April 2008

M E E T T H E U LT I M AT E R E A L E S TAT E R E S O U R C E T he Ventur a/ O x n a r d CMA TEAM

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ventana

CONTENTS

VOL.2 NO.11

EDITOR’S NOTE

APR 2008

6 Highbrow/Lowbrow

F E AT U R E S CULTURE

39 Liquid Gold: Soprano Nicole Cabell

PERSONALITY

20 Ivan Amodei: The Home of Magic

INNOVATION

32 Driving Design: DesignworksUSA

TRAVEL

27 Cruising Cunard’s Queen Victoria

D E PA R T M E N T S COMMUNITY

SHOPPING

10 Spring Living: Fusion Home

AUTOMOBILES

12 2008 BMW M6 Convertible

NESTING

THE LIST

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8 Casa Pacifica Angels Ball

15 Ventura Goes Green 46 Local Events

COVER: Nicole Cabell, dressed up “to look like something,” as she describes the glamorous attire and make-up of the opera world.

Photography/Makeup: devoncass.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

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I

Highbrow/Lowbrow I’m no fan of opera. Don’t get me wrong: I appreciate it, particularly the vocal power and highbrow tradition. But it’s simply not my world. There are no black ties in my closet. I’d start fidgeting in my seat and looking for an opera house exit—or, better yet, a bar—before the first Bravo! left me wondering if I should’ve yelled Brava! (If the singer is a castrato, does the audience yell both simultaneously?)

Of course opera isn’t as rigid as uninitiated types like me tend to think. And they stopped castrating young male singers to preserve their pre-pubescent voices long ago. To put things in a modern perspective: opera is a fabulous multimedia experience, with spectacular sets and costumes, music, and a storyline performed live.

No one in the world of opera shatters misperceptions like this month’s cover girl, Ventura’s own Nicole Cabell (p. 39). We’re all familiar with the stereotype of the fat German soprano in a horned helmet whose singing announces the end of the show. Well, that show is over and the fat lady ain’t singing. Opera has a new face. Cabell is the modern soprano, a multi-ethnic American vision from a humble background whose voice would melt even the most unimpressed listener. I hesitate to even call it a “voice.” We

LIQUID GOLD: NICOLE CABELL PAGE 39

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all have voices. This is something else: a sound so pure and true that when I first heard it—at a gathering to announce the lineup of this year’s Ventura Music Festival— it left me numb. And I wasn’t alone; there was a palpable skipped heartbeat throughout the audience. The sound rose and fluttered, blowing us ever so gently across a windless pond. It plunged us into the high seas and tossed us about in the waves. It moved the entire room, drowning us in what one reviewer called “liquid gold.”

When I eventually saw a photo of the singer, I saw the cover of Ventana. When you hear Nicole’s voice and read her down-home story, you’ll understand why. Writer Ivor Davis, who is also this year’s president of the Ventura Music Festival, pitched me the article before I even had a chance to ask him to write it.

Another of our stories in this issue focuses on DesignworksUSA (p. 32), a Newbury Park-based company that designs everything from BMWs and luxury jets to futuristic cell phones. Right now, in 2008 at the western lip of the Conejo Valley, they’re working on designs that the rest of the world will consider cutting edge in 2015. And by then, they’ll be well into the ‘20s. Just another local company at the vanguard of its industry, shaping the world we live in.

We also visit the renowned magician Ivan Amodei in this issue. Ivan graduated from Thousand Oaks High and lives on a stunning property in Somis, but I met him at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, where he performs a baffling close-up act. There’s a very strict dress code at the Magic Castle; men are required to wear ties. Which is why you’ll find exactly one in my closet. It’s not black, but it’s a tie. Maybe there’s hope for me yet.

MATT KATZ, EDITOR MattK@VentanaMonthly.com

THE HOME OF MAGIC: IVAN AMODEI PAGE 20

EDITOR IN CHIEF Matt Katz ART DIRECTOR Christy Sisneros ASSISTANT EDITOR Maxine Hurt CIRCULATION Teresa Wann-Davis HUMAN RESOURCES Andrea Baker ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Peter Burgi Sharon Gifford Ginger Hendrix Diane Newman Nima Noury Kelly-marie Tracy CONTRIBUTORS Devon Cass Michael Robinson Chavez Ivor Davis Lucas Deming Leslie Dinaberg Michelle Ferry Emily Hagopian Maryann Hammers Paul Harris Jan Sanders Harvey Schwartz GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Bret Hooper Lindsay Foster VP NATIONAL & GROUP SALES Charles Gerencser CONTROLLER Michael Nagami ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR Angela Wang ACCOUNTING Tracy Lowe PUBLISHER David Comden

CONTACT US ADVERTISING publisher@ventanamonthly.com EDITORIAL editor@ventanamonthly.com PHONE (805) 648-2244 FAX (805) 648-2245 MAILING ADDRESS 700 East Main Street Ventura, CA 93001 www.VentanaMonthly.com

Ventana Monthly is direct mailed to 25,000 selected homeowners and over 600 business locations each month. Total circulation is 33,000. ©2008 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

DRIVING DESIGN: VERENA KLOOS PAGE 32

COMMUNITY

CASA PACIFICA ANGELS BALL FEBRUARY 23, 2008 SHERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB The Angels Ball, an annual black-tie fundraiser for the children and families of Casa Pacifica in Camarillo, was held February 23 at the Sherwood Country Club. The event focused on the impact the organization has on its alumni and the community. Grace Stotts, a Casa Pacifica alumna, shared her personal story, providing a glimpse into her life as a survivor of the foster-care system and the difference that the staff and volunteers of Casa Pacifica can make in a child’s life. A strand of pearls was sold in a live auction and promptly gifted to Grace by the winning bidder. The event brought in over $190,000, which will be credited toward the organization’s goal of raising $2.3 million in 2008. For more information about Casa Pacifica, visit www.casapacifica.org.

(right) The Cassar Family: Mark, Debi, Wendy, Leah, Sean, Hugh, Keets, and Robert (clockwise from below) Cristina Miranda and Grace Stotts; Ann Marie Bollinger, Kirsten Selleck, Carrie Hughes, Ericka Arnold; Petra and Al Lowe; Jennifer and Tony Principe, Kimberly and Farshad Fardad, Reza and Jennifer Koliai; Eloise Cohen, David and Linda Catlin, Charles Cohen PHOTOS BY JAN SANDERS

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SHOPPING

Spring Living Spring is the time to clear out the clutter and move into a new season with a fresh perspective. With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, visitors are more likely than ever to come calling. And when they do, your home had better be in order. So it’s high time you spruce up that living room to create a sumptuous environment for lounging with friends and family. One of the county’s best selections of home furnishings is available at Fusion Home in Downtown Ventura. With their stylish assortment and “Three R” philosophy—respect the earth and its inhabitants, recycle used items whenever possible, restore the eminence of artisanship—it’s a perfect place to shop. And not a bad mindset to start the spring season.

Fusion Home 418 East Main Street, Ventura ph: 805.652.7017 www.FusionHomeStore.com

BY MAXINE HURT PHOTO BY LUCAS DEMING

Furn i tur e an d acc ess ori es d is pl ayed on wall - Framed Seashell Beauty Wall Art, $125 each; behind sectional - Bamboo Room Screen, $329.99; Bamboo Modular Shelf, $1,000; on shelf - Large Slate Blue Vase, $89.99; J. Cariti Tall Blue Bottle, $225; J. Cariti Small Blue Bottle, $150; Mirage 4x6 Mirror Frame, $45; Black Carved Glass Vase, $75; Orchids $5/stem; Black Bump Pot, $50; Giant Silver Starfish, $45; Mirage 8x10 Mirror Frame, $65; left of sectional - Eileen Gray Side Table, $199.99; Tripod Table Lamp, $250; Tall Pucci Vase, $95; Loft Ottoman, $599.99; Leather Chaise Sectional, $3,499 as shown; Blue Fringe Throw, $99.99; Oakage 18"Pillow, $99.99; Cara 20" Stone Pillow, $79.99; right of sectional - Tripod Floor Lamp, $499.99; front of sectional - Jack 36" Round Table, $599.99; Smoked Glass Candle Holder Sm, $45; Med, $50; Lg, $60; Taper Candle Sticks, $2.99 each; Smoked Bell Glass Jar, $109.99; Large Silver Starfish (inside jar), $18

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KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING

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AUTOMOBILES

Base Price $104,900 ($115,770 as tested) Engine 5.0 liter DOHC, 40-valve V10, allaluminum alloy with M high-pressure, Double-VANOS VVT Horsepower 507 at 7,750rpm Transmission Seven-speed sequential manual gearbox Front suspension Independent aluminum doublepivot strut-type with gas-charged shocks and anti-roll bar Rear suspension Independent aluminum 4-link integral with gas-charged shocks and anti-roll bar

2008 BMW M6 Convertible

B

Top down and spring cruising in Ventura County

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY HARVEY SCHWARTZ

BMW takes the M6 sup er-coup e to new levels of sensory perception in 2008, taking off the roof to give drivers that coveted feeling of wind in the hair and the SoCal sun above. And now that spring is officially upon us in Ventura County, could there be a better time—or place—for a convertible BMW? Like its coupe stable mate, the M6 convertible combines a 500 horsepower V10 engine and the industry’s first seven-speed sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic. It also combines luxury and elegance with true super-car performance: 0-60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The M6 convertible has all the performance capabilities of the M6 coupe, and the styling cues that clearly identify this car as the work of BMW M: the aggressive and functional front air dam, adaptive xenon headlamps, and BMW’s signature twin-kidney grille. From the side, one sees a steeply raked windshield and flared fenders stuffed with 19-inch wheels that showcase the large crossdrilled brakes. The rear features an air-diffuser that enhances stability at high speeds, LED lamps, and four round, polished stainless steel tailpipes. And it’s all combined with the elegance and functionality of the 6 Series convertible: the luxurious 2+2 seating, the generous trunk, and the multi-layered soft top. This rare mixture provides the open-air driving enthusiast with one of the most unique driving experiences on the road.

