Coming
Purple
by
Ventura
Eye
by David
“Good
by
On
by
Homespun:
by Tim
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, Denine Gentilella
Cover:
CLASSIFIEDS Ann Browne
PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine
VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt
VenturaCity Manager Alex McIntyre has selected three cannabis dispensaries as finalists in the first round of a comprehensive process that will eventually bring the total number of dispensaries to five. Twenty-five retail dispensaries initially applied and eight were selected to move ahead in the process which included a community forum in July.
McIntyre told the Ventura County Reporter that it was a tough decision.
“The top eight really were just kind of neck and neck with each other.”
Primary factors McIntyre considered were security, convenience to customers and the benefit offered by the businesses such as promises of charitable donations. McIntyre said he also chose businesses that he believes have the financial strength and experience to thrive.
“If you look around the state right now, you’re starting to see certain
cannabis businesses actually close because the market’s doing what the market does,” he said.
The finalists include Responsible and Compliant Retail Ventura at 1890 East Main Street, with a dispensary called Embarc. TAT Ventura at 2835 East Main Street is expected to open a dispensary called The Artist Tree. The third finalist is ZASA, at
4591 Market Street, which will operate as Wheelhouse. All three finalists already own numerous dispensaries in other cities across the state.
In addition to dispensary permits, city officials also considered industrial permits but only received one application. That permit was awarded to Ventura’s Finest which will operate a distribution business that’s not open to the public at 3037 Golf Course Drive.
The businesses that were not selected are allowed to appeal under the city’s rules and at least one filed an appeal before the deadline. An appeals panel that does not include McIntyre will soon make a decision on whether the three dispensary finalists will receive final approval.
The reason only three of the five dispensary permits were up for grabs in the first round is that the California Coastal Commission has not yet signed off on allowing dispensaries in Ventura’s Coastal Zone, which
includes Downtown Ventura and the Pierpont neighborhood. The second selection round should commence after the Coastal Commission’s decision, which is expected within the next year. New applications will be allowed citywide and not just in the Coastal Zone, and the unsuccessful applicants from the first round will be allowed to apply again.
The Artist Tree plans a major renovation of a Midtown Ventura building that used to house a restaurant and is directly next door to Baskin-Robbins ice cream store. Co-founder and Chief Compliance Officer Lauren Fontein told the Ventura County Reporter that what sets the Artist Tree apart is a focus on promoting local artists and selling their work alongside cannabis products.
“Our whole brand is built around promoting local artists and highlighting the connection between art and cannabis. And it fits so perfectly in the city of Ventura, we have such a rich arts culture,” Fontein said. “So there’s such a great potential for us to really help promote the local arts culture in our store.”
The Artist Tree currently operates five retail locations as well as a consumption lounge in West Hollywood. An Oxnard location is expected to open next month, and Ventura’s should be ready early next year after renovations are completed.
Wheelhouse has already established itself as one of Port Huen-
eme’s most successful dispensaries and will be opening up a Ventura location next year in the industrial section of town on Market Street in a building that previously housed a credit union. The company currently operates two dispensaries in Los Angeles, and has won approval for another in Costa Mesa.
CEO Zahur Lalji told the Ventura County Reporter that he’s happy to be selected as a finalist.
“Through the entire process, from beginning to end, we were obviously very nervous, anxious, and a little stressed because of the fact that we have invested in purchasing a building in hopes to get a license. So we did put out a lot of capital out there, but we wanted to really invest in the city and make sure we were stable. So, if we were awarded the license, we could maintain a long-term, strong business,” he said, adding that the building cost $2.1 million. Renovations to the building are expected to take between six and nine months.
Lalji said existing Wheelhouse dispensaries donated over $200,000 to charity over the last three years. Charities supported by the Ventura location will include Food Share and the Ventura College Foundation.
Wheelhouse is expected to open Ventura County’s first consumption lounge in Port Hueneme next February, and if that service is ever allowed in the future in Ventura, Lalji said he
by Alex Wilson
Mary Maranville was raised on a dairy farm in Upstate New York, which is part of the reason she gets excited about educating people about Ventura County’s Agricultural industry. She’s the founder and CEO of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture or SEEAG, which is behind Ventura County Farm Day. This year’s Farm Day takes place on Nov. 5, and the organization is celebrating the event’s 10-year anniversary.
Farm Day is a free self-guided tour where more than 20 farms and agricultural attractions open up their gates to the public between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Maranville told the Ventura County Reporter that Farm Day is both enjoyable and educational. “I think it’s fun to interact and connect with the people that grow the food we like. I don’t know anybody that doesn’t like to go to a farmers’ market. There are hay wagon rides that take you around the farms. You can purchase agricultural merchandise. You get to taste test, they have produce giveaways. There are activities for kids. It’s something that the kids, parents, grandparents can go to together. It’s good old-fashioned, wholesome fun.”
Since there are more farms on the tour than are possible to visit in one day, people are encouraged to visit the Farm Day website to decide which stops are most interesting to them and chart out a map.
Maranville said the event has grown every year and over 8,000 people attended Farm Day last
year, which is a testament to the quality of the event as well as the importance of the local agricultural industry which had sales topping $2 billion last year.
“Agriculture is a huge economic driver,” she said. “If you think about all the farms that have headquarters here and they’re selling this food throughout the world or throughout the country, those dollars come back to this county and it provides jobs. Think of all the businesses that are dependent on the agricultural industry, and I think that should be celebrated, too.”
One of the stops for this year’s event is the Oxnard Historic Farm Park and Museum, a replica pioneer settlement featuring several 19th century buildings constructed by Gottfried Maulhardt after the family arrived here from Germany in 1867. Jeff Maulhardt is a descendant of the pioneering family and has been active in creating the attraction over the last two decades. He told the Ventura County Reporter that Nov. 5 will be a fun and educational day.
“We offer up our farm park site and we have some demonstrations. For example, this year we have a letterpress demonstration and we have a blacksmith demonstration,” Maulhardt said. “And I think we’re going to also have some corn shucking. So that way we can go ahead and shuck some corn, show people how they used to do it in the day. Grind the corn for the livestock.”
He added that in addition to celebrating the modern-day farm industry, it’s also important to remember the county’s farming heritage, whether those pioneers came from Germany, France, Ireland or Mex-
by David Goldstein
Toafford a house in Ventura with an ocean view, I bought an older home in need of many improvements. The real estate flipper who sold it to me had made only cosmetic changes and was selling it “as is,” so, as I knew following my real estate inspection, I had to put on a new roof, pay off liens, and address major electrical and plumbing issues.
I also completed a seismic retrofit, and of all the improvements I have made over the past 12 years, this was the most practical, but also the most difficult to manage. Like other local houses built before current earthquake standards, mine faced heightened risk of being shaken off foundations during the next major quake.
The seismic retrofit was so practical because of its value. Bracing and bolting my house to its foundation helped me feel safer, reduced the annual premium I pay for earthquake
insurance, and probably increased the value of my home. More immediately, I received a $3,000 subsidy from the California Earthquake Authority, which covered almost half the cost of the work.
The $3,000 subsidy program is back and available through Nov. 29, 2022. The California Earthquake Authority offers an additional grant for households with incomes up to $72,080 per year, typically making this improvement free. (See www. earthquakebracebolt.com/How-OurProgram-Works/EBB-Supplemental-Grant-For-Low-Income-Homeowners.) Rather than first-comefirst-served, if, as expected, the current round of the program is over-subscribed with registrations before the deadline, customers are chosen on a lottery basis.
So, although you do not need to rush in order to be first in line, you should act now if you are interested. You need sufficient information to register and to ensure you want to have the work done. The
the public during Farm Day.
first step is to find a contractor. Although you are allowed to do the work yourself, doing so risks mistakes or oversights and reduces the amount of subsidy available.
To find a contractor, first read the program rules at www.earthquakeBraceBolt.com, and choose from the program’s list of approved contractors, at Find a Contractor, Engineer or Architect Professional | EBB (earthquakebracebolt.com).
For me, the project was difficult to manage, mostly because, as with my home purchase, I sought out a bargain. Two contractors based in Ventura County each bid about $10,000 for the job, but a contractor based in Los Angeles said he would do the work for just $6,800, if I could take care of the permitting, the paperwork for the subsidy program, and the application for an insurance discount without his help. The permit was harder than expected, as it required me to separately hire an engineer, who used the contractor’s plans and his own load calculations
to complete a permit application for the city of Ventura’s approval.
The project got even more complicated when, after this low-cost contractor’s crew left, I discovered they had installed retrofit foundation plates, securing the mudsill of the house to the foundation, but they had not installed the planned A35 framing angles meant to connect the top plate of the wall to the blockings of the floor system. Actually, the contractor did install some of these A35s, but only right next to the entry of the crawl space, correctly predicting an inspector would look only in that area.
Fortunately, because of my work with the engineer, I knew what the plan called for and how it should look. I called the contractor, who was shocked, shocked! that his crew would make such an omission without telling me. He checked with the crew and called me back right away with an explanation. The space available was too small to install A35s, he said, so he would discount
the job by $1,500.
I called another contractor who charged just $2,000, used a special tool to install the A35s in tight spaces, and finally my project was complete.
