a refreshing experience for an audience ready to “get wild, get loose, be free.” —Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer ♦

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Offered Monday through Friday, it features generous salads with either chicken or steak, or the Aloha Plate Lunch, with your choice of chicken or fish (grilled or blackened) served with rice and a salad. The best thing about all these meals deals: Each is just $14. I rediscovered Aloha (hadn’t eaten there in years) on a breezy summer afternoon, when I met a good friend for a late lunch. Lucky us, we found seating on Aloha’s famous patio, and had a cheerful and efficient server to boot. To start, we shared a whole artichoke, steamed with herbs and stuffed with sautéed mushrooms and parmesan cheese. At $21, it cost more than either of our lunches . . . but it sure was good. The enormous choke and wee button mushrooms inside of it were all cooked to tender perfection, each leaf soft as butter and the ’shrooms savory in all their garlicky, cheesy goodness. The house-made lemon aioli on the side was pure heaven. My friend loves a wedge salad, especially one that includes both blue cheese dressing and blue cheese crumbles, so she was happy as a clam with her crisp-and-creamy lunch. And I was pleasantly surprised by the Aloha Plate Lunch. I went with the blackened fish, coconut rice and a Caesar salad. The salad was lightly dressed, the fish was delicate and flaky with a tasty spiciness, and the generous scoop of coconut rice was the perfect side. Highly recommended — and an absolute steal at $14.Weadded one final indulgence to our meal by capping it off with a mutual favorite: the Kona pie. This big, fat wedge of macadamia nut ice cream in a cookie crust comes topped with chocolate and nuts, and is definitely designed to be shared . . . ideally by at least three people. (The mini version was just right for the two of us.) This is a good place to note that all of Aloha’s desserts are great — I also love the bananas Foster prepared tableside — and worth saving some room for. Aloha Steakhouse is unlikely to be at the top of anyone’s list for a quick lunch or inexpensive dinner. But for a special treat, it’s just the ticket: beautiful beachside location, savory surf and turf, decadent desserts. When you’re ready to indulge, say “aloha” to this steakhouse. Nancy D. S. California St., definitely designed to be

J ust one year shy of its 20th anniversary, Aloha Steakhouse continues to be a popular place for those looking for fine dining beachside. No surprise there: The spacious restaurant situated between the Ventura Pier and the Crowne Plaza boasts one of the area’s most scenic locations and a lovely covered patio that takes full advantage of the view. Sitting before those large windows, or on the side patio outside, diners can enjoy the comings and goings along the Promenade, the moonlight sparkling on the Pacific, or even a spectacular sunset if you time it right. The menu — and prices — are definitely in line with special occasion dining. Steaks and seafood are the highlights, with a variety of quality beef cuts in various sizes and preparations, freshly caught fish served with delicious sauces (the macadamia-crusted filet baked in coconut milk has been a favorite since the restaurant opened in 2003), and crab and lobster at market rates. The wine list is extensive, with well-curated options by the glass, and the bartender knows how to make a decent cocktail. This is the kind of place people go to impress visitors and loved ones, or perhaps a date. It is also a great place for a lovely lunch. While there are several burgers and some pricey entrees to order if indulgence is on your mind (herb-crusted salmon, black and blue top sirloin, ribeye and the like), the budget conscious should consider the Lunch Meal Deal.

Kona pie with macadamia nut ice cream, chocolate sauce and chopped nuts. A whole artichoke steamed with herbs and stuffed with sautéed mushrooms and parmesan cheese; drawn butter and aioli on the side.

16 — — September 1, 2022

Lackey Shaffer Aloha Steakhouse 364

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alohasteakhouse.com805-652-1799Ventura$14-65 Aloha means indulgence 88 e. thompson blvd. ventura 805-643-1062 venturasurfshop.com Tide Table ♦ Sept. 1 - 7 Sunrise 6:25am • Sunset 7:20pm sur f repo r t Shopvss.com Free shipping with a $30 purchase, use code: freeship$30 sponsored by HIGH TIDE LOW TIDE Surfer Analie Sherman. Photo by Robert Chapman AM HT PM HT AM HT PM HT Thu 12:48 3.9 1:06 5.1 6:36 1.6 8:16 1.3 Fri 2:03 3.2 1:55 5.1 7:04 2.2 9:50 1.1 Sat 4:17 2.9 3:04 5.2 7:42 2.7 11:29 0.7 Sun 6:52 3.1 4:31 5.3 9:24 3.1 -- -Mon 7:44 3.5 5:51 5.7 12:42 0.1 11:33 AM 3.1 Tue 8:18 3.9 6:56 6.1 1:36 -0.4 12:52 2.7 Wed 8:48 4.3 7:50 6.5 2:20 -0.8 1:49 2.2

