Why I Love Ventura #10: The Beach

Well, the weekend was a success and we all had a really fun time. Everything that got all jacked up last week seems to have been resolved (not all of that was easy, believe me) and this week has started out quite well. Outside of the heat that is, but everyone's sick of hearing about that. You should try living in it. Seriously, it's making people go a bit barmy. I thought, in honor of the California summers of my past, and how homesick I am right now, I'd share my little corner of the Pacific Ocean with you. All pictures enlarge if you click them nicely. Photo credits follow at the bottom...

Why I Love Ventura #9: Bart's Books in Ojai

Yeah, I know Bart's Books is in Ojai, a good 20-minute drive into the Topa Topas on Highway 33, but Bart's truly belongs to everyone in Ventura County.

Touted as the world's largest outdoor book store, Bart's Books was created in 1964 when owner Richard Bartinsdale's personal book collection grew too large for his bungalow on Matilaja Street. That's pronounced Muh-TILL-uh-haw.

Why I Love Ventura #8: This Says it All

This is a beautiful video that was made by Jim Martin. I think the music perfectly sums up Ventura's laid back attitude. Enjoy the amazing piece.

A Sense of What's Important

Two and a half years ago I had a little series here that I called, Why I Love Ventura. If you remember, I claim Ventura, California as my hometown and I'd be living there now, if I could. In that series was a blog post about Two Trees, a beloved landmark.

It seems the Ventura riviera—and Two Trees—has survived yet another fire. Apparently, four teen boys were hiking from a nearby park beneath the trees yesterday (Friday) afternoon when they saw a lighter, which one of them picked up and lit "to see if it worked". How this turned into a wildfire I'm not sure, but the boys said they stomped on the blaze, but were unable to put it out, so they called 911.

But the purpose of this post is not to point a finger or try to find someone to blame. The authorities filed it as "non-malicious", so that's good enough for me. The purpose of this entry is to commend the fire fighters who stationed themselves in front of the trees in order to protect them. Good show, guys!

Click here to read the full story and to see more pictures.

Why I Love Ventura #11: Fiddlin' Phil

Enjoy the fun of downtown Ventura, featuring Phil Salazar (Frank's son) on fiddle, as well as a bunch of other talented Venturans...

Why I Love Ventura #7: The Ventura Marina

Last night I ran the coffee percolator through a clean using some powdered toxin made for that purpose, and the coffee tastes so much better. Whenever I do this, I remember someone I encountered long ago. He has become a permanent--although tiny--stitch in the embroidery of my life...

Why I Love Ventura #6: The Anacapa Lighthouse & Arch Rock

Anacapa Island, 12 miles off the coast and visible from Ventura, is a chain of three small islands connected by reefs that are visible at low tide. Together, they are 4 1/2 miles long and a little over half a mile at the widest point...

Why I Love Ventura #5: The Architecture

From Craftsman

(Bernadette's Cafe, Main St.)

Within a grid of about six square blocks you can see so many different styles of architecture that it makes it difficult to give Ventura a single label. The historic downtown district, which had no particular celebrated identity of its own until a little over 10 years ago, has now become famous for its non-unifying style, which has become Ventura's calling card. Like its people, Ventura is hard to pin down, but spend an afternoon walking around and you'll understand our bohemian natures as well as our love of diversity.

Why I Love Ventura #4: The Pier

Without question, the most recognizable landmark in Ventura is the pier. Originally built in 1872, the pier was used to accommodate the steamships of the era. In the days before the 101 Freeway, getting in and out of Ventura was a challenge, and new settlers found it easier to boat in than to go over the mountains. Freighters made use of the pier as well, transporting the county greenbelt's produce up and down the coast. It used to be the longest wooden pier in the U.S., but after being damaged and reconstructed several times due to severe storms, the City Council finally came to their senses and used concrete pylons near the end of the pier. The current pier is 1,958 feet long. Photo by Tyler Freear.

Why I Love Ventura #3: Funky Motels

Before the 101/1 freeway was built, bypassing the city, Thompson Boulevard served as one section of the only highway that stretches up the California coastline. I remember sitting in the back seat of the car on our way to my grandmother's house; the neon lights meant that we were almost there. Thompson is still lined with the funky little motor lodges of bygone eras. The Mission Bell Motor Court and Cafe, built in the Twenties, is the oldest of these and still is in business.

Why I Love Ventura #2: El Jardin

At 451 East Main Street, a tiny paseo can be easily missed as you walk by, looking into the windows of the shops and galleries. But if you find it, it will quickly become your favorite place.

Why I Love Ventura #1: Street Murals

This is a doorway in Figueroa Street that leads to a humble parking lot behind Main. This entire side of the street is covered by a mural that depicts the history of the city.

In the area that was torn down when the 101 freeway went in, an o-l-d area known as Tortilla Flats, other murals have been painted that include a portrait of Jerry Garcia. During the 1980s, the Grateful Dead were yearly visitors, giving weekend-long concerts at the fairgrounds. These concerts, and the people they drew, gave Ventura a certain bohemian quality that survives today.

See more pictures of Ventura's murals here...

A Tale of Two Trees

Perched on a hill are two lone trees that appear to be standing sentry over the city of Ventura, California. There is a path leading from Foothill Road to the summit, a hike I always meant to take, but just never did...