Happenings 

Happenings

Landscape Photo
July 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Ventura's downtown area comes alive on Independence Day with the 30th Annual Street Fair featuring more than 300 artisans over a dozen-block area of the cultural district. Booths offer handmade arts and crafts and food from local restaurants, while live entertainment, a children's parade and children's activities complete the day. Pushem-Pullem parade begins 10:30 a.m. at Cemetery Park, proceeding west on Main Street to Plaza Park. Parade participants decorate wagons, strollers, bicycles and anything that can be pushed, pulled or pedaled. Free shuttle service from the Ventura County Government Center parking lot. 654-7830. Visit online at www.venturastreetfair.com.


What Internet Neutrality Matters To You


July 2, 3-5 p.m. Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions hold their monthly meeting featuring a screening of the film Tangled Web, a PBS special on Net Neutrality, and a discussion by Gary Orthuber, director of Cal-Pac Technology, who discusses the civil rights issues at stake and how you can help preserve net freedom. Foster Library's Topping Room, 651 E. Main St., Ventura. 850-5849.


Holiday Happenings


MOORPARK Monday, July 3, 9 p.m. The City of Moorpark presents their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza $2. Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark. 517-6300.

CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR Tuesday, July 4, 11am-10pm. Show your patriotic side and celebrate our nation's birth at the Ninth Annual Channel Islands Harbor Fireworks by the Sea display and celebration. Fun activities, live entertainment, an arts and crafts fair, sand castle building contest, Make Your Own Aquarium, inflatable fun zone, a 10K and 5K Fun Run/Walk, children's activities, great food and an old fashioned Fourth of July B-B-Q, and a spectacular fireworks show complete the day. Children's parade begins 11am at Fisherman's Wharf. The day's celebration kick off with a 10K & 5K Fun Run/Walk along the water's edge. Registration starts 7am, races begin 8am. Celebration continues with a parade starting at 11 a.m. Visitors can watch the parade as it travels on Harbor Boulevard from Harbor Landing Shopping Center to the Port Royal Restaurant, adjacent to the Channel Islands Yacht Club. The parade will feature youth groups, classic cars, musicians and much more! Free viewing from the Harbor. 985-4852.

FOURTH OF JULY TRAIN RIDE Tuesday, July 4. The Fillmore & Western Railroad celebrates the Fourth of July with a day full of festivities, including the Sespe Creek Car Show presented by the Fillmore & Western. This classic car event is as much a tradition in Fillmore as the annual sale and show of fireworks. Plenty of food and activities plus one hour train rides, spend the day and cap it all off with the Firecracker Dinner Train departing at 6:30 for a BBQ Tri-Tip and Chicken dinner on board while waiting for the fabulous Fillmore fireworks show. Adults, $69.00, Youth 4-12, $39, and Children 0-3, $20. Reservations for this fun train need to be made early. (800) 773-8724. Visiting online at www.fwry.com.

OJAI CELEBRATION Tuesday, July 4, 5pm. The annual celebration takes place at Nordhoff High School stadium with live music by the Road Dogs, followed by fireworks at 9:15pm. Tickets $10 adult, $5 child. The Lion's Club presents a Fourth of July breakfast from 6-10am., Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Ave., followed by a parade from Country Club Drive to Park Road at 10am. Picnic in the Park festivities, including Pony League baseball games and live entertainment starts at 11:30am., Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Road. St. Thomas Aquinas Teens present a tri-tip and chicken dinner Sunday, July 3, 4-7pm, Libbey Park, followed by a free Patriotic concert at 6:30pm, Libbey Bowl. 646-4295.

RONALD REAGAN LIBRARY Tuesday, July 4, 10am-4pm. Come celebrate the Nation's birthday with a day of music, family entertainment, games including a pie-eating contest, water balloons, egg toss, water wars, presidential look-a-likes including Washington, Jefferson, Reagan, face painting, storytelling and more. Free with museum admission. $5 general, $3 seniors 62 and over, free for children 15 and under. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. (800) 410-8354.

THOUSAND OAKS Tuesday, July 4, 5-9 p.m. Thousand Oaks celebrates the Fourth of July in grand style with a Free Concert in the Park, featuring the Conejo Pops Orchestra, 5pm, Conejo Community Park, 1175 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks. Fireworks spectacular hits the skies from 9-9:30 a.m. Best viewing from The Oaks Mall. 495-6471.

VENTURA COLLEGE Tuesday, July 4, 6-9:30pm. Ventura Rotary Club and Ventura College present their Thirteenth Annual celebration, including a stage show, community picnic and fireworks display. The community is invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, games, live entertainment including Blue Latitude and The Ojai Valley Boys. This is non-alcoholic event, security check at gate. No glass containers. Gates open 5pm. $8 adults advance/$10 gate, $4 children ages 4-12/$5 gate, children under 3 free. Ventura College Athletic Field, 1667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. 654-6462.