The amount of construction and demolition debris, according to the U.S. EPA, is greater than all other materials combined. Due to state mandates and the need to conserve resources, local sorting centers separate recyclable items from properly targeted loads. However, when disaster strikes, sorting becomes a secondary concern and may be impossible, due to concerns about asbestos, lead paint and household chemicals. Don’t let your house become earthquake debris. Protect yourself and the environment with a seismic retrofit.
David Goldstein, Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, can be reached at 805-658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org.
ico. “It’s really a day that kind of celebrates the roots of the county, you know, and there’s different types of farming that’s changed over the years. We have some of the historical aspects of it, but there’s new ways of farming and new technologies that are involved, and it’s still a part of our economy and our community. And it’s important to show people how it’s done so there can be respect for the people that are in the industry.”
Maureen McGuire is CEO of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, but prior to taking that job she worked for Good Farms, a local strawberry producer that welcomes
“We, for example, had table-top strawberries where people could look at a substrate growing system for strawberries, as well as some of the big tractors that we used for ground prep. And also different robots that we were experimenting with in terms of future thinking about how strawberries may be harvested,” she explained.
McGuire said some of the things people are most surprised to learn during Farm Day are the hightech ways food is produced, and how much locally grown produce ends up shipped across the world. People are also surprised about all the different varieties of produce grown locally and how different they can taste.
She said it’s important to promote the local agriculture industry because everyone is connected to it by the produce they eat. “I think there’s a natural curiosity. And the more that we can be connected to our community and invite them in to learn about agriculture here, the more that we can work together for a thriving economy, a thriving and secure food system, and really understand each other when there are situations where we need to come together as a community to support agriculture.”
Ventura County Farm Day takes place on Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.3 p.m. For participating locations, trail map and more information, visit venturacountyfarmday.com.
would be interested in opening one.
Backers of Embarc say they’re committed to making their dispensaries community oriented. The company currently operates dispensaries in Fresno, Lake Tahoe and several in the Bay Area. Co-owner Ashely Pope told the Ventura County Reporter that Embarc will donate 1% of gross receipts to charity through a community investment fund.
“I am so passionate about the nonprofits here in Ventura. They all work so hard and have such important jobs to keep our community running and keep people fed and keep families going strong. And I can’t wait to oversee this community advisory
board that’s going to designate that 1% of funds,” she said.
Another Embarc co-owner is Mike Marostica, a lifelong Ventura resident who worked as a police officer in Oxnard for 27 years before retiring in 2020. The Ventura County Reporter asked Marostica to address security concerns people might have.
“I feel really comfortable about security around dispensaries because I have seen it firsthand,” the former police officer said. “It’s very, very difficult, almost impossible, for somebody that’s under 21 to access a dispensary. They have to pass several points of security before you can actually get in to see the product. So I am very comfortable having a dispensary in the town where I grew up and raise my kids in.”
“ Ventura cannabis dispensary finalists chosen” Continued from page 6
“Good old-fashioned, wholesome fun”
Continued from page 8
The now infamous movie producer Harvey Weinstein has returned to Los Angeles to defend himself against a handful of different accusers. Weinstein is currently in prison in New York for the sexual assault of multiple women, but has been transferred to Los Angeles for a trial that includes other actresses and models, including Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom. With the 2022 election next week, it is quite odd to see both Newsoms in the headlines these days. What is disturbing is how Jennifer Seibel Newsom appeared to have been sexually assaulted yet maintained a relationship with the ex-mogul. To add another level of disgust, Weinstein’s lawyers’ abrasive language during the trial has shed a light on the moral vapidness of the Hollywood system and cold-hearted manner in which Weinstein saw his entitlement. With multiple women coming
forward against Weinstein, the trial has revealed some awfully disturbing information leading up to, during and after the accusations took place. Weinstein’s attorney Mark Werksman told jurors on Monday that these women are just fame seekers. He used harsh tones, claiming, “It was the casting couch. Everyone did it. He did it. They did it. Because each wanted something from another.”
Five years after the #MeToo movement and the lawyers are still blaming women.
Werksman argued that Weinstein was just taking advantage of his social status and so were the women.
“Now look at him,” he said, referring to Weinstein. “He’s not Brad Pitt or George Clooney. Do you think these beautiful women had sex with him because he’s hot? They did it because he is powerful.”
Werksman then went on the attack in a brutal tirade, calling the alleged victims liars.
“The accusers in this case, women who willingly played the dame by the rules that applied back then, they will
come into this courtroom now, with their lawyers in tow, and claim they were raped and sexually assaulted,” Werksman said. “They have to lie to themselves . . . to make what they did consensually back then seem like it was forced upon them.”
While we all can make jokes about how awful lawyers are, and Werksman is the king of slime, his argument is based on the sad reality that after the assaults, these women couldn’t say anything and then still had to run in social circles with Weinstein.
“You will see reams of emails and texts from the very women who accuse him of sexual assault asking him for future meetings . . . expressing regret that they didn’t see him. Asking for favors.”
Deadline reported, “He went through the list of accusers in an effort to cast doubts on their claims. That included Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Werksman said that Siebel Newsom, identified as Jane Doe 4, had a consensual sexual relationship with Weinstein because she
wanted help getting roles and producing films.” (“Harvey Weinstein L.A. Rape Trial: Accuser Tearfully Recounts Alleged Assault; Defense Attorney Calls Sexual Encounters ‘Transactional’ On Day 1,” Ted Johnson, Oct. 24, 2022.)
Werksman went on to say that Siebel Newsom’s claims were intended to tie herself to the #MeToo movement, “…otherwise she’d be just another bimbo with Weinstein to get ahead in Hollywood.”
The Deadline piece continues, “[Werksman] referred to Siebel Newsom’s claim that she went ‘limp’ and ‘dead inside’ when Weinstein allegedly raped her. But Werksman claimed that she faked an orgasm with Weinstein during the alleged assault. ‘She did not communicate a lack of consent, just the opposite,’ he said. Weinstein ‘actually and reasonably believed’ that she had consented due to the fake orgasm, he said.
The defense attorney also noted that Siebel Newsom later sent Weinstein an email thanking him for inviting her and Gavin Newsom to a
party. ‘She brought her husband to meet and party with the man who raped her. Who does that?’ Werksman also noted that Weinstein donated to Newsom’ s campaigns for mayor of San Francisco and for lieutenant governor.”
All of this is messy and weird and sadly human. The world of Hollywood and politics creates a cringy synergy that makes one cynical to the idea that artists or politicians can be noble.
I’m pretty sure Weinstein will be found guilty again, as the prosecution also has evidence involving the infamous producer’s genitals that would prove what happened in Los Angeles was beyond just transactional sex.
Where the Newsoms come into all of this is that they are proof that, politically, one can go through multiple scandals, carry baggage, and have your name run through the papers and still be frontrunners for reelection.
Welcome to a new normal in politics. Where the issues play second fiddle to the scandals. I hate it here.
xnard roots shaped the outlook and art of the Hernandez brothers, recognized as being among the world’s greatest alternative comic book authors over the last four decades.
Mario, Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez produced their first Love and Rockets comic book in 1981, and sent a copy to a magazine called The Comics Journal to be reviewed. The
journal was put out by comic book publisher Fantagraphics. Instead of just writing a review, Fantagraphics published the Hernandez brothers’ first edition of Love and Rockets the following year and continues to print new works.
Love and Rockets quickly gained a following in the burgeoning scene of alternative comics, and has won numerous awards over the years.
Fantagraphics has now produced an eight-volume 40th anniversary hardcover collector’s box set containing the first 50 issues created from 1981 to 1996, with a retail price tag of $400. The collection will be celebrated at
a book-signing event at Ojai’s Bart’s Books on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. Many of the Hernandez brothers’ titles will be on sale for fans to have signed, and people can also pre-order the new collection (which was expected to be printed by now but ran into delays). The event is free, but people interested are asked to make reservations through the Bart’s Books website.
In addition to the new collection, the brothers were recently featured in a PBS Artbound episode, which will be screened during the Ojai event.
The brothers were introduced to comic books early in life by their mother, who had enjoyed reading them when she was a child. She encouraged them to draw, and they continued to practice throughout childhood while getting better and better. Their father died when they were young, so they were raised by their mother and grandmother, which undoubtedly shaped their outlook on life and relationships. While the brothers enjoyed comics about action heroes they were especially drawn to ones that were more about family dynamics, like Dennis the Menace.
Each brother drew in their own
individual style and voice, so that readers go back and forth reading each brother’s works. The unusual format worked for them, and they’ve become famous for writing comics that are more about personal relationships than action and explosions. Mario’s contributions became less frequent over the years due to family and other commitments, but Gilbert and Jaime have continued their steady output.
Gilbert said his childhood in 1960s Oxnard had a small-town flavor, playing baseball and being free to ride bikes wherever they wanted. He and his brothers started drawing comics about the things happening around them in real life because they didn’t see their real lives represented in popular comics.
