On April 1, The Supreme Court of the United States ruled against death row inmate Russell Bucklew’s appeal of his execution method. Nixing his claim that a rare medical condition would make the execution unconstitutionally “cruel and unusual” by virtue of being excruciatingly painful the Court (in an opinion written by Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch) held that the Eighth Amendment “does not guarantee a prisoner a painless death.”
SCOTUS has been the most prominent venue for opposition to the death penalty, but also the least effectual. Intermittent victories on procedural details produce false hopes that the Court will eventually find the death penalty as such an unconstitutionally cruel and unusual punishment. Then events like the retirement of Associate Justice Anthony “Swing Vote” Kennedy dash, or at least delay, those hopes.
The constitutionality of capital punishment has never really been in question. While some of the Constitution’s framers disliked the practice (“I should not regret a fair and full trial of the entire abolition of capital punishments by any State willing to make it” wrote James Madison, one of those framers and later President of the United States), it was common practice at the time of the Constitution’s ratification and has never in the round (as opposed to in particular details) been successfully challenged on constitutional grounds.
But it’s still wrong, and it still needs to go.
The claim of inherent jurisdiction over life and death — the claim of a “legitimate” power to kill disarmed prisoners, in cold blood and with impunity (as opposed to the currently violent, in defense of self or others, subject to requirement to justify the deed) — is the very definition of totalitarianism. You can have limited government or you can have capital punishment. You can’t have both.
Over the last half-century, opponents of the death penalty in America have energetically chipped away at both its popularity and its political legitimacy.
Exonerations of death row inmates, and execution fiascoes resulting from Mengele-like experimentation with methods, have probably pushed us past the point of no return as state governments reconsider (and in some cases declare moratoriums on) capital punishment.
In 2016, two American political parties — first the Libertarian Party, then a few weeks later the Democratic Party — enshrined opposition to capital punishment in their platforms.
In an era of ever-growing government power, this is one issue we seem to be moving in the opposite direction on. We should move faster.
Thomas L. Knapp (Twitter: @thomaslknapp) is director and senior news analyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism (thegarrisoncenter.org). He lives and works in north central Florida.
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The fourth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids campaign, a partnership between the Ventura County Star and First 5 Ventura County to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy is coming to Ventura County Libraries all throughout the month of May!
Take 5 encourages parents and caregivers to talk, read, and sing with young children ages 0-5 to support their early language and literacy development. Studies have proven that when you talk, read and sing to children from birth on, you promote and support early language and literacy development. 90% of a child’s brain is developed by age 5, and children are affected by experiences from early on, even before birth.
Reading early and often can give Ventura County children the start they need to succeed in school and in life. We want parents and everyone in the community to become champions of early literacy, and all it takes is reading with a young child for a few minutes each day.
Library Dates
Camarillo Library:
Monday 5/6 10 a.m. with Supervisor Kelly Long, Tuesday 5/7 10 a.m. with Mayor Kildee, Wednesday 5/8 10 a.m. with Councilmember Susan Santangelo
Thousand Oaks Library
Wednesday 5/8 at 11:15 a.m. City Manager Andrew Powers, Thursday 5/16 at 10:30 a.m. with Supervisor Linda Parks
Ojai Library
Wednesday 5/8 at 10:30 a.m. with Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin
Blanchard Library
Wednesday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m. with Santa Paula City Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite
Piru Library
Wednesday 5/8 at 3 p.m. with Marco Garibay from Ventura County Sheriff’s office
Fillmore Library
Wednesday, May 15 at 11 a.m. with Fillmore City Councilmember Manuel Minjares
For Program information: Lauren Arzu, First 5 Ventura County Program Manager at 805-648-9989 ext. 226 or email [email protected]
Little readers with Rep. Julia Brownley
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MSNBC touted a group of kids who are skipping school every Friday to protest inaction on climate change in a broadcast Friday.
“In over 500 cities and 75 countries, these students are skipping school and taking to the streets,” host Stephanie Ruhle reported.
After struggling to comprehend a quote the movement is based on, Guthrie gave up and looped in a reporter on the ground. “Help me understand this. What is going on here?” she asked.
“Friday for Future is this idea of students skipping school on Friday to essentially say, ‘Look, why do I need to go to school if I don’t know the future based on the state of the planet?’” Savannah Sellers said. “That’s what these students have been doing for a long time. They have been skipping school.”