BEST OF VENTURA COUNTY VCReporter.com SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES! READERS’ POLL SECTION COMING SOON! 2022 The top three for each category will be listed in the Best of Ventura County issue on September 29, 2022. RECREATION:CATEGORIES: Billiards Bowling Alley Charity Event Cultural Event Golf Course Fun for Kids & Adults Museum Overnight Accommodations Place to Swim Surf School Tennis Court Yacht Club HEALTH AND FITNESS: Children’s Dentist . Chiropractor . Cosmetic Surgeon . Dentist . Dermatologist Family Physician Fitness Studio Gym Licensed Massage Therapist Martial Arts Instructor Martial Arts Studio OB/GYN Optometrist Orthodonist Personal Trainer Physical Therapy Clinic Pilates Instructor Pilates Studio Yoga Instructor Yoga Studio BEAUTY AND STYLE: Barber Shop Beauty Supply Children’s Haircut Day Spa (non medical) Facial . Hair Colorist . Hair Salon . Hair Stylist . Makeup Artist . Medi-Spa . Nail Salon . Tanning . Tattoo Parlor . Threading Waxing SHOPPING: Adult Store Antique Store Art Gallery Arts and Crafts Supplies Auto Dealer Bicycle Shop Book Store Bridal Shop Dive Shop Eco Friendly Business Practices Florist Gift Shop Home Furnishings . Hot Tub / Swim Spa Dealer . Jeweler . Lingerie Store . Marijuana Dispensary . Musical Instruments . Nursery Pawn Shop Pet Store Record Store Shoe Store Shopping District Skateboard Shop Smoke Shop Surf Shop Thrift Store Tire Shop Women’s Clothing SERVICES: Accountant Auto Body Shop Car Detailer/Wash Child Care Dog Day Care Dog Trainer . Financial Institution . Lawyer/Law Firm . Mechanic . Moving Company . Music Instructor . Nonprofit Organization Oil Change Pet Groomer Plumber Real Estate Agent Retirement Home Surfboard Shaper Veterinarian FOOD AND DRINK: Bakery Barbecue Beer Tap Selection Bloody Mary Breakfast Brewery Camarillo Restaurant Caterer Cheap Eats Chinese Coffee Shop Deli Dessert Diner Donuts Fillmore Restaurant Fine Dining . Fish Taco . Food & Drink Festival . Fries . Frozen Dessert . Greek . Hamburger . Health Food Store . Indian . Italian Kid Friendly Margarita Mexican Moorpark Restaurant New Restaurant (last 12 months) Noodle House Ojai Restaurant Oxnard Restaurant Pizza Place For Craft Cocktails Port Hueneme Restaurant Romantic Restaurant Sandwich Santa Paula Restaurant Seafood Market Seafood Restaurant Simi Valley Restaurant Smoothie Specialty Food Store Steakhouse Sushi Tacos Thai Thousand Oaks Restaurant Vegan Options Vegetarian Ventura Restaurant Wine Tasting Winery NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Comedy Club Dive Bar Event DJ Gay Bar Happy Hour Local Band Music Festival Place For Live Music Radio Personality Radio Station Recording Studio Sports Bar Theater Company

LIVE MUSIC

Boatyard Pub: Bluegrass Thursday Crown and Anchor: Teresa Russell, 5-8 p.m.

Ventura Music Hall welcomes The Fabulous Thunderbirds on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. Nathan McEuen performs at Ojai Underground Exchange on Friday, Sept. 2, at 7p.m. Photo by Raphael Conelly OFFER ENDS: 9/30/22 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 not Call venues ahead to

confirm. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!

and

AFTER DARK vcreporter.com

THURSDAY, 9/1

guaranteed.

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The Grape: Danny Janklow and friends, 7-10 p.m. H Leashless Brewing: Danny Moa, 6:30 p.m. The Manhattan: Doc Rogers, 6-9 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. COMEDY Levity Live Comedy Club: Steve Furey with Katherine Blanford, 7:30 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. El Rey Cantina (Camarillo): Karaoke with Leigh Balton, 8-11 p.m. 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, 7-10 p.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. Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Colt): Head Games Trivia, 6:30 p.m. Winchester’s: Line dancing with DJ Rick Dominguez, 5:30-8:30 p.m. FRIDAY, 9/2 LIVE MUSIC BL Dancehall/Borderline: Bad Habit, 7 p.m. Black Angus: Square Cow Live Series, 7-10 p.m. Cantara Cellars: Oleander Falls, 7 p.m. The Canyon: Yynot (Rush tribute) with Cosmic Oceans, 7 p.m. Deer Lodge: The Late Nights, 9 p.m. Four Brix: Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers,

vcreporter.com AFTER

Join Esteban Ramirez and his quartet for an evening of neo-classical music and poetry on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. at NAMBA Performing Arts Space.

