Mexican Art Show & Sale at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas May 25th - 27th

City of Westlake Village TGIF and Saturday Concert Series This Summer

Summer evenings in Westlake Village provide the perfect backdrop for a great entertainment series. The 10th Annual TGIF Westlake Village serries offers families a series of free performances at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 Oak Crest Drive. Events start at 7pm, except the movie on 7/26, which starts at 8pm. The lineup includes:

• May 31: Jazz Night Featuring the LCMS and AHS Jazz Bands
• June 28: Cabrillo Music Theater presents "Cabrillo Goes 'Blonde': Movies into Musicals" 
• July 26: Outdoor screening of "Ratatouille”
• August 30: New West Symphony presents an intimate concert with featured New West musician Danielle Belen and featured group Quattro

Saturday Concerts in the Park are another great series planned this summer at Berniece Bennett Park, 31800 Village Center Road: 

• June 15: Elvis Tribute Concert Featuring "Raymond Michael"
• July 20: "Queen Nation"Tribute Concert 
• August 17: "The Stars of Beatlemania" Tribute Band 

A limited number of chairs and tables are available on a first-come, first-seated basis at all TGIF Civic Center events. Food is available for sale from local restaurant vendors each week. Concerts start at 7pm.

More information and updates at www.wlv.org/index.aspx?NID=228.

10th Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival Planned for Saturday, June 29th

The 2013 Ojai Valley Lavender Festival
In the Heart of Historic Downtown Ojai

This year the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival is hosting its 10th Annual Mediterranean Marketplace on Saturday, June 29th from 10am-5pm.  Each year the festival takes place at Libbey Park, in the heart of historic downtown Ojai.

Sip on lavender infused lemonade as you meander the tree lined aisles of artisan wares. From essential oils and lotions, to plants, art and jewelry, to delectable gourmet treats, informative classes and hands-on demonstrations – there is something for everyone at the must attend event of the summer! Relax and enjoy a picnic while listening to the soft sounds of festival musicians. Or dine at one of Ojai’s heralded eateries featuring lavender infused specially items. Come for the day or stay a while and enjoy local art galleries, shops and boutiques that are uniquely Ojai.

And new to the festival this year is “Lavender Sunday” on June 30th!  The focus of this day is designed to engage the senses through a variety of classes - from art and cooking to tips for growing drought resistant plants, like lavender, in your own backyard!  (The marketplace is on Saturday ONLY.)
For up to date information on the festival visit  www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk in Thousand Oaks on August 10th

Join in the campaign to support more birthdays at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk fundraiser. Supports the American Cancer Society. Making Strides is a non-competitive 5k scenic morning walk, beginning at 9am on Saturday, August 10th at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

For more information and to register, visit MakingStrides.acsevents.org/thousandoaks

Air National Guard Band of the Southwest Free Concert in Port Hueneme on June 30

The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest’s 2013 Southern California Summer Concert tour will present a free concert in Oceanview Pavilion’s Performing Arts Theatre by the Beach located at 575 E. Surfside Drive Port Hueneme. The concert will be 3:00 pm Sunday June 30. It is sponsored by the Oceanview Pavilion’s Performing Arts Theatre by the Beach.

The thirty-member Air National Guard concert band is a celebration of American music!  Under the direction of Captain Vu Nguyen, the band performs music by Aaron Copland, John Phillip Sousa, and other favorites. A highlight of every concert is the showcase of patriotic and popular melodies specially arranged to feature their exciting vocalists. 

A maximum of four tickets are available for each household.  For tickets call our Box office (805) 986-4818 or you may pick up tickets at our office 575 E. Surfside Dr. Port Hueneme.  For more information, please visit our website: www.oceanviewinfo.com

We are very proud and honored to be a part of such an event and I am hoping that with your help together we can promote this amazing concert to the communities of Ventura County.