The M6 convertible takes full advantage of the high-revving, 500hp V10 engine. With a redline in excess of 8,000 rpm and a 5.0 liter capacity, this normally aspirated engine delivers a genuine 100hp per liter—once the exclusive territory of racecars.

The race-bred V10 combines state-of-the-art electronics, variable-valve-timing, and the sort of technology you’d expect from BMW Motorsports.

Truth be told, law abiding citizens of Ventura County aren’t likely to need all 500 horses in the sort of driving conditions we have locally. So BMW has two driver selectable settings—P400 is

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set automatically when you push the start button and gives you up to 400 hp; all you have to do to bring up the full 500 hp is push the power button on the console. (A P500 sport mode is available for even more dynamic response.)

BMW M engineers reinforced the chassis and pillars of the M6 convertible so you’ll never feel any shake when going over poorly paved roads. The specially tuned, fully independent suspension features Electronic Damping Control that not only offers you a choice of three settings ranging from Sport to Comfort, but also constantly adjusts the shock absorber firmness to the speed that you are traveling.

In addition to ride comfort and superb handling, the M6 convertible offers Variable M Differential Lock, Dynamic Stability Control, and M Dynamic mode—systems that give the car outstanding traction in all driving conditions, particularly when accelerating out of a curve. The intelligent differential senses which wheel is slipping and which wheel has the traction, instantly channeling torque to the drive wheel with greater traction. No other coupe or convertible can be tuned so extensively to suit your driving style and driving ability.

The luxurious interior is tailored to the driving enthusiast.

Roomy and comfortable, it boasts supportive, glove-soft leather seats surrounded by aluminum and carbon fiber trim. The interior also features special touches that distinguish it as a product of BMW M, such as the M logos on the headrests and exclusive seams on the seats and steering wheel. The white-on-black instrument cluster features a 200mph speedometer with traditional BMW M red indicator needles.

With the wind in your hair, 500hp on tap, and a quick-shifting seven-speed SMG gearbox, you’re likely to find that the 2008 BMW M6 convertible truly does offer the “Ultimate Driving Experience”—even if you can’t (legally) open it up on those long Oxnard straightaways. v

EPA mileage estimates 12mpg/city, 19mpg/highway

Explore Ventura Harbor Village

Dining • Fashion • Fa mily Fun • Lifest yle shopping • Adventure

April Events April 12, Vintage Volkswagen Car Show:

7 a.m.- 3p.m., Ventura Harbor Village main lawn, 10th annual VW Treffen Show raffles and trophies for 23 different classes! For registration, call 805-650-2045 or visit www.airheadparts.com.

April 26, Art at the Harbor: 10 a.m.- dusk, in conjunction with Ventura Artwalk, come vote at the Brooks Institute Ventura Harbor Village Photo Contest and enjoy art activities, live entertainment, chalk paint artists, ice sculpting, children’s art projects and Limoneira Company hot air balloon glow at dusk!

You Be The Judge… SPINNAKER SEAFOOD BROILER, a local favorite since 1987. Mesquite Grilled Seafood, Steaks, Chicken & Ribs or try our Famous Hot Crab Dip or Cioppino, Buffalo Shrimp or Oyster Pesto. You will find the atmosphere at Spinnakers most delightful, the food delicious and our service warm and friendly. 1583 Spinnaker Drive, call (805) 658-6220.

THE GREEK AT THE HARBOR serves breakfast every Saturday and Sunday from 8-11 a.m., lunch daily from 11 a.m.4 p.m., and dinner from 4 p.m. daily. Belly dancing and Greek dancing in evenings. Happy hour is 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday.

1583 Spinnaker Dr., next to Carols Cottage by the Sea. Call (805) 650-5350 or visit www.greekventuraharbor.com.

a.m.- 9 p.m. daily. Fresh Southwest Mexican food with seafood specials and award-winning handshaken margaritas. Sunset views from front patio, harbor and hillside views from inside and back patio. Elevator access is available.

1567 Spinnaker Dr., above Ventura Village Carousel call (805) 654-7906.

ANDRIA’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AND MARKET Open 7 days from 11am, for lunch and dinner.

Voted Best Seafood Restaurant in Ventura County. 1449 Spinnaker D r., cal l (805) 654-0546 or v isit www.andr iass eaf ood.c om.

W W W.

Photo by Tim Hauf

MARGARITA VILLA is open 11

ISLAND PACKER CRUISES Half day and all day excursions to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island almost daily. Nature led hike or on your own for two to four hours ashore. Opportunity to view the island wildflowers in bloom and seals and sea lions, dolphins, marine birds and other marine life. 1691 Spinnaker Dr., for reservations call (805) 642-1393 or visit our Web site at www.Islandpackers.com.

THE EVENT CENTER AT VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE: * Social Events * Corporate Functions * Business Luncheons * Wedding Receptions * Holiday Parties * Birthday Celebrations * Anniversaries Buffet or full-service catering, full bar service and live music or DJ. 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 109, Ventura, CA 93001

VENTURAHARBORVILLAGE.COM

NESTING

Ventura Goes Green

Active environmentalism comes home

E

BY LESLIE DINABERG PHOTO BY EMILY HAGOPIAN

www.emilyhagopian.com

Ear th Day is April 22, but you c an celebrate the ear th ever y day of the year by incorporating green building and remodeling practices into your home. Allen Associates Green Resources Manager Karen Feeney shares these practical tips: Take a look at your operating efficiency. You can save money on utilities by making greener choices for your home. A remodel, she tells us, is the perfect opportunity to put in a high efficiency furnace: “There are so many energy efficient systems out there right now…If you put in a new heating system, it’s going to make your house more comfortable because it’s not only going to work really well, it’s also not going to be burning fossil fuels to operate.”

Green doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive. Especially when you look at long-term costs: “You’ve got that house for several years of your life, so it’s really a wise choice to go ahead and make some of those adjustments…If you look at the lifespan of a house, you’re bringing your costs down and saving money.”

Improved insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. You don’t have to tear down entire walls; just drill small holes at the top and the bottom of the walls and blow in cellulose, which is recycled newspaper, or foam insulation. That will fill up the entire cavity, making your house more airtight. Then you simply patch the holes and repaint the walls.

Tighter w indows also improve insulation, bringing down your heating and cooling costs.

“You can go in and do replacement on windows, and do it very inexpensively,” Feeney explains. “You can take, let’s say, an aluminum-framed single-paned window and put in a window that fits in that same place but is double-paned.”

Carpets can be one of your home’s biggest health hazards. Due in part to dust, mold, lead, and asbestos in the home, more than 38 percent of Americans suffer from allergies: “When you put a new carpet in your home and then take it out 10 years later, it can weigh three times more, especially if you have a dog or a lot of dirt tracked in…There’s documentation that shows if you take a carpet out of a house where somebody has asthma or allergies, their health improves immensely.” v

Energy efficient windows connect indoor and outdoor spaces at this Allen Associates house (above) in Santa Paula. With tripledigit summer temperatures to consider, natural ventilation was a key aspect of the property’s design.

For more Earth Day green living tips, check out these local events.

Midtown G reen H ome & G arden Tour A self-guided home tour—emphasizing sustainable building and/or gardening practices—to see how others in the community are already using green principles. Sponsored by the Midtown Ventura Community Council and the City of San Buenaventura. Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $10. Tickets available at Arketype Architects Inc., 275 S. San Clemente St., Ventura, 805.653.5088. For more information, call Dan Long at 805.653.6573 or email him at sandmand@pacbell.net.

Ear th Day E xp o Businesses and non-profit groups will share information to help citizens go green, save energy, and save money. Sponsored by the Midtown Ventura Community Council and the City of San Buenaventura. Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free. City of Ventura Sanjon Maintenance Yard, 336 Sanjon Rd., Ventura.

Green Building Workshop Celebrate Earth Day by learning from local building experts at Allen Associates how you can make your home energy efficient and more durable—and still stay within your budget. Tuesday, April 22, 7 to 9 p.m., free. Elizabeth Topping Room, E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Ventura. Call 805.641.0839 to reserve a spot.