September 1, 2022 — — 19 Fri 9/2 8pm $10 Ciuil Juliao Quartet Bass Phenom & Local Players Quartet Sat 9/3 8pm *$20-30 Doug Webb Group Ft. Danny Carey (TOOL) Heavy hitting Jazz combo Fri 9/9 8pm $10 Native Vibe Thurs 9/1 7pm $10 Danny Janblow Quartet Ft. Nicb Mancini Accomplished Saxophonist Sat 9/3 2-Spm Heart of Blues Traditional & Modern Bl u es Thur 9/8 7pm SicNarf Incredible 16-Piece Original Big Band Melodic & Rich African Jazz .. ' Every Tues The Cratitude Jazz Jam 7pm Sat 9/10 8pm $10 B ar r elhouse Wailers Ventura's Own Taste of New Orleans Fri Happy Hour West Coast Swing with Fred Kaplan 5•7 pm * For advanced ticbets go to events.thegrape.club HOUSE OF JAZZ AND SPIRITS FULL BAR 2733 E. Main St. Ventura r 21+ www.thegrape.club Follow on ICi & FB youtube.com/c/TheCrapeVentura 6-8:30 p.m. The Garage: Davy Miller Band, 8-11 p.m. The Grape: The Guil Juliao Quartet, 8-11 p.m. High Street Arts Center: The Heart of Rock and Roll (Huey Lewis tribute), 7:30 p.m. Leashless Brewing: King Sol, 7 p.m. The Manhattan: Lisa Ritner Duo, 6:309:30 p.m. Margarita Villa: Whiskey Business, 8-11 p.m. Ojai Underground Exchange: Nathan McEuen, 7 p.m. H Oxnard Performing Arts Center: Caifanes, 8 p.m. H The Raven Tavern: Jayden Secor, 8 p.m. Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley; Cochran): Sound of Ghosts, 8:3011:30 p.m. Ventura Music Hall: Jesse Daniel, 9 p.m. Winchester’s: Cinnamon Whiskey, 7 p.m. COMEDY Levity Live Comedy Club: Steve Furey with Katherine Blanford, 7 p.m. NAMBA Performing Arts Space: Ventura Improv Co., 7 p.m. Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Tommy Savitt, 7 p.m. DJS Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean OTHER The Garage: Karaoke with Steve Sharp, 7-11 p.m. GiGi’s: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Music Freqs: Student Jam Night (Wolfmother, “Joker and the Thief”), 7-8 p.m. SATURDAY, 9/3 LIVE MUSIC 805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Kenny Devoe, 11 a.m. Azar’s Sports Bar: The Replay, 8 p.m. Cantara Cellars: Katie Shorey, 6:30 p.m. The Canyon: Fast Times with John and Shelly Band, 7 p.m. Channel Islands Harbor (Harbor View Park): Ignition Band, 4-6 p.m. Deer Lodge: Devon Thompson, 9 p.m. The Garage: Steph’s Rockin’ Road Show, 8-11 p.m. The Grape: Heart of Blues, 2-5 p.m.; Doug Webb feat. Daney Carey of TOOL, 8-11 p.m. High Street Arts Center: Fortunate Son (CCR tribute), 7:30 p.m. Leashless Brewing: Scott Avenado, 7 p.m. The Manhattan: Jeanne Tatum, 6:309:30 p.m. Margarita Villa: Dive Bar Messiahs, 8-11 p.m. NAMBA Performing Arts Space: Esteban Ramirez, 7 p.m. H Ojai Exchange:Underground Little Days, 7 p.m. The Raven Tavern: Brandon Ragan Project, 8 p.m. Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley, Cochran): Emo Night with Becoming a Hero, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Ventura Music Hall: Cubensis (Grateful Dead tribute), 9 p.m. The Vine: Smitty and Julija, 7-9 p.m. Winchester’s: McGuire/Moffett Band, 2-5 p.m. COMEDY Levity Live Comedy Club: Steve Furey with Katherine Blanford, 6 p.m. Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Tommy Savitt, 7 p.m. DJS Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean Seaside Promenade Stage (Ventura Harbor): Seaside DJ Saturdays, 12-3 p.m. OTHER BL Dancehall/Borderline: Line dancing lessons (6:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and dancing, 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Goebel Adult Community Center: East Coast Swing dance lessons, 6:30 p.m.; Erik Ekstrand Band, 7:30-10 p.m. Harbor Cove Cafe: Ukulele Jam with Gary Ballen and Kool Hand Ukes, 10 a.m. SUNDAY, 9/4 LIVE MUSIC 805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Kenny Devoe, 11 a.m. The Canyon: George Michael Reborn (tribute), 8 p.m. The Lookout: Gary Ballen, 3-6 p.m. MadeWest Brewing (Ventura, Donlon): RJ Mischo, 3-5 p.m. H Margarita Villa: DRB, 5-8 p.m. Ojai Underground Exchange: Ojai-Fi, 7 p.m. Oxnard Performing Arts Center: The Renegades, 2-5 p.m. The Raven Tavern: Mack and D, 2-5 p.m. Ric’s Restaurant: Live music, 2:30 p.m. Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley; Cochran): Reggae Sunday, 5-7 p.m. Seaside Promenade Stage (Ventura Harbor): Steel Drum Sundays, 12-3 p.m. Tony’s Pizzaria: Sunday Beach Party, 3-7 p.m. Vaquero Y Mar: Mariachi Brunch, 12-2 p.m. The Vine: Austin Vallejo, 2-3:30 p.m. Winchester’s: The Brandon Ragan Project, 3-6 p.m. Zin Bistro: Jason Bourne, 4 p.m. COMEDY Levity Live Comedy Club: Steve Furey with Katherine Blanford, 6 p.m. DJS The Garage: Soul Sunday with DJ Also, 12-7 p.m.

