HAPPENINGS | March 31-April 7, 2022 – VC Reporter

PICTURED: FORCE OF NATURE | Friday, April 1, 8 p.m. A presentation of the National Geographic Live Series, Keith Ladzinski adventure photographer and filmmaker, will share about his experiences chasing storms, getting up close and personal with wildlife, and documenting extreme feats of adventure in his travels capturing the world on film across seven continents.  $41-$51. Fred Kavli Theater, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, www.bapacthousandoaks.com/shows.

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

THURSDAY

HISTORIC SPOTLIGHT: CESAR CHAVEZ AND LOCAL AGRICULTURE | 4-5 p.m. In honor of Cesar Chavez Day, SEEAG presents “The Importance Of Our Agricultural Workers and Farms In Ventura County.” Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Public Library, this presentation honors Cesar Chavez and gives school-aged children and their families a chance to learn about his life and farming in Ventura County. Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, camarillolibrary.libcal.com/event/8871347. 

RIDE ON THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP | 6:30 p.m. Join Sara Jones for an informative presentation about Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship and how horses are making lives better in our community. Learn more about how Ride On teaches adaptive horseback riding to children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and provides physical therapy specializing in using the movement of the horse to improve specific medical conditions. Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Find more information on the Events tab at www.tolibrary.org.

FRIDAY

FAMILY FUN DAY | 3-4 p.m. The Museum of Ventura County has been partnering with the county library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3 p.m. That way kids will have time to come right after school. This month’s theme is EARTH DAY. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Chumash Garden and Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden. A fabulous and FREE outing for ALL! The Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura, venturamuseum.org/event/story-time-at-the-museum-earth-day/.

SATURDAY

OPAC RUMMAGE SALE | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free and we have plenty of parking. We’ll have live music, raffles, food trucks, and more! Vendor spots available for just $25. Donations welcome; dropoff Monday–Friday at Oxnard Performing Arts Center Box Office. Proceeds benefit OPAC’s youth programs. 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, 805-385-8147, www.oxnardperformingarts.com/rummage-sale.html.  

FLY ROD CASTING AND FLY FISHING CLINIC | 9-11 a.m. Sespe Fly Fishers of Ventura will be conducting the monthly “First Saturday” introductory Fly Rod Casting and Intro to Fly Fishing clinic.There is no charge and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, in East Ventura, off Telephone Road. For everyone’s safety we ask all those attending to please comply with any current recommendations by the Ventura County Health Department. For more information: Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall, 805-377-5249, www.sespeflyfishers.org. 

BACK STACKS BOOKSTORE | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We have Loads of fiction and non-fiction as well as children’s books, with 50% off all gardening and nature books. Our collection features thousands of used books from 50 cents to $2, as well as collectible books from $4 and up. All book sale proceeds go to support the Blanchard Community Library. Presented by the Friends of the Blanchard Community Library. 119 North Eighth St., Santa Paula; enter via the north parking lot, through the roll-up door in the back.

2022 CCA CHANNEL ISLANDS CRAWFEST | 5-9 p.m. The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL) works to protect not only the health, habitat and sustainability of our marine resources, but also the interests of recreational saltwater anglers and their access to the resources they cherish and use on a daily basis. The Channel Islands Crawfest will feature delicious food, live music, raffles and a live auction to support CCA CAL in its mission. $70 single admission, $500 table (seats 8). Ventura Moose Lodge, 10269 Telephone Road, Ventura. More info at ccacalifornia.org/product-category/2022-cca-channel-islands-crawfest/. 

NEW WEST SYMPHONY PRESENTS RACHMANINOFF PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 | 7:30 p.m. Internationally renowned pianist Andrew von Oeyen performs this masterful piece with a full orchestra under the direction of GRAMMY®-winning Music Director Michael Christie. Hailed worldwide for his elegant and insightful interpretations, balanced artistry and brilliant technique, Andrew von Oeyen has established himself as one of the most captivating pianists of his generation. The concert will also include Scott Joplin’s selections from Treemonisha and Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 3. Tickets $30 to $120. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-497-5800, 866-776-8400, newwestsymphony.org. 