Film


BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL ACCEPTING ENTRIES The premier venue for nonfiction film in the American west is seeking submissions for a festival that will take place February 15-21, 2007 in Missoula, Montana. The competitive event is open to non-fiction films and videos of all genres, subject matte, lengths and production dates. Awards and cash prizes given for Best Documentary Feature (over 50 minutes), Best Documentary Short (15-50 minutes), Best Mini-Doc (under 15 minutes) and best documentary about the American west. VHS, DVD, DVCAM and miniDV accepted for preview. Fees vary by deadline and length of film. Deadline September 1. www.bigskyfilmfest.org.

INSIDE IRAQ: THE UNTOLD STORIES Thursday, June 29, 7pm. Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions and Hope Dance Films presents a screening of the award-winning documentary by Mike Shiley, an adventure traveler and filmmaker who decided to go to Iraq by himself to see what was really going on. Shiley, who previously spent a year in the Middle East, was upset with the way the media and the government focused on car bombs and press conferences. $6. Foster Library's Topping Room, 651 E. Main St., Ventura. 544-9663.


Performances


SUMMERDANCE SANTA BARBARA June 21-July 29 SUMMERDANCE, one of the few festivals of contemporary dance on the West Coast, will feature performances with Mikhail Baryshnikov, Aszure Barton and her company, and more, performing a body of work heralded by critics as 'among the most compelling in the contemporary repertory.' www.summerdance.com or 568-0865 for more info.

RANCHO SIMI SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Saturdays, 6-8pm. Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District invites the public to pack a picnic basket and bring the family for a free summer concert. Set against the serene and gorgeous Rancho Simi Community Park, the concert series is free and continues through summer. Oak Park. 584-4453.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Deadline August 1. The Alliance for the Arts is offering the Richard Carpenter Performing Arts Scholarship for interested high school and college students throughout Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The top four finalists in each category will compete on stage in the Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks. Applications: www.allianceforthearts.org. 449-2582.

SUNDAY CONCERTS AT PLAZA PARK Sunday, July 2, 3-5pm. Local residents and summertime visitors are invited to enjoy quality music at Oxnard's newest entertainment attraction. The ten-week summer series features an eclectic line-up of free entertainment for the entire family. July 2: Raymond Michael pays tribute to Elvis and more. Food and beverage available, bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic. Oxnard Plaza Park, Fifth and B Streets, Oxnard. 486-6074.


Theater


JACK AND THE BEANSTALK May 6-September 13. Gypsies in a Trunk open their 12th season of Fairytales in the Park with a new twist on an old favorite. Westlake Village: May 6, 11am, at Foxfield Park. Simi Valley: May 6, 4pm, at the Rancho Simi Bicentennial Amphitheater, Rancho Simi Park. Channel Islands: May 7, 2pm, at Harbor View Park. Camarillo: September 13, 11:30am, behind the Community Recreation Center, 1605 E. Burnley Street. Ventura: September 13, 4pm, at Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston. www.gypsyplayers.com. (661) 718-3968.

DIAL 'M' FOR MURDER June 2-July 15. The Stage Door Theatre in Agoura Hills presents the classic play revolving around Tony Wendice and his plan to have his wife murdered. Creating a foolproof alibi for himself, he finds that events take an unexpected turn that requires a 'plan B' to have his wife arrested for murder' Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Sunday June 4, 11, 25 and July 15, 2pm. $12-$15. Stage Door Theatre, 28311 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills. (818) 889-5209.

GODSPELL June 9-July 16. The Elite Theatre Company of Oxnard proudly presents one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway musical successes of al time. Through clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, the play addresses universal truths in a non-traditional plot. Friday, Saturday 8:30pm, Sunday 2pm. $20 general, $17 seniors/students. 730 South 'b' Street, Oxnard. 483-5118.

BANDIDOS DE AMOR Friday, June 30, 6-8 p.m. The band performs Latin and oldies as part of the 2006 Heritage Square Summer Concerts Series held every Friday through August 18. Call for table reservations or seating options. 715 S. A St., Oxnard. 486-6074.

URINETOWN Fridays-Saturdays, 8pm, and Sundays, 2pm, June 3-July 9. Actors' Repertory Theatre of Simi presents the Ventura County Premiere production of the three-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy fresh from its current Broadway run. Suitable for all ages, although younger audience members may not get the more subtle humor and references. Special Deaf and Hard of Hearing interpreted performance Friday, June 16, 8pm. $20 adults, $16 seniors-students, $14 children 12 years and under. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. 583-7900. Visit online at www.urininetown.com.

OPEN SECRETS Wednesday-Sunday, June 15-July 19. Rubicon Theater presents the premiere of two one-acts by Dale Wasserman and Directed by Artistic Director James O'Neil. One of America's most important and prolific living American playwrights, Wasserman's thought-provoking, scintillating, superbly crafted stories come to life on the Rubicon stage. Stallion Howl is a comic curtain-raiser where an attractive woman receives a surprise inheritance from a mysterious millionaire and refuses to reveal to her husband, an inquisitive newspaper editor, the reason for the gift; Boy on Blacktop Road follows an investigation taking place related to the arrival and subsequent disappearance of a young boy. Subject matter may not be appropriate for younger audiences. Starring David Birney, Cliff De Young, Karen Grassle and Eric Lange. Performances: Wednesday, 2 and 7pm; Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm. $49-$26. Rubicon Theatre Company 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. 667-2900. Visit online at www.rubicontheatre.org.

