Free Concerts and Live Music All Summer Long Around Ventura County

We have before us another great summer of free (and almost free), live music throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas this summer. This preliminary list is GROWING! Rock, jazz, pops, R&B, reggae, Celtic, classical, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Classic Rock, Latin, Tribute Bands, you name it!!!

This list of course is subject to change. Contact event organizers to confirm.

Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Newbury Park

• May 27 to Sept 2: Free Concerts in the Park in Thousand Oaks
• May 31 to August 30: Free Summer Concert Series in Westlake Village (Fri/Sat nights)
• August: Sunday Afternoon Free Jazz at Gardens of the World Thousand Oaks
• Starting May 31: Free Saturday Night Live Music at The Promenade at Westlake
• June 19 to Aug 28: Free Summer Concert Series at Janss Marketplace (Wed nights)
• July 11 to Aug 15: Free Summer Concert Series at The Oaks Mall (Thurs nights)

Agoura/Oak Park/Calabasas/Woodland Hills

• Sundays, 6/16, 7/7, 7/21, 8/4 Summer Concerts at Chumash Park Agoura Hills
• Saturday, June 22: Music in the Park in Oak Park
• June 2 to August 25: Free Concerts on the Green, Sundays in Woodland Hills
• June 9 to Sept 15: Free Summer Sunday Concerts at Calabasas Lake

Moorpark/Simi Valley

• June 15, July 20, August 17: Saturday Music in the Park Series in Simi Valley

Camarillo/Oxnard/Port Hueneme

• June 8 to Sept 7: Camarillo Arts Council Saturday Nights at Constitution Park in Camarillo
• 7/11, 18, 25, 8/1: Camarillo Community Band Free Thursday Night Concerts
• June 21 to August 30: Fridays at Heritage Square Oxnard
• July 11-14: Free Music at the Camarillo Fiesta and Street Fair

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Ventura County Emergency Services Offers Top Ten Water Safety Tips

Ventura County Emergency Services kicks off summer with drowning prevention tips

June has been a tragic month in Ventura County when it comes to accidental drowning.  Over four days, June 8 - 11, four Ventura County residents drowned in residential swimming pools. One was only 10-years-old.

“As summer officially begins on June 21^st, Ventura County Emergency Medical Services (VCEMS) wants to remind all parents that practicing proper water safety saves lives,” said Steve Carroll, VCEMS Administrator. “Drowning is the number one cause of injury-related death among children ages 1-4 and yet it is completely preventable.”

Since 2000, 141 Ventura County residents have died from accidental drowning with 13 of them being children under the age of 14. Nationally, about ten people die from drowning each day and, according to the World Health Organization, globally, 388,000 people drown each year.

To stay safe in and around water, VCEMS advises following these ten water safety tips:

1. Supervise when in and around water – Designate a responsible adult to watch young children in the bath or when they are swimming or playing around water. Supervisors of preschool children should provide “touch supervision” and be close enough to reach the child at all times.  Because drowning occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity – talking on the phone, reading, eating, visiting with friends - even when lifeguards are present.
2. Use the Buddy System – Always swim with a buddy and, whenever possible, select swimming sites that have lifeguards.
3. Seizure Disorder Safety – If you or a family member has a seizure disorder, provide one-on-one supervision around water.
4. Learn to Swim – Formal swimming lessons can help protect young children from drowning. However, even when children have had formal swimming lessons, constant, careful supervision are still important.
5. Learn CPR – In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, CPR skills can save someone’s life.
6. Air-filled or foam toys are not safety devices – Don’t use toys like “water wings,” “noodles” or inner-tubes instead of life jackets. These toys are no

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Stop By Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura to Cool Off During the Summer Months

A view of the Lake Casitas reservoir

Casitas Municipal Water District serves water to a population of 65,000 in western Ventura County. Lake Casitas was created in 1958 and encompasses 2,760 acres and a capacity of 254,000 acre-feet. While swimming is not allowed at Lake Casitas because it is a drinkable water supply, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area provides a host of other family activities, including over 400 campsites, picnic areas, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, special events, disc golf and the Casitas Water Adventure!

Casitas Water Adventure generally opens Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year. Children and adults can enjoy two distinct water playgrounds. For the younger children, there's a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon with water up to 18" deep.

The 1,200 foot long lazy river offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays.

For the smallest of tots, there's a zero-depth pool that sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area. Lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and a snack bar are provided for comfort and convenience. Shaded areas can be reserved for an extra fee. Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last. Locker rentals are available.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is located at 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. Take Highway 33 from Ventura towards Ojai, turn left on Santa Ana Blvd, then right on Santa Ana Road to the park entrance. Visit www.casitaswater.org or call 805.649.2233 for more information.