Sellers then interviewed three of the young girls at the protest, who spoke passionately about the “sacrifice” they are making for the sake of the planet.
“I’ve been skipping school for 11 weeks now,” 12-year-old Ella said. “And it is a sacrifice that we have to make because we are missing important things, but we realize that if we don’t skip this school, we might not have a future. So we need to.”
“So it kind of makes me think that in the 2020 election, I’m scared for my future,” 13-year-old Jia added. “I’m scared that the politicians won’t be declaring a climate emergency — won’t be taking climate action. That’s why, because I personally can’t vote, and I’m begging my parents to let — to vote for the candidate that wants climate action, that wants to make sure fossil fuel companies don’t have taxes on them. I want — like we — I want change, and I hope my parents do, too.”
Ella added that in addition to skipping school, they are trying to avoid using plastic and “educating” people at their school about climate.
“It’s amazing you guys are doing this at your age,” Sellers said as she concluded the interview. “Thank you for talking to us. And there is also a group of students here championing this idea of debate focused solely on climate change with the candidates leading up to 202o.”
Fri, May 17, 7:15-9 pm “The Universe in InfraRed.” Scientist Gary Bostrup, of Rockwell International, will show us our universe in InfraRed through sensors he helped design now found in many space-based telescopes like Hubble, and in many observatories on the ground. Moorpark College Forum, 7075 campus Dr. Admission and parking are free. www.VCAS.org
Photo Credit: NASA
PSA for VCAS – Free Astronomy Talk – Friday 17 May 2019
7:15 – 9 pm, Moorpark College Forum
7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark 93021
Ventura County Astronomical Society
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The 63rd Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD), May 9 through May 12 at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks has fun activities for every age. The festival celebrates the area’s western roots and community spirit. The four-day event includes carnival rides, live music, western line dancing, free corn hole play, a free petty zoo and kids’ arts and crafts.
Thursday, May 9Opening night at CVD is $35 wristband night—go on all the carnival rides as many times as you want for one price. Thursday night also features local teen bands groups who have an opportunity to perform on CVD’s main stage. “Everyone is encouraged to come out and support these young musical artists,” says Veronica Browning, CVD general manager.
Friday, May 10The evening features country music and line dancing. Whether a pro or beginner, festivalgoers will have a fun time line dancing under the guidance of line dance instructor Kristal Lynn Konzen. Lessons are at 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on the dance floor in front of the Golden Horseshoe stage. The DJ for the night’s line dancing is Josh Kelly
Rebel Heart, will perform southern rock, classic rock and original music at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. A local fan favorite, this is the fourth year the band has performed at Conejo Valley Days.
Saturday, May 11The entertainment lineup for Saturday, May 11 includes Action Down at noon, The Traveling Band (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band) at 2:00 p.m. and the Collette Lovejoy Band at 4:00 p.m.
The evening wraps up with Sitting on Stacy performing at 8:00 p.m.
In between acts, festivalgoers can enjoy local aerial performers, acrobats and flow artists just outside the Golden Horseshoe.
Sunday, May 12Kristal Lynn begins the day with more western line dancing lessons at noon. The Colette Lovejoy Band performs at 3:00 p.m. and line dancing 4:30 p.m.
For a list of bands and performance times, go to www.conejovalleydays.us, click on “Entertainment” then “Band Schedule 2019”
Kids ActivitiesTawni’s Ponies & Animal World Petting Zoo will be bring its free petting zoo to CVD on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12. In addition, kids can make country-themed craft projects all four days of CVD, sponsored by Macaroni Kid.
For corn hole enthusiasts of all ages, CVD will have its very own corn hole area when festivalgoers can try their hand at the game at no charge.
Over 30 food, craft and commercial vendors with be at CVD this year. In keeping with CVD’s western theme, all booth vendors will be dressed in western gear. The craft and commercial vendor booths will line a western-style street as visitors enter CVD.
Each year, Kastl Amusements brings carnival rides that are the largest and most elaborate in the Conejo Valley. The mega rides at CVD will include AirMaxx, Gondola Ferris Wheel, Sea Dragon, Kamikazee, Starship 2000 and Zipper. For young kids, rides such at teacups, bees, speedway, bear affair and a carousel are the right fit.
Conejo Valley Days hours are Thursday, May 9, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 5:00 p.m. to midnight., Saturday, May 11, noon to midnight p.m. and Sunday, May 12, noon to 6:00 p.m.