"California Rocks" Gem & Mineral Show at Ventura County Fairgrounds May 31 to June 2

The 76th Annual Statewide Show of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies takes place at Ventura County Fairgrounds on  May 31 through June 2 for "California Rocks!," the 76th annual statewide show and convention of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS). The show will be open to the general public. Hours are 10am to 5pm Fri/Sat and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Adults $5, seniors (60+) and military (with ID) $4, ages 13 to 17 $3 and kids 12 and under are free with paid adult.  Visit www.cfms2013.com for more information.

Throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona are 110 gem and mineral societies, including three right here in Ventura County: the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, the Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, and the Conejo Gem & Mineral Club. Most hold their own, small shows. Collectively, these groups are joined under the umbrella of the CFMS, and once a year, they come together for what's often described as "the Super Bowl of gem shows" within the state of California.

The setting for the show circulates around the state, and this is the first time in 5 years that it returns to Ventura County, with the Ventura, Oxnard, and Conejo societies (or the "Tri-Clubs of Ventura County") serving as show hosts.

This year’s “Super Bowl” has been entitled California Rocks! to highlight gems, minerals, and fossils from our home state.  A beautiful gold specimen will be one of the featured displays.  Discovered by a young girl in Placer County in 1871, the California Golden Bear gold nugget is one of the official emblems of the CFMS.  Normally housed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, it will be on temporary display at the show, alongside samples of our state gemstone (sapphire-blue benitoite), our state rock (satiny green serpentine), and our state fossil (the saber- toothed cat).

In keeping with our show theme of California Rocks!, included is material unique to our state, such as two exhibits of our state gemstone benitoite, local polished agates from the Santa Monica Mountains, Monterey jade from Jade Cove, Ventura County fossils, California geodes, gemstones from tourmaline mines of San Diego County, and fossils and minerals collected during southern California field trips sponsored by the local gem and mineral societies.  We’ll also have two displays specifically related to old-time gold prospecting in California and California mining.

The Anacapa building will about 100 competitive and non-competitive cases from the entire federation as well as the AFMS (American Federation of Mineral Societies). That means some of the best collections in the whole United States.

This Show will take up the two largest buildings at the fairgrounds plus an additional building for the Speaker Program. San Miguel Hall will be filled to overflowing with over 40 select dealers that will have something for everyone - jewelry, gemstones, fossils, meteorites, books, tools and sculptures, along with anything remotely related to the hobby.

Sunrise Staff Raises a Racket for Alzheimer's in Westlake Village on Friday, June 21st

Local Women’s Tennis Tournament Brings Attention to Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association has declared June 21, 2013 The Longest Day honoring those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Organized teams across the nation will raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research doing activities they enjoy during this sunrise-to-sunset event.  Here in Westlake Village, Sunrise Senior Living is doing their part by hosting a women’s tennis tournament/luncheon  Raise a Racket for Alzheimer’s, at the Westlake Village Inn and Tennis Club from 9am to 3pm.

Physical Therapist Asst. Donna Eberstein chairs the first annual Raise a Racket for Alzheimer’s. She says: “I have been working for years with patients who have been afflicted with Alzheimer’s and have seen first hand how difficult this is for both the patients and their families.  I love playing tennis, so I had an idea to include the community in a effort to raise awareness and funds for research for Alzheimer’s disease.”

The day begins under the tent at Sunrise Senior Living Westlake Village with continental breakfast provided by Vitas Innovative Hospice Care. Then players head to the courts for the tournament.  After tennis, players and others will gather at the beautiful Westlake Village Inn for a luncheon event, emceed by TV personality Lissa Coffey. There will be prizes, raffles, special guest speakers, boutique shopping and more. Dr Gilbert Rishton will be joining us speaking on Alzheimer’s Drug Development News & Preventive Measures: Foods/Supplements.

