Ventana Monthly December 2022

CONTENTS

Editor’s NotE

About towN

Let There Be Light

Winter Wonderland, SoCal Style Making merry at the Snow N Glow Holiday Festival

PHOTO BY VIKTOR BUDNIK

Get up close to sunbaked beaches and sparkling Pacific waters. Explore more of Mexico than ever before on a weeklong Navigator of the Seas ® adventure. Unwind on the golden sands of Cabo San Lucas. Wander cobblestone streets in Old Mazatlán. And ride horseback through Puerto Vallarta’s jungles. Along the way, soak up splashier fun at the resort-style pool deck. Savor dining that satisfies every craving. And make your own legendary plays at Playmakers SM Sports Bar & Arcade. Sail 3, 4 and 7-night cruises from our home port in Los Angeles for the best memory-making in the Mexican Riviera.

Get up close to sunbaked beaches and sparkling Pacific waters. Explore more of Mexico than ever before on a weeklong Navigator of the Seas ® adventure. Unwind on the golden sands of Cabo San Lucas. Wander cobblestone streets in Old Mazatlán. And ride horseback through Puerto Vallarta’s jungles. Along the way, soak up splashier fun at the resort-style pool deck. Savor dining that satisfies every craving. And make your own legendary plays at Playmakers SM Sports Bar & Arcade. Sail 3, 4 and 7-night cruises from our home port in Los Angeles for the best memory-making in the Mexican Riviera.

up close to sunbaked beaches and sparkling Pacific waters. Explore more of Mexico than ever before on a weeklong Navigator of the Seas ® adventure. Unwind on the golden sands of Cabo San Lucas. Wander cobblestone streets in Old Mazatlán. And ride horseback through Puerto Vallarta’s jungles. Along the way, soak up splashier fun at the resort-style pool deck. Savor dining that satisfies every craving. And make your own legendary plays at Playmakers SM Sports Bar & Arcade. Sail 3, 4 and 7-night cruises from our home port in Los Angeles for the best memory-making in the Mexican Riviera.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

In Southern California, as in most of the United States, much of the merrymaking that takes place this time of year is centered around Christmas. But many cultures and religions have their own winter celebrations. The reasons for these events vary, but one thing they all do is bring warmth and light into a season associated with cold and dark.

One very special holiday is the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. and the miracle of a single day’s supply of oil used for the lighting of the temple’s menorah lasting eight days. This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 18 and ends the evening of Monday, Dec. 26.

Ventana Monthly lets the Festival of Lights shine with a feature on Danny’s Deli and Grill in Ventura. Famous for its New York-style sandwiches, kosher-style cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant is one of the few in the area where you can find traditional Jewish dishes such as stuffed cabbage, knishes and the hearty brisket-filled dumplings known as kreplach. As Hanukkah nears, the bakery case is filled with beautifully decorated Star of David and dreidel cookies while the kitchen turns out latkes by the dozen. Owner Wendy Collings shares the story behind the founding of Danny’s

Deli . . . and some recipes enjoyed by her own family . . . in this month’s Cover Story.

For more light and life, flip to About Town and our story on the Snow N Glow Holiday Festival. CBF Productions has turned several acres of the Ventura County Fairgrounds into a Winter Wonderland indoors and out. Firepits, igloos, a carousel and fireworks promise plenty of opportunities for merrymaking. But the biggest highlights are probably the snow tubing course and a decorative walking tour of over a million holiday lights, stunningly arranged to create an unforgettable experience.

You won’t find menorahs or holiday decorations in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This is a land wild and free (for now), where the reindeer (aka caribou) roam and the grizzly bear and Dall sheep play. Travel the remote Kongakut River and explore the megafauna of this precious wilderness in Travel.

’ Tis the season to find kindness, joy and the warm embrace of family and friendship — no matter what or how you celebrate. I hope you find all that and more, now and in the months to come. May we all be blessed with good health, good cheer and lots of light.

PHOTO BY NOEL ALVA

PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

– Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com

3 SoCal Winter Must-haves

Yes, chilly winter makes its appearance even in sunny SoCal. So bundle up for the holidays with Visit Ventura's must-have winter clothing.

As shown, Ribbed knit beanie - Fleece lined, Venturabranded, and topped with a detachable faux-fur pom, this beanie is a stylish, yet playful way to stay warm.

Knit scarf - A double layer makes our Ventura-branded scarf extra warm and snuggly. The fringe gives it flair.

Loop fleece crewneck - Perfect for those cool coastal mornings and evenings, our pullover is lightweight and oh-so-cozy. Just what’s needed for whatever adventure you have in mind.

And be sure and stop by the Ventura Visitor Center for more winter must-haves, as well as a holiday-ready range of great gift items with that Ventura vibe.

Shop.VisitVenturaCA.com

101 S. California St. Ventura CA 93001

VENTURA COUNTY BALLET

VCMC PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY CENTER

All photos courtesy Ventura County Ballet

Ventura County Ballet delighted the children, families and staff at Ventura County Medical Center’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic/Diagnostic Center with a special performance of beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker on Wednesday, Nov. 16. It’s never easy for kids to be sick and especially not at the holidays. The goal of this outreach performance was to bring joy to these families and some holiday magic that they might otherwise not be able to experience. Five preprofessional dancers performed selections from the party scene featured in Act I of the ballet. Featured dancers included Carter Gillespie (age 16, who danced the role of the soldier doll); Hailey Hall (15, Clara); Noelle Hall (12, Fritz); Jonah Tillery (15, harlequin); and Ella Ullrich (17, Columbine doll).

Following the performance, the children had the opportunity to meet the dancers, learn about their training and even feel what real ballet pointe shoes were like. All families received vouchers for free tickets to Ventura County Ballet’s full production of The Nutcracker, the company’s 24th, which starred Hanna Chudinova of the Kyiv Ballet in Ukraine and 70 other dancers enrobed in sumptuous costumes pirouetting across a beautifully decorated stage. Shows took place Dec. 3-11 at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo.

www.venturacountyballet.com

1. From left: Jonah Tillery, Ella Ullrich, Noelle Hall, Carter Gillespie and Hailey Hall. 2. Jonah Tillery, Ella Ullrich and Noelle Hall. 3. Hanna Chudinova from Kyiv Ballet as Dream Clara. 4. Ella Ullrich (front) with Jonah Tillery and Hailey Hall (background). 5. Carter Gillespie, Noelle Hall and Jonah Tillery. 6. Hailey Hall with Ella Ullrich in the background. 7. Ballet dancer Hailey Hall with 9-year-old Kateryna Matviienko. 8. Jonah Tillery and Ella Ullrich.