Life's a Beach! Public Beaches Spanning From Carpinteria to the Ventura Harbor

The beaches of Ventura County have something for everyone, be it the sand (case in point shown above), the ocean breezes, surfing, sandcastles, volleyball, sunning, picnicing or just chilling out to the sound of the waves. Here we have compiled a listing of beaches just north of Ventura County in Carpinteria down the coast to the Ventura Harbor. In a separate post we highlight beaches stretching further down the coast through Oxnard, Channel Islands Harbor, Point Mugu and Malibu.

Carpinteria State Beach is a mile long beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Dogs are allowed only at picnic area. The park originally opened in February 1932! There are 4 campground areas with 216 family campsites and seven group campsites available. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins. Exit the 101 at Casitas Pass Road, go west to Carpinteria Avenue, make a right at the signal; then turn left on Palm.  The beach is at the end of Palm Avenue. Address is 5361 6th Street, Carpinteria. Call 805.968.1033 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599.

Tar Pits Park in Carpinteria provides hiking and biking trails and a few benches, but no other park amenities.  Access to the park is very remote and it is suggested that you enter from the State Beach campgrounds or beach area.  The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery can be reached by following trails east of the park. Here you will see tar oozing out of the hills...so watch where you step! The Carpinteria Tar Pits are one of the five natural asphalt lake areas in the world! Visit www.carpinteria.ca.us/parks_rec/park_system.shtml for more information.

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve is 53 acres of open space situated overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a series of walkways, trails and open space for ocean views, whale watching and fresh air. There are restrooms and I believe parking is free. This is not a beach for hanging out on the sand. Visit www.carpinteria.ca.us/parks_rec/park_system.shtml for more information. Take the 101 Freeway to Ballard Avenue in turn towards the ocean.

Rincon Beach Park is near the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line just a few miles east of Carpinteria. Just take the Bates Avenue offramp off the 101 Freeway to the ocean and on the right you'll find plenty of free parking and easy beach access, with picnic tables and restrooms. Run by the County of Santa Barbara. No parking fees! Yeah! Just steps to the south of Rincon Beach Park is Rincon Point, known as one of the best surfing spots in the world. There is separating parking there and restrooms.

Mussel Shoals is a small beach community in Ventura with around 50 homes. There are about a dozen public parking spots along Old Pacific Coast Highway, paralleling the 101 nea

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The Immaculate "Gardens of the World" in Thousand Oaks is a Cultural Landmark

Dedicated to the residents of the Conejo Valley in December 2001, the Gardens of the World is a beautiful tribute to various cultures of the world. The 4.5 acre site is located in the heart of Thousand Oaks at 2001 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, literally across the street from the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and sandwiched between a strip mall on one side and Mastro's Steakhouse on the other side.

Gardens of the World is privately-owned and operated by the Hogan Family Foundation, Inc. You will find peace and serenity here in gardens representing England, France, Italy and Japan, as well as a Mission Courtyard which features murals of the 21 remaining California Missions. There are benches dispersed throughout the gardens for relaxing and enjoying the peace, beauty and serenity.

There's also a Resource Center where the work of local artists is often displayed. And since 2003, Gardens of the World has hosted a great Jazz Series on Sunday afternoons in August in the traditional American Bandstand area.

Gardens of the World is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.gardensoftheworld.info or call 805.557.1135 for more information. Parking is available on Thousand Oaks Boulevard and limited parking is available in a parking lot on site.

English Rose Garden

Italian Chain FountainFrench GardenPagoda in the Japanese Garden with koi pond

Only One in Five Adults Meet CDC Physical Activity Guidelines - Time to Fix That!

One in five adults meet overall physical activity guidelines

About 20% of U.S. adults are meeting both the aerobic and muscle strengthening components of the federal government's physical activity recommendations, according to a report recently published in  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (catchy name, eh?), a journal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get at least 2½ hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking, or one hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as jogging, or a combination of both.  The guidelines also recommend that adults do muscle-strengthening activities, such as push-ups, sit-ups, or activities using resistance bands or weights.  These activities should involve all major muscle groups and be done on two or more days per week. 

The report finds that nationwide nearly 50 percent of adults are getting the recommended amounts of aerobic activity and about 30 percent are engaging in the recommended muscle-strengthening activity.

The report also found that the West (24%) and the Northeast (21%) had the highest proportion of adults who met the guidelines. Women, Hispanics, older adults and obese adults were all less likely to meet the guidelines.

For more information about the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, including ways to get and stay active, visit www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity.  Learn more about CDC's efforts to promote walking by visiting www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/walking.