Those interested in attending may sign up for the tournament or purchase tickets for the luncheon.  Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. Online registration is available at: www.sunrisewlv.com   

Raise a Racket for Alzheimer’s sponsors include Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Foremost Home Health Care, Inc., Sunrise Senior Living Westlake Village. Sponsorship information is available at: www.sunrisewlv.com.  All proceeds go to directly Central Coast Alzheimer's Association.  Tax ID# 77-0006745

Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association advances research to end Alzheimer's and dementia while enhancing care for those living with the disease. For more information go to: www.alz.org

Contact:

Sharon Schoenberger 805-557-1100 (Westlakevillage.dos@sunriseseniorliving.com)

Donna Eberstein 805-300-3300 (dleberstein@gmail.com)

Tower 2 Tower Stair Climb Fundraiser in Oxnard on Saturday, June 1st

Tower 2 Tower Stair Climb Hosted By Oxnard Fire Explorer Post 9244 planned for Saturday, June 1st at Topa Financial Plaza Towers, 300 East Esplanade Drive Oxnard. Check in starts at 8am. 36 stories up and 14 stories down! Location? The beautiful Oxnard Topa Financial Plaza Towers. The first tower in the climb is a Class A – 14 story high-rise. The second is a Class A – 21 story high rise. Both are guaranteed to challenge even the best and provide each participant with the experience of seeing the amazing Oxnard Plains from a view that only a select few have ever been able to boast seeing!

Participants will start by heading 14 stories up the shorter Brown Tower, then cross the top floor and go back down the opposite side of the building. They will then cross the parking lot and begin the ascent of the North Stairwell in the Larger Tower #2. Upon reaching the top of the 22nd floor participants will exit onto the roof. Here, there will be time to get a drink of water and enjoy the view. Up to this date this location has been classified "Restricted Access" and only frequented by Fire Personnel. A photo will be taken to document each incredible accomplishment as well as our gratitude for supporting Oxnard Explorer Post 9244. We will then kindly put you in the elevator for a relaxing ride back down to Public Safety Days and your enthusiastic supporters! Times will be given at the Winners Circle. Along with the event is of course our Public Safety Day. There will be Fire Trucks, Police, K9’s, Search and Rescue, Hazmat Teams, Military, Sports Vendor Reps and many others to show, interact, and explain their roles in safety as well as fitness and health for our community.

Register at this Active.com link.

History Days 2013 at Strathearn Park in Simi Valley on Saturday, June 15th

HISTORY DAYS 2013 at Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in Simi Valley is planned for Saturday, June 15th from 10 am to 4 pm. Scavenger hunts for kids, musical performances by a barbershop quartet plus a one-man band and living history reenactments are examples of some of the family oriented activities in store.

Throughout the day there will be ongoing activities, displays and demonstrations to engage men, women and children.

To celebrate the completed restoration of the old Bañaga Barbershop building, visitors can go back in time by getting haircuts from barbers on hand who will work just for tips!

Wander around the 6 acre park to check out antique cars, vintage tractors, and farm equipment. 

Blacksmith horseshoeing and amateur radio demonstrations are also slated. 

Dances will be performed by Ballet Folklorico de México and gymnastics by Imagymnation Team – both are children’s troupes.  A kids craft corner will provide hands-on projects.

Vendors will offer items including original art on painted-carved gourds and handcrafted pottery.

All historic buildings will be open for self-guided tours, with docents on hand to answer questions.

Food will be available for purchase from the Kiwanis ChucKwagon.

All performances and activities are included in the entrance price of $7 for anyone over age 5 however families are $20 maximum.  Entrance is free to our active military and dependents with military ID. 

Proceeds support educational and preservation programs of the Simi Valley Historical Society at Strathearn Park.

The park is located at 137 Strathearn Place (behind the new Target store on Tierra Rejada).  For more information call 805-526-6453 or visit: www.simihistory.com

Relay for Life of Camarillo Planned for Saturday, June 29 at Camarillo High School

2013 Relay For Life of Camarillo

 June 29-30, 2013 at 10AM

No matter who you are, there's a place for you at Relay. Each dollar you raise will help save lives. How far will you go to make a difference in the fight against cancer?