WIT Friday-Saturday, 8pm, Sunday, 2pm, June 16-July 1. Transport Theater, Ventura County's newest theater troupe, inaugurates their first season with a production of Wit by Pulitzer Prize Winner Margaret Edson, produced by John Procter and sponsored by Ventura Area Theater Sports. Linda Livingston stars as Vivian Bearing, a brilliant scholar balancing her cancer with wit, humor, profundity and self awareness. John Slade directs the strong cast featuring Ron Rezac, Gina Hugo, Christopher Fielder, Regina Mocey, Das Baker, Kristin Storey and Parker Brown. $15 general, $20 opening night. Circus Theater, Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. 672-0334.

IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY Friday, June 30-Saturday, July 1, 8pm. Friday: Last Improvisor Standing-12 players compete to be the funniest; Saturday: Independence Day Event- Players tell stories from American history. $7.50 Friday, $8.50 Saturday. Livery Theater, 34 N. Palm St., Ventura. 643-5701.

THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH June 16-July 15. The Conejo Players Theatre, Inc presents the foibles, fantasies and faults of a man whose wife and daughter have gone to the shore for the summer, leaving him to deal with high-flying libido and the temptress upstairs, while the voices of his conscience 'C three women from his everyday life 'C try unsuccessfully to keep him on the straight and narrow. $14-$18. Thursday=Saturday, 8pm, Sunday matinee July 9, 2pm. 351 S. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks. 495-3715.

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE Saturday-Sunday, July 1-2, and July 8. Gypsies in a Trunk continue their 2006 season of great fairy tales and classic children's stories to delight the young and old alike. See the Wizard of Oz as you've never seen it before. Join the fun as Dorothy and Toto search for a way home with the help of the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. Hopefully they will make it past the awful Wicked Witch and finally see the Wizard of Oz and home. Saturday: Foxfield Park, 31965 Foxfield Drive, Westlake Village, 11am; Rancho Simi Bicentennial Amphitheater, corner of Erringer and Royal Avenues, Simi Valley, 4pm; Sunday: Channel Islands Harbor, Harbor View Park, 2pm. Saturday, July 8: Camarillo Recreation Center, 1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, 11:30am, and Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston St., Ventura, 4pm. Free. (661) 718-3968.

TO GILLIAN ON HER 37TH BIRTHDAY June 24-July 15 Conejo Players Theatre, Inc presents a tale of loss and hope, of one weekend in Nantucket where a grieving widower is visited by his late wife, and their well-meaning friends force him to go on. $10. Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm, evening performance July 9th, 7pm. 352 South Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks. 495-3715.


Art


AROUND THE CORNER GALLERY 7 days a week, 11am-5pm. 105 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. 640-8844.

ARIA SALON & DAY SPA Hours: Tue.-Sat., 9 am-6 pm, Sun.-Mon. by appointment. 307 E. Matilija St. Suite C, Ojai, 646-5006/646-1300.

ARTS COUNCIL BOARD AND FRIENDS ART SHOW June 5-July 7. Reception for public June 17, 4pm-7pm. See Set Design, Photography, Sculpture, Paintings, Pen and Ink and more. www.hillcrestcenter.org. Hillcrest Center, 403 W. Hillcrest, Thousand Oaks. 381-2747.

ARTIST'S UNION GALLERY presents their second annual June Gloom exhibit, starting Saturday, June 17. Bursting through the gloom, this juried exhibit has been judged by Michele DePuy Leaveitt and is expected to be as successful as last year. The Artist Union asked artists from Ventura and surrounding counties to come share some of their gloomiest artistic expressions. Gallery hours Thursdays and Sundays, 12pm-6pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12pm-9pm. 330 S. California St, Ventura. www.venturaartistsunion.org. 643-3012 or 650-8252.

BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS Hours: Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm. Ojai, Ca. 646-3381. www.beatricewood.com.

BROKEN OAK GALLERY 1414 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite 213, Thousand Oaks. 497-4022 or www.brokenoakgallery.com.

BUENAVENTURA GALLERY Gallery Hours: Tuesday'CFriday, 12 'C 5 pm, Saturday 11am'C5 pm. 700 E Santa Clara St, Ventura. www.BuenaventuraGallery.org. 648-1235.

CAF' ZACK presents oil paintings by Hilda Kilpatrick. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-9pm; Friday, 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-9:30pm; Saturday, 5:30-9:30pm. 11:30am-2pm. 1095 Thompson Boulevard, Ventura. 643-9445.