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YOUR HOME...

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Y O U R In today ’s real estate world, experience, integrity and attention to detail are paramount.

The Fairchild & Ridgway G r o u p at RE/MAX Gold Coast REALTORS® have worked passionately to develop a successful system with the single focus of obtaining results for our clients. We have over 60 years combined real estate experience. You and your home are a priority to us from the first day through the final stages of closing. We are each individually skilled in meeting the unique challenges you face in buying or selling your home. Call Bob or Judy at (805)339-3563 or visit us at www.fairchildandridgway.com.

Jeff King has owned K i t c h e n P l a c e s for 15 years. He is

also a graduate of the Environmental Studies program at UC Santa Barbara.

King has now combined his interests and specializes as an Eco-Remodeler of luxury kitchens and baths. The Kitchen Places design team is very knowledgeable about their sustainable and renewable product choices for cabinets, countertops and flooring.

The designers also strive to incorporate green elements within their space plans. King’s installation crews are sorting post-consumer building materials and installing energy-efficient tankless water heaters and appliances. During the remodeling process, they’re also installing in-floor heating systems, dual-glazed windows and insulation to make older

G R E E N is beautiful

Green concept, as it applies toward kitchen design, is more than bamboo plywood and concrete countertops. It is a holistic approach that considers air quality and emissions in the manufacturing process, the use of certified and sustainable materials and a concern for energy efficiency in manufacturing and the design of a kitchen.

Kitche n P laces is a remodeling firm that is concerned about the environment. Based upon your level of commitment, we are able to offer you products and services that share this philosophy.

Stop into our showroom and you will see the difference Kitchen Places can make in your remodeling experience.

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C A S T L E homes more efficient. In short, Kitchen Places is remodeling today with a sustainable future in mind.

Check out their innovative showroom located at 4125 Market Street, Suite 1 in Ventura.

Isensee Floor Covering has over 50 years of experience in Ventura County. Our family owned and operated business provides the knowledge and assets necessary to offer high quality and reliable service, which our repeat customers have grown to expect.

Our sales staff, which includes two trained designers, have many years of experience in the home decor industry.

Their goal is to provide the information necessary to help

our customers make informed and non-pressured decisions on their home decorating needs, all in a friendly, professional manner. Our employee installation crews average over 15 years of experience and have the training and expertise to install all of today's complex flooring and window products.

Ventura County is home to W o o d c r a f t S h u t t e r s, a local company that manufactures shutters for the public as well as the wholesale and design trades. Woodcraft Shutters offers the highest quality custom shutters for your home or business. Each order is custom made to your specifications. Our quality is backed by a written warranty.

We have an excellent rating

STON E SOLUTIONS A Natural Stone Source 805.650.5210 6019 OLIVAS PARK DR. UNIT B VENTURA

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Serving Ventura County for over 50 years, Isensee Floorcovering, Inc., has everything you need to cover your floors or windows. Locally owned and operated, our professionals offer factory trained installation as well as decorating advice. Whether you need carpet, hardwood, vinyl, custom drapery, shutters or area rugs, Isensee has you covered!

Stop in and meet our friendly staff or visit us online at www.isenseefloorcovering.com

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Installation is completed by our own staff, never by an outside sub-contractor. We also sell blinds and shades at discount prices. Call us at 805-983-1735 for a free estimate.

attractive prices are their goal.

Gifts, jewelry by Wild Poppies, original oils and Giclee prints by Ventura artist Elain Thompson are also among the many treasures you’ll find at Malinowski & Todd. Designers and their clients welcome.

Malinowski & T o d d, established in 2004, is located in Ventura’s Midtown Shopping District. This stylish shop offers a unique collection of fine furniture, home and outdoor décor, iron garden accessories and ecofriendly products. In addition, owners Dave Malinowski and Lance Todd have created a pleasant and relaxed shopping atmosphere. Friendly service and exciting products at

The Gentlemen A n t i q u a r i a n s - Exquisite treasures abound! If the truly unique or hard to find is what you’re looking for, come on in. From Vintage Chanel handbags and antique designer watches to rare art, sculpture and estate furniture, we are THE source.

Stop in and explore the Gentlemen Antiquarians’ splendid 5,000 square foot antique emporium,and come

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

C A S T L E meet our in-house designer and appraisers Michael Olivas and Carl Clapham.

What would you give to know exactly where to find Closet something?

At F a c t o r y , we specialize in organizing closets, home offices, garages, entertainment centers, pantries and more. Work with your designer to develop the best plan for you. You can contact Closet Factory at (800) 8463781 or visit www.closetfactory.com. Our designers are available to meet with you any day of the week.

C a s i C i e l o is a specialty boutique featuring gourmet desserts and chocolates and European designs for the

home. When you walk through the doors of Casi Cielo your senses go on an Old World journey through European streets lined with luscious bakeries as all of our desserts are made fresh daily on site. Our furniture is hand picked by the owner Mary Destefani and brought directly to you at Casi Cielo.

S t o n e S o l u t i o n s has one of the most diverse selections of natural stone. Come see our showroom of stunning custom medallions, onyx, quartz, travertine, marble, slate and much more. You will find unlimited possibilities for use in residential or commercial applications. See for yourself how beautiful it is when art meets function.

PERSONALITY

O The Home of Magic

Illusion meets realit y amongst the lemon blossoms of Somis, where magician Ivan Amo dei and his family live a charmed life at their 3,000-square-foot I talian villa.

BY MA XINE HURT PHOTOS BY MICHELLE FERRY

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On a country road in Somis, a magician, his wife, and their twin babies—a boy and a girl—live in an Italian villa shaded by the branches of a pepper tree. I drive through their ornate gate and continue down a winding driveway, passing rows of lemon trees that reveal first a fountain and then the magician’s home. They greet me at the door, the magician and his wife (the twins are napping), and I step into their world—a place where magic has served a dual purpose.

Ivan Amodei appears to be a normal man; at first glance, there is nothing “magical” about him.

Instead of a magician’s mesmeric gaze, his is congenial, coming from behind a pair of stylish glasses. A topaz blue button-up shirt tucked neatly into designer jeans replaces the classic swirling black cape. And his atmospheric castle is actually a sunny, two-story, 3,000-square-foot Italian villa in the middle of a lemon orchard on 30 acres.

Villa Amodei is unlike most magicians’ homes. “Typically, if you go and meet a lot of magicians, you would walk into their house and the whole house is magic…with posters everywhere. I’m not like that,” says Ivan as he and his hazel-eyed wife, Jenny, guide me into their family room. The room, tastefully decorated by Jenny, an interior designer who designed their home using an eclectic mix of European influences pulled together with pieces from high-end boutiques, antique marts, and flea markets, is perfect for lounging and entertaining friends. It doesn’t seem like magic lives here—until Ivan approaches the bookshelf, removes a novel, and pulls a lever revealing a secret door leading to his den. “When I was a little boy—I started magic at age five—I always thought it would be cool to have a secret door in my house,” he says with a smile. Abracadabra! 37 years later, Ivan’s secret door materialized.

Five-year-old Ivan was introduced to magic when a friend of his father’s attended a party at their home. The other guests had not yet arrived and, with time to kill, the man took out his briefcase and began showing tricks to Ivan, whose young mind was instantly transfixed. He asked the man to show him how the tricks were done, but the magician wouldn’t reveal his secrets. Ivan didn’t like secrets, and his amazement quickly turned into determination. He asked his mom to take him to the magic store. Soon, Ivan, an only child who was born in Sicily and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, began visiting the store every day after school. His parents would eventually have to call the owner to ask that he send young Ivan home. Magic, it seems, had become one of his closest friends.

Ivan and his family eventually moved from Brooklyn to Thousand Oaks, where he finished his

Villa Amodei has few earmarks of Ivan’s craft. Italianstyle architecture and a tasteful interior designed by his wife, Jenny, lend the property its own magic. (above) Jenny, Julia, Christiano, and Ivan Amodei.

“When I was a little boy—I started magic at age five—I always thought it would be cool to have a secret door in my house,” he says with a smile. Abracadabra! 37 years later, Ivan’s secret door materialized.

junior and senior years of high school. While working as a waiter at the Velvet Turtle, he performed magic for his customers and filled in for the piano player during his breaks. Everybody loved him, especially the customers, many of whom would ask specifically to sit in the “magic guy’s” section.

Ivan continued his magic while studying marketing at Cal State University. After college, he focused on his art, performing at corporate events for companies such as Amgen, Coca Cola, and Disney, and at private events for a variety of clients including celebrities Alec Baldwin, Heather Locklear, and Wayne Gretsky.

Regardless of the audience, magic is hard work: Ivan has to make things disappear and reappear; he reads people’s minds, destroys things then reassembles them in the blink of an eye; he makes people laugh and puts the audience at ease so they can sit back and enjoy the show without worrying about a possible mishap. The challenge calls to Ivan. The more impossible the feat, the more motivated he is to accomplish it. He tells me about a technique he saw several months ago, and a friend’s comment that it would be “very, very hard to do.” Ivan has been working on the technique ever since. “It takes years to refine just one thing,” he confides. The muscles in his hands cramp from practice, but he won’t stop until the magic is his. And no one will ever see it until his technique and delivery are flawless.