Your reasons for walking in the Relay For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. This is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people we have lost, but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Because of your support, we are creating a world where cancer can't claim another year of anyone's life. You are helping create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!

Event Location: Camarillo High School

Opening Ceremony: 10:00am

Survivor Lap: 10:15am

Fight Back: 9:30am

Luminaria Ceremony: 9:00pm

Closing Ceremony: 10:00am

CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Programs in Ventura County

Free events and programs in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area locations in Ventura County and adjacent areas through June 2013 are highlighted below! (updated periodically to remove past activities)

SAT 5/25 8:30am Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa - Birds of Spring - Many habitats attract colorful migrants and summer residents: blue grosbeaks, the elusive grasshopper sparrow and more. Bring binoculars. Beginners welcome. Rain cancels. Meet at main parking lot. 2.5hrs

Memorial Weekend Art Show & Sale May 25 – May 27 Saturday – Monday, 9am–5pm - Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center - Enjoy an extraordinary variety of Oaxacan wood carvings, Mata Ortiz pottery and Zapotec rugs. Meet premier Oaxacan wood carver Jacobo Angeles and master Mata Ortiz potter Jorge Quintana. 11am and 2pm daily: Mata Ortiz pottery demonstrations. 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm daily: Oaxacan woodcarving demonstrations. More info: www.wnpa.org

Cultural Workshop Sunday, May 26 10am–12pm & 1pm–3pm - Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center - Celebrate the spring with Chumash elder and Satwiwa co-founder Charlie Cooke as he shares his culture through the art of storytelling and demonstrations. All ages are welcome.

SUN 5/26 8:30am Malibu Lagoon State Beach - Beach and Wetlands Bird Watching - Experts and beginners, adults and teens, all are welcome. Bring binoculars. Info: 310-395-6235. 2-3hrs

SUN 5/26 10am Malibu Creek State Park - Welcome to Malibu Creek Join a docent for a walk along the creek and a wooded valley. Learn about the area’s animals, plants, early inhabitants, and movies filmed in the park. Meet at lower parking lot. 2hrs

SUN 5/26 10am Malibu Lagoon State Beach - Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents - Special short walk for children and families - binoculars provided. Reservations required for groups: 310-395-6235. 1hr

SUN 5/26 1pm Paramount Ranch - Movie Magic - Learn the secrets that turn a dusty set into a realistic town. Join us on this walk behind the scenes to discover the illusions and history of Paramount Ranch. 1hr

SAT 6/1 9am Malibu Creek State Park - Introduction to Mountain Bike Skills - Learn proper off-road riding fundamentals and shared-use etiquette. Mountain bike and helmet required. Heavy rain cancels. Info: 805-558-1606 or www.corbamtb.com. 4hrs

SAT 6/1 10am King Gillette Ranch - Innovation in the Golden Era - King Gillette Ranch was home to MGM Director, Clarence Brown, who made movies on this still popular filming location. Look behind the scenes at his filmmaking innovations and Hollywood parties on this easy walk. 1.5hrs

SAT 6/1 6pm Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons - Creatures of the Night - Take a hike with a ranger and discover which animals come out at dusk. Bring a flashlight. If we are lucky, we may spot owls or hear the coyotes howl. Meet at main parking lot. 2hrs

SUN 6/2 10am Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center - Native Plants, Native Uses - Join us for an easy to moderate 1-mile, 300’ gain hike and learn about traditional Native American, as well as contemporary uses of our local plants. Bring water and sunblock; wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Meet inside visitor center. 2hrs

WED 6/5 9am Peter Strauss Ranch - Plein Air Painting - Professional and beginning artists gather to paint landscapes. Join in or just visit and watch. Bring your own materials. Info: Trish 805-376-0034. 3hrs