CALIFORNIA STREET GALLERY 40 S. California St., Ventura. www.CaliforniaStreetGallery.com. 653-0321 or castgallery@sbcglobal.net.

CARNEGIE ART MUSEUM From June 25- August 20 the museum will host 'Documenting China', a photography exhibit chronicling China's industrial evolution, and 'Box Full of Happy' a critique of consumer society in Los Angeles. General Admission $3. Open Thurs. 'C Sat., 10 am 'C 5 pm, and Sun. 1 pm 'C 5 pm 424 South C St., Oxnard. 385-8157.

DAVID GLENN through June. 'Liquid Cities' is on display at the Channel Islands Harbor Gallery. Hours, Sunday-Friday, 11am-7pm. 984-2816.

THE FRAMEWORKS FEATURING CHIU AND ZORTHIAN June 22nd- August 5th. The Frameworks Caruso Woods Fine Art is hosting new paintings by Sally Chiu and Seyburn Zorthian in the Caruso Woods Fine Art Gallery. Tuesday-Friday 10 am- 5 pm, Saturday 11am- 3 pm, Closed Sunday and Monday. 131 E. De La Guerra, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, www.carusowoods.com

FREDERICK R. WEISMAN MUSEUM OF ART May 20-September 3, On Location in Malibu 2006: Paintings by the California Art Club. Features nearly 60 works by 51 artists. Reception to meet the artists Saturday, May 20, 6pm-8pm. No admission fee. Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. (310) 506-4055.

HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY Gallery hours: Wednesday- Sunday 12pm-6pm. 1591 Spinnaker Dr , Suite 117C, Ventura. 644 'C 2750.

HERZOG WINE CELLARS A new series of diverse art work will be shown at Ventura County's new winery offering tours, tasting, classes, shopping and fine dining. Work includes oils, watercolors, photography and digital art by local artists. 3201 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard. 983-1560.

HILLCREST CENTER FOR THE ARTS GALLERIA Admission is free. Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. Call for extended evening and weekend viewing. 403 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks. (805) 381-2747 or www.hillcrestarts.com.

HUMMINGBIRD NEST GALLERY June 1-July 31. 'Out of the Past' is a photography exhibit by Fred Magness and Susan Vernand Magness, a collection of images of ghost towns, historical buildings and ancient ruins taken over the last few years. Gallery open everyday, 9am-9pm. Artists' reception Saturday, June 3, 3pm-5pm. 1208 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. 642-5400.

JOHN NICHOLS GALLERY Wed.-Sat. noon-5pm. 916 E. Main St., Santa Paula. 525-7804.

KATHLEEN DINAN GALLERY Hours: Thurs-Sun noon to five or by appointment (805)646-6205 located within the Ranchos Trading Co, 928 E Ojai Ave, Ojai.

KWAN FONG GALLERY OF ART AND CULTURE Free. California Lutheran University. Call 493-3316 or go to www.thedistilleryla.com.

MUSEUM QUALITY FRAMING 2120 E. Ponderosa, Camarillo, 389-9928.

NATHAN LARRAMENDY GALLERY June 10-July 30. 'More Playgrounds.' Photographer Aaron Plant presents his first solo exhibition here. The exhibition is accompanied with a catalog of Plant's work with essays by Lisa Le Feuvre and Laura Richard Janku. 107 S. Signal St, Ojai. 646-2750.

ODYSSEY May 8-June 30. Ner Bicarme's collection of 18 black and whites and sepia photographs on display. Bank hours Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm; Friday 9am-6pm. Ojai Community Bank, 402 W. Ojai Ave, Suite 102, Ojai. 646-9909.

OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM May 12-August 12. 'Encounters: 60 Years of the Ojai Music Festival' includes archive photos of legendary music artists, a gallery of commemorative posters, and a tribute to the Festival Women's Committee. Cocktail party and reception on Friday, May 12, 5:30pm-7:30pm, $60 per person. 646-2094, ext. 104.

OVERTON HALL Free. California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks. 493-3316.

SAN BUENAVENTURA ARTISTS' UNION 330 California St. Plaza, Ventura. 658-4726.

SANTA PAULA'S CALIFORNIA OIL MUSEUM May 7-August 27. #Norton, Von Dutch, & Co: Legendary Motorcycles from the Schoenewald Collection# is presented. At the Sunday, May 7 reception from 1-3pm, collector and owner Daniel Schoenewald will speak about the motorcycles in this collection. Some of the greatest names in motorcycle racing, design, and history are on display, including Norton Commando, Von Dutch, Triumph, BSA, Brough, and Vincent. This is the first public exhibition of this collection in California. 1001 E. Main St., Santa Paula. $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, $1 Children. 933-0076.

SEA BREEZE ART GALLERY June 23-July 21 Island Life - New Work featuring one of its talented resident artists, C. Lynn Tegenfeldt. The exhibition is a series of new and evocative riffs on the natural world, with a focus on common objects that are linked to both the Hawaiian locale and its Asian heritage which the artist shares through a variety of media and techniques, the paintings explore the hidden in everyday life. Includes interactive wall where the artist invites her guests to participate by rearranging groups of small modular abstract paintings. Candlelight reception Saturday, June 24 5-10pm. 255 S. Laurel St, Ventura. 643-3973.