SUNDAY

ONE CITY, ONE BOOK AUTHOR TALK AND BOOK SIGNING WITH KAREEM ROSSER | Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. Kareem Rosser, captain of the first-ever all-Black polo team to win the National Interscholastic Polo Championship, will present an author talk and sign copies of his memoir, Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever. A Q&A session moderated by KCLU General Manager Mary Olson and a book signing will follow the presentation. Copies will be available for purchase. Cash and checks accepted. Tickets are required and will be available for free at both the Grant R. Brimhall and Newbury Park Libraries. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, www.tolibrary.org/readers-corner/ocob.

NEW WEST SYMPHONY PRESENTS RACHMANINOFF PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 | 3 p.m. Internationally renowned pianist Andrew von Oeyen performs this masterful piece with a full orchestra under the direction of GRAMMY®-winning Music Director Michael Christie. Hailed worldwide for his elegant and insightful interpretations, balanced artistry and brilliant technique, Andrew von Oeyen has established himself as one of the most captivating pianists of his generation. The concert will also include Scott Joplin’s selections from Treemonisha and Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 3. Tickets $30 to $96. Rancho Capmana Performing Arts Center,4236 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo, 805-497-5800, 866-776-8400, newwestsymphony.org. 

MONDAY

BENEDETTA | 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Oxnard Film Society presents this 2021 drama/romance/history from the Netherlands. Based on a true story, a 17th-century nun becomes entangled in a forbidden lesbian affair with a novice. But it is Benedetta’s shocking religious visions that threaten to shake the Church to its core. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, starring Virginie Efira and Charlotte Rampling and based on Judith C. Brown’s Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy. Runtime: 2 hours, 11minutes. Rated R (nudity). In French with English subtitles. $8 seniors, $11.25 general admission. Plaza Cinemas 14, 255 West Fifth St., Oxnard, www.oxnardfilmsociety.org. 

TUESDAY

VENTURA SENIOR MEN’S GROUP | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The group gathers at the Poinsettia Pavilion on the first and second Tuesday of each month. Fellowship begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a great lunch at noon and a terrific speaker from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch is $25 but FREE to first time visitors. Please contact Bob Likins at 805-587-1233 if you have any questions or need transportation. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH CELEBRATION | 4 p.m. Celebrate National Poetry Month by joining Cal Lutheran professor emeritus of art Larkin Higgins and English professor Jacqueline Lyons for a poetry reading and audience Q&A. Lyons received a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship in Poetry and has published four books of poetry, most recently “Adorable Airport.” Higgins’ poetry chapbooks were published via Mindmade Books and Dusie, and her poems have been anthologized by University of Iowa Press, Notre Dame Review and others. The event, sponsored by the English Department, is free. For information, contact Lyons at jlyons@CalLutheran.edu. William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art, California Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, 805-493-3697, rollandgallery.callutheran.edu.

 SURFRIDER CHAPTER MEETING | 6:30-8 p.m. Have you been thinking about volunteering with Surfrider, but don’t know where to start? Have you gone to a beach cleanup and want to know more about what else we do and how you can get more involved? If you answered yes, then the Core Volunteer Recruitment is for you! Come learn how you can get involved and help to protect our ocean, waves and beaches. This orientation will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to find your passion as a Surfrider ambassador. The meeting will be held at Patagonia located at  235 W. Santa Clara St., Ventura. E-mail chair@ventura.surfrider.org for more information, or visit ventura.surfrider.org. 

WEDNESDAY

MOSAIC GARDEN ROCKS WORKSHOP | Wednesday, April 6, 3-5 p.m. Dress up your garden with a beautiful mosaic rock! Artist Melissa Welch will teach a Mosaic Garden Rocks Workshop on April 6 from 3-5 p.m. at Poppies Art and Gifts. The class will take place on the outside patio. The fee for this two-hour class is $47. All materials are included. Space is limited so sign up today in the shop or online. 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, poppiesartandgifts.indiemade.com.

GELSON’S JOB FAIR | 2-6 p.m. Join us at our hiring event at all Gelson’s locations. Generous employee discounts, competitive union pay, benefits, paid vacation and more. For more information and locations, visit www.gelsons.com/events/view/join-us-at-our-gelsons-hiring-event-april-6-2022. 