Here in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County with such great weather year-round, it should be easy to meet CDC's Physical Activity Guidelines. Here are some local options:

Upcoming 5K and 10K runs

Running and cycling groups and activities

Gyms and fitness facilities

Pilates

Gymnastics and dance facilities

Martial arts

Swimming

Local hiking and trails

Over 140 Summer Camps and Programs In and Around Ventura County

Calvary Community Church K-5 Conejo Valley "Adventure Weeks" Summer Camp 6/17 to 8/9!

Looking for a summer camp within range of Ventura County? Here's a list of over 140 summer day camps and residential camps and programs in the area. Actually, there are hundreds and hundreds of individual camps available. We've attempted to categorize the camps into 3 main groups; Traditional/Learning, Sports and Music/Arts, though many camps cover many fun activities all in one.

Know of more? Submit them here!

No doubt there will be some typos/errors on this list, so let us know if you find one.

Music/Arts Camps

1. Academy of Dance and School of Performing Arts Summer Classes in Westlake Village www.academyofdancewestlake.com/classes/summer-classes or 818.889.1515
2. Acting Camp in Westlake Village, 1 week beginner and advanced On-Camera/Commercial acting camp for kids and adults 9-60+, Dates TBD at www.westlakeactingstudio.com
3. Agoura Hills Dance Summer Day Camps, ages 5-17, www.agourahillsdance.com/summer or 818.991.8883
4. Antonio Sabato Jr. Summer Acting Camp in June Ages 8-16 with Celebrity Acting Camp Guest Speakers Virginia Madsen, Michael Dudikoff and Friends www.actingacademyforchildrenandyoungadults.com
5. Art Camp at Westlake High School in July www.westlakesportscamp.org/artcamp.html
6. Art Trek Summer Art Camp in Newbury Park, ages 8+ www.arttrek.org/Art_Trek/Summer_Camp.html
7. Blank Canvas Art School Summer Enrichment Camps in Westlake Village all ages July-Aug www.paintblankcanvas.com/classes/summer-enrichment-camps 805.496.1600
8. Cassies Dance Camp in Ventura Week-long summer camp for girls ages 5-18 in June-July.  Crafts, games, friends, dancing in a Christian setting www.cassiesdancecamp.com
9. C.A.T.S (Creative Acting Theater School) in locations thr

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Upcoming 5K,10K and Other Ventura County Area Running and Fitness Events!

"Race Day" by Camarillo artist Chuck TrunksStart training for upcoming 5K, 10K, half marathon and other Ventura County endurance events! We've made it easy for you to find a local race by tracking local events!. So go on, get moving, lace up those shoes and start training! CLICK HERE for local running/cycling groups and clubs!!  Training for a marathon...check out 26.2 Training Tips for Your First Marathon!

CONEJO JOE'S TRAINING BLOG 

Sat, Mar 23: 28th Annual Great Race of Agoura Half Marathons, 5K, 10K, 1 Mile Fun Run

Sat/Sun, Mar 30-31: Coyote Backbone Trail Ultra 68 Mile Traverse in Santa Monica Mountains

Sat, Apr 6: Autism Society of Ventura County Aut2Run 5K, 10K, 15K, 1K in Camarillo

Sat, Apr 13: 35th Annual Camarillo Kiwanis 5K/10K Runs 

Sun, Apr 14: Camarillo Duathlon Series

Sat, Apr 20: Santa Barbara Chardonnay 10 Mile and 5K Races

Sun, Apr 21: 7th Annual Gator Run 5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run in Simi Valley

Sat, Apr 27: 1st Annual "Run For Your Health" 5K Run/Walk in Camarillo

Sun, Apr 28: Ojai Half Marathon, 5K, 10K

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June 2013 Thousand Oaks Police Department City Watch Update

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Senior Deputy Tim Lohman of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from via email, click here for more information.

Summer brings the opening of many public and residential pools, which makes the swim season officially underway.  Unfortunately, within the last two weeks three people in surrounding cities have died as a result of drowning. Therefore, it is important to practice safety to prevent an accidental drowning. 

An estimated 260 children under five years of age drown each year in residential swimming pools and spas. It’s estimated another 3,000 children under age five are treated in hospital emergency rooms following submersion accidents each year. Some of these submersion accidents result in permanent brain damage.

Nationally, drowning is the fourth leading cause of death to children under five. In some states such as California, Florida and Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death to children under five. 

Drowning is a preventable cause of death or injury for children. When proven safety measures are put in place and practiced, you and your family will be much more secure.