“We didn’t really see the things that we saw growing up. Like the
kids in the classroom, the teachers and adults, and our cousins and aunts and uncles, where there’s actually little stories about them. Little items pop up here and there that were interesting. And we didn’t want to lose that somehow. We thought they were good stories,” Gilbert explained. “Once we started applying that to our comics, as we got older, that just seemed more satisfying than doing adventure stories. I mean, we dealt with adventure stories, but it was more important to do the characters.”
Many of Jaime’s stories are set in a fictional Southern California town called Hoppers, which is loosely based on Oxnard. Gilbert’s early tales were often based on a fictional small town in Mexico called Palomar, but
over the years many of the characters immigrated to the U.S. where their stories continued to unfold.
One notable aspect of Love and Rockets is that the characters have aged in real time along with the authors, offering a unique depth of character development.
The series is also known for having a bigger following among female readers compared to other comics, because the female characters are so nuanced and developed. Gilbert said growing up with a lot of women as role models influenced him.
“They did make an impression on us, but what made the most impression was the fact that we saw how the world works with a single mother and our grandmother, you know,” said Gilbert. “So that was normal for us, to have our female characters strong willed, and focusing on, you know, survival, basically, raising family, making a living, whatever. It wasn’t, like, a source of inspiration. It was just how
we saw things. So when we drew women characters, that just came out naturally.”
Punk music also played a big role in the look, style and attitude of Love and Rockets. Jaime said he always loved music and played in punk bands during the comic’s early years.
“Music mainly played a big part in the comic because that was at the time when I was going through my punk phase and all my characters took on the style, you know.
I just thought it was cool to do it and do it right,” recalled Jaime. “Because comics and a lot of television and stuff like that didn’t really have a handle on how music was really portrayed. And I felt it was important to show how it really is. That was another thing that was exciting to me. It was important.”
Love and Rockets is also considered groundbreaking for its portrayal of queer characters. Two of the most beloved characters in Jaime’s stories are Maggie and Hopey, female friends and sometimes lovers.
Gilbert said they were just reflecting real life by incorporating gay characters into Love and Rockets. “It came out naturally because obviously we, you know, we knew gay folks growing up and we saw them differently than how they were portrayed on TV and movies and whatever. Even on the news in real life, you know, the deep prejudice people had for them. And we just thought, no, that’s not how it is. You know, my best friend
is a gay man, so we’re just going to show everybody that shows up in a comic as real people.”
Love and Rockets has had a huge impact on Justin Hall both personally and professionally. He grew up gay in Rhode Island and always loved reading comic books. Hall is now the chair of the MFA Comics program at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, and was featured in the Artbound episode on the Hernandez brothers.
“I would say that if we have such a thing as the great American comic book, it is Love and Rockets. I actually sort of said that in the interview that I gave, and they used that as the subtitle for the film. I think it is the great American comic book because it talks about American identity through the eyes of this immigrant community,” Hall said, “A lot of Gilbert’s work, in particular, takes place in Palomar, which is outside of the United States. But then, you know, later on, those characters, generations of them come into the United States as well.”
ebrated, openly shown empathetically, was everything.”
For 10 years Matt Henriksen has been general manager of Bart’s Books, one of the most unique bookstores anywhere, where people shop for titles in an open-air environment shaded by trees. He’s been a fan of Love and Rockets since he was a teenager and was introduced to the series at Ralph’s Comic Corner in Ventura.
“I’m an artist, too. So I responded initially to the art very heavily,” recalled Henriksen. “But I’m a huge fan of the graphic novel as a medium, and they were telling stories that looked more like the lives of the people that I knew around Ventura County. Like a lot of things centered around the punk scene and with, you know, some queer people and it was just fascinating to read stories that looked like stuff that was part of my life. These stories reflected the stories and lives of real people that had a deep psychological empathy for the characters and they were willing to present characters that had all kinds of attitudes and behaviors that were different from one another. It was just so much more rich and deep than the kinds of things I was getting in other comics.”
Henriksen went on to say that the Hernandez brothers have been hugely influential on other artists. “There are a number of other graphic novelists that came up around the same time as them or after them that have been highly influential and are making work that’s as important or interesting as any major work of literature. And they’re a big part of that.”
He’s happy to be hosting the book signing event at Bart’s Books.
‘Wow, we’ve been around for a long time. How long are we going to be able to last?’ But so far, it turns out that we’ll be able to do it as long as we want to, you know? So it feels great. I’m glad, but I don’t feel that it’s any kind of ending or any kind of gold watch at the end of a career. So it’s been really cool. But once that’s over, overnight, you get back to work.”
Jaime said he’s been going to Bart’s Books for decades and is looking forward to signing books and talking to fans at the event.
Seeing gay characters portrayed in a realistic way in Love and Rockets was personally important to Hall.
“Oh my God, it was everything,” he emphasized. “To open the pages of a comic and see Maggie and Hopey kissing was magical. It’s transformative. Representation really matters. It’s become almost a cliché because we’re so interested in it now. But to think back to the ’80s and ’90s when there was none and how powerfully transformative it was to see some aspect of yourself reflected back that the rest of the world was telling you either didn’t exist, shouldn’t exist, or was despised. And to see it sort of cel-
“I believe in this medium and these creators, but also they have roots in the county,” said the bookstore manager. “And I feel like maybe they don’t get as much attention in this area as they should. I have a coworker who’s a big fan and he’s like, ‘Why aren’t there any Hernandez brothers murals?’ They are a big part of my mental history of this place.”
Gilbert said he’s happy with the accolades and the new box set being released, but the milestones in his and his brothers’ careers do not indicate that they have any plans of slowing down.
“We’re glad things worked out because we believed in it,” he said. “We didn’t think about longevity. We always kind of worried a little bit like,
“I’ve loved that store since I was a young punk rocker. You know, we used to go to Ojai to hang out with other punk kids and we used to go by the bookstore a lot. And I’ve been going recently because I’ve been visiting Ojai just for fun of late and I like to stop by there. And so it’s kind of cool because I’ve known the store almost as long as I’ve been doing this comic, and I just have always liked it,” Jaime said. “I like its unique set up, you know, the outdoor thing. And so it’s kind of like coming home, you know, and it’s a good feeling.”
The 40th Anniversary of Love and Rockets with Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez takes place on Saturday, Nov. 5, 5-6 p.m. at Bart’s Books, 302 W. Matilija St., Ojai. For more information and to RSVP, call 805646-3755 or visit bartsbooksojai. com/comingevents.
by Emily Dodi
Walk through the doors of the Rubicon Theatre and find yourself In the Heights. The exuberant and uplifting musical, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, is onstage through Nov. 13.
Director and choreographer Luis Salgado helms the production of what longtime Rubicon producing artistic director Karyl Lynn Burn calls a “sweet, simple story of neighborhood and family.” Salgado, who was the Latin dance consultant and performer in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of In the Heights, brings a cleareyed vision and passion to the musical that beats with the heart and soul of every great American dreamer. The power of the musical comes from the mix of joy and pain, tradition and change, and dreams of going and the love of home.
The story takes place in the largely Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City at the intersection of the past and future. As they witness changes in their neighborhood, the main characters face different crossroads that promise to change their lives forever.
There’s Usnavi (Ryan Reyes) who runs the bodega that belonged to his parents. He pines for Vanessa (Laura Lebrón) who works at the hair salon next door. On the other side of the bodega is a car service run by the Rosarios (Danny Bolero and Laura Castrillón). Their daughter Nina (Corinne Miller) is home from Stanford, much to the delight of Benny (Jalon Matthews), a longtime Rosario employee who has big dreams of his own. Rolling through the neighborhood is the Priagua Guy (Jeffrey Nuñez), selling his flavored ices and offering commentary on everything around him.
There are many standout performances that take place on the impressive set designed by Christopher Scott Murillo. Together Murillo and lighting and projections designer Mike Billings, sound designer Danny Fiandaca, costume designer Abra Flores and prop designer Kevin Williams create a living, breathing environment that has the energy of a cityscape. The inspired crew also includes associate director Valeria Cossu, associate choreographer Mariana Herrera Juri, producer Stephanie A. Coltrin, production stage manager Korey Sanders and assistant stage manager Julia Donlon.
Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. the story evolves, he discovers that he can,
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 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 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.
The orchestra, led by music director Brent Crayon, plays the Latin and hip-hop infused music with such skill and exuberance that it’s hard not to get up and dance during the performance. The musicians are Serafi Aguilar on trumpet, Emiliano Almeida on drums, Oskar Cartaya on bass, Jenny Chaney as second keyboard, Terry Landry on woodwinds, and Nick Stone on percussion.
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
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
The others in the neighborhood include the salon owner Daniela (Susan Oliveras), hairdresser Carla (Yan Carlos Diaz), Graffiti Pete (Mariana Herrera Juri) and Usnavi’s cousin Sonny (Luis-Pablo Garcia). At the center of the community is Abuela Claudia (Suzanna Guzmán), the matriarch of the block. Over the course of a few days the neighborhood will face change . . . but can the meaning of home remain?
The cast brings all the emotion and drama to life with powerful voices, great dancing and a palpable love of the story and characters they embody. The cast also includes an energetic and lovable ensemble including Ximena Valentina
A special thank you to Ms. Burns for bringing so many unforgettable shows to the Rubicon over the years. She will be retiring after the run of In the Heights, and unsurprisingly, she will be leaving on a very high note.