OTHER Fatty Vegan: Ska brunch, 10:30 a.m. The Garage: VC Dart Open Tourney, 2-8 p.m. GiGi’s: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Harbor Cove Cafe: Yacht Rock Sunday MONDAY, 9/5 OTHER BL Dancehall/Borderline: West Coast Swing, 6 p.m.-12 a.m. The Garage: Billiard league; industry discounts Margarita Villa: Karen Eden, 5-8 p.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. TUESDAY, 9/6 LIVE MUSIC

The Canyon: Country Night, 7 p.m. The Garage: Blue Wednesdays Live Blues, 7-10 p.m. The Lookout: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show, 7-10 p.m. The Manhattan: Richard Weiss, 6-8 p.m.

The Six Social House: Wicked Wednesdays with Bone Maggot, 7 p.m. H Surfside Seafood: Teresa Russell, 4:307:30 p.m. The Twist on Main: Americana and Whiskey Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. Ventura Music Hall: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, 8 p.m. H COMEDY GiGi’s: Comedy Night with Artie Lopez, 8 p.m. Rock and Roll Pizza (Cochran, Simi Valley): Cosmic Comedy Showcase, 8-10 p.m. Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Open Mic Night with Kiana Marquez, 7 p.m. Other Paddy’s: Paddy’s: Be the Star Karaoke Night, 9 p.m. Tipsy Goat: Rockstar Karaoke, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. DARK

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: Country kara oke, 7 p.m. The Garage: Tacos and Trivia with King Trivia, 7 p.m. The Grape: The Gratitude Jazz Jam, 7-10 p.m. Keynote Lounge: Karaoke with Steve Sharp, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. The Lookout: Trivia, 7 p.m. Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley; Cochran): Rockstar Karaoke, 9 p.m.12 a.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 p.m. WEDNESDAY, 9/7 LIVE MUSIC

ALOHA BEACH FESTIVAL | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. This weekend-long celebration of Hawaiian culture returns to Ventura for 2022! Traditional hula danc ing and drumming will be offered along with live music from local acts such as the Free Love Project, Jacob and the Good Vibes and others. Talented dogs playing Frisbee will be a highlight for all ages, as will other outdoor activities such as surfing, outrig ger canoeing and more. A variety of food and arts and crafts vendors will create a Ku’ai or shopping experience. Proceeds from the event will benefit the MERITO Foundation. Promenade Park/Surfers Point on Shoreline Drive in Ventura, 805-200-8674, www.alohabeachfestival.us. OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM ART TALK | 11 a.m.12 p.m. Join the museum and Ojai Studio Artists for a talk featuring three artists discussing their work featured in the current exhibit Perception and Persistence. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.

HAPPENINGS vcreporter.com

The Aloha Beach Festival returns to Promenade Park and Surfers Point in Ventura on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4. Celebrate the iconic symbol of Ventura County’s agricultural heritage during the Eighth Annual Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula on Monday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Author C.L. Hyndman will present his Bookstore on the Seine as part of the Bank of Books Ventura Book Signing event on Saturday, Sept. 3, 1-3 p.m.

BANK OF BOOKS VENTURA BOOK SIGNING | 1-3 p.m. C.L. Hyndman, Bookstore on the Seine Bank of Books, 820 E. Main St., Santa Paula, www. bankofbooks.com.

Happenings includes community events, meetings, classes, community resources and needs. To submit an item for inclusion email to: happenings@vcreporter.com

EIGHTH ANNUAL LABOR DAY VINTAGE TRACTOR FAIR | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate iconic hallmarks of the agricultural heritage in Ventura County at this popular and free pub lic event! Attendees will enjoy a vintage tractor display by the Topa Topa Flywheelers, music by Illunis, a petting zoo, kids crafts and car nival games, a plant giveaway by UC Master Gardeners, food trucks, and admission to the Agriculture Museum exhibits and garden. Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, visit-agriculture-museum/.venturamuseum.org/

DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE: COSTUME PALOOZA | 4 p.m. This show brings beloved Disney Junior char acters and favorite Marvel Super Heroes together live on stage for a jam-packed, concert-style show with singing, dancing, acrobatics, and more. It will feature favorite songs from hit Disney Junior series, as well as new original music. Mickey, Minnie, and their pals are getting ready to throw a huge costume party but mysterious green rain, wind, and smoke keep interrupting the fun. Can Spidey and his Amazing Friends help save the Costume Palooza? Come join the party! $37-62. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

BACK STACKS BOOKSTORE LABOR DAY SALE | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We have loads of fiction and non-fiction as well as children’s books. Our col lection features thousands of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. Blowout BOGO sale: Buy one book and get the second of equal or lesser value free. All book sale proceeds go to support the Blanchard Community Library. Presented by the Friends of the Blanchard Community Library. 119 North Eighth St., Santa Paula; enter via the north parking lot, through the roll-up door in the back.