The Sheriff’s Office provides the following safety guidelines:

• Always watch your children when they are in or near a pool or spa, never leave a child unsupervised.
• Teach your children to swim or sign up for swimming lessons.
• Instruct babysitters, friends or family about potential hazards to young children in and around swimming pools and the need for constant supervision.
• Completely fence the pool using a four-foot or taller fenc

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Abraham Lincoln Exhibit at Reagan Library Includes Special Piece by Kazuhiro Tsuji

The Abraham Lincoln exhibit at the Reagan Library has a jaw-dropping, larger than life Portrait of Abraham Lincoln on display. The piece is the work of Los Angeles based special effects makeup artist and sculptor, Kazuhiro Tsuji.

Photo of Abraham Lincoln piece, courtesy of artist Kazuhiro Tsuji

Originally, from Kyoto, Japan, Kazu has worked with famed makeup artist Dick Smith (Amadeus, The Exorcist, The Godfather) and began his craft in the U.S. in 1996 on "Men In Black." He won a BAFTA award for “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and has received Oscar nominations for “Click” and “Norbit.”

In 2007 Kazuhiro Tsuji started KTS Effects in Burbank. His hyper realistic technique, learned while he was in the film industry, renders portraits that emit a profound sense of soul and emotion to viewers.

I was in awe when I saw Kazu's work up close at the Reagan Library, as I stopped and looked at the piece from various angles. It was almost eerie looking at Lincoln as it seemed he was looking back at me. I asked Kazu some questions about his work:

How did you create the Lincoln piece and what is it made out of?

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln was created over 10 weeks, beginning in November 2012 and was completed on January 17th. Lincoln was sculpted in clay and a mold was created. It is composed of silicone, resin, cotton fabric, wood and human hair. The silicone skin was painted, hair was punched one by one, eyes were created and assembled together.

Why did you create this particular Lincoln piece?

After creating my first piece modeled afer Dick Smith ten years ago, I decided my next piece would be Abraham Lincoln. I focused on my career as a special effects makeup artists for many years, then recently the timing worked out to start this piece as fine art piece.  I respect him as one amazing human being and I think he has an amazing face as artistic subject.  

How are you able to create such life-like work?

It takes a lot of work and study of the subject through every step of the process. I try to put life intomy work to make it real, from the inside out, not just a superficial duplication of an image.  I pour in my respect, love and admiration for my subject into my work.

To learn more about Kazu's work, visit his website at kazustudios.com.

Photo of Kazuhiro Tsuji while working on Abraham Lincoln. (Photo courtesy of the artist)

Free and Nearly Free Movies All Summer Long Around Ventura County

Stay cool this summer with several hundred FREE and nearly free movies in and around Ventura County and surrounding areas! These movies are at local movie theaters, parks, libraries and other locations!

Movies/dates subject to change. Contact organizers to confirm. List is preliminary...

Calabasas: $1 Movies at Regal Grand Palace Stadium Tues/Wed 10am (6/18 to 8/14)

Calabasas: City of Calabasas Movies Under the Stars, Fri nights (6/21, 7/12, 8/2)

Camarillo: Free Movies in the Park on Fri Nights (4 Locations) - 8 Movies June 21 to August 23

Camarillo: $1 Movies at Regal Palace Stadium Tues/Wed 10am (6/18 to 8/14)

Camarillo: Camarillo Arts Council Movies at Constitution Park (6/29, 8/17)

Camarillo: Classic Movies at Camarillo Public Library Thursday Nights (6/6 to 8/29)

Malibu: Malibu Country Mart Free Su

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California Has Over $6.1 Billion of Unclaimed Property - Claim Yours Now!

The State of California currently has over $6.1 billion in Unclaimed Property belonging to 17.6 million individuals and organizations. That's nearly half of the state's population!

California's Unclaimed Property Law which requires "holders" such as corporations, business associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies to annually report and deliver property to the Controller's Office after there has been no customer contact for three (3) years. Often the owner forgets that the account exists, or moves and does not leave a forwarding address or the forwarding order expires. In some cases, the owner dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the property.

The most common types of Unclaimed Property are bank accounts and safe deposit box contents, stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and dividends , uncashed cashier's checks or money orders, certificates of deposit, matured or terminated insurance policies, estates, and mineral interests and royalty payments, trust funds and escrow accounts.

Find out more at www.ClaimIt.ca.gov. Search the database at scoweb.sco.ca.gov/UCP/Default.aspx. Or call 800.992.4647 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Search by last name and drill down by city if you'd like. But perhaps you might want to try the first few letters of your name and city...maybe someone misspelled your name!

There are over 50,000 unclaimed accounts in Thousand Oaks alone!