In the Heights through Nov. 13 at the Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. For more information, call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.
by Tim Pompey
Rock and roll has always had a serious attitude problem.
That is what makes it fun.
But underneath the attitude, an undercurrent of complexity has led it to some dark corners. It’s sometimes couched among screaming guitars, screaming singers, and wailing drums, but the lyrics reveal some pretty bleak philosophy. From Dylan to Pink Floyd, from Metallica to the last days of David Bowie, you get the feeling that rock artists have an intuition about the fragile, dark side of human behavior.
Is it surprising then that a local band from Ojai inside a small Camarillo studio has linked into this train of thought on their latest album, Star Thief?
Not really. Two Brothers have channeled the likes of Radiohead, grunge, Led Zeppelin and even the Beastie Boys to form their own distinct sound. And that’s only on the first two tracks.
Originating among three Ojai friends in 2015 — Max Dickenson (guitar), Robert Thomas (drummer) and Dylan Cerminaro (bass) — Dickenson believes that Star Thief is their coming-of-age album.
“We started off with one album,” he explained, “and then we did an EP with three songs. Then we put out a couple singles here and there, and then we finally kind of buckled down, put on our big boy pants, and made another album. This is the one we took the most seriously.”
Serious indeed. For example, on “Giving Up the Ghost”: Blood compared to water when only one will
stain your clothes/Like static noise, hold your breath and bow your head and understand you’re only dead and all alone, without meaning.
The three bandmates have known each other since childhood. Thomas and Cerminaro took music lessons and were together in the Nordhoff High School marching band. With a broad background in musical instruments, it’s only natural that the current album incorporates not only rock but jazz, saxophone and flute.
Is there any specific music inspiration they call upon? Well, yes . . . and no. I mentioned a few sounds I heard in their songs, which put me in mind of Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Metallica. They happily acknowledged their love for all of these. But the songs themselves are all original Two Brothers compositions.
“I don’t have any conscious, specific examples of what I’m trying to emulate,” said Dickenson. “It’s just that I’ll have some musical idea, and then just out of nowhere, we all write together, and then we compose together what we think the song should do.”
“We do get compared a lot to this band called The Fall of Troy,” said Thomas. “Like them, we use a lot of unpredictable influences and a lot of weird parts in songs that may or may not go with each other.”
For instance, take the song “Wildly Inappropriate,” an instrumental track that swerves from hardcore punk to experimental synth to grunge to jazz and flute and back to grunge. It’s a topsy-turvy journey from start to finish. What’s driving these riffs?
Dickenson said, “It’s the technical-
ity part of it. That’s what’s fun for me to play. It’s the challenge of trying to push my musicality as intensely as I can with the weird time signatures and the effects I have on my guitar. It’s like an adrenaline rush.”
“And since we all listen to a lot of different genres of music,” Thomas adds, “we like playing a genre of music that incorporates a lot of our different influences.”
So what kind of band is Two Brothers? Don’t call them alternative.
“It’s definitely hard to describe us,” Thomas admitted, “but I feel like alternative is a very catch-all phrase where it just refers to anything different.”
“I personally hate that title,” said Dickenson. “I prefer the term ‘fun.’”
For a band that has just released an album about temporality, they do have their own ambitions. Dickenson, for example, would like to make a full-time go of it: “I would like for this to go as far as music can go.” The band is actively looking for a distribution deal, and drummer Thomas wants to take the band outside California, play in Los Angeles, or go north to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
“We’re just trying to inch our way out and do bigger and better things,” Dickenson explained.
With a serious album under their belts and a little luck, they may just have a shot.
For more information about Two Brothers, check out their wixsite webpage: tuberuthers.wixsite.com/twobrothers-epk. Star Thief is available on Bandcamp: twobrothers1.bandcamp.com/album/star-thief-2.
AFTER DARK LIVE AND ONLINE
H = Highly recommended If you have something related to nightlife — online or otherwise — please email nshaffer@ timespublications.com. Due to the erratic nature of entertainment booking, information contained here is subject to change and not guaranteed. Call venues ahead to confirm.
Bank of America Performing Arts Center: Belinda Carlisle, 7:30 p.m. H
Boatyard Pub: Bluegrass Thursday
Copper Blues: Latin Night with Juevas de Parranda, 8 p.m.
The Grape: Tom Etchart and Friends, 5-7 p.m.; Doug Webb Group feat. Danny Carey, 8-11 p.m.
Ojai Valley Brewery: Teresa Russell, 7-9 p.m.
Tony’s Pizzaria: Reggae Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The Twist on Main: Davey Miller Jazz Trios, 6:30-9 p.m. H
Vaquero Y Mar: The Valdez Latin Band with Ruben Estrada, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Ventura Music Hall: Sammy Johnson, 8 p.m.
Winchester’s: Brandon Ragan, 5:308:30 p.m.
COMEDY
Levity Live Comedy Club: Jason Cheny, 8 p.m.
DJS
Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley; Cochran): Ladies Night with DJs, 7-11 p.m.
OTHER
Anna’s Cider: Trivia night, 7 p.m.
BL Dancehall/Borderline: Line danc ing 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.
The Garage: Tiki Thursdays and VC Dart League
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.
Comedian Beny Mena joins Phil Medina and Big Critic for SOS Save Our Service Members Live, a benefit show at Levity Live Comedy Club on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m.
Topa Topa Brewing (Camarillo): Head Games Trivia, 6:30 p.m.
Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Colt): Head Games Trivia, 6:30 p.m.
Black Angus: Square Cow Live Series, 7-10 p.m.
Boatyard Pub: Teresa Russell, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
BL Dancehall/Borderline: Tony Pulizzi and Co., 7 p.m.
Cantara Cellars: Ignition, 7 p.m.
The Canyon: Led Zepagain, Deepest Purple and Janes Affliction (tributes), 7 p.m.
Copper Blues: The Brandon Ragan Project, 7 p.m.
The Grape: Fred Kaplan Band (West Coast swing), 5-7 p.m.; Pat McCallum and friends, 7-10 p.m.
Leashless Brewing: Mike Beers, 7 p.m.
The Manhattan: Mark and Jim Duo, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Margarita Villa: Whiskey Business, 7-10 p.m.
Ojai Underground Exchange: Louise Mosrie with Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan, 7 p.m.
The Raven Tavern: Holger’s Heroes, 7 p.m.
Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley; Cochran): Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, 8:30 p.m.
The Twist on Main: Live on Main feat. local musicians, 4-7 p.m.
Ventura Music Hall: Gimme Gimme Disco (ABBA tribute), 9 p.m.
The Vine: TD Lind and The Aviators Winchester’s: Whole Hog, 7-10 p.m.
Levity Live Comedy Club: Samuel Comroe, 7 p.m.
NAMBA Performing Arts Space: Ventura Improv Company, 7 p.m.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Von Decarlo, 7 p.m.
DJS
Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean
Topa Topa Brewing (Camarillo): DJ Spencer White, 7-9 p.m.
The Garage: Karaoke with Steve Sharp, 7 p.m.
GiGi’s: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Kenny Devoe, 11 a.m.
Bank of America Performing Arts Center: Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp, 8 p.m. H
Cantara Cellars: Bad Habit, 6:30 p.m.
The Canyon: Mirage (Fleetwood Mac tribute), 7 p.m.
Conejo Creek Park North: Party in the Park with Thompson Square, Annie Bosko, Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies and more, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. H
Copper Blues: Honkey Tonk Brunch, 11 a.m.; Mike Scully, 6 p.m.
The Garage: Robert Heft Band, 8-11 p.m.
The Grape: Fausto Cuevas Y la Moderna, 2-5 p.m.; Gregg Karukas with Ricardo Silveira, 8-11 p.m. H
Keynote Lounge: Pull the Trigger, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Manhattan: Michael Falcone Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Margarita Villa: Dive Bar Messiahs, 7-10 p.m.
NAMBA Performing Arts Space: The Mighty Cash Cats and Linda Ronstadt Experience, 7 p.m. H
Ojai Underground Exchange: Dauzat St. Marie, 7 p.m.
Ojai Valley Brewery: Bluegrass Bottom Feeders, 7-10 p.m.
The Raven Tavern: Rewind, 5-7 p.m. Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley, Cochran): Jetlemons, 8:30 p.m.11:30 p.m.
Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Thompson): Queen of the Cove After Party, 6 p.m.
Topa Topa Brewing (Camarillo): Katie Shorey, 6-8 p.m.
Ventura Music Hall: Blink 180TRUE (Blink-182 tribute), 9 p.m.
Ventura Theater: Gogol Bordello, Crazy and the Brains, Puzzled Panthers, 8-11:30 p.m. H
The Vine: Smitty and Julija, 7-9 p.m. Winchester’s: Crooked Eye Tommy, 2-5 p.m.
COMEDY
Downtown Ventura (secret loca tion): Don’t Tell Pop-Up Comedy
Show, 8 p.m. More info at www.donttellcomedy.com
Levity Live Comedy Club: Samuel J. Comroe, 6 and 8:30 p.m.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Von Decarlo, 7 p.m.