 THURSDAY

REMEMBERING CESAR CHAVEZ | 12-2 p.m. Join us as we commemorate Cesar Chavez’s accomplishments and contributions to the agricultural sector, farmworkers, Chicanos, and more. Learn more about the traditions, history, and culture surrounding Cesar Chavez/Mexican Americans. There will be speakers, community groups, poetry, music, food, Aztec dance and a special art gallery. Presented by MEChA de Ventura College. Ventura College Outdoor Theater, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, 805-289-6000, www.venturacollege.edu/events/remembering-cesar-chavez-person-event. 

COMMUNITY NEEDS, OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

MULCH MADNESS | Join us for our quarterly mulch and compost giveaway at the Cornucopia Community Gardens! Participants must register in advance for an appointment, preorder mulch and/or compost, and be prepared to bag their own mulch and compost products. Please bring a bag or bucket to collect material. Mulch and compost products are sourced from Agromin, and provided to city of Ventura residents free of charge. Space is limited. Learn more and register at https://form.jotform.com/220455349576160. 

FREE TAX PREP ASSISTANCE | Through April 30, 2022. Trained volunteer tax preparers with the United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) are available to help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2021 are eligible to use the free services. This assistance is in-person and by appointment only. Call 211 or visit www.MyFreeTaxes.org to make an appointment. 

SAFE SIDEWALKS PROGRAM | Through March 31. The city of Ventura’s Safe Sidewalks Program aims to help expedite sidewalk repair needs throughout our residential areas through a reimbursement process. Residents can receive a reimbursement of 50% of the repair cost (up to a maximum of $2,500) per resident property frontage. Income-qualified residents (per California Alternate Rates for Energy Income Qualifications) may receive a match of 75% of the cost of the sidewalk repair, subject to a maximum of $3,750 per property frontage. To apply for this year’s program, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2017/Safe-Sidewalks-Program. 

ONGOING/UPCOMING EVENTS

SUMMER OF ART SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION | Registration is open now for kids ages 6 and up in camps with different topics – animals, figure drawing, drawing with color, urban sketchbook, Jewelry, ceramics and more. Dates and age groups are online. Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main Street, Ventura. www.vitaartcenter.com/new-page-1. 

CITY OF VENTURA GENERAL PLAN UPDATE SURVEY | Ongoing. The City of Ventura is updating its General Plan – the land use “constitution” for the next 20 years – and is seeking input from the public on various aspects of what will be included: transportation, natural disasters and climate change, initial visioning and a survey on Issues and Opportunities. All surveys are online at: www.planventura.com/online-surveys. 

20 YEAR REUNION – ST. BONAVENTURE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2000 | Saturday, June 4, 2022. Members of the St. Bonaventure High School Class of 2000 are invited to attend the upcoming 20 year reunion. The celebration will take place at a local private location. Those who’d like to attend can RSVP to Julie Wouk, 619-888-7956. 

ARTS LISTINGS

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

OPENING THEATER

HARVEY April 1-10. Ojai Performing Arts Theater presents this charming, witty and humorous story about the mild-mannered Elwood and his invisible best friend, a six-foot rabbit named Harvey. Things get even wackier when Elwood’s concerned sister tries to have him committed. $30-125. Matilija Auditorium, 703 E. Paseo Road, Ojai, www.ojaitheater.org. 

OPENING ART

KWAN FONG GALLERY Through April 8. A Horse of a Different Color, selections from the Cal Lutheran Western American Art Collection. These works force us to confront how masculinity is communicated and Native American people are portrayed, and explore the narrative in a genre that is dominated by Euro-American men. The works have not changed color, but their meanings have shifted over time. California Lutheran University, 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, 805-493-3697, blogs.callutheran.edu/kwanfong.

643 PROJECT SPACE April 1-22. Entre Colores, Recuerdos y Sabores, José Galván Martínez’s perspective of over a decade of diaspora through colors, memories and foods, rendered in sculpture, painting, prints, mixed media and a wall installation. Opening reception on Friday, April 1, 6-9 p.m. 643 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, www.643projectspace.com. 

BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS Saturday, April 2, 1-4 p.m.: “Dada: History, Process and Experience,” a workshop led by Kevin Wallace in which participants will explore painting, poetry, collage and assemblage. $60; all materials and canvas included. Through May 1: Jon Keenan: Recent Work, porcelain, stoneware and earthenware, presented in the Beato Gallery. 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Upper Ojai, 805-646-3381, www.beatricewood.com. 

CHANNEL ISLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM April 1-30: Annual Oxnard Union High School District Student Art Show. Q & A panel with the student artists on Tuesday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. Ongoing: Maritime art covering Asian, European and American seafaring history; the Marple Model Ship Collection; exhibits on whales, sailors and the Port of Hueneme and more. 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.

DUDLEY HOUSE HISTORIC MUSEUM Sunday, April 3, 1-4 p.m.: Open House and celebration of Ventura’s 156th birthday, with a special photo timeline and “Celebrate the Century” stamp exhibit. Ongoing: The National Historic Landmark was built in 1892 by Selwyn Shaw for lima bean farmer B.W. Dudley, and is one of the last pioneer farmhouses in Ventura. On display are artifacts and other elements showcasing aspects of life from 1895 to 1925. Open for tours the first Sunday of the month. COVID protocols will be strictly followed. 197 N. Ashwood Ave., Ventura, 805-642-3345, dudleyhouse.org.

PORCH GALLERY Through May 23. Shana Mabari: Oceans. In 2020, Los Angeles-based contemporary Light and Space artist Shana Mabari became the first artist-in-residence on a maritime mission led by the nonprofit Sea Shepherd Global. Work inspired by this journey comprises this exhibition. 310 E. Matilija St., Ojai, 805-620-7589, porchgalleryojai.com.  

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS April 2-May 28. E Pluribus Unum: Out of Many, One, Richard Barnett’s large oil paintings of crowds depicting up to 500 people in one work to Daggi Wallace’s small intimate pastel portraits and Kerstin Zilm’s prose and collected voices, the viewer is invited to contemplate their own place among each other and in this world. Opening reception on Saturday, April 2, 4-6 p.m. 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805-383-1368, studiochannelislands.org. 

AUDITIONS/CALLS TO ARTISTS

BONITA C. MCFARLAND SCHOLARSHIP Through April 25. The Museum of Ventura County is now accepting applications for this visual arts scholarship. Up to $17,500 will be awarded, with individual scholarships of $500 or more. Open to any high school senior or college-level student that is a resident of Ventura County. For rules, online application and more information, visit venturamuseum.org/bonita-c-mcfarland. 

CONEJO IMPROV PLAYERS Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. Ages 18 and up, no appointment necessary. Please wear comfortable attire; if you are able to improv-sing or freestyle rap, please plan on doing so. Provide a résumé of onstage experience. Open call, non-union, NO PAY. All Participants must be fully vaccinated. For more information, visit conejoplayers.org/upcoming-auditions. 

DAB ART Ongoing. The contemporary art organization is currently seeking submissions of work in any media for group and solo exhibitions at H Gallery and Studios in Ventura. Submit three to 20 images; $35 entry fee. For submission guidelines, online application and more information, visit www.dabart.me/ventura-2. 

JURIED SHOW AT realART GALLERY Through March 31. The application period is now open for the Agoura Hills gallery’s next show. All applications must be submitted through CaFE, a nonprofit organization run by the California Federation for the Arts. For more information, visit whatisrealart.com. 

MAIL ART EXHIBIT Through May 15. The ARTLIFE Foundation is calling for entries for its annual Mail Art Exhibit. Artists of any age and location may submit work of any topic or subject, but it must be 6” x 9” in size and sent via mail, either as a postcard or in a 6” x 9” envelope. Artists may submit up to four pieces; works of students in a class may be submitted in one envelope. Please sign work, and include mailing and email address. Work will be exhibited online and in local venues in Ventura County (dates and locations TBD). No fee, no jury, no returns. Mail to ARTLIFE Foundation, P.O. Box 23020, Ventura, CA, 93002, artlifefoundation.org. 