SATURDAY PICK YOUR OWN ROMAS AT UNDERWOOD | 6 a.m.-12 p.m. Pick-Your-Own Roma tomatoes are 40¢ per pound. If bringing your own containers, they must be of equal size that will not hold over 50 lbs. to make it easier for weighing. Containers must be placed on the scale by the harvester upon entry and at check-out. Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark Farm, 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, pick-your-own-roma-tomatoes/.www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/

20 — — September 1, 2022 THURSDAY CONVENE AND CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY RETREAT |

SUNDAY PICK YOUR OWN ROMAS AT UNDERWOOD | 6 a.m.-12 p.m. Pick-Your-Own Roma tomatoess are 40¢ per pound. If bringing your own containers, they must be of equal size that will not hold over 50 lbs. to make it easier for weighing. Containers must be placed on the scale by the harvester upon entry and at check-out. Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark Farm, 3370 Sunsent Valley Road, Moorpark, pick-your-own-roma-tomatoes/.www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/ ALOHA BEACH FESTIVAL | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. This weekend-long celebration of Hawaiian culture returns to Ventura for 2022! Traditional hula danc ing and drumming will be offered along with live music from local acts such as Jill Martini and the Shrunken Heads, The Question and Rising Son. Talented dogs playing Frisbee will be a highlight for all ages, as will other outdoor activities such as surfing, outrigger canoeing and more. A variety of food and arts and crafts vendors will create a Ku’ai or shopping experience. Proceeds from the event will benefit the MERITO Foundation. Promenade Park/Surfers Point on Shoreline Drive in Ventura, 805-200-8674, www.alohabeachfestival.us.

TUESDAY TEEN CRAFTERNOON: SUSHI CANDLE | 4-5:30 p.m. Create your own sushi candle without using heat. YA Library of the Camarillo

STARGAZING AT TAFT | 6-10 p.m. Taft Gardens invites you to explore the night sky with vis iting artist and astronomy enthusiast Russell Crotty, along with assistance from his wife Laura Gruenther. Russell will begin with a little back ground on astronomy and the basics of night sky observing, then describe the celestial objects as we view them. We encourage you to bring warm clothes, a flashlight, binoculars, if you have them. This event is open to 12 years and older. Chairs will be provided. $35. 805-649-2333, events/46831-stargazing-night-at-taft-gardens.dens-and-nature-preserve.networkforgood.com/taft-gar

SANTA PAULA BOOK SIGNINGS | 1-3 p.m. Claudia Martial, Lumpy Socks, Allergic to Mornings and Can Elephants Wear Masks?. Bank of Books, 820 E. Main St., Santa Paula, www.bankofbooks.com.

FLY ROD CASTING AND FLY FISHING CLINIC | 9-11 a.m. Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will be con ducting the monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic. There is no charge and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, in East Ventura, off Telephone Road. For everyone’s safety we ask all those attending to please comply with any current recommendations by the Ventura County Health Department. For more information: Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall, 805377-5249, www.sespeflyfishers.org.

BANK OF BOOKS

JACKBOX PARTY GAMES FOR TEENS | 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your own device and play Jackbox Party Games with other teens in the Young Adult Center. YA Library at the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillo library.org.

SILENT BOOK CLUB | 3-4 p.m. Shhh, we’re reading! Do you love the idea of a book club but hate being told what book to read? Then this is the book club for you. Bring whatever book you want and enjoy quietly reading with fellow book lovers. Everyone will have the chance to share what they are reading. Conference Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

MONDAY

Sept. 1-4. As the world begins to introduce itself to a post-pandemic world, the Deborah King Center is incredibly excited to pres ent its first in-person retreat post-pandemic. We are gathering with community in the spiritual vor tex of Ojai, California and want to see you there! Take advantage of a powerful spiritual four-day celebration gathering transformative knowledge, connecting with community, and uncovering your most powerful, transcendent self in the potent spiritual vortex of Ojai. $1,500 single occupancy, $2,775 double occupancy; includes workshop, room and board. convene-and-connect-with-community-retreat/.deborahking.com/events/ CHAIR YOGA | 3-4 p.m. Take a moment to stretch! Instructor Lisa Clements Feeney will teach chair yoga suitable for everyone. No experience needed. Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. Community Room at the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-3885222, camarillolibrary.org.

FRIDAY BACK STACKS BOOKSTORE LABOR DAY SALE | 4-6 p.m. We have loads of fiction and non-fic tion as well as children’s books. Our collection features thousands of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. Blowout BOGO sale: Buy one book and get the second of equal or lesser value free. All book sale proceeds go to support the Blanchard Community Library. Presented by the Friends of the Blanchard Community Library. 119 North Eighth St., Santa Paula; enter via the north parking lot, through the roll-up door in the back.

TECHNOLOGY HELP | 2-4 p.m. Technology can be confusing, let us help! Stop by the second floor Tech Lab on Sundays for assistance with your tech questions. Tech Lab of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

17TH ANNUAL SANTA PAULA LABOR DAY PARADE | 10 a.m. The purpose of the parade is to get the community of Santa Paula together to celebrate Labor Day. This year’s theme is “Honor the Labor Force.” The parade is for the entire com munity and everyone in the community is invited to participate in the parade, either by watching or being a parade entry. Any type of entry which celebrates the work force is welcome and every one is asked to join the fun. Main Street between Seventh and Mill, Santa Paula.