DJS
Copper Blues: DJ Jonny, 10 p.m. Paddy’s: DJ Nick Dean
OTHER
Harbor Cove Cafe: Ukulele Jam with Gary Ballen and Kool Hand Ukes, 10 a.m.
Goebel Adult Community Center: Tango les sons, 6:30 p.m.; Dancing with John and John Duo, 7:30-10 p.m.
805 Bar and Grilled Cheese: Kenny Devoe, 11 a.m.
Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts: Francisco Leon, RubySkye Music, Jill Martini and the Shrunken Heads and Kimberly Lee, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. H
The Canyon: Plastic Fauxno Band (John Lennon tribute), 7 p.m.
Copper Blues: Mariachi brunch, 12 p.m.; Day Party, 4:30 p.m.
Leashless Brewing: OnePeople, 2 p.m.
Libbey Bowl: Larktown, 3:30 p.m.
The Lookout: Gary Ballen, 3-6 p.m.
Margarita Villa: Doc Rogers Band, 5-8 p.m.
NAMBA Performing Arts Space: Live Performers’ Workshop with Jodi Farrell, 2 p.m.
Oxnard Performing Arts Center: Renegades, 2-5 p.m.
The Raven Tavern: Steve and Sally Williams, 2-5 p.m.
Ric’s Restaurant: Live music, 2:30 p.m.
Tony’s Pizzaria: Sunday Beach Party, 3-7 p.m.
Topa Topa Brewing (Ojai): Jess Bush, 3-5 p.m.
Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Colt): The Trivle Omdobble, 1-5 p.m.
Vaquero Y Mar: Mariachi Brunch, 12-2 p.m.
The Vine: Austin Vallejo, 7-9 p.m.
Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula: Karen Hart and friends honor Joni Mitchell, 3-6 p.m. H
Winchester’s: Karen Eden and the Bad Apples, 3-6 p.m.
Zin Bistro: Jason Bourne, 4 p.m.
COMEDY
Levity Live Comedy Club: Samuel J. Comroe, 6 p.m.
DJS
Bombay: VC Day Party (DJs and outdoor games), 2-10 p.m. H
The Garage: Funk and Football Sunday Funday with VC Blind Draw Dart Tourney
OTHER
Fatty Vegan: Ska brunch, 10:30 a.m.
GiGi’s: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
Harbor Cove Cafe: Yacht Rock Sunday
LIVE MUSIC DJS
COMEDY OTHER
BL Dancehall/Borderline: Trivia Night and West Coast Swing, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Garage: Open Mic Comedy Night and free
pool, 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.
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.
COMEDY
Topa Topa Brewing (Ventura, Thompson): Comedy Night with James Frey, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
OTHER
BL Dancehall/Borderline: Country karaoke, 7 p.m.
The Garage: Tacos and 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.
Star Lounge: Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.
The Vine: Tuesday Night Trivia, 7-8:30 p.m.
The Garage: Blue Wednesdays Live Blues, 710 p.m.
The Grape: Ben Scholz, 7-10 p.m.
The Lookout: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show, 7-10 p.m.
The Manhattan: Robert Van, 6-8 p.m.
The Six Social House: Wicked Wednesdays with Bone Maggot feat. Centershift, 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.
Vaquero Y Mar: Tribal Me Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.
Ventura Music Hall: Tai Verdes, 8 p.m.
COMEDY
GiGi’s: Comedy Night with Artie Lopez, 8 p.m.
Levity Live Comedy Club: SOS Save Our Service Members Live with Phil Medina, Beny Mena and Big Critic, 7 p.m. H
Rock and Roll Pizza (Simi Valley; Cochran): Comedy Night with Simi Valley Allstars, 8-10 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.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club: Open Mic with Kiana Marquez, 7 p.m.
OJAI FILM FESTIVAL | 4 p.m. Nov. 3 through Nov. 7 The Ojai Film Festival returns for its 23rd year with both in-person and virtual events, celebrat ing the works of filmmakers from around the world. The official festival schedule includes 84 selected films (varying from features, shorts, documenta ries, and animated films), over a dozen seminars, panels, and receptions with filmmakers, live music from local artists, and the Awards Brunch. In-person screenings take place at the Ojai Art Center Nov. 4-7, and selections can be viewed virtually Nov. 8-20. Two Lifetime Achievement Awards, now known as Distinguished Artist Awards, will be presented to audio engineer Paul Massey and actress Jacqueline Bisset. The festival opens with a free screening of Spirited Away at Libbey Bowl on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 4 p.m. $8-165. For full schedule, tickets and more information, visit ojaifilmfestival.com.
HOLIDAY WORKPLACE ETIQUETTE | 1-2 p.m. Are you bewildered by what gift to give your employ ees for the holidays? Do you dread being asked to participate in Secret Santa? Learn about workplace etiquette during the holidays through an informa tive presentation by an experienced manager. Discuss appropriate responses to awkward holiday situations. Conference Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
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 of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
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, camarillolibrary.org.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH JOE SOHM | 6:30-8 p.m. Joe Sohm (“America’s Photo-Historian”) has been published more than 500,000 times, includ ing National Geographic, Time, Newsweek, New York and L.A. Times, Washington Post, CNN, ABC, PBS, History Channel, etc. He served as President Clinton’s photographer for the DNC and his work is featured in Ronald Reagan’s book The Great Communicator. Join host Ivor Davis for a riveting discussion with Sohm about his work as one of the nation’s greatest polit ical photographers of our time. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers; $5 for nonmembers via Zoom. Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323 or venturamuseum.org.
NUCLEAR DANGER: LESSONS FROM CUBA AND UKRAINE | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom. The potential for nuclear destruction grows. What might we learn about crises involving nuclear powers? Cuba and Ukraine are examined in terms of context (Cold War v. globalization), political aim (expansion v. defense), strategic operation (nuclear threat v. denial) and possible outcome (stalemate v. accommoda
tion). Taught by Herb Gooch. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Individual and two-Part lectures are $10 each; bundle all fall lectures for $60. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learn ing/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
STORY TIME AT THE MUSEUM | 3-4 p.m. The Museum of Ventura County has been partnering with the Ventura County Library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Chumash Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE out ing for ALL! Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323, venturamuseum.org.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION AT BELL ARTS FACTORY | 6-9 p.m. Bell Asts Factory cel ebrates the Day of the Dead with an art exhibit and ofrendas/altar offerings. Several artists will also host open studios, and local vendors will be in the Community Room. 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, bellartsfactory.org.
NAT GEO WILD: FILIPE DEANDRADE | 8 p.m. Wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Filipe DeAndrade, star of Nat Geo WILD’s Untamed, gives his unfiltered look at what it’s like to come face-to-face with wild animals, survive extreme environments, and make unexpected discoveries. He’ll also share a preview of his documentary, The River and The Wall, which focuses on wildlife along the Mexico and US border. $44.50-54.50. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
WALK IN THE WATERSHED | 8 a.m. Come and learn all about our watershed with Dist. 1 Supervisor Matt LaVere and Ventura County Public Works Agency. During the two-mile roundtrip walk, participants will learn about the ecosystem, flora and fauna, the agen cy’s activities in the watershed and more. Meet in the parking lot at 2775 N. Ventura Road, Oxnard. Register at www.ventura.org/board-of-supervisors/district-1/ walk-in-the-watershed/.
INTRO TO FLY FISHING CLINIC | 9-11 a.m. Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura is hosting an intro ductory fly rod casting clinic. All experience levels are welcome from those who’ve never held a fly rod to those who have been casting for years. This clinic can help you improve your casting and meet with fellow fly rod enthusiasts. Rods will be on hand to borrow. For more information call Thomas
Hall, 805-377-5249. Chumash Park at Petit and Waco in East Ventura. Please adhere to all pan demic guidelines. www.sespeflyfishers.org.
The writers conference is back, with in-person and Zoom sessions, a Book Expo, and half-day workshops. The conference brings together top authors from all genres to discuss their process or specific craft elements all writers need to know. In addition, book marketing experts discuss how to launch a book and understand how to sell books on Amazon. Small publishers looking for direct submissions will discuss their search for new writ ers and be ready to meet them at the conference. Plus, there will be literary agents, book editors, and more. And one session showcases successful indie authors from the 805 area code. $75-295. Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, 805writersconference.com.
| 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We have loads of fiction and non-fiction 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. Half off all cookbooks. All book sale proceeds go to sup port 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.
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY FAIR | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center is hosting a free fair which will give attendees a chance to meet care providers, receive preventative health screenings and explore ways to manage your health and wellness. Free blood pres sure and glucose checks, eye exams, Zumba and more. Bilingual staff will be available. 1600 N. Rose Ave., Oxnard, www.dignityhealth.org/central-coast/ locations/stjohnsregional.
VENTURA COUNTY FARM DAY | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations will open their doors and invite the public to experience a day of agricultural activities and tours during the 10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. It is com pletely self-guided — you drive yourself at your own pace to any of the locations on our Farm Day Trail Map on the day of the event. Not all loca tions have registration requirements or set tour times, so be sure to check their descriptions on our Trail Map for details. Join us to learn more about the farm origins of your food, meet some of the folks responsible for producing the food we eat, and more! Trail map and more informa tion at venturacountyfarmday.com.