VENTURA COUNTY FARM DAY SEEAG

All photos courtesy of SEEAG

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) hosted its annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, Nov. 5. More than 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations invited the public in to experience a day of free activities and tours. This year was SEEAG’s 10th Farm Day, and the theme for 2022 was “Meet All the Hands That Feed You.”

Petty Ranch in Saticoy served as the Farm Day hub. Other participants included Reiter Affiliated Companies (berries), Driscoll’s (strawberries), Duda Farm Fresh Foods (row crops), Alpacas At Windy Hills (Alpaca fleece), Good Farms (strawberries), Oxnard Historic Farm Park, Prancer’s Farm (strawberries, tomatoes, avocados), Agromin (organic compost, mulch), The Abundant Table (nonprofit farm), Sow A Heart Farm (regenerative agriculture), McGrath Family Farm (organic farming) and SEEAG’s Farm Lab.

“Agriculture is Ventura County’s largest industry. Farm Day is the opportunity to see how fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and then shipped to stores for sale,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO.

Petty Ranch Manager Chris Sayer agreed, adding, “There are thousands of foodproducing acres in Ventura County. The variety of what’s grown on our local lands is astounding — strawberries, celery, lemons, tomatoes, peppers and avocados are just a few. Farm Day is an opportunity to see the growing process up close.”

For more information about Ventura County Farm Day, visit www. VenturaCountyFarmDay.com.

1. Kids enjoyed climbing the hay pyramid at Sow a Heart Farm. 2. Alex Cuevas (center, Duda Farm) with Chris and Steven Waldron of Plantel Nursery at Duda Farm. 3. Stacy Mikkelson with SEEAG educators Laura O’Malley and Xochitl Coronado at the SEEAG Farm Fresh Van at Petty Ranch. 4. Getting ready for a tractor ride at Duda Farm. 5. Visitors check out the live bee exhibit at the Hansen Agricultural Center at Faulkner Farm. 6. SEEAG Founder and CEO Mary Maranville with SEEAG Board Member Melinda Beardsley at the Farm Day Hub at Petty Ranch.

WINTER WONDERLAND SOCAL STYLE

Making merry at the Snow N Glow Holiday Festival.

MBY NANCY D. LACKEY SHAFFER

any of us won’t be heading to the North Pole to see the northern lights or sledding down a snow-topped hill. But thanks to the extravaganza known as the Snow N Glow Holiday Festival, a touch of winter magic

The Ventura County Fairgrounds are the home for this festive light and holiday merriment experience, which covers several acres and offers a wide variety of delights. Cookie decorating, gourmet hot chocolate, snow tubing, a carousel and even (sometimes) fireworks — there’s truly something for everyone, of every age, at Snow N Glow.

MUSIC AND MERRIMENT

Snow N Glow was created by CBF Productions, the Ventura-based company responsible for popular events like the California Beer Festival, Winter and Spring Wine Walks, Boots and Brews Country Music Festival and the Tequila and Taco Music Festival. Most CBF Productions affairs feature a live music component, which makes sense considering founder and CEO Vincenzo Giammanco’s background in radio.

“I was a morning show radio host at KHAY,” Giammanco explains. “Then the economy crashed and they fired me.”

Giammanco had long had the idea of creating an event centered around craft beer. Despite a less-than-rosy economy following the 2007-08 financial crisis, he used his newly acquired free time and a loan from his father to put together the first California Beer

building fully decked out for the season. Photo by Noel Alva

WONDERLAND ABOUT TOWN

Festival in 2009, held at Mission Park in Downtown Ventura.

“It was fun, but the lines for the bathrooms were longer than the lines for the beer,” Giammanco recalls with a laugh.

Not the smoothest rollout, but the California Beer Festival proved to be popular, with 3,500 people in attendance. It was successful enough for him to try again the following year, building on what he learned (more bathrooms, for one thing) and making the event better. The festival quickly became an annual occurrence and from that CBF Productions (CBF stands for California Beer Festival) was born.

“At that time a lot of events came to town and failed,” says Giammanco. “But we had a lot of community support.” And not just from attendees: He spoke with Downtown Ventura restaurants and bars to build a sense of camaraderie rather than competition (people turned away at the door when the event sold out would head towards nearby watering holes and eateries). According to Giammanco, “It started a lot of great relationships in downtown.”

Those relationships were key in the development of the Wine Walks, which rely on the participation of local businesses to host wine tastings and serve as check-in points, and in other CBF events that had their start downtown. And even after some of the festivals moved to the fairgrounds, their popularity still brought a lot of bodies to the area — people who would eat in local restaurants, shop at downtown retailers and stay in area hotels. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

FUN AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

When COVID-19 shutdown everything in California, including

live events, CBF Productions wasted no time in pivoting to safe, socially distanced options. With so much parking and space . . . and no county fair for two years straight . . . the Ventura County Fairgrounds proved to be a great location for a new approach to entertainment. The drivein experience enjoyed a renaissance with Concerts in Your Car and its enormous outdoor stage in the round (still in use for the Surfer’s Point Live concert series). There was also Holidays in Your Car, in which CBF

DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN? Have snow delivered to your private igloo, and go wild! Photo by Noel Alva

Productions teamed up with another company to create a drive-through seasonal light display.

“We did all kinds of fun things,” Giammanco remembers from that time. “But it wasn’t at the level we wanted it to be at.”

But, just like that first beer festival, Holidays in Your Car was popular despite its flaws. The CBF Productions team built on the knowledge gained and just kept moving forward.

The holiday season of 2021 saw people coming out of their cars to enjoy the first Snow N Glow Holiday Festival, which featured snow tubing,

a

LEFT Snow tubing anyone? A fun and safe activity the whole family can enjoy.

a snow play area and a light trail designed for walking, not driving.