Blue Star Museums Program Free Admission to Active Duty Military at 1,800+ Museums

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

Free admission is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military  - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members.

Local area museums in Ventura County, Santa Barbara and nearby areas that are participating in the Blue Star Museums program include:

• Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas
• Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard
• Channel Islands Maritime Museum
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Santa Barbara Museum of Art
• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
• Museum of Ventura County's Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula
• Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in Simi Valley
• Museum of Ventura County in Ventura

For a complete list of museums participating in the Blue Star Museums program, visit www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums.

4th of July Fireworks, Parades and Other Events Around Ventura County!

America's 237th birthday is July 4, 2013! Here's the annual list of local fireworks, parades and other festivities throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas that are planned for this coming Independence Day!

Confirmed fireworks in Thousand Oaks, Moorpark (July 3rd), Simi Valley, Calabasas, Channel Islands Harbor, Ojai, Fillmore, Agoura (July 7th), Woodland Hills, Camarillo and Santa Barbara.

Parades in Westlake Village, Channel Islands Harbor, Ventura, Ojai, Santa Barbara and Newbury Park.

Family festivities and fun all over the place...concerts, carnivals, swimming, games, tournaments, face painting, 5K/10K runs, etc.!

(Contact us with updates)

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

The annual Conejo Recreation and Park District and City of Thousand Oaks 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is launched from the hill behind the Hillcrest Center of the Arts in Thousand Oaks. Best viewing will be at the Oaks Shopping Center and Janss Marketplace parking lots. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Call the Conejo Recreation and Park District for more information at 805.381.1247.

Other CRPD 4th of July events around the city include a Pancake Breakfast and Home Run Derby in Newbury Park, Concert in the Park featuring the Conejo Pops Orchestra and Free Swimming!

Janss Marketplace once again will be hosting a free viewing of the fireworks along with free music and family activities starting at 5pm on the 4th.

Stop by the 3rd Annual Miller Family YMCA 5K/10K, Classic Car Show and Parade the morning of July 4th in Newbury Park!! Kids fun zone, entertainment and more.

The Oaks mall will also be an official viewing location for the City of Thousand Oaks fireworks with parking lots available starting at 6pm. Free Patriotic Musical Comedy event at 10am. There will also be a free screening of The Smurfs at 10am at the Muvico Theater on the 4th.

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Celebration at Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park from 1-4pm on July 4th in honor of its own birthday and the Country's. Free barbershop music, ice cream and more!

Bethany Church on the Hill in Thousand Oaks once again opens its incredible views to the public with a 4th of July Celebration starting at 5pm. Free music, family fun, food for sale and some of the best views of the Thousand Oaks fireworks display in town!

Westlake Village

The 44th Annual 4th of July Parade starts at 9:45am followed by music, inflatables, games, popsicles, etc. at Berniece Bennett Park until noon. Boy Scout pancake breakfast before the parade!

Moorpark (3rd of July!)

The City of Moorpark presents its 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Gates open at 3:45 p.m. $5 per person. Food booths, games and attractions, live entertainment and more!

Simi Valley

Visit the Reagan Library 4th of July Celebration between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Festivities include music, family entertainment, food, presidential look-alikes, face painting, st

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Sea Breezes, Views, Picnics and a Mermaid at Soter Point, Marina Park in Ventura

Dedicated in 2011, Soter Point at Marina Park in Ventura consists of a shaded picnic area, benches, attactive landscaping and a 15 foot mermaid statue. Soter Point is the result of a private/public partnership between local Ventura residents and the City of Ventura.

The inscription on a plaque on the Mermaid of Soter Point tells the story:

This stunning landmark overlooking the Ventura Harbor represents a trailblazing cooperative effort to beautify our community through private citizens working with public agencies. Andy Soter developed and landscaped the area in memory of his daughter Andrea, a successful and much admired investment manager. The mermaid sculpture and its foundation were donated by Russian emigrants Alec and Tatyana Benke, as an expression of love for their new country, America. Samuel Povar created the first collaboration of this nature in 2007 as a tribute to his late wife Orianna and worked tirelessly to make this Marina Park project a reality. And, the Ventura City Council and the Coastal Commission gave their enthusiastic blessing. Now Povar, Soter, and Benke, all Ventura residents, hope to inspire others to use private capital along with public cooperation and support…to envision something beautiful and make it happen.

Soter Point is located at the southernmost point of Marina Park, a short walk from the main playground area of the park. With beautiful views looking out toward Ventura Harbor and picnic area with cooled by sea breezes, Soter Point does not Disa-Point.

Bench faces south toward Ventura Harbor Village