CHUMASH PRESENCE, PAST AND PRESENT | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Colleen Delaney, Ph.D, will pres ent on the history and ecology of the Mitsqanaqan (Ventureño) Chumash, who have lived in the region for over 15,000 years. This archaeology-focused pre sentation will cover their unique history and culture, their adaptations to the natural environment of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, Mugu Lagoon and the Oxnard Plain, as well as the Chumash presence in Ventura County today. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Linda Cherry, Librarian, at 805)-677-7180. Hill Road Library, 1070 S. Hill Road, Ventura.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION AT OPAC | 4-10 p.m. The Oxnard Performing Arts Center cele brates the return of its Día de los Muertos Celebration, which will once again recognize Araw Ng MgaPatay, a Filipino holiday during which people pay homage to their deceased family members and loved ones. Opening remarks from the Mexican Consulate and Oxnard Mayor, Aztec blessing and ceremonial dance, art displays, live music, family activities, contest for
best dressed and so much more! Large, communi ty-constructed papier-mâché calaveras will be on display. Free. Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, oxnardperformingarts.com.
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF LOVE AND ROCKETS | 5-6 p.m. Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez are now recognized as two of the greatest cartoonists in the history of the medium — award-winning, world-renowned, critically acclaimed. Love and Rockets has appeared in a variety of formats over the years and continues to this day, but the original 50-issue run represents a milestone in comics his tory. A selection of the Hernandez brothers’ graphic novels will be available for purchase at the book signing event and Bart’s will be selling pre-orders of the special 40th anniversary box set re-releasing the first 50 issues. Bart’s Books, 302 W. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-646-3755, bartsbooksojai.com.
VENTURA BIKE DEPOT 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY | 5-8 p.m. We are welcoming the public in to celebrate with free drinks, snacks, music, ping pong and more. The whole staff will be present and look forward to interacting with the community. Meet the staff who make this kind of energy possi ble! Simply show up with a canned food item which will be donated to FOOD SHARE Ventura County. Ride your bike to the event and receive a free patch kit or phone holder. Come party with us at 239 W. Main St. Ventura. More info at www.venturabikedepot.com.
FOSTERING THE NEXT WAVE | 5:30-9 p.m. Kids & Families Together invites the community to a surf-inspired celebration supporting Ventura County foster youth and families. Enjoy buffet and drinks, short films, hula performance, surf-inspired music, auction, guest speaker and more. All proceeds will support the important programs and services pro vided by Kids & Families Together and More Than Conquerors Surf. $125. Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, www.kidsandfamilies. org/event/fostering-the-next-wave-fundraiser/. RONDIA’S SOUTHERN SOUL SUPPER | 6-8 p.m. This one is a warm-up for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, featuring delicious dishes you may want to serve at your holiday feast. The traditional menu is built around mustard greens, an essential ingredient of Southern cuisine that can be wild-foraged in our area. Locally sourced herbs will be sprinkled through out the menu. A special side dish of shrimp and grits will be available by advance request for an extra $5 charge. Dinner will be served at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Ojai. $45. Registration and more informa tion at HerbWalks.com or 805-646-6281.
BANK OF BOOKS SANTA PAULA BOOK SIGNING | 1-3 p.m. Wendy Baker, My Name Was Mushroom. Bank of Books, 820 E. Main St., Santa Paula, www.bankofbooks.com.
HENDRIK RANCH NATURE AREA RESTORATION | 9 a.m. Friends of the Santa Clara River (FSCR) is hosting a volunteer event at the Hedrick Ranch Nature Area located near Santa Paula. Have fun planting native plants, working in the plant nursery, and clearing invasive plants. You will learn about our local Santa Clara River Watershed, including its ecol ogy, wildlife, and the riparian restoration happening along the river. All ages welcome! More information and registration at www.meetup.com/friends-ofthe-santa-clara-river-events-restore-recreation/.
805 WRITERS CONFERENCE | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Returning from hibernation, the writers confer ence is back, with in-person and Zoom sessions, a Book Expo, and half-day workshops. This will be the 10th annual conference, which started in 2011. The conference brings together top authors from all genres to discuss their process or spe cific craft elements all writers need to know. In addition, book marketing experts discuss how to launch a book and understand how to sell books on Amazon. Small publishers looking for direct submissions will discuss their search for new writ ers and be ready to meet them at the conference. Plus, there will be literary agents, book editors, and more. And one session showcases successful indie authors from the 805 area code. $75-295.
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, 805writersconference.com.
BEATOFEST 2022 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Art exhib its, live music, demonstrations, a wine bar, vegetarian cuisine and more in celebration of the Mama of Dada herself, held at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts – Wood’s home and studio –in the Ojai Valley. Francisco Leon, RubySkye Music, Jill Martini and the Shrunken Heads and Kimberly Lee perform. Free. 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road,
Upper Ojai, 805-646-3381, www.beatricewood. com/beatofest_2022.html.
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, 805-3885222, camarillolibrary.org.
SILENT BOOK CLUB | 3-4 p.m. Shhh, we’re read ing! 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 lov ers. Everyone will have the chance to share what they are reading. Conference Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
CERAMIC BUST PLANTERS | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thomas Weber teaches this two-day workshop focused on hand building techniques to create a human bust that will function as a planter. The fin ished piece will be glazed during the second class then fired and ready for pickup in two weeks. $90. Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St., Ventura, 805-6449214, www.vitaartcenter.com.
FIGURE SCULPTING WITH CERAMICS | 2-5 p.m. Thomas Weber teaches this four-day workshop where students will learn hand building tech niques to create a human bust. The final class will be for glazing. $180. Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St., Ventura, 805-644-9214, www.vitaartcenter.com.
WHAT IS A JEWISH FILM? | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom. This lecture will explore the emergence and development of Jewish films in America over the last 100 years. We will explore the role these films have played in American culture, particularly in regards to identity formation and boundary defi nition for American Jews. Taught by Cliff Wilcox. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Individual and two-Part lectures are $10 each; bundle all fall lectures for $60. www.cal lutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/ lecture-series.html.
NOVEMBER FULL MOON SUNSET NATURE HIKE | 3:30-6 p.m. Enjoy a 1.5-mile hike to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where we can watch the simultaneous sunset and moonrise. Meet at the trailhead at 3:15 p.m. Trail is a well-worn dirt road with uneven footing in places and some ele vation gain. Heavy rain or chance of thunderstorms will cancel event. No dogs or smoking, please. $35. Registration and more information at HerbWalks. com or 805-646-6281.
Oxnard Film Society presents this 2022 romantic mystery thriller about a detective investigat ing the suspicious death of a man who fell from a mountain peak. Directed by Park Chan-wook, best director at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, and Korea’s official submission to the 2023 Academy Awards. Runtime: 2 hours, 18 mins. Not rated. In Korean with English subtitles. $8 seniors, $11.25 general admission. Plaza Cinemas 14, 255 West Fifth St., Oxnard, www.oxnardfilmsociety.org.
TAKE & MAKE: CORK CAT TOYS | 4-5 p.m.
Don’t throw away corks — turn them into cat toys instead! Stop by the Young Adult Center and pick up a take & make kit containing materials to create a cat toy. Aimed at ages 13-18. Young Adult Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
CAMARILLO QUILTERS ASSOCIATION MEETING | 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. Members have access to a free fabric table, extensivelibrary and reduced cost for classes and retreats. Meet at the Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1604 E. Burnley Dr., Camarillo. Doors open at 8:45 a.m. More informa tion at camarilloquilters.com.
TUESDAY MORNING BOOK CLUB | 11 a.m.12 p.m. The Tuesday Morning Book Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. Stop by and check us out. Find out what we will be reading next here: sites. google.com/site/bookgroupsclub/tuesday-morn ing-group. Conference Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-3885222, camarillolibrary.org.
SAN BUENAVENTURA WOMEN’S CLUB
MEETING | 12 p.m. Noon lunch program and meeting, featuring Mary O. Kerrigan, Executive Director of Step Up Ventura. Reservations required. Contact 805-654-8370. $20. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura.
TEEN CRAFTERNOON: BIRD FEEDER | 4-5:30 p.m. Did you know that you only need cardboard and dried corn to make a bird feeder? Materials provided. Ages 13-18. YA Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-3885222, camarillolibrary.org.
CASH 4 COLLEGE WORKSHOPS | 5-7 p.m. Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free evening Cash 4 College workshops to help students apply for funds to help with college costs. Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, transportation, childcare, computers and more. The workshops are free and open to the community; anyone may attend a workshop on either date and can drop in at any time during the events. In-person and online Zoom workshops. Locations, Zoom links and more information at www. vcccd.edu/students/financial-aid-information/ cash-for-college-workshops.
NANOWRIMO WRITERS SALON | 5-8 p.m. Are you ready for National Novel Writing Month? Grab your pen and paper and start writing with the Ventura County Writers Salon. Every Tuesday in November, the Writers Salon will host writing sessions that include writing sprints and prompt cards. Conference Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
TEN MILLION BIRDS: A BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER’S VIEW OF GREAT SALT LAKE | 7-8:30 p.m. Join the Ventura Audubon Society’s November program featuring wildlife photographer Mary Anne Karen as we journey together to this magical place. Learn why Karen fell in love with the Great Salt Lake and how she uses bird photography to inspire its protection. Our November program will be a hybrid meeting, either via Zoom or in person at the Poinsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga Room, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. For more information and the Zoom link go to www.venturaaudubon. org/monthly-speakers.
RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM FALL ARTISTS DAY | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to paint, sketch and photograph in our historic gardens. Breakfast treats and lunch included. $30. 5164 E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore, 805-521-1501, ranchocamulos.org.
BABY BOP DANCE PARTY | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Dance the morning away with your little one! Enjoy songs, scarves and musical instruments with a storytime break in the middle! Aimed at ages 0-5. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
BOARD GAME HANG | 4-5:30 p.m. Play a wide array of board games after school every Wednesday. Aimed at ages 13-18. Young Adult Center of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
MARIANO RANCH PRESERVE COMMUNITY MEETING | 6:30 p.m. Ventura Land Trust’s second of three Mariano Rancho Preserve Community Meetings will focus on plans for sustainable trails and recreation on the preserve. Come learn about considerations for trail design, single-track and mixed-use trails, and the timeline for trail construction. This event will be recorded by CAPS Media and uploaded to VLT’s YouTube channel. Spanish language translation services will be offered at the event. DeAnza DATA Middle School, 2060 Cameron St., Ventura. More information and RSVP at www.venturalandtrust.org/trails.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE LIVE | 8 p.m. One of the greatest game shows of all time wants to give more fans a chance to win at Wheel of Fortune LIVE! Guests can audition to go on stage and feel like they stepped into the game show itself. They will have the chance to spin a replica of the iconic Wheel and solve the puzzles on the tour’s puzzle-board to win fantastic prizes including $10,000, a trip to Paris, Hawaii and more at every show! Additionally, audience members will get in on the fun with the chance to be randomly selected to win cash and prizes.. $46-106. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
VENTURA COUNTY MOBILE LIBRARY/ BIBLIOTECO MÓVIL DEL CONDADO DE VENTURA | 9:30 a.m. The Ventura County Mobile Library visits the trailhead of Harmon Canyon Preserve on the second Thursday of every month. Children’s storytime at 10 a.m. You can also check out a book to read under Harmon’s oaks, get a library card, pick up book holds, and check out and return items. Harmon Canyon Preserve, 7511 Foothill Road, Ventura, www.venturalandtrust.org.
THE SOMIS THURSDAY CLUB | 11:30 a.m. Local women’s club meeting and catered lunch. This month’s program will feature local author Ken Alpine, who will discuss his latest book, Islands Apart: A Year on the Edge of Civilization. Visitors and prospective members are welcome. Please call 805-469-5059 or email patti.dizazzo@gmail.com to RSVP.
THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS: ORIGINS, DISCOVERY AND MEANING, PART 1 | 1-3 p.m. via Zoom. This two-part lecture will consider where these writings originated and why, as writings of a small Dead Sea community, they have made such a major impact on scholarship. Taught by Jason Hensley. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Individual and two-Part lectures are $10 each; bundle all fall lectures for $60. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/ fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
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, camarillolibrary.org.
PAINTING WITH A TWIST FUNDRAISER | 5:30 p.m. Paint a holiday “Joy” art piece, drink wine, and enjoy time with friends while supporting parks and recreation in your community. Ages 21+. $49-59 per person. Painting With a Twist, 2298 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, www.pvrpd. org/2022-11-10-painting-with-a-twist-fundraiser.
NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY | 5-7:30 p.m. On National Philanthropy Day, the Association of Fundraising Professionals chapter of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership celebrates the extraordinary individuals and organizations that are changing the world with a giving heart. This year, AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter will recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy –and those active in the philanthropic community – have made to enrich and benefit our communities. Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-653-0323 or venturamuseum.org.
CAREER PATHWAYS AT BLANCHARD COMMUNITY LIBRARY Patrons of Blanchard Community Library can now access CAreer Pathways, a collection of digital platforms for online learning tools designed to meet the needs of those entering the workforce or who want to get a better job. Funded by the state and administered by the California State Library, CAreer Pathways offers Coursera, Linkedln Learning, GetSetUp, and Skillshare — resources that offer specialized courseware that help people improve job skills and prepare for highwage jobs. Access to CAreer Pathways is free and available through the Blanchard Community Library’s website at www.blanchardlibrary.org/resources/ online-learning and via the “CAreer Pathways” link
on the library’s main page. For additional information, please contact the Adult Services Librarian, Justin Formanek, at 805-525-3615 or email justin.formanek@blanchardlibrary.org.
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 Monday 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.
HOLIDAY COMMUNITY COOKBOOK SUBMISSIONS | Through Nov. 23. Share your favorite holiday recipes with others from Nov. 1 through Nov. 23. Drop off your recipes at the second floor Reference Desk or email them to Adult Services Librarian Allison Williams (awilliams@camarillolibrary.org). Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
INFORMATION ON THE HIGH SCHOOL AT MOORPARK COLLEGE | Through March 28. The High School at Moorpark College allows students to earn both their high school diploma and college credits at the same time. HSMC is located on the Moorpark College campus where high schoolers, beginning their freshman year, take both high school and college-level classes. The school is open to any student in Ventura or Los Angeles counties. HSMC will host in-person information nights on Jan, 24 and Feb. 28. Virtual sessions are offered Nov. 29 and March 28. For more information, call Dr. Shirleen Oplustic at 805-378-6312 or contact her via email at soplustic@ mrpk.org. Additional information can also be found at www.hsmc.mrpk.org.
LANDLORD ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM | Are you a Ventura County property owner/housing provider seeking stable tenancies, rental income, and a way to help our neighbors who need a home? Do you have a housing unit to lease in the near or immediate future? We are seeking studios to 3+ bedrooms. United Way will provide financial and supportive services to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial housing process. Join the effort and receive a leasing bonus of up to two times the rent charged for the unit! This incentive is available for landlords and is separate from any costs incurred by program participants. For more information or to learn more about the Landlord Engagement Program, contact Carie Bristow at carie.bristow@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288 x235.
MENTORS NEEDED FOR WOMEN UNITED EDUCATION AWARD RECIPIENTS | Women United is seeking potential mentors in professional positions who would like to guide a single mother college student and help her reach her career goals. Anyone who has professional experience in a business environment and is willing to meet with a mentee for 2-3 sessions during the semester (in person or via Zoom) is encouraged to apply. To learn more, contact Leslie Osuna at leslie.osuna@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288, ext. 224.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FREE TAX PREPARATION | Help low-income families and individuals improve their financial stability by joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2022 Tax Year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost at multiple sites across Ventura County and are asked to commit four hours per week during the VITA tax season, Feb. 1-April 30, 2023. No experience is necessary; training is provided. A two-session training course (in-person and virtual) will be offered on Nov. 12 and 19, 2022 at Moorpark College. To learn more or to register, visit volunteerventuracounty.org/need/ detail/?need_id=372430.
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THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Nov. 4-20. When a group of siblings find another world in an unlikely place, they go on an adventure to help a magical lion defeat an evil witch. Based on the C.S. Lewis classic and presented by Young Artists Ensemble. $12-19. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, 805-381-1246, www.yaeonline.com.
643 PROJECT SPACE Nov. 4-26. Printing
With Passion, featuring works by the Inkspots, a local printing group. Opening reception on Friday, Nov. 4, 5-8 p.m., with live music, snacks and free drawing for a folio of original prints. Printmaking demos every Saturday during the show’s run. 643 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, www.643projectspace.com.
BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Sunday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. BeatoFest, celebrating the beloved artist with live music, art, demonstrations and more. 8585 OjaiSanta Paula Road, Upper Ojai, 805-646-3381, www.beatricewood.com.
BUENAVENTURA GALLERY Nov. 4-Dec. 24. Holiday season show, with works by BAA members. Receptions on Friday, Nov. 4, and Friday, Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m. Studio 99, Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., #99, Ventura, www.buenaventuraartassociation.org.
CAMARILLO ART CENTER Nov. 5-Jan. 2. Let the Holidays Begin. 3150 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, www.camarilloartcenter.org.
HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY AND GIFTS Nov. 8-Jan. 10: BAA members holiday show. Through Nov. 7: Under $50 Fundraiser, over 60 8x8 works made and donated by BAA members; all proceeds will support BAA. Ongoing: Buenaventura Art Association members showcase and sell their work. Masks and social distancing required.
1559 Spinnaker Drive #106, Ventura Harbor Village, 805-644-2750, www.facebook.com/ HarborVillageGalleryGifts.
WEST HILLS GALLERY Nov. 5-6. The Ventura County Creative Artists will hold their semi-annual art exhibit this weekend. The multi-media show, Artistic Visions, will provide an opportunity to meet many of the artists in person, and watch demonstrations of some of the techniques and materials used. Pastels, oil, acrylic, encaustic and watercolor will be among the varied mediums exhibited at the show. All work will be available for sale. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. 1545 Cuyama Road, Ojai, 805-798-2403.