“It was a taste of the holidays,” Giammanco says. “It was a great start but not perfect . . . Last year on opening day, we had a couple of thousand pre-sold tickets. It was 80 degrees outside and the snow melted. It was a bit of a disaster.”

“We learned a lot that year,” he continues. “And we completely reimagined it for 2022. Our attitude going into this year was that we need to do this event justice.”

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

A lot of work went into this year’s Snow N Glow, which Giammanco, 12 full-time staffers and several other team members spent more than a month building before opening night on Nov. 27.

“We’ve been covered in glitter for weeks,” he says with a laugh.

One of the goals: “Just to put lights everywhere.”

Most of them are found along the light trail, which winds from the Snow N Glow entrance through the fairgrounds. It boasts over one million lights, and they are spectacular: a long stretch of arches to walk under, tunnels sparkling like aurora borealis, snowmen and Santas, wildlife of all kinds, all lit up with festive, multicolored flair. Every twist and turn has something new to delight and amaze…and it seems to go on forever.

ABOVE S’mores and

beautifully lit-up carousel are among Snow N Glow’s many festive attractions. All photos by Noel Alva

But there’s much more in store for people venturing out to the fairgrounds this holiday season.

If you are feeling creative, purchase a cookie decorating kit and find a seat at one of the many tables available for putting the perfect touch on these fresh-baked treats. (Or choose to take the kit home, if you’d like a tasty memento.) Wander through the halls that are bedecked with much more than holly, and keep an eye out for Santa, Mrs. Klaus and even the Grinch. Order up some very special hot chocolate, made with a wide variety of gourmet ingredients (cider and other beverages are also available for purchase) and sip it in a cozy corner in a plush sofa or chair.

But be sure to take time to explore outside, where space heaters and very chic outdoor fireplaces keep Jack Frost from nipping too fiercely. These are also the perfect spots to build your own s’mores: S’mores kits with all the fixings and your choice of add-ins are available for purchase, and will get anyone in the holiday spirit.

There’s also a full-sized carousel (picked out by Giammanco’s wife) which attendees can ride as often as they like. Afterwards, grab a bite at one of the onsite food trucks. And, because music is near and dear to Giammanco’s heart, there will be a live band playing holiday tunes all evening long.

FIREWORKS light up the skies over the Ventura County Fairgrounds every Saturday night. Photo by Noel Alva

FOR THE ULTIMATE SNOW N GLOW EXPERIENCE rent a private igloo, with comfy seating, twinkling lights, and a patio with picnic table and firepit.

Photo by Noel Alva

LET IT SNOW

After issues with maintaining snow in 2021, CBF Productions kept the snow indoors this year, building a 100-foot snow tubing course.

“It’s basically a stage built like a ramp,” Giammanco explains. And to generate those icy slopes, “we hired the same people who do the snow for Disney . . . Making snow in Southern California is not easy.”

Every day those professional snow-makers bring in 60-80 tons of ice, which get crushed and distributed onto the course. There’s a lot of fun to be had sliding down the ramp in a specially designed snow tube, and while the lines can get long, they go quickly. Up, down, back in line, go again — it’s that easy.

For the ultimate Snow N Glow experience, consider renting an igloo. Actually a clear domed “tent,” the igloos are filled with twinkling lights and super-comfy seating for enjoying the festive atmosphere. Igloo occupants also enjoy their own firepit and outdoor seating. For kids, the biggest appeal with the igloos is the chance to play in the snow. For a fee, snow can be delivered straight to the igloos for building a snowman (a much more practical approach than 2021’s expansive snow play area, which was so difficult to maintain).

MAKING MEMORIES

Giammanco says that the most rewarding aspect of building Snow N Glow was watching his children, ages 3 and 7, take in the full experience.

“Having them walk it for the first time — that was the most enjoyable thing for me. If they’re screaming and yelling and running around, that’s how you know it’s a success.”

He hopes everyone who comes to Snow N Glow will be enchanted by that same sense of joy and wonder.

“Creating memories — that’s what it’s all about.” v

Snow N Glow Holiday Festival

Fridays-Sundays, 4-9 p.m. through Dec. 26. Open daily, 4-9 p.m., Dec. 19-23.

Fireworks displays offered every Saturday. Private furnished igloos are available for rent and accommodate up to 10 people.

For tickets, prices, igloo rental details and more information, visit www.snownglow.com.

Written by Wheelhouse Staff

Tinctures

A tincture in the most basic sense is a cannabis extract, in which a liquid is infused with cannabis, meant for sublingual consumption, not vaporization or smoking. The cannabis plant soaks in a base liquid, such as food-grade alcohol, glycerin, or even oil, and after days of steeping, the plant matter is strained out. The cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds have melded with the base liquid, ready to dose and consume.

How long does it take for a cannabis tincture to kick in?

If tinctures are allowed to sit beneath the tongue for 30 to 45 seconds, they usually start to work within 15 to 30 minutes. The effectiveness of a tincture can be hampered by directly swallowing it because your body won't be able to absorb it like it would an edible or food item. Tinct ures that have been combined with food will take longer to take effect, but they might produce a stronger high. In the adult-use market, tinctures typically come in 1 fl oz (30mL) glass bottles with droppers to administer low and consistent doses.

Fast-Acting

Since tinctures absorb via the tongue tissue, their effects start to take effect faster when taken sublingually than they would if you were to con sume an edible (though it will take a little longer than smoking). Additionally, this means that tinctures have a longer potency than smoking a joint, but they may break down more quickly than baked foods or other fatty edibles.

Where to Buy Tinctures

If you want to buy tinctures, we always recommend purchasing them from a licensed dispensary that offers high-quality cannabis products, such as Wheelhouse . We currently carry a variety of tinctures such as Papa & Barkley Cannabis Tinctures and have knowledgeable budtenders who can help provide the best tips on how to achieve the effect you are seeking. You can order in-store or online by visiting wheelhouseph.com.

Wheelhouse is an award-winning dispensary in Port Hueneme, CA. We are a minorityowned business that is focused on revitalizing and reinvesting in our community. Since our grand opening in 2019, we have given an estimated $170,000 to local charities in Ventura County, CA.