STUDIO 84 WEST Thurs.-Sat., 6-8pm. 602 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. 646-3812.

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS ART CENTER Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, noon-3pm, or by appointment. Cal State Channel Islands, Building 18, Ventura Street, Camarillo. www.studiochannelislands.org. 383-1368.

THE STUDIO GALLERY Exhibiting paintings, prints, ceramics and sculpture by international and local contemporary artists. Daily, 10am-6pm. 2741 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard. 985-1546.

SUPER! MINIATURE, PAINTINGS weekends June 24-August 20, 1pm-5pm. Recent works by more than 35 California Central Artists will be on display. Also: works by American landscape master Ray Strong, and 'Lifetime Achievement' Academy Award-winner, Down Iwerks. Weekdays by appointment. Weldon Art Ranch, 958 Weldon Rd, Santa Barbara. 965-5486.

UPFRONT GALLERY Gallery hours: Fri.-Sat. 1-5pm, Sun. 2-5pm, or by appointment. 267 Laurel St., Ventura. 648-7878 or 340-1448.

VALLEY OF THE MOON FINE ART REPRODUCTION Hours: Mon.-Wed. & Fri.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Thurs. 12-5pm; Sun. by appointment. 201 Bryant St. #12, Ojai. 657-2959.

VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE GALLERY Gallery hours: Noon-6pm, Wednesday-Sunday. 1591 Spinnaker Drive , Suite 117C, Ventura. 644-2750.

VENTURA HEALING ROOMS Featuring Lee Hodges as artist-in-residence. Tuesday & Thursday, 9am-4pm, and by appointment. 701 E. Santa Clara St., Suite 11, Ventura. 647-6641 or www.LeeHodgesArt.com.

YOUNG AT ART STUDIOS The missing link in art education presents the student's drawings, paintings, and mixed media pieces at the 2006 annual art shows. www.youngatartstudios.com. Exhibits on display Monday-Saturday, 3pm-6pm330 N. Zachary, Suite 106, Moorpark. 529-6274.


Museums


CALIFORNIA OIL MUSEUM Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. $4 general, $3 seniors, $1 youth. Free for members. 1001 E. Main St., Santa Paula. (805) 933-0076. www.oilmuseum.net.

CARNEGIE ART MUSEUM 10 am-noon. Suggested admission: $3 adults, $2 senior/students, $1 children 6-16. Free Fridays 3-5pm. 424 C St., Oxnard. 385-8157. www.vcnet.com/carnart.

CEC/SEABEE MUSEUM Historical artifacts, multi-media installations and vintage uniforms. 8am-4:30pm Monday to Friday, 12:30-4:30pm Saturday. Closed Sunday and national holidays. Port Hueneme Naval Construction Battalion Center, Sunkist entrance. 982-1249.

DUDLEY HOUSE Corner of Ashwood and Loma Vista, Ventura. 644-3286.

FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE: FAMOUS AND INFAMOUS TWOSOMES May 9- September 10. The George Stuart Historical Figures on display include Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Abraham and Mary Lincoln, and Benedict Arnold and his wife Peggy Shippen. The one-quarter life-size portraits of historical personalities are renowned for their meticulous wardrobes and expressive faces. Ventura County Museum of History & Art, 100 East Main Street. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. $4 ages 18-61, $3 seniors and $1 children ages 6-17. Free for children under 5 and museum members. 653-0323.

GULL WINGS MUSEUM The county's only hands-on learning museum for kids. 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. 418 4th St., Oxnard. 483-3005 or www.gullwingsmuseum4kids.org.

OJAI VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM Thurs.-Fri. 1-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sun. noon-4pm. 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai. (805)640-1390.

PORT HUENEME LIGHTHOUSE The Lighthouse is open to the public the third Saturday of each month from 10am-3pm. The current structure was built in 1941, with the original having been built in 1874. The fresnel lens was made in 1897 and is still in operation. Admission is free. Adults age 18 and up require photo ID. Last shuttle pick-up at port gate is 2:30pm. 120 W. Port Hueneme Rd., Port Hueneme. (310) 541-0334.

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Admission: free-$7. Hours: 10am-5pm daily. 40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley. (800)410-8354. www.reaganfoundation.org.

SANTA PAULA'S CALIFORNIA OIL MUSEUM Adults, $4, seniors, $3, children, $1. 1001 E. Main ST., Santa Paula. Call 933-0076.

VENTURA COUNTY MARITIME MUSEUM This Open daily 11am-5pm. Free; donations appreciated. 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard Fisherman's Wharf, CI Harbor. (805)984-6260.

VENTURA COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART $1-$4; Hours: 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. 100 E. Main St., Ventura. 653-0323.