Live entertainment and hands-on exhibits are included with general admission. Entry: $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6 through 12 and free for kids 5 and under. Elementary and middle school students can participate inCVD’s Read & Ride program and receive a pass good for three free carnival rides.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Live Standup Comedy on the Hill returns Saturday, May 11 at 8:00 pm at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Dr, across from The Oaks Mall. May’s lineup includes Jeff Richards, Jan McInnis, Laura Hayden and Paul Morrissey. Professional local comedian Jason Love produces this monthly show in collaboration with the Hillcrest Center for the Arts. The show features a new lineup each month with some of Hollywood’s funniest headliners. All shows are 8:00 pm with doors opening at 7:30. Due to the popularity of the shows, which sell out each month, all tickets are now reserved seating and are available three months in advance. The hour and a half show is for eighteen years and up only, and beer and wine may be purchased with valid ID.
Jeff Richards
Jeff Richards attended Las Lomas High School. One of his first jobs was at a Walnut Creek plumbing company. He left California to attend the University of North Carolina. After leaving the school, Richards traveled across the country as a stand-up comedian. Once he performed at a 13 year-olds birthday party for $50.
Finally, he performed at Caroline’s on Broadway and on late-night TV talk shows. He joined “Saturday Night Live” in the 2001-2002 season as a featured player. He joined the main cast this year. His characters include; Drunk Girl and infant pop-star “Baby-K.” His impressions include; Bill O’Reilly, Gary Busey, and David Letterman.
Jan MacInnis decided to become a comedian when she was 10 years old, telling her parents that when she turned 16 she was going to “buy a motorcycle, ride cross-country to Los Angeles and become a comedian.” Instead she graduated from Virginia Tech and worked in marketing for ten years. Today, she has a successful career in comedy and keynote speaking, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal as a top convention comedian whose act is clean and in the Washington Post for my clean comedy writing. She’s written comedy material for late night TV shows, hundreds of radio stations, CEOs and even guests on the Jerry Springer Show.
Laura Hayden is a practicing physical therapist, who also works as a stand-up comedian and inspirational speaker. Laura’s stand-up career started at the front of the classroom while she earned her Masters in Physical Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s College. Her ability to highlight the humorous side of medicine led her classmates to nominate her to give their graduation commencement speech. To this day the faculty at Mount Saint Mary’s College still talk about that “infamous” commencement speech. Laura credits this as her first stand up performance
Comedian Paul Morrissey gained a fan base and notoriety with his four appearances on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” on CBS. He has also performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and his critically acclaimed TV Comedy special “A Real Humdinger”. His original material centers around food and sports, with national TV credits.
Producer and host Jason Love has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, and over 20 national broadcasts. He has performed overseas for the troops and on the seas for cruise lines, and was a finalist at the Cabo Comedy Festival. Jason’s non-profit, Love & Laughter, brings free shows to cancer support communities and others in need.
Standup Comedy on the Hill tickets are $15 for reserved premium seats and $12 for reserved seats presale. All tickets at the door are $15 on the day of show. Tickets may be purchased at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts Box Office or by calling (805) 381-1246 or www.hillcrestarts.com.
Hillcrest Center for the Arts
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SANTA PAULA, CA – You’re invited to the premiere of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s newest exhibition entitled “Face of California” on Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The group exhibit will feature works of art by 33 artists that seek to capture the “face” of California, depicted in mediums as diverse as the state they endeavor to represent. Admission to the premiere party is $10.00 for members of the Museum and $15.00 for non-members. All of the artworks in the exhibition will be available for purchase.
In giving a face to California, the featured artists have created a vast array of images that evoke California’s character – its places, people, ideas, and stories. Exhibit viewers will see everything from San Buenaventura’s historic neon sign painted in oils, to a uniquely stylized view of LAX. There will be pastel drawings of succulents, Santa Cruz Island, and the Sierra Nevada alongside photographic portraits of Thomas Fire survivors, suburban Santa Clarita, and surfers waiting to catch the next wave. It will be a show equally and as wonderfully varied as the California landscape.