Amodei’s passion paid off when he realized his boyhood dream of performing at the Magic Castle in Hollywood—which is the pinnacle of magic the world over. By the time he was invited (sans audition), he was beyond ready. His closeup act, considered one of the best in the business, had been over 10 years in the making; he’d practiced it thousands of times. “I’ve known him for 13 years and I still leave his shows having had the best time. You just laugh through the whole thing,” says Jenny, who has been by Ivan’s side since the moment they welcomed

me into their home. The twins, Julia and Christiano, awake from their nap, are now laughing and clapping—natural entertainers just like their dad.

After doing magic for 37 years, Ivan has stories galore. One night he received an unexpected call from a man requesting his services for a private event in Bel Air. For security purposes, the man asked for a full description of his car and his driver’s license number. Ivan accepted the job and two hours later arrived at a lavish home in the hills of Bel Air. He performed his magic for a man in a baseball cap and jeans surrounded by a group of women garbed in exotic fabrics. Ivan didn’t recognize his client until he asked one of the women to pick a card. Her response was a revealing, “If the Prince allows it.” Ivan did another impromptu performance for the guards, then went home and told Jenny, “I just did magic for the Prince of Saudi Arabia.”

But this is a man who walks into a room and pulls a full-size pool cue out of thin air. He’s not easily impressed, even by royalty. That’s not to say, however, that he’s never mystified. As we stand on the lawn in front of his ethereal villa, Ivan closes his eyes against the afternoon sun. “I love being outside,” he says. “I never thought I would love grass as much as I do.” Apparently, there are some things that even this magician can’t figure out. v

Ivan Amodei performs world-wide, with frequent appearances at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He is available for private and corporate events. For more information and to see his show schedule, visit www.ivanamodei.com.

Ivan’s wife, Jenny, is the owner of Amodei Designs, a full-service interior design firm at 207 W. Los Angeles Avenue, Suite 324, Moorpark. She is responsible for the elegant design inside Villa Amodei. For more information about her services, call 805.341.2522 or email jenniferamodei@earthlink.net.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Are you hesitant to smile because you’re embarrassed about your teeth? Well, Dr. Levesque believes everyone deserves a healthy, attractive smile and the confidence it can bring. He specializes in a host of cosmetic dentistry options at his Ventura office, serving Oxnard, Santa Paula and the surrounding communities. If you’d like

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to employ a variety of corrective and preventive techniques to keep skin healthy and youthful looking. Dr. Karlsberg is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. He has presented studies at numerous events, and his research has been published in journals such as the Archives of Dermatology.

3 5 S outh. Not being content to remain at the level of "Best Brow Design in Ventura" we have sought out artists with wider acclaim to train us to shape brows for even the most discriminating clients. Billion Dollar Brows of Beverly Hills, brow artists to the stars, have worked with our

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At DeSoto Salon and Spa we are committed to providing our community with the finest quality personal service possible. Our team has been picked for their technical ability and vast experience in the salon spa industry. Because your comfort is our foremost concern, we pledge to tailor the many services we offer to meet your

needs. We are dedicated to your beauty and relaxation. Please accept our invitation for consultation. We look forward to indulging you soon.

A diplomate of the American Board of plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Arthur E. Flynn takes pride in his ability to offer the most advanced care to his patients. He and his staff believe that outstanding results in plastic surgery are the result of meticulous attention to detail in all phases of the patients’ experience.

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DR. SAJ JIVRAJ D.D.S., MS.ED PROSTHODONTIST Specialist in Esthetic, Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry What is a Prosthodontist?

As well as performing General Dentistry, Prosthodontists are experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth- they make smiles look beautiful and function the way they should.

Prosthodontists are true specialists as recognized by the American Dental Association. Only 2% of dentists in the US are trained as Prosthodontists. They undergo three years of additional training following dental school. Prosthodontists receive advanced training in cosmetics, dental implants and reconstructive dentistry.

Areas of Expertise Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Reconstructive Dentistry Crowns, Bridges, Dentures,Implants,Veneers General Dental work also performed A Team Leader Many like to think of a Prosthodontist as the “quarterback” of the dental treatment plan. They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists and other health professionals to develop solutions to your dental needs.

Replacing Lost Teeth Loss of natural teeth, whether an accident or as part of a natural aging process, can be traumatic and affect your outlook on life. With the help of a Prosthodontist, there are many options to replace some or all of your teeth. With Extensive training prosthodontists are able to provide comprehensive treatment options to restore the beauty and function of your smile.

Education Dr. Jivraj completed his dental degree at the University of Manchester in England and his Advanced Prosthdontic training at USC School of Dentistry. He also completed a Masters in Science Education with a specialty in Medical Education from the Rossier School of Education at USC. Committed to Learning Dr. Jivraj is former Chairman of Fixed Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry at USC School of Dentistry. His responsibility included training the faculty and students in Cosmetic, Implant and Reconstructive Procedures. He received the Faculty of the Year Award. This award is presented by the students for a faculty member who has excellent clinical skills and can convey information in an easy to understand manner. He maintains a position as Clinical Associate Professor in the Postdoctoral Advanced Prosthodontic Program.

Lecturing and Publications Dr. Jivraj is a well respected authority in Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry and is often invited to present nationally and internationally on topics pertaining to these subjects. He has published extensively in peer reviewed journals and is co-author of the text book “Treatment Planning In Implant Dentistry”, this text is used worldwide by dental students, graduate students, dentists and specialists.

Professional Memberships American College of Prosthodontists, Academy of Osseointegration, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Dental Society of Europe, European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry

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ENTRY FORM: Total number of tickets purchased: __________ Total amount paid: ______________________ " Check enclosed Payable to Ventura College Foundation " Credit Card (see below) Name: ______________________________ Phone: ______________________________ Address: ____________________________ City:_________________________________ State:________ Zip: ____________________ E-mail Address: ________________________ Please charge my (check one): " VISA " MasterCard " American Express " Discover Name on Credit Card: ____________________________________ Card Number: ____________________________________ Expiration Date: ________________________ Security Code: ________________________ Fill-out and mail this entry form to: Ventura College Foundation Cash Raffle c/o BLAZE, 225 Santa Monica Blvd., Third Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401 or Fax it to (805) 456-4484

T R AV E L

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Elegant by Design

A sailing on Cunard’s newest royal liner—the classy Queen Victoria— is anything but a spring break booze cruise.

BY MAR YANN HAMMERS

Even before you board, you know the Queen Victoria is no ordinary “big box” boat. With her shapely pointed bow and distinctive red and black livery, Cunard’s newest royal liner—sister to the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2—stands out in the port among the cruiseship crowd. The second-largest Cunard ship ever built, the 964-foot-long, 12-deck liner offers plenty of room to roam, but in a refined, understated setting that evokes the cruise line’s storied history and heritage, while being thoroughly modern British.

Polished mahogany walls, Italian marble flooring, hand-woven rugs, and a triple-height Grand Lobby give the look of an elegant London hotel. Cozy window-seating arrangements invite conversation or relaxation. The ship boasts the second-largest library at sea, with 6,000 books, wood-paneled walls, and two levels connected by a sweeping staircase. A tall, round-faced clock—designed by Dent & Co, the clockmaker who created London’s famous “Big Ben”—marks the entrance to the Royal Arcade, which is reminiscent of London's Burlington and Royal Arcades.

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Queen Victoria’s Grand Lobby (previous page) has the refined look of a London 5-star.

Even the pool area is subdued, and an elegant champagneand-caviar bar replaces cheap tequila shooters.

If you were secretly hoping to do a tipsy Macarena by the pool after a few tequila shots,you’re on the wrong ship.

Queen Victoria would not be amused.

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The ship evokes the glory days of classic ocean liners, with art-deco murals by British artists depicting 1920s sail-away scenes, antique maps, and maritime portraits. Oversized vintage black-and-white photographs of Old Hollywood’s glamorous stars hang on stairwell walls: Rex Harrison, Spencer Tracy, Gregory Peck, Dean Martin, George Burns, Bob Hope, and Clark Gable smile and wave from the decks of the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. Cunardia, the first museum at sea, exhibits nautical artifacts, memorabilia, and faded newspaper clips. And lest you forget for whom this ship was named, original etchings by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are displayed, along with photos and period portraits of the monarch, her family, and her pets. (Passengers are invited to view the museum-quality art collection on a self-guided audio iPod tour.)

Though the ship accommodates up to 2,000 guests, it has an intimate, peaceful feel. Even the pool area is whisper-quiet, so travelers with a horror of rousing conga lines and cheesy poolside party games will be glad to know that this royal ship will have none of that. Instead, you can while away your days and nights at a coffee bar, Veuve Clicquot champagne-and-caviar bar, a jazzy piano bar, or Churchill’s cigar lounge. Spend sea days learning to waltz or tango under crystal chandeliers on the 1,000-square-foot wooden ballroom floor. Attend wine-tasting classes, have a treatment in the Royal Spa, sip afternoon tea in the Queens Room, pick up an amusing bauble at Harrods, or throw back a pint at the Red Lion, a traditional English pub.