Kids/Seniors


THE INVITATION Thursdays, June 29-July 28, 3-5pm. At-risk teen girls have a place to go every Thursday where they can write, make art, discuss books, and talk about life with poet Gwendolyn Alley, artists Lynne Okun and Melissa Pereida. At the end of the free six week, drop-in program, the girls make an Art Life-style publication, hold a reading, and hang an art show in the Artbarn including ceramic mirrors and other projects they've made. Kid's Art, Ventura. For more information please call 338-2576.

CHUMASH YOUTH PROGRAM Monday-Friday, June 19-23 and June 26-30, 9:30am-noon. The Ventura County Museum of History and Art offers these two, one-week programs for fourth and fifth graders. Participants immerse themselves in traditional Chumash culture through stories, hands-on crafts and traditional skills, with time also spent exploring the Museum's collection of Chumash artifacts. $40 week. 100 E. Main St., Ventura. 653-0323.

ROCKY J. HALL'S ONE-ON-ONE BASEBALL CAMP Monday-Friday, June 19-23, June 26-30, and July 10-14, 8:30am-1pm. Three camps offered by age. June 19-21: ages 7-7; June 26-30, ages 9-10; and July 10-14, ages 11-12. $150. St. Bonaventure Baseball Field, Wells Road and Henderson, Saticoy. 477-0235.

SUMMER DAY CAMPS Weekly through Aug. 25, 7:30am-5pm. Oxnard's Recreation and Community Services Department offers day camps for children ages 5-12.Camp Serendipity Summer Vacation Day Camp is jam-packed with sports activities, arts and crafts, games, and field trips. Each week features a different theme. $65-$85, covers all activities. Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. 385-7995.

MATURE MINGLERS Thursdays. The Ventura Avenue Adult Center invites seniors to their weekly gathering. Reservations required. Fixed menu price for meal, soft drink, tax and tip. 71 Palm, Ventura. 648-3035.

SCRABBLE THURSDAYS Presented by the Ventura Avenue Adult Center. They provide the game, dictionary and the place, you provide the brainpower. 550 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. 648-3035.

BUILDING BLOCKS OF ART Saturdays, 10:15am-12pm. The Carnegie Art Museum is offering a series of art workshops for kids ages 7-12 and their adult guardians. Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard. $1 per child. Reservations required. 385-8171.

C.A.T.S. SUMMER CAMP Roxanne Diesel, local drama and manners instructor, offers, for the 7th annual Camp Broadway Bound this summer, plus Harry Potter Literacy and

Wizardry Camp, Commercial and Film Boot Camp, Comedy and Improvisation Boot Camp and Crime Scene Investigators Camp. Camps held in partnership with local Ventura County recreation districts. The following camps are offered this summer for ages 7 -13: Camp Broadway Bound - a week long, day camp finds students cast in a production of Peter Pan; Harry Potter Wizardry & Literacy Camp - students become residents of Hogwarts for a week as they journey through reading, writing and acting; Comedy and Improvisation Boot Camp - Week long, half-day camp utilizing a similar format to the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway; Commercial and Film Boot Camp - Students experience the thrill of being filmed for each day of camp, learn how to hit a mark and slate their name, master cold readings of a script, use their voice and body to portray a character and sell a product or idea on camera, and audition for stage or film; Crime Scene Investigators Camp - students investigate a mock crime scene. (661) 718-3968.

CLUB SOCCER TRY-OUTS Looking for girls born on or after Aug. 1, 1992 for competitive Team. 890-8532.

CALL FOR ART Oxnard students are invited to 'Celebrate the Rhythms of Cultures' through art in the annual art contest, sponsored by the City of Oxnard. Participants must be Oxnard residents 6-18 years old, and must incorporate the festival theme. The deadline for entry has been extended to Monday, July 17.

SUMMER YOUTH ATHLETIC CAMPS AT CLU Lu Dawg Baseball Camp (www.ludawg.com, 493-3398); Hoop Rat Point Guard, Perimeter Play Basketball Camp, Hoop Rat Shooting, Individual Offensive Moves Basketball Camp (www.kingsmenbasketball.com, 493-3404), Total Tennis Academy (495-0111), Team Soccer Direct (www.teamsoccerdirect.com, 494-1747), All-Sports Camps (www.create-a-camp.com, 494-1747).


Lectures/Seminars


TIDEPOOL TALK Saturday-Sunday, July 1-2, 11am and 3pm. Join National Park Service Rangers in the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center as they show and tell about the many fascinating animals and plants in the marine life exhibit. Free.1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. 658-5730.


Classes/Workshops


PAVING THE WAY: NEW HIRE DOCUMENTATION, POSTERS & POLICIES Friday, June 30, 7:30-9am. Join workshop speakers Alfred J. Landegger, Esq., Managing Partner, Landegger & Baron, and Michael S. Lavenant, Esq., Attorney, Landegger & Baron. Free. Continental breakfast included. Camarillo Hampton Inn & Suites, 50 W. Daily Drive, Camarillo. 987-7128.