KOSHER STYLE

BBY NANCY D. LACKEY SHAFFER | PHOTOS BY VIKTOR BUDNIK

risket roasted to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Bagels made fresh daily. Matzo ball soup. Fat kosher dills and fluffy knishes. When you think of Jewish comfort food, the one place in Ventura County that comes to mind is Danny’s Deli and Grill.

These and other traditional recipes are the foundation upon which Danny’s Deli has built its reputation. But its embrace of other cuisines as well speaks to the diversity of the community it calls home. The multipage menu offers breakfast all day, fabulous soups and bakery items that will have you dreaming of dessert before you even order your food. Alongside traditional Jewish recipes you’ll find burritos and Cajun chicken pasta, egg creams and chocolate phosphates, vegan chili cheese fries

and fresh beer on tap.

“We want this to be someplace you could bring 10 of your friends and there’s something for everyone,” says owner Wendy Collings.

TASTE OF HOME

Collings, who is Jewish, grew up in Woodland Hills. She opened her first deli, Sandwich Man, in the Northridge area in the 1980s with then-husband Danny.

“That’s where we learned how to prepare deli meats and the like,” Collings recalls.

Beloved institution Danny’s Deli embraces its community with traditional recipes, a caring staff and a taste of Jewish culture.

SERVICE EXTRAORDINAIRE is provided by Danny’s Deli’s staff, such as Kathee Doppelhammer (left) and Izzy Kada (right), shown here with owner Wendy Collings.

STYLE COMFORT

Later they moved to Valencia, which at the time was a smaller community. The area started growing by leaps and bounds, however, and they craved someplace less citified — and found Ventura, which appealed to Collings due to having “that small-town feel without being a small town.” They took over the space occupied by Gary’s Restaurant and Bakery and opened Danny’s Deli in 1999.

The larger space and commercial ovens inspired Collings to “take things to the next level. The mainstays are still here . . . but we added to them.”

Today 90% of Danny’s deli meats are prepared in house and used to create hearty and delectable sandwiches served between slices of bread from the restaurant’s own ovens.

“Almost everything here is homemade,” says Collings. “And a lot of our recipes are my mom’s.”

Even the ones not from Collings’ family have that taste of home. Head chef Abel De Los Santos has introduced his own family recipes to the menu as well, which is one reason why Danny’s Deli’s Mexican specialties have their own loyal following.

“Our guacamole is the best guacamole you’ll get,” Collings says with confidence.

The menu has evolved to include burgers and dogs as well as soup and sandwiches, lighter fare and seafood, gluten-free and vegan options, and both Mexican and Italian specialties. Son Alex Everhart, who helps manage the restaurant, put the beer taps in last March.

“We don’t want to be just a meat and potatoes place,” she continues. “And we don’t want to be obsolete . . . when we find something growing in the community, we want to participate — it keeps us relevant.”

HANUKKAH COOOKIES shaped like dreidels and Stars of David make a festive presentation at any feast.

FAMILY FIRST

Delicious sandwiches and comfort food are a hallmark of Danny’s Deli, but Collings credits her staff with making it the beloved institution it has become.

“The staff is what gives us our feel,” she says. “Their knowledge and way with our customers makes the customers feel really good. We have so many regulars, and our customers are like our family.”

Notably, Danny’s Deli has very little turnover in staff. Most employees have been with Collings for years; she estimates that some 70% have been with her for 17 years or longer. Chef De Los Santos worked for Collings at her Valencia deli and came with her to the Ventura location. Server David Valdivia has been with Danny’s Deli for 22 years, while servers Trinity Shawley and Nubia Gainer both started working as teenagers. Son Alex started as a host and a server in high school, and returned after graduating from college eight years ago.

Baker Luis “has been here longer than me” Collings laughs — he’d been working for Gary’s and Collings kept him and another baker on when she purchased the space.

During COVID, Collings kept most of her staff employed — which was important to her, as “so many of our staff had been here so long.” They stayed busy cleaning the establishment top to bottom, filling takeout

orders for their loyal customer base and managing two dining spaces when Danny’s Deli converted its parking lot to an outdoor patio.

For the most part, Collings was able to keep paying people who depended on their income . . . and Danny’s Deli was able to maintain the quality of its food and service at a time when other restaurants struggled with both. Coming together as a family: An age-old way of weathering the tough times.

KOSHER STYLE

Collings is proud of her heritage and the traditional Jewish dishes of Danny’s Deli, but notes that it is not a strictly kosher restaurant.

“We make kosher-style food,” she emphasizes. “Kosher is a special preparation of meats, the kitchen has to be approved [by a rabbinic agency] and so on . . . We are able to prepare food for people who eat kosher (we have separate slicers, for example). But we imagined a New York-style deli more than a kosher deli.”

Collings discovered quickly that what Danny’s Deli had to offer was exactly what the community hungered for: Despite doing no advertising, opening day in 1999 was an overwhelming success.

“We were slammed,” she recalls. “That showed us how much this area really needed this style of food.”

It appealed to everyone — Jewish or not. But Collings does take pride in the fact that she can serve up a taste of her heritage to Ventura County diners.

“When I started putting up Hanukkah decorations, the customers were thrilled,” she says. “And when the local temples have the Hanukkah [and other] celebrations, we usually cater the food.”

The bakery, in particular, has allowed Collings to lean into her roots. Danny’s Deli’s pies and cakes are absolutely wonderful . . . but the traditional Jewish breads and pastries are in a class all by themselves. She got 8

COOKING UP SUCCESS Chefs Clemente Ramos and Hector Esparza prepare Danny’s Deli cuisine, much of which is based on family recipes.

ALL IN THE FAMILY Alex Everhart helps mom Wendy Collings keep Danny’s Deli and Grill running.

an assist from Brown’s Bakery in North Hollywood (now closed). The longtime Jewish bakery on Victory Boulevard used to deliver baked goods to Collings’ deli in Valencia. Ventura was too far for them, so the owners made her a very special offer.

“They let us send two bakers to their bakery and taught them how to bake these Jewish items. That was a gift,” Collings explains, with obvious gratitude — even after all these years.