Come evening, take in a show at the 800-seat Royal Court Theatre with plush red velvet seats and traditional West End-style private boxes, or try your luck at the Empire Casino with slot machines, roulette wheels, and blackjack tables. If you are feeling energetic, go ahead and bust a (dignified) move at Hemispheres, the tasteful top-deck nightclub.

But if you were secretly hoping to do a tipsy Macarena by the pool after a few tequila shots, you’re on the wrong ship. Queen Victoria would not be amused. v Queen Victoria, which launched in December 2007, culminates her Maiden World Voyage on April 22 and then begins sailing throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. For information, call 1.800.7.CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Shop in VENTURA Sassy Sally's is an Indie Boutique with locally made goods by independent designers.

The clothing, accessories and gifts are creative, fun and functional for your everyday and possess that special touch of originality. Many of the items are one-of-a-kind or limited quantities, so you can feel good about having something rare. There's also goods made from recycled materials with the care of the environment in mind. Owner Lindsay Miller creates one-of-akind designs of reworked vintage or revamped contemporary garments that are whimsical and feminine. Guys have a variety of cool graphic print tees and some vintage tops to choose from. It's a boutique for individuality through environmental, economic and social responsibility.

Open Wed-Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5 Spring/Summer).

When setting glass in a Metal Clay project, leave a small amount of space around your glass to allow for the shrinkage of your metal clay. This will keep your glass from cracking and allow your metal clay from splitting at the seams. Call us at 805643-1700 for more details and any info for your next arts & crafts project! Cottontail Creations Art Center is a family owned and operated midtown business, located at 1744 E. Main St, Ventura.

Located in the heart of midtown Ventura, K.B. Roberts and Casa California are your onestop shop for cards and gifts for any occasion. Come visit us now at K.B. Roberts for our 20% off select Jewelry Spring Sale including such lines as Ashley Miller, Janice Girardi, Mystical Madness, Narcissus, Ioso and others! At Casa California, you will find a Casa Exclusive – the sought-after Two Trees Pottery

by Gorky Gonzales. Available now are new shapes and designs hand decorated with Ventura County's Two Trees as depicted by reknown artisan Gorky Gonzales from San Miguel de Allende!

Ladybug & Caterpillar- A baby boutique and papery featuring the best lines of infant apparel and accessories. Find Petunia Picklebottom Tea Collection, Charlie Rocket & more! Come take a peek! 805-641-2229

A little shoppe to visit when you’d like something special for your newborn or toddler Join our client list!

shopladybug.com Downtown Ventura • 451 E. Main St. 805.641.2229

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Shop in VENTURA Get Lit Early & Often!

Looking for the absolute best aquarium and exotic fish store?

When you see the big Re-max realty building near Telephone and the 101, you have found E x tr e m e M a r i n e, we’re across the street. We stock the latest designs in aquariums, exotic fresh and saltwater fish, live coral and invertebrates, along with food and supplies.

But more importantly, we pride ourselves on friendly, helpful customer service, and our passion for what we do matches yours for your hobby.

Stop in or call today! 1495 Palma Drive, Ventura, 644FISH (3474).

Save yourself some money, save the planet, too! Get into the “living green” lifestyle with the help of R o t o Rooter. Learn more about the tankless hot water heater today. Save space, save on your utility bill, and on installation, too. Benefit from an endless supply of hot water every day.

The only smoking lounge in Ventura County west of the Conejo grade, Sm o ke r s ' Castle offers a large selection of handmade imported cigars; pipes, tobacco and smoking accessories. Open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. Gift certificates available, and we honor VISA, MasterCard and debit cards. Ample parking in back of store, located at 1824 E. Main Street at Pacific Avenue in Midtown Ventura.

Ve nt u r a L i mon ce l lo Company produces all-natural, handcrafted Limoncello using lemons grown in Ventura County. Gold Medal winning Limoncello Originale is featured in restaurants and markets in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Impress your friends by serving icecold Ventura Limoncello as a perfect ending to a meal. Visit www.venturalimoncello.com for more information.

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I N N O VAT I O N

Driving Design

e

Singapore. Munich. Newbury Park. At locally-based DesignworksUSA, an international team shapes the future , designing a range of premium products—from BMWs and luxury jets to the cell phones of tomorrow.

BY MAXINE HURT PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ROBINSON CHAVEZ

Every now and again even the most prestigious brands go incognito. Take, for instance, the global strategic design consultancy behind BMW’s polished precision. It would make sense if their headquarters was located in some exotic locale known for its contemporary sophistication and cosmopolitan verve. But it is not. In fact, the headquarters of DesignworksUSA is right here in Ventura County—in Newbury Park.

While it may seem incongruous, the location makes sense from a historical perspective. The group’s founder, Charles W. Pelley, once a student at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, was captivated by cars, bikes, boats, and other “stuff that guys like.” Verena Kloos, the current president of DesignworksUSA, explains that Pelley started his venture out of a garage in Malibu in 1972 with co-founder Ray Carter and three designers. “When he started the company, he wanted to work for all these different industries,” she says. “It was a classic West Coast garage startup—dot com style. But it was a little different for him because he had to build the garage first.”

Before Newbury Park, Van Nuys and Agoura were home to the growing studio, which was designing a range of products including tractors, digital watches, medical equipment, cameras, cell phones, and the stuff of manly dreams: planes, trains, and automobiles. It wasn’t until 1986 that DesignworksUSA received its first project from the BMW Group, and in 1991 the BMW Group purchased a large percentage of the company. In May 1995 they came back for the remainder, making DesignworksUSA a wholly-owned subsidiary, with the stipulation that the studio would remain a profit center allowed to work across industries. Since then, DesignworksUSA has worked on projects for Motorola, Gulfstream, Adidas, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Allergan, Viking, and other top-tier clients. “More than 50 percent of our business is from companies other than the mother company,” says Germanborn Kloos, who previously worked on the prototype for the SMART car in Germany, as well as Mercedes-Benz

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They design experiences, testaments to the ability of form and function to enhance lives around the world. It just so happens they’re doing it right here in our backyard.

interiors in Lake Cuomo, Italy.

At the Newbury Park facility, where one enters through a sleek, white lobby and sees a 22-foot wall covered with images of design triumphs, it’s clear that the DesignworksUSA team members know their stuff. (One look at the outdoor turntable they use for examining vehicles in natural sunlight from every angle confirms that.) You don’t design something like the BMW X5, a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that took the concept of the SUV to a new level, without years of experience and proven design methodology. Nor do you develop the framework for the iDrive, a groundbreaking computer system that has revolutionized the driving experience. DesignworksUSA’s achievements range from creating a high-level interior design concept for the next generation Boeing Business Jet (aboard which travelers’ cars are treated as carry-on) to a work of art in the form of a golf trophy—which was won by Tiger Woods.

The decision to keep their doors open to clients beyond the BMW Group is key to one of DesignworksUSA’s fundamental design approaches: cross pollination and cross fertilization. The team focuses on a variety of areas—technology, industry and travel, objects and space, life and leisure, home and office—and seizes learning opportunities to better fuel their automotive design projects. “We work across industries to learn from each other, to see things in different dimensions,” says Kloos, who wears a stylish black leather jacket paired with a muted leopard print blouse. “What DesignworksUSA has been doing is constantly changing the perspective.” This change of perspective, Kloos tells me, leads to unconventional thinking and, ultimately, good design.

The team employs a method of future forecasting they call road mapping. “We research, strategize, and work in different industries so we have a good idea of how fast they are developing,” Kloos explains, “and then we connect the dots…We can’t foresee what is going to happen in five years, but we have developed scenario building.” By tracking technology, consumer values, and cultural context, the team is able to create future scenarios—small infotainment films that illustrate the significant changes in consumer trends through the year 2015. They also have a modeling studio for creating 3D products in various materials, including clay. What this means is that the new BMWs you see on the road today were conceptualized five to seven years ago.

The 130 employees at DesignworksUSA come from diverse backgrounds, and though they seem to know what we want before we know what we want, none have experienced time travel. Their specialties include everything from industrial design, mechanical engineering, communication design, product design, transportation design, and brand marketing to psychology and even acting. When the team is introduced to a new challenge, they decide who

An eclectic team (right) brainstorms on a variety of projects at the Newbury Park facility, and that’s no accident; it’s by design. Company president Verena Kloos (above) points out that diversity allows them to “see things in different dimensions.”

among them will work on the project. “You see differences in the outcomes, in the culture and results,” explains Kloos, whose studied product and industrial design at a school of fine arts in northern Germany.

But why go to such extents to build an Olympian development team? After all, an engineer can easily build a chair. “The question is, how does a person feel when he or she is sitting in the chair?” Kloos explains. And that rhetorical question gets to the heart of the matter: Contrary to how it may seem, DesignworksUSA doesn’t design products—they design experiences, testaments to the ability of form and function to enhance lives around the world. It just so happens they’re doing it right here in our backyard. v

See and read more at www.designworksusa.com.