THU 6/6 8am Santa Monica Mountains - Las Virgenes Canyon - Enjoy a moderately-paced 8-9 mile, 800’-1200’ gain hike with various options depending on weather. Meet at trailhead kiosk. From 101 Ventura Fwy, take Las Virgenes Rd, north 1+ mile to end, street parking. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, and sunscreen. Rain cancels. Info: 818-981-4799. 5hrs

SAT 6/8 9:30am Circle X Ranch - Mishe Mokwa Trailhead - Paint-Out - Inspiring mountain views awaits the new or experienced artist, any media. Look for red flag. Info: 310-383-1374 or www.allied-artists.com. 4hrs

SAT 6/8 8am to noon: The Santa Monica Mountains Fund will host a native plant sale at Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park. The annual event, which was re-scheduled due to the Springs Fire, offers the opportunity for community members to buy plants native to the Santa Monica Mountains, get free expert advice and publications and learn about fire-safe landscaping techniques.  

Proceeds from the sale benefit restoration and education projects in the Santa

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Conejo Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale in Thousand Oaks June 7-9

The Conejo Orchid Society is pleased to announce its annual Orchid Show and Sale at the Thousand Oaks Public Library, June 7 - 9. This free event will be an opportunity for the community to learn about orchids and the Conejo Orchid Society and to try their hand at growing some of the most beautiful and unusual plants in the world.

This annual event includes an exhibit of members’ orchids, and a wide range of inexpensive, easy to grow orchids for sale. Several hundred orchids from local and Hawaiian orchid nurseries will be available, most in bud or in bloom. Many of these plants can be successfully grown outdoors in Southern California. Other orchids and “companion plants” such as succulents and tillandsias grown by Conejo Orchid Society members will also be on sale. Demonstrations will show how to divide and repot orchids and other aspects of orchid care. Society members will be available to provide guidance on how best to grow your new orchids and to answer any questions that you have.

Orchid society annual show and sale will be held at the Thousand Oaks Public library June 7-9. Community way to learn about orchids and growing them. Many unusual orchids from members collections will be exhibited.   Help in answering any questions by experienced members will also  be available.  Also inexpensive orchids from local and Hawaiian growers will be for sale. The Thousand Oaks Public Library is located at 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

Hours are Friday, June 7 noon to 6pm,  Saturday, June 8 10am to 5 pm and Sunday, June 9 1pm to 3pm.

Culture demonstrations will be Fri. 1pm, Sat 11am and 1pm.

For more information, please call 805-492-6794 or visit us at www.ConejoOrchidSociety.org

Art Walk 2013 in Thousand Oaks Planned for the Weekend of June 1st-2nd

ArtWalk '13 takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 1st and 2nd from 10 am to 5 pm at The Bank of America Building at Hillcrest and Wilbur Streets in Thousand Oaks.  ArtWalk is a two day, juried, fine arts and designer crafts outdoor exhibition presented by the Conejo Valley Art Museum with the assistance of the Conejo Recreation and Park District. Over 150 artists will have their work on display and for sale.

The event draws more than 18,000 spectators. The museum extends the opportunity for all distinguished artists, designers and crafts persons to exhibit their finest work in this celebrated event. Proceeds of ArtWalk go to the building and endowment funds. FREE admission and parking. Call 805.492.8778 for more information.  There will also be food and beverages for sale, live music and childrens' hand on art activities. Also visit cvam.us/events.html.

Thursday Night Laughs Live Comedy at Muvico Theater in Thousand Oaks

Thursday Night Laughs is a monthly comedy show hosted by comedian Jason Love at Muvico Theater in Thousand Oaks. The show takes place in one of the premier theaters. Tickets include free popcor, and there is no drink minimum. Shows start at 8pm.

Upcoming shows are as follows:

May 30: Dana Eagle, J. Chris Newberg and Lucas Dick (yes, Andy Dick's son!)