“Face of California” will feature art by Jayne Behman, Betsy Bland, John Brown, Shannon Celia, Raymond Cuevas, Duane Dammeyer, Ted Dayton, Belinda Del Pesco, Michael Kenneth Depue, Mardilan Lee Georgio, Raymond Harris, Gail Hercher, Eul Hurley, Margaret Hyde, Kathy Ikerd, Pamela Ingwers, Joseph Jasik-Drdol, Wana Klasen, Judy Klement, Andrew Laenen, Didi Martin, Jose Galvan Martinez, Yolande McAlevey, Roxie Ray, John Robertson, Viktoria Romanova, Pam Strautman, Sparkle Taylor, Jane Thorpe, Sharon Weaver, Elizabeth White, Michael Wood, and Chris Zambon. The exhibition will be on view through September 15, 2019.
In addition to“Face of California,”the Museum will also debut its “Celebrating Teaching Artists” exhibit on May 18. The eclectic display will shine a well-deserved spotlight on the Museum’s accomplished teaching artists – those individuals who share their creative talents and knowledge with students through classes at the Museum’s new Cole Creativity Center. The exhibit will feature teaching artists Karen Scott Browdy, Jodi Bogart, Ray Harris, Gail Hercher, Mary-Gail King, Wana Klasen, Lala Konrath, Kasia Lisowska, Lisa Mahony, Marianne McGrath, Anita McLaughlin, and Lynne Okun.
The Santa Paula Art Museum occupies two historic buildings located at 117 N 10th Street and 123 N 10th Street in downtown Santa Paula. The Museum features rotating exhibitions of vintage and contemporary art, creative classes for children and adults, family-friendly events, live musical performances, a gift shop, and more. Regular museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Regular admission is $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for students and museum members. For more information, please contact the Museum by calling (805) 525-5554, or e-mail [email protected].
“Calm” by Michael Wood, 2014, photograph.
Other upcoming events at the Santa Paula Art Museum
Free Family Day
Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Join us for Free Family Day at the Santa Paula Art Museum on the first Sunday of every month from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. In addition to enjoying our current exhibitions, you’ll experience hands-on art activities for the whole family, with local artists sharing new ideas and projects each month. On Sunday, May 5, “Queen of Kids Art” Judee Hauer will share her fun and unique folk-art doll project. Bring personalities to life as you explore color, fabrics, textures, and your own creative ideas! Have fun and make art while you make memories with friends and family! Admission is free for everyone and all materials are provided.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 11, 2019, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Join Ojai paper specialist Gail Hercher on May 11 at the Santa Paula Art Museum and indulge in the joy of bookmaking! Hercher’s class will focus on the “buttonhole binding” technique, with endless creative potential for personalized details and creative variations. Each student will leave with at least one unique, buttonhole-bound book. This class is for everyone age 16 and over. The class will run from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies will be provided. The cost of this class is $40.00 per person. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: On Saturday, May 18, the Santa Paula Art Museum will premiere its newest group exhibition entitled “Face of California” with a party from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The exhibit will feature works of art by 33 artists that seek to capture the “face” of California, depicted in mediums as diverse as the state they seek to represent. Admission to the premiere party is $10.00 for members of the Museum and $15.00 for non-members. “Face of California” will be on view through September 15, 2019. [Artwork credit: “Hope” by Andrew Laenen, photograph.]
Event cost: $10.00 for members, $15.00 for non-members
Class: The Art of Travel (Ages 16+)
Date & Time: THIS IS A THREE-PART COURSE that will be taught on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Wednesday, May 29, 2019, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm; and Wednesday, September 4, 2019, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Whether traveling to far-off destinations or enjoying close-to-home outings, capture the magic of your summer travels with an artful journal! Join artist, experienced traveler, and creative journal keeper Karen Browdy to prepare, plan, and share journaling ideas for artful adventures! This three-part course includes three distinct sessions: “Pack a Bag” on Wednesday, May 22, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, and learn what essentials to assemble into your own travel kit to take your art show on the road; “Take a Test Drive” on Wednesday, May 29, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, as we take a little excursion with your travel kit, make sure nothing has been forgotten, and test drive a small composition; “Share Your Adventures” on Wednesday, September 4, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, as we come together to share our journaling successes, what we learned on the road, and enjoy what everyone has created. The cost of this course is $85.00 per person, which includes all three sessions. This class is for everyone age 16 and over. All skill levels are welcome. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Event cost: $85.00 per person for all three sessions
Kids’ Art Fest
Date & Time: Sunday, June 2, 2019, from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: The Santa Paula Art Museum’s outdoor Kids’ Art Fest on Sunday, June 2, 2019, will be a playful day filled with collaborative art-making stations, food trucks from Pizza Man Dan’s and Kona Shaved Ice, face painting, balloon artists, live music, family photo ops, and more. Admission will be free for everyone.