CELEBRATING CULTURE

Despite not being strictly kosher, a variety of traditional dishes are available. Year round you can find challah — plain, raisin and chocolate chip, which Collings says is unique to Danny’s and which she considers “the best challah in the world!” There are also pastries like rugelach, triangle-shaped hamantaschen (particularly popular for Purim) and delco cookies. Brisket, stuffed cabbage, matzo ball soup, borscht, knishes and

the brisket-filled “dumpling” known as kreplach are other Jewish specialties you won’t find in your average diner.

Potato pancakes, or latkes, are also available year round, but Collings says the restaurant sells them by the dozen for people to take home for their own Hanukkah celebrations. And every winter, the bakery turns out hundreds of festive cookies shaped like Stars of David, menorahs and dreidels.

“We love the fact that we can serve the entire community — but especially the Jewish community,” says Collings. “There aren’t a lot of places like that, so it’s so important for us. I feel like we’ve taught people a lot about Hanukkah and Jewish culture just by being here.” v

Danny’s Deli and Grill

3263 Telegraph Road, Ventura 805.289.9200 www.dannysdeli.com

TRINITY SHAWLEY started working for Wendy Collings when she was just 19 years old.

DAVID VALDIVIA has been offering service with a smile for 22 years. Wendy Collings credits her staff with providing the warmth that makes customers feel like family.

HANUKKAH FAVORITES

According to Collings, her own Hanukkah celebrations involve the whole extended family getting together and sharing a traditional Jewish meal — usually featuring food from Danny’s Deli. They also do a white elephant-style gift exchange.

POTATO PANCAKES (LATKES)

Flavored with potato and onion and fried golden brown, these deliciously crispy, savory pancakes are especially comforting on a chilly winter night. They’re traditionally served with applesauce and sour cream.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes

• 1 yellow onion

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• 2-4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, as needed

• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

• Finely grate potatoes and onions into a large bowl. Drain off any excess liquid.

• Mix egg, salt and pepper into the potatoes and onions. Add enough flour to make a thick mixture.

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

• Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in the bottom of a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

• Drop 1/4 cup mounds of potato batter into the hot oil and flatten with the back of a spatula. Flattened pancakes should be about 1/2 inch thick. Depending on the size of your pan, you’ll probably be able to fry two or three pancakes at one time. DO NOT OVERCROWD!

• Fry until the bottom is golden brown, then flip it once. Fry until the other side is also golden brown.

• Transfer pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Keep warm in the oven until time to serve.

NOTE: Pancakes can be prepared and frozen to be reheated at another time.

NOODLE KUGEL

According to Chabad.org, kugel is based on a food referred to in the Talmud as pashtida, which was said to resemble the manna from heaven that nourished the Jews during their 40-year sojourn in the desert. Noodles baked with dairy, eggs and fruit together make a luscious, filling, rich but not-too-sweet concoction that’s certainly a heavenly accompaniment to any meal!

Ingredients

• 16 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained

• 1 stick of margarine, melted

• 8 eggs, beaten

• 16 ounces cottage cheese

• 16 ounces sour cream

At Ventana Monthly’s request, Collings shared a few recipes based on the foods she and her family eat — and which Danny’s Deli almost always serves — during the eight days that make up the Festival of Lights. This year, Hanukkah starts at nightfall on Dec. 18 and ends on Dec. 26.

DANNY’S DELI BRISKET

It’s hard to beat the scent of beef roasting in wine. This succulent dish takes hours to cook, but most of that time is spent in the oven. And you better believe that the leftovers are spectacular! The gravy created after the meat is done cooking definitely deserves some mashed potatoes to go with it. A nice salad or vegetable dish is a good accompaniment, too.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pound brisket, trimmed

• 2 packages Lipton onion soup mix

• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounce cans)

• 5 ounces of robust red wine, such as Burgundy

• 5 ounces water

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Mix together onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, wine and water.

• Pour mixed ingredients into a large roasting pan with a lid.

• Place brisket in the pan, on top of the mix, fat side down. Cover with the lid or, if you don’t have a lid, seal tightly with foil.

• Roast for 3.5 hours or until fully cooked. You’ll know when the meat is done by poking it with a fork — it should be very tender.

NOTE: When removing lid or foil, take care — there will be steam!

• 20 ounces apricot/pineapple preserves

• 2 cups of white raisins, soaked in orange juice for two hours and drained

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13-inch pan (preferably glass) with oil.

• Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and pour into the greased pan.

• Bake for 45-50 minutes. Let cool for an hour or so, to allow it to set.

• Serve warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers.

WILD AT HEART

The untouched wilderness of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

KSTORY AND PHOTOS BY CHUCK GRAHAM

From my limestone perch, doing my best to meld into a lichen-covered cathedral, I watched 18 Dall sheep gradually grazing across layers of permafrost, peat moss and hillocks, nimbly traversing above a swift-moving Kongakut River 300 feet below. This was the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and the tundra biome I viewed from about 100 feet away was teeming with Alaskan wildlife.

Narrow channels called runnels braid and flow beneath the Mordor-like North Slope of the Brooks Range, rushing northward toward the Coastal Plain, gritty barrier islands, Beaufort Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. In all, the ANWR encompasses 19.3 million acres, one of the most wild, untouched habitats left on the planet.

There are no roads, no maintained trails or helipads, and the water is so sweet and clean, filtering it is always an afterthought. The only access into the ANWR is by either backpacking or flying in by bush plane and then rafting rivers like the Canning and the Kongakut. The impressive Brooks Range towers over 9,000 feet above with countless tributaries like the Pagilak and Paulaluk feeding major rivers that eventually converge with the Arctic Ocean.

KEEPING THE WILD IN THE WILDERNESS

Since the area became a National Wildlife Refuge in 1960, it has grown to be the largest refuge in North America. Even so, this vast area has been in the crosshairs for oil drilling. The 1.5 million acres that make up the Coastal Plain, in particular, are estimated to contain up to 11 billion barrels of oil deep beneath the permafrost. Politicians on the left and right have drawn lines in the tundra, and thus the plain was not protected.