ARGENTINE TANGO Monday, July 3. Argentine Tango is completely improvised, two bodies, intimately connected, co-creating a unique and spontaneous expression in time and space. First and third Monday of each month. Beginners, 6-7pm, $10 per person. Open practice for all levels, 7-8pm, admission by donation. Social dancing in nearby Los Caporales, 8-10pm. No partner, reservation or prior experience necessary. Gallery, Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery, Ojai. 646-7355.

IMPROV CLASSES The Livery Theatre, home to Ventura TheatreSports, offers classes in comedy improv for youth, teens and adults. First class is always free. 34 N. Palm St., Ventura. 643-5701. Online at www.venturaimprov.com.

POWER AND PEACE Wednesdays through July 19, 7:30-10pm. The Bodysattva Healing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks presents Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Embodied Wisdom, Scott Coady, who with the assistance of Dr. Shana Berger hosts four evening workshops designed to help individuals create more exciting and fulfilling futures by strengthening their capacity to produce more powerful results while experiencing more peace as they continue to lead full and busy lives. $25 each session, $75 course. All donations go directly to Interface Children Family Services. 497-0300. Bodysattva Healing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks. www.embodiedwisdom.com


Health


ADHD: MEDITATION OR MEDICATION Thursday, June 29, 1:30 and 7:30pm. Dr. James Grant, Western Director for Consciousness-Based Education, ADHD Researcher and Harvard-trained educator, discusses the safe, alternate treatments for ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Free lecture. The Ewell House, Maharishi Enlightenment Center, 143 S. Figueroa St., Ventura. 653-2798.

CANCER HEALTH CARE DECISIONS Thursday, June 29, 6:30-8:30pm. Speaker Sue Coleman discusses health care decisions and answer important questions facing cancer patients today. She explains how to get a second opinion, which web sites are reputable sources of information, how to find experts, what questions to ask, what kind of records to keep and much more. Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village. 379-4777.

GATEWAYS THROUGH MOVEMENT Friday, June 30, 7:45pm. Come move and groove, twirl and swirl, lighten and brighten, using movement, breath, sound and music, play and have fun while opening your spirits and bodies. $12. Ventura Yoga Studio. 110 N. Olive, Ste. P, Ventura. 640-7442.


Literature/Poetry


AMATEUR POETRY CONTEST Deadline July 22. The Talent Literary Guild sponsors a competition with 50 prizes in all, with a $1,000 grand prize. Poems may be written on any subject, using any style. Send one entry of 21 lines or less. (The Editors reserve the right to publish the winning poems in a pamphlet and send it free to all entrants, along with a winner's list.) Free. send to: www.freecontest.com, or Free poetry Contest, 1257 Siskiyou Blvd., #4, Ashland, OR, 97520.

FAVORITE POEMS PROJECT Third Monday, 5:15pm-6:30pm. Open mic: all poets and non-poets invited to read a favorite poem (not their own) or two. Hosted by Lois Klein. The Blue Agave, 20 E. Cota, Santa Barbara.

OPEN MIC Tuesdays, 6:30-10pm. All ages welcome. Selah Caf', 40 Day Road, Ventura.

OPEN MIC Tuesdays, 7:30 pm. Host: TL Cabrera. Artists' Union Gallery, 330 S. California St., Ventura, 320-3524.

OPEN MIC Wednesdays (except the first of the month), 7:30 pm Hosted by Miss Marissa. Kava Dume, 5653 Kana Rd., Agoura, (818) 865-8602.

MUSICIAN'S NIGHT OUT Wednesdays, 7:30-11pm. Traditional gathering of writers and performers. California Taco Co., 469 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. 646-7174.

POETRY WORKSHOP Every second and fourth Wednesday. Barnes and Noble, Ventura.

WRITING WORKSHOP Thursday, June 29, 6pm. Free workshop offered by Local Hero bookstore and FictionWeek.com. Meets weekly. 254 Ojai Ave., Ojai. 640-6865.

MUSICIAN'S NIGHT OUT Wednesday, July 5, 7:30-11pm. Traditional gathering of writers and performers. California Taco Co., 469 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. 646-7174.

POETRY READING Thursdays, 7 pm-10 pm Hosted by Daniela Schonberger. Giovanni's, 6583 Pardell Rd., Isla Vista, 968-2255.

REDS HOT POETRY First Thursday of every month, 7pm-9pm. Open mic. Hosted by Sojourner Rolle. Red Hot Coffee House, 12 Helena St, Santa Barbara.

SOAP BOX POETS Second Thursday of every month, 7:30pm. Open mic. Hosted by Kathleen Roxby. Borers, Camino Real Shopping Center, Goleta.

OUTLAW POETS OPEN WORD First Friday of the month, 7pm. Bart's Books, 302 W. Matilija, Ojai. 646-3755.

LATTE 101 First Saturday of every month, 8pm. Open mic with music. Hosted by Nurse Bob. 5722 Telegraph Rd., Ventura.