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.

WEDNESDAY BEACH CITIES NEIGHBORS AND NEWCOMERS | Wednesday, Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m. The social organization for women from Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme will have its monthly coffee meeting at the Ventura Yacht Club. The speaker will be a representative from County Animal Services. Nonmembers are welcome to atted to see if they would like to join. There are dozens of activity groups from theater going, wine tasting, games and sports, day trips and whatever is of interest to members. 1755 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura. See www. bcnnwomensgroup.com for more information.

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.

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 805-340-5882. Donations only.

Pick Your Own Romas At Underwood this weekend! Go out to the fields at Underwood Family Farms’ Moorpark Farm between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, and Sunday, Sept. 4, to pick fresh Roma tomatoes right off the vine.

DEPRESSION 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, www.oxnard.org/library/south-oxnard-branch-library/.805-385-8129,

CHANNEL ISLANDS CHORAL ASSOCIATION | Community singers are needed! Audition now for the California State University, Channel Islands University Chorus, composed of CSUCI students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as community singers. Auditions are by appointment with Dr. KuanFen Liu. The chorus meets Mondays evenings, 6:30-9:15 p.m., in Malibu Hall 100. Concerts on Dec. 2 and 4. To request an audition, email downbeatplus@gmail.com. More information at cicachoir.org.

September 1, 2022 — — 21 vcreporter.com HAPPENINGS

BACK TO SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE | 4-5:30 p.m. Get a head start on the school year with our Back to School Open House. Learn about resources the library has to help you succeed. Young Adult Center of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

LOCAL HISTORY HAPPY HOUR WITH MELINA SEMPILL WATTS | 5-6 p.m. The Museum of Ventura County invites you to join us for the next installment of our popular in-person and Zoom series, in which local authors and historians sit down with The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director Elena Brokaw to discuss their unique perspectives on our region’s history and take questions from the audience. The next episode features Melinda Sempill Watts, author of <em>Tree.</em> Free for members, $10 for nonmembers in person, $5 for nonmembers on Zoom. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323, venturamuseum.org.

OJAI CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM | 5:30-7:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Agora Foundation (the Ojai Chautauqua series), the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Ojai Valley News, this will be a great opportunity to hear from the candidates for Ojai’s City Council and to ask your own questions. The event is free and will also be live streamed on to various outlets. atilija Auditorium - 703 El Paseo Road in Ojai, ojaicivildiscourse.org.

COMMUNITYANDOPPORTUNITIESNEEDS,RESOURCES

Tickets and TotallyLocalVC.cominformation: Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

ONGOING/UPCOMINGEVENTS

BOARD GAME HANG | 4-5:30 p.m. Play a wide array of board games after school every Wednesday in the Young Adult Center. YA Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH | Through Sept. 30. September is Library Card Sign-up Month. Do you know all the benefits of having a library card? Teens can play bingo to find out! Or travel throughout the library with your library passport and discover new adventures with your library card. Visit the second floor Reference Desk to pick up your passport. Return your completed passport by September 30 for a chance to win a prize. Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

COASTAL COUNTIES PARLIAMENTARIANS | 9:30-11:30 a.m. Study and discussion of parliamentary procedure. Open to all. 805-647-5110, 7924 Emerald St., Ventura.

THURSDAY THE SOMIS THURSDAY CLUB | 11:30 a.m. A local women’s club monthly lunch meeting. This month’s program will be entertainment by Wendy Morgan Hunter, who will sing songs from opera and Broadway. Visitors and prospective members are welcome. RSVP to 805-469-5059, patti.dizazzo@gmail.com. Somis Clubhouse, 5380 Bell Street, Somis. BACK TO SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE | 4-5:30 p.m. Get a head start on the school year with our Back to School Open House. Learn about resources the library has to help you succeed. Young Adult Center of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.

QUILT RAFFLE |

Through Oct. 15. The Ojai Valley Museum is holding a raffle for a beautiful quilt made by the Ojai Community Quilters. Tickets are on sale now; the winner will be drawn on Ojai Day, Oct. 15. Tickets are available at the museum. All proceeds benefit museum programs. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, info@OjaiValleyMuseum.org, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.

PIRATE SHIP AT VENTURA HARBOR | Through Sept. 5. A stunning 1768 pirate ship replica, The Devil’s Gauntlet, has sailed to town and has plans to temporarily call Ventura Harbor Village home for a good portion of the summer! Visitors can see the beautiful ship docked at “D Dock” (located on the water nearest Coastal Cone Ice Cream). The captain hopes to get dockside tours up and running soon, but for now you can admire the boat from the public promenade above the ship. As the ship may come and go for trips to nearby ports, sightings cannot be guaranteed. But for more information, including notification of upcoming tours, visit pirate-ship-visit/2022-06-26/.www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY Through Oct. 2: This exhibit features 24 works by California plein air artist Jeff Sojka, inspired by passages from the novel Tree by Melina Semlill Watts. 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, 805-653-0323 or venturamuseum.org.

CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM Through Fall 2022: Chouinard Arts, a ninepiece collection featuring pieces of maritime art from the 1930s, including early works by Arthur Beaumont and Millard Sheets. Ongoing: Maritime art covering Asian, European and American sea faring 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.

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.

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS Through Sept. 24. The Next Big Thing, breakthrough pieces and works that take an artist to the next evolution. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805-383-1368, studiochannelislands.org.

SPICETOPIA Ongoing. The spice and tea shop in downtown Ventura now shows works by members of the Buenaventura Art Association. 576 E. Main St., 805-628-3267, www.spice-topia.com.

ARTS LISTINGS

vcreporter.com

Catch The Next Big Thing at Studio Channel Islands through Sept. 24. Pictured: “Influenced,” 2022, by Lisa Roggenbuck.

HILLCREST CENTER FOR THE ARTS Through Sept. 12. Arts Council of the Conejo Valley Summer Open Show Art Competition, featuring works in a variety of media. 403 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, www.conejoarts.org.

DAB ART Ongoing. The contemporary art orga nization 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.

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 pio neer 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.

ALMOST, MAINE Sept. 7-25. On one magi cal winter night, as the Northern Lights glow in the sky, the inhabitants of the small community of Almost fall in and out of love in surprising and humorous ways. Previews Sept. 7-9; opening night on Saturday, Sept. 10. $30-$59.50. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, 805-6672900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

FOX FINE JEWELRY Through Nov. 6. Day of the Dead, featuring work by Tricia Anders and Checkos (Sergio Martinez de Jesús) inspired by Día de los Muertos. 560 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-652-1800, www.foxfinejewelry.com.

22 — — September 1, 2022 Some classes, exhibits and events are available exclusively online. All events are subject to change and cancellation; always verify with venue and/or organizer.

H GALLERY Through Oct. 16. Art in the Time of Corona, Vol. 2 (Year 2), work inspired by or made during the pandemic. 1793 E. Main St., www.dabart.me/in-the-service-of-civilization.Ventura,

OPENING ART 643 PROJECT SPACE Sept. 2-30. Solastalgia, taken from both the Latin word for comfort and the Greek word for pain or grief, is a term that describes existential stress due to climate change. Artist Sharla Fell explores her “eco-grief” through these works. Opening reception on Friday, Sept. 2, 5-8 p.m. 643 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, www.643projectspace.com.

VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — house wares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805- 6446800, venturapottersguild.org/gallery.

BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS Through Sept. 4. The Cutting Edge: Selections from the Lipton Collection of Contemporary Wood Art (Beato Gallery). 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Upper Ojai, 805-6463381, www.beatricewood.com.

CANVAS AND PAPER Through Sept. 15. Works by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet and Jean-Francois Millet. 311 N. Montgomery St., Ojai, www.canvasandpaper.org.

KWAN FONG GALLERY Through Oct. 13. On the Range: Works by Terry Spehar-Fahey, featuring art inspired by the ranching families of Idaho. California Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, blogs.callutheran.edu/kwanfong.805-493-3697,

BUENAVENTURA ART ASSOCIATION Through Oct. 1. Life Cycle, tapping into the flow of life with Tamiko Jordan, Michelle Nosco and Bonnie Quan. Reception on Friday, Sept. 2, 6-9 p.m. Studio 99, Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, 805-648-1235, buenaventuraartassociation.org.

HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS 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.face book.com/HarborVillageGalleryGifts.

WILLIAM ROLLAND GALLERY Through Oct. 27. Cole M. James: Call Them In, images and objects offered to the artist’s ancestors which “are grounded in expression of power, the personal, and the prison industrial complex.” California Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, 805493-3697, rollandgallery.callutheran.edu.

OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM Opened July 29: Perception and Persistence, works by Ojai Studio Artists that explore the push/pull of thinking. Ongoing: Small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the Ojai Valley, as well as vir tual talks and more. Now open Friday-Sunday. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.805-640-1390, 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 ran cho 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 raf fles, historic interpreters, an al fresco gift shop and more. 4200 Olivas Park Drive, www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe.Ventura, POPPIES ART AND GIFTS Ongoing. Gifts, jewelry, decor and more made by local artists. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, www.poppiesartandgifts.com.805-798-0033,

OPENING THEATER 13 THE MUSICAL Sept. 3-18. Panic! Productions presents this musical about coming of age, the struggle to be considered “cool,” and the courage to be oneself. $20-28. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, www.panicproductions.org.

ROMEO AND JULIET Sept. 2-18. Shakespeare’s tragedy about star-crossed lovers from feuding families is presented at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts by the California Shakespeare Company. $15-22. 403 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, 805307-2413, calishakespeare.org.

OJAI ART CENTER Sept. 3-25. The Great Art Theft, donated works of art by local artists available at “a steal” as a fundraiser for the Ojai Art Center. Gala on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-6460117, www.ojaiartcenter.org/art.html.

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 heri tage. “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 spe cial-focus tours by appointment. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-5211501, 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, 310-4524000, buyrealart.com.

SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Through Nov. 6: Hiroko Yoshimoto: New Works, 40 new works in her “Biodiversity” series. Through Sept. 11: Geomorphic: The Living Earth, 42 abstract paint ings inspired by nature by Kay Zetlmaier. 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.

Lynn Van Emmerik (pictured) stars in Ojai ACT’s Just the Ticket, onstage through Sept. 4.

Canvas and Paper features works by Jean-BaptisteCamille Corot, Gustave Courbet and Jean-Francois Millet through Sept. 15. Pictured: “Seated Peasant,” c. 1850s, by JeanFrançois Millet, black chalk on paper, 11¼ in. x 8 in.

ONGOING THEATER JUST THE TICKET Through Sept. 4. The eccen tric but lonely Susan plans a vacation in Australia to celebrate her 60th birthday. $20. Ojai ACT, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-640-8797, ojaiact.org. UNCLE VANYA Through Sept. 25. This fam ily drama by Anton Checkhov centers on a young woman and her uncle who, in the face of the upcoming sale of their home in the coun tryside, find repressed feelings beginning to emerge. $22-24. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula, www.santapaulatheatercenter.com.805-525-4645, VENTURA COUNTY POETRY PROJECT Thursday, Sept. 1, 6:30 p.m. live and via Zoom: Poetry reading and open mic at the EP Foster Library (also streamed live), 651 E. Main St., Ventura. More information at vcpoetryproject.org.

ONGOING ART AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Opened June 16: Save the Pollinators: A Youth-Led 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, seum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/.venturamu

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Sept. 2-24. A teenager trying to solve a mystery surrounding the death of the neighbor’s dog goes on an unexpected journey and uncovers unsettling facts about his family. $1820. Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 805-495-3715, conejoplayers.org.

AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Through Oct. 9: The Secrets of WWII. 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 Opened July 21. An Historical Eye, oil paint ings, 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, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

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.

W h e e l h o u s e i s a n a w a r d w i n n i n g d i s p e n s a r y i n P o r t H u e n e m e

, C A W e a r e a m i n o r i t y o w n e d b u s i n e s s t h a t i s f o c u s e d o n r e v i t a l i z i n g a n d r e i n v e s t i n g i n o u r c o m m u n i t y S i n c e o u r g r a n d o p e n i n g i n 2 0 1 9 , w e h a v e g i v e n a n e s t i m a t e d $ 1 7 0 , 0 0 0 t o l o c a l c h a r i t i e s i n V e n t u r a C o u n t y , C A . A b o u t W h e e l h o u s e O r d e r D e l i v e r y o r v i s i t u s 2 5 % O F F T I N C T U R E S C O D E : T I N C T U R E S E X P I R E S S E P T 3 0 , 2 0 2 2 C 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 8 L I C

TINCTURES 2 0 2 2 | W H E E L H O U S E E D U

A T I O N

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CANNABIS C

F a s t - A c t i n g S i n c e t i n c t u r e s a b s o r b v i a t h e t o n g u e t i s s u e , t h e i r e f f e c t s s t a r t t o t a k e e f f e c t f a s t e r w h e n t a k e n s u b l i n g u a l l y t h a n t h e y w o u l d i f y o u w e r e t o c o n s u m e a n e d i b l e ( t h o u g h i t w i l l t a k e a l i t t l e l o n g e r t h a n s m o k i n g ) . A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h i s m e a n s t h a t t i n c t u r e s h a v e a l o n g e r p o t e n c y t h a n s m o k i n g a j o i n t , b u t t h e y m a y b r e a k d o w n m o r e q u i c k l y t h a n b a k e d f o o d s o r o t h e r f a t t y e d i b l e s . B e n e f i t s o f U s i n g C a n n a b i s T i n c t u r e s T h e f a c t t h a t t i n c t u r e s a r e a m o n g t h e h e a l t h i e s t w a y s t o i n g e s t c a n n a b i s h a s k e p t t h e m p o p u l a r a t a p o t h e c a r i e s a n d d i s p e n s a r i e s f o r d e c a d e s , d e s p i t e t h e f a c t t h a t t h e y m a y n o t i n i t i a l l y l o o k a s t r e n d y a s o t h e r c o n s u m p t i o n t e c h n i q u e s W h e r e t o B u y T i n c t u r e s I f y o u w a n t t o b u y t i n c t u r e s , w e a l w a y s r e c o m m e n d p u r c h a s i n g t h e m f r o m a l i c e n s e d d i s p e n s a r y t h a t o f f e r s h i g h q u a l i t y c a n n a b i s p r o d u c t s , s u c h a s W h e e l h o u s e . W e c u r r e n t l y c a r r y a v a r i e t y o f t i n c t u r e s s u c h a s V e t C B D C a n n a b i s T i n c t u r e s a n d h a v e k n o w l e d g e a b l e b u d t e n d e r s w h o c a n h e l p p r o v i d e t h e b e s t t i p s o n h o w t o a c h i e v e t h e e f f e c t y o u a r e s e e k i n g . Y o u c a n o r d e r i n s t o r e o r o n l i n e b y v i s i t i n g w h e e l h o u s e p h . c o m .

VCReporter 09-01-22

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