Class: Family Art Project – Whimsical Self-Portraits (Ages 10+)
Date & Time: Sunday, June 9, 2019, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Working together with “Queen of Kids Art” Judee Hauer as your guide, family and friends will learn techniques for painting portraits, then add collage to finish with a colorful flourish. Simple and fun, individual and creative, it’s an artful family project! No experience is needed, just an open mind. Participants are encouraged to register with a family member or friend. Children under the age of 16 must have a parent in attendance. All supplies will be provided. The cost of this class is $12.00 per person. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. You can also register by phone by calling (805) 525-5554.
Date & Time: THIS IS A THREE-PART COURSE that will be taught on Saturday June 15, 2019, from 11:00am to 2:00pm; Saturday June 22, 2019, from 11:00am to 2:00pm; and Saturday June 29, 2019, from 11:00am to 2:00pm
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Follow experienced watercolorist Wana Klasen on a journey to deepen your watercolor practice during a three-part “Watercolor Intensive” at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Learn tips and tricks to help you feel comfortable in the medium as well as Wana’s joyful perspective on a meaningful personal practice. Find your flow, embrace your inner artist, and dive into watercolors! This three-part course includes three distinct sessions: “Paper, Paint and Practice” on Saturday, June 15, from 11:00am to 2:00pm; “Tips, Tools and Techniques” on Saturday, June 22, from 11:00am to 2:00pm; and “Expanding Expectations” on Saturday, June 29, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The cost of this course is $120.00 per person, which includes all three sessions. Pre-registration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Event cost: $120.00 per person for all three sessions
Class: Geo-Me-Tree (Ages 3-5)
Date & Time: THIS IS A WEEK-LONG COURSE that will be taught Monday, June 17, 2019 through Friday, June 21, 2019, from 8:30am to 10:00am each day
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Students will color, paint, trace, and cut basic geometric shapes to form a “Geo-Me-Tree” with roots, trunk, branches, and leaves made from a variety of materials. Using art and play, students will learn to follow the model of the tree for creative expression and mindfulness. All supplies will be provided. This class is for children ages 3 to 5 (students must be toilet-trained). The cost of this week-long class is $75.00 per child. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Date & Time: THIS IS A WEEK-LONG COURSE that will be taught Monday, June 17, 2019 through Friday, June 21, 2019, from 11:00am to 12:30pm each day
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: See the world through your lens while you explore the history of photography. From testing out the first camera-types and antique printing processes, to playing with digital editing techniques, you’ll get the opportunity to explore photography in every form and create fun, original works of art. All supplies will be provided. This class is for children age 10 to 13 (other ages allowed if parent believes the course will be appropriate).
The cost of this week-long class is $75.00 per child. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Date & Time: THIS IS A WEEK-LONG COURSE that will be taught Monday, June 24, 2019 through Friday, June 28, 2019, from 11:00am to 12:30pm each day
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Learn to create beautiful images with simple iPad apps. Incorporating photos or building their own original designs from scratch, students will learn the tools, techniques and inspiration necessary to make a digital masterpiece! Students can bring their own iPad, or iPads will be provided. This class is for children age 6 to 9 (other ages allowed if parent believes the course will be appropriate). The cost of this week-long class is $75.00 per child. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Date & Time: Sunday, July 7, 2019, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Join us for Free Family Day at the Santa Paula Art Museum on the first Sunday of every month from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. In addition to enjoying our current exhibitions, you’ll experience hands-on art activities for the whole family, with local artists sharing new ideas and projects each month. Admission will be free for everyone and all art-making materials will be provided. Have fun and make art while you make memories with friends and family! The Santa Paula Art Museum’s Free Family Days coincide with Free First Sundays at all of Santa Paula’s museums. Santa Paula’s four museums are all located along a one-mile stretch of the city’s historic downtown, and all four museums offer family-friendly activities and free admission on the first Sunday of every month. Make a day of it and visit the Santa Paula Art Museum, the Agriculture Museum, the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula, and the California Oil Museum for free! Hours and activities will vary by location, so be sure to check each museum’s website for full details.