However, this region of Northeast Alaska belongs to Alaskan Natives — the Iñupiat in the north and the Gwich’in in the southeast. They still subsist on their lands in the Arctic, relying on the 150,000-plus Porcupine caribou herd that migrates in from Northwest Canada before reaching the Coastal Plain and their calving grounds. This massive caribou herd performs the longest migration of any terrestrial mammal on the planet.

The ANWR supports 43 mammal species such as musk ox, grizzly bear, Arctic and red fox, Dall sheep, gray wolf and wolverine. During the Arctic’s brutally frigid winters, the Coastal Plain is an important denning habitat for polar bears. At least 250 bird species have been documented in the refuge. Bald and golden eagles rule the skies. Waterfowl like harlequin 8

RAINBOW over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the last untouched habitats on the planet.

HEART

and long-tailed ducks, gadwall and mergansers effortlessly swim the rushing rivers. In the spring and summer, thousands of shorebirds rely on the Coastal Plain for nesting habitat, such as Dunlin, red-necked-phalaropes and semipalmated plovers, to name just a few.

If oil drilling was ever to be allowed in the ANWR, it would disrupt its natural wonders, thus setting a precedent for all remaining wild places throughout the west.

Under the Trump Administration, a provision in the 2017 federal tax bill made oil and gas exploration in ANWR the law. Leases went up for bid on January 6, 2020. Those bids fell far short of their financial mark of $900 million. About half the region received no offers at all, and not one major oil company submitted a bid. Only two smaller companies — Regenerate Alaska, a subsidiary of Australia-based 88 Energy, and Knik Arm Services, a small Alaska company owned by Mark Graber — secured leases, totaling $14 million. Many Alaskan politicians argue drilling would be good for jobs, the economy and state revenue.

However, on his very first day in office, President-elect Joe Biden put a temporary halt to oil and gas drilling in the roadless expanse of the refuge. Regenerate Alaska and Knik Arm Services have rolled back their efforts to move forward with oil exploration. The costs of building roads, helipads and other infrastructure on the Coastal Plain has apparently far outweighed the means. For now, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is safe.

A YOUNG CARIBOU crossing the Kongakut River. More than 150,000 Porcupine caribou travel through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge every spring on their way to their calving grounds on the Porcupine River in Alaska’s Coastal Plain.

NORTH SLOPE MEGAFAUNA

With only about 50 yards of spongy tundra and permafrost separating us, a wary female grizzly bear with a single cub in tow had a decision to make.

She had strategically maneuvered her way downwind of me. Just east of the Kongakut River, with the Coastal Plain 10 miles north of me, I could see her wet snout glistening in the morning sun as she sniffed the crisp Arctic air in my direction.

When I realized what she was up to, I dropped my camera pack, pulled out my bear spray, threw my pack back on, and braced myself for what might transpire. At that point, the ball was in mama bear’s court.

I wasn’t hoping for an encounter like this in Northeast Alaska. However, by rafting the Kongakut and hiking in North America’s largest wildlife refuge, I had immersed myself in this Arctic biome, and crossing paths with its wildlife was inevitable.

Seeking the wild in the wilderness has always been a priority for me. When friend and guide Carl Donohue from Expeditions Alaska messaged me about an opening on his rafting trip on the Kongakut, I didn’t hesitate.

Late June meant Summer Solstices hovered over the Arctic Circle, involving long sunny days that gratefully bedeviled me through sleepless nights. Sunset was 12:30 a.m. and sunrise was 3 a.m. It never got dark, as long mountainous shadows crept across chilly Class III and IV rapids on the Kongakut. Apparently, the mosquitoes don’t sleep, either. Donohue told me the biomass of these pest insects far outweighed the entire biomass of the Porcupine caribou herd!

Each day, as soon as I was out of the raft and had finished pitching my tent, I was trekking up colossal tributaries feeding the mighty Kongakut, binoculars and 300mm lens seemingly extensions of my body. I ditched my trail shoes and hiked barefoot most of the time. The tundra was soggy and squishy as I trekked up toward snow-capped peaks and thrashed through dense willow thickets. Amazingly, my feet never looked so clean. Encounters with Dall sheep, musk ox, Arctic ground squirrel and small herds of caribou never let me rest. And then there was that female grizzly with her precocious, blonde cub.

ROOM TO RAMBLE

Once my days-worth of stench confirmed her worst fears, that girthy female grizzly did an about face and rambled eastward up the sweeping river valley, her cub doing its best to keep up. I didn’t take her decision lightly though. As I quickly hiked back to the Kongakut, every 20 paces I looked over my shoulder just to make sure she wasn’t having second thoughts. Before I knew it, they were at least a mile east of me, melding into the Arctic landscape.

As I drew closer to the Kongakut’s steady flow, the roar of the river calmed my fears. The Beaufort Sea beckoned along the Coastal Plain, and our scheduled bush plane pickup was due two days later. There was no time to waste. I was already scanning for my next moment with ANWR’s magnificent megafauna. v

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge www.fws.gov/refuge/arctic

Expeditions Alaska 770.952.4549 trips@expeditionsalaska.com www.expeditionsalaska.com

ABOVE Eagles rule the skies of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

RIGHT Rafting the mighty Kongakut River is one of the best ways to explore this wild and remote habitat.

RED FOX with fish freshly caught from the Kongakut River.

GRIZZLY female and cub rambling across the permafrost of a river valley.

DALL SHEEP inhabit Alaska’s vast Brooks Range.

Uncompromising standards in

VENTURA HARBOR PARADE OF LIGHTS DEC. 16-17 | VENTURA

VENTURA HARBOR PARADE OF LIGHTS Dec. 16-17 | Ventura

A festival of lights on the water near beautiful Ventura Harbor Village. Vessels of all kinds cover themselves in festive decor and sail the harbor, delighting spectators with their seaworthy seasonal displays. The 2022 theme pays homage to all things outer space – Out of This World! We are looking forward to a very colorful boat parade and Harbor Village festivities! Soak up some holiday cheer with shimmering lights, whirling kid carnival rides, boutique gift shopping, delicious dining and more. We’ll SEA you there! Carnival starts at 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16; 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 with faux snowfall at 5:30 p.m. Boat parade begins at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks at 8 p.m. (weather permitting). Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, 805.477.0470, www.venturaharborvillage.com.