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Tierra Sur — More Than Just a Name Chef Todd Aarons Draws Inspiration From the Land Tucked away amongst the strawberry fields and row crops of industrial Oxnard, Tierra Sur (located inside Herzog Wine Cellars) is taking fresh, seasonal cuisine to another level. Executive Chef Todd Aarons began his career at Zuni Café in San Francisco, then moved to Savoy in New York Cit y’s SoHo, before opening his own restaurant, Mosaica, in New Jersey. Eventually deciding to return to his childhood roots, Aarons returned to California to highlight the bount y the Central Coast had to offer.

Tierra Sur, literally translated to mean ‘south land,’ represents both the restaurant’s location at the gateway to the central coast wine region, as well as Aarons’ love for the surrounding land. Tierra Sur continually strives to bring the best produce and ingredients to its customers by buying from local, small family farms.

In promoting this philosophy, Tierra Sur is proud to participate in the Growers Collaborative Program under an organization called Communit y Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF). CAFF is a statewide non-profit organization that works to build a movement of rural and urban people to foster family-scale agriculture that cares for the land, sustains local economies and promotes social justice.

On April 14, Tierra Sur will kick off their seasonal series of ‘Farmer’s Dinners,’ featuring a menu centered around produce provided by local farmer Craig Underwood. Each month Chef Aarons will partner with a local farmer, creating a menu that showcases the freshest ingredients of the season, all grown in our communit y. Other local farmers including Phil McGrath, Jason Tamai, John Givens, and David Pommer will also collaborate on dinners throughout the summer. Innovative cuisine, fresh ingredients, and of course, Herzog’s fine wines, cre-

Pictured above: Local farmer Phil McGrath and Chef Todd Aarons examining the progress of Phil’s baby carrots at McGrath’s farmstand in Camarillo. ate a delicious combination at Tierra Sur. Open for lunch and dinner (please check website for hours), Tierra Sur is located at 3201 Camino Del Sol inOxnard, off the Del Norte exit 805-983-1560, www.herzogwinecellars.com.

Come experience Chef Andy Brooks’ bold and inventive cuisine.

• CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN CUISINE

• WINEMAKER DINNERS

• PATIO DINING

• LUNCH: TUESDAY - FRIDAY

• PRIVATE PARTY ROOM

• DINNER: TUESDAY - SUNDAY

Voted Best New Restaurant 2007 COCKTAIL HOUR | TUES-FRI 5PM TO 6:30PM

SPECIALLY PRICED COCKTAILS AND SMALL PLATES

545 E. THOMPSON BLVD. | VENTURA | CA | 93001 | 805.652.7070 | WWW.RESTAURANTBROOKS.COM 34

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APRIL 2008

INNOVATIVE AUTHENTIC FRESH $

10 OFF

Any Purchase of $40 Or More.

Excludes Alcohol and Gratuity.

With this ad. Not valid with other offers.

FREE LUNCH FREE DINNER Buy 1 Lunch at Regular Price, Get 2nd Lunch of Equal or Lesser Value FREE. With this ad. Not valid with other offers.

Buy 1 Dinner at Regular Price, Get 2nd Dinner of Equal or Lesser Value FREE. With this ad. Not valid with other offers.

573 E. Main St. Ventura • 8 0 5 - 6 4 3 - 7 2 7 7

1555 Simi Town Center Way #370 Simi Valley • 805-581-0101

w w w. f u j i - s u s h i . c o m

Let Us Cater Your Next Event!

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S OUPS & F RESH S ALADS

Join us at Barroco’s, and you’ll experience the art of healthy cuisine. Whether you’re joining us with friends, family or for business, enjoy delectable, home style meals created with the freshest, highest quality ingredients and prepared with all natural cooking techniques. No additives, artificial flavors, preservatives or chemicals –

B USINESS L UNCHES

you’ll savor the Barroco’s difference.

With Fine Foods & Creative Cuisine G OURMET S ANDWICHES

W EDDINGS

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM

B RIDAL S HOWERS

LUNCH SPECIAL MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 11 AM - 4 PM SUNDAYS: BUFFET 11 AM - 3 PM

H OLIDAY PARTIES & M ORE

DeNoce’s

Catering & Cafe WWW.denocescatering.com

Mention Ventana and receive 20% OFF your check.

HOURS: MON - FRI 11AM - 2:30PM CALL OR FAX YOUR ORDER: PH 805-654-1101 FAX 805-654-1141 5777 OLIVAS PARK DR. SUITE T, VENTURA

(Alcoholic beverages not included)

Organic Homemade Cuisine & Bakery 529 S A St, Oxnard, 805-822-5160, www.barrocosrestaurants.com APRIL

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FOR THE LOVE OF WINE

DOWNTOWN’S HOTTEST MUSIC AND DANCING!

Spring Fling

The best live music, DJs and late-night cuisine every Friday and Saturday 204 E. Main St., Old Town Ventura • 805.648.4853 VISIT

ventana

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"Drink wine and you will sleep well.

Sleep, and you will not sin.

Avoid sin, and you will be saved.

Ergo, drink wine and be saved."

— MEDIEVAL GERMAN SAYING

JONATHANSATPERANOS.COM FOR HAPPY HOUR MENU

Wine Tasting…

Santa Barbara Style!

Wine Edventures is Santa Barbara’s original “fun and educational” guided tour. Now with daily departures from Ventura!

• Enjoy tastings at four exceptional wineries.

• Wine country picnic lunch.

• 19 oz. souvenir tasting glass.

• Fully guided educational tour.

• Private tours available in sedans, limousines, mini-buses.

For more information or to make reservations, call (805) 965-9463 or visit us at www.welovewines.com

TCP 12183A |

W ea ver W ines “Wine should be fun!” insists Seana-Marie Weaver of Weaver Wines. Her personality matches the store: colorful and unpretentious. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine or a tasting of six unique wines. The shop carries local, small-production wines as well as interesting imports. The store also features wine locker rentals and a cellar for private parties. The shop’s global goods, eclectic home accessories and custom gift baskets makes gift-giving easy. The perfect complement for wine? A delectable cheese platter featuring imported and domestic cheeses, fruit, baguette and dark chocolate. For delicious wines in an enchanting environment, this downtown Ventura hotspot is perfect.

www.jonathansatperanos.com

ALL THINGS WINE IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY 36

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

APRIL 2008

W i n e E dv e n tu re s Wine Edventures offers daily tours of the Santa Barbara wine country. We are unique in that our focus is not just on drinking wine, but also on education. Tours include tastings at four wineries, a freshly made to order picnic lunch, a 19 oz. tasting glass and a fun and educational experience! Now offering pick-ups in Ventura.

M y F l o r i s t C a fé & B a k e r y What started off as a simple wine bar and bakery located at the corner of Oak and Chestnut, is now also a restaurant and full bar. This a relatively new arrival to the Downtown Ventura dining experience, speaks urban sophistication in everything from the menu to the decor. But don’t let that fool you, every staff member of this Café will make you feel at home. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner until midnight daily, My Florist is sure to win the hearts of Venturan’s and visitors alike. There is nightly live entertainment Thursday through Sunday. And, starting in April, is The Oak Street Construction Part y. Oak Street will be closed periodically for the installation of new water mains and because of this, patrons can enjoy any bottle of wine for half off the menu price. Also, any Skyy Martini is only $4.75 as long as Oak Street is under construction. Come in to My Florist and try something new.

JJ Brewsky’s features superior pub inspired cuisine, an extensive selection of local craft beers on tap and full cocktail bar.

• BREWMASTER DINNERS • CRAFT BEER TASTING EVENTS • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY 2433 Ventura Blvd Camarillo Old Town 805.482.5249 www.jjbrewskys.com

The rendezvous where lovers meet!

Bella

Italian flourishes meet Irish hospitality Visit www.myspace.com/caffebella for Live Music Calendar

• Wine Bar • Pub • Art Gallery • Bella is open in the late afternoon serving cheese plates, bruschette, hummus, mozzarella & sliced tomato with a dessert of the day.

Open Tuesday - Sunday 79 S California St, Ventura (805) 643-2171

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Chocolate Lover’s Retreat

Two-Hour Treatment includes: Full Body Exfoliation with White Chocolate Scrub, Wrap, Facial with Hot Fudge Mask, and Massage with White Chocolate Body butter. Special Rememberance Gift with Purchase of this Very Special Package. $185

• Brow Design • Natural Nails • Facial • Waxing

805 652-0355 35 South Oak St. Downtown Ventura

Monday, Tuesday & Saturday 10am-5pm Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10am-6pm

35southretreat.com

afe

Blue Monday?

Join us on Mondays and beat the blues.

Dine often and dine well at Cafe Zack.

Lunch: Monday ~ Friday 11:30 to 2

Dinner: Monday ~ Saturday 5:30 to 9:30

1095 Thompson Boulevard • Ventura 805.643.9445 38

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APRIL 2008

CULTURE

Liquid Gold

With her distinc tive timbre and ultrafeminine sound, soprano sensation Nicole Cab ell has taken the op era wor ld by storm.