Learn more and buy tickets at www.muvico.com/laughs.aspx

3rd Annual Mi Casa de Angeles Benefit Fashion Show in Westlake Village on June 29

On Saturday, June 29 from 5-9PM, Mi Casa de Angeles will be hosting its 3rd Annual Benefit Fashion Show at 112 Lakeview Canyon Rd in Westlake Village. To purchase tickets, visit micasadeangeles.org/events/upcomingevents.html.  This year there will be live entertainment from a dance studio along with four participating boutiques and several other vendors. Mi Casa de Angeles,founded by 18 year old Westlake Village resident Gabriella Brignardello at the age of 15, is a   501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education for impoverished children in Peru to thereby empower them with knowledge and give them an opportunity for success. More information at www.micasadeangeles.org.

Summer Exhibitions and Programs at Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard

Christine Morla - FluorescencesCarnegie Art Museum Summer Exhibitions and Programs

June 9 - August 18, 2013 Exhibitions:

Kaleidoscopic Gaze-Christine Morla
A smart looking series of mixed-media paintings celebrating the City’s diverse cultural landscape. Each painting owes its impact to recycling, being woven from thin strips of packaging from Filipino snack foods. Morla uses cast-off materials collected from neighborhoods and fields to give industrial detritus renewed life. She will also do a special installation using the Museum’s classical interior. Christine Morla is an art instructor at Oxnard College.

Diffusion: Paintings of Blinding Light by Kevin Short
Recent paintings of the disorienting and brilliant effects of sunlight on ocean breaks and beaches. A surfer raised in Goleta, Short is considered an integral observer and portrayer of surf culture with considerable expertise in contemporary impressionism. His respect and continued interest in a healthy, sustainable ocean and shoreline is inherent in his paintings of the California coast. Short’s published series, Trestles, visually points out the beauty and fragility of the San Mateo Creek Estuary.

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 8, 3-5 pm (museum members free / non-members $5)

Gallery Talks
Kevin Short - Thursday, July 11 at 6:30 pm
Christin Morla - Thursday, August 1 at 6:30 pm

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Live Art and Wine Event at Mary Health of the Sick Newbury Park on Friday, May 31

MARY HEALTH OF THE SICK announces an Art and Wine Event in the Gardens on Friday, May 31, 2013 from 4 - 7 pm. Visit www.maryhealth.com or call 805.498.3644 for more information/tickets.

Pioneer Jamboree at Stagecoach Inn Newbury Park on Saturday, June 8th

The Stagecoach Inn Museum will hold its Annual Pioneer Jamboree from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday, June 8th, on the museum’s grounds at 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park.

This celebration of the way we lived, will include music, storytelling, butter churning, crafts, games, gold panning, lemon squeezing, fossil digging, antique toy making and more. The Jamboree will feature 17 hands-on activities to take visitors back to the early days of the Stagecoach Inn, opening in July 1876. The entire museum complex will be open for tours all through the day.

There will be food and beverages for sale, and free parking in Stagecoach Park – enter from Lynn Road just west of Ventu Park Road. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children/Youths (4-17) $3, Under 3 Free, Family Rate (up to 6) $20.00.  For further information, call the museum at (805) 498-9441.

26th Annual Santa Barbara Wine Festival on Saturday, June 29th

The 26th Annual Santa Barbara Wine Festival™ takes place at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History located just beyond the Old Mission. The event will be held on Saturday, June 29th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature wines from over 70 wineries plus bakers, caterers, chefs and more. Admission is $70 for members of the Museum and $95 for non-members. $105 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Museum's exhibits and science education programs for school children. For more information, visit www.sbnature.org or call 805.682.4711.

2013 Relay for Life of Port Hueneme Planned for June 22-23

The 2013 Relay for Life of Port Hueneme will take place from 9:00 AM on June 22, 2013 to 10:00 AM on June 23 on the Hueneme High School Football Field.

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times

The Port Hueneme Relay for Life was founded in 2009. We are actively seeking volunteers, teams and sponsors. Detailed information can be found at www.relayforlife.org/porthuenemeca/