DAB ART Ongoing. The contemporary art organization is currently seeking submissions of work in any media for group and solo exhibitions at H Gallery and Studios in Ventura. Submit three to 20 images; $35 entry fee. For submission guidelines, online application and more information, visit www.dabart.me/ventura-2.
Artes de Proyecto Latinx - Carpinteria is opening up its formal call for regional artists to submit designs for a mural incorporating the theme “Past, Present, Future” of the Latinx community in Carpinteria. The design can incorporate one, two, or all three aspects of this theme, as envisioned and interpreted by the submitting artist. This call is open to residents of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. A $2,500 cash honorarium will be provided to the winning entry, and the final design will be depicted on a public wall in Carpinteria. More information and submission guidelines at www.latinxartsproject. org. Artists can find more information on the www.latinxartsproject.org website.
1776: THE MUSICAL Through Nov. 6. Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi presents this brilliant imagining of American history, a grand tale which manages to feel both intimate and epic all at once, bringing humor and humanity to the account of 20 men, three months and one incredible argument, in which the fate of nations is decided. Although suitable for all ages, this play may not hold the attention of audience members under 12 years of age. $22-28. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 805-583-7900, www.simi-arts.org.
THE COVER OF LIFE Through Nov. 21. A journalist doing a story on three brides in 1943 rural Louisiana learns something about her own self worth in a man’s world in this charming and funny production. $10-20. The Elite Theatre Company, 2731 Victoria Ave., Oxnard, www.theelite.org.
IN THE HEIGHTS Through Nov. 13. Rubicon Theatre Company presents this Lin-Manuel Miranda musical about a multicultural, multigenerational neighborhood in Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan. The diverse cast includes international artists, Broadway veterans and local Latinx talent. Previews Oct. 26-28. Opening night on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. $39.50-79.50. 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL Through Nov. 13. A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored hit movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs, this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! $23-25. High Street Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark, 805.529.8700, highstreetartscenter.com.
VENTURA COUNTY POETRY PROJECT Thursday, Nov. 3, 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.
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, venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/.
ATRIUM GALLERY Through Nov. 14. Impact Project Art Exhibit, featuring works by immigrant, LGBTQ and Black communities in Ventura County, as well as art by K-8 students who participated in Focus on the Masters’ educational outreach program, Learning To See. Gallery walk on Thursday, Nov. 3, 11:30 a.m. Hall of Administration, Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, vcartscouncil.org/atrium-gallery/.
CANVAS AND PAPER Through Dec. 4. Works by Laurence Stephen Lowry. 311 N. Montgomery St., Ojai, canvasandpaper.org.
CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM
Through Dec. 19: Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands, work by five local artists inspired by the flora and fauna of the Channel Islands. Ongoing: Maritime art covering Asian, European and American seafaring history; the Marple Model Ship Collection; exhibits on whales, sailors and the Port of Hueneme and more. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.
DUDLEY HOUSE HISTORIC MUSEUM Ongoing. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1892 by Selwyn Shaw for lima bean farmer B.W. Dudley, and is one of the last pioneer farmhouses in Ventura. On display are artifacts and other elements showcasing aspects of life from 1895 to 1925. Open for tours the first Sunday of the month. COVID protocols will be strictly followed. 197 N. Ashwood Ave., Ventura, 805-6423345, dudleyhouse.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, 805-6521800, www.foxfinejewelry.com.
H GALLERY Through Dec. 31. La Gran Vida (The Big Life), large scale compositions and alternative views from the female perspective. H Gallery, 1793 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-293-1616, www.dabart.me/la-gran-vida.
JOHN SPOOR BROOME LIBRARY Recently opened. Honoring Our Past—Building the Future, featuring a historical timeline of California State University, Channel Islands, since its inception in 2002 through photos, documents and artifacts. CSUCI, 1 University Dr., Camarillo, www.csuci.edu.
MCNISH GALLERY Through Nov. 19. Fiesta Apocalypse, work by Filipino artist Eliseo Art Silva that examines the boundaries between barbarism and civilization. Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard, 805-678-5046, www.oxnardcollege.edu/ departments/academic/art/mcnish-gallery.
MULLIN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Ongoing. The famed auto museum pays tribute to French automotive design, with coaches from the 1800s, Bugattis from the 1920s-30s, Concours d’Elegance winners and more. Hours: FridaySunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; advance tickets required. 1421 Emerson Ave., Oxnard, 805-3855400, mullinautomotivemuseum.com.
MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM Ongoing. Impressive display of vintage automobiles and Americana, as well as the Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club and the car-centric art in the Fireball Art Gallery. Muscles and Mojo car show in the parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month. The museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1930 Eastman Ave., Oxnard, 805-4874333, www.murphyautomuseum.org.
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY Through Aug. 31, 2023: All That Glitters Is Not Gold, the Jazz Age in Ventura County; Chromatic: The Museum in Six Colors. Through Dec. 31, 2023: Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak. Through Feb. 28, 2023: Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®. Ongoing: MVC Gallery Marketplace, exhibits devoted to the Chumash, the history of Ventura County, online exhibits and resources and more. 100 E. Main St., Ventura, 805653-0323 or venturamuseum.org.
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM Through Nov. 6: Ojai Day Mandalas, a pop-up exhibit which explores the making of the yearly mandala in celebration of Ojai Day through drawings, photos and vid-
eos provided by the “Mandala Mavens.” 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 virtual talks and more. Now open FridaySunday. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-640-1390, www.ojaivalleymuseum.org.
OLIVAS ADOBE HISTORIC PARK Ongoing. The Olivas Adobe is now open the second Sunday of each month for visitors, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The historic park invites all plein air artists to come out to the site for creative inspiration, from the rose garden and 160-year-old fuchsia to the rancho and the bell tower. In addition, Laura Jean Jespersen’s The Romance of the Adobe will be on exhibit in the small adobe. There will be raffles, historic interpreters, an al fresco gift shop and more. 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OlivasAdobe.
POPPIES ART AND GIFTS Ongoing. Gifts, jewelry, decor and more made by local artists. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-798-0033, www.poppiesartandgifts.com.
RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM Ongoing. The 40-acre landmark and museum is one of the best surviving examples of an early California rancho and honors the area’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. “Last Sundays at the Landmark” take place the last Sunday of every month, and include docent-led tours, music and more. Open every Sunday for docent-led tours; group and special-focus tours by appointment. Situated off of Highway 126, two miles east of Piru. 805-5211501, www.ranchocamulos.org.
realART Ongoing. Opening reception for Winter 2022 Juried Show on Sunday, Nov. 6, 3-5 p.m. The art gallery in Whizin Market Square features works by a variety of contemporary artists. Whizin Market Square, 28861 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 310-452-4000, buyrealart.com.
RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 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 paintings, dye sublimations and gold-leaf prints from renowned artists Michael O’Kelly, to be displayed on the newly created arts space downstairs at the Rubicon Theatre Company. 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Through Jan. 8, 2023: Remedios (Remedies), a solo exhibition by Conejo Valley artist John Galan. With artworks rich in symbolism and vibrant hues inspired by his Mexican heritage, Galan’s exhibit explores the connections between mind, body, nature and healing. Through Nov. 6: Hiroko Yoshimoto: New Works, 40 new works in her “Biodiversity” series. 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.
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Through Nov. 6. Not of the Hands, But of the Heart, with photographs by artists that exhibited at the center nearly a decade ago and who studied with Retired Professor Emeritus John Gray of Moorpark College. 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 805-583-7900, www.simi-arts.org.
SPICETOPIA Through Nov. 17 and Jan. 5. The spice and tea shop in downtown Ventura now shows works by members of the Buenaventura Art Association. 576 E. Main St., 805-628-3267, www.spice-topia.com.
STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS Through Nov. 19. Colorspace, vibrant works by Carlos Grasso, Ariane Leiter, Margaret Korisheli and Barry Frantz. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805-383-1368, studiochannelislands.org.
VENTURA POTTERY GALLERY Ongoing. Talented ceramic artists from across Ventura County make up the Ventura County Potters Guild, and they display their works — housewares, home decor, figurines and more — at the guild’s gallery and shop in Ventura Harbor. 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105, Ventura, 805- 6446800, venturapottersguild.org/gallery.
W r i t t e n b y W h e e l h o u s e S t a f f W h a t i s N a n o ?
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W a t e r s o l u b l e c a n n a b i n o i d s a r e a n i n n o v a t i v e i n v e n t i o n , p a r t i c u l a r l y w h e n y o u t h i n k o f h o w f a r t h e c a n n a b i s i n d u s t r y h a s c o m e t o b e a b l e t o c r e a t e t h e m . T h i s a d v a n c e m e n t y i e l d s a w i d e r a n g e o f b e n e f i t s , i n c l u d i n g :
B e n e f i t s :
E x c e p t i o n a l l y h i g h b i o a v a i l a b i l i t y
Q u i c k o n s e t t i m e a n d c o m p l e t e a b s o r p t i o n
W a t e r - c o m p a t i b l e : e a s i l y m i x e d i n t o b e v e r a g e s
L o n g t e r m p r o d u c t s t a b i l i t y
T r a n s l u c e n t f o r m u l a t i o n s p o s s i b l e
A l l - n a t u r a l a n d n o n - t o x i c
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