Now she returns home for the Ventura Music Festival 2008: Ap p ass io n ata!

I

BY IVOR DAVIS

PHOTO © DECCA/KASSKARA

It’s a tale only Hollywood could concoct: the classic American success story of a small town girl from a racially mixed, working class family with little money and no connections. The shy, gawky teenager of African American, Korean, and Caucasian ancestry does household chores for her teacher to help pay for singing lessons—and goes on to take the sophisticated opera world by storm. In the grand style of Hollywood fantasy, the awkward little duckling becomes a glorious swan, performing on the stages of the great opera houses of Europe and America to universal acclaim. And then, in a true silver screen ending, she returns triumphantly to her home town.

Only this is no movie; Nicole Cabell is the real thing.

On May 10, she will sing in the final concert of this year’s Ventura Music Festival—on the stage of her old high school auditorium.

Nicole, who grew up in Casitas Springs on Ventura’s West Side, is garnering the kind of rave reviews from Vienna to Oslo, New York to London that haven’t been heard since Renee Fleming or Maria Callas made their debuts. With a once-in-a-generation talent and a work ethic that won’t quit, she is poised to become one of the great singers of our time.

After studies at the Eastman School of music in New York, The Juilliard School of Music, and the prestigious Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Center for American Artists, she won the BBC Cardiff “Singer of the World” competition—the most prestigious competition in the world of voice. Since then, her career has been on the fast track, her life a blur of transatlantic jet flights, hotels, and concerts as her reviews get more and more ecstatic. One reviewer said she sounds “as if she has literally fallen from heaven.” Another raves, “It’s a luminous spirit that seizes the imagination even before Cabell has sung a note. But when she does, notably in a brilliant turn through Musetta’s famous waltz song in La Bohème, the whole production rises to another level.”

And the New York Times declares, “A light and outrageously beautiful soprano that traced the downward arc at the end of Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’ in chills along the listener’s spine.”

As a student at De Anza Middle School and Ventura High School (class of l996), Nicole thought her dreams of becoming a famous singer were just that: dreams. Now a self assured 30-year-old famous around the world as opera’s “next big thing,” Cabell will take the stage she used to tread with the Ventura High School Chamber Choir.

She knows she will be among friends.

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I

It’s a rainy day in Ventura when she strides into My Florist Café alongside her proud mother, Terri. Sipping bottled water, looking stunningly attractive but dressed like myriad other young Venturans—Cabell wears jeans, a comfy white sweater, and western boots—she radiates confidence without a touch of divalike behavior. And she says she can’t wait to sing in front of her old classmates, her teachers, and her mother’s neighbors and friends.

PHOTO © PAUL HARRIS

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What’s it like coming home?

Wonderful. My mother has set up my old room with all the Disney poster stuff I loved when I was a little girl. Also, I can go to Corrales and Maggie’s on the Avenue for Mexican food.

How does it feel to take center stage as an international star in the place where you started?

I’m really excited because it’s not just the concept of performing back home, it’s singing for people I’ve been friends with since I was 13…Like Linda Brug, who taught me in eighth-grade social studies and was one of the most important teachers I’ve had in my life. People who have just heard about me, but couldn’t afford to travel to see me.

Did your family always see you as a singer?

One day my mother was listening and said, ‘I don’t think that’s the radio, that’s Nicole.’ So she made me sing up and down the register, and then she told me I should join the choir. I did. But I soon realized I was meant to be a solo artist.

Because I didn’t read music, I didn’t understand about rests and things and I ended up singing by myself in all the wrong places. So that indicated a solo career. (laughs) Who were your teachers in Ventura?

I started with Susan Colla, but after three months she recommended I study with her teachers—Vince Sorisio and his then wife Linda Brice Soresio. They were classically trained and teaching classical singing.

Music lessons are expensive. How did you manage?

I worked out a deal with my voice teachers. I would help them clean up, file stuff, work in the house. I even helped them build a little studio. It was a little bit of everything, including physical labor. It did me good; I never had to flip burgers.

At what point did you realize you could be an opera singer?

I was maybe 18. I had been studying classically for two years and by then my teachers were talking about me having a career. The only question was what I would sing. I had been listening to all my teacher’s records and I thought I’d sing jazz, because I listened to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday and Andre Previn records, although, of course, he’s classical too. I ended up working with Andre in Oslo in 2006 and he was wonderful, so sweet. I was a quick study, and I was determined to learn how to sing. So I made a commitment to really concentrate on pursuing it. And shortly after that I auditioned for the Eastman School of Music in New York.

Why didn’t you go right away when they accepted you?

I auditioned just to see if they would take me. I didn’t really want to go to college, but it was my dad who said you need to audition to get a professional opinion whether or not you can make it.

Then your policeman dad, Clarence, died when he was only 45. Did that derail your career plans?

It was a huge motivator for me to go to school. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have gone.

After graduating from Eastman you were accepted at Juilliard, a very tough place to get into. So why did you leave after three days?

The summer before Juilliard I had gone to the Chautauqua Vocal Institute (in New York) and sung for Richard Pearlman, who was the head of the Lyric Opera Center, and they invited me to audition for the company. That, I knew, was the best program in the country. So I showed up at Juilliard and my third day of class was September 11, 2001. It was like a sign that I should go to Chicago, though I have the greatest respect for New Yorkers and how they responded to that and pulled together. It was quite a day. But Juilliard, I notice, still lists me as an alumna.

PHOTO © PAUL HARRIS

(clockwise from opposite top) Who could have known that little Nicole Cabell from Casitas Springs would go from Ventura High to Eastman School of Music and eventually take the opera world by storm? Perhaps only her mother, Terri, who was the first to recognize her talent.

“I’m always working. I have always worked and I’m never satisfied with my technique because I always know it could be better. For me, that’s the way it’s always been—and will always be.”

PHOTO © DECCA/KASSKARA

How did you hear about the BBC Ca rdiff Singer of the World Competition?

While it’s not well known in this country, in the opera business it’s the Holy Grail. The reason it’s not touted much is because you have to have entered a certain level in your career to enter. Only one or two representatives from the US compete. And you have to be recommended to enter. When I made the semi finals I thought that was better than winning the Met’s Young Artists Competition. The publicity you get just going to the semi-finals is amazing.

Judges included Marilyn Horne and Dame Joan Sutherland, which must have been terribly intimidating. How do you ensure your voice doesn’t wobble?

You can’t; you just have to do a Hail Mary and go out there. I always get nervous thinking of the words. Some people worry about the high notes, but with me it’s the words…I used my technique and concentrated. I’ve never been so nervous for anything.

Did the audience go wild when you won?

That audience is very sophisticated. The art of singing, for the Welsh, is the most important thing in the world. They know what they are listening to, so I knew they would appreciate every bit of energy I put into my singing.

What does a win like that do for your career?

It’s the only international competition that can launch a career, the press attention alone—there were 700 media outlets from around the world represented. And I got lucky by getting a [Decca] record contract and bookings, which are still continuing. I got a foot in the door and haven’t stopped working since.

One article said that most opera singers have to work hard to climb the ladder, but winning the BBC contest made it easier?

Are you kidding? I’m always working. I have always worked and I’m never satisfied with my technique because I always know it could be better. For me, that’s the way it’s always been—and will always be.

Do you have to be pushy to make it as a diva?

If you’re not that good, you have to be pushy. For me, it’s not pushy; it’s perseverance…But I never audition for anything more than twice. It’s a pride thing. I don’t believe in groveling. I think if you’re really good they won’t hesitate—but I’ll always give them one more chance. (laughs) As a star, is it hard to find Mr. R ight?

Well, it’s not like being Julia Roberts. You don’t have bags of moolah and three houses, so you know the men in your life are not in it for the money. But the chances of meeting someone who is sophisticated, who appreciates music and art, are good. We don’t usually attract the gigolos.

Some critics seem to review your face and figure as much as your music. Does that bother you?

I love it. I went through a very awkward stage as a kid. And I know when I’m on stage with the make-up and dresses, I know they’re dressing me up to look like something. But when I’m in jeans and a T-shirt, I certainly don’t consider myself a great beauty.

You’re still single. Do you want children and a family?

I think about it all the time. This career is wonderful for somebody who has energy, but it’s a challenge in the long term. For male opera singers it’s different; they can often bring their wives and children along. But I do have a plan. So let’s see how long this goes. v

For tickets and information about the Ventura Music Festival, go to www.vcmfa.org. To keep up with Nicole Cabell, visit www.nicole-cabell.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAMARILLO Marna DeVane, owner of BellaP orta Décor & D esi gn and Bell aPorta Gi fts & Decor, brings European Old World and Tuscan style to Camarillo.

Marna's excellent taste is evident in each of the two stores, as she personally selects every item at the international markets to make your life and home look more beautiful.

Come by and let our talented staff help you select the perfect piece or gift. Complimentary gift wrap and design services are available.