FOOTWORKS’ THE NUTCRACKER

DEC. 16-18 | VENTURA

MISBEHAVIN’

FOOTWORKS YOUTH BALLET

PRESENTS

THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 16-18 | Ventura

A traditional holiday party and a very typical sibling rivalry set the stage for an entertaining fantasy journey to the Land of Sweets. With a cast of nearly 60 children and teens, Footworks Youth Ballet’s 23rd production of The Nutcracker, under the direction of Artistic Director Kirsten Oakley, will dazzle audiences with its colorful costumes, professional sets and familiar musical score. A free family educational lecture and story time will begin one hour prior to the performance time. The tale of the Nutcracker Prince will be told, costumes will be shown, and a brief discussion about the history of the classic ballet will occur. Performances on Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, www.oakleyballet.com.

2022 SIP, TASTE AND TOUR OF CHRISTMAS TREE LANE

Dec. 17 | Oxnard

Enjoy an evening stroll through Ventura County’s beautiful Christmas Tree Lane. Tour the interiors of four historic homes decked out for the holidays.You’ll also enjoy tasting delectable bites from local restaurants, along with beverages from local wineries and breweries. $60 per guest; tours at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Group discounts are available by calling 805.483.7960; limit of 15 guests per tour. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Heritage Square/Oxnard Heritage Foundation. Henry T. Oxnard Historic District, F and G streets between Palm and Fifth streets, Oxnard. More information at heritagesquareoxnard.com/christmas.html.

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

Through Dec. 18 | Ventura

It’s 1930’s Harlem, and the joint is jumpin’! Nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom are the playgrounds of high society, and dive bars on Lenox Avenue pulse with piano players banging out new tunes that are a wild mix of raucous, rowdy and mournful. At home on the keyboard is Thomas “Fats” Waller – the big-hearted, bigger-than-life impresario and international jazz pianist who helped create and define American swing. Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a musical tribute to Waller’s passion for pleasure and play. The revue features a five-person, triple-threat cast performing hit songs like “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Your Feet’s Too Big,” “Black and Blue,” “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Right Myself a Letter,” “The Jitterbug Waltz” and the title song. Tickets start at $39.50. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 East Main Street, Ventura, 805.667.2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

ELF THE MUSICAL

Through Dec. 18 | Ojai Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. To spread Christmas cheer among those in need, Ojai ACT invites audience members to bring canned goods to donate to Help of Ojai. $10-25. Ojai ACT, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.8797, ojaiact.org.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Through Dec. 18 | Santa Paula

All aboard! The exotic Orient Express is hurtling down the tracks… to a murder! Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express hits SPTC’s stage with a train full of suspects and an alibi for each one. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is filled to capacity, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. Isolated, with a killer on the loose, Detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer – before he or she decides to strike again. Ken Ludwig’s clever adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense of Dame Agatha’s celebrated novel, with a healthy dose of humor to quicken the pace. SPTC audiences are in for a suspenseful, thrilling ride aboard the legendary Orient Express! Don’t go off the rails – hop on board today! $22-24. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 South Seventh Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.

RESILIENCE: ART OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

Through

Dec. 19 | Oxnard

This exhibition will explore how creatives are inspired by the natural world. Five award-winning local artists, Joe Adams, Holly Woolson, Linda Legman, Genie Thomsen, and Christina Altfeld, will use unique mediums to explore the flora and fauna of the Channel Islands. Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands will be the CIMM’s largest temporary exhibition to date. Through printmaking, painting, drawing and ceramics, artists will capture the extraordinary diversity of the many species that call the Channel Islands home. Reflecting on the unique conditions and challenges of island life, this exhibit will also provide a special educational opportunity for guests of all ages. By exploring natural history and stunning biodiversity, from the ancient pygmy mammoth to the Channel Islands Fox, Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands strives to express the true miracles of these legendary islands. Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.

AIN’T

THROUGH DEC. 18 | VENTURA

Photo by Loren Haar

Photo by Todd Lechtick

Photo courtesy of Ventura Harbor Village

THE ILLUSIONISTS: MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS DEC. 22 | THOUSAND OAKS

THE ILLUSIONISTS: MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS

Dec. 22 | Thousand Oaks

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22. $52-72. Fred Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

Through Dec. 24 | Moorpark

Underwood Family Farm’s autumn celebrations give way to winter delights with a variety of holiday decor and activities to make the season bright. Lights, ornaments, presents and other trimmings deck the animal center, playgrounds and farmstand, to enchant attendees of all ages and provide ample opportunities for festive photos. Holiday arts and crafts, fun games like the cookie toss and ring a tree, duck racing, sleigh rides with draft horses and even a decorated train will help put everyone in the holiday spirit. Find a Christmas tree to take home while picking your own fresh produce in the fields. Kids can enjoy visits with Santa on weekends through Dec. 18, and his reindeer will make special appearances Dec. 17-18. There’s even more in store, so dash away to this family-friendly, farm-fresh festival of Yuletide cheer this season! $10-14; free for children under 2. Discounts for military, veterans, emergency first responders and seniors. 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark and 5696 East Los Angeles Avenue, Somis. underwoodfamilyfarms.com.

HOLIDAYS AT THE COLLECTION

Through Dec. 24 | Oxnard

The Collection at RiverPark has more than a month of festive activities planned for the holiday season. Enjoy arts and crafts with holiday characters at the Peppermint Kids Club, a Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, Letters to Santa, photo opportunities with Ol’ St. Nick for children, families and even pets and plenty of delightful decorations to enjoy all around. And of course, you’ll have no trouble scratching off your shopping list at The Collection’s many fine stores, and re-energizing at eateries of all kinds to satisfy every appetite. Enjoy this feast for the eyes, ears and senses all season long at The Collection. 2751 Park View Court, Oxnard, 805.278.9500, thecollectionrp.com

SNOW N GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

Through Dec. 26 | Ventura

Gather your family and friends and get ready to make some holiday memories! Snow tube down our giant snow hill made of real snow, sip on hot cocoa while strolling through millions of holiday lights, take a trip through the s’mores bar or ride the festive carousel. For the ultimate experience, rent a Holiday Magic Igloo, which includes fresh snow delivered directly to your site. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Spark of Love. Fireworks every Saturday night. Get your tickets now to enjoy this very special Winter Wonderland by the Sea! $14.99-799. Surfer’s Point Live at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, www.snownglow.com.

