(Ojai, CA – September 27, 2021) Two events are scheduled in October for Betsy Blanchard Chess to speak on the history of agriculture in Ventura County and her new book, “Daughter of the Land.” Ms. Chess is fourth generation farming and ranching in the county. Her family started and still operates Limoneira, one of the leading distributors of lemons, avocados, and other produce throughout America and internationally. Ms. Chess is a longtime champion and friend of Ventura County agriculture.
The first event will be at Oxnard Historic Farm Park on Saturday, October 2, where she will speak on the history of farming in Ventura County and read portions from her book. The Park is a tribute to the farm culture of the Oxnard Plain with historic buildings, lots of antique farm equipment to explore, and an active vineyard. In addition, K.O. Tacos will be available for food and musical entertainment by Frank Barajas. The Park is free to attend.
The second event will be at the Foster Library in Ventura on Sunday, October 24, and presented by the Friends of the Library. There will be a display of historical pictures and artifacts featured in the book. Ms. Chess begins speaking at 1:45 for twenty minutes, and then a Q&A will follow. Learn about the state of Foster Library during the Pandemic and how it continues to serve the community. This is a free event. At both, Ms. Chess will have copies of the book for sale.
In “Daughter of the Land,” Betsy Chess presents captivating vignettes of her many relatives and their impact on Santa Paula and the verdant Santa Clara Valley of Ventura County. She provides insight into marginalized communities that for 125 years have constituted the majority of the workforce for the citrus capital of the world. Daughter of the Land sweeps readers through almost 200 years of a family’s history yet is grounded in hard work and delight of life on the ranch. It presents a unique view, in words and pictures, of a way of living that no longer exists.
For more information about the book, visit BetsyChess.com.
CALENDAR INFORMATION
Saturday, October 2 from 10-2 pm
Oxnard Historic Farm Park
1251 Gottfried Pl, Oxnard, CA 93030
Free to attend
Sunday, October 24 at 1:30 to 2:30 pm
Foster Library
651 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
Free to attend
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