Date & Time: THIS IS A WEEK-LONG COURSE that will be taught Monday, July 8, 2019 through Friday, July 12, 2019, from 10:00am to 11:30am each day
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Do you love cartoons? Have you ever wanted to make your own movie? This is the camp for you! Learn all about the fun process of stop motion animation, test out animation techniques and materials, and make your own original short animation to screen for your family and friends. All supplies will be provided. This class is for children age 8 to 12 (other ages allowed if parent believes the course will be appropriate). The cost of this week-long class is $75.00 per child. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Date & Time: THIS IS A WEEK-LONG COURSE that will be taught Monday, July 8, 2019 through Friday, July 12, 2019, from 12:00pm to 1:30pm each day
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Identify your super-powers! Led by popular former Aspire teacher Lisa Mahony, students will make their own creative journal to learn new art skills to personalize journals, harness the power of their creativity, and learn to think like an artist. All supplies will be provided. This class is for children age 8 to 12 (other ages allowed if parent believes the course will be appropriate). The cost of this week-long class is $75.00 per child. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Date & Time: THIS IS A FOUR-PART COURSE that will be taught on four consecutive Saturdays: Saturday, July 20, 2019, from 10:00am to 12:00pm; Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 10:00am to 12:00pm; Saturday, August 3, 2019, from 10:00am to 12:00pm; and Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: Students will work cooperatively to create a collaborative rainbow out of recycled materials. Color expression, color theory, and inventive materials will be combined to form a multimedia artwork that students will be able to share with their families during a celebratory reception. All supplies will be provided. This class is for children age 6 to 8 (other ages allowed if parent believes the course will be appropriate). The cost of this four-part class is $80.00 per child. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Class: Conversations in Art History – Matisse (Ages 16+)
Date & Time: THIS IS A FOUR-PART CLASS that will be taught on Thursday, August 1, 2019, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Thursday, August 8, 2019, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Thursday, August 15, 2019, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; and Thursday, August 22, 2019, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
Address: Santa Paula Art Museum, 123 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 / (805) 525-5554
Description of event: The focus of the four-part “Conversations in Art History” class will be the life and work of artist Henri Matisse. Collaborative projects will encourage exploration of Matisse’s art in fun, supportive, and inventive ways. The goal is to first learn about the artist and, secondly, for students to assimilate what they have learned into their own art techniques. Students will share their own perspectives on the artist’s style and sensibility during discussions and visual exercises. Students are welcome to bring any books or information on Matisse to share and are encouraged to bring their own sketchbook. This class is for everyone age 16 and over. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies will be provided. The cost of this course is $100.00 per person, which includes all four sessions. Preregistration is required, and online registration is preferred. Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554.
Here is a line up of 2019 Summer happenings at Channel Islands Harbor. Come join us!
June 2 – Sept.1: Fairy Tales in the Park
2 – 3 p.m. at Harbor View Park, south of Marine Emporium Landing (3600 S Harbor Blvd.) between Cabezone Circle and Barracuda Way on Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Gypsies in a trunk, an all-volunteer troupe of actors, performs fairy tales for the young and young at heart all over Ventura County between May and September. The shows are free with donations suggested. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.
June 2: Jack and the Beanstalk
July 7: Robyn Hood
Aug. 4: Snow White in Neverland
Sept. 1: The Snow Queen: A Frozen Adventure
June 16: Father’s Day Car Show at the Harbor
10-3 p.m., Harbor View Park
Bring your dad and enjoy an eclectic mix of custom cars, hot rods, and classics on display at Channel Islands Harbor View Park. In addition to the cars, there will be vendor displays, food booths, musical entertainment, 50/50 raffle prize, a cornhole tournament and more. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.
June 16: From the Tree to the Sea: Wooden Boat Show & Classic Cars
This father’s day event features a series of stunning and classic wooden boats on display for everyone. Guests can participate in maritime activities such as toy boat races, family friendly activities and enjoy the classic cars on display. For more information and entrance fees, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.
July 4: Fireworks by the Sea
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Harbor will host a variety of activities throughout the day, ending with the annual Fireworks by the Sea starting at 9 p.m., which can be viewed from anywhere in the Harbor. Festivities begin with the 18th Annual Channel Islands Harbor 10K Race & 5K Fun Run/Walk along Sunset Lane, Hollywood Beach. After the race, fun for the whole family begins at Marine Emporium Landing. There will be activities between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., including a crafters’ market, inflatable fun zone, a rock climbing wall and food booths. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.