THE POETRY ZONE Second Saturday of every month, 2pm-4pm. Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 21 W. Anapamu, Santa Barbara.

POETRY OPEN MIC Sundays, 5 pm-8 pm Hosted by Paradox and Mama Val. Every second Sunday is Ventura SLAM 101 with $101 prize. The Underground, 3367 Telegraph Rd., Ventura.


Farmers' Markets


CERTIFIED MARKET- VENTURA Wednesdays, 9am-1pm, Pacific View Mall West Parking Lot, Ventura. 529-6266.

CERTIFIED MARKET- THOUSAND OAKS Thursdays, 3pm-7pm. The Oaks Shopping Center, Wilbur Rd. & Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks. 529-6266.

CERTIFIED MARKET- DOWNTOWN VENTURA Saturdays, 8:30am-12pm. Corner of Santa Clara & Palm, Ventura. 529-6266.

CERTIFIED MARKET- SANTA CLARITA Sundays, 8:30am-12pm. College of the Canyons, Parking Lot 8, Santa Clarita. 529-6266.


Stepping Out


BALLROOM DANCE Thursday, June 29, 7:30-10pm. Live band. Singles and couples welcome. $7 non-members. Oxnard Community Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. 647-9471.

THOUSAND OAKS DANCE CLUB Saturday, July 1, 7:30-10:30pm. $7 non-members. First and third Saturday Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. 381-2744.

50+ BALLROOM DANCE Sunday, July 2, 2-5 p.m. Gloria and The New Boys perform music of the 30's and 40's at this 50+ senior ballroom dance on the third Sunday of every month. $5, includes refreshments. Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center, 550 Park Ave., Port Hueneme. 483-6890.

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCING Monday, July 3, 7:30-9:30pm. Weekly dance, all ages. First night free. Conejo Elementary School,. 280 Conejo School Road, Thousand Oaks. 497-1957.

COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE Tuesday, July 4, 7pm. Country Lovers Western Dance Club host their weekly dance party. $3 visitor. Family Center, 10269 Telephone Road, Ventura. 647-1893.

SALSA DANCING Tuesday, July 4, 8pm. Salsa dancing and lessons every Tuesday. Free lessons with cover charge. Beginning 8-8:30pm, advanced, 8:30-9:15pm. Occasional age restrictions. $7. Borderline Bar and Grill, 99 Rolling Oaks Drive, Thousand Oaks. 446-4435.

WEST COAST SWING Tuesdays, 7pm. Poinsettia Swing Dance club hosts their weekly dance and lessons. Under 21 welcome. 7pm: beginning West Coast swing lesson; 8pm: intermediate lesson; 8:30-10:30pm: West Coast Swing Dancing. $10 before 8pm, $6 after 8pm. House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave., Ste. E Ventura. 643-0788.

SALSA LESSONS & SALSA DANCING Wednesday, July 5. Come learn Salsa dancingand play and practice afterwards. Beginning Salsa, 6:30pm; Beginning with 1-2 intermediate moves, 7:00 pm; Intermediate Salsa Moves, 7:45; Advanced moves, 8:30pm; Salsa Dancing 9pm. $10 for salsa class, $5 dance after 9pm. Lobster Trap, 3605 Peninsula Road, Oxnard. 405-2946.


Shows/Markets


ARTS BY THE SEA Saturday, July 1, 10am-4pm. Weekly art show features mostly fine art including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics and jewelry. Held outdoors between the Holiday Inn and the Artists' Union Gallery, where California St. meets the sea. 340-0609.


Clubs/Groups


ALMAVIA OF CAMARILLO FASHION SHOW & BRUNCH Thursday, June 29, 11:30am. The residents and staff of AlmaVia of Camarillo, an assisted living community, show off the latest summer trends during their Summer Salsa Sensation Fashion Show & Brunch. Residents and staff model attire from Drapers & Damons, a leading retailer of women's clothing for over 70 years. Representatives from the Camarillo store present their lines for misses and petite's, complete with accessory items. $10, includes Mexican-style brunch and entertainment. AlmaVia of Camarillo, 2500 Ponderosa North, Camarillo. 388-5277.

PING PONG Thursdays, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm Open play. Rec. Center, Park Road, Ojai. Call 646-8162 for more information.

LESBIAN AND GAY SUPPORT GROUP Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm. Singles and couples welcome. Cope with hostilities and concerns in the workplace, society, community and family. Morbrook Institute, Camarillo. 484-7867, ext. 44.

WOMEN'S SUPPORT GROUP Tuesdays, 4-6pm. Create friendship, courage, personal growth and healing. Morbrook Institute, Camarillo. 484-7867, ext. 44.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Meetings daily in the Ventura, Ojai and Santa Barbara areas. (888) 702-0202. Visit online at www.oa-ci.org.

AAUW Coffee & Chats First Saturday of the month, 9 to 11 a.m. Prospective members are welcome. Side Street Caf', 996 Lawrence Drive, Newbury Park. 495-9669.