MICROBUSINESS COVID RELIEF GRANTS Through April 12. Are you an artist, arts business or arts nonprofit operating in Ventura County who earned $50,000 or less (primary means of income) in 2019 and were significantly impacted by COVID-19? If so, you are encouraged to apply for a $2,500 business assistance grant. Grants will be awarded until the grant funding has been exhausted. The application window will remain open through Tuesday, April 12, at 6 p.m. To determine if you are eligible, call the county’s grant phone line at 888-405-1004. The Ventura County Arts Council can also provide brief assistance over the phone or Zoom to local artists and arts organization. Email info@vcartscouncil.org to schedule a 15-20 minute appointment. Apply online at vcbusinessgrants.org.

VENTURA COUNTY FAIR POSTER CONTEST Through April 15. Friday, April 15 is the deadline for submissions in the contest for the poster for the 2022 Ventura County Fair. The winning design is the official fair poster and will be used on souvenirs and advertisements. The contest is open to Ventura County residents in grades 5 to 12. The theme for the poster contest is “VC Fair Rides Again.” Submissions will be judged on theme, originality, composition and skill. Cash prizes are awarded for first ($500), second ($250) and third ($100) place winners. The Fair is scheduled for Aug. 3-14, 2022. Details and rules are online at  www.venturacountyfair.org.  

WESTLAKE VILLAGE ART GUILD 2022 OPEN JURIED SHOW Through April 22. The Westlake Village Art Guild is currently accepting submissions for its annual Open Juried Art Show, on exhibit June 3-28 at the Thousand Oaks Community Gallery in Newbury Park. Open to all adult artists, members and non-members, offering generous cash prizes. Entries must be of original works of art. For entry fees, online application and more information, visit www.westlakevillageartguild.org/open-juried-show. 

YOUTH ART CONTEST Through April 1. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce the ninth annual California Invasive Species Youth Art Contest. This year’s theme is “Unite to Fight Invasive Species.” Three age divisions for youths in grades 2-4, 5-8 and 9-12. All types of media are welcome and encouraged, including (but not limited to) drawings, paintings, animations, comic strips, videos and public service announcements. Deadline for submission is April 1. Additional information at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Action-Week/Poster-Contest. 

 ONGOING THEATER

A BENCH IN THE SHADE Through April 3. Two people who were once engaged meet again when they both become residents of the same retirement community. Their budding romance is complicated by the arrival of a handsome Italian and the news that the building may be sold. South Stage at The Elite Theatre Company, 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard, 805-483-5118, www.theelite.org.  

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER Through April 3. Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi presents this musical comedy centered on a distant heir to the wealthy Earl of Highhurst, who finds creative means to move himself up the line of succession to land the family fortune. $20-28. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 805-583-7900, www.svvac.org.  

BYE BYE BIRDIE Through May 8. Teen culture in Small Town USA in the 1950s gets a humorous but loving tribute in this rock and roll musical. When teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie gets drafted, he stages a farewell kiss as a publicity stunt — leading to envy, jealousy and wacky hijinks! $18-20. Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 805-495-3715, conejoplayers.org.  

THE GIN GAME Through April 3. The Rubicon welcomes audiences back with a dazzling new production about two nursing home residents who first bond and then become rivals while playing gin rummy. Tickets start at $34.50. 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-667-2900, www.rubicontheatre.org. 

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Through April 10. A group of women in a small Southern town laugh, cry, celebrate, grieve and come together for support at Truvy’s beauty salon. A sweet, humorous and poignant look at the strength of women and the value of community, presented by Ojai ACT. $18-20. 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, 805-640-8797, ojaiact.org.  

THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE Through April 3. An elderly couple looking forward to their golden years find them interrupted by the major life changes being faced by their four adult children. This dark comedy explores love in all its forms: comforting, supportive, suffocating and destructive. $22-24. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. Seventh St., Santa Paula, 805-525-4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org. 

VENTURA COUNTY POETRY PROJECT Thursday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. live and via Zoom: Poetry reading and open mic at the EP Foster Library (also streamed live), 651 E. Main St., Ventura. More information at vcpoetryproject.org.  

ONGOING ART

AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Through June 26: Tomols to Trains: County Transportation through the 1900s. Ongoing: Farm to Market, an interactive exhibit promoting healthy lifestyles through role play; plus antique tractors, farming implements, a living beehive and more. Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, 805-525-3100, venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/.