July 6 – Aug. 31: Concerts by the Sea
4-6 p.m., Peninsula Park, 3401 Peninsula Road, Oxnard, next to the Hampton Inn
Channel Islands Harbor is holding its annual Concerts by the Sea each Saturday from July 6 through August 31, 2019. Free parking is available at the park and along the street. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of musical styles, including jazz, rock, folk, pop, country and blues. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs while you enjoy the free summer concert. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Harbor Landing, located at 2810 Harbor Blvd., at the corner of Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard
A fine arts & crafts show offering oil paintings, watercolors, photography, sculpture, pottery, wood-crafts, blown glass, metal, unique gift items and more. All work is available for purchase. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.
July 14: Central Coast British Car Club Show
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Harbor View Park
More than 140 British cars from the 1930s and up will be on display during the 29th Annual Central Coast British Car Club Show. The event includes an auto parts swap meet, food booths and entertainment. The event and parking are free. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.
Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard
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Ventura County, Ca. — For many people across the country, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is a time for fun and celebrations that may involve drinking.
The holiday, which happens to fall on a Sunday this year, is a reminder to the public to celebrate responsibly and not drive impaired.
“We understand the importance of this day to many people, but it does not give you an excuse to drink and drive,” says Captain Shane Matthews of the Camarillo Police Department. “There are many options to get home safely that don’t involve you driving.”
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, ride-share or public transportation. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office also wants to remind everyone that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.
Funding for Cinco de Mayo DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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On Saturday, the Wall Street Journal published my op-ed about Navy veteran Joe Robertson, who went to federal prison for digging ponds high in the Montana mountains. Here’s the article’s opening:
“I am haunted by waters,” wrote Norman Maclean in “A River Runs Through It,” his 1976 novel about growing up in a family of Montana fly fishermen. Joe Robertson was haunted by waters of a different kind—the kind that can land someone in federal prison without warning. These are “navigable waters,” which carry on their current the full force of federal power to bankrupt and jail people who meddle with them. The problem is that no one knows what they are.
Joe certainly didn’t know, and he paid a heavy price for it. Joe owned some land up in the Montana mountains, an alpine hillside peppered with trees. A river did not run through it, but a trickle did. That trickle amounted to the combined force of two garden hoses. That is the “navigable water” that landed Joe in prison.
Joe dug a few ponds in the path of that trickle as a protection against wildfire. He didn’t get the federal government’s permission for his ponds because he had no idea that federal regulators would show up and deem his trickle to be a “navigable water” subject to the Clean Water Act. Joe’s little ponds were considered an unlawful “discharge” into that navigable water.
Joe spent eighteen months in prison for his ponds, and the government slapped him with a $130,000 fine. Joe’s case went to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which affirmed his conviction, and then we carried his case on to the Supreme Court. One question we raised was whether the phrase “navigable waters” was so vague as to violate due process. As the op-ed puts it, “If a law is so poorly written that no one can understand it, then that law doesn’t give fair notice to the people who must follow it and is ripe for abuse by its enforcers.” Such was the case for Joe.
Weeks before the Supreme Court was set to review the petition, Joe passed away. He left behind his wife, Carrie, who may now have to take up the cross of Joe’s $130,000 restitution order. But Joe’s death does not spell death for his case. As the op-ed concluded:
One way or another, the high court will eventually have to answer the question that nagged Joe Roberston to his death: What is a navigable water? When that time comes, the justices should hold that the meaning of “navigable waters” is too vague to enforce in a nation committed to due process and the rule of law. No one should face federal prison for a pond because a trickle runs through it.
Saddled with a law none of us understand, all property owners are haunted by waters. Trickle or torrent, liability and prison could lurk beneath the surface. For Joe, his mountain trickle haunted him to his grave. But the haunting did not die with him; the specter continues to haunt lands across the United States, and will continue to do so until the Supreme Court holds the Clean Water Act unconstitutional as written.
Ethan Blevins joined PLF’s Pacific Northwest office in August 2014. He litigates cases involving the First Amendment, property rights, school choice, and the separation of powers.
About Pacific Legal Foundation Pacific Legal Foundation, America’s most powerful ally for justice, litigates in courts nationwide for limited government, property rights, individual liberty, and a balanced approach to environmental regulations. PLF represents all clients free of charge.
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Thursday, May 9 Opening night at CVD is $35 wristband night—go on all the carnival rides as many times as you want for one price. Thursday night also features local teen bands groups who have an opportunity to perform on CVD’s main stage. “Everyone is encouraged to come out and support these young musical artists,” says Veronica Browning, CVD general manager.