The Central Coast Wine Country now definitely starts in Camarillo with the exciting new winery, Cantara Cellars.

Chris and Mike Brown, the owners and winemakers, are dedicated enthusiasts. Ultrapremium wine begins with great grapes from the vineyards of their family and friends in Lodi. They’ve just bottled their 2006 vintage, creating a sparkling bright wine that's as pleasing to view as it is to drink! Plan a visit to the Tasting Room or join the Wine Club soon.

OXNARD Enjoy The Sweet Life!

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Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Oxnard, at Heritage Square, L a D o l c e V i t a offers the best in fine Italian cuisine.

As a family owned and operated restaurant, our staff is dedicated to providing you with a combination of exquisite food and impeccable service to create the perfect dining experience. Add to that a wine bar, full cocktail lounge and excellent cigar selection, La Dolce Vita truly is "The Sweet Life.”

Downtown Oxnard is home Theatre to the E l i t e Company at Heritage Square. The intimate theater tucked beneath the ornate Victorian Petit House has been providing award winning community theater for over 14 years. A special four-show season package will be offered in April for those who would like to see four incredible shows for the reduced price of $57 Adult / $50 Senior/Student. Call 483-5118 for more information or reservations.

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THE

MARKETPLACE For advertising information call Nima at 805.648.2244 ext.209

For All Your Vacuum Cleaner Needs Many makes & models in stock.

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G RAND O PENING S PECIAL

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Receive a $25 gift card toward future purchases with a purchase of $75 or more* Come See Why We’re Voted Best Pet Store

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1865 East Main St. Ventura • (805) 648-6060 *One per customer. Gift card applies to future purchase. Excluding canned and dry food. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires April 30.

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MARKETPLACE For advertising information call Nima at 805.648.2244 ext.209

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VENTURA FLORIST Fresh cut bouquets ! Arrangements Check out our specials for National Administrative Professionals Week April 20-26, with Special Day Wednesday, April 23

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Call 805.647.6596 APRIL 2008

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THE LIST

EARTH DAY IN VENTURA COUNTY April 22 marks Earth Day around the world.Throughout Ventura County, enjoy an array of free planet-friendly activities,exhibits,services,foods, products,performances,and information geared toward promoting a healthy and sustainable environment.

April 12 | Oxnard 11 a.m.to 3 p.m., Downtown Plaza Park, 500 S.C Street. For more information, call 805.385.7928 or visit www.ci.oxnard.ca.us.

YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY

April 13 | Ojai 11 a.m.to 4 p.m., Oak Grove School, 220 West Lomita Avenue, Ojai.

Event includes an EarthWalk and EarthRide, which takes place between 9:30 a.m.and 10 a.m.

For more information, call 805.646.8236 ext. 102 or visit www.earthdayojai.com.

April 19 | Thousand Oaks 11 a.m.to 4 p.m., Conejo Creek Park, 1379 E.Janss Road,Thousand Oaks.

For more information, call 805.449.2660 ext. 258 or visit www.toaks.org.

April 19 | Ventura Annual Earth Day Beach Cleanup, 10 a.m.to 12 p.m., Surfers' Knoll Beach on Spinnaker across from the Harbor Village Shops. For more information, call 805.652.4555 or visit www.cityofventura.net.

PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE April 3 - 27 | Rubicon Theatre Written by Steve Martin,this merry, madcap,and thought-provoking play is the writer/actor’s first foray into playwriting.The play,which tells the story of an imagined chance meeting of painter Pablo Picasso and scientist Albert Einstein at a bar in Paris,won the 1996 Outer Critics Circle Award for best play and best writer.The two geniuses meet by chance at a famous artist haunt in Paris on the precipice of creating works that will shock and change the twentieth century.They banter as rivals but gradually develop a bond as they share their thoughts on the century’s achievements,mankind’s future,and notions of space and time in art and science.1006 E.Main Street,Ventura.

For tickets and more information, visit www. RubiconTheatre.org or call 805.667.2900.

LA MORDIDA/ THE BRIBE Selected dates starting April 5 - 27| Various Venues in Ventura County Teatro de las Amèricas’second production of 2008, La Mordida / The Bribe is a mischievous presentation of a period of Bolivian history in which public servants could not

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resist bribes.Directed by Robert Sánchez and written by the Bolivian playwright Roberto Cuevas Ramírez, this three-act play will be presented in Spanish with projected English translation throughout Ventura County.Roberto Cuevas Ramírez is also a newspaperman, writer, and university professor.He will be attending the play April 11 - 12 at Café on A and on April 19 and 20 at Bell Arts in Ventura.$10. For specific show dates and venues, visit www.teatrodelasamericas.org or call 805.485.5445 ext. 1.

APRIL 2008

April 12 | Ventura County YMCA The Ventura Family YMCA will join more than 1,700 YMCAs nationwide in hosting its 17th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day.An opportunity for kids and families to “Put Play in Their Day,”this special event uses free, fun, engaging, and creative activities to encourage children and families to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle.Incentives for kids and grown-ups will include games and activities designed to illustrate the fun in fitness, healthy snacks and treats, prizes and giveaways from local sponsors, registration for summer programs, and more.10 a.m.to 2 p.m.3760 Telegraph Road,Ventura.

For more information, call 805.642.2131 or visit www.ventura ymca.org.

THE ULTIMATE BOARDER April 16 – 19 | Ventura County Fairgrounds & C-Street in Ventura The Ultimate Boarder is the first-ever challenge of its kind:a one-week competition to find the first athlete who can conquer the art of surfing, skateboarding,and snowboarding.

The snowboarding competition will be held April 13 and 14 at Squaw Valley USA in Lake Tahoe;the surfing competition is April 16 - 18 at C-Street in Ventura;and the skateboarding competition is April 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.The crowning ceremony will be held the evening of April 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds,followed by a live concert and celebration extravaganza.

For more detailed information, visit www.ultimateboarder.com or call 310.996.0239.

SCOTT SIMON SPEAKS April 20 | Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza From Ground Zero in New York to ground zero in Kabul,to police stations,refugee camps,snipers’roosts, subway platforms,and theater stages,NPR’s Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon has reported from all 50 states and every continent,and now he’ll be speaking in Thousand Oaks.In addition to serving as host of Weekend Edition Saturday,Simon has covered the war in Afghanistan,

the siege of Sarajevo,the destruction of Kosovo,and the famine and prolonged civil war in Ethiopia.$15-$40, Fred Kavli Theatre. Tickets available from Ticketmaster (805.583.8700 or www.TicketMaster.com) or the Thousand Oaks Civic Ar ts Plaza Box Office, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

For more information, call KCLU at 805.493.3900.

APR 3-27

ARTFEST April 26 | Mission Park Ventura ArtFest is a celebration of world music, children, and art that is a part of Ventura’s Spring 2008 ArtWalk The event will feature local artists, children’s artwork, a silent auction of arts-related items, food & drinks, children’s activities (crafts, face painting, storytelling, rides, entertainment), live music, poetry, and dancing representative of an array of global cultures.

All funds raised will support Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education.Free, 11 a.m.to 7 p.m.at Mission Park across from San Buenaventura Mission. For more information, visit www.venturachar terschool.org or call 805.648.5503 ext 1001.

APR 16 - 19

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM April 26 – 27 | Oceanview Pavilion Lovers, fairies, and mischief abound as artistic director Colleen O’Callaghan and choreographers Rodney Gustafson and Marina Fliagina direct this innovative ballet, based on Shakespeare’s classic story of love and mistaken identities, and set to the music of Mendelssohn.

Excerpts from Don Quixote, another classic tale of romance, are included in two of the acts.Guest artists from State Street Ballet and 60 dancers from Ballet Academy Ventura, the company’s official school, will perform both ballet stories.575 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme.

For more information, visit www.oceanviewinfo.com or call 805.653.2800.

APR 26

2008 SPRING ARTWALK WEEKEND April 26 – 27 | Ventura Over 100 Southern California Artists will display artwork at 70 Downtown Ventura locations, including art galleries, working studios, and “galleryfor-a-day”venues inside businesses and restaurants.The event will span more than ten city blocks of the historic Downtown Ventura Cultural District, plus Ventura Avenue will be filled with a variety of professional community artists.The two days of free events also include “roving”outdoor musical entertainment and performances, kids’activities, and free shuttle service.Sat 1 p.m.to 10 p.m.and Sun 12 p.m.to 4 p.m.at various venues in Downtown Ventura.

For more information, visit www.cityofventura.net or call 805.658.4760.

ON THE HORIZON CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL May 17 & 18 | Oxnard One of the premier outdoor festivals in the nation, this event is a tribute to the tasty fruit that wears its seeds on the outside.The 25th Annual California Strawberry Festival includes live musical entertainment, over 300 Arts & Crafts, 50 food booths with (of course) plenty of strawberry-inspired treats, contests, and activities including the Strawberry Promenade, Star Berry Hunt, and Strawberryland For Kids.

The event celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage, with proceeds benefiting more than 40 Southland charities.Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard. For more information, visit www.stra wberry-fest.org or call 888.288.9242.