13TH ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE EXHIBIT AND TOURS

Through Jan. 7 | Oxnard

Come see Oxnard’s Heritage Square decorated at the best time of the year! One of its annual highlights is a holiday-inspired display of gingerbread creations at Heritage Square Hall. While visiting us, take our guided tour experience of the former houses’ exteriors with select interiors. The gingerbread house exhibit is free to view; tours are $5 per person. Evening and weekday group tours and viewing by appointment available. One of the sweetest ways to celebrate the season in Ventura County! Heritage Square Hall, 731 South A Street, Oxnard, heritagesquareoxnard.com/christmas.html.

14TH ANNUAL ART ABOUT AGRICULTURE

Through March 5 | Santa Paula

The 14th Annual Art About Agriculture exhibition features 62 fresh works of art by 60 exceptional artists. Art About Agriculture is a group show presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance, a collective formed in 2007 by Santa Paula artists John Nichols and Gail Pidduck. The purpose of the exhibit is to promote awareness of agriculture by exploring its many facets through art — from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that goes on our plates. In addition, John Galan’s Remedios (Remedies), combining the universal archetypes of the lungs, brain and heart with symbolic imagery from contemporary Chicanx culture and cuisine, continues through Jan. 8. Two great exhibits not to be missed! Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

ON THE HORIZON

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Jan. 9 | Thousand Oaks

An electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin. This concert experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage and triumph. Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, come experience a night of music by one of the greatest artists of all time. The concert features all your favorite hits in one evening, including “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” “Respect” and many more. You’ll be out of your seat and dancing in the aisles as you lose yourself in the music that inspired a generation. Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. $45-75. Fred Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

Photo by Oxnard Downtowners

Photo courtesy Jessi May Stevenson/SPTC

Ideal Homesideal HOMES

Two houses on one lot! Live in one, rent the other! Front house is a 3+1, 1151 sf home built in 1950. Remodeled kitchen and bath, hardwood floors (appears to be hardwood under carpet too), large windows for lots of light. Rear house is a 3+2, 1168 sf

with a 2-car attached garage and built in 2007. Two addresses, 2 electrical panels, 2 gas meters, 1 water meter, 1 APN. Perfect for investors or buyers that need or want two homes! Rare and unique opportunity in Ventura. Listed by Coastlands

Private and quiet end unit in the highly desirable Cape Weston Regatta condos!Beautifully upgraded with kitchen counters, backsplash, stainless appliances and wood or woodlike floors thru-out. Featuring 3 generous bedrooms and 2.5

baths, the primary suite also has a large walk-in closet, high ceilings and an en-suite bath. In this must-see condo you’ll also enjoy multiple living spaces; one with a lovely fireplace and mantle which opens to your generous private patio area! Call Laurie Rutledge (805) 340-

This ocean front new construction home with unbelievable views is a Modern Cape Cod nestled on the water’s edge in Faria Beach. On the coastline between Ventura and Montecito, this idyllic spot allows for its residents to surf, kayak, swim, fish, sunbathe, take in the sunset, and stargaze. Enjoy phenomenal views from the family room, dining room, kitchen, wine-tasting room, and primary suite. The many windows, decks and balconies provide incredible vistas of blue waves, marine life, white water, and the surfers’ paradise known as Mondo’s Beach. The first level includes a three-car garage, great room with incredible views, a winetasting room or den with water views, a downstairs bedroom, a downstairs laundry room

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YOU WILL BE AMAZED AND IMPRESSED with this truly move-in ready, turn-key and low maintenance home. When you approach the front of the home you’ll notice a comfy patio that’s perfect for enjoying your morning coffee, watching trick-or-treaters or enjoying our mild climate. Once inside you’ll appreciate the recently installed luxury vinyl plank flooring and tall baseboards that run throughout the first floor. The kitchen has recently installed quartz counters, upgraded kitchen cabinets, designer lighting, large kitchen island (with room for 4), upgraded appliances and a ton of storage and prep space. The open-concept dining and living area is perfect for entertaining family and friends. You’ll appreciate the size of the closet under the

stairs (make sure to check out the whole closet). The downstairs is completed with a half bathroom and direct access to the garage. The carpeted stairs take you up the second level where you are greeted with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a loft area to the left and the primary bedroom to the right. The second level has the same luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The loft is perfectly sized for use as a TV area, work out area or home office. Both secondary bedrooms are right sized and offer good storage in the closets. The primary suite offers a good sized bedroom, walkin closet and ensuite bathroom that has dual sinks with a huge mirror. The good sized yard is accessed through a large slide in the kitchen. The yard offers an entertaining area highlighted

with pavers. There’s a nice grassy area that is perfect for kids, pets or just relaxing. Other highlights of the property include: air conditioning, 2-car garage (with the ability to install an EV charger, upstairs laundry room, custom tile backsplash and the HOA is responsible for the front yard landscaping and maintenance. Schedule your showing today!

This

4,700

Ideal

Listed for $1,799,000

3692 Pacific Coast Highway, Faria Beach - Ventura –Nearly Complete New Construction with 40 feet of Ocean Frontage!

ocean front home with unbelievable views is a Modern Cape Cod nestled on the water’s edge in Faria Beach. On the coastline between Ventura and Montecito, this idyllic spot allows for its residents to surf, kayak, swim, fish, sunbathe, take in the sunset, and stargaze. Enjoy phenomenal views from the family room, dining room, kitchen, wine-tasting room, and primary suite. The many windows, decks and balconies provide incredible vistas of blue waves, marine life, white water, and the surfers’ paradise known as Mondo’s Beach. Approx.

Square Feet, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Listed for $8,700,000

5118 Sealane Way, Mandalay Shores

for entertaining! Spacious home down the block from the beach. More than 3000 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Open concept living makes this a great getaway to host family and friends or full-time home to enjoy casual coastal living and incredible weather. Roof deck with peek a boo ocean view! Great outdoor space and a 3-car garage too.